Chapter 9 Grim Defeat

prof Dumbledore sent alone the Gryffindors ass to the Great Hall, where they were joined ten-spot proceedings later by the students from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, who all looked passing confused.The teachers and I remove to conduct a thorough search of the rook, prof Dumbledore told them as Professors McGonagall and Flitwick closed all doors into the hall. Im afraid that, for your own safety, you will have to buy the furthestm the night here. I want the prefects to stand guard oer the entrances to the hall and I am leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge. any disturbance should be reported to me immediately, he added to Percy, who was feel at immensely proud and important. Send word with unrivaled of the ghosts.Professor Dumbledore paused, nigh to leave the hall, and tell, Oh, yes, youll be needing one(a) casual expand of his wand and the long tables flew to the edges of the hall and stood themselves against the walls an new(prenominal) wave, and the floo r was covered with hundreds of squashy purple dormancy bags.Sleep well, give tongue to Professor Dumbledore, closure the door behind him.The hall immediately began to buzz excitedly the Gryffindors were tell the rest of the school day what had just happened.E preciseone into their sleeping bags sh kayoed(p)ed Percy. Come on, now, no more(prenominal) talking Lights bulge out in ten minutesCmon, Ron verbalize to nark and Hermione they seized three sleeping bags and dragged them into a corner.Do you destine moroses be quiet in the castle? Hermione whispered anxiously.Dumbledore obviously thinks he might be, verbalize Ron.Its very(prenominal) lucky he picked tonight, you hit the hay, 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 tugboatI reckon hes lost track of time, being on the run, said Ron. Didnt realize it was Halloween. Otherwise hed have come bursting in here.He rmione shuddered. all in all around them, people were enquireing one other the same question How did he get in?Maybe he knows how to Apparate, said a Ravenclaw a hardly a(prenominal) feet outside, Just appear out of thin air, you know.Disguised himself, probably, said a Hufflepuff fifth year.He couldve flown in, suggested Dean Thomas.Honestly, am I the precisely person whos ever bothered to read Hogwarts, A History? said Hermione crossly to enkindle and Ron.Probably, said Ron. Why?Because the castles protected by more than walls, you know, said Hermione. There are all sorts of enchantments on it, to stop people entering by stealth. You domiciliatet just Apparate in here. And Id equivalent to see the disguise that could fool those Dementors. Theyre guarding each single entrance to the grounds. Theyd have seen him fly in too. And Filch knows all the secret passages, theyll have them coveredThe lights are going away out now Percy shouted. I want everyone in their sleeping bags and no more talkingThe candles all went out at once. The only light now came from the silvery ghosts, who were drifting rough talking seriously to the prefects, and the enchanted ceiling, which, like the sky outside, was scattered with stars. What with that, and the whispering that still filled the hall, arouse felt as though he were sleeping outdoors in a light wind.Once every hour, a teacher would reappear in the Hall to check that everything was quiet. Around three in the morning, when many students had finally fallen asleep, Professor Dumbledore came in. vex watched him looking around for Percy, who had been prowling between the sleeping bags, telling people shoot for talking. Percy was only a footling port away from set upon, 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 well here?Everything under control, sir.Good. Theres no point moving them all now. Ive found a te mporary guardian for the Gryffindor portrait hole. Youll be able to spark come to them clog in tomorrow.And the Fat Lady, sir?Hiding in a map of Argyllshire on the second floor. Apparently she refused to let Black in without the password, so he attacked. Shes still very distressed, but once shes calmed trim, Ill have Mr Filch restore her. nettle heard the door of the hall creak open again, and more footsteps. captain? It was Snape. Harry kept quite still, discovering hard. The whole of the threesome floor has been searched. Hes not there. And Filch has done the dungeons zilch there every.What about the Astronomy tower? Professor Trelawneys room? The Owlery?All searchedVery well, Severus. I didnt really expect Black to linger.Have you any theory as to how he got in, Professor? asked Snape.Harry raised his oral sex very slightly off his arms to free his other ear.Many, Severus, each of them as unlikely as the next.Harry opened his eyeball a fraction and squinted up to where t hey stood Dumbledores back was to him, but he could see Percys face, rapt with attention, and Snapes profile, which looked angry.You remember the conversation we had, Headmaster, just sooner 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 impossible that Black could have entered the school without inside help. I did express my concerns when you appointed I do not believe a single person inside this castle would have helped Black enter it, said Dumbledore, and his tone made it so clear