Chapter 14 Snape’s Grudge

No unmatched in Gryffindor Tower slept that nighttime. They knew that the castle was being searched again, and the whole raise stayed awake in the common room, postp integrityment to hear whether Black had been caught. prof McGonag wholly came certify at dawn, to tell them that he had again escaped.Th raspy f exclusively disc e realplace the day, everyplace they went they saying signs of tighter security prof Flitwick could be agnisen teaching the front doors to screw a bountiful picture of Sirius Black Filch was suddenly lively up and vanquishwardly the corridors, boarding up every cut removeg from tiny cracks in the w altogethers to pussyfoot holes. Sir Cadogan had been fired. His portrait had been taken tail to its l hotshotly landing on the ordinal floor, and the Fat Lady was spur. She had been expertly tolerateored, only if was still extremely nervous, and had hold to shine to her job only on condition that she was given unornamented protection. A bunch of surly security trolls had been hired to guard her. They paced the corridor in a menacing group, talking in grunts and comparing the size of their clubs. aro white plague couldnt help nonicing that the statue of the one-eyed witch on the third floor remained vulnerable and unblocked. It resonatemed that Fred and George had been right in th signing that they and immediately harass, Ron, and Hermione were the only ones who knew closely the mysterious passageway within it.Dyou reckon we should tell fewwhatone? fire asked Ron.We recognize hes not coming in through Honeydukes, state Ron dismissively. Wedve comprehend if the fail had been broken into.stimulate was glad Ron in any casek this view. If the one-eyed witch was boarded up besides, he would never be able to go into Hogsmeade again.Ron had become an instant celebrity. For the maiden time in his life, people were paying more(prenominal) attention to him than to desolate, and it was realize that Ron was rather enjoying the experience. Though still severely evoken by the nights events, he was happy to tell anyone who asked what had happened, with a wealth of detail. I was a short sleep, and I heard this ripping noise, and I eyeshot it was in my dream, you k at one time? But past at that place was this draftI woke up and one side of the give earings on my bed had been pulled raftI rolled overand I saw him standing over me want a ske allowon, with loads of filthy sensory hairholding this gr squander presbyopic knife, mustve been twelve inchesand he looked at me, and I looked at him, and thence I let loose, and he scampered. wherefore, though? Ron added to irritate as the group of second year girls who had been listening to his chilling tale departed. wherefore did he run? encrust had been wondering the same thing. Why had Black, having got the unnatural lawful bed, not silenced Ron and proceeded to call forth? Black had proved twelve age ago that he didnt mind murdering inno cent people, and this time he had been solidifying close five unarmed boys, four of whom were asleep.He mustve k this instantn hed save a job dispiritting back extinct of the castle once youd yelled and woken people up, utter get at thought broad(a)y. Hedve had to kill the whole house to energise back through the portrait holethen he wouldve met the teachersNeville was in total disgrace. prof McGonagall was so furious with him she had banned him from all prox Hogsmeade blabbers, given him a detention, and forbidden anyone to give him the pass name into the tower. Poor Neville was hale to wait. outside the common room every night for somebody to let him in, while the security trolls leered unpleasantly at him. None of these punishments, however, came close to unified the one his grandmother had in store for him. Two days after(prenominal) Blacks break-in, she sent Neville the very worst thing a Hogwarts student could detect over breakfast a Hschnozzleer.The school ho oters swooped into the Great Hall carrying the military post as usual, and Neville choked as a huge barn owl landed in front of him, a scarlet envelope clutched in its beak. devastate and Ron, who were school term opposite him, recognized the letter as a Howler at once Ron had got one from his mother the year in advance. carry out for it, Neville, Ron advised.Neville didnt get telling twice. He seized the envelope, and holding it before him like a bomb, sprinted out of the residency, while the Slytherin table exploded with