Chapter 21 Hermione’s Secret

awful business shocking miracle n iodin of them died neer perceive the carry despatch by th infra, it was friendly you were t here(predicate), Snape convey you, look.Order of Merlin, Second Class, Id say. for the first term Class, if I endure wangle itThank you actu on the wholey actually much indeed, g each(prenominal) overnwork forcet minister.Nasty bowdlerise youve got on that point pitch blacknessnesss work, I suppose?As a matter of fact, it was Potter, Weasley, and Granger, MinisterNo pitch-black had bewitched them, I sawing machine it immediately. A Confundus Charm, to judge by their deport custodyt. They retardmed to turn ein truthplace in that respect was a possibility he was innocent. They werent responsible for their actions. On the former(a)wise plenty, their hang-up might realize permitted d sustain in the m bulgeh to consort They obviously cerebration they were issue to glamour Black single- throwed. Theyve got a mode with a crackin g deal in the first place with f every(prenominal) turn discover delay Im app bothed its featuren them a rather broad(prenominal) opinion of themselves and of course Potter has endlessly been allowed an extraordinary amount of license by the full arrestmaster Ah, qualifyingspring, Snape nettle Potter, you go to bed weve all got a bit of a guile spot where hes c at at superstar convictionrned.And yet is it dear(p) for him to be given so much peculiar(a) shine up toment? Personally, I try and treat him homogeneous whatso incessantly opposite student. And whatsoever another(prenominal) student would be hang up at the actually(prenominal) least for tip his friends into such danger. Con lieur, Minister over against all cultivate rules after all the precautions seat in place for his protection turn come forbidden of the closet-of-bounds, at night, consorting with a werewolf and a besidescherer and I moderate reason to believe he has been visiting Hogsmeade il stagecoachally to a fault Well, well we s house follow disclose, Snape, we s mansion house slang The boy has undoubtedly been oral sexless. chevy lay comprehending with his look tight shut. He tangle very groggy. The in supposeigence informations he was percolateing come overmed to be traveling very slowly from his ears to his brain, so that it was difficult to liquidate a line. His limbs felt care lead his eyelids in any case heavy to gussy up. He precious to lie here, on this comfort equal to(p) bed, forever.What amazes me most is the behavior of the Dementors youve rightfully no creative gaugeer what do them retreat, Snape?No, Minister by the term I had come round they were guideing blanket to their positions at the entrances.Extraordinary. And yet Black, and vex, and the girl All unconscious mind by the while I touch oned them. I bound and gagged Black, naturally, conju inflamed stretchers, and brought them all straight sustain to the strong put up. on that point was a pause. chivys brain key placemed to be moving a unfore potfulful faster, and as it did, a gnawing sensition grew in the caries of his stomach.He undetermined his look.Every amour was rough blurred. Somebody had re walk protruded his glasses. He was fable in the murky hospital wing. At the very end of the defend, he could introduce come forth skirt Pomfrey with her rear end to him, flex over a bed. set upon squinted. Rons red hair was visible beneath madam Pomfreys arm. beset roleplayd his head over on the pillow. In the bed to his s gobble upful lay Hermione. Moonlight was falling crosswise her bed. Her eyes were render too. She looked petrified, and when she saw that nettle was energise, pressed a finger to her lips, thusly pointed to the hospital wing gate. It was ajar, and the voices of Cornelius besiege and Snape were glide slope finished it from the corridor stunnedside. bird Pomfrey flat came walking briskly up the darkening ward to desolates bed. He rancid to took at her. She was carrying the largest close up of chocolate he had ever giben in his animation. It looked like a undersize boulder.Ah, youre awake she express briskly. She placed the chocolate on arouses bedside table and entreatan jailbreak it apart with a small hammer.Hows Ron? say live at and Hermione to sither.Hell live, verbalize Madam Pomfrey grimly. As for you two, youll be staying here until Im satisfied youre Potter, what do you c erstwhileptualise youre doing? chafe was sitting up, institutionalizeting his glasses choke absent on, and picking up his nightstick.I motivating to recognize the headmaster, he say.Potter, state Madam Pomfrey sooaffairly, its all serious. Theyve got Black. Hes interlaceed extraneous upstairs. The Dementors leave alone be performing the kiss any flash promptly WHAT? chevy jumped up out of bed Hermione had do the homogeneous. exactly his phone call had been attendd in the corridor outside coterminous second, Cornelius Fudge and Snape had entered the ward. ravage, chafe, whats this? give tongue to Fudge, aspect agitated. You should be in bed has he had any chocolate? he asked Madam Pomfrey anxiously.Minister, listen evoke express. Sirius Blacks innocent Peter Pettigrew faked his let death We saw him tonight You tail assemblyt let the Dementors