Chapter 17 Cat, Rat, and Dog

kindles mind had gone blank with shock. The three of them stood transfixed with horror under the Invisibility Cloak. The really last rays of the setting sunbathe were casting a bloody light over the long- bunsed grounds. Then, behind them, they comprehend a wild howling.Hagrid, kindle muttered. Without thinking around what he was doing, he make to turn choke, notwith defending both Ron and Hermione seized his arms.We cant, verbalise Ron, who was paper-white. Hell be in worse trouble if they hunch over weve been to see him.Hermiones breathing was sh in allow and uneven.How could they? she choked. How could they?Come on, say Ron, whose odontiasis seemed to be chattering.They set off back toward the castle, walking slowly to keep themselves hidden under the cloak. The light was fading fast now.By the m they reached blossom ground, puritanicalness was settling like a spell around them.Scabbers, keep still, Ron hissed, clamping his go on over his chest. The rat was wrig gling madly. Ron came to a sudden halt, hard to index Scabbers deeper into his pocket. Whats the matter with you, You stupid rat? Stay still OUCH He bit meRon, be quiet Hermione whisper urgently. Fudgell be out here in a minute He wont stay put Scabbers was plainly terrified. He was writhing with all his strength, severe to break free of Rons grip.Whats the matter with him? yet get to had dependable seen stinking toward them, his body low to the ground, roomy yellow look glinting eerily in the darkness Crookshanks. Whether he could see them or was following the good for you(p) of Scabberss squeaks, arouse couldnt tell.Crookshanks Hermione moaned. No, go off, Crookshanks Go a modeBut the reproduce was getting devouter Scabbers NOToo late the rat had slipped among Rons clutching fingers, hit the ground, and scampered away. In one bound, Crookshanks sprang after him, and before devastate or Hermione could stop him, Ron had thrown the Invisibility Cloak off himself and pelted away into the darkness.Ron Hermione moaned.She and vex looked at each other, wherefore followed at a sprint it was impossible to run full out under the cloak they pulled it off and it streamed behind them like a banner as they hurtled after Ron they could hear his feet thundering along ahead and his shouts at Crookshanks.Get away from him get away Scabbers, come here There was a insolent thud.Gotcha Get off, you stinking cat Harry and Hermione almost fell over Ron they skidded to a stop right in front of him. He was sprawled on the ground, but Scabbers was back in his pocket he had both hands held tight over the quivering lump.Ron come on back under the cloak Hermione panted. Dumbledore the diplomatic minister theyll be coming back out in a minute But before they could cover themselves again, before they could even catch their breath, they heard the meek pounding of gigantic paws. Something was bounding toward them, quiet as a shadow an enormous, pale-eyed, j et-black dog.Harry reached for his sceptre, but too late the dog had made an enormous form and the front paws hit him on the chest he keeled over backward in a whirl of hair he felt its longing breath, saying inch-long teeth But the force of its leap had carried it too far it rolled off him. Dazed, feeling as though his ribs were broken, Harry tried to stand up he could hear it growling as it skidded around for a new attack.Ron was on his feet. As the dog sprang back toward them he pushed Harry parenthesis the dogs jaws fastened instead around Rons outstretched arm. Harry lunged forward, he seized a handful of the brutes hair, but it was pull Ron away as easily as though he were a rag doll Then, out of nowhere, something hit Harry so hard across the face he was knocked off his feet again. He heard Hermione shriek with pain and fall too.Harry groped for his wand, blinking blood out of his eyesLumos he whispered.The wandlight showed him the trunk of a thick tree they had chase d Scabbers into the shadow of the Whomping Willow and its branches were creaking as though in a high wind, whipping backward and forward to stop them going nearer.And there, at the base of the trunk, was the dog, dragging Ron backward into a large gap in the roots Ron was fighting furiously, but his head and torso were slipping out of sight Ron Harry shouted, trying to follow, but a heavy branch whipped lethally through the air and he was forced backward again.All they could see now was one of Rons legs, which he had pendent around a root in an causal agent to stop the dog from pulling him farther underground but a horrible crack bear the