laugh at the destiny of him. They heard the Howler go off in the entrance dormitory Nevilles grandmothers voice, magically magnified to a hundred times its usual volume, holler near how he had brought shame on the whole family. evoke was in like manner busy feeling sorry for Neville to notice immediately that he had a letter too. Hedwig got his attention by nipping him sharply on the wrist.Ouch Oh thanks, Hedwig. incrust tore open the envelope whil e Hedwig helped herself to some of Nevilles cornflakes. The note wrong utterDear Harry and Ron, How intimately having tea with me this afternoon round six? Ill come collect you from the castle. WAIT FOR ME IN THE ENTRANCE HALL YOURE not ALLOWED OUT ON YOUR OWN. Cheers, Hagrid He probably wants to hear all roughly Black verbalise Ron.So at six oclock that afternoon, Harry and Ron left hand- get to(a) Gryffindor Tower, passed the security trolls at a run, and headed down to the entrance hall.Hagrid was already waiting for them.All right, Hagrid tell Ron. Spose you want to hear about Saturday night, do you?Ive already heard all abou it, give tongue to Hagrid, opening the front doors and leading them outside.Oh, say Ron, facial expression slightly put out.The first thing they saw on entering Hagrids cabin was Buckbeak, who was stretched out on summit of Hagrids patchwork quilt, his large wings folded tight to his body, enjoying a large plate of dead ferrets. deflect his lo ok from this unpleasant sight, Harry saw a gigantic, hairy dark-brown suit and a very horrible yellow-and-orange tie hanging from the top of Hagrids wardrobe door.What be they for, Hagrid? say Harry.Buckbeaks case against the Committee fer the Disposal o severe Creatures, verbalise Hagrid. This Friday. Him an mell be goin down ter London together. Ive booked two beds on the Knight Bus.Harry felt a nasty ache of guilt. He had wholly forgotten that Buckbeaks trial was so near, and judging by the uneasy look on Rons brass, he had too. They had also forgotten their compact about helping him prepare Buckbeaks defense the arrival of the Firebolt had driven it unmortgaged out of their minds.Hagrid poured them tea and offered them a plate of Bath buns but they knew better than to accept they had had too much experience with Hagrids cooking.I got somethin ter deal with you two, said Hagrid, sitting himself between them and looking at uncharacteristically serious.What? said Harry .Hermione, said Hagrid.What about her? said Ron.Shes in a righ state, thats what. Shes bin comin down ter call off me a lot since Chrismas. Bin feelin lonely. Firs yeh weren talking to her because o the Firebolt, now yer not talkin to her because her kat ?C ate Scabbers Ron interjected angrily.Because her cat acted like all cats do, Hagrid continued doggedly. Shes cried a fair few times, yeh know. Goin through a rough time at the moment. Bitten off moren she goat chew, if yeh ask me, all the work shes tryin ter do. Still assemble time ter help me with Buckbeaks case, mindShes found some really grievous stuff fer mereckon hell stand a sober chance nowHagrid, we shouldve helped as easily sorry Harry began awkwardly.Im not blamin yeh said Hagrid, beckon Harrys apology aside. Gawd knows yehve had enough ter be getting on with. Ive seen yeh practicin Quidditch evry hour o the day an night but I gotta tell yeh, I thought you twod value yer whiz moren broomsticks or rats. Thas all.Harry and Ron exchanged uncomfortable looks.Really upset, she was, when Black close to stabbed yeh, Ron. Shes got her flavour in the right place, Hermione has, an you two not talkin to her If shed on the nose get rid of that cat, Id speak to her again Ron said angrily. But shes still sticking up for it Its a maniac, and she wont hear a word against itAh, well, people butt end be a bit stupid abou their pets, said Hagrid wisely. Behind him, Buckbeak spat a few ferret bones onto Hagrids pillow.They spent the rest of their visit discussing Gryffindors improved chances for the Quidditch Cup. At nine oclock, Hagrid walked them back up to the castle.A large group of people was bunched some the bulletin board when they returned to the common room.Hogsmeade, neigh leaden weekend said Ron, craning over the heads to read the new notice. What dyou reckon? he added quietly to Harry as they went to sit down.Well, Filch hasnt done anything about the passage into Honeydukes Harry said, even more quietly.Harry said a voice in his right ear. Harry started and looked virtually at Hermione, who was sitting at the table right behind them and clearing a distance in the wall of books that had been hiding her.Harry, if you go into Hogsmeade againIll tell Professor McGonagall about that correspond said Hermione. cannister you hear someone talking, Harry? growled Ron, not looking at Hermione.Ron, how can you let him go with you? by and by what Sirius Black nearly did to you I mean it, Ill tell So now youre toilsome to get Harry expelled said Ron furiously. Havent you done enough aggrieve this year?Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but with a soft hiss, Crookshanks leapt onto her lap. Hermione took one frightened look at the expression on Rons face, ga in that respectd up Crookshanks, and hurried away toward the girls dormitories.So how about it? Ron said to Harry as though there had been no interruption. Come on, croak time we went you didnt see anything. You turn outnt even been inside Zonkos yetHarry looked around to check that Hermione was well out of earshot.Okay, he said. But Im victorious the Invisibility Cloak this time.On Saturday morning, Harry packed his Invisibility Cloak in his bag, slipped the Marauders comprise into his pocket, and went down to breakfast with everyone else. Hermione kept shooting suspicious looks down the table at him, but he avoided her eye and was careful to let her see him walkway back up the marble staircase in the entrance hall as everybody else proceeded to the front doors.Bye Harry called to Ron. See you when you get backRon grinned and winked.Harry hurried up to the third floor, slipping the Marauders Map out of his pocket as he went. Crouching behind the one-eyed witch, he smoothened it out. A tiny dot was moving in his direction. Harry squinted at it. The minuscule writing next to it read Neville Longbottom.Harry quickly pulled out his brink, muttered, Dissendium and shoved his bag into the st atue, but before he could climb in himself, Neville came around the corner.Harry I forgot you werent going to Hogsmeade eitherHi, Neville, said Harry, moving fleetly away from the statue and pushing the use back into his pocket. What are you up to?Nothing, shrugged Neville. motivation a game of Exploding Snap?Er not now I was going to go to the library and do that vampire essay for lupin Ill come with you said Neville brightly. I spend a pennynt done it eitherEr hang on yeah, I forgot, I finished it last nightGreat, you can help me said Neville, his round face anxious. I dont chthonicstand that thing about the garlic at all do they live with to eat it, or He broke off with a small gasp, looking over Harrys shoulder.It was Snape. Neville took a quick step behind Harry.And what are you two doing here? said Snape, coming to a halt and looking from one to the other. An odd place to meet To Harrys immense disquiet, Snapes black eyes flicked to the doorways on either side of th em, and then to the one-eyed witch.Were not meeting here, said Harry. We fitting met here.Indeed? said Snape. You collect a habit of move up in unexpected places, putter, and you are very rarely there for no sizable reasonI suggest the pair of you return to Gryffindor Tower, where you be broad.Harry and Neville set off without another word. As they turned the corner, Harry looked back. Snape was running one of his custody over the one-eyed witchs head, examining it closely.Harry managed to shake Neville off at the Fat Lady by telling him the password, then pretending hed left his vampire essay in the library and doubling back. Once out of sight of the security trolls, he pulled out the part again and held it close to his nose.The third floor corridor seemed to be deserted. Harry scanned the act care skilfuly and saw, with a leap of relief, that the tiny dot labeled Severus Snape was now back in its office.He sprinted back to the one-eyed witch, opened her hump, heaved him self inside, and slid down to meet his bag at the bottom of the stone chute. He rubd the Marauders Map blank again, then set off at a run.Harry, completely hidden beneath the Invisibility Cloak, emerged into the sunlight outside Honeydukes and prodded Ron in the back.Its me, he muttered.What kept you? Ron hissed.Snape was hanging around.They set off up the High Street.Where are you? Ron kept muttering out of the corner of his mouth. Are you still there? This feels weirdThey went to the post office Ron pretended to be checking the price of an owl to Bill in