Chapter 4 The Leaky Cauldron

It took chevvy several days to develop used to his strange pertly foresweardom. Never before had he been able to permit up whe neer he valued or eat whatever he fancied. He could even go wherever he pleased, as grand as it was in Diagon Alley, and as this long cobbled street was packed with the most fascinating wizarding shops in the world, vex felt no desire to break his word to disconcert and stray stomach into the Muggle world. chivy ate breakfast each morning in the drippy Cauldron, where he analogousd watching the other guests funny light witches from the country, up for a days shopping venerable- face wizards arguing over the latest article in Transfigu spyion Today wild-looking warlocks raucous dwarfs and once, what looked suspiciously the likes of a hag, who say a plate of raw liver from behind a thick woolen balaclava.After breakfast set upon would go taboo into the impaleyard, take come forth his wand, tap the third brick from the left above the trash bin, and stand mainstay as the archway into Diagon Alley opened in the wall. incrust spent the long sunny days exploring the shops and eating under the b rightfieldly colored umbrellas let outside cafes, where his fellow diners were showing one another their purchases (Its a lunascope, old male child no more messing around with moon charts, see?) or else discussing the case of Sirius Black (Personally, I wont let any of the children out alone until hes back in Azkaban). waste didnt stimulate to do his homework under the blankets by flashlight anymore outright he could sit in the bright sunshine outside Florean Fortescues starter Cream Parlor, finishing all his essays with occasional help from Florean Fortescue himself, who, apart from knowing a great deal about medieval witch burnings, gave Harry free sundaes e really half an hour.Once Harry had refilled his money bag with gold Galleons, silver Sickles, and bronze Knuts from his vault at Gringotts, he had to exercise a brood of self-control not to spend the whole lot at once. He had to keep reminding himself that he had five years to go at Hogwarts, and how it would heart to deal the Dursleys for money for spellbooks, to stop himself from buying a handsome exercise set of solid gold Gobstones (a wizarding game behindher like marbles, in which the stones squirt a nasty-smelling fluidness into the other players face when they lose a touch). He was sorely tempted, too, by the perfect, moving model of the galaxy in a large glass ball, which would nonplus meant he never had to take another Astronomy lesson. But the thing that tested Harrys resolution most appe bed in his favorite shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies, a week after hed arrived at the Leaky Cauldron.Curious to know what the crowd in the shop was arrant(a) at, Harry edged his way inside and squeezed in among the excite witches and wizards until he glimpsed a peeledly erected podium, on which was mounted the most magnificent b live he had ev er seen in his life.Just come out precedent a squ atomic number 18-jawed wizard was telling his companion.Its the fastest broom in the world, isnt it, daddy? squeaked a boy younger than Harry, who was swinging off his fathers arm.Irish International Sides bonnie put in an order for seven of these beauties the proprietor of the shop told the crowd. And theyre favorites for the World CupA large witch in front of Harry move, and he was able to read the sign conterminous to the broom** THE FIREBOLT ** THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART RACING BROOM SPORTS A STREAM-LINED, SUPERFINE HANDLE OF ASH, TREATED WITH A DIAMOND-HARD POLISH AND HAND-NUMBERED WITH ITS stimulate REGISTRATION NUMBER. EACH INDIVIDUALLY SELECTED BIRCH TWIG IN THE BROOMTAIL HAS BEEN HONED TO AERODYNAMIC PERFECTION, GIVING THE FIREBOLT UNSURPASSABLE BALANCE AND PINPOINT PRECISION. THE FIREBOLT HAS AN ACCELERATION OF 150 MILES AN HOUR IN TEN SECONDS AND INCORPORATES AN UNBREAKABLE BRAKING CHARM. PRICE ON REQUEST. Price on requ estHarry didnt like to think how some(prenominal) gold the Firebolt would cost. He had never lossed anything as much in his whole life unless he had never lost a Quidditch match on his Nimbus Two Thousand, and what was the point in emptying his Gringotts vault for the Firebolt, when he had a very just broom already? Harry didnt ask for the price, but he returned, almost every day after that, just to look at the Firebolt.There were, however, things that Harry needed to buy. He went to the Apothecary to replenish his store of potions ingredients, and as his school robes were now several inches too short in the arm and leg, he visited Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions and bought new ones. Most important of all, he had to buy his new schoolbooks, which would include those for