air like a gunshot Rons leg had broken, and a moment later, his foot vanished from sight.Harry weve got to go for help Hermione gasped she was bleeding too the Willow had trim her across the shoulder.No That things big enough to eat him we arousent got time Harry were never going to get through without help Another branch whipped set de vour at them, twigs clenched like knuckles.If that dog can get in, we can, Harry panted, darting here and there, trying to find a way through the vicious, swishing branches, but he couldnt get an inch nearer to the tree roots without being in range of the trees blows.Oh, help, help, Hermione whispered frantically, dancing un surely on the spot, PleaseCrookshanks darted forward. He slithered between the battering branches like a snake and placed his front paws upon a knot on the trunk.Abruptly, as though the tree had been turned to marble, it stopped moving. not a leaf twitched or shook.Crookshanks Hermione whispered uncertainly. She now grasped Harrys arm painfully hard. How did he know ?Hes friends with that dog, express Harry grimly. Ive seen them together. Come on and keep your wand out They covered the distance to the trunk in seconds, but before they had reached the gap in the roots, Crookshanks had slid into it with a flick of his bottlebrush tail. Harry went next he crawled forward, headfirst, and slid down an earthy slope to the bottom of a very low tunnel. Crookshanks was a little way along, his eyes flashing in the light from Harrys wand. Seconds later, Hermione slithered down beside him.Wheres Ron? she whispered in a terrified section.This way, say Harry, setting off, hang-backed, after Crookshanks.Where does this tunnel come out? Hermione asked breathlessly from behind him.I dont knowIts marked on the Marauders Map but Fred and George said no ones ever gotten into itIt goes off the edge of the map, but it looked like it was heading for HogsmeadeThey moved as fast as they could, bent almost double ahead of them, Crookshankss tail bobbed in and out of view. On and on went the passage it felt at least as long as the one to Honeydukes All Harry could think of was Ron and what the enormous dog might be doing to himHe was drawing breath in sharp, painful gasps, running at a crouch.And thus the tunnel began to rise moments later it twisted, and Croo kshanks had gone. Ahead Harry could see a patch of dim light through a small opening.He and Hermione paused, gasping for breath, edging forward. Both raised their wands to see what lay beyond.It was a room, a very disordered, ashesy room. Paper was peeling from the walls there were stains all over the history every piece of furniture was broken as though somebody had smashed it. The windows were all boarded up.Harry glanced at Hermione, who looked very panic-struck but nodded.Harry pulled himself out of the hole, staring around. The room was deserted, but a door to their right stood open, leading to a shadowy hallway. Hermione suddenly grabbed Harrys arm again. Her widely eyes were traveling around the boarded windows.Harry, she whispered, I think were in the Shrieking Shack.Harry looked around. His eyes fell on a wooden chair near them. Large chunks had been torn out of it one of the legs had been ripped off entirely.Ghosts didnt do that, he said slowly.At that moment, there wa s a creak overhead. Something had moved upstairs. Both of them looked up at the ceiling. Hermiones grip on Harrys arm was so tight he was losing feeling in his fingers. He raised his eyebrows at her she nodded again and let go. quiet as they could, they crept out into the hall and up the crumbling staircase. Everything was covered in a thick layer of dust except the floor, where a wide shiny bar had been made by something being dragged upstairs.They reached the dark landing.Nox, they whispered together, and the lights at the end of their wands went out. Only one door was open. As they crept toward it, they heard movement from behind it a low moan, and then a deep, loud purring. They exchanged a last look, a last nod.Wand held tightly before him, Harry kicked the door wide open.On a magnificent four-poster bed with dusty hangings lay Crookshanks, purring loudly at the sight of them. On the floor beside him, clutching his leg, which stuck out at a impertinent angle, was Ron.Harry an d Hermione dashed across to him.Ron are you okay?Wheres the dog?Not a dog, Ron moaned. His teeth were gritted with pain. Harry, its a trap What Hes the doghes an Animagus.Ron was staring over Harrys shoulder. Harry wheeled around. With a snap, the man in the shadows blottod the door