Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and its various publishers own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed!

Gryphonmistress: Thanks for your comments! I am trying to update quickly while I have some extra time.

lord tartutus: Cho isn't meant for Harry. That's for sure. And the Changs aren't too happy in this chapter.

Wytil: Clever of you to pick up on Dean's companion! Once they are all back at Hogwart's, things become complicated. All those lovely teenage hormones.

P.I.D: I agree. Ron's awesome. He may be more interested in Quidditch than homework, but he has his priorities straight. And he must be smart or he wouldn't be so great at Chess.

captuniv: Harry is coming into his powers without being completely aware of them. Remus will be found soon, but not in this chapter.

Chapter Six

Home to Hogwarts

Harry took a Portkey to Dumbledore's office. Once there, Dumbledore sent his trunk and Hedwig's cage away with a wave of his hand. "They will be in your room when you are ready, Harry. Gryffindor tower is closed right now. I will show you to your private quarters later."

Dumbledore's office looked just the same as it always did, except for the night last June when Harry had smashed everything in sight. The portraits were mostly sleeping. Phineas Nigellas' frame was empty.

Harry was thankful that Dumbledore was able to repair the damage to his office. He was ashamed of his behavior that night. "I am so sorry for the night I broke the things in your office, Professor."

"No need to apologize, Harry. As you can see, order has been restored," Dumbledore answered. His eyes were twinkling. "We have a lot to catch up on, Harry, but your most urgent business is with the Changs. Cho is down in the infirmary. As I told you she has asked to see you. Before facing them you should know what happened.

The family was apparently at home enjoying a simple family dinner when Death Eaters surrounded them. The attack was completely unexpected. We aren't sure what prompted it. Miss Chang was the focus of the attack. They were attempting to kidnap her. Her brother Charles overheard one of the Death Eaters say that she must be taken alive. The comment was shouted when she was struck with the same curse Miss Granger was hit with last June.

She survived because her brother Charles, who is quite a few years older, was able to deflect the main thrust of the curse. Happily, Miss Chang's brother and her parents were able to fend off the attackers and call for Aurors. Help arrived and Miss Chang was brought here because she is a Hogwarts student."

"Was she was targeted because of her friendship with me, Professor?" Harry wondered aloud.

Professor Dumbledore said softly, "We can't know that for sure. She says that she owled you a letter on your birthday. It was probably intercepted and read before you received it." He gave Harry some time to absorb this before saying. "Do you want to see them now?"

Harry nodded in reply, struggling to keep his emotions in check as he followed Dumbledore to the infirmary. Fear, anger and guilt coursed through him as they walked in silence. He hadn't even thought about Cho's letter in a month. They were never that close. She was just a pretty girl he had a crush on from a distance. If this is what they would do to her, then what would they do to the people he really cared about like Ron or Hermione or Ginny. The thought of his friends being hurt terrified him.

The Changs surrounded Cho's bed in the infirmary. As Harry and Professor Dumbledore approached the bed, they parted to show Cho curled up in the bed looking very small. "Harry, you came," she called in a weak voice. Her family greeted Harry quietly and parted so he could step near her bed.

"Cho, I'm glad you are able to talk. Are you all right?" he asked, looking at the array of potions on her bedside table.

"Of course she's not all right," her brother Charles said with a derisive laugh. "She was almost killed!"

Harry turned to look at the angry twenty-five year old. "I'm sorry. I just don't know what to say," Harry said. "I'm sorrier than I can say. What can I do to help?"

"You can stay away from my sister for starts..." Her brother stopped when Mr. Chang put a hand on his shoulder.

"You're not giving Harry a chance to speak. Take a breath. Let's take a walk and let Cho and Harry talk." Mr. Chang didn't look any happier than Cho's brother as he led the younger man away. Mrs. Chang followed them in shocked silence.

"I didn't make much of first impression on them. Did I?" Harry tried to joke with Cho.

She was either too tired or not amused. "They blame you for the attack. We are a pure blood family, not usually a target for Death Eaters. Did you get my letter, Harry?" She looked up at him hopefully.

