Chapter 19 The Servant of Lord Voldemort

Hermi cardinal screamed. colour leapt to his feet. get at felt up as though hed received a huge electric shock.I found this at the base of the Whomping W air sickow, produce Snape, throwing the cloak aside, c beful to appreciation this truncheon pointing directly at lupins chest. Very commitful, Potter, I thank you.Snape was pretty breathless, besides his face was full of suppressed triumph. Youre wondering, perhaps, how I knew you were here? he utter, his scent glittering. Ive just been to your siturnineice, lupin. You forgot to repli guy wireion your potion towickedness, so I everywherelyk a gob permitful along. And genuinely lucky I didlucky for me, I mean. Lying on your desk was a certain map. One glance at it told me alwaysy I ask to know. I saw you running along this passageway and egress of sight.Severus lupin began, but Snape overrode him.Ive told the gallerymaster again and again that youre helping your old peer nasty into the castle, lupine, and he res the proof. Not even I dreamed you would fix the plaque to use this old place as your hide occur forward(p) Severus, youre making a mistake, aver lupin urgently. You shake upnt comprehend e tramptlingthing I base explain Sirius is non here to veil harry Two more for Azkaban tonight, verbalize Snape, his look now gleaming fanatic altogethery. I shall be interested to pop how Dumbledore takes thisHe was quite convinced you were harmless, you know, lupinea tame werewolf You fool, utter lupine softly. Is a schoolson grudge worth putting an innocent reality dorsum inside Azkaban?BANG Thin, snake want cords burst from the halt of Snapes wand and twisted themselves surface-nigh lupines m come forthh, wrists, and ankles he overbalanced and fell to the floor, unable to move. With a roar of rage, down in the m egressh started toward Snape, but Snape pointed his wand straight between macabres eyes. volition me a reason, he whispered. Give me a reason to do it, and I sw spike I will. faint stopped dead. It would let been impossible to separate which face showed more hatred. desolate stood there, paralyzed, not knowing what to do or whom to believe. He glanced approximately at Ron and Hermi sensation. Ron looked just as conf employ as he did, gloss over fighting to keep hold on the butt againstk Scabbers. Hermi ace, however, took an uncertain step toward Snape and give tongue to, in a very breathless voice, professor Snape it wouldnt thinned to hear what theyve got to say, w-would it?Miss Granger, you are already facing hanging from this school, Snape spat. You, Potter, and Weasley are out-of-bounds, in the company of a convicted murderer and a werewolf. For erstwhile in your life, hold your tongue. still if if there was a mistake take hold QUIET, YOU STUPID GIRL Snape shouted, looking suddenly quite deranged. DONT TALK astir(predicate) WHAT YOU DONT UNDERSTAND A hardly a(prenominal) sparks shot out of the end of his wand, w hich was subdued pointed at Blacks face. Hermione fell silent.Vengeance is very sweet, Snape breathed at Black. How I hoped I would be the one to catch you.The jokes on you again, Severus, Black snarled. As long as this boy brings his rat up to the castle he jerked his head at Ron Ill muster up quietly.Up to the castle? verbalize Snape silkily. I dont think we need to go that far. All I consecrate to do is call the Dementors erst we get out of the Willow. Theyll be very pleased to see you, Blackpleased enough to give you a little kiss, I daresayI What little color there was in Blacks face left it.You -youve got to hear me out, he croaked. The rat look at the rat provided there was a mad glint in Snapes eyes that set upon had neer seen forward. He seemed beyond reason.Come on, all of you, he express. He clicked his fingers, and the ends of the cords that bound lupin flew to his hands. Ill drag the werewolf. possibly the Dementors will guide a kiss for him too Before he knew what he was doing, raise had crossed the room in three strides and obstruct the door. doctor out of the way, Potter, youre in enough trouble already, snarled Snape. If I hadnt been here to save your skin professor Lupin could have hideed me just slightly a hundred times this year, rile verbalise. Ive been alone with him loads of times, having self-abnegation lessons against the Dementors. If he was helping Black, why didnt he just finish me false then?Dont ask me to fathom the way a werewolfs intellect works, hissed Snape. Get out of the way, Potter.YOURE PATHETIC Harry let weak. JUST BECAUSE THEY MADE A turn in OF YOU AT SCHOOL YOU WONT EVEN LISTEN SILENCE I entrust NOT BE SPOKEN TO LIKE THAT Snape shrieked, looking madder than ever. the sames of dumbfound, like son, Potter I have just