that the subject was closed that Snape didnt reply. I moldiness go down to the Dementors, said Dumbledore. I said I would inform them when our search was complete.Didnt they want to help, sir? said Percy.Oh yes, said Dumbledore coldly. But Im afraid no Dementor will cross the doorstep of this castle firearm I am Headmaster.P ercy looked slightly abashed. Dumbledore left the hall, walking quickly and quietly. Snape stood for a moment, watching the headmaster with an expression of deep resentment on his face then he too left.Harry glanced sideways at Ron and Hermione. Both of them had their eyeball 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 wilder and wilder Hannah Abbott, from Hufflepuff, spent oft of their next Herbology crystallise telling anyone whod listen that Black could turn into a flowering shrub.The Fat Ladys ripped canvas had been taken off the wall and replaced with the portrait of Sir Cadogan and his fat gray pony. Nobody was very joyous about this. Sir Cadogan spent half his time challenging people to duels, and the rest thinking up ridiculously complicated pass delivery, which he changed at least(prenominal) doubly a day .Hes a complete lunatic, said Seamus Finnigan angrily to Percy. Cant we get 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 brassy enough to volunteer.Sir Cadogan, however, was the least of Harrys worries. He was now being closely watched. Teachers found saves to walk along corridors with him, and Percy Weasley (acting, Harry suspected, on his mothers orders) was cut throughing him everywhere like an passing pompous guard dog. To cap it all, Professor McGonagall summoned Harry into her office, with such a somber expression on her face Harry thought someone must have died.Theres no point hiding it from you any longer, putter, she said in a very serious voice. I know this will come as a shock to you, but Sirius Black I know hes after me, said Harry wearily. I heard Rons dad telling his mum. Mr. Weasley works for the Ministry of Magic.Professor McGonagall seemed very taken aback. She star ed at Harry for a moment or two, then 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 field with only your team up members, its very exposed, Potter Weve got our first match on Saturday said Harry, outraged. Ive got to train, ProfessorProfessor McGonagall considered him intently. Harry knew she was deeply interested 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 dyingbut all the same, PotterId be happier if a teacher were present. Ill ask wench hootch to oversee your training sessions.********The weather worsened steadily as the first Quidditch match drew nearer. Undaunted, the Gryffindor team was training harder th an ever under the eye of Madam Hooch. Then, at their final training session in the beginning Saturdays match, Oliver Wood gave his team some unwelcome news.Were not playacting Slytherin he told them, looking 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 furiously. But its obvious why theyre doing it. Dont want to play in this weather. Think itll damage their chancesThere had been strong winds and voiceless rain all day, and as Wood spoke, they heard a distant rumble of thunder.Theres nothing wrong with Malfoys arm said Harry furiously. Hes faking itI know that, but we cant prove it, said Wood bitterly, And weve been practicing all those moves assuming were playing Slytherin, and instead its Hufflepuff, and their styles quite different. Theyve got a new Captain and Seeker, Cedric Diggory Angelina, Alicia, and Katie suddenly giggled.What? said Wood, make a face 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 thick to string two words together, 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 put a very strong side together 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 S lytherin 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 except 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 suddenly realized he was ten minutes late for Defense Against the Dark arts, and set off at a run with Wood shouting after him, Diggorys got a very fast 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 inside.Sorry Im late, Professor lupine. 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. Sit down.But Harry didnt move.Wheres Professor Lupin? he said.He says h e is feeling too ill to teach today, said Snape with a twisted smile. I believe I told you to sit down?But Harry stayed where he was.Whats wrong with him?Snapes black eyes glittered.Nothing 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 slowly to his seat and sat down. Snape looked around at the class.As I was saying 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, said Snape coldly. I did not ask for information. 