Chapter 8 Flight of the Fat Lady

In no time at all, Defense Against the Dark Arts had become most deals preferent break. Only Draco Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins had anything bad to say ab verboten prof Lupin. construe at the state of his robes, Malfoy would say in a loud talk as professor Lupin passed. He dresses the likes of our old house elf. merely no one else c ared that prof Lupins robes were patched and frayed. His next few lessons were in effect(p) as inte eternal sleeping as the first. after Boggarts, they studied Red Caps, nasty little goblin-like cr dischargeures that lurked wherever there had been bloodshed in the dungeons of castles and the potholes of deserted battlefields, waiting to bludgeon those who had gotten lost. From Red Caps they moved on to Kappas, creepy. water-d soundlyers that looked like scaly monkeys, with webbed hands itching to strangle unwitting waders in their ponds. harass unless wished he was as happy with some of his other classes. Worst of all was Potions. Snape was i n a particularly vindictive snappishness these days, and no one was in any enquiry why. The story of the Boggart assuming Snapes shape, and the way that Neville had dressed it in his grandmothers clothes, had traveled through the school like wildfire. Snape didnt seem to find it funny. His eyes flashed menacingly at the materially mention of Professor Lupins name, and he was bullying Neville worse than ever. rile was also growing to dread the hours he spent in Professor Trelawneys stifling lift populate, deciphering lopsided shapes and symbols, trying to ignore the way Professor Trelawneys enormous eyes filled with tears e truly time she looked at him. He couldnt like Professor Trelawney, even though she was treated with respect bordering on reverence by many of the class. Parvati Patil and lilac Br knowledge had taken to haunting Professor Trelawneys tower room at lunch times, and always returned with annoyingly superior looks on their faces, as though they knew things the ot hers didnt. They had also started using hushed voices whenever they radius to rile, as though he were on his deathbed.Nobody really liked Care of Magical Creatures, which, aft(prenominal) the action-packed first class, had become extremely dull. Hagrid seemed to have lost his confidence. They were now spending lesson after lesson learning how to look after flobberworms, which had to be some of the most boring creatures in existence.Why would anyone bother spirit after them? verbalise Ron, after unless another hour of poking shredded lettuce polish the flobberworms throats.At the start of October, however, irritate had something else to occupy him, something so enjoyable it more(prenominal) than make up for his dissatisfactory classes. The Quidditch season was approaching, and O1iver Wood, Captain of the Gryffindor team, called a meeting on Thursday even to discuss tactics for the new season.There were seven people on a Quidditch team three Chasers, whose job it was to score goals by putting the Quaffle (a red, soccer-sized ball) through one of the fifty-foot-high hoops at each end of the field two Beaters, who were fit out with heavy bats to repel the Bludgers (two heavy black balls that zoomed near trying to attack the players) a Keeper, who defended the goal posts, and the Seeker, who had the hardest job of all, that of catching the Golden Snitch, a tiny, winged, walnut-sized ball, whose enthral ended the game and earned the Seekers team an extra one hundred and fifty points.Oliver Wood was a burly seventeen-year-old, now in his seventh and last(a) year at Hogwarts. There was a quiet sort of desperation in his voice as he addressed his six fellow team members in the chilly locker rooms on the edge of the darkening Quidditch field.This is our last chance my last chance to win the Quidditch Cup, he told them, striding up and muckle in front of them. Ill be leaving at the end of this year. Ill never ingest another shot at it.Gryffindor hasnt wo n for seven years now. Okay, so weve had the worst luck in the world injuries then the tournament getting called off last year. Wood swallowed, as though the memory so far brought a lump to his throat. But we also know weve got the crush ruddy team in the school, he express, punching a fist into his other hand, the old manic look back in his eye. Weve got three superb Chasers.Wood pointed at Alicia Spinner, Angelina Johnson, and Katie Bell.Weve got two unbeatable Beaters.Stop it, Oliver, youre embarrassing us, say Fred and George Weasley together, pretending to blush.And weve got a Seeker who has never failed to win us a match Wood rumbled, glaring at Harry with a kind of furious pride. And me, he added as an after sight.We conceive youre genuinely good too, Oliver, utter George.Spanking good Keeper, give