A New Danger.
Chapter 4: Expect the Unexpected. Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, the characters, or anything to do with them.
Summery: it's in the 1st chapter.
"P-Professor." Harry choked, trying to catch his breath. "Mr. Potter! Do you know how to knock!" She cried angrily, as they had burst in on her & Dumbledore in the middle of a kiss. "Sorry Professor, but we just found out something that the Headmaster really should know." Hermione said, her hand on her chest, finally catching her breath enough to speak. Dumbledore stepped forward. "Did you three run all the way back from Hogsmeade?" He asked, ignoring their rudeness. "Albus, they just burst in here uninvited! Aren't you going to say anything!" Professor McGonagall cried. "Minerva, these three know about. us. In fact, the whole school knows by now so why are you so flustered?" Dumbledore said gently without looking at her. Professor McGonagall's cheeks went a little pink, & she quieted. "Now, why did you run all the way back here?" Dumbledore asked. "Well, we went to the three broomsticks & Madam Rosmerta." "Ah, how is she? As charming as ever I suppose?" He asked, giving them a wink. Harry was sure he saw steam billow out of Professor McGonagall's ears, & he thought it in their best interests to cease talking about her. "She told us that Wormtail had escaped from Askaban about the same time school started." Dumbledore's smile melted right off his face. "He may very well be the one that's heading all these attacks." He said, stroking his beard in thought. "You don't think that he's doing them himself?" Harry asked. "No, I really don't. Wormtail doesn't. have the bravery if you will, to come right on here & do these things but I do think that he's probably been sneaking around here in animagus form & relaying the information to whoever he's working with." They all stared, Ron grinned. "Well, it has to be someone really brave, or really stupid to break in here when we have the greatest wizard of all times is here!" He said, punching his fist into his hand. Dumbledore's cheeks went pink under his silver beard as Harry & Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "I'm truly flattered, but I.I' am not as great as I seem." He said simply, everyone shook their heads. If only he knew.
"Do you think that whoever making these attacks will try something else?" Hermione asked as they left Hagrid's class, their last for the day. "Hey, I know lets go & see how the people in the hospital wing are doing." Harry suggested, they made their way up there. "Well Harry, so nice to see you healthy for a change." Madam Pomfrey said as she came out of one of the rooms. "Er. were here to see of the people that had been poisoned are okay." Harry said, Madam Pomfrey smiled. "They're all just fine, Madam Scuie's been asking to see you for some time." She led them to a room & opened the door. "Harry, Ron!" Madam Scuie cried as she tried to get out of bed, Madam Pomfrey rushed over & held her down. "Her body is taking a bit longer to react to the counter potion Professor Snape made, but Miss Granger was well in about an hour of taking it." Madam Pomfrey said, giving Hermione an approving look. "Madam Pomfrey, listen. I must get back to refereeing!" Madam Scuie said angrily, Madam Pomfrey now had both of her hands on Madam Scuie's shoulders to prevent her from rising. "Rophilla, Madam Hooch has already offered to substitute for you until you are well!" She said exasperatedly. "Maybe we should go." Harry said. "No," Madam Pomfrey said quickly. "I dare say that she's worse when you're not here, always asking about you three & wont get any rest. So I'll permit for to stay but you MUST be quiet!" She said, brandishing a finger at them. She turned to go back to her office when a knock on the door was heard, it swung open to reveal Madam Hooch. She gave a nod to Harry as she strode by him, wearing lurid blue robes that almost made you have to squint when you looked at them. "Like you're robes, Xiomara planing to referee in fog?" Madam Scuie said dryly, Madam Hooch frowned but chose to ignore this. "Is it true that you're going to referee until Madam Scuie gets out of here?" Ron asked, Madam Hooch smiled. "That's right, Mr. Weasley." She said. "It'll be nice to see you out there again." Harry said, she turn her fierce yellow stare toward him. "It'll be nice to be back out there, I do miss it." Harry knew that this wasn't any of his business what so ever, but he asked anyway. "Why did you retire, Madam Hooch?" She smiled. "I'm surprised that you haven't heard already, I'm playing for the British team now. They had a chaser come down sick & they needed a temporary replacement." She explained, they all nodded. "She's the only woman on the whole team too." Madam Scuie added, with a wink. "Well. now that was lucky." Madam Hooch said, they all laughed.
