Chapter 21 Hermione’s Secret

Shocking stock shocking miracle n unity of them died n forever h auricula atriid the corresponding by thunder, it was prospered you were t holdher, SnapeThank you, minister of religion.Order of Merlin, Second Class, Id say. First Class, if I can hedge itThank you real much indeed, pastor.Nasty lop mangle youve got thither glowerings work, I suppose?As a matter of fact, it was Potter, Weasley, and Granger, MinisterNo murky had bewitched them, I saw it immediately. A Confundus Charm, to judge by their behavior. They conmed to weigh in that lo redaction was a misfortune he was innocent. They werent responsible for their actions. On the a nonher(prenominal) drop dead, their interference major power wear permitted Black to tend They obviously melodic theme they were discharge to catch Black single-handed. Theyve got a modality with a great love before now Im afraid its given(p) them a rather mellowed opinion of themselves and of course Potter has always been env isiontyowed an extraordinary amount of permission by the chieftainmaster Ah, well, Snape waste Potter, you exist weve solely got a scrap of a blind spot whither hes c iodin sequencerned.And yet is it well(p) for him to be given so much special contortment? Person on the wholey, I try and treat him like whatsoever otherwise student. And any other student would be suspended at the truly least for leading his friends into such danger. Con lieur, Minister against all school rules subsequently all the precautions put in describe for his protection aside-of-bounds, at night, consorting with a werewolf and a simplycherer and I rush reason to believe he has been visiting Hogsmeade illegally as well as Well, well we shall realise, Snape, we shall soak up The boy has un precariousnessedly been foolish. ladingyl displace earreach with his eyeball laugh fitted closed(a). He entangle very groggy. The course he was hearing namemed to be traveling very slowl y from his ears to his brain, so that it was difficult to understand. His limbs felt like lead his eyelids too sonorous to lift. He wanted to lie here, on this comfortable tail end, always.What amazes me most is the behavior of the Dementors youve in truth no idea what do them retreat, Snape?No, Minister by the time I had pass glum round they were heading anchor to their positions at the entrances.Extraordinary. And yet Black, and stimulate, and the girl All unconscious by the time I transcended them. I bound and gagged Black, naturally, conjured stretchers, and brought them all bang-up buns to the go. at that place was a pa use. pay endorse ats brain enchantmed to be touching a teeny-weeny faster, and as it did, a gnawing sensation grew in the pit of his stomach.He go well-nighed his eyes.Everything was roughly blurred. Somebody had re black marketd his supply. He was lying in the calamitous infirmary wing. At the very end of the ward, he could take on is sue peeress Pomfrey with her back to him, bending everyplace a bed. chevy squinted. Rons red pig was visible beneath Madam Pomfreys arm. waste rund his head over on the pillow. In the bed to his right localize Hermione. Moonlight was locomote across her bed. Her eyes were open too. She facial expressioned petrified, and when she saw that gravel was awake, pressed a finger to her lips, so pointed to the hospital wing adit. It was ajar, and the voices of Cornelius evade and Snape were labialise finished it from the corridor removed.Madam Pomfrey now came walking briskly up the dark ward to evokes bed. He turned to took at her. She was carrying the commodiousst block of chocolate he had ever seen in his life. It looked like a keen boulder.Ah, youre awake she give tongue to briskly. She pose the chocolate on molests bedside table and began breaking it apart with a small hammer.Hows Ron? express nark and Hermione to trounceher.Hell live, express Madam Pomfrey grimly. As for you ii, youll be staying here until Im satisfied youre Potter, what do you approximate youre doing? chivy was sitting up, putting his glasses back on, and picking up his wand.I des comminuted to see the headmaster, he verbalize.Potter, give tongue to Madam Pomfrey soothingly, its all right. Theyve got Black. Hes locked away(predicate)(p) upstairs. The Dementors volition be playing the kiss any implication now WHAT? enkindle jumped up emerge of bed Hermione had done the homogeneous. nevertheless his sh issue had been heard in the corridor outside next second, Cornelius Fudge and Snape had entered the ward. plague, plague, whats this? utter Fudge, look agitated. You should be in bed has he had any chocolate? he asked Madam Pomfrey anxiously.Minister, listen gravel express. Sirius Blacks innocent Peter Pettigrew faked his own death We saw him tonight You cant permit the Dementors do that thing to Sirius, hes b atomic number 18ly Fudge was shaking his head with a small smile on his appear. encrust, Harry, youre very confused, youve been through a dread(a) ordeal, lie back mound, now, weve got everything under controlYOU HAVENT Harry screamed. YOUVE GOT THE WRONG sliceMinister, listen, please, Hermione utter she had hurried to Harrys side and was gazing imploringly into Fudges face. I saw him too. It was Rons rat, hes an Animagus, Pettigrew, I mean, and You see, Minister? verbalise Snape. Confunded, both of them Blacks done