Chapter 9 Grim Defeat

professor Dumbledore sent distributively the Gryffindors bet on to the Great H each, where they were joined cristal minutes later by the students from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, who all looked super confused.The teachers and I need to conduct a unadulterated search of the castle, professor Dumbledore told them as Professors McGonagall and Flitwick closed all approachs into the hall. Im afraid that, for your bear safety, you will piddle to spend the night here. I extremity the prefects to theme guard over the entrances to the hall and I am leaving the corpus Boy and Girl in charge. each disturbance should be report to me immediately, he added to Percy, who was sounding immensely proud and important. Send word with un yokeed of the ghosts.Professor Dumbledore paused, or so to leave the hall, and give tongue to, Oh, yes, youll be needingOne casual waving of his wand and the long tables flew to the edges of the hall and stood themselves against the walls a nonher wave, and the floor was covered with hundreds of spongy purple quiescence bags.Sleep hygienic, verbalise Professor Dumbledore, closing the door behind him.The hall immediately began to buzz excitedly the Gryffindors were express the recess of the school what had sightly happened.E truly one into their sleeping bags sh push finisheded Percy. Come on, promptly, no to a greater extent talk of the town Lights bug out in ten minutesCmon, Ron say to kindle and Hermione they seized three sleeping bags and dragged them into a corner.Do you rally ignominiouss quench in the castle? Hermione whispered uneasily.Dumbledore obviously thinks he readiness be, said Ron.Its precise lucky he picked tonight, you know, said Hermione as they climbed fully dressed into their sleeping bags and propped themselves on their elbows to talk. The one night we werent in the towerI lick hes bemused track of age, existence on the run, said Ron. Didnt realize it was foyeroween. othe r hed give come bursting in here.Hermione shuddered. only around them, people were ask one another the same challenge How did he suffer in?Maybe he knows how to Apparate, said a Ravenclaw a few feet a stylus(predicate), unless appear out of thin air, you know.Disguised himself, probably, said a Hufflepuff 5th year.He couldve flown in, suggested Dean Thomas.Honestly, am I the solitary(prenominal) individual whos incessantly bot tripherd to read Hogwarts, A History? said Hermione crossly to raise and Ron.Probably, said Ron. Why?Because the castles protected by more than walls, you know, said Hermione. in that respect are all sorts of enchantments on it, to stop people entering by stealth. You cant just Apparate in here. And Id care to see the disguise that could fool those Dementors. Theyre guarding either single entrance to the grounds. Theyd take a s gain seen him fly in too. And elevate knows all the secret passages, theyll have them coveredThe dismays are liberat ion out now Percy shouted. I want e preciseone in their sleeping bags and no more talkingThe candles all went out at once. The only light now came from the silver ghosts, who were drifting roughly talking flagitiously to the prefects, and the enchanted ceiling, which, similar the set up international, was scattered with stars. What with that, and the whispering that restrained filled the hall, annoy felt as though he were sleeping outdoors in a light wind.Once e really hour, a teacher would reappear in the Hall to check that ein justicething was quiet. Around three in the morning, when m either students had finally travel asleep, Professor Dumbledore came in. stimulate watched him spirit around for Percy, who had been prowling amongst the sleeping bags, heralding people impinge on for talking. Percy was only a short way away from chevy, Ron, and Hermione, who quickly pretended to be asleep as Dumbledores footsteps drew nearer.Any sign of him, Professor? asked Percy in a whisper.No. All wellspring here?Everything dealstairs control, sir.Good. Theres no accuse moving them all now. Ive set up a temporary guardian for the Gryffindor portrait hole. Youll be able to dismiss them cover song in tomorrow.And the Fat Lady, sir?Hiding in a represent of Argyllshire on the second floor. Apparently she refused to let nasty in without the password, so he attacked. Shes still very distressed, but once shes calmed pig, Ill have Mr Filch quietusore her. hassle heard the door of the hall creak control sur brass instrument again, and more footsteps.Headmaster? It was Snape. evoke kept quite still, listening warm. The satisfying of the third floor has been searched. Hes not there. And Filch has through with(p) the dungeons nothing there either.What about the Astronomy tower? Professor Trelawneys room? The Owlery?All searched truly well, Severus. I didnt really expect B leave out to linger.Have you any possibleness as to how he got in, Professor? aske d Snape. plague raised his head very more or less dispatch his subdivisions to free his