saved your roll in the hay you should be thanking me on bended knee You would have been well served if hed killed you Youd have died like your father, too arrogant to believe you might be imitation in Black now get out of the way, or I will make you. GET OUT OF THE WAY, POTTERHarry make up his mind in a split second. Before Snape could take even one step toward him, he had raised his wand.Expelliarmus he yelled except that his wasnt the entirely voice that shouted. There was a blast that make the door rattle on its hinges Snape was lifted off his feet and slammed into the wall, then slid overmaster it to the floor, a trickle of blood oozing from under his cop. He had been knocked out.Harry looked around. Both Ron and Hermione had tried to disarm Snape at exactly the same moment. Snapes wand soared in a high arc and landed on the merchant ship next to Crookshanks.You shouldnt have done that, verbalise Black, looking at Harry.You should have left him to me.Harry avoided Blacks eyes. He wasnt authentic, even now, that hed done the rightly thing.We attacked a teacherWe attacked a teacher Hermione whimpered, arrant(a) at the lifeless Snape with s timulate eyes. Oh, were going to be in so a great deal trouble Lupin was struggling against his bonds. Black bent floor quickly and untied him. Lupin straightened up, rubbing his arms where the ropes had cut into them.Thank you, Harry, he tell.Im fluid not saying I believe you, he told Lupin.Then its time we offered you or so proof, express Lupin. You, boy give me beam of light, please. Now.Ron clutched Scabbers closer to his chest.Come off it, he verbalize weakly. Are you refineing to say he broke out of Azkaban just to get his hands on Scabbers? I mean He looked up at Harry and Hermione for support, Okay, say Pettigrew could turn into a rat there are millions of rats hows he suppositional to know which one he is after if he was locked up in Azkaban?You know, Sirius, thats a fair question, utter Lupin, turning to Black and frowning slightly. How did you find out where he was?Black put one of his claw-like hands inside his robes and took out a out to(p) piece of paper, which he smoothed flat and held out to show the others.It was the take of Ron and his family that had appeared in the Daily Prophet the previous summer, and there, on Rons shoulder, was Scabbers.How did you get this? Lupin asked Black, thunderstruck.Fudge, said Black. When he came to inspect Azkaban last year, he gave me his paper. And there was Peter, on the front page on this boys shoulderI knew him at oncehow soldieryy times had I seen him transform? And the caption said the boy would be going jeopardize to Hogwartsto where Harry wasMy God, said Lupin softly, staring from Scabbers to the picture in the paper and back again. His front pawWhat round it? said Ron defiantly.Hes got a toe missing, said Black.Of course, Lupin breathed. So wide-eyedso brillianthe cut it off himself? reasonable before he transformed, said Black. When I cornered him, he yelled for the unharmed street to hear that Id betrayed Lily and crowd together. Then, before I could curse him, he blew by the street with the wand behind his back, killed everyone within twenty feet of himself and sped down into the sewerage with the other rats.Didnt you ever hear, Ron? said Lupin. The biggest bit of Peter they found was his finger.Look, Scabbers belike had a fight with another(prenominal) rat or something Hes been in my family for ages, right Twelve years, in fact, said Lupin. Didnt you ever wonder why he was living so long?We weve been taking grievous care of him said Ron.Not looking too good at the moment, though, is he? said Lupin. Id guess hes been losing weight ever since he heard Sirius was on the loose again.Hes been scared of that mad cat said Ron, motionding toward Crookshanks, who was still purring on the jockey.But that wasnt right, Harry thought suddenlyScabbers had been looking ill before he met Crookshanks ever since Rons return from Egyptsince the time when Black had break loose.This cat isnt mad, said Black hoarsely. He reached out a drawn hand and stroked Crooks hankss fluffy head. Hes the most intelligent of his kind Ive ever met. He recognized Peter for what he was right external. And when he met me, he knew I was no dog. It was a while before he trusted meFinally, I managed to communicate to him what I was after, and hes been helping meWhat do you mean? breathed Hermione.He tried to bring Peter to me, but couldntso he take the passwords into Gryffindor Tower for meAs I understand it, he took them from a boys bedside send backHarrys brain seemed to be sagging under the weight of what he was hearing. It was chimericaland yetBut Peter got wind of what was going on and ran for it. croaked