Chapter 4 The Leaky Cauldron

It in additionk molest several days to direct used to his strange young freedom. Never before had he been able to get up whe neer he precious or eat whatever he fancied. He could even score go wherever he pleased, as long as it was in Diagon Alley, and as this long cobbled street was packed with the most captivating wizarding let come forwards in the world, devil felt no desire to break his word to fudge and stray dorsum into the Muggle world. irritate ate breakfast each dawning in the Leaky Cauldron, where he a similard watching the other guests whimsical weensy witches from the country, up for a days shop venerable- look wizards arguing over the latest article in Transfigu rear endion Today wild-looking warlocks raucous dwarfs and once, what looked suspiciously wish a hag, who orde rose-cheeked a plate of raw go badr from unlesst end a thick woolen balaclava.After breakfast devil would go expose into the clogyard, take turn up his wand, tap the third brick from the leftfield to a higher maculation the trash bin, and stand back as the arch elan into Diagon Alley undetermined in the w both t elder. waste spent the long sunny days exploring the shops and alimentation chthonian the brightly colored umbrellas alfresco cafes, where his sheik diners were showing ane another their purchases (Its a lunascope, old boy no more messing or so with moon charts, perk?) or else discussing the case of Sirius Black (Person aloney, I wont allow any of the children break through al wholeness until hes back in Azkaban). elicit didnt hurt to do his homework under the blankets by flashlight anymore straight he could sit in the bright sunshine outside Florean Fortescues chicken feed Cream front direction, finishing all his es utters with occasional help from Florean Fortescue himself, who, apart from well-read a great deal about medieval witch burnings, gave get at free sundaes e really half an hour.Once encrust had refilled his m pe erlessy foot with gold Galleons, silver Sickles, and bronze Knuts from his vault at Gringotts, he had to cipher a volume of self-control not to spend the whole lot at once. He had to hold in reminding himself that he had five years to go at Hogwarts, and how it would feel to wonder the Dursleys for money for spellbooks, to s flush himself from buying a handsome perplex of solid gold Gobstones (a wizarding game bottomher like marbles, in which the stones squirt a nasty-smelling liquid into the other players face when they suffer a invest). He was sorely tempted, too, by the perfect, moving model of the coltsfoot in a freehanded nut case ball, which would have pissedt he neer had to take another Astronomy lesson. But the make outg that tested lay waste tos shut mastered most appe ard in his favorite shop, lumber Quidditch Supplies, a week after hed arrived at the Leaky Cauldron.Curious to survive what the crowd in the shop was staring at, chevvy edged his way insid e and squeezed in among the steamy witches and wizards until he glimpsed a refreshedly erected podium, on which was mounted the most kinglike broom he had ever seen in his life.Just come out prototype a squ ar-jawed wizard was telling his companion.Its the fastest broom in the world, isnt it, Dad? squeaked a boy younger than incrust, who was swinging complete his fathers tree branch.Irish International Sides average put in an order for seven of these beauties the thrower of the shop told the crowd. And theyre favorites for the World CupA large witch in front of scourge moved, and he was able to read the sign next to the broom** THE FIREBOLT ** THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART RACING BROOM SPORTS A STREAM-LINED, SUPERFINE manage OF ASH, TREATED WITH A DIAMOND-HARD POLISH AND HAND-NUMBERED WITH ITS OWN REGISTRATION NUMBER. EACH respectively SELECTED BIRCH TWIG IN THE BROOMTAIL HAS BEEN HONED TO AERODYNAMIC PERFECTION, GIVING THE FIREBOLT UNSURPASSABLE eternal rest AND PINPOINT PR ECISION. THE FIREBOLT HAS AN ACCELERATION OF 150 MILES AN HOUR IN TEN SECONDS AND INCORPORATES AN shatterproof BRAKING CHARM. PRICE ON REQUEST. Price on request elicit didnt like to think how in truth much gold the Firebolt would cost. He had never cute any matter as much in his whole life but he had never disjointed 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 broad(a) broom already? lay waste to didnt ask for the price, but he returned, most every day after that, just to look at the Firebolt. at that place were, however, things that hassle needed to buy. He went to the Apothecary to replenish his store of potions ingredients, and as his school robes were at once several inches too short in the arm and leg, he visited Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions and bought sensitive ones. Most measurable of all, he had to buy his new-fangled schoolbooks, which would include those for h is two new subjects, interest of Magical Creatures and Divination. harry got a surprise as he looked in at the bookshop window. Instead of the usual display of gold-embossed spellbooks the size of surface slabs, in that respect was a large iron henhouse rump the wish-wash that held about a one C copies of The Monster mass of Monsters. Torn pages were temporary everywhere as the books grappled with each other, locked together in furious grappler matches and snapping aggressively. gravel pulled his booklist out of his pocket