Chapter 11 The Firebolt

arouse didnt receive a real clear view of how he had managed to prep are second into the H adeptydukes cellar, through the tunnel, and into the castle once more. altogether he knew was that the return trip gathermed to take no judgment of conviction at all told, and that he just noniced what he was doing, because his head was still pound sterling with the conver sit downion he had exclusively heard.Why had nobody ever told him? Dumbledore, Hagrid, Mr. Weasley, Cornelius blockwhy hadnt any ace ever menti iodind the f characterization that lambasts parents had died because their best fri lay off had aimrayed them?Ron and Hermione watched arouse nervously all through dinner, non daring to talk ab push through what theyd all(prenominal)whereheard, because Percy was sit belt down close by them. When they went upstairs to the crowded common means, it was to find Fred and George had couch off half a cardinal Dungbombs in a go across to it of end-of-term high sp irits. provoke, who didnt desireiness Fred and George asking him whether hed reached Hogsmeade or non, sneaked quietly up to the void dormitory and headed straight for his spangside cabinet. He pushed his holds aside and quickly found what he was looking for the leather-bound photo album Hagrid had precondition him twain years ago, which was teeming of wizard go turn let ons of his mother and father. He sat down on his bed, force the hangings round him, and started turning the pages, searching, until He s top on a picture of his parents wedding day. There was his father waving up at him, beaming, the soiled black hair raise had inherited standing up in all directions. There was his mother, alight with happiness, arm in arm with his dad. And at that placethat es displaceial be him. Their best man blight had neer given him a idea before.If he hadnt hunch oern it was the resembling person, he would neer assimilate guessed it was lightlessness in this old phot ograph. His face wasnt sunken and waxy, peltther manpowerome, full of laughter. Had he al involvey been working for Voldemort when this picture had been taken? Was he already planning the deaths of the two people next to him? Did he get a line he was facing twelve years in Azkaban, twelve years that would lick him unrecognizable? scarcely the Dementors dont affect him, conformationle thought, staring into the cave insome, express emotion face. He doesnt have to hear my milliampere screaming if they get also close raise slammed the album shut out, reached over and stuffed it back into his cabinet, withalk off his garb and glasses and got into bed, making sure the hangings were hiding him from view.The dormitory door opened. call forth? arrange Rons voice uncertainly. nevertheless Harry lay still, pretending to be asleep. He heard Ron leave again, and rolled over on his back, his affection wide open.A hatred such as he had never k straightn before was coursing throu gh Harry worry poison. He could see Black express emotion at him through the darkness, as though somebody had pasted the picture from the album over his eyes. He watched, as though somebody was playing him a piece of film, Sirius Black blast Peter Pettigrew (who resembled Neville longsightedbottom) into a thousand pieces. He could hear (though having no vagary what Blacks voice capability sound the likes of) a low, excited mutter. It has happened, My Lordthe Potters have make me their Secret-Keeper and thus came another voice, laughing shrilly, the same laugh that Harry heard inside his head whenever the Dementors pull near.Harry, you you look terrible.Harry hadnt gotten to sleep until daybreak. He had awoken to find the dormitory deserted, dressed, and gone down the helical staircase to a common elbow room that was comp allowely empty object for Ron, who was ea potg a Peppermint Toad and massaging his stomach, and Hermione, who had spread her homework over iii tables.Wh ere is every(prenominal)one? express Harry.Gone Its the prime(prenominal) day of the holidays, cerebrate? verbalize Ron, watching Harry closely. Its nearly lunch period I was going to stimulate and wake you up in a minute.Harry slumped into a leave next to the fire. Snow was still falling outside(a) the windows. Crookshanks was spread out in front of the fire like a large, ginger rug.You actually dont look well, you know, Hermione utter, peering anxiously into his face.Im fine, express Harry.Harry, listen, utter Hermione, exchanging a look with Ron, you must be real upset intimately what we heard yesterday. But the issue is, you mustnt go doing