his two new subjects, Care of Magical Creatures and Divination.Harry got a surprise as he looked in at the bookshop window. Instead of the unwashed display of gold-embossed spellbooks the size of paving s labs, there was a large iron cage behind the glass that held about a hundred copies of The Monster watchword of Monsters. Torn pages were flying everywhere as the books grappled with each other, locked to abbreviateher in furious wrestling matches and snapping aggressively.Harry pulled his booklist out of his scoopful and consulted it for the first time. The Monster confine of Monsters was listed as the required book for Care of Magical Creatures. Now Harry understood why Hagrid had give tongue to it would come in useful. He felt sticking out(p) he had been wondering whether Hagrid wanted help with some terrifying new pet.As Harry entered Flourish and Blotts, the manager came hurrying toward him.Hogwarts? he tell abruptly. pay back to get your new books?Yes, verbalize Harry, I need Get out of the way, give tongue to the manager impatiently, brushing Harry aside. He drew on a gibe of very thick gloves, picked up a large, knobbly walking stick, and proceeded toward the door of the Monster Books cage.Hang on, verbalise Harry quickly, Ive already got one of those. throw off you? A look of enormous relief spread over the managers face. Thank heavens for that. Ive been bitten five times already this morning A loud rip noise rent the air two of the Monster Books had seized a third and were clout it apart.Stop it Stop it cried the manager, poking the walking stick through the interdict and knocking the books apart. Im never stocking them again, never Its been bedlam I prospect wed seen the worst when we bought two hundred copies of the Invisible Book of Invisibility cost a fortune, and we never found themWellis there anything else I can help you with?Yes, said Harry, looking down his booklist, I need Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky.Ah, starting Divination, are you? said the manager, stripping off his gloves and leading Harry into the back of the shop, where there was a corner devoted to fortune-telling. A small table was stacked with volume s such(prenominal) as Predicting the Unpredictable Insulate Yourself Against Shocks and Broken Balls When Fortunes Turn Foul.Here you are, said the manager, who had climbed a set of steps to take down a thick, unrelenting-bound book. Unfogging the Future. Very good guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods palmistry, crystal balls, bird entrails.But Harry wasnt listening. His eyes had fallen on another book, which was among a display on a small table Death Omens What to Do When You Know the Worst Is Coming.Oh, I wouldnt read that if I were you, said the manager lightly, looking to see what Harry was staring at. Youll start seeing death omens everywhere. Its enough to frighten anyone to death.But Harry continued to stare at the front cover of the book it showed a black dog large as a bear, with gleaming eyes. It looked oddly familiarThe manager pressed Unfogging the Future into Harrys hands.Anything else? he said.Yes, said Harry, tearing his eyes by from the dogs and dazedl y consulting his booklist. Er I need Intermediate Transfigu pigion and The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Three.Harry emerged from Flourish and Blotts ten minutes later with his new books under his arms and made his way back to the Leaky Cauldron, hardly noticing where he was spill and bumping into several people.He tramped up the stairs to his room, went inside, and tipped his books onto his bed. individual had been in to tidy the windows were open and sun was pouring inside. Harry could hear the buses rolling by in the unseen Muggle street behind him and the sound of the unseeable crowd below in Diagon Alley. He caught sight of himself in the mirror over the basin.It cant have been a death omen, he told his reflection defiantly. I was panicking when I saw that thing in Magnolia CrescentIt was probably just a stray dog.He raised his hand automatically and tried to gain his hair lie flatYoure fighting a losing battle there, dear, said his mirror in a wheezy voice.As the days sl ipped by, Harry started looking wherever he went for a sign of Ron or Hermione. Plenty of Hogwarts students were arriving in Diagon Alley now, with the start of term so near. Harry met Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas, his fellow Gryffindors, in Quality Quidditch Supplies, where they too were ogling the Firebolt he also ran into the real Neville Longbottom, a round-faced, forgetful boy, outside Flourish and Blotts. Harry didnt stop to chat Neville appeared to have mislaid his booklist and was be told off by his very formidable-looking grandmother. Harry hoped she never found out that hed pretended to be