The next morning, Harry woke up to Nellie prancing about his room. She
opened his trunk and pulled out the best clothes he had from Dudley.
"Diagon Alley, Master Potter! Diagon Alley!"
"Alright, Nellie. I'm up." He shook his head at the enthusiastic house
elf and got ready for the day. Tom came in after Harry had finished
eating. There was someone with him.
"Good morning, Harry. This is Matthew. He is the Death Eater who brought
my original message. He would be happy to accompany you to Diagon Alley."
"Hello." Harry said, shaking the man's hand.
"Hello, Harry. Nice to meet you without a wand in your hand." The man
grinned at Harry as he gave a smile to the man he had threatened. Harry,
Tom, and Matthew all ate breakfast together. Tom urged Harry to eat more
than he could.
"If I get hungry later, I'll eat. I can't eat anymore right now." Matthew
and Harry went downstairs to the study where the Floo network was set up
and went to Diagon Alley.
This time, Harry ended up in an outside fireplace right behind Matthew.
"Keep your scar covered, Harry." Matthew warned. "People don't know you
unless that scar is showing." Harry nodded and fixed his hair over it. He
followed Matthew through the streets. "Tom mentioned something about new
clothes."
"We have to go to Gringott's first," Harry told him. "I need to make a
withdrawal." Matthew shook his head.
"Tom wants to pay for it. I suggest you let him." Harry nodded. This was
a good idea, in fact. If someone checked bank records, they would have
found Harry making a withdrawal three days after he had been kidnapped.
That would have been highly suspicious. Matthew led Harry through the
streets to Madame Malkin's, that not only specialized in robes, but also
every other type of clothing as well. Harry and Matthew spent almost an
hour in that shop, while Madame Malkin herself sighed over the state of
Harry's clothes. When they left, each male carried four boxes of clothes.
"Did I really have to get so much?" Harry asked as he stumbled a bit under the weight of the boxes. "Tom gave me a list, which I gave to her. She just filled the list with colors she thought would look good on you." "Matthew, I doubt Hermione has this many clothes." Harry told him. "Look at it this way, Harry. You won't have to go shopping for clothes ever again if you don't get any bigger than you are." Harry had to agree that that was true. He doubted that he would ever need any more clothes for the rest of his life. They had gotten robes, pants, shirts, pajamas, outdoor clothes, shoes, a coat, and every other article of clothing.
Matthew tottered over to another store. "If you just want to wait here, Harry, and keep an eye on our packages, I'll just pop in here. Tom wants some potions ingredients." Harry nodded, glad to put his own boxes down. He looked around at the passersby, smoothing his hair over his scar the whole time.
"Potter." He heard from behind him. He turned around and looked up. Professor Snape.
"Hello, Professor." He said politely. "Uh-oh," he thought. "Matthew, please stay in there."
"What are you doing here, Potter? As far as I know, school lists haven't been sent out yet." Harry knew what he really meant. "Why aren't you with your aunt, who protects you? Is Harry disregarding the rules meant for his own safety again?"
"My aunt and uncle had to come into London for the day. They figured I would be safe here among other wizards, as opposed to Muggle London. They'll be back in a few hours."
"So, they just let you wander around on your own now?" Harry shrugged.
"May I ask why you are here, Professor?" Professor Snape's eyes narrowed.
"For your information, I am here to re-stock my potions ingredients, seeing as how the Gryffindor manage to use such large quantities with their ineptitudes." Harry chose to ignore that comment on the Gryffindor.
"Oh." Harry returned.
"Though I have a feeling that I should stay with you until your relatives come for you." Snape said with some disdain.
"You don't need to. I stay well away from Knockturn Alley, and I am staying on the main street. But thanks anyway, Professor." Snape glared at him. "I've got my wand. I know a few disarming spells, and I know how to run and scream. If anything happens, I'll be fine." Snape glared again. Matthew came out of the shop just then. His quick eyes took in Snape and Harry's posture. He nodded slightly to Harry and walked away. "Well, see you later, Professor." Harry turned away and walked into the crowds. He heard Snape coming after him. Harry turned to his left, ducked down behind some wizards, and backtracked. Snape was there, searching for Harry in the crowds surrounding him. Harry raced down an alleyway and found Matthew.
"Well done, Harry." Harry saw all of the packages there. "I put a spell on them. They'll find us if we have to leave for any reason. Who was that, Harry?"