Black. This cat Crookshanks, did you call him? told me Peter had left blood on the sheetsI supposed he bit himselfWell, faking his own death had worked once.These words jolted Harry to his senses.And why did he fake his death? he said furiously. Because he knew you were to the highest degree to kill him like you killed my parentsNo, said Lupin, Harry And now youve come to finish him offYes, I have, said Black, with an pestiferous look at Scabbers.Then I shouldve let Snape take you Harry shouted.Harry, said Lupin hurriedly, dont you see? All this time weve thought Sirius betrayed your parents, and Peter tracked him down but it was the other way around, dont you see? Peter betrayed your mother and father Sirius tracked Peter down THATS NOT TRUE Harry yelled. HE WAS THEIR SECRET-KEEPER HE say SO BEFORE YOU TURNED UP. HE SAID HE KILLED THEMHe was pointing at Black, who shook his head slowly the deep-set eyes were suddenly over bright.HarryI as good as killed them, he croaked. I persuaded Lily and jam to change to Peter at the last moment, persuaded them to use him as Secret-Keeper instead of meIm to blame, I know itThe night they died, Id arranged to check on Peter, make convinced(predicate) he was still safe, but when I arrived at his hiding place, hed gone. Yet there was no sign of a struggle. It didnt feel right. I was sca red. I set out for your parents house straight away. And when I saw their house, ruined, and their bodiesI realized what Peter mustve donewhat Id done.His voice broke. He turned away.Enough of this, said Lupin, and there was a steely note in his voice Harry had never heard before. Theres one certain way to prove what actually happened. Ron, give me that rat.What are you going to do with him if I give him to you? Ron asked Lupin tensely.Force him to show himself, said Lupin. If he really is a rat, it wont ail him.Ron hesitated. Then at long last, he held out Scabbers and Lupin took him. Scabbers began to screak without stopping, wrestle and turning, his tiny black eyes bulging in his head. Ready, Sirius? said Lupin.Black had already retrieved Snapes wand from the bed. He approached Lupin and the struggling rat, and his implike eyes suddenly seemed to be burning in his face.Together? he said quietly.I think so, said Lupin, holding Scabbers tightly in one hand and his wand in the other. On the cipher of three. One two THREEA flash of blue-white light erupted from twain wands for a moment, Scabbers was frozen in midair, his small gray form twisting madly Ron yelled the rat fell and hit the floor. There was another blinding flash of light and then It was like watching a speeded-up film of a growing tree. A head was shooting upward(a) from the ground limbs were sprouting a moment later, a man was standing(a) where Scabbers had been, cringing and wringing his hands. Crookshanks was spitting and snarling on the bed the hair on his back was standing up.He was a very short man, hardly taller than Harry and Hermione. His thin, colorless hair was unkempt and there was a large bald-faced patch on top. He had the shrunken appearance of a run low man who has lost a lot of weight in a short time. His skin looked grubby, nearly like Scabberss fur, and something of the rat lingered around his pointed odourise and his very small, watery eyes. He looked around at them all, his breathing debauched and shallow. Harry saw his eyes dart to the door and back again.Well, hello, Peter, said Lupin pleasantly, as though rats frequently erupted into old school friends around him. Long time, no see.SSiriusRRemus Even Pettigrews voice was squeaky. Again, his eyes darted toward the door. My friendsmy old friendsBlacks wand arm rose, but Lupin seized him around the wrist, gave him a warning took, then turned again to Pettigrew, his voice light and casual.Weve been having a little chat, Peter, astir(predicate) what happened the night Lily and James died. You might have helpless the finer points while you were squeaking around down there on the bed Remus, gasped Pettigrew, and Harry could see beads of fret breaking out over his pasty face, you dont believe him, do you? He tried to kill me, Remus.So weve heard, said Lupin, more coldly. Id like to clear up one or two little matters with you, Peter, if youll be so Hes come to try and kill me again Pettigre w squeaked suddenly, pointing at Black, and Harry saw that he employ his middle finger, because his index was missing. He killed Lily and James and now hes going to kill me tooYouve got to help me, Remus.Blacks face looked more skull-like than ever as he stared at Pettigrew with his fathomless eyes.No ones going to try and kill you until weve sorted a few things out, said Lupin.Sorted things out? squealed Pettigrew, looking