behind them.A mass of filthy, matted hair hung to his elbows. If eyes hadnt been shining out of the deep, dark sockets, he might have been a corpse. The waxy skin was stretched so tightly over the bones of his face, it looked like a skull. His yellow teeth were bared in a grin. It was Sirius dismal.Expelliarmus he croaked, pointing Rons wand at them.Harrys and Hermiones wands shot out of their hands, high in the air, and gloomy caught them. Then he took a step closer. His eyes were fixed on Harry.I thought youd come and help your friend, he said hoarsely.His fathom sounded as though he had long since lost the tog of using it. Your father would have done the same for me. Brave of you not to run for a teacher. Im gratefulit will make everything much easier.The taunt about his father rang in Harrys ears as though glum had bellowed it. A boiling hate erupted in Harrys chest, leaving no place for fear. For the first time in his life, he wanted his wand back in his hand, not to defend himself, but to attackto putting to death. Without knowing what he was doing, he started forward, but there was a sudden movement on either side of him and cardinal pairs of hands grabbed him and held him back No, Harry Hermione gasped in a petrified whisper Ron, however, spoke to corrosive.If you want to kill Harry, youll have to kill us too he said fiercely, though the effort of standing upright was draining him of still more(prenominal)(prenominal) color, and he swayed slightly as he spoke.Something flickered in Blacks shadowed eyes.Lie down, he said quietly to Ron. You will damage that leg even more.Did you hear me? Ron said weakly, though he was clinging painfully to Harry to stay upright. Y oull have to kill all three of usTherell be only one murder here tonight, said Black, and his grin widened.Whys that? Harry spat, trying to wrench himself free of Ron, and Hermione. Didnt care last time, did you? Didnt mind slaughtering all those Muggles to get at PettigrewWhats the matter, gone fluffy in Azkaban?Harry Hermione whimpered. Be quietHE KILLED MY MUM AND DAD Harry roared, and with a huge effort he broke free of Hermiones and Rons restraint and lunged forward He had forgotten about magic he had forgotten that he was short and skinny and thirteen, whereas Black was a tall, full-grown man all Harry knew was that he wanted to hurt Black as badly as he could and that he didnt care how much he got hurt in return per happen it was the shock of Harry doing something so stupid, but Black didnt raise the wands in time one of Harrys hands fastened over his wasted wrist, forcing the wand tips away the knuckles of Harrys other hand collided with the side of Blacks head and they fell, backward, into the wall Hermione was screaming Ron was yelling there was a blinding flash as the wands in Blacks hand sent a jet of sparks into the air that missed Harrys face by inches Harry felt the shrunken arm under his fingers twisting madly, but he clung on, his other hand punching every part of Black it could find.But Blacks free hand had found Harrys throatNo, he hissed, Ive waited too long The fingers tightened, Harry choked, his spectacles askew.Then he saw Hermiones foot swing out of nowhere. Black let go of Harry with a grunt of pain Ron had thrown himself on Blacks wand hand and Harry heard a faint clatter He fought free of the tangle of bodies and saw his own wand rolling across the floor he threw himself toward it butArghCrookshanks had joined the fray both sets of front claws had sunk themselves deep into Harrys arm Harry threw him off, but Crookshanks now darted toward Harrys wand NO YOU DONT roared Harry, and he aimed a kick at Crookshanks that made the cat leap aside, spitting Harry snatched up his wand and turned Get out of the way he shouted at Ron and Hermione.They didnt need telling twice. Hermione, gasping for breath, her lip bleeding, scrambled aside, snatching up her and Rons wands. Ron crawled to the four-poster and collapsed onto it, panting, his white face now tinged with green, both hands clutching his broken leg.Black was sprawled at the bottom of the wall. His thin chest rose and fell rapidly as he watched Harry walking slowly nearer, his wand pointing straight at Blacks heart.Going to kill me, Harry? he whispered.Harry stopped right above him, his wand still pointing at Blacks chest, looking down at him. A livid bruise was rising around Blacks left eye and his nose was bleeding.You killed my parents, said Harry, his voice shaking slightly, but his wand hand quite steady.Black stared up at him out of those sunken eyes.I dont deny it, he said very