"Professor Snape, from Hogwart's. He is one of the protectors, sworn to save my life, though he doesn't like me too much." Matthew nodded and mumbled a few words over the packages. With a flick of his wand, they disappeared.
"They'll be at the house later." Matthew turned and pointed his wand at Harry. "Masques." Harry felt a strange tingle settle over him.
"What did you do?" Harry asked, becoming suspicious.
"It's a disguise, Harry. Unless he sees your scar, he won't know that it is you." Harry glanced in a nearby window and saw blond hair and blue eyes staring back at him. His clothes were different, but his scar was still there. He pushed hair over it and followed Matthew. "Well, now we must go to the bookstore." Harry smiled and trailed behind Matthew. Being anonymous was kind of fun. He watched Matthew pick out several books that suspiciously looked like schoolbooks to Harry. "Go pick out something to keep you occupied, Michael." Harry managed not to start at the alias and wandered off into the Sports section. He found a book on the Chudley Cannons for Ron. He went to the history section and found a copy of the history book that Tom had pulled out for him. Hermione would love it, he was sure of it. For himself, a nice ordinary book on how to survive in the wizarding world in cognito. He had a feeling that he would need it. A quick check of the index revealed the Polyjuice potion. Perfect.
He met Matthew back up front and piled the books onto the counter. "Bookworm!" Matthew chided Harry. Harry just smiled and watched as the entire stack was rung up. Some of those books were expensive. Harry shook his head, picked up the three that he had picked out, and took some of the ones that Matthew had chosen.
"What are all of these for, anyway?" Harry asked as they started towards the ice cream parlor.
"I don't know. Tom just asked that I pick them up. So I did. I really can't imagine why he would want all of these." Harry shrugged and settled his bags next to Matthew's as they sat down at an outside table. "One banana split for me." Matthew said to the waiter who came up. "Michael?"
"Chocolate sundae, please." Harry looked around as the passersby, watching for Snape. The man could still be around. Matthew drew Harry into talk of Quidditch, asking how much and how often Harry played. Harry spoke of games taking place in the wind torn Quidditch pitch just outside the Hogwart's castle. Matthew smiled as Harry launched into story after story of near misses with the ground, breath-taking moves, and petty disturbances on the field with Malfoy.
"I don't know, Hermione." Harry stiffened at the voice. It was Ron! "Dumbledore would have told us if anything had happened to Harry. I just think that his ruddy uncle kept him from getting our packages." Hermione and Ron sat down at a table next to Matthew and Harry. "You know how those people are."
Hermione looked around Ron, fear in her eyes. "I know, Ron, it's just that I have a really bad feeling about this. It's not like Harry to send them back. He would have fought to keep them. I know that he wasn't expecting them, because they were two weeks early, but your mum's invitation to come and stay should have made him contact us. Not send the owls back without an answer." Hermione stared off into space. "I just think something happened to him, that's all." Harry looked at Matthew and motioned with his head that it was time to go. Matthew nodded and the two stood up. "That's why I wrote to Dumbledore yesterday." Harry pretended to drop his bag so that he could hear the rest of what Hermione had to say.
"You did? What did he say?" Ron asked, leaning closer to Hermione.
"He sent a professor to the Dursley's, and Harry wasn't there!" She said, with finality as though they would never see their friend again. "The Dursley's said that they thought he ran away. It looks as though Harry's been kidnapped. A wizard got around those wards on that house, and a wizard took him. That's the only explanation that fits, because all of Harry's things are missing. Dumbledore said that there were traces of a locating spell in the house. Dumbledore is very angry with the Dursleys for not writing to him and telling him that Harry was gone."
"So Harry is out there, somewhere, and no one knows where he is?" Ron asked. Hermione nodded and leaned into Ron for a hug.
"Ron, the only thing that we can do is hope that we find him! He could be anywhere!" Hermione started and looked up as Snape came up from behind Ron.
"Granger, Weasley, I spotted your scarred friend here, in Diagon Alley. He ran from me. I'm sure that he won't run from you." Snape motioned for the two of them to get up. "He's wearing blue robes. Usual haircut, glasses, and, of course, his scar." Ron and Hermione leapt to their feet and followed Snape off into the crowds, searching for their friend. Harry and Matthew started off in direction of the Floo network. Harry turned back to see where Snape was exactly, and was shocked to see himself looking directly into Snape's eyes. Snape's eyes looked to the boy's forehead. Harry saw his mouth form one word: Potter. Matthew reached back and pulled the boy forward, concerned about Harry stopping. Harry smoothed the hair over his scar and rushed with Matthew to the Floo.