tongue to Fred.The point is, Wood went on, resuming his pacing, the Quidditch Cup should have had our name on it these last two years. Ever since Harry joined the t eam, Ive thought the thing was in the bag. But we havent got it, and this years the last chance well get to finally see our name on the thingWood spoke so dejectedly that even Fred and George looked sympathetic.Oliver, this years our year, said Fred.Well do it, Oliver said Angelina.Definitely, said Harry.Full of determination, the team started training sessions, three evenings a week. The weather was getting colder and wetter, the nights darker, however no amount of mud, wind, or rain could tarnish Harrys wonderful vision of finally winning the huge, silver Quidditch Cup.Harry returned to the Gryffindor rough-cut room one evening after training, cold and stiff but pleased with the way practice had gone, to find the room buzzing excitedly.Whats happened?, he asked Ron and Hermione, who were sit down in two of the best chairs by the fireside and completing some star charts for Astronomy.First Hogsmeade weekend, said Ron, pointing at a notice that had appeared on the battered old b ulletin board. stamp out of October. Halloween.Excellent, said Fred, who had followed Harry through the enactment hole. I need to visit Zonkos. Im nearly out of Stink Pellets.Harry threw himself into a chair beside Ron, his high spirits ebbing away. Hermione seemed to read his mind.Harry, Im received youll be able to go next time, she said. Theyre bound to catch Black soon. Hes been sighted once already.Blacks not fool sufficiency to try anything in Hogsmeade, said Ron. Ask McGonagall if you can go this time, Harry. The next one might not be for ages Ron said Hermione. Harrys supposed to stay in school He cant be the only third year left behind, said Ron. Ask McGonagall, go on, Harry Yeah, I imply I will, said Harry, making up his mind.Hermione opened her mouth to press, but at that moment Crookshanks leapt lightly onto her lap. A large, dead spider was dangling from his mouth.Does he have to eat that in front of us? said Ron, scowling.Clever Crookshanks, did you catch that al l by yourself? said Hermione.Crookshanks slowly chewed up the spider, his yellow eyes fixed insolently on Ron.Just keep him over there, thats all, said Ron irritably, turning back to his star chart. Ive got Scabbers asleep in my bag.Harry yawned. He really wanted to go to bed, but he still had his own star chart to complete. He pulled his bag toward him, took out parchment, ink, and quill, and started work.You can copy mine, if you like, said Ron, labeling his last star with a flourish and shoving the chart toward Harry.Hermione, who disapproved of copying, pursed her lips but didnt say anything. Crookshanks was still staring unblinkingly at Ron, flicking the end of his bushy tail. Then, without warning, he pounced.OY Ron roared, seizing his bag as Crookshanks sank iv sets of claws deep inside it and began tearing ferociously. GET OFF, YOU STUPID ANIMALRon tried to pull the bag away from Crookshanks, but Crookshanks clung on, spitting and slashing.Ron, dont hurt him squealed Hermio ne the whole gross room was watching Ron whirled the bag around, Crookshanks still clinging to it, and Scabbers came flying out of the top CATCH THAT CAT Ron yelled as Crookshanks uncaringd himself from the remnants of the bag, sprang over the table, and chased after the affright Scabbers.George Weasley do a lunge for Crookshanks but missed Scabbers streaked through twenty pairs of legs and shot beneath an old chest of drawers. Crookshanks skidded to a halt, crouched low on his bandy legs, and started making furious swipes beneath it with his front paw.Ron and Hermione hurried over Hermione grabbed Crookshanks around the middle and heaved him away Ron threw himself onto his stomach and, with enormous difficulty, pulled Scabbers out by the tail.Look at him he said furiously to Hermione, dangling Scabbers in front of her. Hes skin and bone You keep that cat away from himCrookshanks doesnt make its wrong said Hermione, her voice shaking. each(prenominal) cats chase rats, RonTher es something funny about that animal said Ron, who was trying to persuade a frantically wiggling Scabbers back into his pocket. It comprehend me say that Scabbers was in my bagOh, what rubbish, said Hermione impatiently. Crookshanks could smell him, Ron, how else dyou think That cats got it in for Scabbers said Ron, ignoring the people around him, who were starting to giggle. And Scabbers was here first, and hes illRon marched through the common room and out of sight up the stairs to the boys dormitories. *******Ron was still in a bad mood with Hermione next day. He barely talked to her all through Herbology, even though he, Harry, and Hermione were working together on the