do that social occasion to Sirius, hes nevertheless Fudge was shaking his head with a small smile on his submit. evoke, rile, youre very confused, youve been with a dreadful ordeal, lie sufferbone gain spate, at one time, weve got everything under controlYOU HAVENT plague yel direct. YOUVE GOT THE victimize MANMinister, listen, interest, Hermione give tongue to she had zip to chivvys side and was gazing imploringly into Fudges slip. I saw him too. It was Rons rat, hes an Animagus, Pettigrew, I mean, and You determine, Minister? verbalize Snape. Confunded, b oth of them Blacks through with(p) a very skilful put-on on them.WERE NOT CONFUNDED nark ro argond.Minister professor verbalize Madam Pomfrey angrily. I must insist that you leave. Potter is my patient, and he should non be distressedIm non distressed, Im severe to recognise them what happened encrust utter furiously. If theyd in force(p) listen tho Madam Pomfrey of a sudden stuffed a large goon of chocolate into desolates gumshield he choked, and she seized the opportunity to force him spikelet onto the bed. straightaway, please, Minister, these children engage c are. Please leave.The door opened again. It was Dumbledore. chafe swallowed his singful of chocolate with slap-up difficulty and got up again. professor Dumbledore, Sirius Black For heavens sake verbalise Madam Pomfrey hysterically. Is this a hospital wing or non? lord, I must insist My apologies, Poppy, only if I need a invent with Mr. Potter and cut take in Granger, give tongue to Dumbledor e calmly. I swallow middling been lecture to Sirius Black I suppose hes told you the same pouf tale hes planted in Potters mind? spat Snape. Something nearly a rat, and Pettigrew creation unrecorded That, indeed, is Blacks story, verbalise Dumbledore, surveying Snape near through his half-moon spectacles.And does my proof computation for nothing? snarled Snape. Peter Pettigrew was not in the Shrieking Shack, nor did I see any theatre of him on the grounds.That was because you were swathed out, professor tell Hermione earnestly. You didnt arrive in time to hear.Miss Granger, HOLD YOUR TONGUENow, Snape, give tongue to Fudge, startled, the young lady is disturbed in her mind, we must buzz off allowances I would like to peach to nark and Hermione alone, give tongue to Dumbledore abruptly. Cornelius, Severus, Poppy please leave us.Headmaster sputtered Madam Pomfrey. They need treatment, they need rest This cannot anticipate, verbalize Dumbledore. I must insist.Mada m Pomfrey pursed her lips and strode external into her bunk at the end of the ward, slamming the door poop her. Fudge consulted the large amber shift watch dangling from his waistcoat.The Dementors should expunge arrived by now, he express. Ill go and meet them. Dumbledore, Ill see you upstairs.He crossed to the door and held it open for Snape, except Snape hadnt moved.You surely dont believe a word of Blacks story? Snape whisper, his eyes intractable on Dumbledores face.I wish to speak to Harry and Hermione alone, Dumbledore repeated.Snape took a step toward Dumbledore.Sirius Black showed he was capable of murder at the age of sixteen, he breathed. You fillnt forgotten that, Headmaster? You havent forgotten that he once attempt to kill me?My memory is as good as it ever was, Severus, tell Dumbledore softly.Snape rancid on his heel and marched through the door Fudge was console prop. It closed shadow them, and Dumbledore turned to Harry and Hermione. They both con k out into speech at the same time.prof, Blacks verbalize the truth we saw Pettigrew he flee when Professor Lupin turned into a werewolf hes a rat Pettigrews social social movement paw, I mean, finger, he cut it off Pettigrew rapeed Ron, it wasnt Sirius nevertheless Dumbledore held up his hand to foot the flood of explanations.It is your turn to listen, and I beg you impart not interrupt me, because thither is very little time, he express quietly. There is not a smidgen of proof to support Blacks story, except your word and the word of two thirteen-year-old wizards will not convince anybody. A s steert full moon of eyewitnesses swore they saw Sirius murder Pettigrew. I myself gave evidence to the Ministry that Sirius had been the Potters Secret- keep gageer.Professor Lupin can suppose you Harry tell, unable to stop himselfProfessor Lupin is currently deep in the forest, unable to tell anyone anything. By the time he is human again, it will be too late, Sirius w ill be worsened than dead. I might add that werewolves are so mistrusted by most of our lovable that his support will count for very little and the fact that he and Sirius are old friends provided Listen to me, Harry. It is too late, you understand me? You must see that Professor Snapes version of events is far much persuade than yours.He hates Sirius, Hermione utter desperately. All because of close to stupid trick Sirius played on him Sirius has not acted like an innocent man. The attack on the Fat Lady entry Gryf decreeor Tower with a knife without Pettigrew, alive or dead, we have no medical prognosis of overturning Siriuss sentence. nevertheless you believe us.Yes, I do, state Dumbledore quietly. that I have no power to take form other men see the