Chapter 13 Mad-eye Moody

The storm had blown itself aside by the following morning, though the ceiling in the Great H all told was still gloomy strained clouds of pewter gray swirled overhead as harass, Ron, and Hermi unitary examined their new course schedules at breakfast. A a couple of(prenominal) coffin nails along, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan were discussing magical methods of aging themselves and bluffing their way into the Triwizard Tournament.Todays non badoutside all morning, utter Ron, who was running his finger gloomy the Monday column of his schedule. Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and C atomic number 18 of Magical Creaturesdamn it, were still with the Slytherins.Double divination this afternoon, Harry groaned, verbiage galvanic pile. Divination was his least favorite subject, apart from Potions. prof Trelawney kept predicting Harrys death, which he found extremely annoying.You should contract condition it up similar me, shouldnt you? state Hermi unrivalled briskly, plainlytering herself some pledge. Then youd be doing something sensible equivalent Arithmancy.Youre eating over again, I notice, tell Ron, watching Hermione adding liberal surveil ups of jam to her toast besides.Ive decided there are better ways of making a stand somewhat elf rights, say Hermione haughtily.Yeahand you were hungry, express Ron, grinning. there was a sudden rustling racquet above them, and a century owls came soaring by dint of the unsolved windows carrying the morning mail. Instinctively, Harry looked up, but there was no sign of clean-living among the mass of brown and gray. The owls circled the sidesteps, looking for the hoi polloi to whom their letters and packages were addressed. A large tawny owl soared atomic pile to Neville Longbottom and deposited a parcel into his lap Neville almost always forgot to pack something. On the different side of the Hall Draco Malfoys eagle owl had landed on his shoulder, carrying what looked care his usual supply of swee ts and cakes from home. Trying to ignore the sinking impression of disappointment in his stomach, Harry returned to his porridge. Was it possible that something had happened to Hedwig, and that Sirius hadnt even got his letter?His preoccupancy lasted all the way across the sodden ve chokeable patch until they arrived in green family unit three, but here he was distracted by professor Sprout showing the class the ugliest plants Harry had ever taken. Indeed, they looked less like plants than thick, opaque, giant slugs, protruding vertically out of the soil. Each was squirming s wispyly and had a number of large, shiny swellings upon it, which calculateed to be full of liquid.Bubotubers, prof Sprout t emeritus them briskly. They accept squeezing. You impart collect the pus -The what? tell Seamus Finnigan, sounding revolted.Pus, Finnigan, pus, utter professor Sprout, and its extremely valuable, so dont waste it. You get out collect the pus, I say, in these bottles. Wear you r potassium hydrogen tartrate-hide gloves it can do funny things to the skin when undiluted, bubotuber pus.Squeezing the bubotubers was disgusting, but oddly satisfying. As separately swelling was popped, a large amount of thick yellowish-green liquid burst forth, which smelled strongly of duckyrol. They caught it in the bottles as prof Sprout had indicated, and by the finis of the lesson had collected several pints.Thisll keep skirt Pomfrey happy, tell professor Sprout, stoppering the last bottle with a cork. An excellent meliorate for the much stubborn forms of acne, bubotuber pus. Should stop students resorting to desperate measures to rid themselves of pimples.Like curt Eloise Midgen, state Hannah Abbott, a Hufflepuff, in a hushed constituent. She tried to expletive hers off.Silly girl, said prof Sprout, shaking her head. besides Madam Pomfrey furbish up her nose prat on in the end.A booming cost echoed from the castle across the wet grounds, signaling the end of the lesson, and the class un necessitateionate the Hufflepuffs climbing the stone steps for Transfiguration, and the Gryffindors heading in the other direction, down the sloping lawn toward Hagrids small wooden cabin, which stood on the edge of the Forbidden Forest.Hagrid was stand up outside his hut, one kick in on the collar of his enormous black boarhound, Fang. There were several open wooden crates on the ground at his feet, and Fang was whimpering and straining at his collar, apparently keen to investigate the contents more tightfittingly. As they drew nearer, an odd rattling noise reached their ears, punctuated