When they arrived, Harry was surprised to find that the whole network was closed down. "They're onto us." Matthew whispered. He let out a few loud complaints of his own, to join with the crowd, hoped that whatever reason the network had been closed would soon be resolved, and steered Harry towards the Leaky Cauldron. "We can Apparate from there, though it might give you a bit of a headache. Harry nodded.
"Anything. Snape saw my scar. Can we change my disguise?" Matthew frowned.
"Sadly, no. I can only give you a new one once the old one has worn off. Since I set it to last until we are back at the house, I'm afraid that you're going to have to act as though you're just a blond boy out with a friend." Harry nodded, again flattening his hair against his scar. He ducked his head and followed Matthew through the streets, all the while dodging people talking about Harry Potter's kidnapping. The news was out and the gig was up. He just prayed they would make it out. He knew that everyone looking for him cared about him, but they didn't understand the situation. He was lost in his own thoughts when a spell hit him.
"Revelo!" Snape's voice said. Harry felt a strange feeling as his disguise melted away. The crowd around gasped as they recognized Harry Potter, dark hair, green eyes, and lightening-shaped scar on his forehead. Matthew had stopped walking. They were so close to the Leaky Cauldron! So close! Harry looked around uncertainly. He saw Ron, Hermione, Snape, and Dumbledore, all standing there, looking at him. "He was obviously under the Imperius spell." Snape said. Dumbledore started forward. Harry backed up, knowing that Dumbledore was capable of anything when it came to Harry's protection.
"It's all right, Harry. We're here to help you." Snape had his wand trained on Matthew. Harry backed up a pace, looking for a way out. His panicked eyes took in the whole street. There! He saw an opening. He looked at Dumbledore again, who was reaching for Harry's hand. Harry noticed him reaching for his pocket at the same time. A portkey. Dumbledore was trying to touch Harry so that the portkey would take them away. Probably to Hogwart's. Harry backed up a pace again, watching the entire crowd. They were all riveted on Dumbledore, watching with fascination as Dumbledore tried to rescue Harry Potter from the kidnapper.
Harry flicked his hand, surprised that the sign actually fell like he wanted it to. The sign gave him enough distraction to grab Matthew and run for the opening. Matthew and Harry ran along. Harry noticed distractedly that the packages were gone. Harry hoped that the packages wouldn't be raining from the ceiling back at the house. Some of those books could split someone's head open. Harry and Matthew managed the reach the gate to the Leaky Cauldron and rushed into the inn. A momentary glance there showed Moody waiting for them. Harry almost panicked, had Matthew not grabbed his arm. Harry's mind cleared. A wave of his hand froze Moody for just a second, long enough for Harry and Matthew to make it to the street.
Muggle London bustled about them. Harry quickly removed his robes, motioning for Matthew to do so as well. He and Matthew headed down the street at a brisk walk. There was no better attention getter in London than running. He tucked his robes under his arm and stuck close to Matthew. Running footsteps came up from behind him. He turned and saw several people in robes running after him. He recognized the patches. Aurors. They had sent Aurors after him!
"Run!" Harry whispered to Matthew. The two fugitives broke out into a run. "How soon can we Apparate?" Harry asked, desperate to get away.
"Another block or two. I'm not sure." Matthew returned. Many Muggles stopped and watched the chase take place. It appeared that several people dressed very strangely were chasing two young men.
"It's that boy that was kidnapped!" A woman shouted. Harry frowned and watched as Muggles tried to stop them.
"Just a bit more." Matthew said. Harry felt curses being flung at their backs. None of them would have done serious damage, but they would have been enough to slow the pair down. Harry waved his hand.
"Expelliarmus!" He said under his breath. A few of the Aurors were hit, while others ducked his spell. That slowed down the whole group. Matthew stopped Harry and grabbed hold of him. He waved his hand in front of Harry.
"Go limp." He whispered. Harry did as told as let his head fall backwards. Several gasps could be heard from the Muggles. "The mansion!" Matthew breathed. Harry's head snapped back as they Apparated to the mansion. Aurors picked themselves up from the ground and started Obliviating the crowd that surrounded them. Muggles were everywhere. Dumbledore, Snape, and Moody came up.
"I'm sorry, sir. Apparated before we got them. That Imperious charm must be very strong. The man was a free speller, and he certainly used it on the boy. Made the boy fall asleep just by waving his hand. Don't worry, sir, we'll find him." Dumbledore stood still, knowing that the boy had been right there!