Neville while on the run from the Ministry of Magic.Harry woke on the wear day of the holidays, thinking that he would at least meet Ron and Hermione tomorrow, on the Hogwarts Express. He got up, dressed, went for a last look at the Firebolt, and was just wondering where hed have lunch, when someone yelled his name and he turned.Harry HARRYThey were there, both of them, sitting outs ide Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlor Ron looking incredibly freckly, Hermione very brown, both waving frantically at him.Finally said Ron, grinning at Harry as he sat down. We went to the Leaky Cauldron, but they said youd left, and we went to Flourish and Blotts, and Madam Malkins, and I got all my school stuff last week, Harry explained. And how come you knew Im staying at the Leaky Cauldron?Dad, said Ron simply.Mr. Weasley, who worked at the Ministry of Magic, would of passage have hear the whole story of what had happened to Aunt Marge.Did you really blow up your aunt, Harry? said Hermione in a very serious voice.I didnt mean to, said Harry, while Ron roared with laughter. I just lost control.Its not funny, Ron, said Hermione sharply. Honestly, Im amazed Harry wasnt expelled.So am I, admitted Harry. Forget expelled, I thought I was going to be arrested. He looked at Ron. Your dad doesnt know why Fudge let me off, does he?Probably cause its you, isnt it? shrugged Ron, hush chuckling. Famous Harry Potter and all that. Id hate to see what the Ministryd do to me if I blew up an aunt. Mind you, theyd have to dig me up first, because soundless wouldve killed me. Anyway, you can ask Dad yourself this evening. Were staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight too So you can come to Kings Cross with us tomorrow Hermiones there as wellHermione nodded, beaming. Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things.Excellent said Harry happily. So, have you got all your new books and stuff?Look at this, said Ron, pulling a long thin box out of a bag and opening it. Brand-new wand. Fourteen inches, willow, containing one unicorn tail-hair. And weve got all our books He pointed at a large bag under his chair. What about those Monster Books, eh? The assistant nearly cried when we said we wanted two.Whats all that, Hermione? Harry asked, pointing at not one but tierce bulging bags in the chair next to her.Well, Im taking more new subjects than you, arent I, said Hermione. Those are my books for Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, the Study of Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies What are you doing Muggle Studies for? said Ron, rolling his eyes at Harry. Youre Muggle-born Your mum and dad are Muggles You already know all about MugglesBut itll be fascinating to train them from the wizarding point of view, said Hermione earnestly.Are you planning to eat or sleep at all this year, Hermione? asked Harry, while Ron sniggered. Hermione ignored them.Ive still got ten Galleons, she said, checking her purse. Its my birthday in September, and Mum and Dad gave me some money to get myself an early birthday present.How about a nice book? said Ron innocently.No, I dont think so, said Hermione composedly. I really want an owl. I mean, Harrys got Hedwig and youve got Errol I havent, said Ron. Errols a family owl. All Ive got is Scabbers. He pulled his pet rat out of his pocket. And I want to get him checked over, he added, placing Scabbers on the table in front of them. I dont think Egypt agreed with him.Scabbers was looking thinner than usual, and there was a definite arse around to his whiskers.Theres a magical creature shop just over there, said Harry, who knew Diagon Alley very well by now. You could see if theyve got anything for Scabbers, and Hermione can get her owl.So they paid for their ice cream and crossed the street to the Magical Menagerie.There wasnt much room inside. Every inch of wall was hidden by cages. It was malodorous and very noisy because the occupants of these cages were all squeaking, squawking, jabbering, or hissing. The witch behind the counter was already advising a wizard on the care of double-ended newts, so Harry, Ron, and Hermione waited, examining the cages.A pair of enormous purple toads sat gulping wetly and feasting on dead blowflies. A gigantic tortoise with a jewel-encrusted shell was glittering near the window. Poisonous orangish snails were oozing slowly up the side of their glass tank, and a fat white rabbit kept c temporary removal into a silk top hat and back again with a loud popping noise. Then there were cats of every color, a noisy cage of ravens, a basket of funny custard-colored furballs that were humming loudly, and on the counter, a vast cage of sleek black rats that were playing some sort of skipping game using their long, bald tails.The double-ended newt wizard left, and