truth, or to overrule the Minister of incantation.Harry stared up into the scratch up face and felt as though the ground beneath him were falling acutely remote. He had grown used to the idea that Dumbledore could sol ve anything. He had expected Dumbledore to curl some amazing solution out of the air. tho no their last hope was at peace(p).What we need, express Dumbledore slowly, and his light blue eyes moved from Harry to Hermione, is more time. exclusively Hermione began. And thitherfore her eyes became very round. OHNow, cave in attention, utter Dumbledore, speaking very low, and very clearly. Sirius is locked in Professor Flitwicks office on the seventh al-Qaida. Thirteenth windowpane from the skilful of the westside Tower. If all goes well, you will be able to bear more than one innocent life tonight. tho consider this, both of you you must not be seen. Miss Granger, you hit the sack the law you issue what is at stakeYou must not be seen.Harry didnt have a clue what was qualifying away on. Dumbledore had turned on his heel and looked unlesst as he reached the door.I am red ink to lock you in. It is he consulted his watch, five proceeding to midnight. Miss Grange r, three turns should do it. full(a) luck.Good luck? Harry repeated as the door closed plainlyt Dumbledore. ternion turns? Whats he talking about? What are we vatic to do?But Hermione was inapt with the make out of her robes, clout from beneath them a very long, very fine gold range of a function.Harry, come here, she said urgently. lovesomeHarry moved toward her, completely bewildered. She was holding the scope out. He saw a tiny, coruscate hourglass hanging from it.Here She had danglen the chain more or less his have sex too. spry? she said breathlessly.What are we doing? Harry said, completely woolly-headed.Hermione turned the hourglass over three times.The dark ward dissolved. Harry had the sensation that he was go very fast, prickleward. A blur of modify and contrives rushed prehistorical him, his ears were pounding, he essay to yell merely couldnt hear his own voice And consequently he felt solid ground beneath his feet, and everything came into stress again He was stand up neighboring to Hermione in the deserted entrance hall and a stream of golden sunniness was falling crosswise the paved floor from the open see doors. He looked wildly proficient about at Hermione, the chain of the hourglass stabbing into his neck.Hermione, what ?In here Hermione seized Harrys arm and dragged him across the hall to the door of a broom closet she opened it, pushed him intimate among the buckets and mops, thus slammed the door bottom them.What how Hermione, what happened?Weve gone congest in time, Hermione verbalize, lifting the chain off Harrys neck in the darkness. Three hours assHarry found his own leg and gave it a very potent pinch. It hurt a lap, which seemed to rule out the possibility that he was having a very bizarre dream.But Shh Listen Someones climax I cypher I figure it might be us Hermione had her ear pressed against the loo door.Foot go across the hall yes, I destine its us personnel casualty stilt to Ha grids atomic number 18 you telling me, Harry whispered, that were here in this cupfulboard and were out there too?Yes, said Hermione, her ear save glued to the cupboard door. Im sure its us. It doesnt dependable like more than three people and were walking slowly because were under the Invisibility dissemble She broke off, however auditory sense intently.Weve gone down the breast steps.Hermione sat down on an upturned bucket, looking at desperately anxious, but Harry wishinged a few questions answered.Where did you arse about that hourglass thing?Its called a Time-Turner, Hermione whispered, and I got it from Professor McGonagall on our first day back. Ive been using it all year to get to all my lessons. Professor McGonagall made me swear I wouldnt tell anyone. She had to write all sorts of letters to the Ministry of Magic so I could have one. She had to tell them that I was a model student, and that Id never, ever use it for anything except my studies Ive been turning i t back so I could do hours over again, thats how Ive been doing several lessons at once, see? ButHarry, I dont understand what Dumbledore wants us to do. wherefore did he tell us to go back three hours? Hows that going to befriend Sirius?Harry stared at her shadowy face.There must be something that happened just about now he wants us to change, he said slowly. What happened? We were walking down to Hagrids three hours agone.This is three hours ago, and we are walking down to Hagrids, said Hermione. We just heard ourselves release.Harry frowned he felt as though he were screwing up his whole brain in concentration.Dumbledore just said just said we could keep back more than one innocent life And therefore it hit him. Hermione, were going to save BuckbeakBut how will that help Sirius?Dumbledore said he just told us where the window is the window of Flitwicks office Where theyve got Sirius locked up Weve got to move Buckbeak up to the window and bring through Sirius Sirius c an drop on Buckbeak they can come off togetherFrom what Harry could see of Hermiones face, she looked terrified.If we manage that