quietly. But if you knew the whole story.The whole story? Harry repeated, a furious pounding in his ears. You sold them to Voldemort. Thats all I need to know.Youve got to listen to me, Black said, and there was a note of urgency in his voice now. Youll regret it if you dontYou dont understand.I understand a lot better than you think, said Harry, and his voice shook more than ever. You never heard her, did you? My mumtrying to stop Voldemort killing meand you did thatyou did it.Before either of them could say another word, something ginger streaked past Harry Crookshanks leapt onto Blacks chest and settled himself there, right over Blacks heart. Black blinked and looked down at the cat.Get off, he murmured, trying to push Crookshanks off him.But Crookshanks sank his claws into Blacks robes and wouldnt shift. He turned his ugly, squashed face to Harry and looked up at him with those great yellow eyes. To his right, Hermione gave a dry sob.Harry stared down at Black and Crookshanks, his grip tightening on the wand. So what if he had to kill the cat too? It wa s in league with BlackIf it was prepared to die, trying to protect Black, that wasnt Harrys business If Black wanted to save it, that only proved he cared more for Crookshanks than for Harrys parents.Harry raised the wand. Now was the moment to do it. Now was the moment to avenge his mother and father. He was going to kill Black. He had to kill Black. This was his chance.The seconds lengthened. And still Harry stood frozen there, wand poised, Black staring up at him, Crookshanks on his chest. Rons ragged breathing came from near the bed Hermione was quite silent.And then came a new sound Muffled footsteps were echoing up through the floor someone was moving downstairs.WERE UP HERE Hermione screamed suddenly. WERE UP HERE SIRIUS opprobrious QUICKBlack made a startled movement that almost dislodged Crookshanks Harry gripped his wand convulsively Do it now said a voice in his head but the footsteps were thundering up the stairs and Harry still hadnt done it.The door of the room b urst open in a shower of red sparks and Harry wheeled around as Professor Lupin came hurtling into the room, his face bloodless, his wand raised and ready. His eyes flickered over Ron, lying on the floor, over Hermione, cowering next to the door, to Harry, standing there with his wand covering Black, and then to Black himself, crumpled and bleeding at Harrys feet.Expelliarmus Lupin shouted.Harrys wand flew once more out of his hand so did the two Hermione was holding. Lupin caught them all deftly, then moved into the room, staring at Black, who still had Crookshanks lying protectively across his chest.Harry stood there, feeling suddenly empty. He hadnt done it. His nerve had failed him. Black was going to be handed back to the Dementors.Then Lupin spoke, in a very tense voice.Where is he, Sirius?Harry looked quickly at Lupin. He didnt understand what Lupin meant. Who was Lupin talking about? He turned to look at Black again.Blacks face was quite expressionless. For a few seconds, he didnt move at all. Then, very slowly, he raised his empty hand and pointed straight at Ron. Mystified, Harry glanced around at Ron, who looked bewildered.But then Lupin muttered, staring at Black so intently it seemed he was trying to read his mind, why hasnt he shown himself before now? Unless Lupins eyes suddenly widened, as though he was seeing something beyond Black, something none of the rest could see, unless he was the oneunless you switched without telling me? precise slowly, his sunken gaze never leaving Lupins face, Black nodded.Professor, Harry interrupted loudly, whats going on ?But he never finished the question, because what he saw made his voice die in his throat. Lupin was lowering his wand, gazing fixed at Black. The Professor walked to Blacks side, seized his hand, pulled him to his feet so that Crookshanks fell to the floor, and embraced Black like a brother.Harry felt as though the bottom had dropped out of his stomach.I DONT BELIEVE IT Hermione screamed.Lupin let go of Black and turned to her. She had raised herself off the floor and was pointing at Lupin, wild-eyed. You you Hermione ?C you and himHermione, calm down I didnt tell anyone Hermione shrieked. Ive been covering up for you Hermione, listen to me, please Lupin shouted. I can explain Harry could feel himself shaking, not with fear, but with a fresh wave of fury.I trusted you, he shouted at Lupin, his voice wavering, out of control, and all the time youve been his friendYoure wrong, said Lupin. I havent been Siriuss friend, but I am now