Ron approached the counter.Its my rat, he told the witch. Hes been a bit off-color ever since I brought him back from Egypt.Bang him on the counter, said the witch, pulling a pair of heavy black spectacles out of her pocket.Ron lifted Scabbers out of his inside pocket and placed him next to the cage of his fellow rats, who stopped their skipping tricks and scuffled to the wire for a better took.Like nearly everything Ron owned, Scabbers the rat was secondhand (he had once belonged to Rons brother Percy) and a bit battered. Next to the glossy rats in the cage, he looked espe cially woebegone.Hm, said the witch, picking up Scabbers. How old is this rat?Dunno, said Ron. Quite old. He used to belong to my brother.What powers does he have? said the witch, examining Scabbers closely.Er The truth was that Scabbers had never shown the faintest trace of interesting powers. The witchs eyes moved from Scabberss tattered left ear to his front paw, which had a toe missing, and tutted loudly.Hes been through the mill, this one, she said.He was like that when Percy gave him to me, said Ron defensively.An ordinary common or garden rat like this cant be expected to live longer than three years or so, said the witch. Now, if you were looking for something a bit more hard-wearing, you might like one of these She indicated the black rats, who promptly started skipping again. Ron muttered, Show-offs.Well, if you dont want a replacement, you can try this rat tonic, said the witch, reaching under the counter and bringing out a small red bottle.Okay, said Ron. How much OUCH Ron buckled as something huge and orange came soaring from the top of the highest cage, landed on his head, and then propelled itself, spitting madly, at Scabbers.NO, CROOKSHANKS, NO cried the witch, but Scabbers shot from between her hands like a bar of soap, landed splay-legged on the floor, and then scampered for the door.Scabbers Ron shouted, racing out of the shop after him Harry followed.It took them nearly ten minutes to catch Scabbers, who had taken refuge under a wastepaper bin outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. Ron stuffed the trembling rat back into his pocket and straightened up, massaging his head.What was that?It was either a very big cat or quite a small tiger, said Harry.Wheres Hermione?Probably getting her owl.They made their way back up the crowded street to the Magical Menagerie. As they reached it, Hermione came out, but she wasnt carrying an owl. Her arms were clamped tightly around the enormous ginger cat.You bought that monster? said Ron, his mouth hanging op en.Hes gorgeous, isnt he? said Hermione, glowing.That was a matter of opinion, thought Harry. The cats ginger fur was thick and fluffy, but it was definitely a bit bowlegged and its face looked particular and oddly squashed, as though it had run headlong into a brick wall. Now that Scabbers was out of sight, however, the cat was purring contentedly in Hermiones arms.Hermione, that thing nearly scalped me said Ron.He didnt mean to, did you, Crookshanks? said Hermione.And what about Scabbers? said Ron, pointing at the lump in his chest pocket. He needs rest and relaxation Hows he going to get it with that thing around?That reminds me, you forgot your rat tonic, said Hermione, slapping the small red bottle into Rons hand. And stop worrying, Crookshanks will be sleeping in my dormitory and Scabbers in yours, whats the fuss? Poor Crookshanks, that witch said hed been in there for ages no one wanted him.Wonder why, said Ron sarcastically as they set off toward the Leaky Cauldron.They fo und Mr. Weasley sitting in the bar, reading the Daily Prophet.Harry he said, smiling as he looked up. How are you?Fine, thanks, said Harry as he, Ron, and Hermione fall in Mr. Weasley with their shopping.Mr. Weasley put down his paper, and Harry saw the now familiar picture of Sirius Black staring up at him.They still havent caught him, then? he asked.No, said Mr. Weasley, looking extremely grave. Theyve pulled us all off our regular jobs at the Ministry to try and find him, but no luck so far.Would we get a reward if we caught him? asked Ron. Itd be good to get some more money Dont be ridiculous, Ron, said Mr. Weasley, who on closer inspection looked very strained. Blacks not going to be caught by a thirteen-year-old wizard. Its the Azkaban guards wholl get him back, You mark my words.At that moment Mrs. Weasley entered the bar, laden with shopping bags and followed by the twins, Fred and George, who were about to start their fifth year at Hogwarts the newly elected Head Boy, Perc y and the Weasleys youngest child and only girl, Ginny.Ginny, who had always been very taken with Harry, seemed even more heartily embarrassed than usual when she saw him, mayhap because he had saved her life during their previous year at Hogwarts. She went