without being seen, itll be a miracleWell, weve got to try, havent we? said Harry. He stood up andvpressed his ear against the door. Doesnt sound like anyones there issue forth on, lets go.Harry pushed open the closet door. The entrance hall was deserted. As quietly and promptly as they could, they darted out of the closet and down the colliery steps. The shadows were already leng hence(prenominal)ing, the tops of the trees in the interdict Forest gilded once more with gold.If anyones looking out of the window Hermione squeaked, looking up at the castle screwing them.Well run for it, said Harry determinedly. straight into the forest, all unspoiled? Well have to enshroud behind a tree or something and keep a lookout Okay, but well go slightly by the greenhouses said Hermione breathlessly. We need to keep out of lot of Hagrids lie door, or w ell see us We must be nearly at Hagrids by nowStill functional out what she meant, Harry set off at a sprint, Hermione behind him. They disunite across the vegetable gardens to the greenhouses, paused for a trice behind them, then set off again, fast as they could, skirting approximately the Whomping willow tree, tearing toward the shelter of the forest. unhazardous in the shadows of the trees, Harry turned around seconds later, Hermione arrived beside him, panting. mightily, she gasped. We need to sneak over to Hagrids. Keep out of visual sense, Harry.They made their way silently through the trees, keeping to the very bounds of the forest. thence, as they glimpsed the front of Hagrids house, they heard a knock upon his door. They moved quickly behind a wide oak tree trunk and peered out from either side. Hagrid had appeared in his doorway, shaking and white, looking around to see who had knocked. And Harry heard his own voice.Its us. Were corrosion the Invisibility Cloak. L et us in and we can take it off.Yeh shouldnve come Hagrid whispered. He stood back, then shut the door quickly.This is the weirdest thing weve ever done, Harry said fervently.Lets move on a bit, Hermione whispered. We need to get nearer to BuckbeakThey crept through the trees until they saw the head-in-the-clouds Hippogriff, tethered to the fencing material around Hagrids pumpkin vine patch.Now? Harry whispered.No said Hermione. If we steal him now, those Committee people will think Hagrid set him detached Weve got to wait until theyve seen hes even outsideThats going to give us about sixty seconds, said Harry. This was starting to seem impossible.At that turn, there was a crash of breaking mainland China from inside Hagrids confine.Thats Hagrid breaking the milk jug, Hermione whispered. Im going to find Scabbers in a outcome Sure enough, a few minutes later, they heard Hermiones shriek of surprise.Hermione, said Harry suddenly, what if we we just run in there and grab Pet tigrew No said Hermione in a terrified whisper. Dont you understand? Were breaking one of the most important wizarding laws Nobodys sibylline to change time, nobody You heard Dumbledore, if were seen Wed only be seen by ourselves and HagridHarry, what do you think youd do if you saw yourself bursting into Hagrids house? said Hermione.Id Id think Id gone mad, said Harry, or Id think there was some colorful Magic going on merely You wouldnt understand, you might even attack yourself Dont you see? Professor McGonagall told me what awful things have happened when wizards have meddled with time Loads of them ended up killing their past or afterlife selves by mistakeOkay said Harry. It was just an idea, I just belief But Hermione nudged him and pointed toward the castle. Harry moved his head a few inches to get a clear view of the distant front doors. Dumbledore, Fudge, the old Committee constituent, and Macnair the executioner were glide path down the steps.Were about to come out Hermione breathed.And sure enough, morsels later, Hagrids back door opened, and Harry saw himself, Ron, and Hermione walking out of it with Hagrid. It was, without a doubt, the strangest sensation of his life, standing behind the tree, and ceremony himself in the pumpkin patch.Its Okay, Beaky, its okay Hagrid said to Buckbeak. Then he turned to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Go on. Get goin.Hagrid, we cant Well tell them what rattling happened They cant kill him Go Its bad enough without you lot in trouble an allHarry watched the Hermione in the pumpkin patch throw the Invisibility Cloak over him and Ron.Go quick. Don listen.There was a knock on Hagrids front door. The execution companionship had arrived. Hagrid turned, around and headed back into his cabin, leaving the back door ajar. Harry watched the grass put down in patches all around the cabin and heard three pairs of feet retreating. He, Ron, and Hermione had gone but the Harry and Hermione hidden in the trees could now hear what was happening inside the cabin through the back door.Where is the beast? came the frigid voice of Macnair.Out outside, Hagrid croaked.Harry pulled his head out of sight as Macnairs face appeared at Hagrids window, perfect(a) out at Buckbeak. Then they heard Fudge.We er have to read you the official notice of execution, Hagrid. Ill make it quick. And then you and Macnair need to sign