Chapter 8 Flight of the Fat Lady

In no time at all, Defense Against the Dark Arts had become close to nations favorite naval division. Only Draco Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins had anything bad to say approximately prof lupine.Look at the state of his robes, Malfoy would say in a loud whisper as Professor lupine passed. He dresses same(p) our centenarian house elf. except no one(a) else cared that Professor lupins robes were spotty and frayed. His close few lessons were solely as inte residualing as the first. after Boggarts, they studied Red Caps, nasty pocket-size goblin-like creatures that lurked w here(predicate)ver thither had been bloodletting in the dungeons of citadels and the potholes of deserted battle celestial spheres, waiting to bludgeon those who had gotten garbled. From Red Caps they moved on to Kappas, creepy. water-dwellers that carriageed like scaly monkeys, with webbed hands itching to strangle unknowing waders in their ponds. call forth intact wished he was as happy with or so of his variant classes. Worst of all was Potions. Snape was in a particularly vindictive humour these days, and no one was in any doubt wherefore. The twaddle of the Boggart assuming Snapes shape, and the stylus that Neville had dressed it in his grandmothers c servinghes, had traveled by dint of the operative like wildfire. Snape didnt lift upm to find it shady. His eye flashed menacingly at the precise mention of Professor lupines fig, and he was bullying Neville worse than invariably. evoke was withal growing to misgiving the hours he spent in Professor Trelawneys sensual tower inha twist, deciphering lopsided shapes and symbols, trying to ignore the way Professor Trelawneys massive olfactory modality filled with tears e real time she go toed at him. He couldnt like Professor Trelawney, take bring down though she was treated with respect bordering on reverence by some(prenominal) of the class. Parvati Patil and Lavender Br sustain had taken to ha unting Professor Trelawneys tower means at lunch times, and always returned with annoyingly superior olfactory perceptions on their faces, as though they knew things the others didnt. They had also superstarted using unruffled voices whenever they spoke to chivvy, as though he were on his deathbed.Nobody unfeignedly liked Care of Magical Creatures, which, after the action-packed first class, had become super dull. Hagrid seemed to gather in lost his confidence. They were now spending lesson after lesson learning how to look after flobberworms, which had to be some of the most boring creatures in existence.why would anyone bother look after them? give tongue to Ron, after yet another(prenominal) hour of poking shredded lettuce down the flobberworms throats.At the start of October, however, hassle had something else to occupy him, something so enjoyable it more than do up for his unequal classes. The Quidditch season was approaching, and O1iver woodwind instrument, Captai n of the Gryffindor team up, called a meeting on Thursday flush to discuss tactics for the new season. there were seven nation on a Quidditch team three Chasers, whose job it was to score goals by move the Quaffle (a red, soccer-sized ball) through one of the fifty-foot-high hoops at each end of the field two Beaters, who were equipped with heavy bats to repel the Bludgers (two heavy desolate balls that zoomed slightly trying to attack the players) a Keeper, who defended the goal smears, and the Seeker, who had the hardest job of all, that of detecting the Golden Snitch, a tiny, winged, walnut-sized ball, whose capture ended the game and earned the Seekers team an extra one hundred and fifty maps.Oliver Wood was a robust seventeen-year-old, now in his seventh and final year at Hogwarts. There was a quiet sort of desperation in his voice as he addressed his six fel utter team members in the chilli locker rooms on the edge of the darkening Quidditch field.This is our last scene my last chance to win the Quidditch Cup, he told them, striding up and down in front of them. Ill be leaving at the end of this year. Ill never stay another shot at it.Gryffindor hasnt won for seven years now. Okay, so weve had the worst luck in the world injuries then the tournament acquire called off last year. Wood swallowed, as though the memory close up brought a lump to his throat. But we also know weve got the best blood-red team in the school, he verbalize, punching a fist into his other hand, the old manic glint fend for in his eye. Weve got three superb Chasers.Wood pointed at Alicia Spinner, Angelina Johnson, and Katie Bell.Weve got two unbeatable Beaters.Stop it, Oliver, youre embarrassing us, express Fred and George Weasley to prolongher, dissembling to blush.And weve got a Seeker who has never failed to win us a go Wood rumbled, glaring at stimulate with a kind of ferocious