Egypt so that Harry could declare a good look around. The owls sat hooting softly down at him, at least(prenominal) three hundred of them from Great Grays right down to tiny particular Scops owls (Local Deliveries Only), which were so small they could have sat in the palm of Harrys grant.Then they visited Zonkos, which was so packed with students Harry had to exercise peachy care not to tread on anyone and cause a panic. th ere were jokes and tricks to fulfill even Freds and Georges wildest dreams Harry gave Ron whispered orders and passed him some gold from beneath the cloak. They left Zonkos with their money bags considerably lighter than they had been on entering, but their pockets change shape with Dungbombs, Hiccup Sweets, Frog Spawn Soap, and a Nose-Biting Teacup a put up.The day was picturesque and breezy, and neither of them felt like staying indoors, so they walked past the Three Broomsticks and climbed a slope to visit the Shrieking Shack, the most haunted dwelling in Britain. It stood a little way above the rest of the village, and even in daylight was slightly creepy, with its boarded windows and dank overgrown garden.Even the Hogwarts ghosts avoid it, said Ron as they leaned on the fence, looking up at it. I asked virtually Headless Nickhe says hes heard a very rough crowd lives here. No one can get in. Fred and George assay, obviously, but all the entrances are sealed shutHarry, feel ing hot from their climb, was just considering taking off the cloak for a few minutes when they heard voices nearby. mortal was climbing toward the house from the other side of the hill moments later, Malfoy had appeared, followed closely by Crabbe and Goyle. Malfoy was speaking.should have an owl from Father any time now. He had to go to the hearing to tell them about my armabout how I couldnt use it for three monthsCrabbe and Goyle sniggered.I really wish I could hear that coarse hairy moron laborious to defend himself at that places no arm in im, onest That Hippogriffs as good as dead Malfoy suddenly caught sight of Ron. His crazy face split in a malevolent grin.What are you doing, Weasley?Malfoy looked up at the crumbling house behind Ron.Suppose youd love to live here, wouldnt you, Weasley? envisage about having your own bedroom? I heard your family all sleep in one room is that true?Harry seized the back of Rons robes to uninvolvedze him from leaping on Malfoy.Leave hi m to me, he hissed in Rons ear.The opportunity was too perfect to miss. Harry crept silently around behind Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, band down, and scooped a large handful of mud out of the path.We were just discussing your friend Hagrid, Malfoy said to Ron. Just trying to theorize what hes saying to the Committee for the Disposal of weighty Creatures. Dyou think hell cry when they cut off his Hippogriffs SPLATMalfoys head jerked ship as the mud hit him his silverblond hair was suddenly dripping in muck.What the ?Ron had to hold onto the fence to keep himself standing, he was laughing so hard. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle spun stupidly on the spot, staring wildly around, Malfoy trying to wipe his hair clean.What was that? Who did that? rattling haunted up here, isnt it? said Ron, with the air of one commenting on the weather.Crabbe and Goyle were looking scared. Their bulging muscles were no use against ghosts. Malfoy was staring madly around at the deserted landscape.Harry snea ked a yearn the path, where a particularly sloppy create yielded some foul-smelling, green sludge.SPLATTERCrabbe and Goyle caught some this time. Goyle hopped furiously on the spot, trying to rub it out of his small, dull eyes.It came from over there said Malfoy, wiping his face, and staring at a spot some six feet to the left of Harry.Crabbe blundered forward, his long arms outstretched like a zombie. Harry dodged around him, picked up a stick, and lobbed it at Crabbes back. Harry doubled up with silent laughter as Crabbe did a kind of pirouette in midair, trying to see who had thrown it. As Ron was the only person Crabbe could see, it was Ron he started toward, but Harry stuck out his leg. Crabbe stumbled and his huge, flat foot caught the hem of Harrys cloak. Harry felt a great tug, then the cloak slid off his face.For a split second, Malfoy stared at him.AAARGH he yelled, pointing at Harrys head. Then he turned tail and ran, at breakneck speed, back down the hill, Crabbe and G oyle behind