In about a week's time Madam Scuie was well enough to leave the hospital wing, but she was forbidden to fly on a broom for the next six weeks, which greatly frustrated her. She kept trying to sneak out to the quiddich field at night & in the end, Dumbledore had to take her broomstick away from her. In the next two days, there would be a quddich match (Ravenclaw VS Slytherin). "Do you want to go & watch?" Ron asked Harry, he shrugged. "Sure, why not. Nothing else to do, the next Hogsmeade weekend isn't until December & seeing Slythren lose would be a good laugh for all of us." They said as they headed to History of Magic.
With scarves, gloves, cloaks & hat's on Harry Ron & Hermione all made their way out to the quiddich field. They climbed higher & higher on the rows until they were satisfied with their view. They settled into their seats just in time, hoards of people started coming out of the castle. From this height, they looked like minute ants scurrying to their mounds. They were thoroughly surprised to see Madam Scuie appear from the stairs wearing the most unusual (for her) concoction of clothes that began with a fleece-lined midnight blue wool cloak over white satin robes, with a plain white long sleeved T shirt under them. Instead of her usual bell-bottoms, she wore long white corduroy pants that were at least a quarter of an inch thick. Her sandals were replaced with thick wool socks & fleece lined leather boots. The three of them scooted over to allow room for her. "How are you feeling, Madam Scuie?" Harry asked, she shrugged. "As well as to be expected, Professor Dumbledore still has my broom & he wont give it back until Madam Pomfrey gives the ok." She said gloomily, she grimaced as a sudden bitter wind swept over them. "It's quite a bit colder when you're sitting still." She said, Harry was noticing the same thing. Always being out on a broom moving around, he never noticed how cold it was. The crowd quieted as Madam Hooch strided out onto the field where the two teams stood, waiting. They all raised their ominoculars to their eyes. "Now, I want a nice fair game, mount you're brooms on my whistle three. two.one" The shrill blast was heard & the teams rose into the air, Madam Hooch kicked open the trunk, the bludgers & snitch went sailing upward. She mounted her Nimbus tow thousand & six, picked up the quaffle, spun it in her hands a few seconds, then threw it upward. In no time, the score was 60- 30 Ravenclaw. The Ravenclaw supporters in the stands next to them were beside themselves. Suddenly, out of no where Madam Hooch's whistle blew. Harry scanned the field through his ominoculars & caught sight of the Ravenclaw seeker; a tall lanky third year named Dustin Janey. He was holding his hand into the air; just visible was the fluttering wings of the golden snitch. "Ravenclaw wins!" Madam Hooch cried, the stands erupted in cheers.
The three of them headed to the entrance hall to get their names checked by Filch, sense this was his first visit to Hogmeade this year, Filch insisted that Harry was trying to sneak off illegally some how. Luckily Professor McGonagall happened to be passing. "What's going on?" she asked, a very nasty smile crossed Filch's face. "Ah Professor, I'm glad you're here! Potter, here is trying to sneak off without permission!" Professor McGonagall shook her head. "Filch, Potter's guardian sent in the form, Hints why his name is on the list." She said with a bite of sarcasm, Harry snorted with laughter, Filch's face contorted. "Very well then! Potter get moving you're holding up the line!" Harry looked back for Professor McGonagall, wanting to thank her but the crowd was pushing him along. By the time he could get a good view behind him she was gone.
"Well, going to the shrieking shack isn't worth it anymore." Ron said, they had found out that the sounds were not made by ghosts, but by a person, he turned out to be Remus Lupin & he taught at Hogwarts in their third year. "Lets stop by Honeydukes, than head to the Three Broomsticks." Harry suggested, they nodded & set off against the wind.
They entered Honeydukes & immediately scattered to look around; Harry bought several bars of chocolate, some best blowing gum, a bag of sugar quills & a small bag of pepper imps. Ron picked up, a bag of cockroach clusters, asid pops & some peppermint frogs. Hermoine headed to the counter with only a couple of bars of chocolate. "Aren't you going to buy anything else?" Ron asked, Hermione scowled. "I have no use for anything else, I don't wish to trick anyone!" Harry & Ron both laughed.
