On the Seventh Floor of the Castle, a boy paced back and forth outside the Headmaster's Office, his expression grave.
After quite a while, the gargoyle silently moved its head back and forth, following the boy as he paced. Only after another long while did it speak in a low voice.
"Stop pacing. Headmaster Dumbledore is back. Go on in."
It did not even ask for the password. Last time, this boy had produced a stack of Honeydukes product lists, and Dumbledore never chose a password that was not on those lists. With a rumble, the gargoyle turned aside.
Inside the Headmaster's Office, Dumbledore stood solemnly before his desk, gazing in silent thought at an entirely golden pocket watch lying on it.
Professor McGonagall was saying something quietly beside him, and Dumbledore occasionally nodded, then shook his head.
The clear sound of the round brass knocker striking the door rang out.
"Come in," Dumbledore said gently. Outside, Su Er took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and walked in.
"Professor Dumbledore... may I ask..." Su Er blinked blankly and looked down at the ink on his palm. He had deliberately written it there to keep himself from forgetting.
"How can I make... Hermione Granger..."
Hermione Granger? As Su Er spoke the name aloud, it felt both familiar and strange. Did I come to Dumbledore because of her?
Who is she? What did she do that made me come looking for her?
Oh, right. She's in danger. I have to find her! Su Er's eyes alternated between confusion and clarity, and his expression changed several times.
Watching him, Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore exchanged a glance, both frowning.
"It seems the situation may be even more serious than we imagined, Minerva," Dumbledore said softly.
"If we forget Hermione Granger completely, that