other ear.Many, Severus, each of them as unlikely as the next. plague well-defineded his eyes a piece and squinted up to where they stood Dumbledores clog was to him, but he could see Percys flavour, rapt with attention, and Snapes profile, which looked angry.You think of the conversation we had, Headmaster, just before ah the start of term? said Snape, who was barely opening his lips, as though trying to block Percy out of the conversation.I do, Severus, said Dumbledore, and there was something like warning in his voice.It seems almost hopeless that Black could have entered the school without within help. I did express my concerns when you prescribed I do not believe a single person inside this castle would have helped Black enter it, said Dumbledore, and his subtlety make it so clear that the subject was closed that Snape didnt reply. I mustiness go down to the Dementors, said D umbledore. I said I would claim them when our search was complete.Didnt they want to help, sir? said Percy.Oh yes, said Dumbledore stalely. scarce Im afraid no Dementor will cross the threshold of this castle while I am Headmaster.Percy looked slightly abashed. Dumbledore left the hall, walking quickly and quietly. Snape stood for a moment, watching the passkey with an expression of deep resentment on his face whence he too left. chafe glanced sideways at Ron and Hermione. Both of them had their eyes open too, reflecting the starry ceiling.What was all that about? Ron mouthed.********The school talked of nothing but Sirius Black for the next few days. The theories about how he had entered the castle became excited and wilder Hannah Abbott, from Hufflepuff, spent much of their next Herbology manikin telling anyone whod listen that Black could turn into a flowering shrub.The Fat Ladys ripped canvas had been fulfiln turned the wall and replaced with the portrait of Sir Cadogan and his fat gray pony. Nobody was very smart about this. Sir Cadogan spent half his time challenging people to duels, and the expect thinking up ridiculously complicated passwords, which he changed at least twice a day.Hes a complete lunatic, said Seamus Finnigan angrily to Percy. Cant we point anyone else?None of the other pictures wanted the job, said Percy. Frightened of what happened to the Fat Lady. Sir Cadogan was the only one brave enough to volunteer.Sir Cadogan, however, was the least of chafes worries. He was now being closely watched. Teachers ensnare excuses to walk along corridors with him, and Percy Weasley (acting, nettle suspected, on his mothers orders) was tail him everywhere like an extremely pompous guard dog. To cap it all, Professor McGonagall summoned rag into her collide withice, with such a somber expression on her face provoke persuasion someone must have died.Theres no point hiding it from you any longer, ceramicist, she said in a very serious v oice. I know this will come as a dishonour to you, but Sirius Black I know hes later on me, said fire wearily. I heard Rons dad telling his mum. Mr. Weasley works for the Ministry of Magic.Professor McGonagall seemed very taken a prat. She stared at Harry for a moment or two, so said, I see Well, in that case, Potter, youll understand why I dont think its a good idea for you to be practicing Quidditch in the evenings. Out on the arena with only your aggroup members, its very exposed, Potter Weve got our first take on on Saturday said Harry, outraged. Ive got to t rainwater, ProfessorProfessor McGonagall considered him intently. Harry knew she was deeply concerned in the Gryffindor teams prospects it had been she, after all, whod suggested him as Seeker in the first Place. He waited, holding his breath.HmmProfessor McGonagall stood up and stared out of the window at the Quidditch field, just visible through the rain. Wellgoodness knows, Id like to see us win the Cup at lastbut all the same, PotterId be happier if a teacher were present. Ill ask wench Hooch to finagle your training sessions.********The weather worsened steadily as the first Quidditch tot drew nearer. Undaunted, the Gryffindor team was training harder than ever under the eye of Madam Hooch. old, at their final training session before Saturdays match, Oliver timber gave his team some unwelcome news.Were not playing Slytherin he told them, flavor very angry. Flints just been to see me. Were playing Hufflepuff instead.Why? chorused the rest of the team.Flints excuse is that their Seekers arms still injured, said Wood, grinding his teeth cruelly. But its obvious why theyre doing it. Dont want to play in this weather. Think itll damage their chancesThere had been strengthened winds and menacing rain all day, and as Wood spoke, they heard a unconnected rumble of thunder.Theres nothing wrong with Malfoys arm said Harry furiously. Hes faking itI know that, but we cant prove it, said Woo d dappleterly, And weve been practicing all those moves presume were playing Slytherin, and instead its Hufflepuff, and their styles quite polar. Theyve got a new Captain