pride. And me, he added as an after approximation.We bring forward y oure genuinely good too, Oliver, utter George. brisk good Keeper, utter Fred.The point is, Wood went on, resuming his pacing, the Quidditch Cup should have had our name on it these last two years. Ever since lay waste to totaled the team, Ive thought the thing was in the clasp. But we havent got it, and this years the last chance well get to ultimately see our name on the thingWood spoke so dejectedly that even Fred and George looked sympathetic.Oliver, this years our year, state Fred.Well do it, Oliver verbalise Angelina.Definitely, state rile. all-embracing of determination, the team started training sessions, three evenings a week. The weather was getting colder and wetter, the nights darker, plainly when no amount of mud, wind, or rain could tarnish ravages wonderful reverie of finally winning the huge, silver Quidditch Cup.Harry returned to the Gryffindor common room one evening after training, cold and stiff hardly pleased with the way practice had gone, to find the room buzzing excitedly.Whats happened?, he asked Ron and Hermione, who were sitting in two of the best chairs by the fireside and completing some star charts for Astronomy.First Hogsmeade weekend, verbalize Ron, pointing at a notice that had appeared on the battered old bulletin board. End of October. Halloween.Excellent, express Fred, who had followed Harry through the enactment hole. I contend to visit Zonkos. Im nearly discover of Stink Pellets.Harry threw himself into a chair beside Ron, his high spirits ebbing outdoor(a). Hermione seemed to read his mind.Harry, Im original youll be able to go next time, she said. Theyre bound to look at s piledalous soon. Hes been sighted once already.Blacks not fool enough to try anything in Hogsmeade, said Ron. film McGonagall if you can go this time, Harry. The next one office not be for ages Ron said Hermione. Harrys supposed to stay in school He cant be the unaccompanied third year left behind, said Ron. Ask McGonagall, g o on, Harry Yeah, I think I will, said Harry, do up his mind.Hermione opened her mouth to argue, but at that snatch Crookshanks leapt lightly onto her lap. A larger-than-life, dead spider was pause from his mouth.Does he have to eat that in front of us? said Ron, scowling.Clever Crookshanks, did you catch that all by yourself? said Hermione.Crookshanks slowly chewed up the spider, his yellow eyes fixed insolently on Ron.Just keep him over there, thats all, said Ron irritably, round prat to his star chart. Ive got Scabbers asleep in my bag.Harry yawned. He really wanted to go to bed, but he still had his own star chart to complete. He pulled his bag toward him, took out parchment, ink, and quill, and started take on.You can feign mine, if you like, said Ron, labeling his last star with a flourish and shoving the chart toward Harry.Hermione, who disapproved of copying, pursed her lips but didnt say anything. Crookshanks was still staring unblinkingly at Ron, flicking the end o f his bushy tail. whence, without warning, he pounced.OY Ron roared, seizing his bag as Crookshanks sank four sets of claws cloudy wrong it and began tearing ferociously. GET OFF, YOU STUPID ANIMALRon tried to pull the bag away from Crookshanks, but Crookshanks clung on, spitting and slashing.Ron, dont hurt him squealed Hermione the whole common room was watching Ron whirled the bag round, Crookshanks still clinging to it, and Scabbers came flying out of the top invite THAT CAT Ron yelled as Crookshanks ingenuousd himself from the remnants of the bag, sprang over the table, and chased after the terrified Scabbers.George Weasley made a lunge for Crookshanks but missed Scabbers streaked through twenty pairs of legs and shot beneath an old chest of drawers. Crookshanks skidded to a halt, crouched low on his bandy legs, and started making furious swipes beneath it with his front paw.Ron and Hermione go over Hermione grabbed Crookshanks around the middle and heaved him away Ron threw himself onto his stomach and, with great difficulty, pulled Scabbers out by the tail.Look at him he said furiously to Hermione, dangling Scabbers in front of her. Hes skin and bone You keep that cat away from himCrookshanks doesnt understand its wrong said Hermione, her voice shaking. All cats chase rats, RonTheres something funny near that animal said Ron, who was trying to persuade a insanely wiggling Scabbers back into his pocket. It heard me say that Scabbers was in my bagOh, what rubbish, said Hermione impatiently. Crookshanks could scent him, Ron, how else dyou think That cats got it in for Scabbers said Ron, ignoring the people around him, who were starting to giggle. And Scabbers was here first, and hes illRon marched through the common room and out of sight up the stairs to the boys dormitories. *******Ron was still in a bad mood with Hermione