Chapter 16 Professor Trelawney’s Prediction

vexs euphory at fin both(a)y winning the Quidditch in remedy persisted at least a week. plane the weather frontmed to be celeb assing as June approached, the age became cloudless and sultry, and all anybody felt groundworkardised doing was strolling onto the grounds and flopping master on the pin distri besidesor point with salwaysal pints of iced autumn pumpkin juice, perhaps play a casual game of Gobst cardinals or watching the giant squid repulse itself dreamily a crosscut the surface of the lake. only they couldnt. Exams were nearly upon them, and instead of lazing some place emplacement, the students were oblige to remain inner(a) the castle, essay to punk their brains into concent derriereing plot enticing wafts of summer publicise drifted in through the windows. Even Fred and George Weasley had been descry working they were virtually to take their O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Levels). Percy was get prompt to take his N.E.W.T.s (Nastily Exhausting Wizar ding Tests), the highest faculty Hogwarts offered. As Percy hoped to enter the Ministry of conjuration, he necessary top grades. He was becoming more than than and more edgy, and gave authentically severe punishments to anybody who disturbed the secretiveness of the general room in the evenings. In fact, the only person who seemed more ill at ease(p) than Percy was Hermione. chivvy and Ron had given up petition her how she was humanityaging to att remnant several forkes at once, exclusively they couldnt restrain themselves when they apothegm the trial run chronicle she had drawn up for herself. The early editorial readMonday9 oclock, Arithmancy9 oclock, metabolismLunch1 oclock, Charms1 oclock, antiquated RunesHermione? Ron verbalize cautiously, because she was liable to explode when stop these days. Er are you sure youve copied depressed these times right?What? snapped Hermione, picking up the trial schedule and examining it. Yes, of course I pitch.Is i n that location any point postulation how youre press release to puzzle for two exams at once? express train upon.No, say Hermione shortly. start either of you seen my replicate of Numerology and Gramatica?Oh, yeah, I borrowed it for a subprogram of bedtime reading, utter Ron, adept instantly rattling quietly. Hermione started shifting heaps of lambskin. blight, Ron, and Hermione had plenty of probability to speak to Hagrid.Beakys gettin a bit depressed, Hagrid t ein truthplace-the-hill them, f nonagenarian low on the pretense of checking that rags flobberworm was yet alive. Bin cooped up too long. provided stillwell k straightaway day subsequent on tomorrow one direction or the other They had Potions that aft(prenominal)noon, which was an unqualified disaster. Try as arouse magnate, he couldnt get his mistake Concoction to thicken, and Snape, standing watch with an oxygenise of vindictive pleasure, scribbled something that looked suspiciously compar able a zero onto his preeminences before moving away. wherefore came Astronomy at midnight, up on the tallest tower History of Magic on Wednesday morning, in which waste scribbled e verything Florean Fortescue had ever told him somewhat medieval witch-hunts, while wishing he could book had one of Fortescues choco-nut cheerdaes with him in the acerb classroom. Wednesday afternoon rigoroust Herbology, in the greenhouses at a lower place a baking-hot sun because affirm to the common room once more, with sunburnt necks, intellection longingly of this time next day, when it would all be oer.Their second to last exam, on Thursday morning, was Defense Against the temperamental Arts. professor Lupin had compiled the most unusual exam any of them had ever taken a crystallize of obstacle course asideside in the sun, where they had to wade crossways a deep paddling pool containing a Grindylow, cross a series of potholes full of cherry Caps, squish their way across a patch of m arsh while ignoring delusory directions from a Hinkypunk, then climb into an old trunk and battle with a new(a) Boggart.Excellent, scourge, Lupin muttered as devastate climbed proscribed of the trunk, grinning. Full marks.Flushed with his success, stimulate hung around to watch Ron and Hermione. Ron did very well until he reached the Hinkypunk, which successfully confused him into pass bying waist-deep into the quagmire. Hermione did everything perfectly until she reached the trunk with the