Harry Potter and the Poodle of Magic Alcatraz

Chapter 11

What if Malfoy still couldn't keep his Mouth Shut?

By

Jason Richard

So Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat in the library, pouring through books that might help them in Buckbeak's trial. It wasn't looking good, especially since Malfoy kept opening his mouth and Buckbeak always seemed to hear it.

"How is he even getting away from Hagrid?" asked Ron. "I always see Buckbeak chained up!"

"Don't ask me," said Hermione, putting a book down. "Hagrid has since started putting him in a cage. The poor thing. If only Malfoy would keep his mouth shut!"

Malfoy: "Bet you'd love that wouldn't you Granger?"

Harry: "Oh here we go!"

Of course, Malfoy was there to taunt them. They looked over in irritation, but then recoiled in Horror.

Malfoy didn't look good. He was covered in bandages and looked like a mummy. Both of his arms were in slings, and his walking was stiff.

"Malfoy," said Harry. "Couldn't Madam Pomfrey heal you?"

"Mind your own business," said Malfoy. "Anyway, it's about time Hagrid put that disgusting beast in a cage. It will be nice to be able to speak my mind again." he cleared his throat and said, "Buckbeack is an ugly and stupid creature less valuable than a donkey."

Under his bandages, he grinned, and then...

Tap tap tap tap tap, the sound of birds talons tapping against the floor sounded through the library as, from around a bookcase, Buckbeak himself came up right behind Malfoy, the creature's eyes bloodshot with anger.

The Slytherin boy turned around and said in his most bewildered voice, "How?"

And the next moment Malfoy was running as Buckbeak screeched and went after him.

Moment's later Hagrid burst in and said, "It's terrible! Buckbeak's been sentenced to death!"

Harry, Ron, and Hermione, their heads resting in their hands, all said, "Yeah, we figured."

…

Hermione actually apologized to Ron over Scabber's apparent death. Apparently knowing that Hagrid could lose his pet made her a little more sympathetic Ron's scenario. Despite Hagrid's bad news, Harry was glad they were talking. Naturally, they found something to talk about that they both agreed on.

Divination class was idiotic.

"Open your mind!" said Professor Trelawney. "Look beyond what is happening now and look to what will happen in the future!"

"Gee," said Ron dryly. "How are we seeing the future today? Let's see, we've looked at tea leaves, glass balls, playing with cards, and used a folded up piece of paper. What's next? Watching a dung beetle roll around a ball of dung for an hour?"

Trelawny: "Oh no dear, nothing like that. Today we're spilling the guts of a dead frog and studying how it's entrails land. Watching a dung beetle is on Thursday."

Hermione, snoring with her head on the table, suddenly sat up and shouted: "I'm listening professor!"

Trelawny: "Of course you are dear."

Ron: "Hermione, you really should give up a class or two. You're wearing yourself out."

Hermione: "Don't be silly Ron. I'm fine." Then her eyes glazed over, her head fell to the table with a thump, and she came up saying, "I'm awake!"

"Now," said Trelawney. "There have been more signs of Harry's impending death in these classes."

"Thanks for pointing them out," said Harry sarcastically.

"You're welcome dear," said the professor. "Now, I want you to analyze the various different incarnations of Grim we've..."

Hermione: "Oh not that ridiculous Grim again! Nothing is going to happen to Harry! This is ridiculous! I can't believe this is even a course at Hogwarts! I'd had enough!"

And Hermione got up to walk out.

Harry: "Whoa, Hermione, you're walking out of a classroom? You? Miss I'm taking every class this term because I just love school so much? That seems amazingly out of character."

Suddenly everyone heard an explosion outside.

Hermione, halfway out the door, turned back and said, "What just..."

Suddenly, Dumbledore's voice sounded throughout Hogwarts, saying, "Students, please don't be alarmed, but it seems that someone in this school has done something so out of character for them it has opened a rift in the time-space continuum. Please don't be alarmed as the teachers will all take the necessary steps to contain it, but know that if in the unlikely chance it does get out of control it will wipe out life as we know it. Have a nice day!"

Everyone looked at Hermione, who sheepishly went back to her seat.

Malfoy opened his mouth...

Hermione: "MALFOY IF YOU SAY ONE WORD I'LL HEX YOU INTO NEXT WEEK!"

Malfoy shut his mouth and looked down.

…

So later, after the time space rupture was sealed, Harry got his invisibility cloak and snuck through the secret passage to Hogsmeade. As he was using the marauder's map, however, he saw a name on it that didn't make any sense.

Peter Pettigrew was wandering on the Hogwarts grounds according to this, but that didn't make any sense. Peter Pettigrew was dead wasn't he? He had to find Ron and try to figure out what was going on.

He found Ron outside Hogsmeade. He pulled his cloak down to talk to him, and as his head was the only thing visible he opened his mouth to speak.

And then...

Malfoy: "GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASP!"

And Malfoy ran off.

Ron saw Harry's head and said, "You might want to run back to Hogwarts."

"Thanks, Ron," said Harry sarcastically.