Artemis Hexley and the Return to the Riddles

Chapter 17: A Tangled Web

"Alright, let's look at how we're doing this."

Charlie unfolded the map of the Forbidden Forest on the table in front of him, and the others - Artemis, Chiara, Talbott, Barnaby, and Liz - all leaned in to look.

"The Cursed Vault is near that clearing," said Artemis, and Charlie pointed to the location on the map. "You can fly there, as long as it's cloudy, which it should be tomorrow night."

"Cloudy enough, anyway," Charlie frowned. "Though six of us flying might be harder to hide."

"Why don't we walk?"

"It's more dangerous, especially if you don't know exactly where you're going."

"I know where I'm going," Chiara said. Five pairs of eyes turned to look at her, and she smiled sweetly at them. "The forest is full of healing herbs and plants, you know." Charlie pulled a doubtful face, but she told him, "I'm not a strong flier. I'll be safer on foot than broom."

"Alright, but you shouldn't go alone. And you should take the map," Charlie looked reluctant, but he pushed said map towards Chiara. "Artemis and I know the way to that clearing by air, we'll meet you there and send up red sparks if we think you're taking a while. Talbott, would you rather fly or walk?"

"I'll make my own way there."

Charlie shrugged and looked around the group. "Everyone happy with this plan?"

Everyone made noises of agreement, but the last, forgotten member of the group looked sceptical.

"What's the matter, Bill?"

"Are you sure you don't need me to come with you?" he asked, and Artemis looked sideways at Charlie before replying.

"We'll be fine," she said, and Bill raised his eyebrows. "We will. There's as many of us as there were last time."

"You mean the time you got bitten by the Acromantula and were unconscious for fortnight after? That last time?" he sighed deeply. "We thought that Boggarts would be the least harmful of the things guarding the Vaults, and look at what almost happened to Ismelda. We already know the Acromantula is dangerous, and now I just don't feel comfortable sending all of you in there without going with you to help. Especially after what almost happened to you two when you went to the Forest Vault before."

"That was three years ago, and we're adults now," said Charlie. His tone was conversational, but his jaw had tensed. "I appreciate that you want be protective and help, but it's really not necessary."

"It might be. I think I should come."

"For once, Bill, can you just let me have this?

At Charlie's words and short tone, the table fell silent, until Barnaby cleared his throat loudly.

"I am going to go and stand over there," he declared, before standing up and leaving. Liz Tuttle gnawed her bottom lip.

"I, um... I might leave too, actually. K-keep Barnaby company..."

"I need to go and make sure I have enough healing potions packed for later."

"I just don't want to be a part of this conversation."

As Talbott excused himself from the table, Artemis was left alone with the two oldest Weasley brothers. Charlie scratched his temple with his forefinger before telling her:

"Maybe you ought to go, too."

"But-"

"Artemis," Charlie looked at her with an earnest look in his eyes, and she nodded her head.