Chapter 6

For what seemed like hours, Harry sat, unmoving, in Dumbledore's office. Suddenly the door opened and Professor Dumbledore and Professor Lupin walked in. Both were covered in blood and looked grim.

"We tried Harry, but it was too late. There wasn't much left. They ripped him apart."

Lupin sighed and took a seat next to Harry. Dumbledore crossed the office and sat down in his chair. He looked at Harry over his half moon spectacles.

"Harry, I want the truth. Why were the two of you going into the forest?"

He swallowed hard and told him what Dobby had said.

"I see. I asked you not to go looking for them. Now, we have lost a student. But, it is clear that Lord Voldemort has the werewolves on his side. I do not want you leaving the castle Harry. I am forced to put stricter security measures on the students. No Quidditch, students will be escorted to Herbology and no Hogsmeade visits. Now please, go back to Gryffindor. I must inform Kagato's family."

Harry nodded and got up. He left the office and Lupin followed him.

"Harry, it's not your fault. You didn't know that he would be attacked, but you shouldn't have left the castle. Try to get some sleep. You can find me in the morning if you want to talk about it."

Lupin gently squeezed Harry's shoulder and walked off towards the teachers' dormitories. Harry sighed and went to the tower. He gave the Fat Lady the password and entered the common room. Hermione was sitting in front of the fire. She turned pale once she saw Harry's face.

"Harry? What happened? Where's Kagato?"

He shook his head and held back tears.

"It's my fault. We should have listened to you and stayed here. Alex is never going to forgive me."

"Harry? Harry please, what happened?"

He shook his head again and went up to his room. He climbed into his four poster and stared up at the ceiling, cursing himself. It was almost morning before he fell asleep.

It was past noon when Ron came running into the room and he roughly shook Harry until he woke up.

"Harry, you have GOT to read this."

Ron was waving a copy of the Daily Prophet in his face. Harry reached over and put his glasses on, took the paper and started reading as Ron started pacing the room. He didn't even notice his Christmas presents at the foot of his bed. The article read:

Madness and Mayhem in London

Terror was unleashed today in London as two teenaged girls apparently under the Imperious Curse, attacked the Ministry offices, according to Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. 'We are quite certain these two girls were not in control of themselves and we are conducting an investigation as to their whereabouts and who might be using them.' Fudge refused to say anything more to the Prophet other than that no one was seriously injured. Professor Dumbledore was tight lipped as well and declined to speak to us. It seems that our earlier report of two students missing from Hogwarts is true. We will keep you informed as soon as there are any developments on this story.

Harry looked up at Ron in shock.

"They attacked the Ministry?"

Ron nodded.

"It seems so Harry. Where's Kagato? He'll want to see this."

Harry put the paper down and closed his eyes.

"He's....he's dead Ron. And....it's all my fault."

Ron stood there and stared at Harry.

"What do you mean it's your fault?"

Harry sighed.

"We went out to the forest last night. He...he was attacked and killed by werewolves Ron. It's all my fault."

Ron shook his head.

"Harry, unless you told those werewolves to kill him, it's not your fault mate. Wonder why Dumbledore hasn't said anything yet."

He shrugged.

"He's probably waiting until everyone gets back. He also said that we're not allowed to leave the castle. And he cancelled Quidditch for the rest of the year."

Ron fell onto his bed and stared out the window.

"No Quidditch? This is serious. Harry, why didn't you tell me that you were going?"

Harry looked down at the paper.

"Didn't think you'd want to go."

Ron stood and sighed.

"Harry, I would have come. I'll do anything to help find Cat and Alex. You should've asked me."

He shook his head and left Harry sitting there, speechless.