it. Macnair, Youre supposed to listen too, thats procedure Macnairs face vanished from the window. It was now or never.Wait here, Harry whispered to Hermione. Ill do it.As Fudges voice started again, Harry darted out from behind his tree, vaulted the contest into the pumpkin patch, and approached Buckbeak.It is the decision of the Committee for the presidency of Dangerous Creatures that the Hippogriff Buckbeak, hereafter called the condemned, shall he penalize on the sixth of June at sundown Careful not to blink, Harry stared up into Buckbeaks fierce orange eyes once more and bowed. Buckbe ak sank to his scaly knees and then stood up again. Harry began to fumble with the knot of lasso tying Buckbeak to the fence. sentenced to execution by beheading, to be carried out by the Committees appointed executioner, Walden MacnairCome on, Buckbeak, Harry murmured, come on, were going to help you. Quietly quietly as witnessed below. Hagrid, you sign hereHarry threw all his pack onto the rope, but Buckbeak had dug in his front feet.Well, lets get this over with, said the reedlike voice of the Committee member from inside Hagrids cabin. Hagrid, perhaps it will be disclose if you stay inside No, I I wan ter be with him. I don wan him ter be alone Footsteps echoed from within the cabin.Buckbeak, move Harry hissed.Harry tugged harder on the rope around Buckbeaks neck. The Hippogriff began to walk, susurrous its locomote irritably. They were still ten feet away from the forest, in plain view of Hagrids back door. One moment, please, Macnair, came Dumbledores voice. You need to sign too. The footsteps halt. Harry heaved on the rope. Buckbeak snapped his beak and walked a little faster.Hermiones white face was sticking out from behind a tree.Harry, hurry she mouthed.Harry could still hear Dumbledores voice talking from within the cabin. He gave the rope some other wrench. Buckbeak broke into a grudging trot. They had reached the trees.Quick Quick Hermione moaned, darting out from behind her tree, prehend the rope too and adding her weight to make Buckbeak move faster. Harry looked over his lift they were now blocked from sight they couldnt see Hagrids garden at all.Stop he whispered to Hermione. They might hear us.Hagrids back door had opened with a bang. Harry, Hermione, and Buckbeak stood instead still even the Hippogriff seemed to be listening intently. Silence then Where is it? said the asthmatic voice of the Committee member. Where is the beast?It was secure here said the executioner furiously. I saw it Just hereHow extraordinary, said Dumbledo re. There was a note of recreation in his voice.Beaky said Hagrid huskily.There was a swishing noise, and the thud of an axe. The executioner seemed to have swung it into the fence in anger. And then came the howling, and this time they could hear Hagrids words through his sobs. bypast Gone Bless his little beak, hes gone Musta pulled himself free Beaky, yeh clever boyBuckbeak started to strain against the rope, trying to get back to Hagrid. Harry and Hermione tightened their snatch and dug their heels into the forest floor to stop him.Someone untied him the executioner was snarling. We should face the grounds, the forest.Macnair, if Buckbeak has indeed been stolen, do you real think the thief will have led him away on foot? said Dumbledore, still sounding amused. Search the skies, if you will. Hagrid, I could do with a cup of tea. Or a large brandy.O o course, Professor, said Hagrid, who sounded weak with happiness. Come in, come in.Harry and Hermione listened closely. They h eard footsteps, the soft affidavit of the executioner, the snap of the door, and then silence once more.Now what? whispered Harry, looking around.Well have to cover in here, said Hermione, who looked very shaken. We need to wait until theyve gone back to the castle. Then we wait until its safe to evaporate Buckbeak up to Siriuss window. He wont be there for other couple of hours. Oh, this is going to be difficult.She looked nervously over her lift into the depths of the forest. The sun was setting now.Were going to have to move, said Harry, idea hard. Weve got to be able to see the Whomping Willow, or we wont manage whats going on.Okay, said Hermione, getting a firmer mesmerize on Buckbeaks rope. But weve got to keep out of sight, Harry, recollect.They moved around the touch of the forest, darkness falling thickly around them, until they were hidden behind a go of trees through which they could make out the Willow.Theres Ron said Harry suddenly.A dark trope was sprinting across the lawn and its shout echoed through the still night air.Get away from him get away Scabbers, come here And then they saw two more figures bump out of nowhere. Harry watched himself and Hermione chasing after Ron. Then he saw Ron dive.Gotcha Get off, you vile cat Theres Sirius said Harry. The great shape of the dog had bounded out from the root of the Willow. They saw him bowl Harry over, then seize on.Looks even worse from here, doesnt it? said Harry, watching the dog pulling Ron into the roots. Ouch look, I just got walloped by the tree and so did you this is weird?CThe Whomping Willow was creaking and lashing out with its get off branches they could see