next day. He barely talked to her all through Herbology, even though he, Harry, and Hermione were working together on the same Puffapod.Hows Scabbers? Hermione asked timidly as they stripped plump down pink pods from the plants and emptied the shining beans into a wooden pail.Hes hiding at the coffin nail of my bed, shaking, said Ron angrily, missing the pail and scattering beans over the honey oilhouse floor.Careful, Weasley, close cried Professor Sprout as the beans burst into bloom before their very eyes.They had Transfiguration next. Harry, who had resolved to ask Professor McGonagall after the lesson whether he could go into Hogsmeade with the rest, joined the line outside the class trying to decide how he was difference to argue his case. He was distracted, however, by a disturbance at the front of the line.Lavender Brown seemed to be crying. Parvati had her arm around her and was explaining something to Seamus Finnigan and dean Thomas, who were looking very serious.Whats the matter, Lavender? said Hermione anxiously as she, Harry, and Ron went to join the group.She got a letter from home t his morning, Parvati whispered. Its her rabbit, Binky. Hes been killed by a fox.Oh, said Hermione, Im sorry, Lavender.I should have known said Lavender tragically. You know what day it is?Er The sixteenth of October That thing youre dreading, it will happen on the sixteenth of October recover? She was ripe(p), she was rightThe whole class was gathered around Lavender now. Seamus agitate his head seriously. Hermione hesitated then she said, You you were dreading Binky universe killed by a fox?Well, not necessarily by a fox, said Lavender, looking up at Hermione with streaming eyes, but I was obviously dreading him dying, wasnt I?Oh, said Hermione. She paused again. Then Was Binky an old rabbit?N no sobbed Lavender. H he was only a babyParvati tightened her arm around Lavenders shoulders.But then, why would you dread him dying? said Hermione.Parvati glared at her.Well, look at it logically, said Hermione, turning to the rest of the group. I mean, Binky didnt even die today, did he? Lavender safe got the news today Lavender wailed clamorously. ?C and she cant have been dreading it, because its come as a real shock Dont mind Hermione, Lavender, said Ron loudly, she doesnt think other peoples pets matter very untold.Professor McGonagall opened the classroom door at that moment, which was perhaps lucky Hermione and Ron were looking daggers at each other, and when they got into class, they seated themselves on either side of Harry and didnt talk to each other for the whole class.Harry still hadnt decided what he was divergence to say to Professor McGonagall when the bell rang at the end of the lesson, but it was she who brought up the subject of Hogsmeade first. matchless moment, please she called as the class made to leave. As youre all in my House, you should hand Hogsmeade permission forms to me before Halloween. No form, no visiting the village, so dont forgetNeville put up his hand.Please, Professor, I I think Ive lost Your grandmother sent yours to m e directly, Longbottom, said Professor McGonagall. She seemed to think it was safer. Well, thats all, you may leave.Ask her now, Ron hissed at Harry.Oh. but Hermione began.Go for it, Harry, said Ron stubbornly.Harry waited for the rest of the class to disappear, then headed nervously for Professor McGonagalls desk.Yes, Potter? Harry took a deep breath.Professor, my aunt and uncle er forgot to sign my form, he said.Professor McGonagall looked over her feather spectacles at him but didnt say anything.So er dyou think it would be all right mean, will It be okay if I if I go to Hogsmeade?Professor McGonagall looked down and began shuffling cover on her desk.Im afraid not, Potter, she said. You heard what I said. No form, no visiting the village. Thats the rule.But Professor, my aunt and uncle you know, theyre Muggles, they dont really understand around about Hogwarts forms and stuff, Harry said, date Ron egged him on with vigorous nods. If you said I could go But I dont say so, said Professor McGonagall, standing up and piling her papers neatly into a drawer. The form clearly states that the parent or protector must give permission. She turned to look at him, with an odd flavour on her face. Was it pity? Im sorry, Potter, but thats my final word. You had sort down hurry, or youll be late for your next lesson.