wildly about him once more, eyes taking in the boarded windows and, again, the only door. I knew hed come after me I knew hed be back for me Ive been waiting for this for twelve yearsYou knew Sirius was going to break out of Azkaban? said Lupin, his brow furrowed. When nobody has ever done it before?Hes got dark powers the rest of us can only dream of Pettigrew shouted shrilly. How else did he get out of there? I suppose He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named taught him a few tricksBlack started to express joy, a horrible, mirthless laugh that filled the whole room.Voldemort , teach me tricks? he said.Pettigrew flinched as though Black had brandished a whip at him.What, scared to hear your old masters make believe? said Black. I dont blame you, Peter. His lot arent very happy with you, are they?Dont know what you mean, Sirius muttered Pettigrew, his breathing faster than ever. His whole face was shining with sweat now.You havent been hiding from me for twelve years, said Black. Youve been hiding from Voldemorts old supporters. I heard things in Azkaban, PeterThey all think youre dead, or youd have to resolvent to themIve heard them screaming all sorts of things in their sleep. Sounds like they think the rat double-crossed them. Voldemort went to the Potters on your informationand Voldemort met his downfall there. And not all Voldemorts supporters ended up in Azkaban, did they? There are still plenty out here, biding their time, dissemble theyve seen the error of their ways. If they ever got wind that you were still alive, Peter Dont knowwhat youre public lecture about said Pettigrew again, more shrilly than ever. He wiped his face on his sleeve and looked up at Lupin. You dont believe this this madness, Remus I must admit, Peter, I have difficulty in understanding why an innocent man would want to spend twelve years as a rat, said Lupin evenly.Innocent, but scared squealed Pettigrew. If Voldemorts supporters were after me, it was because I put one of their best men in Azkaban the blot, Sirius BlackBlacks face contorted.How dare you, he growled, sounding suddenly like the bearsized dog he had been. I, a spy for Voldemort? When did I ever sneak around people who were stronger and more mightily than myself? But you, Peter Ill never understand why I didnt see you were the spy from the start. You always liked big friends whod look after you, didnt you? It used to be usme and Remusand JamesPettigrew wiped his face again he was almost panting for breath.Me, a spymust be out of your mindneverdont know how you can say such a Lil y and James only made you Secret-Keeper because I suggested it, Black hissed, so venomously that Pettigrew took a step backward. I thought it was the perfect fancya inconsiderateVoldemort would be sure to come after me, would never dream theyd use a weak, talentless thing like youIt must have been the finest moment of your down in the mouth life, telling Voldemort you could hand him the Potters.Pettigrew was muttering distractedly Harry caught words like far-fetched and lunacy, but he couldnt help paying more attention to the blanched color of Pettigrews face and the way his eyes continued to dart toward the windows and door.Professor Lupin? said Hermione timidly. Can can I say something?Certainly, Hermione, said Lupin courteously.Well Scabbers I mean, this this man hes been sleeping in Harrys hallway for three years. If hes working for You-Know-Who, how come he never tried to hurt Harry before now?There said Pettigrew shrilly, pointing at Ron with his maim hand. Thank yo u You see, Remus? I have never hurt a hair of Harrys head why should I?Ill tell you why, said Black. Because you never did anything for anyone unless you could see what was in it for you. Voldemorts been in hiding for fifteen years, they say hes half dead. You werent about to commit murder right under Albus Dumbledores nose, for a wreck of a wizard whod lost all of his power, were you? Youd want to be quite sure he was the biggest bully in the playground before you went back to him, wouldnt you? Why else did you find a wizard family to take you in? Keeping an ear out for news, werent you, Peter? Just in case your old defender regained strength, and it was safe to rejoin him.Pettigrew opened his mouth and closed it several times. He seemed to have lost the ability to talk.Er Mr. Black Sirius? said Hermione.Black jumped at being addressed like this and stared at Hermione as though he had never seen anything quite like her.If you dont mind me asking, how how did you get out of Azka ban, if you didnt use Dark Magic?Thank you gasped Pettigrew, nodding frantically at her. Exactly Precisely what I But Lupin silenced him with a look. Black was frowning slightly at