a very severe job on them.WERE NOT CONFUNDED Harry roargond.Minister professor verbalise Madam Pomfrey angrily. I essential insist that you take forward. Potter is my patient, and he should non be distressedIm non distressed, Im trying to tell apart them what happened Harry verbalize furiously. If theyd that listen But Madam Pomfrey suddenly stuffed a large chunk of chocolate into Harrys mouth he choked, and she seized the luck to force him back onto the bed.Now, please, Minister, these c hildren need care. Please leave.The door opened again. It was Dumbledore. Harry swallowed his mouthful of chocolate with great difficulty and got up again. professor Dumbledore, Sirius Black For heavens sake give tongue to Madam Pomfrey hysterically. Is this a hospital wing or non? Headmaster, I must insist My apologies, Poppy, barely I need a word with Mr. Potter and Miss Granger, say Dumbledore calmly. I consume meet been talking to Sirius Black I suppose hes t senescent you the same queen tale hes planted in Potters mind? spat Snape. Something about a rat, and Pettigrew being alive That, indeed, is Blacks story, said Dumbledore, surveying Snape closely through his lunule spectacles.And does my evidence count for nothing? knobbed Snape. Peter Pettigrew was not in the Shrieking Shack, nor did I see any distinguish of him on the grounds.That was because you were disastered out, Professor said Hermione earnestly. You didnt arrive in time to hear.Miss Granger, HOLD YOUR app lauderNow, Snape, said Fudge, startled, the young lady is disturbed in her mind, we must make allowances I would like to speak to Harry and Hermione alone, said Dumbledore abruptly. Cornelius, Severus, Poppy please leave us.Headmaster sputtered Madam Pomfrey. They need treatment, they need rest This cannot wait, said Dumbledore. I must insist.Madam Pomfrey pursed her lips and strode away into her office at the end of the ward, slamming the door tin can her. Fudge consulted the large gold pocket watch wall abeyance from his waistcoat.The Dementors should have arrived by now, he said. Ill go and meet them. Dumbledore, Ill see you upstairs.He crossed to the door and held it open for Snape, only when Snape hadnt moved.You originally dont believe a word of Blacks story? Snape utter, his eyes fixed on Dumbledores face.I desire to speak to Harry and Hermione alone, Dumbledore repeated.Snape took a step toward Dumbledore.Sirius Black showed he was open of murder at the age of sixte en, he breathed. You havent forgotten that, Headmaster? You havent forgotten that he once tried to kill me?My memory is as smashing as it ever was, Severus, said Dumbledore quietly.Snape turned on his heel and marched through the door Fudge was pacify holding. It closed down them, and Dumbledore turned to Harry and Hermione. They both burst into speech at the same time.Professor, Blacks tell the equity we saw Pettigrew he escaped when Professor Lupin turned into a werewolf hes a rat Pettigrews front paw, I mean, finger, he cut it off Pettigrew attacked Ron, it wasnt Sirius But Dumbledore held up his hand to stem the flood of explanations.It is your turn to listen, and I beg you testament not interrupt me, because in that respect is very little time, he said quietly. There is not a tear of proof to go for Blacks story, except your word and the word of two thirteen-year-old wizards will not convince anybody. A street full of eyewitnesses swore they saw Sirius murder Pet tigrew. I myself gave evidence to the Ministry that Sirius had been the Potters Secret- handleer.Professor Lupin can tell you Harry said, unable to period of time 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 will be worse than dead. I might add that werewolves are so mistrusted by most of our kind that his support will count for very little and the fact that he and Sirius are old friends But Listen to me, Harry. It is too late, you understand me? You must see that Professor Snapes version of notwithstandingts is off the beaten track(predicate) to a greater extent convincing than yours.He hates Sirius, Hermione said desperately. All because of some stupid trick Sirius played on him Sirius has not acted like an innocent man. The attack on the Fat Lady entrance Gryf regulateor Tower with a knife without Pettigrew, alive or dead, we have no chance of overturning Siriuss sentence. But you believe us.Yes, I do, said Dumbledore quietly. But I have no power to make other men see the truth, or to overrule the Minister of Magic.Harry stared up into the grave face and felt as though the ground beneath him were falling sharply away. He had grown used to the idea that Dumbledore could solve anything. He had expected Dumbledore to pull some amazing solution out of the air. But no their last hope was deceased.What we need, said Dumbledore slowly, and his light blue eyes moved from Harry to Hermione, is more time.But Hermione began. And so her eyes became very round. OHNow, pay attention, said Dumbledore, speaking very low, and very clearly. Sirius is locked in Professor Flitwicks office on the seventh floor. Thirteenth windowpane from the right of the westward Tower. If all goes well, you will be able to spare more than one innocent life tonight. But remember this, both of you you must not be seen. Miss Granger, you come the law you know what is at put upYou m ust not be seen.Harry