He took her hand and said, "Thanks for sending it, Cho. Don't you think that under the circumstances, you should forget you ever knew me? Trouble follows me around. You deserve someone better. Someone who won't get you killed."

She started to cry. I just have that effect on her,' thought Harry. Aloud he said, "Don't cry, Cho. You're going to be better off if we keep our distance. In the long run, you'll be happier." He patted her hand.

"It's so unfair. First Cedric dies and now you have to stay away, Harry. I keep losing people because of You-Know-Who," she choked out.

Harry was stumped. He didn't know how to comfort her so he decided to just be honest. "I don't know what will happen with Voldemort, Cho. I won't be ruled by fear. It just makes sense to prepare for our futures, go to school. I'll do what I have to when the time comes. You can't be a part of that. You should be safe, go to school, be with friends, date someone who can make you happy. That's what you deserve, Cho." He was thinking about how little Cho really knew about him. He was sure that she wouldn't be so anxious to spend time with him if she knew how many dangerous situations he had faced in the last few years.

"What about you, Harry? What do you deserve?" she asked through her tears.

"That is sweet of you, Cho, but don't worry about me. I'll find my way. I have lots of people to help me," he answered.

"My parents want to take me out of Hogwarts. They think I won't be safe if I am anywhere near you."

"I'll speak with them. I'll promise to stay away. Maybe it will help. Anyway, I'll visit you this week. No one will know. We are the only people here. Your family couldn't mind about that. Maybe I better go now. Try not to worry." Harry leaned in as if to give her a kiss on her forehead, then thought better of it and just patted her hand. She looked so young and so sad. "I'll send your family back in. You're lucky to have them."

Cho watched Harry square his shoulders as he went out to meet her parents before closing her eyes. She could tell that he was only interested in being her friend. Being a pretty girl, she knew when boys were infatuated with her and she could tell Harry was over his crush. He'd said that he had lots of people to help him so maybe there was someone else. Too bad, he looks so tall and handsome,' she thought as she drifted off to sleep.

Charles Chang greeted Harry on the other side of the infirmary door. Cho's parents had apparently left. Before Harry could begin his apology, Charles stepped forward and said, "I'm sorry I went off at you like that. I just can't stand to see her hurt. You may not have sent the actual curse, but knowing you is the reason it was sent. I want you to promise me that you will stay away from her."

Harry answered, "Cho and I have agreed to stay away from each other. I'll keep her company while she recovers the next few days, but once school starts I promise to keep my distance. I don't want to see her hurt either."

Charles gave a sigh of relief and extended his hand as though he never expected Harry to agree so easily. Harry shook his hand and said, "I've been a big target for Death Eaters all my life. I'm used to it. This is something that never should have happened to your family. I am so sorry. I'll do everything I can to see it never happens again."

Cho's father said as he rejoined them, "Cho said you'd say something noble like this, Harry. Maybe she is right about you, but that doesn't change anything. I made her mother go lie down. Charles will come to terms with the attack on our family. We just need time to heal. If you promise to stay away from Cho, we can let her stay at Hogwarts. This is the safest place for her if the war begins."

'If the war begins?' thought Harry. 'What does he think the attack on his family was?' Hoping to change the subject from his relationship with Cho, he asked, "Were any of you other than Cho hurt in the attack? How did you fend them off?"

Charles gave a small smile as his father launched into the story of how brilliantly he had defended Cho. Clearly the family was proud of their son and his abilities. "She owes her life to you," said Harry, remembering saving Ginny all those years ago in the Chamber of Secrets. "That creates a really strong magical bond."

They were interrupted by Professor Dumbledore quietly clearing his throat. "Yes, Professor?" Harry inquired.

"I need to borrow Harry on another urgent matter. You can meet later, but we mustn't delay our other business any further, Harry," said Professor Dumbledore. "It may be a matter of life and death."

"What life and death matter are you talking about, Professor?" Harry asked as they walked away.

"Have you eaten dinner, Harry?" Dumbledore asked in return.

Harry stopped walking. "Who is in danger? Professor Lupin?"

Dumbledore laughed. "We could go on asking each other questions all evening. I'll make you a deal. We'll go to your quarters and you can ask me anything you want while you eat your dinner."