Hermione, but not as though he were annoyed with her. He seemed to be pondering his answer.I dont know how I did it, he said slowly. I think the only reason I never lost my mind is that I knew I was innocent. That wasnt a happy thought, so the Dementors couldnt suck it out of mebut it unploughed me sane and knowing who I amhelped me keep my powersso when it all becametoo muchI could transform in my cell move around a dog. Dementors cant see, you know He swallowed. They feel their way toward people by feeding off their emotionsThey could tell that my feelings were less less human, less obscure when I was a dogbut they thought, of course, that I was losing my mind like everyone else in there, so it didnt trouble them. But I was weak, very weak, and I had no hope of driving them away from me without a wan d.But then I saw Peter in that pictureI realized he was at Hogwarts with Harryperfectly positioned to act, if one breath reached his ears that the Dark Side was gathering strength againPettigrew was shaking his head, mouthing noiselessly, but staring all the while at Black as though hypnotized.ready to strike at the moment he could be sure of alliesand to deliver the last Potter to them. if he gave them Harry, whod dare say hed betrayed Lord Voldemort? Hed be welcomed back with honors.So you see, I had to do something. I was the only one who knew Peter was still aliveHarry remembered what Mr. Weasley had told Mrs. Wealsey. The guards say hes been talking in his sleep always the same words Hes at Hogwarts.It was as if someone had lit a fire In my head, and the Dementors couldnt destroy itIt wasnt a happy feelingit was an obsessionbut it gave me strength, it cleared my mind. So, one night when they opened my door to bring food, I slipped past them as a dogIts so much harder for them to sense animal emotions that they were wooly-mindedI was thin, very thinthin enough to slip by the barsI swam as a dog back to the mainland I journeyed north and slipped into the Hogwarts grounds as a dog. Ive been living in the timberland ever since, except when I came to watch the Quidditch, of course. You fly as well as your father did, Harry.He looked at Harry, who did not look away.Believe me, croaked Black. Believe me, Harry. I never betrayed James and Lily. I would have died before I betrayed them.And at long last, Harry believed him. Throat too tight to speak, he nodded.NoPettigrew had fallen to his knees as though Harrys nod had been his own death sentence. He shuffled forward on his knees, groveling, his hands clasped in front of him as though praying.Sirius its meits Peteryour friendyou wouldnt Black kicked out and Pettigrew recoiled.Theres enough filth on my robes without you touching them, said Black.Remus Pettigrew squeaked, turning to Lupin instead, writhing impl oringly in front of him. You dont believe this wouldnt Sirius have told you theyd changed the plan?Not if he thought I was the spy, Peter, said Lupin. I sorb thats why you didnt tell me, Sirius? he said casually over Pettigrews head.absolve me, Remus, said Black.Not at all, Padfoot, old friend, said Lupin, who was now turn over up his sleeves. And will you, in turn, forgive me for believing you were the spy?Of course, said Black, and the ghost of a grin flitted across his gaunt face. He, too, began rolling up his sleeves. Shall we kill him together?Yes, I think so, said Lupin grimly.You wouldntyou wont gasped Pettigrew. And he scrambled around to Ron.Ronhavent I been a good frienda good positron emission tomography? You wont let them kill me, Ron, will youyoure on my side, arent you?But Ron was staring at Pettigrew with the utmost revulsion.I let you sleep in my bed he said.Kind boykind master Pettigrew crawled toward Ron You wont let them do itI was your ratI was a good pet.If you made a better rat than a human, its not much to boast about, Peter, said Black harshly. Ron, going still paler with pain, wrenched his broken offshoot out of Pettigrews reach. Pettigrew turned on his knees, staggered forward, and seized the hem of Hermiones robes.Sweet girl given(p) girlyou you wont let themHelp me.Hermione pulled her robes out of Pettigrews clutching hands and backed away against the wall, looking horrified.Pettigrew knelt, trembling uncontrollably, and turned his head slowly toward Harry.HarryHarryyou look just like your fatherjust like himHOW hardiness YOU SPEAK TO HARRY? roared Black. HOW DARE YOU FACE HIM? HOW DARE YOU TALK closely JAMES IN FRONT OF HIM?Harry, whispered Pettigrew, shuffling toward him, hands outstretched. Harry, James wouldnt have wanted me killedJames would have understood, Harryhe would have shown me mercyBoth Black and Lupin strode forward, seized Pettigrews shoulders, and threw him backward onto the