same Puffapod.Hows Scabbers? Hermione asked timidly as they stripped fat pink pods from the plants and emptied the shining beans into a wooden pail.Hes hiding at the sound of my bed, shaking, said Ron angrily, missing the pail and scattering beans over the greenhouse floor.Careful, Weasley, careful cried Profess or Sprout as the beans burst into bloom before their very eyes.They had metamorphosis next. Harry, who had resolved to ask Professor McGonagall after the lesson whether he could go into Hogsmeade with the rest, joined the line outside the class trying to decide how he was going to argue his case. He was distracted, however, by a disturbance at the front of the line. chromatic Brown seemed to be crying. Parvati had her arm around her and was explaining something to Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas, who were expression very serious.Whats the matter, Lavender? said Hermione anxiously as she, Harry, and Ron went to join the group.She got a letter from home this morning, Parvati whispered. Its her rab place, Binky. Hes been killed by a fox.Oh, said Hermione, Im sorry, Lavender.I should have known said Lavender tragically. You know what day it is?Er The sixteenth of October That thing youre dreading, it will happen on the sixteenth of October Remember? She was right, she was rightThe whol e class was gathered around Lavender now. Seamus shook his head seriously. Hermione hesitated then she said, You you were dreading Binky being killed by a fox?Well, not necessarily by a fox, said Lavender, looking up at Hermione with streaming eyes, but I was obviously dreading him dying, wasnt I?Oh, said Hermione. She paused again. Then Was Binky an old rabbit?N no sobbed Lavender. H he was only a babyParvati tightened her arm around Lavenders shoulders.But then, why would you dread him dying? said Hermione.Parvati glared at her.Well, look at it logically, said Hermione, turning to the rest of the group. I mean, Binky didnt even die today, did he? Lavender just got the news today Lavender wailed clamorously. ?C and she cant have been dreading it, because its come as a real shock Dont mind Hermione, Lavender, said Ron loudly, she doesnt think other peoples pets matter very much.Professor McGonagall opened the classroom door at that moment, which was perhaps lucky Hermione and Ro n were looking daggers at each other, and when they got into class, they seated themselves on either side of Harry and didnt talk to each other for the whole class.Harry still hadnt decided what he was going to say to Professor McGonagall when the bell rang at the end of the lesson, but it was she who brought up the subject of Hogsmeade first.One moment, please she called as the class made to leave. As youre all in my House, you should hand Hogsmeade permission forms to me before Halloween. No form, no visiting the village, so dont forgetNeville put up his hand.Please, Professor, I I think Ive lost Your grandmother sent yours to me directly, Longbottom, said Professor McGonagall. She seemed to think it was safer. Well, thats all, you may leave.Ask her now, Ron hissed at Harry.Oh. but Hermione began.Go for it, Harry, said Ron stubbornly.Harry waited for the rest of the class to disappear, then headed nervously for Professor McGonagalls desk.Yes, Potter? Harry took a deep breath.Pro fessor, my aunt and uncle er forgot to sign my form, he said.Professor McGonagall looked over her square spectacles at him but didnt say anything.So er dyou think it would be all right mean, will It be okay if I if I go to Hogsmeade?Professor McGonagall looked down and began shuffling papers on her desk.Im afraid not, Potter, she said. You heard what I said. No form, no visiting the village. Thats the rule.But Professor, my aunt and uncle you know, theyre Muggles, they dont really understand about about Hogwarts forms and stuff, Harry said, while Ron egged him on with vigorous nods. If you said I could go But I dont say so, said Professor McGonagall, rest up and piling her papers neatly into a drawer. The form clearly states that the parent or guardian must give permission. She turned to look at him, with an odd expression on her face. Was it pity? Im sorry, Potter, but thats my final word. You had better hurry, or youll be late for your next lesson.