Ron and Hermione came up a few minutes later, watching as the Aurors continued altering memories. "Professor Dumbledore, I don't think that Harry was under the Imperius Curse." Dumbledore and Snape looked at her, waiting for an explanation. "In our fourth year, Professor Moody, or the fake one anyway, tried the Imperius Curse on each of us, so that we would know what it felt like. Harry was the only one in the class who resisted the curse, sir. He wouldn't even move, no matter how many times the spell was strengthened." Hermione bit her lip. "Either they put a different kind of spell on him, or Harry was doing that on his own free will." Dumbledore placed a hand on the young witch's shoulder.
"I believe, Hermione, that something was done to Harry. He would not willingly go with someone he not only kidnapped him, but meant him some kind of harm. We can only hope that we are not too late to help Harry." Hermione nodded, while Ron looked almost forlorn at the loss of his best friend.
"Did I really have to get so much?" Harry asked as he stumbled a bit under the weight of the boxes. "Tom gave me a list, which I gave to her. She just filled the list with colors she thought would look good on you." "Matthew, I doubt Hermione has this many clothes." Harry told him. "Look at it this way, Harry. You won't have to go shopping for clothes ever again if you don't get any bigger than you are." Harry had to agree that that was true. He doubted that he would ever need any more clothes for the rest of his life. They had gotten robes, pants, shirts, pajamas, outdoor clothes, shoes, a coat, and every other article of clothing.
Matthew tottered over to another store. "If you just want to wait here, Harry, and keep an eye on our packages, I'll just pop in here. Tom wants some potions ingredients." Harry nodded, glad to put his own boxes down. He looked around at the passersby, smoothing his hair over his scar the whole time.
"Potter." He heard from behind him. He turned around and looked up. Professor Snape.
"Hello, Professor." He said politely. "Uh-oh," he thought. "Matthew, please stay in there."
"What are you doing here, Potter? As far as I know, school lists haven't been sent out yet." Harry knew what he really meant. "Why aren't you with your aunt, who protects you? Is Harry disregarding the rules meant for his own safety again?"
"My aunt and uncle had to come into London for the day. They figured I would be safe here among other wizards, as opposed to Muggle London. They'll be back in a few hours."
"So, they just let you wander around on your own now?" Harry shrugged.
"May I ask why you are here, Professor?" Professor Snape's eyes narrowed.
"For your information, I am here to re-stock my potions ingredients, seeing as how the Gryffindor manage to use such large quantities with their ineptitudes." Harry chose to ignore that comment on the Gryffindor.
"Oh." Harry returned.
"Though I have a feeling that I should stay with you until your relatives come for you." Snape said with some disdain.
"You don't need to. I stay well away from Knockturn Alley, and I am staying on the main street. But thanks anyway, Professor." Snape glared at him. "I've got my wand. I know a few disarming spells, and I know how to run and scream. If anything happens, I'll be fine." Snape glared again. Matthew came out of the shop just then. His quick eyes took in Snape and Harry's posture. He nodded slightly to Harry and walked away. "Well, see you later, Professor." Harry turned away and walked into the crowds. He heard Snape coming after him. Harry turned to his left, ducked down behind some wizards, and backtracked. Snape was there, searching for Harry in the crowds surrounding him. Harry raced down an alleyway and found Matthew.
"Well done, Harry." Harry saw all of the packages there. "I put a spell on them. They'll find us if we have to leave for any reason. Who was that, Harry?"
"Professor Snape, from Hogwart's. He is one of the protectors, sworn to save my life, though he doesn't like me too much." Matthew nodded and mumbled a few words over the packages. With a flick of his wand, they disappeared.
"They'll be at the house later." Matthew turned and pointed his wand at Harry. "Masques." Harry felt a strange tingle settle over him.
"What did you do?" Harry asked, becoming suspicious.
"It's a disguise, Harry. Unless he sees your scar, he won't know that it is you." Harry glanced in a nearby window and saw blond hair and blue eyes staring back at him. His clothes were different, but his scar was still there. He pushed hair over it and followed Matthew. "Well, now we must go to the bookstore." Harry smiled and trailed behind Matthew. Being anonymous was kind of fun. He watched Matthew pick out several books that suspiciously looked like schoolbooks to Harry. "Go pick out something to keep you occupied, Michael." Harry managed not to start at the alias and wandered off into the Sports section. He found a book on the Chudley Cannons for Ron. He went to the history section and found a copy of the history book that Tom had pulled out for him. Hermione would love it, he was sure of it. For himself, a nice ordinary book on how to survive in the wizarding world in cognito. He had a feeling that he would need it. A quick check of the index revealed the Polyjuice potion. Perfect.