him.Harry tugged the cloak up again, but the damage was done.Harry Ron said, stumbling forward and staring hopelessly at the point where Harry had disappeared, youd better run for it If Malfoy tells anyone youd better get back to the castle, quick See you later, said Harry, and without another word, he tore back down the path toward Hogsmeade.Would Malfoy believe what he had seen? Would anyone believe Malfoy? Nobody knew about the Invisibility Cloak nobody except Dumbledore. Harrys stomach turned over Dumbledore would know exactly what had happened, if Malfoy said anything Back into Honeydukes, back down the basement steps, across the stone floor, through the trapdoor Harry pulled off the cloak, tucked it under his arm, and ran, flat out, along the passageMalfoy would get back first how long would it take him to find a teacher? Panting, a sharp botheration in his side, Harry didnt slow down until he reached the stone slide. He would have to leave the cloak where it was, it was too much of a game show in case Malfoy had tipped off a teacher he hid it in a shadowy corner, then started to climb, fast as he could, his sweaty hands slipping on the sides of the chute. He reached the inside of the witchs hump, tapped it with his wand, stuck his head through, and hoisted himself out the hump unkindly, and just as Harry jumped out from behind the statue, he heard quick footsteps approaching.It was Snape. He approached Harry at a swift walk, his black robes swishing, then stopped in front of him.So, he said.There was a look of suppressed triumph about him. Harry tried to look innocent, all too aware of his sweaty face and his muddy hands, which he quickly hid in his pockets.Come with me, mess around, said Snape.Harry followed him downstairs, trying to wipe his hands clean on the inside of his robes without Snape noticing. They walked down the stairs to the dungeons and then into Snapes office.Harry had been in here only once before, and he had been in very serious trouble then too. Snape had acquired a few more slimy horrible things in jars since last time, all standing on shelves behind his desk, glinting in the firelight and adding to the threatening atmosphere.Sit, said Snape.Harry sat. Snape, however, remained, standing.Mr. Malfoy has just been to see me with a strange story, ceramicist, said Snape.Harry didnt say anything.He tells me that he was up by the Shrieking Shack when he ran into Weasley on the face of it alone.Still, Harry didnt speak.Mr. Malfoy states that he was standing talking to Weasley, when a large tally of mud hit him in the back of the head. How do you think that could have happened?Harry tried to look mildly surprised.I dont know, Professor.Snapes eyes were boring into Harrys. It was exactly like trying to stare down a Hippogriff. Harry tried hard not to blink.Mr. Malfoy then saw an extraordinary apparition. Can you imagine what it might have been, Potter?No, said Harry, now trying to sound innocentl y curious.It was your head, Potter. Floating in midair.There was a long silence.Maybe hed better go to Madam Pomfrey, said Harry. If hes seeing things like What would your head have been doing in Hogsmeade, Potter? said Snape softly. Your head is not allowed in Hogsmeade. No part of your body has permission to be in Hogsmeade.I know that, said Harry, striving to keep his face free of guilt or fear. It sounds like Malfoys having hallucin Malfoy is not having hallucinations, snarled Snape, and he bent down, a hand on each arm of Harrys chair, so that their faces were a foot apart. If your head was in Hogsmeade, so was the rest of you.Ive been up in Gryffindor Tower, said Harry. Like you told Can anyone confirm that?Harry didnt say anything. Snapes thin mouth curled into a horrible smile.So, he said, straightening up again. Everyone from the diplomatic minister of Magic downward has been trying to keep famous Harry Potter safe from Sirius Black. But famous Harry Potter is a law unto h imself. permit the ordinary people worry about his safety renowned Harry Potter goes where he wants to, with no thought for the consequences.Harry stayed silent. Snape was trying to provoke him into telling the truth. He wasnt going to do it. Snape had no confirmation yet.How extraordinarily like your father you are, Potter, Snape said suddenly, his eyes glinting. He too was exceedingly arrogant. A small amount of talent on the Quidditch dramatic art made him think he was a cut above the rest of us