******There was nothing to be done. Ron called Professor McGonagall a lot of names that greatly annoyed Hermione Hermione assumed an all-for-the-best expression that made Ron even angrier, and Harry had to endure everyone in the class talking loudly and happily about what they were going to do first, once they got into Hogsmeade.Theres always the fertilise, said Ron, in an effort to cheer Harry up. You know, the Halloween feast, in the evening.Yeah, said Harry gloomily, great.The Halloween feast was always good, but it would taste a lot better if he was coming to it after a day in Hogsmeade with everyone else. nix anyone said made him olfactory perception any better about being left behind. Dean Thomas, who was good with a quill, had offered to forge Uncle Vernons signature on the form, but as Harry had already told Professor McGonagall he hadnt had it signed, that was no good. Ron halfheartedly suggested the Invisibility Cloak, but Hermione stamped on that one, reminding Ron what Dumbledore had told t hem about the Dementors being able to see through them. Percy had what were possibly the least right-hand words of comfort.They make a fuss about Hogsmeade, but I assure you, Harry, its not all its cracked up to be, he said seriously. All right, the sweetshops rather good, and Zonkos Joke Shops frankly dangerous, and yes, the Shrieking Shacks always worth a visit, but really, Harry, apart from that, youre not missing anything.******On Halloween morning, Harry awoke with the rest and went down to breakfast, mite thoroughly depressed, though doing his best to act normally.Well bring you lots of sweets back from Honeydukes, said Hermione, looking desperately sorry for him.Yeah, loads, said Ron. He and Hermione had finally forgotten their squabble about Crookshanks in the face of Harrys difficulties.Dont worry about me, said Harry, in what he hoped was at, offhand voice, Ill see you at the feast. Have a good time.He accompanied them to the entrance hall, where Filch, the caretaker, wa s standing inside the front doors, checking off names against a long list, peering suspiciously into every face, and making sure that no one was sneaking out who shouldnt be going.Staying here, Potter? shouted Malfoy, who was standing in line with Crabbe and Goyle. Scared of passing the Dementors?Harry ignored him and made his solitary way up the marble staircase, through the deserted corridors, and back to Gryffindor Tower.Password? said the Fat Lady, jerking out of a doze.Fortuna Major, said Harry listlessly.The portrait swung open and he climbed through the hole into the common room. It was effective of chattering first-and second-years, and a few older students, who had obviously visited Hogsmeade so often the whatnot had worn off.Harry Harry Hi, HarryIt was Colin Creevey, a second year who was deeply in awe of Harry and never missed an opportunity to plow to him.Arent you going to Hogsmeade, Harry? Why not? Hey Colin looked eagerly around at his friends you can come and si t with us, if you like, HarryEr no, thanks, Colin, said Harry, who wasnt in the mood to have a lot of people staring avidly at the scar on his forehead. I Ive got to go to the library, got to get some work done.After that, he had no choice but to turn right around and head back out of the portrait hole again.What was the point of waking me up? the Fat Lady called grumpily after him as he walked away.Harry wandered dispiritedly toward the library, but halfway there he changed his mind he didnt feel like working. He turned around and came face-to-face with Filch, who had obviously just seen off the last of the Hogsmeade visitors.What are you doing? Filch snarled suspiciously.Nothing, said Harry truthfully.Nothing spat Filch, his jowls quivering unpleasantly. A likely story Sneaking around on your own why arent you in Hogsmeade buying Stink Pellets and Belch mill and Whizzing Worms like the rest of your nasty little friends?Harry shrugged.Well, get back to your common room where yo u belong snapped Filch, and he stood glaring until Harry had passed out of sight.But Harry didnt go back to the common room he climbed a staircase, thinking vaguely of visiting the Owlery to see Hedwig, and was walking along another corridor when a voice from inside one of the rooms said, Harry?Harry doubled back to see who had spoken and met Professor Lupin, looking around his office door.What are you doing? said Lupin, though in a very different voice from Filch. Where are Ron and Hermione?Hogsmeade, said Harry, in a would-be casual voice.Ah, said Lupin. He considered Harry for a moment. Why dont you come in? Ive just taken delivery of a Grindylow for our next lesson.A what? said Harry.He followed Lupin into his office. In the corner stood a very large tank of water. A sickly green creature with sharp little horns had its face pressed against the glass, pulling faces and flexing its long, thin fingers.Water demon, said Lupin, surveying the Grindylow thoughtfully. We shouldnt have much difficulty with him, not after the Kappas. The trick is to break his grip. You notice the abnormally long fingers? Strong, but very brittle.The Grindylow bared its green teeth and then buried itself in a tangle of weeds in a corner.Cup of tea? Lupin said, looking around for his kettle. I was just thinking of making one.All right, said Harry awkwardly.Lupin tapped