by what sounded like minor explosions.Mornin Hagrid said, grinning at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Beer wait fer the Slytherins, they won requisite ter miss this Blast-Ended Skrewts survey again? said Ron.Hagrid pointed down into the crates.Eurgh squealed lilac Brown, jumping secondward.Eurgh just now most summed up the Blast-Ended Skrewts in Harrys opinion. They looked like deformed, shell-less lobsters, horribly pale and slimy-looking, with legs sticking out in very odd places and no visible heads. There were rough a hundred of them in each crate, each about half dozen inches long, crawling over one another, bumping blindly into the sides of the boxes. They were giving off a very great powerful smell of rotting fish. Every now and hence, sparks would gasify out of the end of a skrewt, and with a small phut, it would be propelled in front several inches.Ony jus hatched, said Hagrid proudly, so yehll be able ter raise em yerselves theme wed slang a bit of a project of itAnd why would we want to raise them? said a cold voice.The Slytherins had arrived. The speaker was Draco Malfoy. Crabbe and Goyle were chuckling appreciatively at his sacred scriptures.Hagrid looked stumped at the question.I stand for, what do they do? asked Malfoy. What is the point of them?Hagrid undefendable his mouth, apparently computeing hard there was a hardly a(prenominal) seconds pa character, then he said roughly, Thas abutting lesson, Malfoy. Yer jus feedin em today. Now, yehll wan ter adjudicate em on a few diffrent things Ive never had em forrader, not sure what theyll go fer I got ant bombard an frog livers an a bit o grass snake just try em out with a bit of each.First pus and now this, muttered Seamus. secret code but deep affection for Hagrid could have made Harry, Ron, and Hermione pick up squelchy handfuls of frog liver and lower them into the crates to tempt the Blast-Ended Skrewts. Harry couldnt suppress the mistrust that the whole thing was entirely pointless, because the skrewts didnt seem to have mouths.Ouch yelled doyen Thomas after about ten minutes. It got me.Hagrid hurried over to him, looking anxious.Its end exploded said Dean angrily, showing Hagrid a go off on his hand.Ah, yeah, that can happen when they blast off, said Hagrid, nodding.Eurgh said lilac Brown again. Eurgh, Hagrid, whats that pointy t hing on it?Ah, some of em have got stings, said Hagrid sky-high (Lavender quickly withdrew her hand from the box). I reckon theyre the males.The femalesve got sorta sucker things on their bellies.I cogitate they might be ter suck blood.Well, I can certainly see why were trying to keep them alive, said Malfoy sarcastically. Who wouldnt want pets that can burn, sting, and sharpness all at once?Just because theyre not very pretty, it doesnt mean theyre not useful, Hermione snapped. Dragon bloods tremendously magical, but you wouldnt want a dragon for a pet, would you?Harry and Ron grinned at Hagrid, who gave them a furtive smile from arsehole his bushy beard. Hagrid would have liked nothing better than a pet dragon, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione knew only too well he had owned one for a brief period during their first year, a vicious Norwegian Ridge spur by the name of Norbert. Hagrid simply loved monstrous creatures, the more lethal, the better.Well, at least the skrewts are small, said Ron as they made their way corroborate up to the castle for lunch an hour later.They are now, said Hermione in an exasperated voice, but once Hagrids found out what they eat, I comport theyll be six feet long.Well, that wont matter if they turn out to cure seasickness or something, exit it? said Ron, grinning slyly at her.You screw perfectly well I only said that to shut Malfoy up, said Hermione. As a matter of fact I think hes right. The outdo thing to do would be to stamp on the lot of them in the lead they start attacking us all.They sat down at the Gryffindor accede and helped themselves to lamb chops and potatoes. Hermione began to eat so fast that Harry and Ron stared at her.Er is this the new stand on elf rights? said Ron. Youre going to make yourself puke instead?No, said Hermione, with as much dignity as she could muster with her mouth bulging with sprouts. I just want to get to the library.What? said Ron in disbelief. Hermione its the first day back We haven t even got readying yetHermione shrugged and continued to shovel down her food as though she had not eaten for days. Then she leapt to her feet, said, See you at dinner and departed at high speed.When the bell rang to signal the start of afternoon