Boggart in it. afterward vertical rough a minute inside it, she burst out again, screaming.Hermione say Lupin, startled. Whats the involvement?P-P-prof McGonagall Hermione gasped, pointing into the trunk. Sh-she verbalize Id failed everythingIt took a itty-bitty while to calm Hermione d confess. When at last she had regained a grip on herself, she, incrust, and Ron went arse to the castle. Ron was still passably inclined to laugh at Hermiones Boggart, but an argument was averted by the sess that met them on the top of the steps.Cornelius border, sweating slightly in his pinstriped bury, was standing in that location staring out at the grounds. He started at the jalopy of fire.Hello at that place, Harry he tell. Just had an exam, I comport? Nearly finished?Yes, state Harry. Hermione and Ron, non being on speaking wrong with the Minister of Magic, hoered awkwardly in the rachisground. engaging day, tell Fudge, casting an eye everywhere the lake.PitypityHe sighed late and looked defeat at Harry.Im here on an unpleasant mission, Harry. The Committee for the Disposal of atrocious Creatures required a witness to the operation of a mad Hippogriff. As I needed to visit Hogwarts to check on the Black situation, I was asked to step in.Does that mean the appeals already happened? Ron interrupted, stepping earlier.No, no, its scheduled for this afternoon, verbalise Fudge, looking at curiously at Ron.Then you business leader not have to witness an writ of execution at all verbalise Ron stoutly. The Hippogriff might get offBefore Fudge could answer, two wizards came through the castle portals hindquarters him. One was so ancient he appeared to be withering before their very eye the other was tall and strapping, with a thin back mustache. Harry gathitherd that they were representatives of the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, because the very old wizard squinted toward Hagrids cabin and tell in a feeble portion, Dear, unspoilt, Im getting too old for this.Two oclock, isnt it, Fudge?The black-mustached man was fingering something in his belt Harry looked and saw that he was running one broad tack along the wind vane of a shining axe. Ron brusked his embouchure to say something, but Hermione nudged him hard in the ribs and jerked her head toward the delight hall.Whyd you stop me? said Ron angrily as they entered the Great manor hall for lunch. Did you see them? Theyve even got the axe ready This isnt justiceRon, your dad works for the Ministry, you cant go saying things like that to his boss said Hermione, but she too looked very upset. As long as Hagrid keeps his head this time, and argues his skid properly, they cant possibly set Buckbeak.But Harry could tell Hermione didnt really confide what she was saying. every around them, throng were talking excitedly as they ate their lunch, happily anticipating the death of the exams that afternoon, but Harry, Ron, and Hermione, lost in bear on about Hagrid and Buckbeak, didnt join in.Harrys and Rons last exam was Divination Hermiones, Muggle Studies. They headed up the marble staircase together Hermione left them on the first take aback and Harry and Ron proceeded all the way up to the seventh, where many of their class were posing on the spin staircase to prof Trelawneys classroom, trying to cram in a bit of last-minute studying.Shes sightedness us all separately, Neville informed them as they went to sit pig(p) next t o him. He had his copy of Unfogging the Future open on his forget me drug at the pages devoted to crystal gazing. establish either of you ever seen anything in a crystal cluster? he asked them unhappily.Nope, said Ron in an offhand congressman. He unplowed checking his watch Harry. knew that he was counting surmount the time until Buckbeaks appeal started.The line of people outside the classroom shortened very slowly. As each person climbed back down the liquid endure, the rest of the class hissed, What did she ask? Was it fine?But they all refused to say.She says the crystal balls told her that if I tell you, Ill have a horrible accident squeaked Neville as he clambered back down the footrace toward Harry and Ron, who had now reached the landing.Thats convenient, snorted Ron. You have it off, Im starting to telephone Hermione was right about her he jabbed his thumb toward the trap admission overhead shes a right old fraud.Yeah, said Harry, looking at his own watch. I t was now two oclock. Wish shed charge upParvati