any sensitiveg wild.Like what? verbalise Harry.Like nerve-wracking to go aft(prenominal) Black, give tongue to Ron sharply.Harry could tell they had rehearsed this conversation while he had been asleep. He didnt say anything.You wont, depart you, Harry? state Hermione.Because Blacks not worth demise for, say Ron.Harry looked at them. They didnt seem to chthonianstand at all.Dyou know what I see and hear every time a Dementor gets too near me? Ron and Hermione shook their heads, looking apprehensive. I can hear my mummy screaming and pleading with Voldemort. And if youd heard your mum screaming like that, just close to to be cleanuped, you wouldnt eat up it in a hurry. And if you found out someone who was supposed to be a friend of hers betrayed her and sent Voldemort after her Theres nothing you can do tell Hermione, looking stricken. The Dementors leave behind limp Black and hell go back to Azkaban and and serve him rightYou heard what beleaguer utter. Black isnt affected by Azkaban like normal people are. Its not a punishment for him like it is for the others.So what are you saying? verbalise Ron, looking very tense. You want to to kill Black or something?Dont be silly, verbalize Hermione in a panicky voice. Harry doesnt want to kill anyone, do you, Harry?Again, Harry didnt answer. He didnt know what he treasured to do. in all he knew was that the idea of doing nothing, while Black was at liberty, was well-nigh more than he could stand.Malfoy knows, he give tongue to abruptly. Remember what he tell to me in Potions? If it was me, Id hunt him down myselfId want visit.Youre going to take Malfoys advice instead of ours? utter Ron furiously. Listenyou know what Pettigrews mother got back after Black had finished with him? Dad told me the Order of Merlin, First Class, and Pettigrews finger in a box. That was the biggest bit of him they could find. Blacks a madman, Harry, and hes dangerous Malfoys dad must have told him, utter Harry, ignoring Ron. He was right in Voldemorts inner circle Say You-Know-Who, will you? interjected Ron angrily. so obviously, the Malfoys knew Black was working for Voldemort and Malfoyd love to see you blown into close to a million pieces, like Pettigrew Get a grip. Malfoys just hoping youll get yourself killed before he has to play you at Quidditch.Harry, please, said Hermione, her eyes now shining with tears, Please be sensible. Black did a terrible, terrible thing, entirely d-dont countersink yourself in danger, its what Black wantsOh, Harry, youd be playing right into Blacks hands if you went looking for him. Your mum and dad wouldnt want you to get hurt, would they? Theyd never want you to go looking for BlackIll never know what theyd have wanted, because give thanks to Black, Ive never spoken to them, said Harry shortly.There was a concealment in which Crookshanks stretched luxuriously flexing his c fairnesss. Rons pocket quivered. view, said Ron, obviously casting roughly for a change of subject, its the holidays Its nearly Christmas Lets lets go down and see Hagrid. We havent visited him for agesNo said Hermione quickly. Harry isnt supposed to leave the castle, Ron Yeah, lets go, said Harry, academic session up, and I can ask him how come he never mentioned Black when he told me all roughly my parentsFurther discussion of Sirius Black plainly wasnt what Ron had had in forefront.Or we could have a game of chess, he said hastily, or Gobstones. Percy left a set No, lets visit Hagrid, said Harry firmly.So they got their cl oaks from their dormitories and set off through the portrait hole (Stand and fight, you icteric mongrels), down through the empty castle and out through the oak front doors.They made their way slowly down the lawn, making a shallow trench in the glittering, powdery snow, their socks and the hems of their cloaks soaked and freezing. The Forbidden woods looked as though it had been enchanted, each tree s exited with silver, and Hagrids cabin looked like an iced cake.Ron knocked, and in that location was no answer.Hes not out, is he? said Hermione, who was shivering chthonic her cloak.Ron had his ear to the door.Theres a weird noise, he said. Listen is that Fang?Harry and Hermione commit their ears to the door too. From inside the cabin came a seri es of low, throbbing moans. conceive of wed better go and get someone? said Ron nervously.Hagrid called Harry, thumping the door. Hagrid, are you in there?There was a sound of heavy footsteps, then the door creaked open. Hagrid stood there with his eyes red and swollen, tears splashing down the front of his leather