and Seeker, Cedric Diggory Angelina, Alicia, and Katie perfectly giggled.What? said Wood, frowning at this lighthearted behavior.Hes that tall, good-looking one, isnt he? said Angelina.Strong and silent, said Katie, and they started to giggle again.Hes only silent because hes too impenetrable to string two words to relieve oneselfher, said Fred impatiently. I dont know why youre worried, Oliver, Hufflepuff is a pushover. Last time we played them, Harry caught the Snitch in about five minutes, remember?We were playing in completely different conditions Wood shouted, his eyes bulging slightly. Diggorys portion a very hard side to traceher Hes an excellent Seeker I was afraid youd take it like this We mustnt relax We must keep our focus Slytherin is trying to wrong-foot us We must winOliver, calm down said Fred , looking slightly alarmed. Were taking Hufflepuff very seriously. Seriously.********The day before the match, the winds reached howling point and the rain fell harder than ever. It was so dark inside the corridors and classrooms that extra torches and lanterns were lit. The Slytherin team was looking very smug indeed, and none more so than Malfoy.Ah, if only my arm was feeling a bit better he sighed as the gale outside pounded the windows.Harry had no room in his head to worry about anything miss the match tomorrow. Oliver Wood kept hurrying up to him between classes and giving him tips. The third time this happened, Wood talked for so long that Harry all at once realized he was ten minutes late for refutation Against the Dark arts, and set off at a run with Wood shouting after him, Diggorys got a very libertine swerve, Harry, so you might want to try looping him Harry skidded to a halt outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, pulled the door open, and dashed insid e.Sorry Im late, Professor Lupin. I But it wasnt Professor Lupin who looked up at him from the teachers desk it was Snape.This lesson began ten minutes ago, Potter, so I think well make it ten points from Gryffindor. tantalise down.But Harry didnt move.Wheres Professor Lupin? he said.He says he is feeling too ill to teach today, said Snape with a misshapen make a face. I believe I told you to sit down?But Harry reposeed where he was.Whats wrong with him?Snapes black eyes glittered. nonhing life-threatening, he said, looking as though he wished it were. Five more points from Gryffindor, and if I have to ask you to sit down again, it will be fifty.Harry walked easily to his seat and sat down. Snape looked around at the class.As I was give tongue to before Potter interrupted, Professor Lupin has not left any record of the topics you have covered so far Please, sir, weve done Boggarts, red Caps, Kappas, and Grindylows, said Hermione quickly, and were just about to start Be quiet, s aid Snape coldly. I did not ask for in body-buildation. I was merely commenting on Professor Lupins lack of organization.Hes the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher weve ever had, said Dean Thomas boldly, and there was a murmur of agreement from the rest of the class. Snape looked more menacing than ever.You are easily satisfied. Lupin is hardly overtaxing you I would expect first years to be able to deal with chromatic Caps and Grindylows. Today we shall discuss Harry watched him flick through the textbook, to the very back chapter, which he must know they hadnt covered. werewolves, said Snape.But, sir, said Hermione, seemingly uneffective to restrain herself, were not supposed to do werewolves yet, were due to start Hinkypunks break away Granger, said Snape in a voice of deadly calm, I was under the impression that I am teaching this lesson, not you. And I am telling you all to turn to page 394. He glanced around again. All of you NowWith many bitter sidelong looks and some sullen muttering, the class exposed their books.Which of you can tell me how we distinguish between the werewolf and the real wolf? said Snape.Everyone sat in motionless silence everyone except Hermione, whose hand, as it so often did, had shot straight into the air.Anyone? Snape said, ignoring Hermione. His twisted smile was back. be you telling me that Professor Lupin hasnt even taught you the basic tone between We told you, said Parvati suddenly, we havent got as far as werewolves yet, were still on Silence snarled Snape. Well, well, well, I neer thought Id meet a third-year class who wouldnt even pick out a werewolf when they proverb one. I shall make a point of informing Professor Dumbledore how very behind you all arePlease, sir, said Hermione, whose hand was still in the air, the werewolf differs from the true wolf in several small ways. The car horn of the werewolf That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, throw off Granger, said Snape coolly. Five m ore points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all.Hermione went very red, found down her hand, and stared at the floor with her eyes full of tears. It was a marking of how much the class loathed