themselves darting here and there, trying to reach the trunk. And then the tree froze.That was Crookshanks pressing the knot, said Hermione.And there we go Harry muttered. Were in.The moment they vaporiseed, the tree began to move again. Seconds later, they heard footsteps quite close by. Dumbledore, Macnair, Fud ge, and the old Committee member were making their way up to the castle.Right after wed gone down into the rush said Hermione. If only Dumbledore had come with usMacnair and Fudge wouldve come too, said Harry bitterly. I bet you anything Fudge wouldve told Macnair to murder Sirius on the spot.They watched the four men climb the castle steps and disappear from view. For a few minutes the scenery was deserted. Then Here comes Lupin said Harry as they saw another figure sprinting down the stone steps and halting toward the Willow. Harry looked up at the sky. Clouds were obscuring the moon completely.They watched Lupin seize a broken branch from the ground and incite the knot on the trunk. The tree stopped fighting, and Lupin, too, disappeared into the gap in its roots.If hed only grabbed the cloak, said Harry. Its just lying there.He turned to Hermione.If I just speed out now and grabbed it, Snaped never be able to get it and Harry, we mustnt be seenHow can you stand this? he asked Hermione fiercely. Just standing here and watching it happen? He hesitated. Im going to grab the cloakHarry, noHermione seized the back of Harrys robes not a moment too soon. Just then, they heard a burst of song. It was Hagrid, making his way up to the castle, singing at the top of his voice, and twine sparingly as he walked. A large bottle was swinging from his men. actualize? Hermione whispered. See what would have happened? Weve got to keep out of sight No, BuckbeakThe Hippogriff was making frantic attempts to get to Hagrid again Harry seized his rope too, torture to hold Buckbeak back. They watched Hagrid meander tipsily up to the castle. He was gone. Buckbeak stopped fighting to get away. His head drooped sadly.Barely two minutes later, the castle doors flew open yet again, and Snape came charging out of them, cartroad toward the Willow.Harrys fists clenched as they watched Snape skid to a halt next to the tree, looking around. He grabbed the cloak and held it up.Get you r filthy hands off it, Harry snarled under his breath.ShhSnape seized the branch Lupin had used to impede the tree, prodded the knot, and vanished from view as he put on the cloak.So thats it, said Hermione quietly. Were all down there and now weve just got to wait until we come back up again.She took the end of Buckbeaks rope and tied it securely around the nearest tree, then sat down on the ironic ground, arms around her knees.Harry, theres something I dont understand. Why didnt the Dementors get Sirius? I remember them climax, and then I think I passed out there were so numerous of them.Harry sat down too. He explained what hed seen how, as the nearest Dementor had get offed its mouth to Harrys, a large silver something had come galloping across the lake and forced the Dementors to retreat.Hermiones mouth was slightly open by the time Harry had finished.But what was it?Theres only one thing it could have been, to make the Dementors go, said Harry. A real Patronus. A powerful one.But who conjured it?Harry didnt say anything. He was view back to the person hed seen on the other bank of the lake. He knew who he thought it had been but how could it have been?Didnt you see what they looked like? said Hermione eagerly. Was it one of the teachers?No, said Harry. He wasnt a teacher.But it must have been a really powerful wizard, to come all those Dementors away If the Patronus was showy so brightly, didnt it light him up? Couldnt you see ?Yeah, I saw him, said Harry slowly. But maybe I imagined it I wasnt thinking straight I passed out right afterward.Who did you think it was?I think Harry swallowed, acknowledgeing how strange this was going to sound. I think it was my popping.Harry glanced up at Hermione and saw that her mouth was amply open now. She was gazing at him with a medley of alarm and pity.Harry, your dads well dead, she said quietly.I know that, said Harry quickly.You think you saw his ghost?I dont know no he looked solid.But then Maybe I was eyesight things, said Harry. But from what I could see it looked like him. Ive got photos of him.Hermione was still looking at him as though worried about his sanity. I know it sounds crazy, said Harry flatly. He turned to took at Buckbeak, who was withdraw his beak into the ground, apparently searching for worms. But he wasnt really watching Buckbeak.He was thinking about his father and about his fathers three oldest friends Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. Had all four of them been out on the grounds tonight? Wormtail had reappeared this even when everyone had thought he was dead Was it so impossible his father had done the same? Had he been seeing things across the take? The figure had been too far away to see distinctly yet he had felt sure, for a moment, before hed lost consciousness.The leaves overhead rustled faintly in the breeze. The moon drifted in and out of sight behind the shifting clouds. Hermione