The three of them walked into the Three Broomsticks & took seats at a table by the wall; Madam Rosmerta took notice of them at once. "Hi there you three! Long time no see." She said, coming up to their table. "Three Butterbeers I suppose?" She said, looking around at them. "Yes, but I'd like to try mine with whipped topping this time." Hermione pipped up, Madam Rosmerta smiled. "Whipped topping it is, I'll have them right out." She said, & disappeared behind the bar. "We never did find out who or what caused those attacks on the school did we?" Harry said, Ron looked at him a little funny. "Harry, it was Petigrew, remember?" He said, Harry shook his head. "We don't know that for sure, Dumbledore's hunch is that he was acting with someone, but who?" He said in thought as Madam Rosmerta returned. "Madam Rosmerta, did the Minister give you any details about Petigrew's escape?" Madam Rosmerta looked at him, "Well I'm not really supposed to say. but I suppose I can trust you three." She said. "Okay, The Minister said that he was getting inside help from someone, he never did said their name. Anyway, he said that they were telling Petigrew everything that was going on at Hogwarts, which students would be where, that sort of thing." She paused; Harry took this opportunity to interject a question. "You don't remember anything about the person? What if they were a student? If so what year, & what house were they're in?" Madam Rosmerta thought a minute before answering. "well, lke I said, he really couldn't give any details. So he never said anything conclusive about them, & I don't think he said if they were a student or not." She glanced around the bar another time as she sat down next to Ron. Who, despite the seriousness of the conversation, looked quite happy with the new seating arrangements. Madam Rosmerta did a final sweep of the bar to make sure no one was listening, then leaned in over the table. "There minister seemed to think, along with Dumbledore that it was someone associated with Gryffindor that did it." Harry, & Hermione exchanged looks as Madam Rosmerta continued. "No one in the other houses adds up, because they all had some form of disturbance happen. Slythren had their common room broken into, some even had things stolen right out from under their noses." "The thief wouldn't have to break into ours because he already knows the password." Harry finished for her. "What kind of things did he steal?" Hermione asked, as she shot a scowl at Ron, whose eyes were fixed unblinkingly & opened mouthed at Madam Rosmerta, trickle of saliva was making its way down his chin. "peculiar stuff, a Hufflepuff girl had her Venus fly trap stolen off her dresser, a Slytherin seventh year's book of dangerous plants & fungi was taken right out of his backpack when he was in the toilet." She finished. Harry & Hermione exchanged looks again, Ron was still in a world of his own, and the strand of saliva had left his chin to settle in a small pool on the table. Hermione looked disgusted. Harry waved a hand in front of his face but it was no use, Ron only snapped out of his trance when Madam Rosmerta stood up from her seat. He then hastily tried to wipe the drool from the table, almost knocking his drink over in the process; Harry saved himself from a very wet front by steadying the drink before it tipped his way. Madam Rosmerta smiled, she bent down, & gave him a friendly kiss on each cheek. "You're such a cute kid, Ron." She said, ruffling his hair before she left for the bar. Ron didn't speak until they walked out of The Three Broomsticks, "I'm never washing my cheeks, or my hair again." He said arily, Harry laughed.
"Do you think we should tell anybody about what we've been told?" Harry said, Hermione frowned. "I really think we should tell the Headmaster." She said, "Well lets go."