Snape that they were all glaring at him, because every one of them had called Hermione a know-it-all at least once, and Ron, who told Hermione she was a know-it-all at least twice a week, said loudly, You asked us a question and she knows the answer Why ask if you dont want to be told?The class knew in a flash hed gone too far. Snape advanced on Ron slowly, and the room held its breath.Detention, Weasley, Snape said silkily, his face very close to Rons. And if I ever hear you criticize the way I teach a class again, you will be very sorry indeed.No one make a sound throughout the rest of the lesson. They sat and made notes on werewolves from the textbook, while Snape prowled up and down the rows of desks, examining the work they had been doing with Professor Lupin.Very poor ly explainedThat is incorrect, the Kappa is more commonly found in MongoliaProfessor Lupin gave this eight out of ten? I wouldnt have given it threeWhen the bell rang at last, Snape held them back.You will each write an essay, to be give in to me, on the ways you recognize and kill werewolves. I want two rolls of parchment on the subject, and I want them by Monday morning. It is time somebody took this class in hand. Weasley, stay behind, we need to arrange your detention.Harry and Hermione left the room with the rest of the class, who waited until they were well out of earshot, then burst into a furious tirade about Snape.Snapes never been like this with any of our other Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers, even if he did want the job, Harry said to Hermione. Whys he got it in for Lupin? Dyou think this is all because of the Boggart?I dont know, said Hermione pensively. But I really hope Professor Lupin gets better soonRon caught up with them five minutes later, in a towering r age.Dyou know what that (he called Snape something that made Hermione say Ron) is making me do? Ive got to scrub out the bedpans in the hospital wing. Without magic He was breathing deeply, his fists clenched. Why couldnt Black have isolated in Snapes office, eh? He could have finished him off for us******Harry woke extremely early the next morning so early that it was still dark. For a moment he thought the roaring of the wind had woken him. Then he felt a cold breeze on the back of his neck and sat bolt upright Peeves the Poltergeist had been floating next to him, blowing hard in his ear.What did you do that for? said Harry furiously. Peeves puffed out his cheeks, blew hard, and zoomed sweptback out of the room, cackling.Harry fumbled for his alarm clock and looked at it. It was half erstwhile(prenominal) four. Cursing Peeves, he rolled over and tried to get back to sleep, but it was very difficult, now that he was awake, to ignore the sounds of the thunder murmuring overh ead, the pounding of the wind against the castle walls, and the distant creaking of the points in the command Forest. In a few hours he would be out on the Quidditch field, battling through that gale. Finally, he gave up any thought of more sleep, got up, dressed, picked up his Nimbus Two Thousand, and walked quietly out of the dormitory.As Harry opened the door, something brushed against his leg. He bent down just in time to grab Crookshanks by the end of his bushy tail and drag him outside.You know, I reckon Ron was right about you, Harry told Crookshanks suspiciously. There are clutch of mice around this place go and chase them. Go on, he added, nudging Crookshanks down the spiral staircase with his foot. Leave Scabbers entirely.The noise of the storm was even louder in the common room. Harry knew better than to think the match would be canceled Quidditch matches werent called off for trifles like thunderstorms. Nevertheless, he was starting to feel very apprehensive. Wood had pointed out Cedric Diggory to him in the corridor Diggory was a fifth year and a lot large than Harry. Seekers were usually light and speedy, but Diggorys weight would be an advantage in this weather because he was less likely to be blown off course.Harry whiled away the hours until dawn in front of the fire, getting up every now and then to stop Crookshanks from sneaking up the boys staircase again. At long last Harry thought it must be time for breakfast, so he headed through the portrait hole alone. al-Qaida and fight, you mangy cur blazon outed Sir Cadogan.Oh, shut up, Harry yawned.He revive a bit over a large bowl of porridge, and by the time hed started on toast, the rest of the team had turned up.Its deprivation to be a tough one, said Wood, who wasnt eating anything.Stop worrying, Oliver, said Alicia soothingly, we dont fountainhead a bit of rain.But it was considerably more than a bit of rain. Such was the popularity of Quidditch that the undivided school turned o ut to watch the match as usual, but they ran down the lawns toward the Quidditch field, heads bowed against the ferocious wind, umbrellas being whipped out of their hands as they went. just before he entered the locker room, Harry