sat with her face turned toward the Willow, waiting.And then, at last, after over an hourHere we come Hermione whispered.She and Harry got to their feet. Buckbeak raise his head. They saw Lupin, Ron, and Pettigrew clambering awkwardly out of the hole in the roots. Then came Hermione then the unconscious Snape, drifting weirdly upwards. attached came Harry and Black. They all began to walk toward the castle.Harrys kindling was starting to beat very fast. He glanced up at the sky. Any moment now, that cloud was going to move off and show the moonHarry, Hermione muttered as though she knew exactly what he was thinking, weve got to stay put. We mustnt be seen. Theres nothing we can do.So were just going to let Pettigrew escape all over again said Harry quietly.How do you expect to find a rat in the dark? snapped Hermione. Theres nothing we can do We came back to help Sirius were not supposed to be doing anything elseAll rightThe moon slid out from behind its cloud. They saw the tiny figures across the grounds stop. Then they saw movement The re goes Lupin, Hermione whispered. Hes transforming.Hermione said Harry suddenly. Weve got to moveWe mustnt, I keep telling you non to interfere Lupins going to run into the forest, right at usHermione gasped.Quick she moaned, crisp to untie Buckbeak. Quick Where are we going to go? Where are we going to hide? The Dementors will be coming any moment Back to Hagrids Harry said. Its discharge now come onThey ran as fast as they could, Buckbeak cantering along behind them. They could hear the werewolf howling behind them.The cabin was in sight Harry skidded to the door, wrenched it open, and Hermione and Buckbeak flashed past him Harry threw himself in after them and bolted the door. Fang the boarhound barked loudly.Shh, Fang, its us said Hermione, velocity over and scratching his ears to quieten him. That was really close she said to Harry.YeahHarry was looking out of the window. It was much harder to see what was going on from here. Buckbeak seemed very contented to find himself back inside Hagrids house. He lay down in front of the fire, folded his wing contentedly, and seemed ready for a good nap.I think Id better go outside again, you know, said Harry slowly. I cant see whats going on we wont know when its time Hermione looked up. Her expression was suspicious.Im not going to try and interfere, said Harry quickly. But if we dont see whats going on, howre we going to know when its time to rescue Sirius?Well okay, then Ill wait here with Buckbeak but Harry, be careful theres a werewolf out there and the Dementors.Harry stepped outside again and edged around the cabin. He could hear yelping in the distance. That meant the Dementors were closing in on Sirius. He and Hermione would be trail to him any moment.Harry stared out toward the lake, his heart doing a kind of drumroll in his chest. Whoever had sent that Patronus would be appear at any moment.For a fraction of a second he stood, irresolute, in front of Hagrids door. You must not be seen. But he didnt want to be seen. He wanted to do the seeing. He had to knowAnd there were the Dementors. They were emerging out of the darkness from every direction, gliding around the edges of the lake. They were moving away from where Harry stood, to the opposite bank. He wouldnt have to get near them.Harry began to run. He had no thought in his head except his father If it was him if it really was him he had to know, had to find out.The lake was coming nearer and nearer, but there was no sign of anybody. On the opposite bank, he could see tiny glimmers of silver his own attempts at a Patronus There was a bush at the very edge of the water. Harry threw himself behind it, peering desperately through the leaves. On the opposite bank, the glimmers of silver were suddenly extinguished. A terrified excitement surmisal through him any moment now Come on he muttered, look about. Where are you? Dad, come on But no one came. Harry raised his head to look at the peck of Dementors across the lake . One of them was lowering its hood. It was time for the rescuer to appear but no one was coming to help this time And then it hit him he understood. He hadnt seen his father he had seen himself Harry flung himself out from behind the bush and pulled out his wand.EXPECTO PATRONUM he yelled.And out of the end of his wand burst, not a shapeless cloud of mist, but a blinding, dazzling, silver animal. He screwed up his eyes, trying to see what it was. It looked like a horse. It was galloping silently away from him, across the black come to the fore of the lake. He saw it lower its head and charge at the swarming Dementors. Now it was galloping around and around the black shapes on the ground, and the Dementors were falling back, scattering, retreating into the darkness. They were gone.The Patronus turned. It was cantering back toward Harry across the still surface of the water. It wasnt a horse. It wasnt a unicorn, either. It was a stag. It was shining brightly as the moon above i t was coming back to him.It stopped on the bank. Its hooves made no mark on the soft ground as it stared at Harry with its large, silver eyes. Slowly, it bowed its horned head. And Harry realized Prongs, he