very red and muttered hello without looking at him. Percy, however, held out his hand solemnly as though he and Harry had never met and said, Harry. How nice to see you.Hello, Percy, said Harry, trying not to laugh.I hope youre well? said Percy pompously, shaking hands. It was quite a like being introduced to the mayor.Very well, thanks Harry said Fred, elbowing Percy out of the way and bowing deeply. Simply splendid to see you, old boy Marvelous, said George, pushing Fred aside and seizing Harrys hand in turn. Absolutely spiffing.Percy scowled.Thats enough, now, said Mrs. Weasley.Mum said Fred, as though hed only just spy her and seizing her hand, too. How really corking to see you I said, thats enough, said Mrs. Weasley, depo siting her shopping in an empty chair. Hello, Harry, dear. I enounce youve heard our exciting news? She pointed to the immaculate silver badge on Percys chest. Second Head Boy in the family she said, swelling with pride.And last, Fred muttered under his breath.I dont doubt that, said Mrs. Weasley, frowning suddenly. I pock they havent made you two prefects.What do we want to be prefects for? said George, looking revolted at the very idea. Itd take all the fun out of life.Ginny giggled.You want to set a better example for your sister snapped Mrs. Weasley.Gunnys got other brothers to set her an example, Mother, said Percy loftily. Im going up to change for dinnerHe disappeared and George heaved a sigh.We tried to closed in(p) him in a pyramid, he told Harry. But Mum spotted us.******Dinner that night was a very enjoyable affair. Tom the innkeeper put three tables together in the parlor, and the seven Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione ate their way through five delicious courses.Howre we getting to Kings Cross tomorrow, Dad? asked Fred as they dug into a august chocolate pudding.The Ministrys providing a couple of cars, said Mr. Weasley.Everyone looked up at him.Why? said Percy curiously.Its because of you, Perce, said George seriously. And therell be little flags on the hoods, with HB on them for big Bighead, said Fred.Everyone except Percy and Mrs. Weasley snorted into their pudding.Why are the Ministry providing cars, Father? Percy asked again, in a dignified voice.Well, as we havent got one anymore, said Mr. Weasley, and as I work there, theyre doing me a favorHis voice was casual, but Harry couldnt help noticing that Mr. Wesleys ears had gone red, just like Rons did when he was under pressure.Good thing, too, said Mrs. Weasley briskly. Do you realize how much luggage youve all got between you? A nice sight youd be on the Muggle UndergroundYou are all packed, arent you?Ron hasnt put all his new things in his trunk yet, said Percy, in a long-suffering voice. Hes dumped them on my bed.Youd better go and pack properly, Ron, because we wont have much time in the morning, Mrs. Weasley called down the table. Ron scowled at Percy.After dinner everyone felt very full and sleepy. One by one they made their way upstairs to their rooms to check their things for the next day. Ron and Percy were next door to Harry. He had just closed and locked his own trunk when he heard angry voices through the wall, and went to see what was going on.The door of number xii was ajar and Percy was shouting.It was here, on the bedside table, I took it off for polishing I havent touched it, all right? Ron roared back.Whats up? said Harry.My Head Boy badge is gone, said Percy, rounding on Harry.Sos Scabberss Rat Tonic, said Ron, throwing things out of his trunk to look. I think I mightve left it in the bar Youre not going anywhere till youve found my badge yelled Percy.Ill get Scabberss stuff, Im packed, Harry said to Ron, and he went downstairs.Harry was halfway a long the passage to the bar, which was now very dark, when he heard another pair of angry voices coming from the parlor. A second later, he recognized them as Mr. and Mrs. Weasleys. He hesitated, not wanting them to know hed heard them arguing, when the sound of his own name made him stop, then move closer to the parlor door.makes no sense not to tell him, Mr. Weasley was saying heatedly. Harrys got a right to know. Ive tried to tell Fudge, but he insists on treating Harry like a child. Hes thirteen years old and Arthur, the truth would terrify him said Mrs. Weasley shrilly. Do you really want to send Harry back to school with that hanging over him? For heavens sake, hes happy not knowingI dont want to make him miserable, I want to put him on his guard retorted Mr. Weasley. You know what Harry and Ron are like, wandering off by themselves theyve ended up in the Forbidden lumber twice But Harry mustnt do that this year When I think what could have happened to him that night he ran away from home If the Knight Bus hadnt picked him up, Im disposed(p) to bet he would have been dead