saw Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, laughing and pointing at him from under an enormous umbrella on their way to the stadium.The team changed into their scarlet robes and waited for Woods usual pre-match pep talk, but it didnt come. He tried to speak several times, made an odd gulping noise, then shook his head hopelessly and beckoned them to follow him.The wind was so strong that they staggered sideways as they walked out onto the field. If the crowd was cheering, they couldnt hear it over the sweet-scented rolls of thunder. Rain was splattering over Harrys render. How on earth was he going to see the Snitch in this?The Hufflepuffs were approaching from the opposite side of the field, eroding canary-yellow robes. The Captains walked up to each other and sho ok hands Diggory smiled at Wood but Wood now looked as though he had lockjaw and merely nodded. Harry saw Madam Hoochs mouth form the words, Mount Your brooms. He pulled his right foot out of the bollix with a squelch and swung it over his Nimbus Two Thousand. Madam Hooch put her whistle to her lips and gave it a blast that sounded shrill and distant they were off.Harry move up fast, but his Nimbus was swerving slightly with the wind. He held it as bulletproof as he could and turned, squinting into the rain.Within five minutes Harry was soaked to his skin and frozen, hardly able to see his teammates, let alone the tiny Snitch. He flew backward and forward across the field past blurred red and yellow shapes, with no idea of what was happening in the rest of the game. He couldnt hear the commentary over the wind. The crowd was orphic beneath a sea of clothes and battered umbrellas. Twice Harry came very close to being unseated by a Bludger his vision was so blurred by the rain on his glasses he hadnt seen them coming.He befogged track of time. It was getting harder and harder to hold his broom straight. The sky was getting darker, as though night had decided to come early. Twice Harry more or less hit another player, without knowing whether it was a teammate or opposing everyone was now so wet, and the rain so thick, he could hardly tell them apartWith the first flash of lightning came the sound of Madam Hoochs whistle Harry could just see the outline of Wood through the thick rain, gesturing him to the ground. The whole team splashed down into the dirty.I called for time-out Wood roared at his team. Come on, under here They huddled at the edge of the field under a large umbrella Harry took off his glasses and wiped them hurriedly on his robes.Whats the score?Were fifty points up, said Wood, but unless we get the Snitch soon, well be playing into the night.Ive got no chance with these on, Harry said exasperatedly, waving his glasses.At that very momen t, Hermione appeared at his shoulder she was holding her cloak over her head and was, inexplicably, beaming.Ive had an idea, Harry Give me your glasses, quickHe handed them to her, and as the team watched in amazement, Hermione tapped them with her wand and said, ImperviusThere she said, handing them back to Harry. Theyll urge on waterWood looked as though he could have kissed her. bright he called hoarsely after her as she disappeared into the crowd. Okay, team, lets go for itHermiones spell had done the trick. Harry was still numb with cold, still wetter than hed ever been in his life, but he could see. Full of fresh determination, he urged his broom through the turbulent air, staring in every direction for the Snitch, avoiding a Bludger, ingress beneath Diggory, who was streaking in the opposite directionThere was another belt of thunder, followed immediately by forked lightning. This was getting more and more dangerous. Harry involve to get the Snitch quickly He turned, inte nding to head back toward the middle of the field, but at that moment, another flash of lightning illuminated the stands, and Harry saw something that distracted him completely, the silhouette of an enormous shaggy black dog, understandably imprinted against the sky, motionless in the topmost, empty row of seats.Harrys numb hands slipped on the broom handle and his Nimbus dropped a few feet. Shaking his wet bangs out of his eyes, he squinted back into the stands. The dog had vanished.Harry came Woods anguished yell from the Gryffindor goal posts. Harry, behind youHarry looked wildly around. Cedric Diggory was pelting up the field, and a tiny speck of gold was shimmering in the rain-filled air between themWith a jolt of panic, Harry threw himself flat to the broom handle and zoomed toward the Snitch.Come on he growled at his Nimbus as the rain whipped his face. FasterBut something odd was happening. An eerie silence was falling across the stadium. The wind, though as strong as ever, was forgetting to roar. It was as though someone had turned off the sound, as though Harry had gone suddenly deaf what was going on?And then a horribly familiar wave of cold swept over him, inside him, just as he became alert of something moving on the field belowBefore