They approached the ever-so familiar stone gargoyle, they rattled off words until they found the correct one (pepper imp). They stepped on the moving staircase & jumped off at the door. "I really think we should knock this time." Harry said, he raised a fist & knocked a few times. Dumbledore answered it. "Ah, come in please." He said, & they entered. "Professor, we just found out something." Harry said as Dumbledore motioned for them it sit down in front of his desk. He settled himself in his chair, put the tips of his long fingers together & waited for them to speak. Harry, Ron & Hermione launched into the story that Madam Rosmerta had told them, as they talked, Dumbledore got up & paced behind his desk. When they finished, Dumbledore stopped pacing & faced them. "That means," he began. "that Wormtail's accomplice is still at large. We have narrowed it down to the house they are in & if they are a boy or girl." Dumbledore said. "Have you three noticed anything strange about any of your peers in you're dormitory?" he said, they shook Harry & Ron shook their heads. "We'll keep our eyes skinned, if we do find anything we'll bring it straight up to you, Professor." Ron said, Dumbledore smiled at them. "Good, good. I have trust in all of you." He said as they started to leave. "Harry, a word please." Dumbledore called Hermione & Ron looked at him strangely & stepped out. Harry headed back to his desk & sat down in one to the chairs. "Yes, Professor?" Dumbledore became very serious. "Harry, I want you to fly around the grounds in animagus form, I will inform all the teachers what you look like, & what you are doing." Harry looked a bit surprised. "But wont a Black hawk attract attention? They're not really from here, they like it very cold." He said, Dumbledorer smiled. "Actually, we have a small population of them in the Forbidden Forest, I'll tell all the teachers to explain to anyone who asks that you're here to keep the population of Kappa's & Grendylows in our lake in check." Dumbledore said lightly, Harry nodded & exited. "So what'd he tell you?" Ron asked, Harry told them about his mission to fly around the school. "Maybe we'll find out who's been doing all this stuff." Ron said, Harry nodded. "My partrol starts tonight, I'd be cool if you could come too Ron, then I'd have some company & an extra pair of eyes." Harry suggested, Ron nodded. "Okay, sounds good." We start tonight at twelve midnight."
Midnight came around & they quietly exit the portrait hole, they turned to explain to the fat lady but she wave it aside. "The headmaster has been to see me, I know all about it." she said, Harry & Ron nodded, then transformed & took off. They soared around the grounds, which were desolate at this time of the night. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, they flew in to nearest window to patrol the castle. As they glided along toward the entrance hall, they spotted movement underneath them. They perched on a rafter to watch. A person was heading out of the Great Hall 'here we go' Harry thought. The person, seeming to be a boy, was wearing the hood of his cloak over his face. They had a large velvet bag with them; Harry & Ron left rafter to glide noiselessly behind him, if the person continued on his present course, there was no doubt where he'd end up. the Gryffindor common room. The fat lady opened to admit him, & waited for Harry & Ron to fly in also. They followed him up to the boys' dormitories.
End of Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Expect the Unexpected. Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, the characters, or anything to do with them.
Summery: it's in the 1st chapter.
"P-Professor." Harry choked, trying to catch his breath. "Mr. Potter! Do you know how to knock!" She cried angrily, as they had burst in on her & Dumbledore in the middle of a kiss. "Sorry Professor, but we just found out something that the Headmaster really should know." Hermione said, her hand on her chest, finally catching her breath enough to speak. Dumbledore stepped forward. "Did you three run all the way back from Hogsmeade?" He asked, ignoring their rudeness. "Albus, they just burst in here uninvited! Aren't you going to say anything!" Professor McGonagall cried. "Minerva, these three know about. us. In fact, the whole school knows by now so why are you so flustered?" Dumbledore said gently without looking at her. Professor McGonagall's cheeks went a little pink, & she quieted. "Now, why did you run all the way back here?" Dumbledore asked. "Well, we went to the three broomsticks & Madam Rosmerta." "Ah, how is she? As charming as ever I suppose?" He asked, giving them a wink. Harry was sure he saw steam billow out of Professor McGonagall's ears, & he thought it in their best interests to cease talking about her. "She told us that Wormtail had escaped from Askaban about the same time school started." Dumbledore's smile melted right off his face. "He may very well be the one that's heading all these attacks." He said, stroking his beard in thought. "You don't think that he's doing them himself?" Harry asked. "No, I really don't. Wormtail doesn't. have the bravery if you will, to come right on here & do these things but I do think that he's probably been sneaking around here in animagus form & relaying the information to whoever he's working with." They all stared, Ron grinned. "Well, it has to be someone really brave, or really stupid to break in here when we have the greatest wizard of all times is here!" He said, punching his fist into his hand. Dumbledore's cheeks went pink under his silver beard as Harry & Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "I'm truly flattered, but I.I' am not as great as I seem." He said simply, everyone shook their heads. If only he knew.