whispered.But as his trembling fingertips stretched toward the creature, it vanished.Harry stood there, hand still outstretched. Then, with a great jumpstart of his heart, he heard hooves behind him. He whirled around and saw Hermione dashing toward him, pull Buckbeak behind her.What did you do? she said fiercely. You said you were only going to keep a lookoutI just deliver all our lives said Harry. Get behind here behind this bush Ill explain.Hermione listened to what had just happened with her mouth open yet again.Did anyone see you?Yes, havent you been listening? I saw me but I thought I was my dad Its okayHarry, I cant believe it You conjured up a Patronus that drove away all those Dementors Thats very, very advanced magic.I knew I could do it this time, said Harry, beca use Id already done it Does that make sense?I dont know Harry, look at SnapeTogether they peered around the bush at the other bank. Snape had regained consciousness. He was conjuring stretchers and lifting the limp forms of Harry, Hermione, and Black onto them. A fourth stretcher, no doubt demeanor Ron, was already floating at his side. Then, wand held out in front of him, he moved them away toward the castle.Right, its nearly time, said Hermione tensely, looking at her watch. Weve got about forty-five minutes until Dumbledore locks the door to the hospital wing. Weve got to rescue Sirius and get back into the ward before anybody realizes were missing.They waited, watching the moving clouds reflected in the lake, while the bush next to them whispered in the breeze. Buckbeak, bored, was ferreting for worms again.Do you reckon hes up there yet? said Harry, checking his watch. He looked up at the castle and began reckoning the windows to the right of the West Tower.Look Hermione whi spered. Whos that? Someones coming back out of the castleHarry stared through the darkness. The man was hurrying across the grounds, toward one of the entrances. Something shiny glinted in his belt.Macnair said Harry. The executioner Hes gone to get the Dementors This is it, Hermione Hermione put her hands on Buckbeaks back and Harry gave her a leg up. Then he placed his foot on one of the lower branches of the bush and climbed up in front of her. He pulled Buckbeaks rope back over his neck and tied it to the other side of his collar like reins.Ready? he whispered to Hermione. Youd better hold on to me He nudged Buckbeaks sides with his heels.Buckbeak soared straight into the dark air. Harry gripped his flanks with his knees, feeling the great wings rising powerfully beneath them. Hermione was holding Harry very tight around the waist he could hear her muttering, Oh, no I dont like this oh, I really dont like this Harry urged Buckbeak forward. They were gliding quietly toward the u pper floors of the castle. Harry pulled hard on the left-hand side of the rope, and Buckbeak turned. Harry was trying to count the windows flashing past Whoa he said, pulling backward as hard as he could.Buckbeak slowed down and they found themselves at a stop, unless you counted the fact that they kept rising up and down several feet as the Hippogriff beat his wings to remain airborne.Hes there Harry said, sleuthing Sirius as they rose up beside the window. He reached out, and as Buckbeaks wings fell, was able to solicit sharply on the glass.Black looked up. Harry saw his jaw drop. He leapt from his chair, hurried to the window and tried to open it, but it was locked.Stand back Hermione called to him, and she took out her wand, still gripping the back of Harrys robes with her left hand.AlohomoraThe window sprang open.How how ? said Black weakly, staring at the Hippogriff.Get on theres not much time, said Harry, gripping Buckbeak firmly on either side of his sleek neck to hold h im steady. Youve got to get out of here -the Dementors are coming Macnairs gone to get them.Black placed a hand on either side of the window frame and heaved his head and shoulders out of it. It was very lucky he was so thin. In seconds, he had managed to fling one leg over Buckbeaks back and pull himself onto the Hippogriff behind Hermione.Okay, Buckbeak, up said Harry, shaking the rope. Up to the tower come on.The Hippogriff gave one drag on of its mighty wings and they were soaring upward again, high as the top of the West Tower. Buckbeak landed with a clatter on the battlements, and Harry and Hermione slid off him at once.Sirius, youd better go, quick, Harry panted. Theyll reach Flitwicks office any moment, theyll find out youre gone.Buckbeak pawed the ground, tossing his sharp head.What happened to the other boy? Ron? croaked Sirius.Hes going to be okay. Hes still out of it, but Madam Pomfrey says shell be able to make him better. Quick go But Black was still staring down a t Harry.How can I ever thank GO Harry and Hermione shouted together.Black wheeled Buckbeak around, face the open sky.Well see each other again, he said. You are truly your fathers son, HarryHe squeezed Buckbeaks sides with his heels. Harry and Hermione jumped back as the enormous wings rose once more The Hippogriff took off into the air He and his rider became smaller and smaller as Harry gazed after them then a cloud drifted across the moon. They were gone.