lessons, Harry and Ron curry off for North Tower where, at the top of a tightly spiraling staircase, a silver stepladder led to a bankers bill trapdoor in the ceiling, and the room where professor Trelawney lived.The familiar sweet perfume dispersion from the fire met their nostrils as they emerged at the top of the stepladder. As ever, the curtains were all unsympathetic the circular room was bathed in a dim reddish light cast by the many lamps, which were all draped with scarves and shawls. Harry and Ron walked through the mass of occupied chintz c haircloths and poufs that cluttered the room, and sat down at the corresponding small circular table.Good day, said the misty voice of professor Trelawney right behind Harry, making hi m jump.A very thin woman with enormous glasses that made her eyeball appear far too large for her face, prof Trelawney was peering down at Harry with the tragic expression she always wore whenever she saw him. The usual large amount of beads, chains, and bangles glittered upon her person in the firelight.You are preoccupied, my dear, she said mournfully to Harry. My inner eye sees past your sturdy face to the troubled soul within. And I regret to say that your worries are not baseless. I see difficult measures ahead for you, regrettablymost difficultI fear the thing you dread will indeed come to pass.and perhaps sooner than you thinkHer voice dropped almost to a whisper. Ron rolled his eyes at Harry, who looked stonily back. professor Trelawney swept past them and seated herself in a large fly armchair before the fire, facing the class. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, who deeply admired prof Trelawney, were session on poufs very close to her.My dears, it is time for us to m ake out the stars, she said. The movements of the planets and the mysterious portents they reveal only to those who understand the steps of the celestial dance. gay destiny may be deciphered by the planetary rays, which conflate.But Harrys thoughts had drifted. The perfumed fire always made him feel sleepy and dull-witted, and Professor Trelawneys rambling spill the beanss on fortune-telling never held him exactly fascinate though he couldnt help thinking about what she had just said to him. I fear the thing you dread will indeed come to passBut Hermione was right, Harry thought irritably, Professor Trelawney rightfully was an old fraud. He wasnt dreading anything at the moment at allwell, unless you counted his fears that Sirius had been caughtbut what did Professor Trelawney know? He had long since come to the conclusion that her brand of fortunetelling was unfeignedly no more than lucky guesswork and a spooky manner.Except, of course, for that time at the end of last term , when she had made the prediction about Voldemort cost increase againand Dumbledore himself had said that he thought that trance had been genuine, when Harry had describe it to him.Harry Ron muttered.What?Harry looked around the whole class was stare at him. He sat up straight he had been almost dozing off, unconnected in the heat and his thoughts.I was saying, my dear, that you were clearly born under the baleful influence of Saturn, said Professor Trelawney, a faint note of anger in her voice at the fact that he had obviously not been hanging on her words.Born under what, sorry? said Harry.Saturn, dear, the planet Saturn said Professor Trelawney, sounding definitely irritated that he wasnt riveted by this news. I was saying that Saturn was surely in a position of power in the heavens at the moment of your birth.Your dark hairyour mean staturetragic losses so young in lifeI think I am right in saying, my dear, that you were born in midwinter?No, said Harry, I was born in Jul y.Ron hastily turned his laugh into a hacking cough.Half an hour later, each of them had been given a complicated circular chart, and was attempting to fill in the position of the planets at their moment of birth. It was dull work, requiring much consultation of timetables and calculation of angles.Ive got two Neptunes here, said Harry after a while, frowning down at his element of parchment, that cant be right, can it?Aaaaah, said Ron, imitating Professor Trelawneys mystical whisper, when two Neptunes appear in the sky, it is a sure sign that a midget in glasses is being born, Harry.Seamus and Dean, who were working nearby, sniggered obstreperously, though not loudly enough to mask the excited squeals from Lavender Brown Oh Professor, look I think Ive got an unaspected planet Oooh, which ones that, Professor?It is Uranus, my dear, said Professor Trelawney, peering down at the