"Do you think that whoever making these attacks will try something else?" Hermione asked as they left Hagrid's class, their last for the day. "Hey, I know lets go & see how the people in the hospital wing are doing." Harry suggested, they made their way up there. "Well Harry, so nice to see you healthy for a change." Madam Pomfrey said as she came out of one of the rooms. "Er. were here to see of the people that had been poisoned are okay." Harry said, Madam Pomfrey smiled. "They're all just fine, Madam Scuie's been asking to see you for some time." She led them to a room & opened the door. "Harry, Ron!" Madam Scuie cried as she tried to get out of bed, Madam Pomfrey rushed over & held her down. "Her body is taking a bit longer to react to the counter potion Professor Snape made, but Miss Granger was well in about an hour of taking it." Madam Pomfrey said, giving Hermione an approving look. "Madam Pomfrey, listen. I must get back to refereeing!" Madam Scuie said angrily, Madam Pomfrey now had both of her hands on Madam Scuie's shoulders to prevent her from rising. "Rophilla, Madam Hooch has already offered to substitute for you until you are well!" She said exasperatedly. "Maybe we should go." Harry said. "No," Madam Pomfrey said quickly. "I dare say that she's worse when you're not here, always asking about you three & wont get any rest. So I'll permit for to stay but you MUST be quiet!" She said, brandishing a finger at them. She turned to go back to her office when a knock on the door was heard, it swung open to reveal Madam Hooch. She gave a nod to Harry as she strode by him, wearing lurid blue robes that almost made you have to squint when you looked at them. "Like you're robes, Xiomara planing to referee in fog?" Madam Scuie said dryly, Madam Hooch frowned but chose to ignore this. "Is it true that you're going to referee until Madam Scuie gets out of here?" Ron asked, Madam Hooch smiled. "That's right, Mr. Weasley." She said. "It'll be nice to see you out there again." Harry said, she turn her fierce yellow stare toward him. "It'll be nice to be back out there, I do miss it." Harry knew that this wasn't any of his business what so ever, but he asked anyway. "Why did you retire, Madam Hooch?" She smiled. "I'm surprised that you haven't heard already, I'm playing for the British team now. They had a chaser come down sick & they needed a temporary replacement." She explained, they all nodded. "She's the only woman on the whole team too." Madam Scuie added, with a wink. "Well. now that was lucky." Madam Hooch said, they all laughed.
In about a week's time Madam Scuie was well enough to leave the hospital wing, but she was forbidden to fly on a broom for the next six weeks, which greatly frustrated her. She kept trying to sneak out to the quiddich field at night & in the end, Dumbledore had to take her broomstick away from her. In the next two days, there would be a quddich match (Ravenclaw VS Slytherin). "Do you want to go & watch?" Ron asked Harry, he shrugged. "Sure, why not. Nothing else to do, the next Hogsmeade weekend isn't until December & seeing Slythren lose would be a good laugh for all of us." They said as they headed to History of Magic.
With scarves, gloves, cloaks & hat's on Harry Ron & Hermione all made their way out to the quiddich field. They climbed higher & higher on the rows until they were satisfied with their view. They settled into their seats just in time, hoards of people started coming out of the castle. From this height, they looked like minute ants scurrying to their mounds. They were thoroughly surprised to see Madam Scuie appear from the stairs wearing the most unusual (for her) concoction of clothes that began with a fleece-lined midnight blue wool cloak over white satin robes, with a plain white long sleeved T shirt under them. Instead of her usual bell-bottoms, she wore long white corduroy pants that were at least a quarter of an inch thick. Her sandals were replaced with thick wool socks & fleece lined leather boots. The three of them scooted over to allow room for her. "How are you feeling, Madam Scuie?" Harry asked, she shrugged. "As well as to be expected, Professor Dumbledore still has my broom & he wont give it back until Madam Pomfrey gives the ok." She said gloomily, she grimaced as a sudden bitter wind swept over them. "It's quite a bit colder when you're sitting still." She said, Harry was noticing the same thing. Always being out on a broom moving around, he never noticed how cold it was. The crowd quieted as Madam Hooch strided out onto the field where the two teams stood, waiting. They all raised their ominoculars to their eyes. "Now, I want a nice fair game, mount you're brooms on my whistle three. two.one" The shrill blast was heard & the teams rose into the air, Madam Hooch kicked open the trunk, the bludgers & snitch went sailing upward. She mounted her Nimbus tow thousand & six, picked up the quaffle, spun it in her hands a few seconds, then threw it upward. In no time, the score was 60- 30 Ravenclaw. The Ravenclaw supporters in the stands next to them were beside themselves. Suddenly, out of no where Madam Hooch's whistle blew. Harry scanned the field through his ominoculars & caught sight of the Ravenclaw seeker; a tall lanky third year named Dustin Janey. He was holding his hand into the air; just visible was the fluttering wings of the golden snitch. "Ravenclaw wins!" Madam Hooch cried, the stands erupted in cheers.