came back down the ladder glowing with pride.She says Ive got all the makings of a true up Seer, she informed Harry and Ron. I saw loads of stuffWell, good dowerShe hurried off down the spiral staircase toward Lavender.Ronald Weasley, said the familiar, misty voice from over their heads. Ron grimaced at Harry and climbed the silver ladder out of sight. Harry was now the only person left to be tested. He settled himself on the floor with his back against the wall, take careing to a vaporise buzzing in the sunny window, his soul across the grounds with Hagrid.Finally, after about twenty minutes, Rons spacious feet reappeared on the ladder.Howd it go? Harry asked him, standing up.Rubbish, said Ron. Couldnt see a thing, so I do some stuff up. Dont phone she was convinced, thoughMeet you in the common room, Harry muttered as prof Trelawneys voice called, Harry PotterThe tower room was hotter than ever before the curtains were di sagreeable, the get up was alight, and the usual sickly scent made Harry spit out as he stumbled through the jumbal of chairs and turn off to where professor Trelawney sat time lag for him before a large crystal ball.Good day, my dear, she said softly. If you would kindly gaze into the OrbTake your time, nowthen tell me what you see within it.Harry bent over the crystal ball and stared, stared as hard as he could, willing it to show him something other than swirling albumin fog, but nothing happened.Well? prof Trelawney prompted delicately. What do you see?The heat was trounce and his nostrils were stinging with the perfumed smoke wafting from the fire beside them. He thought of what Ron had just said, and persistent to pretend.Er said Harry, a opaque shapeumWhat does it resemble? speak Professor Trelawney. Think, nowHarry cast his mind around and it landed on Buckbeak.A Hippogriff, he said firmly.Indeed whispered Professor Trelawney, scribbling keenly on the parchment perched upon her knees. My boy, you may well be seeing the out condescend of poor Hagrids agitate with the Ministry of Magic Look closerDoes the Hippogriff appear tohave its head?Yes, said Harry firmly. be you sure? Professor Trelawney urged him. Are you kinda sure, dear? You dont see it writhing on the ground, perhaps, and a shadowy figure face lifting an axe fucking it?No said Harry, starting to feel slightly sick.No blood? No weeping Hagrid?No said Harry again, wanting more than ever to leave the room and the heat. It looks fine, its transient awayProfessor Trelawney sighed.Well, dear, I cipher well leave it thereA little disappointingbut Im sure you did your best.Relieved, Harry got up, picked up his bag and turned to go, but then a loud, harsh voice spoke behind him.IT leave behind advance TONIGHT.Harry wheeled around. Professor Trelawney had gone(p) rigid in her armchair her eyes were unfocussed and her mouth sagging.S sorry? said Harry.But Professor Trelawney did nt seem to realize him. Her eyes started to roll. Harry sat there in a panic. She looked as though she was about to have some sort of seizure. He hesitated, thinking of running to the hospital wing and then Professor Trelawney spoke again, in the same harsh voice, instead unlike her ownTHE DARK ecclesiastic LIES ALONE AND FRIENDLESS, ABANDONED BY HIS FOLLOWERS. HIS retainer HAS BEEN CHAINED THESE TWELVE YEARS. TONIGHT, BEFORE MIDNIGHTTHE consideration WILL BREAK FREE AND isthmus OUT TO REJOIN HIS get across. THE DARK maestro WILL RISE AGAIN WITH HIS SERVANTS AID, great AND MORE TERRIBLE THAN EVER HE WAS. TONIGHTBEFORE MIDNIGHTTHE SERVANTWILL SET OUTTO REJOINHIS MASTERProfessor Trelawneys head fell forward onto her chest. She made a grunting sort of noise. Harry sat there, staring at her. Then, quite curtly, Professor Trelawneys head snapped up again.Im so sorry, dear boy, she said dreamily, the heat of the day, you hunchI drifted off for a piece.Harry sat there, stari ng at her.Is there anything wrong, my dear?You you just told me that the the Dark Lords going to rise againthat his servants going to go back to him.Professor Trelawney looked soundly startled.The Dark Lord? He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? My dear boy, thats hardly something to joke aboutRise again, indeed But you just said it You said the Dark Lord I think you must have dozed off too, dear said Professor Trelawney. I would sure affluent not presume to predict anything quite as far-fetched as thatHarry climbed back down the ladder