The Dementor’s Kiss

           Harryhadneverbeenpartofastrangergroup.Crookshanksledthewaydownthestairs;Lupin,Pettigrew,andRonwentnext,lookinglikeentrantsinasix-leggedrace.NextcameProfessorSnape,driftingcreepilyalong,histoeshittingeachstairastheydescended,heldupbyhisownwand,whichwasbeingpointedathimbySirius.HarryandHermionebroughtuptherear.

           Gettingbackintothetunnelwasdifficult.Lupin,Pettigrew,andRonhadtoturnsidewaystomanageit;LupinstillhadPettigrewcoveredwithhiswand.Harrycouldseethemedgingawkwardlyalongthetunnelinsinglefile.Crookshankswasstillinthelead.HarrywentrightafterBlack,whowasstillmakingSnapedriftalongaheadofthem;hekeptbumpinghislollingheadonthelowceiling.HarryhadtheimpressionBlackwasmakingnoefforttopreventthis.

           "Youknowwhatthismeans?"BlacksaidabruptlytoHarryastheymadetheirslowprogressalongthetunnel."TurningPettigrewin?"

           "You’refree,"saidHarry.

           "Yes..."saidBlack."ButI’malso—Idon’tknowifanyoneevertoldyou—I’myourgodfather."

           "Yeah,Iknewthat,"saidHarry.

           "Well...yourparentsappointedmeyourguardian,"saidBlackstiffly."Ifanythinghappenedtothem..."

           Harrywaited.DidBlackmeanwhathethoughthemeant?

           "I’llunderstand,ofcourse,ifyouwanttostaywithyourauntanduncle,"saidBlack."But...well...thinkaboutit.Oncemyname’scleared...ifyouwanteda...adifferenthome..."

           SomesortofexplosiontookplaceinthepitofHarry’sstomach.