Chapter Twenty-Seven: Percy Weasley

That night, Harry had been placed behind a curtain. Madam Pompfrey placed several charms on it so that Harry wouldn't be heard talking and so that only a select few could enter. The next day, Harry's friends came to visit him. After most left, Katie stayed to talk to Harry.

"Harry, I never noticed until last night how keen you could be. I mean, where did all that come from?" asked Katie.

"To be honest, I have no idea where it came from," said Harry.

"So, what do you want do be when you leave school?" asked Katie.

"Heh…" chuckled Harry, "I want to be alive. I really want to be an Auror. Both my parents were Aurors. As you may have noticed, I seem to be rather cursed when it comes to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Besides, as Hermione put it last year, I have a 'saving people thing.'"

"I think that you would make a wonderful Auror," complimented Katie.

"Thank you, so, what about you?" asked Harry, "What do you want to do?"

"Need you ask? I aspire to become an Auror. I've always loved helping and protecting people," said Katie as she checked her watch, "Sorry, I have to get to class."

For the next week, Harry's friends brought him his homework and a few treats. Finally, that Saturday, Voldemort woke.

'Harry, he has risen again.'

Harry let out an auditory gasp as if he was suddenly awakening. Harry changed his appearance so that it looked as if his skin was rather pale and he'd lost some weight. He decided to contact Katie, Ron, and Hermione.

'Hey, does someone want to come get me? I shouldn't be seen walking on my own as if nothing happened.'

'Just turn invisible and walk out,' came Ron's response. Apparently, he had been interrupted.

'People have to see me walk out.'

'I'll come get you,' responded Katie.

Katie slowly helped Harry 'limp' to the common room. As soon as they reached Harry's dormitory room, Harry began to stretch his limbs.

"So, are you coming to Hogsmeade with us?" asked Ron as he and Hermione entered.

"Yeah, weakened Harry could use a trip out of the castle," laughed Harry.

The four walked around the quant little village for about an hour, restocking on tricks and treats. Eventually, they found themselves at the Shrieking Shack. While Ron and Hermione told Katie about their last visit to the Shack, Harry looked for a couple of pieces of wood. Just as Ron and Hermione finished their story, Harry returned with two boards. He placed a Permanent Sticking Charm on the boards and made a crude sign.

'In loving memory of the Marauders.'

The four each signed it with nicknames they had created.

Mane, Paw, Tail, and Beak. (A/N: I named them after a different part of their Animagus body, sort of like the Marauders. Harry is mane, Katie is Paw, Ron is Tail, and Hermione is Beak.)

They all stood around the memorial for a silent moment for the three fallen Marauders. Two fell from life and one from grace. Afterwards, they slowly made their way back to the castle. Harry thought that he had better write his letter to Mr. Ollivander.

Dear Mr. Ollivander,

First, let me thank you for your gift. I have only used it a few times but with good reason. Second, in my Potions class, Professor Snape has set us with the task to create our own potions. My group has been given the unfortunate task of creating one that is to drive away dementors. As the one person I know with extensive knowledge of unicorn hair, I was hoping you could tell me how much hair to add. Any information that you may divulge would be helpful. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Harry slipped the parchment into an envelope and gave it to Hedwig to deliver.

As Harry turned to his friends, he received a mental message from Dumbledore: 'He's back to full power.'

Harry instantly returned to his natural skin color but left the weight loss. He turned to Katie and gave her a look telling her all she needed to know.

"I'm going to bed," said Harry and Katie at the same time as they both sauntered to the dormitory doors.

"He shouldn't be sending anything big like that for a while. I don't think he's that stupid," said Harry as he looked to the ground.

"I know it's just that… I don't like the fact that he's able to send all this pain and suffering straight into the hearts of those I love," said Katie as Harry's head snapped up, "I will do all that I can to help you stop him."

Katie quickly kissed Harry on the cheek and went up the stairs to the girl's dormitory. Harry stood dumbfounded for a few minutes and went to his room. He went and laid on his bed but was unable to sleep. As usual, Harry thought about all the people Voldemort had hurt before clearing his mind.

The next day at breakfast, Harry was flipping through the Daily Prophet when an article caught his eye.

Ministry Worker Missing

A Ministry employee, Percy Weasley, has been

reported missing. Son of the Minister, Weasley

worked as Head of International Magical Cooperation.

Previously assistant to the former Minister, Weasley

was moved to the position after the shift in power.

"He was extremely loyal to the Ministry," said the Minister,

Arthur Weasley, "He was just a little misguided

and naive." When asked if he believed his son

to have been captured by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,

Minister Weasley refused to comment.

Harry immediately looked at Ron.