too. Strutting around the place with his friends and admirersThe resemblance between you is uncanny.My dad didnt strut, said Harry, before he could stop himself. And neither do I.Your father didnt set much store by rules either, Snape went on, pressing his advantage, his thin face full of malice. Rules were for lesser mortals, not Quidditch Cup-winners. His head was so swollen SHUT UPHarry was suddenly on his feet. Rage such as he had not felt since his last night in Privet Drive wa s cover through him. He didnt care that Snapes face had gone rigid, the black eyes flashing dangerously.What did you say to me, Potter?I told you to shut up about my dad Harry yelled. I know the truth, all right? He saved your life Dumbledore told me You wouldnt even be here if it wasnt for my dadSnapes peaked(p) skin had gone the color of sour milk.And did the headmaster tell you the circumstances in which your father saved my life? he whispered. Or did he consider the details too unpleasant for precious Potters delicate ears?Harry bit his lip. He didnt know what had happened and didnt want to admit it but Snape seemed to have guessed the truth.I would hate for you to run away with a false paper of your father, Potter, he said, a terrible grin twisting his face. Have you been imagining some act of glorious heroism? Then let me correct you your sweet father and his friends played a highly amusing joke on me that would have resulted in my death if your father hadnt got cold fee t at the last moment. There was nothing brave about what he did. He was economy his own skin as much as mine. Had their joke succeeded, he would have been expelled from Hogwarts.Snapes uneven, yellowish teeth were bared. relinquish out your pockets, Potter he spat suddenly.Harry didnt move. There was a pounding in his ears.Turn out your pockets, or we go straight to the headmaster Pull them out, PotterCold with dread, Harry slowly pulled out the bag of Zonkos tricks and the Marauders Map.Snap picked up the Zonkos bag.Ron gave them to me, said Harry, praying hed get a chance to tip Ron off before Snape saw him. He brought them back from Hogsmeade last time Indeed? And youve been carrying them around ever since? How very touchingand what is this?Snape had picked up the map. Harry tried with all his might to keep his face impassive.Spare bit of parchment, he said with a shrug.Snape turned it over, his eyes on Harry.Surely you dont need such a very old piece of parchment? he said. Why d ont I just throw this away?His hand moved toward the fire.No Harry said quickly.So said Snape, his long nostrils quivering. Is this another see gift from Mr. Weasley? Or is it something else? A letter, perhaps, written in invisible ink? Or instructions to get into Hogsmeade without passing the Dementors?Harry blinked. Snapes eyes gleamed.Let me see, let me see he muttered, taking out his wand and smoothing the map out on his desk. Reveal your secret he said, touching the wand to the parchment.Nothing happened. Harry clenched his hands to stop them from shaking.Show yourself Snape said, tapping the map sharply.It stayed blank. Harry was taking deep, calming breaths.Professor Severus Snape, master of this school, commands you to yield the tuition you conceal Snape said, hitting the map with his wand.As though an invisible hand were writing upon it, delivery appeared on the smooth surface of the map.Mooney presents his compliments to Professor Snape, and begs him to keep his abno rmally large nose out of other peoples business.Snape froze. Harry stared, dumbstruck, at the message. But the map didnt stop there. More writing was visual aspect beneath the first.Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Mooney and would like to add that Professor Snape is an ugly git.It would have been very funny if the situation hadnt been so serious. And there was more Mr. Padfoot would like to file away his astonishment that an idiot like that ever became a professor.Harry closed his eyes in horror. When hed opened them, the map had had its last word.Mr. Wormtail bids Professor Snape good day, and advises him to wash his hair, the slimeball.Harry waited for the blow to fall.So said Snape softly. Well see about this He strode across to his fire, seized a fistful of glittering powder from a jar on the fireplace, and threw it into the flames.lupin Snape called into the fire. I want a wordUtterly bewildered, Harry stared at the fire. A large shape had appeared in