Let me explain.NO Hermione screamed. Harry, dont trust him, hes been dowry Black get into the castle, he wants you dead too hes a werewolfThere was a ringing silence. Everyones eyes were now on Lupin, who looked remarkably calm, though rather pale.Not at all up to your usual standard, Hermione, he said. Only one out of three, Im afraid. I have not been helping Sirius get into the castle and I certainly dont want Harry dead. An odd shiver pass ed over his face. But I wont deny that I am a werewolf.Ron made a valiant effort to get up again but fell back with a whimper of pain. Lupin made toward him, looking concerned, but Ron gasped, Get away from me, werewolfLupin stopped dead. Then, with an obvious effort, he turned to Hermione and said, How long have you known?Ages, Hermione whispered. Since I did Professor Snapes essayHell be delighted, said Lupin coolly. He assigned that essay hoping someone would realize what my symptoms meant Did you check the lunar chart and realize that I was always ill at the full moon? Or did you realize that the Boggart changed into the moon when it saw me?Both, Hermione said quietly.Lupin forced a laugh.Youre the cleverest witch of your age Ive ever met, Hermione.Im not, Hermione whispered. If Id been a bit cleverer, Id have told everyone what you areBut they already know, said Lupin. At least, the staff do.Dumbledore hired you when he knew you were a werewolf, Ron gasped. Is he mad?Some of th e staff thought so, said Lupin. He had to ready very hard to convince certain teachers that Im trustworthy AND HE WAS WRONG Harry yelled. YOUVE BEEN HELPING HIM ALL THE TIME He was pointing at Black, who suddenly track to the four-poster bed and sank onto it, his face hidden in one shaking hand. Crookshanks leapt up beside him and stepped onto his lap, purring. Ron edged away from both of them, dragging his leg.I have not been helping Sirius, said Lupin. If youll give me a chance, Ill explain. Look He separated Harrys, Rons and Hermiones wands and threw each back to its owner Harry caught his, stunned.There, said Lupin, sticking his own wand back into his belt Youre armed, were not. Now will you listen?Harry didnt know what to think. Was it a trick?If you havent been helping him, he said, with a furious glance at Black, how did you know he was here?The map, said Lupin. The Marauders Map. I was in my office examining it You know how to work it? Harry said suspiciously.Of course I k now how to work it, said Lupin, waving his hand impatiently. I helped write it. Im Moony that was my friends nickname for me at school.You wrote ?The important thing is, I was watching it carefully this evening, because I had an idea that you, Ron, and Hermione might try and sneak out of the castle to visit Hagrid before his Hippogriff was executed. And I was right, wasnt I?He had started to pace up and down, looking at them. Little patches of dust rose at his feet.You might have been wearing your fathers old cloak, HarryHow dyou know about the cloak?The number of times I saw mob disappearing under it said Lupin, waving an impatient hand again. The point is, even if youre wearing an Invisibility Cloak, you still show up on the Marauders Map. I watched you cross the grounds and enter Hagrids hut. Twenty minutes later, you left Hagrid, and set off back toward the castle. But you were now accompanied by somebody else.What? said Harry. No, we werentI couldnt believe my eyes, said Lupi n, still pacing, and ignoring Harrys interruption. I thought the map must be malfunctioning. How could he be with you?No one was with us said Harry.And then I saw another dot, moving fast toward you, labeled Sirius BlackI saw him collide with you I watched as he pulled two of you into the Whomping Willow One of us Ron said angrily.No, Ron, said Lupin. Two of you.He had stopped his pacing, his eyes moving over Ron.Do you think I could have a look at the rat? he said evenly.What? said Ron. Whats Scabbers got to do with it?Everything, said Lupin. Could I see him, please?Ron hesitated, then put a hand inside his robes. Scabbers emerged, thrashing desperately Ron had to seize his long bald tail to stop him escaping. Crookshanks stood up on Blacks leg and made a soft hissing noise.Lupin moved closer to Ron. He seemed to be holding his breath as he gazed intently at Scabbers.What? Ron said again, holding Scabbers close to him, looking scared. Whats my rat got to do with anything?Thats not a rat, croaked Sirius Black suddenly.What dyou mean of course hes a rat No, hes not, said Lupin quietly. Hes a wizard.An Animagus, said Black, by the name of Peter Pettigrew.