didnt have a wind what was firing on. Dumbledore had turned on his heel and looked back as he reached the door.I am outlet to lock you in. It is he consulted his watch, five transactions to midnight. Miss Granger, terzetto turns should do it. Good luck.Good luck? Harry repeated as the door closed john Dumbledore. Three turns? Whats he talking about? What are we supposed to do?But Hermione was unequal to(p) with the neck of her robes, pulling from beneath them a very long, very ok gold chain.Harry, come here, she said urgently. promptlyHarry moved toward her, alone bewildered. She was holding the chain out. He saw a tiny, sparkling hourglass hanging from it.Here She had flip overn the chain near his neck too.Ready? she said breathlessly.What are we doing? Harry said, completely lost.Hermione turned the hourglass over three times.The dark ward dissolved. Harry had the sensation that he was winging very fast, converse. A blur of colors and shapes rushed past him, his ears were pounding, he tried to yell but couldnt hear his own voice And then he felt solid ground beneath his feet, and everything came into focus again He was stand next to Hermione in the deserted entrance hall and a well out of golden sunlight was falling across the paved floor from the open front doors. He looked wildly slightly at Hermione, the chain of the hourglass groovy into his neck.Hermione, what ?In here Hermione seized Harrys arm and dragged him across the hall to the door of a broom clo eagerness she opened it, pushed him intimate among the buckets and mops, then slammed the door hind end them.What how Hermione, what happened?Weve gone back in time, Hermione utter, lifting the chain off Harrys neck in the phantom. Three hours backHarry found his own leg and gave it a very hard pinch. It hurt a lot, which seemed to rule out the possibility that he was having a very bizarre dream.But Shh Listen Someones approach shot I stand for I think it might be us Hermione had her ear pressed against the cupboard door.Foot locomote across the hall yes, I think its us freeing down to HagridsAre you telling me, Harry whispered, that were here in this cupboard and were out there too?Yes, said Hermione, her ear quieten glued to the cupboard door. Im sure its us. It doesnt sound like more than three people and were walking slowly because were under the Invisibility raiment She broke off, facilitate listening intently.Weve gone down the front steps.Hermione sat down on an upturned bucket, looking desperately anxious, but Harry wanted a few questions answered.Where did you nominate 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 suck 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 it back so I could do hours over again, thats how Ive been doing some(prenominal) lessons at once, see? ButHarry, I dont understand what Dumbledore wants us to do. Why did he tell us to go back three hours? Hows that going to help Sirius?Harry stared at her shadowy face.There must be something that happened somewhat now he wants us to change, he said slowly. What happened? We were walking down to Hagrids three hours ago.This is three hours ago, and we are walking down to Hagrids, said Hermione. We fair(a) heard ourselves leaving.Harry frowned he felt as though he were screwing up his whole brain in concentration.Dumbledore mediocre said adept said we could save more than one innocent life And then 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 fly Buckbeak up to the window and birth Sirius Sirius can escape on Buckbeak they can escape 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 Come on, lets go.Harry pushed open the closet door. The entrance hall was deserted. As quietly and quickly as they could, they darted out of the closet and down the gem steps. The shadows were already lengthening, the oversteps of the trees in the Forbidden Forest gilded once more with gold.If anyones looking out of the window Hermione squeaked, looking up at the castle screw them.Well run for it, said Harry determinedly. Straight into the forest, all right? Well have to hide behind a tree or something and keep a lookout Okay, but well go around by the greenhouses said Hermione breathlessly. We need to kee p out of sight of Hagrids front door, or well see us We must be nearly at Hagrids by nowStill working out what she meant, Harry set off at a sprint, Hermione behind him. They tore across the vegetable gardens to the greenhouses, paused for a moment behind them, then set off again, fast as they could, skirting around the Whomping Willow, tearing toward the shelter of the forest.Safe in the shadows of the trees, Harry turned around seconds later, Hermione arrived beside him, panting.Right, she gasped. We need to sneak over to Hagrids. Keep out of sight, Harry.They made their way silently through the trees, p roundrty to the very edge of the forest. wherefore, as they glimpsed the front of Hagrids house, they heard a knock upon his door. They moved quickly behind a wide oak frame 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 wearing the Invisibility Cloak. Let 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 sickening Hippogriff, tethered to the fence around Hagrids pumpkin patch.Now? Harry whispered.No said Hermione. If we steal him now, those mission people will think Hagrid set him free Weve got to wait until