(Author's Note: Hey everyone, here's the third chapter- Cockroach Clusters!!! Gross thought, eh? Cockroach Clusters??? Ick! Well, hope you enjoy, I worked my tail off trying to get it done quickly. Just kidding, I love you guys! Well, don't just sit there, GO READ!!!)

Chapter Three: Cockroach Clusters

As Ron made his way up the staircase leading to Professor Dumbledore's office, he now regretted not eating at lunch. Oh, what in the world could I have done? he thought. Will I really be EXPELLED?

Seven, six, five more steps to go. three, two, one. Ron arrived at the landing in front of two massive doors that lead to Dumbledore's office. A jovial old gargoyle sleeps in front of the doorway. "Password!" it yawned, popping awake as Ron approached.

Ron was surprised. The last time he was here a warrior-like figure had kept guard. He tried to think of what the password might be. Let's see, he told himself. Last time it was a type of candy.

"Cockroach Clusters?" he inquired, and is relieved when the gargoyle happily steps aside. But this feeling does not last long, for he is greeted by Dumbledore on the other side of the doors.

"Hello Mr. Weasley, please have a seat."

Suddenly, neither Dumbledore's voice nor his office seemed as inviting as they once did.

This is going to be a long day. Ron thought, and slumps down into a chair in front of Dumbledore's desk.

Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione were in the common room waiting for Ron to come back.

"Harry, do you think Dumbledore will really expel Ron?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know, Hermione, I don't know." Harry replies. Several minutes of silence follow his answer. Then without warning, Hermione screeches, "Harry! If Dumbledore was talking to Hagrid about Ron then he must be directly involved with the situation! Harry, we've got to talk to Hagrid!"

With this she bolted towards the portrait hole, Harry close behind her. When they finally arrived at Hagrid's hut, he came out to greet them.

"Hello there, Harry, Hermione." He said, nodding to both of them. "Where's Ron?"

"Hagrid, we heard you talking to Dumbledore about Ron." Harry said.

Hagrid sighed and beckoned them to come inside, then made sure no one was around before closing the door behind them. They all sat down around the table and Hermione said, "I'll make the tea later, Hagrid. You tell us your story."

So Hagrid started in: "Well, yeh see, a few days ago one o' my Hippogriffs was killed by somebody. Buckbeak's brother, it was. Name was Beakrod. All the evidence sure seems ter lead straight ter Ron. I know he didn't do it, I know 'e didn't, but Dumbledore don't think anyone else could've 'cause everything points to Ron." He was in tears now. "Sure as my mum was full- blood giant, I swear it wasn't Ron!" he bawled.

"Its okay, Hagrid. It's not your fault! We'll do something about it, somehow." Hermione patted him on the back.

Harry stood up with a determined look in his eye. He spoke to Hermione. "Let's go."