******There was nothing to be done. Ron called Professor McGonagall a lot of names that greatly annoyed Hermione Hermione taked an all-for-the-best expression that made Ron even angrier, and Harry had to endure every(prenominal)one in the class talk of the town loudly and happily about what they were going to do first, once they got into Hogsmeade.Theres always the feast, said Ron, in an effort to cheer Harry up. You know, the Halloween feast, in the evening.Yeah, said Harry gloomily, great.The Halloween feast was always good, but it would taste a lot better if he was coming to it after a day in Hogsmeade with everyone else. postal code any one said made him feel any better about being left behind. Dean Thomas, who was good with a quill, had offered to forge Uncle Vernons signature on the form, but as Harry had already told Professor McGonagall he hadnt had it signed, that was no good. Ron halfheartedly suggested the Invisibility Cloak, but Hermione stamped on that one, reminding Ron what Dumbledore had told them about the Dementors being able to see through them. Percy had what were possibly the least helpful words of comfort.They make a fuss about Hogsmeade, but I assure you, Harry, its not all its cracked up to be, he said seriously. All right, the sweetshops rather good, and Zonkos sendup Shops frankly dangerous, and yes, the Shrieking Shacks always worth a visit, but really, Harry, aside from that, youre not missing anything.******On Halloween morning, Harry awoke with the rest and went down to breakfast, emotion thoroughly depressed, though doing his best to act normally.Well bring you lots of sweets back from Honeydukes, said Hermione, looking desperately sorry for him.Yeah, loads, said Ron. He and Hermione had finally forgotten their squabble about Crookshanks in the face of Harrys difficulties.Dont worry about me, said Harry, in what he hoped was at, offhand voice, Ill see you at the feast. set about a good time.He accompanied them to the entrance hall, where face-lift, the caretaker, was standing inwardly the front doors, checking off names against a long list, peering suspiciously into every face, and making sure that no one was sneaking out who shouldnt be going.Staying here, Potter? shouted Malfoy, who was standing in line with Crabbe and Goyle. Scared of issue the Dementors?Harry ignored him and made his solitary way up the marble staircase, through the deserted corridors, and back to Gryffindor Tower.Password? said the Fat Lady, anserine out of a doze.Fortuna Major, said Harry listlessly.The enactment swung open and he climbed through the hole into the common room. It was f ull of chattering first-and second base-years, and a few older students, who had obviously visited Hogsmeade so often the novelty had worn off.Harry Harry Hi, HarryIt was Colin Creevey, a second year who was deeply in awe of Harry and never missed an opportunity to speak to him.Arent you going to Hogsmeade, Harry? Why not? Hey Colin looked eagerly around at his friends you can come and sit with us, if you like, HarryEr no, thanks, Colin, said Harry, who wasnt in the mood to have a lot of people staring avidly at the scar on his forehead. I Ive got to go to the library, got to get some work done.After that, he had no choice but to turn right around and head back out of the portrait hole again.What was the point of waking me up? the Fat Lady called grumpily after him as he walked away.Harry wandered dispiritedly toward the library, but halfway there he changed his mind he didnt feel like working. He turned around and came face-to-face with Filch, who had obviously just seen off t he last of the Hogsmeade visitors.What are you doing? Filch snarled suspiciously.Nothing, said Harry truthfully.Nothing spat Filch, his jowls quivering unpleasantly. A likely story Sneaking around on your own why arent you in Hogsmeade buying Stink Pellets and Belch Powder and Whizzing Worms like the rest of your nasty little friends?Harry shrugged.Well, get back to your common room where you belong snapped Filch, and he stood glaring until Harry had passed out of sight.But Harry didnt go back to the common room he climbed a staircase, intellection vaguely of visiting the Owlery to see Hedwig, and was walking along another corridor when a voice from inside one of the rooms said, Harry?Harry double back to see who had spoken and met Professor lupine, looking around his office door.What are you doing? said lupine, though in a very different voice from Filch. Where are Ron and Hermione?Hogsmeade, said Harry, in a would-be free-and-easy voice.Ah, said lupin. He considered Harry fo r a moment. Why dont you come in? Ive just taken delivery of a Grindylow for our next lesson.A what? said Harry.He followed lupine into his office. In the corner stood a very large tank of water. A sickly green creature with sharp little horns had its face pressed against the glass, pulling faces and flexing its long, spindly fingers.Water demon, said Lupin, analyze the Grindylow thoughtfully. We shouldnt have much difficulty with him, not after the Kappas. The trick is to break his grip. You notice the abnormally long fingers? Strong, but very brittle.The Grindylow bared its green teeth and then buried itself in a tangle of widows weeds in a corner.Cup of tea? Lupin said, looking around for his kettle. I was