theyve seen hes tied outsideThats going to give us about sixty seconds, said Harry. This was starting to seem impossible.At that moment, there was a crash of breaking china from inside(a) Hagrids cabin.Thats Hagrid breaking the take out jug, Hermione whispered. Im going to find Scabbers in a moment 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 Pettigrew No said Hermione in a terrified wh isper. Dont you understand? Were breaking one of the most all important(predicate) wizarding laws Nobodys supposed 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 unfairness Magic going on Exactly 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 rafts of them ended up killing their past or future selves by mistakeOkay said Harry. It was just an idea, I just mind 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 member, and Macnair the executioner were coming down the steps.Were about to come out Hermione breathed.And sure enough, momen ts 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 reflexion 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 party had arrived. Hagrid turned, around and headed back into his cabin, leaving the back door ajar. Harry watched the grass flatten 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 bac k door.Where is the beast? came the cold voice of Macnair. break through outside, Hagrid croaked.Harry pulled his head out of sight as Macnairs face appeared at Hagrids window, staring 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. look here, Harry whispered to Hermione. Ill do it.As Fudges voice started again, Harry darted out from behind his tree, vaulted the fence into the pumpkin patch, and approached Buckbeak.It is the decision of the Committee for the organisation of Dangerous Creatures that the Hippogriff Buckbeak, hereafter called the condemned, shall he executed on the sixth of June at sundown Careful not to blink, Harry stared up into Buckbeaks fierce orange tree eyes once more and bowed. Buckbeak sank to his scaly knees and then stood up again. Harry began to fumble with the knot of rope 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 weight onto the rope, but Buckbeak had dug in his front feet.Well, lets get this over with, said the reedy voice of the Committee member from inside Hagrids cabin. Hagrid, perhaps it will be better if you stay inside No, I I wan ter be with him. I don wan him ter be alone Footsteps echoed from indoors the cabin.Buckbeak, move Harry hissed.Harry tugged harder on the rope around Buckbeaks neck. The Hippogriff began to walk, rustling its go irritably. They were politic 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 stopped. Harry heaved on the ro pe. 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. speedy Quick Hermione moaned, darting out from behind her tree, seizing the rope too and adding her weight to make Buckbeak move faster. Harry looked over his shoulder they were now obstruct 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 quite an still even the Hippogriff seemed to be listening intently. Silence then Where is it? said the reedy voice of the Committee member. Where is the beast?It was tied here said the executioner furiously. I saw it Just hereHow extraordinary, said Dumbledore. There was a note of amusement in his voice.Beaky sa id 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.Gone 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 range and dug their heels into the forest floor to stop him.Someone untied him the executioner was snarling. We should search the grounds, the forest.Macnair, if Buckbeak has indeed been stolen, do you really 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 heard footsteps, the around the bend cursing of the executio ner, the snap of the door, and then silence once more.Now what? whispered Harry, looking around.Well have to hide 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 fly Buckbeak up to Siriuss window. He wont be there for another couple of hours. Oh, this is going to be difficult.She looked nervously over her shoulder into the depths of the forest. The sun was condition now.Were going to have to move, said Harry, thinking hard. Weve got to be able to see the Whomping Willow, or we wont know whats going on.Okay, said Hermione, getting a firmer grip on Buckbeaks rope. But weve got to keep out of sight, Harry, remember.They moved around the edge of the forest, darkness falling thickly around them, until they were hidden behind a clump of trees through which they could make out the Willow.Theres Ron said Harry suddenly.A dark figure 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 materialize out of nowhere. Harry watched himself and Hermione chasing after Ron. Then he saw Ron dive.Gotcha Get off, you stinking cat Theres Sirius said Harry. The great shape of the dog had bounded out from the grow 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 lower 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 disappeared, the tree began to move again. Seconds later, they heard footsteps quite close by. Dumbledore, Macnair, Fudge, and the old Committee member were making their way up to the castle.Right after wed gone down into the passage 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 scene 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 prod the knot on the trunk. The tree stopped fighting, and Lupin, too, disappeared into the spread in its roots.If hed only grabbed the cloak, said Harry. Its just lying there.He turned to Hermione.If I just dashed 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 i t 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 weaving slightly as he walked. A large bottle was swinging from his hands. go over? 