The three of them headed to the entrance hall to get their names checked by Filch, sense this was his first visit to Hogmeade this year, Filch insisted that Harry was trying to sneak off illegally some how. Luckily Professor McGonagall happened to be passing. "What's going on?" she asked, a very nasty smile crossed Filch's face. "Ah Professor, I'm glad you're here! Potter, here is trying to sneak off without permission!" Professor McGonagall shook her head. "Filch, Potter's guardian sent in the form, Hints why his name is on the list." She said with a bite of sarcasm, Harry snorted with laughter, Filch's face contorted. "Very well then! Potter get moving you're holding up the line!" Harry looked back for Professor McGonagall, wanting to thank her but the crowd was pushing him along. By the time he could get a good view behind him she was gone.
"Well, going to the shrieking shack isn't worth it anymore." Ron said, they had found out that the sounds were not made by ghosts, but by a person, he turned out to be Remus Lupin & he taught at Hogwarts in their third year. "Lets stop by Honeydukes, than head to the Three Broomsticks." Harry suggested, they nodded & set off against the wind.
They entered Honeydukes & immediately scattered to look around; Harry bought several bars of chocolate, some best blowing gum, a bag of sugar quills & a small bag of pepper imps. Ron picked up, a bag of cockroach clusters, asid pops & some peppermint frogs. Hermoine headed to the counter with only a couple of bars of chocolate. "Aren't you going to buy anything else?" Ron asked, Hermione scowled. "I have no use for anything else, I don't wish to trick anyone!" Harry & Ron both laughed.
The three of them walked into the Three Broomsticks & took seats at a table by the wall; Madam Rosmerta took notice of them at once. "Hi there you three! Long time no see." She said, coming up to their table. "Three Butterbeers I suppose?" She said, looking around at them. "Yes, but I'd like to try mine with whipped topping this time." Hermione pipped up, Madam Rosmerta smiled. "Whipped topping it is, I'll have them right out." She said, & disappeared behind the bar. "We never did find out who or what caused those attacks on the school did we?" Harry said, Ron looked at him a little funny. "Harry, it was Petigrew, remember?" He said, Harry shook his head. "We don't know that for sure, Dumbledore's hunch is that he was acting with someone, but who?" He said in thought as Madam Rosmerta returned. "Madam Rosmerta, did the Minister give you any details about Petigrew's escape?" Madam Rosmerta looked at him, "Well I'm not really supposed to say. but I suppose I can trust you three." She said. "Okay, The Minister said that he was getting inside help from someone, he never did said their name. Anyway, he said that they were telling Petigrew everything that was going on at Hogwarts, which students would be where, that sort of thing." She paused; Harry took this opportunity to interject a question. "You don't remember anything about the person? What if they were a student? If so what year, & what house were they're in?" Madam Rosmerta thought a minute before answering. "well, lke I said, he really couldn't give any details. So he never said anything conclusive about them, & I don't think he said if they were a student or not." She glanced around the bar another time as she sat down next to Ron. Who, despite the seriousness of the conversation, looked quite happy with the new seating arrangements. Madam Rosmerta did a final sweep of the bar to make sure no one was listening, then leaned in over the table. "There minister seemed to think, along with Dumbledore that it was someone associated with Gryffindor that did it." Harry, & Hermione exchanged looks as Madam Rosmerta continued. "No one in the other houses adds up, because they all had some form of disturbance happen. Slythren had their common room broken into, some even had things stolen right out from under their noses." "The thief wouldn't have to break into ours because he already knows the password." Harry finished for her. "What kind of things did he steal?" Hermione asked, as she shot a scowl at Ron, whose eyes were fixed unblinkingly & opened mouthed at Madam Rosmerta, trickle of saliva was making its way down his chin. "peculiar stuff, a Hufflepuff girl had her Venus fly trap stolen off her dresser, a Slytherin seventh year's book of dangerous plants & fungi was taken right out of his backpack when he was in the toilet." She finished. Harry & Hermione exchanged looks again, Ron was still in a world of his own, and the strand of saliva had left his chin to settle in a small pool on the table. Hermione looked disgusted. Harry waved a hand in front of his face but it was no use, Ron only snapped out of his trance when Madam Rosmerta stood up from her seat. He then hastily tried to wipe the drool from the table, almost knocking his drink over in the process; Harry saved himself from a very wet front by steadying the drink before it tipped his way. Madam Rosmerta smiled, she bent down, & gave him a friendly kiss on each cheek. "You're such a cute kid, Ron." She said, ruffling his hair before she left for the bar. Ron didn't speak until they walked out of The Three Broomsticks, "I'm never washing my cheeks, or my hair again." He said arily, Harry laughed.