just thinking of making one.All right, said Harry awkwardly.Lupin tapped the kettle with his wand and a blast of steam issued on the spur of the moment from the spout.Sit down, said Lupin, taking the lid off a cold-blooded tin. Ive only got teabags, Im afraid but I hardiho odsay youve had enough of tea leaves?Harry looked at him. Lupins eyes were twinkling.How did you know about that? Harry asked.Professor McGonagall told me, said Lupin, passing Harry a chipped mug of tea. Youre not worried, are you?No, said Harry.He thought for a moment of telling Lupin about the dog hed seen in Magnolia Crescent but decided not to. He didnt want Lupin to think he was a coward, especially since Lupin already seemed to think he couldnt cope with a Boggart. any(prenominal)thing of Harrys thoughts seemed to have shown on his face, because Lupin said, Anything worrying you, Harry?No, Harry lied. He drank a bit of tea and watched the Grindylow brandishing a fist at him. Yes, he said suddenly, place his tea down on Lupins desk. You know that day we fought the Boggart?Yes, said Lupin slowly.Why didnt you let me fight it? said Harry abruptly.Lupin elevated his eyebrows.I would have thought that was obvious, Harry, he said, sounding surprised.Harry, who had expected Lupin t o deny that hed done any such thing, was taken aback.Why? he said again.Well, said Lupin, frowning slightly, I assumed that if the Boggart faced you, it would assume the shape of Lord Voldemort.Harry stared. Not only was this the last do hed expected, but Lupin had said Voldemorts name. The only person Harry had ever heard say the name aloud (apart from himself) was Professor Dumbledore.Clearly, I was wrong, said Lupin, still frowning at Harry. But I didnt think it a good idea for Lord Voldemort to materialize in the staffroom. I imagined that people would panic.I didnt think of Voldemort, said Harry honestly. I I remembered those Dementors.I see, said Lupin thoughtfully. Well, wellIm impressed. He smiled slightly at the look of surprise on Harrys face. That suggests that what you fear most of all is fear. Very wise, Harry.Harry didnt know what to say to that, so he drank some more tea.So youve been thinking that I didnt believe you capable of fighting the Boggart? said Lupin shr ewdly.Wellyeah, said Harry. He was suddenly feeling a lot happier. Professor Lupin, you know the Dementors He was interrupted by a chance on the door.Come in, called Lupin.The door opened, and in came Snape. He was carrying a goblet, which was consume faintly, and stopped at the sight of Harry, his black eyes narrowing.Ah, Severus, said Lupin, smiling. thank very much. Could you leave it here on the desk for me?Snape set down the smoking goblet, his eyes wandering amongst Harry and Lupin.I was just viewing Harry my Grindylow, said Lupin pleasantly, pointing at the tank.Fascinating, said Snape, without looking at it. You should drink that directly, Lupin.Yes, Yes, I will, said Lupin.I made an entire cauldronful, Snape continued. If you select more.I should probably have some again tomorrow. Thanks very much, Severus.Not at all, said Snape, but there was a look in his eye Harry didnt like. He backed out of the room, unsmiling and watchful.Harry looked curiously at the goblet. Lup in smiled.Professor Snape has very tender concocted a potion for me, he said. I have never been much of a potion-brewer and this one is particularly complex. He picked up the goblet and sniffed it. Pity cacography makes it useless, he added, taking a sip and shuddering.Why ? Harry began. Lupin looked at him and answered the unfinished question.Ive been feeling a bit off-color, he said. This potion is the only thing that helps. I am very lucky to be working alongside Professor Snape there arent many wizards who are up to making it.Professor Lupin took another sip and Harry had a uncivilised urge to knock the goblet out of his hands.Professor Snapes very interested in the Dark Arts, he blurted out.Really? said Lupin, looking only mildly interested as he took another gulp of potion.Some people reckon Harry hesitated, then plunged recklessly on, some people reckon hed do anything to get the Defense Against the Dark Arts job.Lupin drained the goblet and pulled a face.Disgusting, he said. Well, Harry, Id better get back to work. See you at the feast later.Right, said Harry, putting down his exhaust teacup.The empty goblet was still smoking.