chart.Can I have a look at Uranus too, Lavender? said Ron.Most unfortunately, Professor Trelawney heard him, and it was this, perhaps, that made her give them so much homework at the end of the class.A de shited abstract of the way the planetary movements in the coming month will affect you, with reference to your personal chart, she snapped, sounding much more like Professor McGonagall than her usual airy-fairy self. I want it ready to hand in next Monday, and no excusesMiserable old bat, said Ron bitterly as they get together the crowds descending the staircases back to the Great Hall and dinner. Thatll take all weekend, that willLots of homework? said Hermione brightly, catching up with them. Professor sender didnt give us any at allWell, bully for Professor Vector, said Ron moodily.They reached the entrance hall, which was packed with people queuing for dinner. They had just joined the end of the line, when a loud voice rang out behind them.Weasley Hey, WeasleyHarry, Ron, and Hermione turned. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were standing there, each looking thoroughly pleased about s omething.What? said Ron shortly.Your dads in the musical composition, Weasley said Malfoy, brandishing a copy of the Daily Prophet and speaking very loudly, so that everyone in the packed entrance hall could hear. Listen to thisFURTHER MISTAKES AT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC It seems as though the Ministry of Magics troubles are not yet at an end, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. Recently under fire for its poor crowd encounter at the Quidditch World Cup, and still unable to account for the disappearance of one of its witches, the Ministry was plunged into fresh embarrassment yesterday by the antics of Arnold Weasley, of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. Malfoy looked up.Imagine them not even getting his name right, Weasley. Its almost as though hes a complete nonentity, isnt it? he crowed.Everyone in the entrance hall was listening now. Malfoy straightened the paper with a flourish and read onArnold Weasley, who was charged with possession of a flying car two years ago, was yesterday involved in a tussle with several Muggle law-keepers (policemen) over a number of highly aggressive dustbins. Mr. Weasley appears to have rushed to the aid of Mad-Eye ill-natured, the aged ex-Auror who retired from the Ministry when no prolonged able to tell the difference between a handshake and try murder. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Weasley found, upon arrival at Mr. dismals heavily guarded house, that Mr. Moody had once again raised a false alarm. Mr. Weasley was forced to modify several memories before he could escape from the policemen, but refused to answer Daily Prophet questions about why he had involved the Ministry in such an undignified and potentially embarrassing scene. And theres a picture, Weasley said Malfoy, flipping the paper over and holding it up. A picture of your parents outside their house if you can call it a house Your mother could do with losing a bit of weight, couldnt she?Ron was shaking with fury. Everyone was staring at him.Get stuffed, Malf oy, said Harry. Cmon, RonOh yeah, you were staying with them this summer, werent you, Potter? sneered Malfoy. So tell me, is his mother really that porky, or is it just the picture?You know your mother, Malfoy? said Harry both he and Hermione had grabbed the back of Rons robes to stop him from launching himself at Malfoy that expression shes got, like shes got dung under her nose? Has she always looked like that, or was it just because you were with her?Malfoys pale face went slightly pink.Dont you dare insult my mother, Potter.Keep your fatten out mouth shut, then, said Harry, turning away.BANGSeveral people screamed Harry felt something white-hot graze the side of his face he plunged his hand into his robes for his wand, but before hed even touched it, he heard a second loud BANG, and a roar that echoed through the entrance hall.OH NO YOU DONT, LADDIEHarry spun around. Professor Moody was limping down the stain staircase. His wand was out and it was pointing right at a pure white ferret, which was shivering on the stone-flagged floor, exactly where Malfoy had been standing.There was a terrified lull in the entrance hall. Nobody but Moody was moving a muscle. Moody turned to look at Harry at least, his regular eye was looking at Harry the other one was pointing into the back of his head.Did he get you? Moody growled. His voice was low and gravelly.No, said Harry, missed. move on IT Moody shouted.Leave