He met Matthew back up front and piled the books onto the counter. "Bookworm!" Matthew chided Harry. Harry just smiled and watched as the entire stack was rung up. Some of those books were expensive. Harry shook his head, picked up the three that he had picked out, and took some of the ones that Matthew had chosen.
"What are all of these for, anyway?" Harry asked as they started towards the ice cream parlor.
"I don't know. Tom just asked that I pick them up. So I did. I really can't imagine why he would want all of these." Harry shrugged and settled his bags next to Matthew's as they sat down at an outside table. "One banana split for me." Matthew said to the waiter who came up. "Michael?"
"Chocolate sundae, please." Harry looked around as the passersby, watching for Snape. The man could still be around. Matthew drew Harry into talk of Quidditch, asking how much and how often Harry played. Harry spoke of games taking place in the wind torn Quidditch pitch just outside the Hogwart's castle. Matthew smiled as Harry launched into story after story of near misses with the ground, breath-taking moves, and petty disturbances on the field with Malfoy.
"I don't know, Hermione." Harry stiffened at the voice. It was Ron! "Dumbledore would have told us if anything had happened to Harry. I just think that his ruddy uncle kept him from getting our packages." Hermione and Ron sat down at a table next to Matthew and Harry. "You know how those people are."
Hermione looked around Ron, fear in her eyes. "I know, Ron, it's just that I have a really bad feeling about this. It's not like Harry to send them back. He would have fought to keep them. I know that he wasn't expecting them, because they were two weeks early, but your mum's invitation to come and stay should have made him contact us. Not send the owls back without an answer." Hermione stared off into space. "I just think something happened to him, that's all." Harry looked at Matthew and motioned with his head that it was time to go. Matthew nodded and the two stood up. "That's why I wrote to Dumbledore yesterday." Harry pretended to drop his bag so that he could hear the rest of what Hermione had to say.
"You did? What did he say?" Ron asked, leaning closer to Hermione.
"He sent a professor to the Dursley's, and Harry wasn't there!" She said, with finality as though they would never see their friend again. "The Dursley's said that they thought he ran away. It looks as though Harry's been kidnapped. A wizard got around those wards on that house, and a wizard took him. That's the only explanation that fits, because all of Harry's things are missing. Dumbledore said that there were traces of a locating spell in the house. Dumbledore is very angry with the Dursleys for not writing to him and telling him that Harry was gone."
"So Harry is out there, somewhere, and no one knows where he is?" Ron asked. Hermione nodded and leaned into Ron for a hug.
"Ron, the only thing that we can do is hope that we find him! He could be anywhere!" Hermione started and looked up as Snape came up from behind Ron.
"Granger, Weasley, I spotted your scarred friend here, in Diagon Alley. He ran from me. I'm sure that he won't run from you." Snape motioned for the two of them to get up. "He's wearing blue robes. Usual haircut, glasses, and, of course, his scar." Ron and Hermione leapt to their feet and followed Snape off into the crowds, searching for their friend. Harry and Matthew started off in direction of the Floo network. Harry turned back to see where Snape was exactly, and was shocked to see himself looking directly into Snape's eyes. Snape's eyes looked to the boy's forehead. Harry saw his mouth form one word: Potter. Matthew reached back and pulled the boy forward, concerned about Harry stopping. Harry smoothed the hair over his scar and rushed with Matthew to the Floo.
When they arrived, Harry was surprised to find that the whole network was closed down. "They're onto us." Matthew whispered. He let out a few loud complaints of his own, to join with the crowd, hoped that whatever reason the network had been closed would soon be resolved, and steered Harry towards the Leaky Cauldron. "We can Apparate from there, though it might give you a bit of a headache. Harry nodded.
"Anything. Snape saw my scar. Can we change my disguise?" Matthew frowned.
"Sadly, no. I can only give you a new one once the old one has worn off. Since I set it to last until we are back at the house, I'm afraid that you're going to have to act as though you're just a blond boy out with a friend." Harry nodded, again flattening his hair against his scar. He ducked his head and followed Matthew through the streets, all the while dodging people talking about Harry Potter's kidnapping. The news was out and the gig was up. He just prayed they would make it out. He knew that everyone looking for him cared about him, but they didn't understand the situation. He was lost in his own thoughts when a spell hit him.