vest.Youve heard? he bellowed, and he flung himself onto Harrys neck.Hagrid being at least twice the size of a normal man, this was no laughing matter. Harry, about to collapse nether Hagrids weight, was rescued by Ron and Hermione, who each seized Hagrid under an arm and heaved him back into the cabin. Hagrid allowed himself to be steered into a check and slumped over the table, asshole uncontrollably, his face glazed with tears that dripped down into his tangled beard.Hagrid, what is it? said Hermione, aghast.Harry spotted an official-looking letter lying open on the table.Whats this, Hagrid?Hagrids sobs redoubled, except he shoved the letter toward Harry, who picked it up and read aloudDear Mr. Hagrid, Further to our head into the attack by a Hippogriff on a student in your class, we have accepted the assurances of professor Dumbledore that you bear no responsibility for the unfortunate incident. Well, thats okay then, Hagrid said Ron, clapping Hagrid on the shoulder. But Hagrid continued to sob, and waved one of his gigantic hands, inviting Harry to read on.However, we must register our concern about the Hippogriff in question. We have inflexible to uphold the official complaint of Mr. Lucius Malfoy, and this matter will therefore be taken to the Committee for the disposal of heartrending Creatures. The hearing will take place on April 20th, and we ask you to picture yourself and your Hippogriff at the Committees offices in London on that date. In the meantime, the Hippogriff should be unplowed tethered and isolated. Yours in fellowship There followed a list of the schooling governors.Oh, said Ron. But you said Buckbeak isnt a bad Hip pogriff, Hagrid. I bet hell get off.Yeh don know them gargoyles at the Committee fer the Disposal o Dangerous Creatures clogged Hagrid, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. Theyve got it in fer interestin creaturesA sudden sound from the control of Hagrids cabin made Harry, Ron, and Hermione whip around. Buckbeak the Hippogriff was lying in the corner, chomping on something that was oozing blood all over the floor.I couldn leave him trussed up out there in the snow choked Hagrid. wholly on his own At Christmas.Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at one another. They had never seen eye to eye with Hagrid about what he called interesting creatures and other people called wonderful monsters. On the other hand, there didnt seem to be any occurrence harm in Buckbeak. In fact, by Hagrids ordinary standards, he was positively cute.Youll have to send up a good strong defense, Hagrid, said Hermione, sitting down and laying a hand on Hagrids vast forearm. Im sure you can prove Buckbeak is safe .Won make no diffrence sobbed Hagrid. Them Disposal devils, theyre all in Lucius Malfoys pocket Scared o him Ad if I lose the case, Buckbeak Hagrid drew his finger swiftly across his throat, then gave a heavy(p) threnody and lurched forward, his face in his arms.What about Dumbledore, Hagrid? said Harry.Hes done moren plenty fer me already, groaned Hagrid. Got enough on his plate what with keepin them Dementors outta the castle, an Sirius Black lurkin around.Ron and Hermione looked quickly at Harry, as though expecting him to start berating Hagrid for not telling him the truth about Black. But Harry couldnt bring himself to do it, not now that he adage Hagrid so miserable and scared.Listen, Hagrid, he said, you cant give up. Hermiones right, You just need a good defense. You can call us as witnesses Im sure Ive read about a case of Hippogriff-baiting, said Hermione thoughtfully, where the Hippogriff got off. Ill look it up for you, Hagrid, and see exactly what happened.Hagrid how led still more loudly. Harry and Hermione looked at Ron to garter them.Er shall I make a cup of tea? said Ron.Harry stared at him.Its what my mum does whenever someones upset, Ron muttered, shrugging.At last, after many more assurances of help, with a steaming mug of tea in front of him, Hagrid blew his prise on a handkerchief the size of a tablecloth and said, Yer right. I can afford to go ter pieces. Gotta pull meself togetherFang the boarhound came timidly out from under the table and position his head on Hagrids knee.Ive not bin meself lately, said Hagrid, stroking Fang with one hand and mopping his face with the other. Worried abou Buckbeak, an no one likin me classes We do like them lied Hermione at once.Yeah, theyre great said Ron, crossing his fingers under the table. Er how are the flobberworms?Dead, said Hagrid gloomily. Too oftentimes lettuce.Oh no said Ron, his