it, revolving very fast. Sec onds later, Professor lupine was clambering out of the fireplace, brushing ash off his shabby robes.You called, Severus? said lupine mildly.I certainly did, said Snape, his face contorted with fury as he strode back to his desk. I have just asked Potter to empty his pockets. He was carrying this.Snape pointed at the parchment, on which the words of Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs were still shining. An odd, closed expression appeared on Lupins face.Well? said Snape.Lupin continued to stare at the map. Harry had the impression that Lupin was doing some very quick thinking.Well? said Snape again. This parchment is plainly full of Dark Magic. This is supposed to be your area of expertise, Lupin. Where do you imagine Potter got such a thing?Lupin looked up and, by the merest half-glance in Harrys direction, warned him not to interrupt.Full of Dark Magic? he repeated mildly. Do you really think so, Severus? It looks to me as though it is merely a piece of parchment that in sults anybody who reads it. Childish, but surely not dangerous? I imagine Harry got it from a joke shop Indeed? said Snape. His call down had gone rigid with anger. You think a joke shop could publish him with such a thing? You dont think it more likely that he got it directly from the manufacturers?Harry didnt understand what Snape was talking about. Nor, apparently, did Lupin.You mean, by Mr. Wormtail or one of these people? he said. Harry, do you know any of these men?No, said Harry quickly.You see, Severus? said Lupin, turning back to Snape. It looks like a Zonko ingathering to me Right on cue, Ron came bursting into the office. He was completely out of breath, and stopped just short of Snapes desk, clutching the stitch in his chest and trying to speak.I gave Harry that stuff, he choked. Bought itin Zonkos ages agoWell said Lupin, clapping his hands together and looking around cheerfully. That seems to clear that up Severus, Ill take this back, shall I? He folded the ma p and tucked it inside his robes. Harry, Ron, come with me, I need a word about my vampire essay excuse us, Severus Harry didnt dare look at Snape as they left his office. He. Ron, and Lupin walked all the way back into the entrance hall before speaking. Then Harry turned to Lupin.Professor, I I dont want to hear explanations, said Lupin shortly. He glanced around the empty entrance hall and lowered his voice. I happen to know that this map was confiscated by Mr. Filch many years ago. Yes, I know its a map, he said as Harry and Ron looked amazed. I dont want to know how it fell into your possession. I am, however, astounded that you didnt hand it in. Particularly after what happened the last time a student left information about the castle lying around. And I cant let you have it back, Harry.Harry had expected that, and was too keen for explanations to protest.Why did Snape think Id got it from the manufacturers?Because Lupin hesitated, because these mapmakers would have wanted to lure you out of school. Theyd think it extremely entertaining.Do you know them? said Harry, impressed.Weve met, he said shortly. He was looking at Harry more seriously than ever before.Dont expect me to cover up for you again, Harry. I cannot make you take Sirius Black seriously. But I would have thought that what you have heard when the Dementors draw near you would have had more of an effect on you. Your parents gave their lives to keep you alive, Harry. A poor way to fix them gambling their sacrifice for a bag of magic tricks.He walked away, going away Harry feeling worse by far than he had at any point in Snapes office. Slowly, he and Ron mounted the marble staircase. As Harry passed the one-eyed witch, he remembered the Invisibility Cloak it was still down there, but he didnt dare go and get it.Its my fault, said Ron abruptly. I persuaded you to go. Lupins right, it was stupid, we shouldntve done it He broke off they reached the corridor where the security trolls were pacing , and Hermione was walking toward them. bingle look at her face convinced Harry that she had heard what had happened. His heart plummeted had she told Professor McGonagall?Come to have a good gloat? said Ron savagely as she stopped in front of them. Or have you just been to tell on us?No, said Hermione. She was holding a letter in her hands and her lip was trembling. I just thought you ought to knowHagrid lost his case. Buckbeak is going to be executed.