"What?" asked Ron.

"Er- you should really umm… talk with your parents as soon as possible," responded Harry awkwardly.

"Why? OW!" said Ron as a brown barn owl collided with his head, "Errol."

Ron scanned the letter the owl carried and looked at Harry in shock. He handed his letter to Harry and slammed his head on the table. Hermione put her arm on Ron and asked him what was wrong while Harry read the not.

Ronald,

Last night, your father went to see Percy and found his apartment in shambles. It looks like he's been kidnapped. Please tell Ginny and we shall come see you as soon as possible. Stay with Harry and don't do anything rash.

Love,

Mum

As soon as Harry looked up from the letter, Hermione snatched it and read his. She instantly burst into tears and embraced Ron.

"Are you going to be all right, mate?" asked Harry.

"Yeah, I'll be all right," squeaked Ron as he stood, "I'm going for a walk."

"We'll all go," said Hermione as she tried to keep her voice steady, "We could use the exercise."

"She's right," said Katie.

"Come on, Tail," said Harry, "You really thought we'd turn our backs on you. You can't get rid of us that easily."

"Thanks, guys," laughed Ron.

As they walked along the grounds, they ran into Hagrid.

"Hello yeh guys," greeted Hagrid, "Ron, I'm sorry to hear about your brother."

"Thanks, Hagrid," said Ron.

"Buck up, they'll find him," said Hagid.

"I know," said Ron, "I feel bad, though. Even though he was a git towards our parents, he didn't deserve to be kidnapped. He never apologized to them. If we never saw him again… I don't want to think badly about my family."

"I understand," said Hagrid in an attempt to change the subject, "So, I heard the lot of you were given quite the potion to brew."

"Yeah, that'll be a fun one to test," chuckled Harry wryly, "Of course, then there's getting some unicorn tail hairs."

"Yeh need unicorn hair?" asked Hagrid, "That should be easy for yeh lot. So long as your intentions are pure, they'll let you take a couple."

"Our potion is to help people," justified Harry.

"Hey, isn't Ginny a unicorn?" asked Katie.

"Yeah, so we might not have to find a unicorn. We could just ask Ginny," said Harry.

'Harry, the Weasley's have arrived.'

"Let's go, Ron. Your parents are here," said Harry, "We should get Ginny too."

'Ginny, meet me and Ron outside Dumbledore's office.'

When Ron and Harry reached Dumbledore's office, Ginny was waiting outside for them.

"What is it?" asked Ginny, "Does this have something to do with Percy?"

"Your parents are here," said Harry as he led the pair into the study. As soon as they entered, they were embraced into a gigantic hug by Mrs. Weasley.

"Thank you for watching Ron, Harry," said Mrs. Weasley through her tears.

"Anytime," said Harry.

"Molly, dear," interrupted Mr. Weasley, "We need to start the meeting."

"Yes, dear, I'm sorry," said Mrs. Weasley as she straightened herself up.

"I believe that Percy has been captured by Voldemort for reasons unknown. It is imperative that we gain as much information about his abduction as possible," said Dumbledore.

"But Albus, how can we be certain that You-Know-Who has him?" asked Arthur.

"He is very happy," said Harry, "I can feel it."

"I suppose that could be the only thing he would have to be happy about," said Mrs. Weasley, "Should we expect any kind of ransom demand?"

"Molly, when Voldemort takes a prisoner, he never leaves a demand," said Dumbledore, "He does it to show he can. For now, we have done all we can and that is to send Severus to the meetings."

"What of the creatures in the forest?" asked Mrs. Weasley, "Do they know of the attack?"

"Yes," responded Dumbledore simply.

"What of the centaurs, are they still hostile?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"No, I formed a truce with them. In return for helping to defend the school and to cease attacks on humans, they ask only that the many restrictions placed on the by the Ministry be removed. They are outdated and unnecessary. They are of no threat to any except themselves provided that none harm them. Can you make this happen, Mr. Weasley?" asked Harry.

"Yes, I'll see to it personally," responded Arthur.

"On a final note, if Percy should return, be careful what you say around him. He may have betrayed us or be under the Imperius curse," advised Dumbledore.

"Professor, this has made me think. Is there still a watch on my relatives?" asked Harry.

"No, now that you no longer reside there, the Order found it unnecessary," said Dumbledore, "Why do you ask?"

"Voldemort could have them killed to make sure that the wards are no longer in effect," said Harry, "Or he could torture them for any information."

"I hadn't thought of that," said Dumbledore as the effects of his mistake dawned on him, "We had better send someone immediately."

"I'll go. I'm the only one with any chance of them listening to," said Harry as he stood, "Good bye all. I'll see you all in a short while."