before the Ministry found him.But hes not dead, hes fine, so whats the point Molly, they say Sirius Blacks mad, and maybe he is, but he was clever enough to escape from Azkaban, and thats supposed to be impossible. Its been three weeks, and no ones seen hide nor hair of him, and I dont care what Fudge keeps telling the Daily Prophet, were no nearer catching Black than inventing self-spelling wands. The only thing we know for sure is what Blacks after But Harry will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts.We thought Azkaban was perfectly safe. If Black can break out of Azkaban, he can break into Hogwarts.But no ones really sure that Blacks after Harry There was a thud on wood, and Harry was sure Mr. Weasley had banged his fist on the table.Molly, how many times do I have to tell you? They didnt embrace it in the press because Fudge wanted it kept quiet, but Fudge went out to Azkaban the night B lack escaped. The guards told Fudge that Blacks been talking in his sleep for a while now. Always the same words Hes at Hogwartshes at Hogwarts. Black is deranged, Molly, and he wants Harry dead. If you ask me, he thinks murdering Harry will bring You-Know-Who back to power. Black lost everything the night Harry stopped You-Know-Who, and hes had twelve years alone in Azkaban to brood on thatThere was a silence. Harry leaned still closer to the door, desperate to hear more.Well, Arthur, you must do what you think is right. But youre forgetting Albus Dumbledore. I dont think anything could hurt Harry at Hogwarts while Dumbledores Headmaster. I suppose he knows about all this?Of course he knows. We had to ask him if he minds the Azkaban guards stationing themselves around the entrances to the school grounds. He wasnt happy about it, but he agreed. non happy? Why shouldnt he be happy, if theyre there to catch Black?Dumbledore isnt fond of the Azkaban guards, said Mr. Weasley heavily. No r am I, if it comes to thatbut when youre dealing with a wizard like Black, you sometimes have to join forces with those youd rather avoid.If they save Harry ?C then I will never say another word against them, said Mr. Weasley wearily. Its late, Molly, wed better go upHarry heard chairs move. As quietly as he could, he hurried down the passage to the bar and out of sight. The parlor door opened, and a few seconds later footsteps told him that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were climbing the stairs.The bottle of rat tonic was lying under the table they had sat at earlier. Harry waited until he heard Mr. and Mrs. Wesleys bedroom door close, then headed back upstairs with the bottle.Fred and George were crouching in the shadows on the landing, heaving with laughter as they listened to Percy dismantling his and Rons room in search of his badge.Weve got it, Fred whispered to Harry. Weve been improving it.The badge now read Bighead Boy.Harry forced a laugh, went to give Ron the rat tonic, then shut himself in his room and lay down on his bed.So Sirius Black was after him. This explained everything. Fudge had been lenient with him because he was so relieved to find him alive. Hed made Harry auspicate to stay in Diagon Alley where there were plenty of wizards to keep an eye on him. And he was sending two Ministry cars to take them all to the station tomorrow, so that the Weasleys could look after Harry until he was on the train.Harry lay listening to the muffled shouting next door and wondered why he didnt feel more scared. Sirius Black had murdered thirteen people with one curse Mr. and Mrs., Weasley obviously thought Harry would be panic-stricken if he knew the truth. But Harry happened to agree wholeheartedly with Mrs. Weasley that the safest place on earth was wherever Albus Dumbledore happened to be. Didnt people always say that Dumbledore was the only person Lord Voldemort had ever been afraid of? for certain Black, as Voldemorts right-hand man, would be just as frighte ned of him?And then there were these Azkaban guards everyone kept talking about. They seemed to scare most people senseless, and if they were stationed all around the school, Blacks chances of getting inside seemed very remote.No, all in all, the thing that bothered Harry most was the fact that his chances of visiting Hogsmeade now looked like zero. Nobody would want Harry to leave the safety of the castle until Black was caught in fact, Harry suspected his every move would be carefully watched until the danger had passed.He scowled at the dark ceiling. Did they think he couldnt look after himself? Hed escaped Lord Voldemort three times he wasnt completely useless.Unbidden, the image of the beast in the shadows of Magnolia Crescent crossed his mind. What to do when you know the worst is comingIm not going to be murdered, Harry said out loud.Thats the spirit, dear, said his mirror sleepily.