and the spiral staircase, questionhad he just heard Professor Trelawney make a real commandancy? Or had that been her idea of an impressive end to the test?Five minutes afterward he was dashing past the hostage trolls outside the entrance to Gryf consideror Tower, Professor Trelawneys actors line still resounding in his head. population were striding past him in the opposite direction, express mirth and joking, heading for the grounds and a bit of long-awaited freedom by the time he had reached the portrait hole and entered the common room, it was just about deserted. Over in the corner, however, sat Ron and Hermione.Professor Trelawney, Harry panted, just told me But he stopped abruptly at the sight of their faces.Buckbeak lost, said Ron weakly. Hagrids just sent this.Hagrids note was dry this time, no tears had displace it, yet his hand seemed to have shaken so much as he wrote that it was hardly legible.Lost appeal. Theyre going to execute at sunset. Nothing you can do. Dont gain down. I dont want you to see it. Hagrid Weve got to go, said Harry at once. He cant just sit there on his own, waiting for the executionerSunset, though, said Ron, who was staring out the window ill a shiny sort of way. Wed never be allowed specially you, HarryHarry sank his head into his hands, thinking.If we only had the invisibility CloakWhere is it? said Hermione.Harry told her about go forth it in the passageway beneath the one-eyed witch. if Snape sees me anywhere near there again, Im in serious trouble, he finished.Thats true, said Hermione, getting to her feet. If he sees youHow do you open the witchs hump again?You you tap it and say, Dissendium, said Harry. But Hermione didnt wait for the rest of his fate she strode across the room, pushed open the Fat Ladys portrait and vanished from sight.She hasnt gone to get it? Ron said, staring after her.She had. Hermione returned a quarter of an hour later with the silvery block out folded carefully under her robes.Hermione, I dont comp permite whats gotten, into you lately said Ron, astounded. First you hit Malfoy, then you walk out on Professor Trelawney Hermione looked instead flattered.They went down to dinner with everybody else, but did not return to Gryffindor Tower afterward. Harry had the cloak hidden down the front of his robes he had to keep his arms folded to hide the lump. They skulked in an empty chamber off the entrance hall, listening, until the y were sure it was deserted. They heard a last pair of people hurrying across the hall and a door slamming. Hermione poked her head around the door.Okay, she whispered, no one there cloak on Walking very close together so that aught would see them, they crossed the hall on tiptoe beneath the cloak, then walked down the stone front steps into the grounds. The sun was already sinking behind the proscribe Forest, gilding the top branches of the corners.They reached Hagrids cabin and knocked. He was a minute in answering, and when he did, he looked all around for his visitor, pale-faced and trembling.Its us, Harry hissed. Were wearing the Invisibility Cloak. Let us in and we can take it off.Yeh shouldnve come Hagrid whispered, but he stood back, and they stepped inside. Hagrid bar the door quickly and Harry pulled off the cloak.Hagrid was not crying, nor did he throw himself upon their necks. He looked like a man who did not know where he was or what to do. This helplessness was w orse to watch than tears.Wan some tea? he said. His great hands were shaking as he reached for the kettle.Wheres Buckbeak, Hagrid? said Hermione hesitantly.I I took him outside, said Hagrid, spilling milk all over the table as he change up the dawdle. Hes tethered in me pumpkin patch. Thought he oughta see the trees an an shade fresh air before Hagrids hand trembled so violently that the milk jug slipped from his grasp and shattered all over the floor.Ill do it, Hagrid, said Hermione quickly, hurrying over and starting to clean up the mess.thithers other one in the closet, Hagrid said, sitting down and wiping his forehead on his sleeve. Harry glanced at Ron, who looked back hopelessly.Isnt there anything anyone can do, Hagrid? Harry asked fiercely, sitting down next to him. Dumbledore Hes tried, said Hagrid. Hes got no power ter overrule the Committee. He told em Buckbeaks all right, but theyre scaredYeh know what Lucius Malfoys likethreatened em, I expectan the executioner, Macnair, hes an old pal o Malfoysbut itll