Dumbledore was absent the next day too. Harry and Ron were worried, but Hermione maintained it was for the best.

"Travelling through time is risky, Harry," said she. "We should be glad the opportunity is being removed."

"If we hadn't been able to time-travel, we would not have been able to save Sirius," Harry reminded her, ignoring the pang he felt whenever he thought of Sirius. Perhaps they could change what happened to him too. They had to convince Dumbledore that this was a risk worth taking.

"That is true," conceded Hermione. "But we did not travel very far back, and even then came close to being seen by our other selves several times. Merope is talking about travelling almost fifty years. The ramifications of any change that far back is mind-boggling."

"Give it a rest, Hermione," said Ron. "I'm with Harry. Whatever the consequences, they ought to be better than the alternative."

"Even if I agree with you, there is nothing we can do, Ron. Dumbledore is not here and Merope would stop coming once her allotted week is over."

"I know," muttered Harry. He was feeling frustrated. Where was Dumbledore? Why had he turned down Merope without even talking to her in detail?

"Harry," whispered Ron as they were going to the charms class room. "I've an idea. But don't tell Hermione or we'll never hear the end of it."

Chance for hearing what Ron's idea was lost as they reached the classroom.

Harry was focussed on his lessons. But he surreptitiously kept looking at the time. He hoped Professor Flitwick would not ask him anything. Hermione was darting worried glances at him.

On their way to the next class, Ron whispered to him, "You know she said she'll give the location to Dumbledore's deputy? Well, why don't you pretend to be that deputy? I mean, Dumbledore trusts you. And once we get the location, we can tell Dumbledore and let him decide."

Harry opened his mouth to object, and then closed it again. What Ron said actually made sense. But he knew Hermione would never agree if she knew. Ron was right. It was better to keep this from Hermione at the moment. They could tell her later, once Merope had told them the location of the time travelling device and departed.

"So, tonight then?" He whispered to Ron.

"Yes, and you better be alone when she comes. I'll hide under the cloak."

Harry nodded. He was eager for the classes to end so they could return to Gryffindor tower.