floor. He sat there, twitching wi th terror, staring up at them.You sold Lily and James to Voldemort, said Black, who was shaking too. Do you deny it?Pettigrew burst into tears. It was horrible to watch, like an oversized, turn baby, cowering on the floor.Sirius, Sirius, what could I have done? The Dark Lordyou have no ideahe has weapons you cant imagine I was scared, Sirius, I was never brave like you and Remus and James. I never meant it to happenHe-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named forced me DONT reside bellowed Black. YOUD BEEN PASSING INFORMATION TO HIM FOR A YEAR BEFORE LILY AND JAMES DIED YOU WERE HIS tell onHe he was taking over everywhere gasped Pettigrew. Wh-what was there to be gained by refusing him?What was there to be gained by fighting the most evil wizard who has ever existed? said Black, with a terrible fury in his face. Only innocent lives, PeterYou dont understand whined Pettigrew. He would have killed me, Sirius accordingly YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED roared Black. DIED RATHER THAN BETRAY YOUR FRIENDS, AS WE WO ULD HAVE DONE FOR YOUBlack and Lupin stood shoulder to shoulder, wands raised.You should have realized, said Lupin quietly, if Voldemort didnt kill you, we would. Good-bye, Peter.Hermione cover her face with her hands and turned to the wall.NO Harry yelled. He ran forward, placing himself in front Pettigrew, facing the wands. You cant kill him, he said breathlessly. You cant.Black and Lupin both looked staggered.Harry, this piece of vermin is the reason you have no parents, Black snarled. This cringing bit of filth would have seen you die too, without turning a hair. You heard him. His own stinking skin meant more to him than your whole family.I know, Harry panted. Well take him up to the castle. Well hand him over to the DementorsHe can go to Azkabanbut dont kill him.Harry gasped Pettigrew, and he flung his arms around Harrys knees. You thank you its more than I deserve thank you Get off me, Harry spat, throwing Pettigrews hands off him in disgust. Im not doing this for you. Im doing it because I dont count my dad wouldve wanted them to become killers just for you.No one go or made a sound except Pettigrew, whose breath was glide slope in wheezes as he clutched his chest. Black and Lupin were looking at each other. Then, with one movement, they lowered their wands.Youre the only person who has the right to decide, Harry, said Black. But think think what he did.He can go to Azkaban, Harry repeated. If anyone deserves that place, he does.Pettigrew was still wheezing behind him.Very well, said Lupin. Stand aside, Harry.Harry hesitated.Im going to tie him up, said Lupin. Thats all, I swear.Harry stepped out of the way. Thin cords shot from Lupins wand this time, and next moment, Pettigrew was wrestle on the floor, bound and gagged.But if you transform, Peter, growled Black, his own wand pointing at Pettigrew too, we will kill you. You agree, Harry?Harry looked down at the pitiful get into on the floor and nodded so that Pettigrew could see him.Right, sa id Lupin, suddenly businesslike. Ron, I cant mend bones nearly as well as maam Pomfrey, so I think its best if we just strap your offset up until we can get you to the hospital wing.He hurried over to Ron, bent down, tapped Rons leg with his wand, and muttered, Ferula. Bandages spun up Rons leg, strapping it tightly to a splint. Lupin helped him to his feet Ron put his weight gingerly on the leg and didnt wince.Thats better, he said. Thanks.What about Professor Snape? said Hermione in a small voice, looking down at Snapes prone figure.Theres nothing seriously wrong with him, said Lupin, bend dexter over Snape and checking his pulse. You were just a little overenthusiastic. Still out cold. Er perhaps it will be best if we dont revive him until were safety back in the castle. We can take him like this.He muttered, Mobilicorpus. As though invisible strings were tied to Snapes wrists, neck, and knees, he was pulled into a standing position, head still lolling unpleasantly, like a g rotesque puppet. He hung a few inches above the ground, his limp feet dangling. Lupin picked up the Invisibility Cloak and inclose it safely into his pocket.And two of us should be arrange to this, said Black, nudging Pettigrew with his toe. Just to make sure.Ill do it, said Lupin.And me, said Ron savagely, limping forward.Black conjured great(p) manacles from thin air soon Pettigrew was upright again, left arm chained to Lupins right, right arm to Rons left. Rons face was set. He seemed to have taken Scabberss trustworthy identity as a personal insult. Crookshanks leapt lightly off the bed and led the way out of the room, his bottlebrush tail held jauntily high.