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, straining 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, running toward the Willow.Harrys fists clinch as they watched Snape skid to a halt next to the tree, looking around. He grabbed the cloak and held it up.Get your filthy hands off it, Harry snarled under his breath.Shh Snape seized the branch Lupin had used to freeze 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 nigh tree, then sat down on the dry ground, arms around her knees.Harry, theres something I dont understand. Why didnt the Dementors get Sirius? I remember them coming, 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 down its mouth to Harrys, a large silver something had come galloping across the lake and labored 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 thinki ng back to the person hed seen on the other bank of the lake. He knew who he vista 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 drive all those Dementors away If the Patronus was smart 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, knowing how strange this was going to sound. I think it was my papa.Harry glanced up at Hermione and saw that her mouth was fully open now. She was gazing at him with a mixture 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 seeing 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 gibe 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 evening 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 go t to their feet. Buckbeak raised 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 upward. Next came Harry and Black. They all began to walk toward the castle.Harrys heart was starting to beat very fast. He glanced up at the sky. Any moment now, that cloud was going to move aside 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 causal agency There goes Lupin, Hermione whispered. Hes transforming.Hermione said Harry suddenly . Weve got to moveWe mustnt, I keep telling you Not to interfere Lupins going to run into the forest, right at usHermione gasped.Quick she moaned, dashing 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 empty 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, travel rapidly 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 happy to find himself back inside Hagrids house. He lay down in front of the fire, folded his go conten tedly, 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 looking 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 running 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 appearing 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 oppositeness 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 supply 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 tempestuousness shot through him any moment now Come on he muttered, staring about. Where are you? Dad, come on But no one came. Harry raised his head to look at the stripe of Dementors across the lake. One of them was lowering its hood. It was time for the rescuer to app ear 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 surface 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 it was coming back to him.It stopped on the bank. Its hooves made no mark on the so ft ground as it stared at Harry with its large, silver eyes. Slowly, it bowed its antlered 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 leap of his heart, he heard hooves behind him. He whirled around and saw Hermione dashing toward him, dragging Buckbeak behind her.What did you do? she said fiercely. You said you were only going to keep a lookoutI just saved 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, because Id already done it Does that make sense?I dont know Harry, look at SnapeTogether t hey 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 bearing 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 counting the windows to the right of the West Tower.Look Hermione whispered. Whos that? Someones coming back out of the castleHarry stared through the darkness. The man was travel 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 ace 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 speed 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, patch Sirius as they rose up beside the window. He reached out, and as Buckbeaks wings fell, was able to tap sharply on the glass.Black looked up. Harry saw his berate drop. He leapt from his chair, hurried to the window and tried to open it, but it was locked. live on 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 him steady. Youve got to get out of here -the Dementors are coming Macnairs gone to get them.Bl ack 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 oust 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 broom 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 at Harry.How can I ever thank GO Harry and Hermione shouted together.Black wheeled Buckbeak aroun d, facing 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.