"It's a life and death matter, but you think we should eat?" Harry asked, even though he was reassured by Dumbledore's laugh. Dumbledore answering questions will be a refreshing change,' he thought. Aloud he said, "Could we take a look at the contents of that box before too much longer? I thought it might have something to do with the Professor's disappearance."

"You read my mind, Harry," said Dumbledore.

"You probably mean that you read my mind, Professor," answered Harry, following Dumbledore down a fifth floor passage he had never seen before. To enter the passage they had to pass through a portrait of two teenagers, a boy and a girl, both dressed in satin and apparently tending a sheep. The passage itself looked like any other Hogwarts corridor. Paintings and suits of armor decorated it. Harry couldn't remember seeing this area on the Marauder's Map. I'll have to look this up when I get a chance.' he thought.

After traveling up a circular flight of stairs, they entered what appeared to be living quarters richly decorated in Gryffindor colors. The door leading off to the left was open and Harry could see a four poster bed similar to the one he had in his dormitory room. The main room had a small sitting area with a low table, sofa and some overstuffed chairs surrounding a large fireplace. A small desk and some bookshelves lined the far wall near a window. Up a couple of little steps was an area with a small dining table surrounded by floor length windows.

The smell of food filled the air. Harry realized he was really starving. "Tuck in, Harry. I know you are hungry," said Professor Dumbledore, never one for speeches when there was food to be eaten. The table was covered with dishes that contained some of Harry's favorites: chicken and ham pie, mashed potatoes and treacle tart.

For several minutes they both ate in silence looking out at the view. The floor length windows were actually doors leading to a small terrace overlooking the Forbidden Forest. We must be on the Gryffindor side of the castle or maybe just under Gryffindor tower somehow,' thought Harry. He could also see the Forbidden Forest from his dormitory window although this was a slightly different perspective.

"You have quite a nice view from here. Don't you agree?" asked Professor Dumbledore.

"There you go reading my thoughts again, Professor," answered Harry. "And I thought I was improving at Occlumency."

"I think you probably have improved at Occlumency. At least according to Professor Snape. How do you think the lessons went this summer?" asked Dumbledore.

Harry thought for a minute before answering. He knew Dumbledore trusted Snape, but Harry never could quite trust the man. "Professor Snape was willing to set aside his time to continue the lessons so I gave it my best effort, too. For the most part, the pains in my scar have gone. Whether or not that is due to the Occlumency lessons, I don't know. Is it possible that Voldemort has been blocking the connection between us himself?" asked Harry.

"A diplomatic answer about Professor Snape - you seem to have grown up a bit this summer, Harry, in addition to growing taller. Do you still have visions or nightmares where you see Voldemort?" Dumbledore returned.

Harry laughed to himself. They seemed to answer each other's questions with another question. "I haven't had those sorts of nightmares since I went to the Burrow and even before, the visions weren't very specific - more of a general feeling or a sense of Voldemort's frustrations. If there had been anything clear, I would have contacted you. Shall we look more closely at the box?"

Dumbledore looked sadly at Harry and pulled something out of his pocket, "If you are finished eating, Harry, I'll get rid of the dishes."

"Let me, Professor," answered Harry, and with a wave of his hand the dishes were sent to the castle kitchens.

Dumbledore's eyebrows went up in astonishment. "You have had a good summer, Harry. You've learned to focus your magic without your wand. I suspected you would develop the power eventually though most wizards who are capable enough don't develop those skills until they are much older. May I say, this is an interesting development. You may need some extra tutoring in Transfiguration this year." Dumbledore smiled.

Remembering that Dumbledore used to teach Transfiguration, Harry smiled back at him. "So it isn't just Wishing Magic, Professor, like when I was younger and wanted something to happen? Or anger gone out of control, like when I blew up my Aunt?" Harry asked.

"Wishing Magic is indeed wandless, but Wandless Magic is something else. It requires a mature attitude because you must use your emotions to make it work. You can't just control or suppress your emotions. You have to channel your feelings into the magic. It is similar to conjuring a Patronus, where you focus on happiness as part of the spell. I'll explain more later when we begin your tutoring sessions."

