Chapter Seven

Harry stood with Jonas at the top of the stairs. It was now dark and he could barely see the Rom's face. "Are you coming in?" Harry asked holding the door.

Jonas looked into the void and said, disdainfully, "I do not enter in places with so many people and walls that enclose them. The smell alone nauseates me." He turned and started back down the stairs, speaking as he went, "I am camped at Hagrid's hut. I will meet you in the morning before the sun rises. We will start then."

...

Harry spent the week of Christmas, before classes began again, working harder than he'd ever thought possible. He stopped at the edge of a precipice skirting one of the castle towers. His purpose was to make the complete circuit of the castle without using magic. Harry soon discovered there were strange things about the castle on the outside as well as on the inside. Stairs moved and doors suddenly appeared and then vanished on the inside of the castle. He found the outside of the castle was no more predictable than the inside. He was sure he had not come upon that particular steep ravine the day before as he started to climb across it, his school shoes slipping on the rock.

He tried not to look down or pay attention to the birds flying close by who seemed to resent his encroachment. As he struggled to find handholds and placement for his toes he heard a voice calling out to him. Fingers frozen from the cold and in pain, he squinted at the far-side of the ravine. Professor McGonagall was waving and calling to him. With one wave of her wand he found himself detached from the wall of rock and planted firmly in front of her.

"For goodness sake!" McGonagall looked at him. "Whatever are you doing on that rock, climbing it like a…a muggle?" she asked.

"It's my training Professor," he said and blew on his hands.

She shook her head, and said, "Well come along, we can talk as we go. I have very unpleasant news, Potter."

"Is it Hermione or Nadya?" he asked stopping her, his heart beating hard in his chest.

She looked at him and shook her head, "No, Mr. Potter, it isn't. We received word just minutes ago. Mr. Percy Weasley was found this morning. He is dead." She looked into his face with concern. "Ron and Ginny Weasley were only told minutes ago by Dumbledore. The family is on the way to Hogwarts and then on to St. Mungo's; his body was delivered there by Ministry Law Enforcement wizards this morning."

Harry stared at her, stunned into silence. She took his arm and continued, "Professor Dumbledore does not want you to go with them. He insists you remain here Mr. Potter. The danger to you is too great to make that trip and the family has been told the same." She turned to him and said very gently, "Harry, we cannot let you go, do you understand?"

Harry felt torn. His best friend was hurting and the family was hurting, but he also knew there were things that he had to do. In particular, he had promised himself he would complete his training and continue to work with Jonas so he could find Hermione and Nadya. He nodded to her and followed her up to the entrance.

"Harry, I think you will find Ron in your rooms. I am going to wait here and meet the rest of the family. They are arriving at any time." She left him in the entrance.

He walked through the empty corridors and halls, up the stairs to the portrait covering the common rooms. He stood looking at the Fat Lady who nodded and dabbed at her eyes with a pink lace handkerchief, "Very sad, very sad," she said, "Password, please."

"Nocturna," Harry said. The portrait swung away and he walked through, ducking his head. The room was empty. He glanced up towards the stairs leading to the boys dorm, took a deep breath and went up. Ron was sitting on the edge of his four poster. His trunk was open and he was staring off into the distance.

"Ron?" Harry approached him and spoke quietly. When the red-head didn't answer Harry sat down next to him. "Ron, I'm really sorry."

"Huh, oh- Harry," Ron looked down at the sock he held in his hand and dropped it into his trunk. "Yeah, Harry thanks." He continued to stare into the trunk. "You know Harry, I was sitting here and I wasn't thinking about Percy at all. I was thinking of Hermione". When Professor Dumbledore called me to his office and told me, at first I heard him say HER name. I thought he said that she had died," Ron said and shook his head, "and I thought…I thought, I'd just die." He looked at Harry. "Harry, I was so happy when I realized it was Percy. My own bro…other! Isn't that sick?"

Harry didn't know what to say. He sat quietly while Ron screwed up his face and rocked slightly on the bed.