what? Harry said, bewildered.Not you him Moody growled, jerking his alternate over his shoulder at Crabbe, who had just frozen, about to pick up the white ferret. It seemed that Moodys rolling eye was magical and could see out of the back of his head.Moody started to limp toward Crabbe, Goyle, and the ferret, which gave a terrified squeak and took off, streaking toward the dungeons.I dont think so roared Moody, pointing his wand at the ferret again it flew ten feet into the air, trim down with a smack to the floor, and then bounced upward once more .I dont like people who attack when their opponents backs turned, growled Moody as the ferret bounced higher and higher, utter in throe. Stinking, cowardly, scummy thing to doThe ferret flew through the air, its legs and tail flailing helplessly.Never do that again - said Moody, speaking each word as the ferret hit the stone floor and bounced upward again.Professor Moody said a shocked voice.Professor McGonagall was coming down the marble staircase with her arms full of books.Hello, Professor McGonagall, said Moody calmly, bouncing the ferret still higher.What what are you doing? said Professor McGonagall, her eyes following the bouncing ferrets progress through the air.Teaching, said Moody.Teach Moody, is that a student? shrieked Professor McGonagall, the books spilling out of her arms.Yep, said Moody.No cried Professor McGonagall, running down the stairs and pulling out her wand a moment later, with a loud snapping noise, Draco Malfoy had reappeared, lying in a heap on the floor with his sleek blond hair all over his now brilliantly pink face. He got to his feet, wincing.Moody, we never use Transfiguration as a punishment said Professor McGonagall wealdy. sure enough Professor Dumbledore told you that?He mightve mentioned it, yeah, said Moody, scratching his chin unconcernedly, but I thought a good sharp shock -We give detentions, Moody Or speak to the offenders Head of HouseIll do that, then, said Moody, staring at Malfoy with great dislike.Malfoy, whose pale eyes were still watering with pain and humiliation, looked malevolently up at Moody and muttered something in which the words my come were distinguishable.Oh yeah? said Moody quietly, limping forward a few steps, the dull clunk of his wooden leg echoing around the hall. Well, I know your father of old, boy.You tell him Moodys keeping a close eye on his sonyou tell him that from me.Now, your Head of Housell be Snape, will it?Yes, said Malfoy resentfully.Another old friend, growled Moody. Ive be en looking forward to a babble with old Snape.Come on, youAnd he seized Malfoys upper arm and marched him off toward the dungeons.Professor McGonagall stared uneasily after them for a few moments, then waved her wand at her travel books, causing them to soar up into the air and back into her arms.Dont talk to me, Ron said quietly to Harry and Hermione as they sat down at the Gryffindor table a few minutes later, surrounded by excited talk on all sides about what had just happened.Why not? said Hermione in surprise.Because I want to fix that in my memory forever, said Ron, his eyes closed and an uplifted expression on his face. Draco Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret.Harry and Hermione both laughed, and Hermione began doling beef casserole onto each of their plates.He could have really hurt Malfoy, though, she said. It was good, really, that Professor McGonagall stopped it -Hermione said Ron furiously, his eyes snapping open again, youre ruining the best moment of my lifeHermione made an impatient noise and began to eat at top speed again.Dont tell me youre going back to the library this evening? said Harry, watching her.Got to, said Hermione thickly. Loads to do.But you told us Professor Vector -Its not schoolwork, she said. Within five minutes, she had exculpated her plate and departed. No sooner had she gone than her seat was taken by Fred Weasley.Moody he said. How cool is he?Beyond cool, said George, sitting down opposite Fred.Supercool, said the twins best friend, Lee Jordan, sliding into the seat beside George. We had him this afternoon, he told Harry and Ron.What was it like? said Harry eagerly.Fred, George, and Lee transfer looks full of meaning.Never had a lesson like it, said Fred.He knows, man, said Lee.Knows what? said Ron, leaning forward.Knows what its like to be out there doing it, said George impressively.Doing what? said Harry.Fighting the Dark Arts, said Fred.Hes seen it all, said George.Mazing, said Lee.Ron dived into his home for his schedule.We havent got him till Thursday he said in a defeated voice.