With a more serious expression, Dumbledore handed Harry the envelope he was holding. Pleased to hear that the Headmaster was willing to tutor him, he smiled. After barely looking at him last year, Dumbledore was willing to spend the time and effort to help him with his Wandless Magic skills. Things were changing for the better.

His expression changed to sadness when he looked at the writing on the envelope that he'd been handed. It was Lupin's handwriting. "We found this letter on Lupin's desk at Grimmauld Place. I have no idea whether he meant to send this to you or not. It is addressed to you, but it is entirely possible that it contains something he didn't intend you to see. Perhaps it will help us find out what happened to him."

Harry tore it open without saying anything.

Dear Harry,

Sorry for not visiting you this summer, I needed some time to sort out my feelings.

Words cannot express how sorry I am for not forcing Sirius to stay home that night. We probably all feel responsible in some way. I know I should blame Bellatrix Lestrange, but she's not around, so I blame myself. The others in the Order have been great. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I do.

Holding you back from following him through the veil is a memory I can't shake. He was my last remaining best friend. One of the few people in my life who ever accepted me just as I am without reservation or hesitation.

Life goes on, but I want my life to count for something. Sirius left me in charge of his will. It will be read at Grimmauld Place following his memorial service. He wanted to keep things simple, but it has proven to be complicated. For obvious reasons, Sirius could never go to Gringotts to examine the contents of your parents' vault. By the terms of your parents' will, the vault was sealed when they both died. Only your guardian could enter, or you yourself when you come of age, so no one has been in there since you were a little baby. On Sirius' death, the job of guardian has passed to me so I was able to enter the vault. I have sent a letter and a carved wooden box that I found among your parents' things to Dumbledore to pass on to you. I couldn't open the box, but perhaps the letter explains.

Please let me help any way that I can. I've decided to keep the other half of the double mirror that Sirius gave you with me at all times. Sirius included all the Marauders in the charm he put on the mirrors. Say my name into your half if you decide that you are ready to speak with me.

See you soon,

Remus Lupin

Harry looked up confused, "Nothing in here explains why the Professor has disappeared, or where he may have gone. Did he explain himself to you?" Harry looked at the older wizard, thinking, Now is the time for Dumbledore to trust me. Keeping information from me last year caused more harm than good.'

"It's complicated, Harry. Remus wasn't himself this summer. He spent most of his time brooding at Grimmauld Place. He wasn't happy about your return to the Dursleys. I convinced him that he should go to Gringotts to examine your parents' vault, since he was to be your new guardian. When he brought out the letter and the box, I recognized the scene carved on the top immediately. It seemed a matter of some urgency to send him on a mission to discover some information about the box before giving it to you. He left the box and letter for safekeeping. It should have been a fairly short mission. He hasn't returned or checked in with anyone. What is this about a double mirror?"

Harry frowned, "It's one more thing to feel guilty about. Sirius gave me a package when I was leaving Grimmauld Place last Christmas. He said that Mrs. Weasley wouldn't like it, but he wanted me to be able to contact him if I needed him. I put it away without opening it because I was determined not to put Sirius in danger or get him caught by the ministry. When I was packing last June I saw it. I realized that I could have just used the mirror to make sure Sirius was home. Kreacher's lies wouldn't have mattered, shouldn't have mattered. The whole situation could have been avoided if I hadn't been so stupid. I threw the mirror and it shattered. I haven't tried to repair the pieces, but I kept them."

"Seems like a good place to start," replied Dumbledore quietly.

Harry went in the bedroom and returned after a few minutes with brown paper loosely wrapped in his hands. "I hope we aren't missing any pieces," he said before waving his hand and saying, "Reparo!"

The mirror magically reappeared. Both of them breathed a sigh of relief. "Now for the real test," said Harry, holding the mirror to his face and saying very clearly, "Remus Lupin."

Nothing happened for a moment. Then the two men began to make out the faint, dark outline of Professor Lupin's face. "Professor!" said Harry with delight. "I can barely see you. Are you all right? Can you see us?"

"Harry is that you? And Dumbledore? What a relief. I thought I was imagining things when I heard your voice coming from my pocket. I'd forgotten all about the mirror," said Remus, sounding relieved.