"He was such a git!" Ron burst out. "He's responsible for Hermione being gone and MAYBE dead and for being a spy. I just hate him!" His face was turning the shade of his hair and Harry gripped the side of the bed waiting for the dam to burst, but it didn't. Ron hung on. "Harry would you do me a favor and not tell my parent's about what he did? At least not yet." His voice shook, "When the time comes I'll do it."

"Anything you want, mate," Harry answered softly. "Come on I'll help you pack. Your parent's are coming soon."

Harry actually did all of the work while Ron continued to sit on the bed. It was Ginny who came into their room to get her brother. When she saw Harry she walked over and hugged him, and held on. Although pale, she, too, was dry-eyed.

"I'm sorry, Ginny," was all he could say. He knew what they were feeling.

She looked at him and nodded, saying, "Professor Dumbledore told us it wouldn't be safe for you to come with us, Harry. Ron and I understand, so will mum and dad and my brothers. We'll tell Charlie and Bill and Fred and George something." She took Ron's hand and pulled him up, hugging him around the waist. "Come on big brother."

He looked down at her and seemed to straighten slightly. He nodded and they walked out hand-in-hand. Harry followed them. They joined the rest of the Weasley's in McGonagall's office.

Harry shook Mr. Weasley's hand and got a quick hug from the man. He allowed himself to be pulled into a tight hug from Mrs. Weasley who was very calm. He then shook hands with Fred and George. Bill arrived minutes later and told them Charlie was on the way to St. Mungo's. Harry listened as Professor McGonagall spoke her sympathies to the family and then they all gathered their belongings to leave.

It was at that moment that Harry remembered something Mrs. Weasley had told him the night he was initiated into the Order of the Phoenix. Percy was the only member of age, of the family not a part of the Order. Her words flooded back on him, 'Harry, if you should find out Percy has done something wrong… if you see into Albus' thoughts, I mean. I…I don't want to know. Alright?" she whispered. "I would rather let him go thinking he had changed his mind and wanted to come back to us.' Harry wanted desperately to say something that would ease their suffering and knew he couldn't.

He walked them down the drive to the gates where there were two sleighs waiting. Hagrid held the head's of the horses and mumbled his condolences as they piled into the sleighs. Bill pulled out ahead of the sleigh drawn by Mr. Weasley.

Hagrid and Harry stood alone and watched them leave, "You know it's a sad thing Harry."

"Yes, it is," Harry said.

"No, you don't know what I mean," Hagrid stood beside him, "It's sad watchin' you younguns grow up and face the world. 'Specially a world that has You-Know-Who in it."

Hagrid turned to leave, "Why don't ya come down fer a spot a tea sometime Harry. I miss seein' ya."

"I miss you too, Hagrid," Harry said. "I will, soon. Classes start tomorrow and I'm still behind on work."

Hagrid nodded slowly and sniffed. He stared out at the road, now deserted. "You know Harry, I'm not one to talk bad about somebody." Harry thought he was going to say something about Percy. Instead he said, "That Jonas, though. I don't trust him. Nope, not a bit. I wouldn't put much stock in him, Harry. I know he's a teachin' you all these things that's suppose to help ya. And I'll take back anything' I say and eat my boots to boot if he finds our Hermione and your Nadya, that I will. I'm just sayin' you need to be watchin' yer back round him, all right, Harry?"

Harry looked into the face of his trusted friend and frowned. "I will Hagrid, if you say so."

"Good, good. Well, I'll be off," he said and headed towards his cabin.

...

Classes started and Harry attended them without his two closest friends. He was reminded of when he had assumed a false identity and attended classes while he was in Slytherin House. Except this time he didn't get to see Hermione and Ron.

News and gossip traveled fast, with most of it inaccurate or incorrect. Harry piled books on the table in front of him and buried his head to keep the curious from asking questions.

He was walking towards his Defense Against the Dark Arts class when Neville caught up with him.

"Hi Harry," Neville said. They hurried towards the classroom. "Do you know who the new teacher is?"

"What? Professor Bagel isn't here?" Harry muttered.

