Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban Book 3 - Chapter 21 Part 4

Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban Book 3 - Chapter 21 Part 4

The Whomping Willow was creaking and lashing out with its lower branches; they could see themselves darting here and there, trying to reach the trunk. And then the tree froze. “That was Crookshanks pressing the knot,” said Hermione. “And there we go … ,” Harry muttered. “We’re in.” The moment they disappeared, the tree began to move again. Seconds later, they heard footsteps quite close by. Dumbledore, Macnair, Fudge, and the old Committee member were making their way up to the castle. “Right after we’d gone down into the passage!” said Hermione. “If  only  Dumbledore had come with us …” “Macnair and Fudge would’ve come too,” said Harry bitterly. “I bet you anything Fudge would’ve told Macnair to murder Sirius on the spot. …” They watched the four men climb the castle steps and disappear from view. For a few minutes the scene was deserted. Then — “Here comes Lupin!” said Harry as they saw another figure sprinting down the stone steps and haring toward the Willow. Harry looked up at the sky. Cl…