127 Cats and Rats (1/2)

Ron gave a slight shrug.

”Well he should still ask McGonagall if he can go.”

”Ron!” said Hermione. ”Harry's supposed to stay in school.”

”Plus, as I mentioned earlier, Black theoretically could be lurking in Hogsmeade.”

”He can't be the only third year left behind,” said Ron. ”Just go ask professor McGonagall, go on, Harry —”

”Yeah, I think I will,” said Harry.

Arth sighed.

”Well as long as you aren't stupid enough to go sneak out of Hogwarts with that invisibility cloak of yours.”

”I promise I won't.”

Arth snorted.

”Don't promise, you are probably going to break it anyway.”

Hermione opened her mouth to argue, 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.

”Err... it's quite natural for cats to present their owners with prey that they caught themselves.”

”No one asked you Arth.”

”Clever Crookshanks, did you catch that all by yourself?” said Hermione.

Crookshanks gave a slight nod before rubbing its head onto Arth's legs. Arth was infatuated.

”Amon 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 freed himself from the remnants of the bag, sprang over the table, and chased after the terrified Scabbers.