"No, Harry," Neville shook his head, "Didn't you hear? He refused to come back after the holidays. He said we we're all uncontrollable. I think he was just afraid," Neville said smiling. "We knew more than he did."

Harry thought that was true. The man was a noodle. The whole class laughed when he suggested they study boggarts. They were at the entrance of the classroom behind other students when there was a collective applause from within. Harry glanced at Neville and they stood on toe and looked over the heads of the people in front.

Standing in front of the classroom was Remus Lupin. His usually pale face was pink with embarrassment.

"Thank you, thank you. I am also happy to be back at Hogwarts," he said. Remus glanced at Harry as he took as seat in front of him and winked. "All right, all right everyone quiet down. Today we are going to discuss Senseve's. It's been drawn to my attention that you are lacking in this knowledge. If we are lucky you will meet one, since we have a Senseve currently in residence at Hogwarts." Remus spent the entire hour and a half talking about the Senseve. It was obvious to Harry he'd done his own research because he expanded on the explanation he had given Ron and him in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place.

For the time, Harry was able to sit back and relax and forget what was going on at St. Mungo's.

Later, after supper Harry piled his books on the table near his bed and left Gryffindor tower. He made his way through the castle towards the dungeons. He had only gone to Snape's private quarters twice in all his years at Hogwarts. Summoning up his courage he tapped on the door and could hear Snape's deep baritone voice and another muffled behind the door.

Snape opened the door. He held a cut glass decanter of brandy in his hand. A voice in the background was saying, "I certainly don't like what he has planned for Harry."

Harry kept his voice low, "Professor, you encouraged me to talk things over before I acted. If this is a bad time I can come back."

Snape widened the opening to the door and Harry saw Remus sitting in front of the roaring fire. He held a glass of the brandy between his palms. "Come in Potter." Snape also spoke quietly.

Harry moved to the couch, "Hello Remus," Harry caught Snape's eye, "Sorry… Professor Lupin. That was a good class today."

Lupin smiled, and said, "It's alright Harry. Severus likes to maintain formalities, but in private you may call me Remus." Snape sighed heavily and placed the decanter on a side table. "And thank you. As you probably figured out the letter Dumbledore sent was a request to come back and teach to the end of term. After what happened, I thought it best to come and keep an eye on you." Lupin sat his glass down and added,"It's too bad I arrived today."

Snape sat in a chair and crossed his legs, folded his hands, and stared at Harry.

"I thought since they found Percy Weasley dead you might have some additional information," Harry said.

Remus looked at Snape and waited.

"Well, Potter," he cleared his throat, "It's clear Percy Weasley was killed by a Death Eater," Snape said.

"How do you know?" Harry asked.

"I saw the body. The wizards who handled the body contacted me immediately," Snape raised a hand and added, "Let's not get into details. Let's just say the Order has a method of gathering information from dozens of sources, all of which is forwarded to me."

Harry listened and didn't speak. It wasn't that he didn't have questions but he was learning very quickly from Jonas that questions often got in the way. Snape seemed to be aware he was holding back.

"Well, I'm impressed Potter," Snape said and glanced at Lupin. "It seems Jonas is teaching you something worthwhile you are actually absorbing." He studied Harry's face and then continued, "We are constantly watching your aunt and all of her contacts. We are also following the money. Jonas has made some progress with his investigations. He discovered Percy disappeared from home the day Miss Granger and your aunt boarded the train. He boarded alone and was seen to get off the train with a female. There were two stops between Hogsmeade and London and both are being scrutinized thoroughly. Jonas also backtracked your aunt from Hogwarts the day she visited." Snape stopped and waited for Harry's questions.

He remained quiet.

"Your aunt did not come from London on the train straight to Hogsmeade and then Hogwarts. She took a different route," he continued, "The Dark Lord is not making any moves but we think he is gathering his forces."

"What Severus is saying Harry is that if Voldemort had Nadya, then he would be using her to get to you," Lupin said. " We believe there's a good chance the two events- her disappearance and your aunt's visit- were not connected.

