7بخش

Don’t get any closer. Get back, all of you.

Do not touch that, except by the wrappings. Do you understand?

You’re sure Katie did not have this in her possession when she entered the Three Broomsticks?

It’s like I said.

She left to go to the loo, and when she came back she had the package.

She said it was important that she deliver it.

Did she say to whom? To Professor Dumbledore.

Very well. Thank you, Leanne. You may go.

Why is it when something happens it is always you three?

Believe me, professor, I’ve been asking myself the same question for six years.

Oh, Severus.

What do you think?

I think Miss Bell is lucky to be alive.

She was cursed, wasn’t she?

I know Katie. Off the pitch, she wouldn’t hurt a fly.

If she was delivering that to Dumbledore, she wasn’t doing it knowingly.

Yes, she was cursed.

It was Malfoy.

That is a very serious accusation, Potter.

Indeed.

Your evidence? I just know.

You just…

…know.

You astonish with your gifts, Potter.

Gifts mere mortals can only dream of possessing.

How grand it must be to be the Chosen One.

I suggest you go back to your dormitories. All of you.

What do you suppose Dean sees in her? Ginny?

Well, what does she see in him?

Dean? He’s brilliant.

You called him a slick git not five hours ago.

Yeah, well, he was running his hands all over my sister, wasn’t he?

Something snaps, and you’ve gotta hate him, you know? On principle.

I suppose.

So, what is it he sees in her? I don’t know.

She’s smart, funny.

Attractive. Attractive?

You know, she’s got nice skin. Skin?

Dean dates my sister because of her skin?

Well, no, I mean, I’m just saying it could be a contributing factor.

Hermione’s got nice skin.

Wouldn’t you say? As skin goes, I mean.

I’ve never really thought about it.

But, I suppose, yeah.

Very nice.

I think I’ll be going to sleep now. Right. Yeah.

So tell me, Cormac, do you see anything of your Uncle Tiberius these days?

Yes, sir. In fact, I’m meant to go hunting with him and the Minister for Magic over the holidays.

Well, be sure to give them both my best.

What about your uncle, Belby?

For those who don’t know, Marcus uncle invented the Wolfsbane Potion.

Is he working on anything new? Don’t know.

Him and Dad don’t get on. Probably because me dad says potions are rubbish.

Says the only potion worth having is a stiff one at the end of the day.

What about you, Miss Granger? What does your family do in the Muggle world?

My parents are dentists.

They tend to peoples teeth.

Fascinating. And is that considered a dangerous profession?

No.

Although, one boy, Robbie Fenwick, did bite my father once.

He needed 10 stitches.

Ah. Miss Weasley. Come in, come in.

Look at her eyes. They’ve been fighting again, her and Dean.

Sorry. I’m not usually late.

No matter. You’re just in time for dessert, that is, if Belbys left you any.

What?

Nothing.

Goodbye. Bye-bye.

Potter. I’m sorry, sir.

I was just admiring your hourglass.

Oh, yes.

A most intriguing object.

The sand runs in accordance with the quality of the conversation.

If it is stimulating, the sand runs slowly.

lf it is not… I think I’ll be going.

Nonsense. You have nothing to fear, dear boy.

As to some of your classmates…

…well, let’s just say they’re unlikely to make the shelf.

The shelf, sir?

Anyone who aspires to be anyone hopes to end up here.

But then again, you already are someone, aren’t you, Harry?

Did Voldemort ever make the shelf, sir?

You knew him, didn’t you, sir, Tom Riddle? You were his teacher.

Mr. Riddle had a number of teachers whilst here at Hogwarts.

What was he like?

I’m sorry, sir. Forgive me.

He killed my parents.

Of course.

It’s only natural you should want to know more.

But I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Harry.

When I first met Mr. Riddle, he was a quiet albeit brilliant, boy committed to becoming a first-rate wizard.

Not unlike others I’ve known.

Not unlike yourself, in fact.

If the monster existed…

…it was buried deep within.

Good luck, eh, Ron.

Nice hat! Ron, you’re a loser.

I’m counting on you, Ron. I have two Galleons on Gryffindor, yeah?

Looking good, Ron. Loser!

What’s he wearing?

So how was it, then?

How was what? Your dinner party?

Pretty boring, actually.

Though I think Harry enjoyed dessert.

Slughorn’s having a Christmas do, you know.

And we’re meant to bring someone.

I expect you’ll be bringing McLaggen. He’s in the Slug Club, isn’t he?

Actually, I was going to ask you. Really?

Good luck today, Ron.

I know you’ll be brilliant.

I’m resigning. After todays match, McLaggen can have my spot.

Have it your way.

Juice? Sure.

Hello, everyone.

You look dreadful, Ron.

Is that why you put something in his cup?

Is it a tonic?

Liquid luck.

Don’t drink it, Ron.

You could be expelled for that. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Come on, Harry. We’ve got a game to win.