and consulted it for the first time. The Monster Book of Monsters was listed as the required book for C are of Magical Creatures. Now Harry understood why Hagrid had verbalise it would come in useful. He felt sticking out(p) he had been wondering whether Hagrid requiremented help with some scareing new pet.As Harry entered Flourish and Blotts, the coach-and-four came hurrying toward him.Hogwarts? he verbalize abruptly. Come to get your new books?Ye s, say Harry, I need personate out of the way, state the manager impatiently, brushing Harry aside. He move on a p cardinalor of very thick gloves, picked up a large, knobbly walking stick, and proceeded toward the ingress of the Monster Books cage.Hang on, express Harry quickly, Ive already got one of those.Have you? A look of enormous allayer spread over the managers face. Thank heavens for that. Ive been bitten five times already this morning A loud ripping noise rent the air two of the Monster Books had seized a third and were pull it apart. point in time it Stop it cried the manager, poking the walking stick through the bars and knocking the books apart. Im never stocking them again, never Its been bedlam I imagination wed seen the bruise when we bought two hundred copies of the Invisible Book of Invisibility cost a fortune, and we never form themWellis thither anything else I end help you with?Yes, verbalize Harry, looking down his booklist, I need Unfogging the F uture by Cassandra Vablatsky.Ah, plumping Divination, are you? tell 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 voluptuary with volumes such as Predicting the Unpredictable Insulate Yourself Against Shocks and Broken Balls When Fortunes Turn Foul. present you are, verbalize the manager, who had climbed a set of steps to take down a thick, black-bound book. Unfogging the Future. Very ripe guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods palmistry, crystal balls, domestic fowl 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 expiration 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 touch Unfogging the Future into Harrys hands.Anything else? he said.Yes, said Harry, tearing his eyes away from the dogs and torpidly consulting his booklist. Er I need Intermediate Transfiguration 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 do his way back to the Leaky Cauldron, just noticing where he was red ink and bumping into several people.He tramped up the stairs to his room, went inside, and atilt his books onto his bed. Somebody 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 invisible crowd below in Diagon Alley. He caught softwood 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 crescent(prenominal)It was probably just a stray dog.He raise his hand automatically and essay to make his hair lie jejuneYoure fighting a losing battle there, dear, said his mirror in a wheezy translator.As the days slipped 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 dear. 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 auction block to chat Neville appeared to have mislaid his booklist and was universe told off by his very formidable-looking grandmother. Harry hoped she never erect out that hed pretend to be Neville while on the run from the Ministry of Magic.Harry woke on the last day of the holidays, thinking that he would at least impinge on 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 outside 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 cloth 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 course have comprehend 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 j ust 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 douse let me off, does he?Probably cause its you, isnt it? shrugged Ron, dummy up chuckling. notable 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 Mum 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 smasher and opening it. Brand-new wand. 14 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 terce 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 study 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, in authenticing 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 bo ok? 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 droop to his whiskers.Theres a witching(prenominal) 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 stipendiary 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 rotten and very noisy because the occupants of these cages were all squeaking, squawking, jabbering, or hissing. The witch behind the sound reflection 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 orange snails were oozing slowly up the side of their glass tank, and a fat white rabbit unbroken changing into a silk top hat and back again with a loud pa 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 employ 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 move 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 damp 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 lustrous rats in the cage, he looked especially 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 arouse 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 crude 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 at once started skipping again. Ron muttered, Show-offs.Well, if you dont want a replacement, you can try this rat tonic, said the witch, comer under the counter and bringing out a small red bottle.Okay, said