"What are you saying?' Harry asked. The room was dark except for the roaring fire. The two men sat on either side and Harry leaned back to watch them both.

"It seems Percy contacted your aunt and the two plotted together, probably to get the money you inherited from Sirius. The Weasley's are rather poor as you know." Lupin said, "What followed was not incredibly hard to predict in the current environment," Lupin dropped his voice and sipped from his brandy before proceeding. "Not to speak badly about the dead Harry, but neither of them were very clever and their plot got away from them and they were exposed. Thereafter, they were under someone else's control. I think your aunt had Percy's help in coming to Hogwarts. We think she was coming here to get the money and then when they were discovered then her reason for coming changed."

"What was her reason for coming here?" Harry asked his head bobbing from one side to the other as each man spoke. "Discovered by Vol...Him?"

"For the protection, Mr. Potter. We believe your aunt and Percy Weasley's plot was discovered by Him, and thereafter they were under orders, guided, probably by Lucius Malfoy," Snape continued, "Up until that point, no one would have known you were married or that Nadya was expecting. Once it became known you were married, and Percy would have known that last summer, then I'm sure there was a great desire on the Dark Lord's part to find your wife."

"Your aunt was probably informed or quickly became aware she was being hunted. She came to Dumbledore and wanted his protection. However, Potter, I believe Nadya is still safe. If the Dark Lord or one of the Death Eater knew where she was, they would use her. They have not." Snape continued. "Percy was not able to tell them of her whereabouts which very likely means Miss Granger reached her in time and protected her."

"How did Percy find out she was going to have a baby?" Harry asked.

"We can only guess Harry," Lupin said. "Percy must have approached Nadya after following her from the wedding. He must have watched and spied on her, knew where she was and then approached her. She might not have been as cautious or wary with him since he has the famous Weasley red hair. He could have told her a story about any of the Weasley's; about Ron or you. Actually, it's very likely he told her you were in danger. As a means to warn you she could have given him the information she was pregnant trusting him to pass the information to Severus or Hermione; most likely Hermione. Such news would have alerted Severus or Hermione something was wrong. They would have gone to her immediately. Instead, Percy used the information by going to your aunt with it. Now, the information is in the hands of the wrong people. Nadya may be in hiding for her own safety."

"Do you know anything else? Where they are? Anything? Harry asked, feeling even more frustrated.

"Not at this time, Potter." There was silence in the room and then Snape spoke, "We cannot act on anything yet. What we have discussed with you is mostly conjecture, although the facts point the way."

"Why didn't the Fidelius Curse work?" Harry asked.

"It did work," Lupin said. "It can only hide you if someone is looking for you, not if they already know where you are. Percy followed her from the wedding. It is the only way he could have found her."

"So we have to follow Percy's trail," Harry said, remembering Jonas' words. "The rest of the Kumpania didn't know where she had gone. It was just Katlana and Nadya on their own."

"We have found Katlana, Potter, and she is not…was not Nadya's mother," Snape announced.

They stared at one another for some time before Harry spoke, "She's not? Where is she?"

Lupin and Snape looked at each other and Harry sat up. "Well?" he asked.

"She is dead," Lupin answered. "Tortured. Probably to find out where Nadya was."

Harry leaned forward and held his head in his hands, "Do you think Percy told Vol...the Dark Lord where he found them?"

"But something has intervened. They either moved or someone helped them escape. He would have caught them if Percy had given him the information." Lupin said.

"It is likely they escaped," Snape said watching him closely.

Harry shook himself and looked up. He was trying hard not to react to the news. "I would like to ask both of you not to mention all of this about Percy to the Weasley's," he said, quietly, "Ever." Snape and Lupin nodded and remained silent.

Harry slipped back and rested his head against the couch and stared at the ceiling.

"I have sent a letter to Jolie," Snape said.

"Thank you, Professor." Harry stared at the floor unable to feel anything. He was exhausted and knew things were probably going to get worse. The only piece of information that gave him hope was their words; if Nadya had been captured, Voldemort would use her.

Please, please don't let that happen, he begged to no one in particular.