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.