Cat, Rat, and Dog
Harry’smindhadgoneblankwithshock.ThethreeofthemstoodtransfixedwithhorrorundertheInvisibilityCloak.Theverylastraysofthesettingsunwerecastingabloodylightoverthelong-shadowedgrounds.Then,behindthem,theyheardawildhowling.
"Hagrid,"Harrymuttered.Withoutthinkingaboutwhathewasdoing,hemadetoturnback,butbothRonandHermioneseizedhisarms.
"Wecan’t,"saidRon,whowaspaper-white."He’llbeinworsetroubleiftheyknowwe’vebeentoseehim...."
Hermione’sbreathingwasshallowanduneven.
"How—could—they?"shechoked."Howcouldthey?"
"Comeon,"saidRon,whoseteethseemedtobechattering.
Theysetoffbacktowardthecastle,walkingslowlytokeepthemselveshiddenunderthecloak.Thelightwasfadingfastnow.
Bythetimetheyreachedopenground,darknesswassettlinglikeaspellaroundthem.
"Scabbers,keepstill,"Ronhissed,clampinghishandoverhischest.Theratwaswrigglingmadly.Roncametoasuddenhalt,tryingtoforceScabbersdeeperintohispocket."What’sthematterwithyou,Youstupidrat?Staystill—OUCH!Hebitme!"
"Ron,bequiet!"Hermionewhisperedurgently."Fudge’llbeouthereinaminute—"
"Hewon’t—stay—put—"
Scabberswasplainlyterrified.Hewaswrithingwithallhismight,tryingtobreakfreeofRon’sgrip.
"What’sthematterwithhim?"
ButHarryhadjustseen—stinkingtowardthem,hisbodylowtotheground,wideyelloweyesglintingeerilyinthedarkness—Crookshanks.