"Do you think we should tell anybody about what we've been told?" Harry said, Hermione frowned. "I really think we should tell the Headmaster." She said, "Well lets go."
They approached the ever-so familiar stone gargoyle, they rattled off words until they found the correct one (pepper imp). They stepped on the moving staircase & jumped off at the door. "I really think we should knock this time." Harry said, he raised a fist & knocked a few times. Dumbledore answered it. "Ah, come in please." He said, & they entered. "Professor, we just found out something." Harry said as Dumbledore motioned for them it sit down in front of his desk. He settled himself in his chair, put the tips of his long fingers together & waited for them to speak. Harry, Ron & Hermione launched into the story that Madam Rosmerta had told them, as they talked, Dumbledore got up & paced behind his desk. When they finished, Dumbledore stopped pacing & faced them. "That means," he began. "that Wormtail's accomplice is still at large. We have narrowed it down to the house they are in & if they are a boy or girl." Dumbledore said. "Have you three noticed anything strange about any of your peers in you're dormitory?" he said, they shook Harry & Ron shook their heads. "We'll keep our eyes skinned, if we do find anything we'll bring it straight up to you, Professor." Ron said, Dumbledore smiled at them. "Good, good. I have trust in all of you." He said as they started to leave. "Harry, a word please." Dumbledore called Hermione & Ron looked at him strangely & stepped out. Harry headed back to his desk & sat down in one to the chairs. "Yes, Professor?" Dumbledore became very serious. "Harry, I want you to fly around the grounds in animagus form, I will inform all the teachers what you look like, & what you are doing." Harry looked a bit surprised. "But wont a Black hawk attract attention? They're not really from here, they like it very cold." He said, Dumbledorer smiled. "Actually, we have a small population of them in the Forbidden Forest, I'll tell all the teachers to explain to anyone who asks that you're here to keep the population of Kappa's & Grendylows in our lake in check." Dumbledore said lightly, Harry nodded & exited. "So what'd he tell you?" Ron asked, Harry told them about his mission to fly around the school. "Maybe we'll find out who's been doing all this stuff." Ron said, Harry nodded. "My partrol starts tonight, I'd be cool if you could come too Ron, then I'd have some company & an extra pair of eyes." Harry suggested, Ron nodded. "Okay, sounds good." We start tonight at twelve midnight."
Midnight came around & they quietly exit the portrait hole, they turned to explain to the fat lady but she wave it aside. "The headmaster has been to see me, I know all about it." she said, Harry & Ron nodded, then transformed & took off. They soared around the grounds, which were desolate at this time of the night. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, they flew in to nearest window to patrol the castle. As they glided along toward the entrance hall, they spotted movement underneath them. They perched on a rafter to watch. A person was heading out of the Great Hall 'here we go' Harry thought. The person, seeming to be a boy, was wearing the hood of his cloak over his face. They had a large velvet bag with them; Harry & Ron left rafter to glide noiselessly behind him, if the person continued on his present course, there was no doubt where he'd end up. the Gryffindor common room. The fat lady opened to admit him, & waited for Harry & Ron to fly in also. They followed him up to the boys' dormitories.
End of Chapter 4