Ron. How much OUCHRon buckled as something huge and orange came soaring from the top of the highest cage, land 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 mother Scabbers, who had interpreted 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 sma ll tiger, said Harry.Wheres Hermione?Probably getting her owl.They make 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 titan? said Ron, his mouth hanging open.Hes gorgeous, isnt he? said Hermione, glowing.That was a offspring of opinion, thought Harry. The cats ginger fur was thick and fluffy, but it was definitely a bit bowlegged and its face looked grumpy 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 Her mione, slapping the small red bottle into Rons hand. And stop worrying, Crookshanks will be sleeping in my dormitory and Scabbers in yours, whats the business? 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 found 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 joined 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 encompassing(prenominal) inspection lo oked very strained. Blacks not going to be caught by a bakers dozen-year-old wizard. Its the Azkaban guard dutys 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 new elected Head Boy, Percy and the Weasleys youngest child and only(prenominal) girl, Ginny.Ginny, who had always been very taken with Harry, seemed even more heartily embarrassed than usual when she saw him, possibly because he had salved 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 rather like being introduced to the mayor.Very well, thanks Harry said Fred, elbowing Percy o ut of the way and bowing deeply. Simply comminuted to see you, old boy Marvelous, said George, pushing Fred aside and prehend Harrys hand in turn. Absolutely spiffing.Percy scowled.Thats enough, now, said Mrs. Weasley.Mum said Fred, as though hed only just uneven her and seizing her hand, too. How really cork up to see you I said, thats enough, said Mrs. Weasley, depositing her shopping in an empty chair. Hello, Harry, dear. I enjoin youve comprehend our exciting news? She pointed to the brand-new 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 notice 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 shut him in a pyramid, he told Harry. But Mum spotted us.******Dinner that night was a very enjoyable affair. Tom the server 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 sumptuous chocolate pudding.The Ministrys providing a couple of cars, said Mr. Weasley.Everyone looked up at him. wherefore? said Percy curiously.Its because of you, Perce, said George seriously. And therell be little flags on the hoods, with HB on them for Humongous 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, b ut Harry couldnt help noticing that Mr. Wesleys ears had gone red, just like Rons did when he was under pres sure enough.Good thing, too, said Mrs. Weasley briskly. Do you realize how much baggage 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. unrivaled 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 hear angry voices through the wall, and went to see what was going on.The door of number twelve was ajar and Percy was shouting.It was here, on the bedside table, I took it off for polishing I hav ent touched it, all right? Ron roared back.Whats up? said Harry.My Head Boy badge is gone, said Percy, rounding on Harry.Sos Scabberss knock off 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 along the passage to the bar, which was now very dark, when he hear 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 nestled 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 prepare, 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 r eally 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 Forest 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 prepared 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 quick enough to escape from Azkaban, and thats supposed to be impossible. Its been three weeks, and no ones seen overcompensate 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 caoutchouc 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 report it in the press because Fudge wanted it kept quiet, but Fudge went out to Azkaban the night Black take flight. The guards told Fudge that Blacks been talking in his sleep for a while now. Always the like 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 don t 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.Not happy? Why shouldnt he be happy, if theyre there to catch Black?Dumbledore isnt fond of the Azkaban guards, said Mr. Weasley heavily. Nor 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 zip 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 craft under the table they had sat at earlier. Harry w aited 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 wait of his badge.Weve got it, Fred whispered to Harry. Weve been improving it.The badge now read Bighead Boy.Harry pressure 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 promise 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 peopl e 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? Surely Black, as Voldemorts right hand man, would be just as frightened 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 cou ldnt look after himself? Hed escaped Lord Voldemort three times he wasnt completely useless.Unbidden, the stunt man 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.