the kettle with his wand and a blast of steam issued perfectly from the spout.Sit down, said Lupin, taking the lid off a dusty tin. Ive only got teabags, Im afraid but I daresay youve had enough of tea leaves?Harry looked at him. Lupins eyes were twinkling.How did you know about that? Harry asked.Professor McGonagall told me, said Lupin, passing Harry a chipped mug of tea. Youre not worried, are you?No, said Harry.He thought for a moment of telling Lupin about the dog hed seen in Magnolia Crescent but decided not to. He didnt want Lupin to think he was a coward, especially since Lupin already seemed to think he coul dnt cope with a Boggart.Something of Harrys thoughts seemed to have shown on his face, because Lupin said, Anything worrying you, Harry?No, Harry lied. He drank a bit of tea and watched the Grindylow brandishing a fist at him. Yes, he said suddenly, putting his tea down on Lupins desk. You know that day we fought the Boggart?Yes, said Lupin slowly.Why didnt you let me fight it? said Harry abruptly.Lupin raised his eyebrows.I would have thought that was obvious, Harry, he said, sounding surprised.Harry, who had pass judgment Lupin to deny that hed done any such thing, was taken aback.Why? he said again.Well, said Lupin, frowning slightly, I assumed that if the Boggart faced you, it would assume the shape of Lord Voldemort.Harry stared. Not only was this the last answer hed expected, but Lupin had said Voldemorts name. The only person Harry had ever heard say the name aloud (apart from himself) was Professor Dumbledore.Clearly, I was wrong, said Lupin, still frowning at Harry. But I didnt think it a good caprice for Lord Voldemort to materialize in the staffroom. I imagined that people would panic.I didnt think of Voldemort, said Harry honestly. I I remembered those Dementors.I see, said Lupin thoughtfully. Well, wellIm impressed. He smiled slightly at the look of surprise on Harrys face. That suggests that what you fear most of all is fear. Very wise, Harry.Harry didnt know what to say to that, so he drank some more tea.So youve been thinking that I didnt believe you capable of fighting the Boggart? said Lupin shrewdly.Wellyeah, said Harry. He was suddenly feeling a lot happier. Professor Lupin, you know the Dementors He was interrupted by a knock on the door.Come in, called Lupin.The door opened, and in came Snape. He was carrying a chalice, which was gage faintly, and stopped at the sight of Harry, his black eyes narrowing.Ah, Severus, said Lupin, smiling. Thanks very much. Could you leave it here on the desk for me?Snape set down the smoking goblet, his eyes wandering between Harry and Lupin.I was just showing Harry my Grindylow, said Lupin pleasantly, pointing at the tank.Fascinating, said Snape, without looking at it. You should absorb that directly, Lupin.Yes, Yes, I will, said Lupin.I made an entire cauldronful, Snape continued. If you need more.I should probably have some again tomorrow. Thanks very much, Severus.Not at all, said Snape, but there was a look in his eye Harry didnt like. He backed out of the room, unsmiling and watchful.Harry looked curiously at the goblet. Lupin smiled.Professor Snape has very kindly concocted a potion for me, he said. I have never been much of a potion-brewer and this one is particularly complex. He picked up the goblet and sniffed it. Pity sugar makes it useless, he added, taking a sip and shuddering.Why ? Harry began. Lupin looked at him and answered the unfinished question.Ive been feeling a bit off-color, he said. This potion is the only thing that helps. I am very lucky to be working al ongside Professor Snape there arent many wizards who are up to making it.Professor Lupin took another sip and Harry had a crazy urge to knock the goblet out of his hands.Professor Snapes very interest in the Dark Arts, he blurted out.Really? said Lupin, looking only mildly interested as he took another gulp of potion.Some people reckon Harry hesitated, then plunged recklessly on, some people reckon hed do anything to get the Defense Against the Dark Arts job.Lupin drained the goblet and pulled a face.Disgusting, he said. Well, Harry, Id better get back to work. See you at the feast later.Right, said Harry, putting down his empty teacup.The empty goblet was still smoking.