hed had time to think, Harry had taken his eyes off the Snitch and looked down.At least a hundred Dementors, their hidden faces pointing up at him, were standing beneath him. It was as though freezing water were rising in his chest, cutting at his insides. And then he heard it againSomeone was utter, hollo inside his heada muliebrityNot Harry, not Harry, please not HarryStand aside, you silly girlstand aside, nowNot Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead Numbing, swirling white mist was woof Harrys brainWhat was he doing? Why was he flying? He needed to help herShe was going to dieShe was going to be murderedHe was falling, falling through the icy mist.Not Harry Pleasehave mercyhave mercyA shrill voice was laughing, the woman was screaming, and Harry knew no more.Lucky the ground was so soft.I thought he was dead for sure.But he didnt even break his glasses.Harry could hear the voices whispering, but they made no sense whatsoever. He didnt have a clue where he was, or how hed got there, or what hed been doing before he got there. All he knew was that every inch of him was aching as though it had been generateen.That was the scariest thing Ive ever seen in my life.Scariestthe scariest thinghooded black figurescoldscreamingHarrys eyes snapped open. He was lying in the hospital wing. The Gryffindor Quidditch team, spattered with mud from head to foot, was gathered around his bed. Ron and Hermione were also there, looking as though theyd just climbed out of a swimming pool.Harry said Fred, who looked extremely white underneath, the mud. Howre you feeling?It was as though Harrys memory was on fast forward. The lightningthe Grimthe Snitchand the DementorsWhat happened? he said, sitting up so suddenly they all gasped.You fell off, said Fred. Mustve been what fifty feet?We thought youd died, said Alicia, who was shaking.Hermione made a small, squeaky noise. Her eyes were extremely bloodshot.But the match, said Harry. What happened? Are we doing a replay?No one said anything. The horrible truth sank into Harry like a stone.We didnt lose?Diggory got the Snitch, said George. Just after you fell. He didnt realize what had happened. When he looked back and saw you on the ground, he tried to call it off. Wanted a rematch. But they won fair and squareeven Wood admits it.Where is Wood? said Harry, suddenly realizing he wasnt there.Still in the showers, said Fred. We think hes trying to drown himself.Harry put his face to his knees, his hands gripping his hair. Fred grabbed his shoulder and shook it roughly.Cmon, Harry, youve never missed the Snitch before.There had to be one time you didnt get it, said George.Its not over yet, said Fred. We lost by a hundred points.Right? So if Hufflepuff loses to Ravenclaw and we bone Ravenclaw and SlytherinHufflepuffll have to lose by at least two hundred points, said George.But if they beat RavenclawNo way, Ravenclaw is too good. But if Slytherin loses against HufflepuffIt all depends on the points a boundary line of a hundred either way Harry lay there, not saying a word. They had lostfor the first time ever, he had lost a Quidditch match.After ten minutes or so, Madam Pomfrey came over to tell the team to leave him in peace.Well come and see you later, Fred told him. Dont beat yourself up. Harry, youre still the best Seeker weve ever had.The team trooped out, trailing mud behind them. Madam Pomfrey shut the door behind them, looking disapproving. Ron and Hermione travel nearer to Harrys bed.Dumbledore was really angry, Hermione said in a quaking voice. Ive never seen him like that before. He ran onto the field as you fell, waved his wand, and you sort of slowed down before you hit the ground. Then he whirled his wand at the Dementors. Shot silver gorge at them. They left the stadium right awayHe was furious theyd come onto the grounds. We heard him Then he magicked you onto a stretcher, said Ron. And walked up to school with you floating on it. Everyone thought you wereHis voice faded, but Harry hardly noticed. He was thinking about what the Dementors had done to himabout the screaming voice. He looked up and saw Ron and Hermione looking at him so anxiously that he quickly cast around for something matter-of-fact to say.Did someone get my Nimbus?Ron and Hermione looked quickly at each other.Er What? said Harry, looking from one to the other.Wellwhen you fell off, it got blown away, said Hermione hesitantly.And?And it hit it hit oh, Harry it hit the Whomping Willow.Harrys insides lurched. The Whomping Willow was a very violent tree that stood alone in the middle of the grounds.And? he said, dreading the answer.Well, you know the Whomping Willow, said Ron. It it doesnt like being hit .Professor Flitwick brought it back just before you came around, said Hermione in a very small voice.Slowly, she reached down for a bag at her feet, turned it upside down, and tipped a dozen bits of splintered wood and fasten on onto the bed, the only remains of Harrys faithful, finally beaten broomstick.