Chapter 5
The teachers began to crowd into the Hospital Wing. They all knew the alert meant a student was missing. They just didn't know who it was.
Once everyone had assembled, Albus spoke, "We have a missing student as you are aware. We need to begin to search the castle and grounds for him."
Hagrid asked, "Who is it perfessor?"
"Harry Potter. He may be seriously injured and unable to seek help."
Severus Snape broke in, "Potter's trying to get everyone up in arms just to get more attention. Last night wasn't enough for him, was it?"
Albus spoke in a calm but forceful voice, "That's enough Severus! We will be discussing your attitude once we have found Mr. Potter," as he looked the potions master in the eyes. Severus saw there was no twinkle in those eyes.
"I believe I have something for you and Minerva as well. I suggest you read them carefully," Albus said as he handed out the two remaining letters.
"Minerva, will you go to Gryffindor Tower and ensure he isn't there? See if his trunk and broom are in his room as well. You may also want to request assistance from the Weasley twins. I believe they have access to a wonderful tool that may make our search easier."
Minerva took her orders and headed towards the entrance to Gryffindor Tower.
Dumbledore then looked at Hagrid and Madam Hooch, "Hagrid, would you and Rolanda search the grounds and forest? If you see Professor Lupin, could you make him aware of the situation? He may not be in any condition to help, however." The two named staff took their leave.
"Pomona, would you check your house and the kitchens and then the greenhouses? It's possible Harry stopped by the kitchens for something to eat." Pomona Sprout nodded her head and went to check her areas.
"Severus, I want you to check the dungeons and the Slytherin quarters."
Severus snarled, "The little brat better not be in my house! If I find the little cretin …"
Albus interrupted, "You will do nothing other than bring him here. Unharmed. Do you understand?"
Albus had never spoken to Severus in that tone in years. Severus swallowed and replied, "Of course, Headmaster."
Albus surveyed the remaining professors. "Filius, will you check Ravenclaw Tower and the North Tower? While I doubt Sybil has seen him, it never hurts to check."
The little Charms professor hurried out the door. Albus looked at the remaining four professors: Aurora Sinistra, Bathsheda Babbling, Septima Vector, and Charity Burbage. He'd send Aurora to the Astronomy Tower as she knew it best. Charity would do well to search the Entrance Hall and Great Hall as well as the rest of the ground floor. He'd send Bathsheda to the third floor and Septima to the second. Once everyone had their assignments, Albus sighed.
Albus looked at the two third-year students remaining in the Hospital Wing. "Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, do you know anywhere else Harry could be? Do you think he would sneak out to Hogsmeade?"
Hermione replied, "I don't think he'd go to Hogsmeade, Professor. Even if he did, where would he go? Maybe check the Shrieking Shack, but I doubt he'd go back there though."
"Good suggestion Miss Granger. If we don't find him, I'll send someone to check there."
Ron finally spoke up, "When he gets upset, he usually goes out for a fly. Maybe he's on the Quidditch pitch?"
"Another good suggestion, Mr. Weasley. Madam Hooch will be checking the grounds and I'm sure that will be the first area she checks."
At that point, the doors to the Hospital Wing opened. Everyone turned to the door hoping it was Harry, but it wasn't. A bedraggled Remus Lupin stumbled into the room.
"What's going on, Albus? Hagrid said Harry was missing. Did Sirius take him with him?"
"No, my boy, Harry did not go with Sirius. He split off from Miss Granger before they returned to the Hospital Wing and hasn't been seen since."
Remus replied, "Where have you searched?"
"I have everyone checking throughout the castle and grounds. Miss Granger suggested he might go back to the Shrieking Shack," the Headmaster replied.
"I just left there and it was empty," the werewolf said. "Don't you have trackers on him, Albus?"
"Alas, I did. That is what alerted me to his disappearance. They all exploded at the same time."
Remus sat down on one of the beds, "Does that mean he's dead?"
Albus shook his head slowly, "I don't know, Remus. I really don't know."