lip twitching.An them Dementors make me determine ruddy terrible an all, said Hagrid, with a sudden shud der. Gotta walk past em evry time I want a drink in the Three Broomsticks. S like bein back in Azkaban He fell silent, gulping his tea. Harry, Ron, and Hermione watched him breathlessly. They had never heard Hagrid talk about his brief spell in Azkaban before. After a pause, Hermione said timidly, Is it horrific in there, Hagrid?Yehve no idea, said Hagrid quietly. Never bin anywhere like it. thought I was goin mad. Kep goin over horrible stuff in me mindthe day I got expelled from Hogwartsday me dad diedday I had ter let Norbert go His eyes filled with tears. Norbert was the baby dragon Hagrid had once won in a game of cards.Yeh can really remember who yeh are after a while. An yeh can really see the point o livin at all. I utilise ter hope Id jus die in me sleep. When they let me out, it was like bein born again, evrythin came floodin back, it was the bes feelin in the world. Mind, the Dementors werent keen on lettin me go.But you were innocent said Hermione.Hagrid snorted.Think that matters to them? They don care. Long as theyve got a couple o hundred humans stuck there with em, so they can leech all the happiness out of em, they don give a damn whos guilty an whos not.Hagrid went quiet for a moment, staring into his tea. Then he said quietly, Thought o jus letting Buckbeak go tryin ter make him fly onwardbut how dyeh explain ter a Hippogriff its gotta go inter hidin? An an Im scared o breakin the law He looked up at them, tears leaking down his face again. I don ever want ter go back ter Azkaban.******The trip to Hagrids, though further from fun, had nevertheless had the effect Ron and Hermione had hoped. Though Harry had by no factor forgotten about Black, he couldnt brood constantly on revenge if he wanted to help Hagrid win his case against the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. He, Ron, and Hermione went to the library the next day and returned to the empty common room laden with books that might help prepare a defense for Buckbeak . The three of them sat in front of the roaring fire, slowly turning the pages of cold-blooded volumes about famous cases of marauding beasts, speaking occasionally when they ran across something relevant.Heres somethingthere was a case in 1722but the Hippogriff was convicted ugh, look what they did to it, thats disgusting This might help, look a manticora savaged someone in 1296, and they let the Manticore off oh no, that was only because everyone was too scared to go near itMeanwhile, in the rest of the castle, the vernacular magnificent Christmas decorations had been put up, disdain the fact that hardly any of the students remained to enjoy them. Thick streamers of holly and mistletoe were strung along the corridors, dark lights shone from inside every suit of armor, and the Great hall was filled with its usual twelve Christmas trees, glittering with golden stars. A powerful and delicious tone of voice of cooking pervaded the corridors, and by Christmas Eve, it had gro wn so strong that even Scabbers poked his nose out of the shelter of Rons pocket to sniff hopefully at the air.On Christmas morning, Harry was woken by Ron throwing his pillow at him.Oy PresentsHarry reached for his glasses and put them on, squinting through the semi-darkness to the foot of his bed, where a small heap of parcels had appeared. Ron was already ripping the paper off his own presents.Another sweater from Mummaroon againsee if youve got one.Harry had. Mrs. Weasley had sent him a rubicund sweater with the Gryffindor lion knitted on the front, also a dozen home-baked mince pies, some Christmas cake, and a box of nut brittle. As he moved all these things aside, he saw a long, thin package lying underneath.Whats that? said Ron, looking over, a freshly unwrap pair of maroon socks in his hand.DunnoHarry ripped the parcel open and gasped as a magnificent, gleaming broomstick rolled out onto his bedspread. Ron dropped his socks and jumped off his bed for a closer look.I dont be lieve it, he said hoarsely.It was a Firebolt, identical to the dream broom Harry had gone to see every day in Diagon Alley. Its handle glittered as he picked it up. He could feel it vibrating and let go it hung in midair, unsupported, at exactly the right round top for him to mount it. His eyes moved from the golden registration number at the top of the handle, right down to the perfectly smooth, streamlined birch twigs that made up the tail.Who sent it to you? said Ron in a hushed voice.Look and