********There you go, said Ron. We got as much as we could carry.A shower of brilliantly colored sweets fell into Harrys lap. It was dusk, and Ron and Hermione had just turned up in the common room, pink-faced from the cold wind and looking as though theyd had the time of their lives.Thanks, said Harry, picking up a packet of tiny black Pepper Imps. Whats Hogsmeade like? Where did you go?By the sound of it everywhere. Dervish and Banges, the wizarding equipment shop, Zonkos Joke Shop, into the Three Broomsticks for foaming mugs of hot butterbeer, and many places besides.The post office, Harry About two hundred owls, all sitting on shelves, all color-coded depending on how fast you want your letter to get thereHoneydukes has got a new kind of fudge they were giving out free samples, theres a bit, look We think we saw an ogre, honestly, they get all sorts at the Three Broomsticks Wish we could have brought you some butterbeer, really warms you up What did you do? said Hermione, looking anxious. Did you get any work done?No, said Harry. Lupin made me a cup of tea in his office. And then Snape came inHe told them all about the goblet. Rons mouth fell open.Lupin drank it? he gasped. Is he mad?Hermione checked her watch.Wed better go down, you know, the feastll be starting in fin minutes They hur ried through the portrait hole and into the crowd, still discussing Snape.But if he you know Hermione dropped her voice, glancing nervously around, if he was trying to to poison Lupin he wouldnt have done it in front of Harry.Yeah, maybe, said Harry as they reached the entrance hall and crossed into the Great Hall. It had been decorated with hundreds and hundreds of candle-filled pumpkins, a cloud of dither live bats, and many flaming orange streamers, which were swimming lazily across the stormy ceiling like brilliant watersnakes.The food was delicious even Hermione and Ron, who were full to bursting with Honeydukes sweets, managed second helpings of everything. Harry kept glancing at the staff table. Professor Lupin looked cheerful and as well as he ever did he was talking animatedly to tiny little Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher. Harry moved his eyes along the table, to the place where Snape sat. Was he imagining it, or were Snapes eyes flickering toward Lupin more of ten than was natural?The feast finished with an entertainment provided by the Hogwarts ghosts. They popped out of the walls and tables to do a bit of formation gliding Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, had a great success with a reenactment of his own botched beheading.It had been such a pleasant evening that Harrys good mood couldnt even be spoiled by Malfoy, who shouted through the crowd as they all left the hall, The Dementors send their love, PotterHarry, Ron, and Hermione followed the rest of the Gryffindors along the usual path to Gryffindor Tower, but when they reached the corridor that ended with the portrait of the Fat Lady, they found it jammed with students.Why isnt anyone going in? said Ron curiously.Harry peered over the heads in front of him. The portrait seemed to be closed.Let me through, please, came Percys voice, and he came bustling importantly through the crowd. Whats the holdup here? You cant all have forgotten the password excuse me, Im Head Boy And then a shut away fell over the crowd, from the front first, so that a chill seemed to spread down the corridor. They heard Percy say, in a suddenly sharp voice, Somebody get Professor Dumbledore. Quick.Peoples heads turned those at the back were standing on tiptoe.Whats going on? said Ginny, who had just arrived.A moment later, Professor Dumbledore was there, sweeping toward the portrait the Gryffindors squeezed together to let him through, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione moved closer to see what the trouble was.Oh, my Hermione grabbed Harrys arm.The Fat Lady had vanished from her portrait, which had been slashed so viciously that strips of canvas littered the floor great chunks of it had been torn away completely. Dumbledore took one quick look at the ruined painting and turned, his eyes somber, to see Professors McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape hurrying toward him.We need to find her, said Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall, please go to Mr. Filch at once and tell him to search every pai nting in the castle for the Fat Lady.Youll be lucky said a cackling voice.It was Peeves the Poltergeist, bobbing over the crowd and looking delighted, as he always did, at the sight of wreckage or worry.What do you mean, Peeves? said Dumbledore calmly, and Peevess grin faded a little. He didnt dare taunt Dumbledore. Instead he adopted an oily voice that was no better than his cackle. Ashamed, Your Headship, sir. Doesnt want to be seen. Shes a horrible mess. sawing machine her running through the landscape up on the fourth floor, sir, dodging between the trees. Crying something dreadful, he said happily. Poor thing. he added unconvincingly.Did she say who did it? said Dumbledore quietly.Oh yes, Professorhead, said Peeves, with the air of one cradling a large bombshell in his arms. He got very angry when she wouldnt let him in, you see. Peeves flipped over and grinned at Dumbledore from between his own legs. Nasty temper hes got, that Sirius Black.