be quick an cleanan Ill be beside him.Hagrid swallowed. His eyes were darting all over the cabin as though looking for some element of hope or comfort.Dumbledores gonna come down while it while it happens. Wrote me this mornin. Said he wants ter ter be with me. Great man, Dumbledore.Hermione, who had been rummaging in Hagrids cupboard for another milk jug, let out a small, quickly stifled sob. She straightened up with the new jug in her hands, flake back tears.Well perplex with you too, Hagrid, she began, but Hagrid agitate his shaggy head.Yehre ter go back up ter the castle. I told yeh, I don wan yeh watchin. An yeh shouldn be down here anywayIf Fudge an Dumbledore bit yeh out without permission, Harry, yehll be in enceinte trouble.Silent tears were now drift down Hermiones face, but she hid them from Hagrid, bustling around making tea. Then, as she picked up the milk bottle to pour some into the jug, she let out a shriek.Ron, I d ont believe it its ScabbersRon gaped at her.What are you talking about?Hermione carried the milk jug over to the table and turned it upside down. With a excited squeak, and much scrambling to get back inside, Scabbers the rat came sliding out onto the table.Scabbers said Ron blankly. Scabbers, what are you doing here?He grabbed the struggling rat and held him up to the light. Scabbers looked dreadful. He was thinner than ever, large tufts of hair had fallen out leaving wide bald patches, and he contorted in Rons hands as though desperate to free himselfIts okay, Scabbers said Ron. No cats Theres nothing here to hurt youHagrid suddenly stood up, his eyes fixed on the window. His commonly ruddy face had gone the coloring of parchment.Theyre comin.Harry, Ron, and Hermione whipped around. A group of men was pass down the distant castle steps. In front was Albus Dumbledore, his silver beard flame in the dying sun. Next to him trotted Cornelius Fudge. slowly them came the feeble old Committee constituent and the executioner, Macnair.Yeh gotta go, said Hagrid. Every inch of him was trembling. They mustn find yeh hereGo nowRon stuffed Scabbers into his bag and Hermione picked up the cloak. Ill let yeh out the back way, said Hagrid.They followed him to the door into his back garden. Harry felt strangely unreal, and even more so when he saw Buckbeak a few yards away, tethered to a tree behind Hagrids pumpkin patch. Buckbeak seemed to know something was happening. He turned his sharp head from side to side and pawed the ground nervously.Its okay, Beaky, said Hagrid softly. Its okay He turned to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Go on, he said. Get goin.But they didnt move.Hagrid, we cant Well tell them what really happened They cant kill him Go said Hagrid fiercely. Its big enough without you lot in trouble an allThey had no choice. As Hermione threw the cloak over Harry and Ron, they heard voices at the front of the cabin. Hagrid looked at the place where they had just vanished from sight.Go quick, he said hoarsely. Don listenAnd he strode back into his cabin as someone knocked at the front door.Slowly, in a kind of horrified trance, Harry, Ron, and Hermione set off silently around Hagrids house. As they reached the other side, the front door closed with a sharp snap.Please, lets hurry, Hermione whispered. I cant stand it, I cant bear it.They started up the lean lawn toward the castle. The sun was sinking fast now the sky had turned to a clear, purple-tinged gray, but to the west there was a ruby glow.Ron stopped dead.Oh, enjoy, Ron, Hermione began.Its Scabbers he wont stay tell Ron was bent over, trying to keep Scabbers in his pocket, but the rat was going possessed(predicate) squeaking madly, twisting and flailing, trying to sink his teeth into Rons hand.Scabbers, its me, you idiot, its Ron, Ron hissed.They heard a door open behind them and mens voices.Oh, Ron, please lets move, theyre going to do it Hermione breathed.Okay Scabbers, stay put They walked forward Harry, like Hermione, was trying not to listen to the rumble of voices behind them. Ron stopped again.I cant hold him Scabbers, shut up, everyonell hear us The rat was squeaky wildly, but not loudly enough to cover up the sounds drifting from Hagrids garden. There was a jumble of indistinct manful voices, a silence, and then, without warning, the unmistakable swish and scrunch of an axe.Hermione swayed on the spot.They did it she whispered to Harry. Id dont believe it they did it