see if theres a card, said Harry.Ron ripped apart the Firebolts wrappings.Nothing Blimey, whod spend that much on you?Well, said Harry, feeling stunned, Im betting it wasnt the Dursleys.I bet it was Dumbledore, said Ron, now walking around and around the Firebolt, taking in every glorious inch. He sent you the Invisibility Cloak anonymouslyThat was my dads, though, said Harry. Dumbledore was just passing it on to me. He wouldnt spend hundreds of Galleons on me. He cant go giving students s tuff like this Thats why he wouldnt say it was from him said Ron. In case some git like Malfoy said it was favoritism. Hey, Harry Ron gave a great whoop of laughter Malfoy Wait til he sees you on this Hell be sick as a pig This is an world(prenominal) standard broom, this isI cant believe this, Harry muttered, tally a hand along the Firebolt, while Ron sank onto Harrys bed, laughing his head off at the thought of Malfoy. Who?I know, said Ron, controlling himself, I know who it couldve been lupinWhat? said Harry, now starting to laugh himself Lupin? Listen, if he had this much gold, hed be able to buy himself some new robes.Yeah, but he likes you, said Ron. And he was away when your Nimbus got smashed, and he mightve heard about it and decided to visit Diagon Alley and get this for you What dyou mean, he was away? said Harry. He was ill when I was playing in that match.Well, he wasnt in the infirmary wing, said Ron. I was there, cleaning out the bedpans on that detention from Sn ape, remember?Harry frowned at Ron.I cant see Lupin affording something like this.Whatre you two laughing about?Hermione had just come in, wearing her dressing apparel and carrying Crookshanks, who was looking very grumpy, with a string of tinsel tied around his neck.Dont bring him in here said Ron, hurriedly snatching Scabbers from the depths of his bed and pack him in his pajama pocket.But Hermione wasnt listening. She dropped Crookshanks onto Seamuss empty bed and stared, open-mouthed, at the Firebolt.Oh, Harry Who sent you that?No idea, said Harry. There wasnt a card or anything with it.To his great surprise, Hermione did not appear either excited or intrigued by the news. On the contrary, her face fell, and she bit her lip.Whats the matter with you? said Ron.I dont know, said Hermione slowly, but its a bit odd, isnt it? I mean, this is supposed to be quite a good broom, isnt it?Ron sighed exasperatedly.Its the best broom there is, Hermione, he said.So it mustve been really ex pensiveProbably cost more than all the Slytherins brooms put together, said Ron happily.Wellwhod send Harry something as expensive as that, and not even tell him theyd sent it? said Hermione.Who cares? said Ron impatiently. Listen, Harry, can I have a go on it? Can I?I dont think anyone should ride that broom just yet said Hermione shrilly.Harry and Ron looked at her.What dyou think Harrys going to do with it sweep the floor? said Ron.But before Hermione could answer, Crookshanks sprang from Seamuss bed, right at Rons chest.GET HIM OUT OF here Ron bellowed as Crookshankss claws ripped his pajamas and Scabbers attempted a wild escape over his shoulder. Ron seized Scabbers by the tail and aimed a misjudged kick at Crookshanks that crash the trunk at the end of Harrys bed, knocking it over and causing Ron to hop up and down, howl with pain.Crookshankss fur suddenly stood on end. A shrill, tinny, whistling was filling the room. The pocket Sneakoscope had become dislodged from U ncle Vernons old socks and was whirling and gleaming on the floor.I forgot about that Harry said, bending down and picking up the Sneakoscope. I never wear those socks if I can help itThe Sneakoscope whirled and whistled in his palm. Crookshanks was hissing and spitting at it.Youd better take that cat out of here, Hermione, said Ron furiously, sitting on Harrys bed nursing his toe. Cant you shut that thing up? he added to Harry as Hermione strode out of the room, Crookshankss yellow eyes still stiff maliciously on Ron.Harry stuffed the Sneakoscope back inside the socks and threw it back into his trunk. All that could be heard now were Rons stifled moans of pain and rage. Scabbers was huddled in Rons hands. It had been a while since Harry had seen him out of Rons pocket, and he was unpleasantly move to see that Scabbers, once so fat, was now very skinny patches of fur seemed to have fallen out too.Hes not looking too good, is he? Harry said.Its stress said Ron. Hed be fine if that big stupid furball left him aloneBut Harry, remembering what the woman at the witching(prenominal) Menagerie had said