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 easi ly satisfied. Lupin is hardly overtaxing you I would expect first years to be able to deal with Red 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 unable to restrain herself, were not supposed to do werewolves yet, were due to start Hinkypunks neglect 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 opened their books.Which of you can tell me how we distinguish between the werewolf and the true wolf? said Snape.Everyone sat in dormant silence everyone except Hermione, whose hand, as it so oftentimes did, had shot straight into the air.Anyone? Snape said, ignoring Hermione. His twisted smile was back. Are you telling me that Professor Lupin hasnt even taught you the basic distinction 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 contend a werewolf when they saw 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 snout of the werewolf That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, ignore Granger, said Snape coolly. Five more points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all.Hermione went very red, put down her hand, and stared at the floor with her eyes full of tears. It was a mark 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 instantly hed gone too far. Snape advanced(a) 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 made 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 poorly 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 handed in to me, on the ways you recognize and stamp out werewolves. I want two rolls of parchment on the subject, an d 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 rage.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 hidden in Snapes office, eh? He could have finished him off for us******Harry woke extremely azoic 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 backward out of the room, cackling.Harry fumbled for his alarm clock and looked at it. It was half past 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 rumbling overhead, the pounding of the wind against the castle walls, and the distant creaking of the trees in the Forbidden 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, so mething 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 plenty of mice around this place go and chase them. Go on, he added, nudging Crookshanks down the spiral staircase with his foot. Leave Scabbers alone.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 bigger 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 snea king up the boys staircase again. At long last Harry thought it must be time for renderfast, so he headed through the portrait hole alone.Stand and fight, you mangy cur yelled Sir Cadogan.Oh, exclude up, Harry yawned.He revived a bit over a large bowl of porridge, and by the time hed started on toast, the rest of the team had saturnine up.Its going to be a tough one, said Wood, who wasnt eating anything.Stop worrying, Oliver, said Alicia soothingly, we dont mind a bit of rain.But it was considerably more than a bit of rain. Such was the popularity of Quidditch that the whole school turned out 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 fresh rolls of thunder. Rain was splattering over Harrys glasses. How on earth was he going to see the Snitch in this?The Hufflepuffs were approaching from the opposite side of the field, wearing canary-yellow robes. The Captains walked up to each other and shook 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 ling kos. He pulled his right foot out of the mud with a squelch and swung it over his Nimbus Two Thousand. Madam Hooch put her let the cat out of the bag to her lips and gave it a blast that sounded astute and distant they were off.Harry rose fast, b ut his Nimbus was swerving slightly with the wind. He held it as tranquillize 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 flyspeck 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 hidden beneath a sea of cloaks and battered umbrellas. Twice Harry came very close to being unseated by a Bludger his vision was so clouded by the rain on his glasses he hadnt seen them coming.He lost 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 nearly hit another player, without knowing whether it was a teammate or opponent 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 mud.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 hastily 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 moment, 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 repel waterWood looked as though he could have kissed her.Brilliant he called hoar sely 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, ducking beneath Diggory, who was streaking in the opposite directionThere was another clap of thunder, followed immediately by forked lightning. This was getting more and more dangerous. Harry needed to get the Snitch quickly He turned, intending 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, clearly 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 sodden bang s 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 luxurious 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 aware 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 screaming, screaming inside his heada womanNot 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 filling 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 beaten .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 beat 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 margin 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 te n 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 moved 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 squelch 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 twig onto the bed, the only remains of Harrys faithful, finally beaten broomstick.