The Boy Who Was Given Up

Chapter Thirty-Two: Hostage

The two boys soon arrived at the gates of Hogwarts, but the grounds were eerily quiet. Normally, there would be students wandering no matter the weather. Harry frowned. Something was wrong.

They cautiously entered the massive castle and were immediately met with chaos. Students were running, teachers chasing after them, and the entire hall was in a state of panic. Harry and Draco exchanged a worried glance before sprinting after the crowds.

Soon, they spotted Blaise and Pansy.

"Guys!" Harry shouted.

The two quickly turned. "Harry! Everyone, Harry is here!"

All movement froze as everyone turned to look at them.

"What's going on?" Harry demanded.

Professor McGonagall approached. "I think it's best if you come with me." With little choice, Harry and Draco were guided to the infirmary.

By now, both boys were extremely worried.

Inside, they found a terrifyingly shaken Dudley. Harry ran to him immediately. "Dud! What happened? Where's Mum?"

Dudley looked up and broke into tears. Harry pulled him into a tight hug, trying to calm him. Realizing others were in the room, Harry quickly drew the curtain around them. Draco knelt beside Dudley, rubbing his back.

"Dudley, I need you to tell me what happened. That's the only way I can make it right," Harry said gently.

Dudley sniffled. "That's the thing, Har... I don't think you can."

"Please, Dud. Let me try," Harry pleaded.

Dudley hesitated, then whispered, "He came."

"Who? Dumbledore?" Harry asked, his voice tense.

Dudley nodded. "Yes... he came in and... took her."

Harry's face drained of color. "Mom?" he whispered.

Dudley nodded and cried again. Harry's resolve hardened. Tears wouldn't help now. Only action would.

"Dudley, do you know where he took her?" Harry asked fiercely.

Dudley's gaze met his. "He said he's taking her to where his problems started."

Harry nodded and turned to leave. Dudley grabbed his shirt, stopping him. When Harry looked down, Dudley's warm brown eyes were gone, replaced by a hard, icy glare.

"Harry," Dudley said, his voice steady, "when you find him... you kill that son of a bitch."

Harry's jaw tightened. He didn't care about consequences. Dumbledore would pay.

Turning to the door, Harry stopped Draco. "No, Draco. You're my soulmate and my boyfriend. I don't want you hurt. Stay here. Look after Dudley. He needs someone with him."

Draco sighed but nodded. Harry kissed him on the cheek before sprinting toward the location he hoped would lead him to his mother.

"For a room with nothing in it, they sure kept security tight," Harry muttered, reaching the final door.

Before he could touch the knob, it swung open. Cautiously, he stepped inside.

There she was, unconscious in the center of the room. Petunia. Her skin pale, bruises scattered across her arms, and her nails bloodied. She had clearly fought fiercely. Rage and fear surged through Harry.

"Mom! Mom! Petunia!" he yelled, shaking her gently.

"She won't wake up," a calm voice said behind him.