"Where are you, may I ask?" said Dumbledore.

"I'm shut inside a dark cave. There is just a small beam of light coming from somewhere up above. I found the area you sent me to look for, Professor. It was just as you described. But, it took a long time to find the entrance. It was on the northern side of the hill, not the southern side. The first room I found was interesting. There was a sort of box made out of stone and some old weapons and jars stored there. I found another room leading off the main room. Just as I began to explore the interior, it felt like a great wind had come up and it blew me against the wall. I think I passed out for a while. Anyway, I can't find my wand. Either it is too dark in here or my wand was blown away somehow. The entrance is gone. The room I'm in doesn't appear to have any openings. I can't say how many days I have been here. Maybe two or three. Happily I had some food and Wolfsbane Potion in my rucksack or I would be in serious trouble," Remus explained.

"You're in a cave with no exit, no wand and no light. Sounds serious to me," said Harry. Without a wand, Remus couldn't make his exit. He couldn't Apparate away or create a door. "Where is this cave? I'll come get you." He had no idea how he would come get him, but being Harry, he would try anyway.

Dumbledore responded, "I know where the cave is, Harry. It's near Carmarthen, Wales. The carving on your box shows the scene. I'll see if Kingsley and Tonks are available, Remus. They have been searching the area for you. Harry will go along, as I'm guessing his is the only voice that can activate the double mirror. Is there anything else we should know? Did you encounter anyone on your trip? Were you followed?"

"I made the usual evasive maneuvers to escape anyone who might be following me so I'm fairly certain that I have maintained the secrecy that we discussed. If Harry is with you, has he had a chance to look at the box? Did it open for him? Did you read the letter, Harry?" he asked.

Harry had forgotten about the box. Curious as he was, he was more worried about Professor Lupin than anything else. "One mystery at a time, Professor. Let's get you out of there first."

Dumbledore was doing something over by the fireplace. Soon Kingsley Shacklebolt's head appeared. Harry couldn't hear their conversation, but he assumed Dumbledore was arranging the rescue party. When he returned to Harry's side he said, "The rest of our discussion must wait for the morning, Harry. Mr. Shacklebolt and Miss Tonks are waiting for you. They have actually been searching that area since Remus first went missing. You can join their search.

I suggest that you put on warmer clothing, some sturdy shoes and some warm socks. You won't be going near any towns so you shouldn't have to worry about a disguise. Why not take your invisibility cloak just in case? Ah..." exclaimed Dumbledore as his phoenix, Fawkes, appeared on the terrace. "I think it's time."

Thrilled that Dumbledore hadn't suggested that he stay safely behind Hogwarts' walls, Harry hurried to his trunk to get ready. He folded his invisibility cloak and put it in his small rucksack. Dumbledore was speaking quietly to Fawkes as Harry re-entered the room. "Fawkes will take you to Wales, Harry. It will be the fastest and safest way for you to travel. The two of you will fly over the Forbidden Forest and then Apparate to Wales."

"Why can't Fawkes Apparate from here, Professor?" He remembered Fawkes disappearing with a flash of fire from Dumbledore's office last spring.

Dumbledore didn't explain. The headmaster was struck by how much Harry had matured over the summer. The young man stood there calmly asking intelligent questions when he must be very worried about Professor Lupin. His self-control was impressive. "The others will meet you on the northern side of the hill shown in this picture."

Harry looked at the carving on the box, trying to memorize the scenery quickly in case it would help later on. He told himself that panicking would not help Professor Lupin. He concentrated on steadying his heartbeat. It was pulsing wildly. Feeling calm again, he looked into the Headmaster's twinkling eyes and said quietly, "Thanks." Grabbing Fawkes' tail, he and the bird took flight.

Watching the phoenix take flight with Harry in tow, Dumbledore laughed softly to himself. He had a special way of communicating with the bird that had been his companion for all these years. He knew something he couldn't tell Harry. Fawkes likes to have his fun. The bird could have easily apparated with Harry, but he had taken a liking to the young wizard and thought flying for a bit would be something of a diversion.

A/N: Thanks once again to Hollow Godric for all his help. His encyclopedic knowledge of J.K. Rowling's work is truly amazing!