********There you go, said Ron. We got as much as we could carry.A shower of brilliantly colored sweets savage into Harrys lap. It was dusk, and Ron and Hermione had just turned up in the common room, pink-faced from the cold wind and looking as though theyd had the time of their lives.Thanks, said Harry, picking up a packet of tiny black Pepper Imps. Whats Hogsmeade like? Where did you go?By the sound of it everywhere. Dervish and Banges, the wizarding equipment shop, Zonkos Joke Shop, into the Three Broomsticks for foaming mugs of hot butterbeer, and many places besides.The post office, Harry About two hundred owls, all sitting on shelves, all color-coded depending on how fast you want your letter to get thereHoneydukes has got a new kind of fudge they were giving out free samples, theres a bit, look We think we saw an o gre, honestly, they get all sorts at the Three Broomsticks Wish we could have brought you some butterbeer, really warms you up What did you do? said Hermione, looking anxious. Did you get any work done?No, said Harry. Lupin made me a cup of tea in his office. And then Snape came inHe told them all about the goblet. Rons mouth fell open.Lupin drank it? he gasped. Is he mad?Hermione checked her watch.Wed better go down, you know, the feastll be starting in five minutes They hurried through the portrait hole and into the ring, still discussing Snape.But if he you know Hermione dropped her voice, glancing nervously around, if he was trying to to poison Lupin he wouldnt have done it in front of Harry.Yeah, maybe, said Harry as they reached the entrance hall and cross into the Great Hall. It had been decorated with hundreds and hundreds of candle-filled pumpkins, a cloud of fluttering live bats, and many flaming orange streamers, which were swimming lazily across the stormy pileus like brilliant watersnakes.The food was delicious even Hermione and Ron, who were full to bursting with Honeydukes sweets, managed second helpings of everything. Harry kept glancing at the staff table. Professor Lupin looked gay and as well as he ever did he was talking animatedly to tiny little Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher. Harry moved his eyes along the table, to the place where Snape sat. Was he imagining it, or were Snapes eyes flickering toward Lupin more often than was natural?The feast finished with an entertainment provided by the Hogwarts ghosts. They popped out of the walls and tables to do a bit of formation gliding some Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, had a great success with a reenactment of his own screw up beheading.It had been such a pleasant evening that Harrys good mood couldnt even be spoiled by Malfoy, who shouted through the crowd as they all left the hall, The Dementors send their love, PotterHarry, Ron, and Hermione followed the rest of the G ryffindors along the chronic path to Gryffindor Tower, but when they reached the corridor that ended with the portrait of the Fat Lady, they found it pack with students.Why isnt anyone going in? said Ron curiously.Harry peered over the heads in front of him. The portrait seemed to be closed.Let me through, please, came Percys voice, and he came bustling importantly through the crowd. Whats the holdup here? You cant all have forgotten the give-and-take excuse me, Im Head Boy And then a silence fell over the crowd, from the front first, so that a chill seemed to spread down the corridor. They heard Percy say, in a suddenly sharp voice, Somebody get Professor Dumbledore. Quick.Peoples heads turned those at the back were standing on tiptoe.Whats going on? said Ginny, who had just arrived.A moment later, Professor Dumbledore was there, brush toward the portrait the Gryffindors squeezed together to let him through, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione moved closer to see what the shake up was.Oh, my Hermione grabbed Harrys arm.The Fat Lady had vanished from her portrait, which had been slashed so viciously that strips of canvas cluttered the floor great chunks of it had been torn away completely. Dumbledore took one quick look at the ruined painting and turned, his eyes somber, to see Professors McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape hurrying toward him.We need to find her, said Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall, please go to Mr. Filch at once and tell him to search every painting in the castle for the Fat Lady.Youll be lucky said a cackling voice.It was Peeves the Poltergeist, bobbing over the crowd and looking delighted, as he always did, at the sight of wreckage or worry.What do you mean, Peeves? said Dumbledore calmly, and Peevess grin faded a little. He didnt dare taunt Dumbledore. Instead he adopted an oily voice that was no better than his cackle. Ashamed, Your Headship, sir. Doesnt want to be seen. Shes a horrible mess. Saw her footrace through the landscape up on the fourth floor, sir, dodging amid the trees. Crying something dreadful, he said happily. Poor thing. he added unconvincingly.Did she say who did it? said Dumbledore quietly.Oh yes, Professorhead, said Peeves, with the air of one cradling a large bombshell in his arms. He got very angry when she wouldnt let him in, you see. Peeves flipped over and grinned at Dumbledore from between his own legs. Nasty temper hes got, that Sirius Black.