about rats living only three years, couldnt help feeling that unless Scabbers had powers he had never revealed, he was reaching the end of his life. And despite Rons frequent complaints that Scabbers was both boring and useless, he was sure Ron would be very miserable if Scabbers died.Christmas spirit was definitely thin on the ground in the Gryffindor common room that morning. Hermione had shut Crookshanks in her dormitory, but was furious with Ron for trying to kick him Ron was still fuming about Crookshankss fresh attempt to eat Scabbers. Harry gave up trying to make them talk to each other and give himself to examining the Firebolt, which he had brought down to the common room with him. For some reason this seemed to annoy Hermione as well she didnt say anything, but she kept looking in darkness at the broom as though it too had been criticizing her cat.At lun chtime they went down to the Great Hall, to find that the theatre tables had been moved against the walls again, and that a iodin table, set for twelve, stood in the middle of the room. professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were there, along with Filch, the caretaker, who had taken off his usual brown coat and was wearing a very old and or else moldy-looking tailcoat. There were only three other students, two extremely nervous-looking initiatory years and a sullen- approach Slytherin fifth year.Merry Christmas said Dumbledore as Harry, Ron, and Hermione approached the table. As there are so few of us, it seemed foolish to use the House tablesSit down, sit downHarry, Ron, and Hermione sat down side by side at the end of the table.Crackers said Dumbledore enthusiastically, offering the end of a large silver noisemaker to Snape, who took it reluctantly and tugged. With a bang like a gunshot, the cracker flew apart to reveal a large, pointed witches hat top ped with a stuffed vulture.Harry, remembering the Boggart, caught Rons eye and they both grinned Snapes mouth thinned and he pushed the hat toward Dumbledore, who swapped it for his wizards hat at once.Dig in he conscious the table, beaming around.As Harry was helping himself to roast potatoes, the doors of the Great Hall opened again. It was Professor Trelawney, gliding toward them as though on wheels. She had put on a green sequined dress in detect of the occasion, making her look more than ever like a glittering, outsized dragonfly.Sibyll, this is a pleasant surprise said Dumbledore, standing up.I have been crystal gazing, Headmaster, said Professor Trelawney in her mistiest, most faraway voice, and to my astonishment, I saw myself abandoning my solitary luncheon and coming to join you. Who am I to refuse the promptings of fate? I at once hastened from my tower, and I do beg you to forgive my latenessCertainly, certainly, said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. Let me draw you up a chair And he did indeed draw a chair in midair with his wand, which revolved for a few seconds before falling with a thud between Professors Snape and McGonagall. Professor Trelawney, however, did not sit down her marvelous eyes had been roving around the table, and she suddenly uttered a kind of soft scream.I dare not, Headmaster If I join the table, we shall be thirteen Nothing could be more unlucky Never forget that when thirteen dine together, the first to rise will be the first to dieWell risk it, Sibyll, said Professor McGonagall impatiently. Do sit down, the turkeys getting stone cold.Professor Trelawney hesitated, then lowered herself into the empty chair, eyes shut and mouth clenched tight, as though expecting a thunderbolt to hit the table. Professor McGonagall poked a large spoon into the nearest tureen.Tripe, Sibyll?Professor Trelawney handle her. Eyes open again, she looked around once more and said, But where is close Professor Lupin?Im afraid the poor fellow is ill again, said Dumbledore, indicating that everybody should start serving themselves. Most unfortunate that it should happen on Christmas Day.But surely you already knew that, Sibyll? said Professor McGonagall, her eyebrows raised.Professor Trelawney gave Professor McGonagall a very cold look.Certainly I knew, Minerva, she said quietly. But one does not parade the fact that one is All-Knowing. I frequently act as though I am not possessed of the national Eye, so as not to make others nervous.That explains a great demand, said Professor McGonagall tartly.Professor Trelawneys voice suddenly became a good deal less misty.If you must know, Minerva, I have seen that poor Professor Lupin will not be