The Root of Fear

Harry began to speak, though even now he could not understand everything. Professor Breen had undoubtedly killed Barty Crouch Jr., but how had he become Gabrielle? His instructions after returning to the Black Lake seemed to mean that Professor Breen knew more, that he had seen through Voldemort's plot in advance. Then what about Professor Dumbledore? How much did he know?

So many people were waiting. Harry had no time to think deeply, and besides, since Hermione was still alive, she would help him analyze it.

"When I woke up, we were in a graveyard. I'd never been there before, but Voldemort's father was buried there—or so he said—"

"Excuse me!"

Harry had barely begun before Madam Bones interrupted him. Her expression was grave, as rigorous as though she were questioning a witness in court.

"How did you get there, Mr. Potter? Weren't you supposed to be at the bottom of the lake? All of you should have been at the bottom of the lake. As far as I know, Apparition is impossible at Hogwarts, and there is no Floo Network beneath the lake."

For once, Fudge looked pleased with Bones. Any attempt to refute Harry earned his approval.

"There was a raised stone platform, Madam—"

Hermione took several deep breaths, pressed her lips together, and said,

"It seemed to be like a Portkey, hidden beneath the lake. I... I was looking for Harry and Ron at the bottom of the lake. I saw them tied to pillars behind the tail of a mermaid statue, and then I swam over. The moment I touched them and tried to untie the ropes, we were transported."

"Ridiculous!" Fudge said angrily. "All Portkeys must be authorized by the Ministry of Magic!"

"This was clearly Creona's doing, Cornelius—" Dumbledore said. "If you are willing