"Revelo!" Snape's voice said. Harry felt a strange feeling as his disguise melted away. The crowd around gasped as they recognized Harry Potter, dark hair, green eyes, and lightening-shaped scar on his forehead. Matthew had stopped walking. They were so close to the Leaky Cauldron! So close! Harry looked around uncertainly. He saw Ron, Hermione, Snape, and Dumbledore, all standing there, looking at him. "He was obviously under the Imperius spell." Snape said. Dumbledore started forward. Harry backed up, knowing that Dumbledore was capable of anything when it came to Harry's protection.
"It's all right, Harry. We're here to help you." Snape had his wand trained on Matthew. Harry backed up a pace, looking for a way out. His panicked eyes took in the whole street. There! He saw an opening. He looked at Dumbledore again, who was reaching for Harry's hand. Harry noticed him reaching for his pocket at the same time. A portkey. Dumbledore was trying to touch Harry so that the portkey would take them away. Probably to Hogwart's. Harry backed up a pace again, watching the entire crowd. They were all riveted on Dumbledore, watching with fascination as Dumbledore tried to rescue Harry Potter from the kidnapper.
Harry flicked his hand, surprised that the sign actually fell like he wanted it to. The sign gave him enough distraction to grab Matthew and run for the opening. Matthew and Harry ran along. Harry noticed distractedly that the packages were gone. Harry hoped that the packages wouldn't be raining from the ceiling back at the house. Some of those books could split someone's head open. Harry and Matthew managed the reach the gate to the Leaky Cauldron and rushed into the inn. A momentary glance there showed Moody waiting for them. Harry almost panicked, had Matthew not grabbed his arm. Harry's mind cleared. A wave of his hand froze Moody for just a second, long enough for Harry and Matthew to make it to the street.
Muggle London bustled about them. Harry quickly removed his robes, motioning for Matthew to do so as well. He and Matthew headed down the street at a brisk walk. There was no better attention getter in London than running. He tucked his robes under his arm and stuck close to Matthew. Running footsteps came up from behind him. He turned and saw several people in robes running after him. He recognized the patches. Aurors. They had sent Aurors after him!
"Run!" Harry whispered to Matthew. The two fugitives broke out into a run. "How soon can we Apparate?" Harry asked, desperate to get away.
"Another block or two. I'm not sure." Matthew returned. Many Muggles stopped and watched the chase take place. It appeared that several people dressed very strangely were chasing two young men.
"It's that boy that was kidnapped!" A woman shouted. Harry frowned and watched as Muggles tried to stop them.
"Just a bit more." Matthew said. Harry felt curses being flung at their backs. None of them would have done serious damage, but they would have been enough to slow the pair down. Harry waved his hand.
"Expelliarmus!" He said under his breath. A few of the Aurors were hit, while others ducked his spell. That slowed down the whole group. Matthew stopped Harry and grabbed hold of him. He waved his hand in front of Harry.
"Go limp." He whispered. Harry did as told as let his head fall backwards. Several gasps could be heard from the Muggles. "The mansion!" Matthew breathed. Harry's head snapped back as they Apparated to the mansion. Aurors picked themselves up from the ground and started Obliviating the crowd that surrounded them. Muggles were everywhere. Dumbledore, Snape, and Moody came up.
"I'm sorry, sir. Apparated before we got them. That Imperious charm must be very strong. The man was a free speller, and he certainly used it on the boy. Made the boy fall asleep just by waving his hand. Don't worry, sir, we'll find him." Dumbledore stood still, knowing that the boy had been right there!
Ron and Hermione came up a few minutes later, watching as the Aurors continued altering memories. "Professor Dumbledore, I don't think that Harry was under the Imperius Curse." Dumbledore and Snape looked at her, waiting for an explanation. "In our fourth year, Professor Moody, or the fake one anyway, tried the Imperius Curse on each of us, so that we would know what it felt like. Harry was the only one in the class who resisted the curse, sir. He wouldn't even move, no matter how many times the spell was strengthened." Hermione bit her lip. "Either they put a different kind of spell on him, or Harry was doing that on his own free will." Dumbledore placed a hand on the young witch's shoulder.
"I believe, Hermione, that something was done to Harry. He would not willingly go with someone he not only kidnapped him, but meant him some kind of harm. We can only hope that we are not too late to help Harry." Hermione nodded, while Ron looked almost forlorn at the loss of his best friend.