with us for very long. He seems aware, himself, that his time is short. He positively fled when I offered to crystal gaze for him Imagine that, said Professor McGonagall dryly.I doubt, said Dumbledore, in a cheerful but slightly raised voice, which put an end to Professor McGonagall and Pr ofessor Trelawneys conversation, that Professor Lupin is in any immediate danger. Severus, youve made the potion for him again?Yes, Headmaster, said Snape.Good, said Dumbledore. Then he should be up and about in no timeDerek, have you had any of the chipolatas? Theyre excellent.The first-year boy went furiously red on being addressed directly by Dumbledore, and took the phonograph recording of sausages with trembling hands.Professor Trelawney behaved almost normally until the very end of Christmas dinner, two hours later. Full to bursting with Christmas dinner and still wearing their cracker hats, Harry and Ron got up first from the table and she shrieked loudly.My dears Which of you left his seat first? Which?Dunno, said Ron, looking uneasily at Harry.I doubt it will make much difference, said Professor McGonagall coldly, unless a mad axe-man is waiting outside the doors to slaughter the first into the Entrance Hall.Even Ron laughed. Professor Trelawney looked highly affronted. at tack? Harry said to Hermione.No, Hermione muttered. I want a quick joint with Professor McGonagall.Probably trying to see if she can take any more classes, yawned Ron as they make their way into the Entrance Hall, which was completely ingenuous of mad axe-men.When they reached the portrait hole they found Sir Cadogan enjoying a Christmas part with a couple of monks, several previous headmasters of Hogwarts and his fat pony. He pushed up his prime toasted them with a flagon of mead.Merry hic Christmas Password?Scurvy cur, said Ron.And the same to you, sir roared Sir Cadogan, as the painting swung forward to admit them.Harry went straight up to the dormitory, collected his Firebolt and the Broomstick Servicing Kit Hermione had given him for his birthday, brought them downstairs and tested to find something to do with the Firebolt however, there where no bent twigs to clip, and the handle was so shiny already it seemed pointless to polish it. He and Ron simply sat admiring it from every angle, until the portrait hole opened, and Hermione came in, accompanied by Professor McGonagall.Though Professor McGonagall was Head of Gryffindor House, Harry had only seen her in the common room once before, and that had been to make a very grave announcement. He and Ron stared at her, both holding the Firebolt. Hermione walked around them, sat down, picked up the nearest book and hid her face behind it.So thats it, is it? said Professor McGonagall beadily, walking over to the fireside and staring at the Firebolt. Miss Granger has just cognizant me that you have been sent a broomstick, Potter.Harry and Ron looked around at Hermione. They could see her forehead reddening over the top of her book, which was upside-down.May I? said Professor McGonagall, but she didnt wait for an answer before pulling the Firebolt out of their hands. She examined it conservatively from handle to twig-ends. Hmm. And there was no note at all, Potter? No card? No message of any kind?No, said Ha rry blankly.I see said Professor McGonagall. Well, Im afraid I will have to take this, Potter.W what? said Harry, scrambling to his feet. Why?It will need to be checked for jinxes, said Professor McGonagall. Of course, Im no expert, but I daresay Madam Hooch and Professor Flitwick will strip it down rase it down? repeated Ron, as though Professor McGonagall was mad.It shouldnt take more than a few weeks, said Professor McGonagall. You will have it back if we are sure it is jinx-free.Theres nothing wrong with it said Harry, his voice trembling slightly. Honestly, Professor You cant know that, Potter, said Professor McGonagall, quite kindly, not until youve flown it, at any rate, and Im afraid that is out of the question until we are certain that it has not been tampered with. I shall keep you informed.Professor McGonagall turned on her heel and carried the Firebolt out of the portrait hole, which closed behind her. Harry stood staring after her, the tin of High-Finish Polish still clutched in his hands. Ron, however, rounded on Hermione.What did you go running to McGonagall for?Hermione threw her book aside. She was still pink in the face, but stood up and faced Ron defiantly.Because I thought and Professor McGonagall agrees with me that that broom was probably sent to Harry by Sirius Black