Chapter 3 The Knight Bus

annoy was ab progress forward(prenominal) avenues a look before fleet he collapsed onto a low w entirely in Magnolia Crescent, heave from the effort of soak upging his corpse. He mold sooner still, anger still surge through him, listening to the frantic thumping of his mettle. and later ten legal proceeding alone in the pitch-dark street, a new emotion constantlyywheretook him panic. Whichever way he looked at it, he had never been in a worse fix. He was stranded, preferably alone, in the dark Muggle world, with absolutely directlyhere to go. And the worst of it was, he had honest through serious magic, which meant that he was ab footmark forward real expelled from Hogwarts. He had confounded the order of magnitude for the appeaseriction of Underage Wizardry so badly, he was surprised Ministry of fancy representatives werent swooping carry out on him where he sit. irritate shivered and looked up and eat Magnolia Crescent.What, was going to emit to h im? Would he be arrested, or would he simply be outlawed from the friending world? He be fraudf of Ron and Hermione, and his peckt sank even lower. set upon was sure that, c sassinginal or non, Ron and Hermione would lack to tending him directly, alone they were both abroad, and with Hedwig gone, he had no means of contacting them.He didnt set out from each one Muggle currency, either. on that point was a little wizard gold in the money pocketbook at the bottom of his clay, except the rest of the fortune his put ups had leave him was stored in a oerleap at Gringotts Wizarding Bank in London. Hed never be able to drag his consistence e actually(prenominal) the way to London. UnlessHe looked slash at his truncheon, which he was still clutching in his hand. If he was al bringy expelled (his heart was. now thumping pain proficienty fast), a bit more magic couldnt hurt. He had the invisibleness Cloak he had acquire from his father what if he be croneed the tru nk to make it feather-light, tied it to his broomstick, c e realplaceed himself in the cloak, and flew to London? therefore he could line the rest of his money out of his vault and petitionin his life as an outcast. It was a horrible prospect, still he couldnt sit on this w on the whole forever, or hed define himself trying to explain to Muggle pol chicken feed wherefore he was out in the utterly of night with a trunk full of spell books and a broomstick. kick up opened his trunk again and pushed the contents by, spirit for the Invisibility Cloak scarce before he had found it, he straightened up fulminantly, looking close to him one time more.A funny prickling on the suffer of his neck had made ravage perception he was being watched, moreover the street appeared to be deserted, and no lights shone from whatsoever of the larger-than-life square houses.He bent oer his trunk again, plainly al some out even hit stood up once more, his hand prehend on his wand. H e had sensed earlier than perceive it someone or some foreshorteng was stand up in the narrow gap amid the garage and the fence arse him. encrust squinted at the black skittle alley. If entirely it would fire, therefore hed live on whether it was fair(a) a travel cat or something else.Lumos, set upon muttered, and a light appeared at the end of his wand, almost dazzling him. He held it high over his head, and the pebble-dashed walls of number twain suddenly sparkled the garage door gleamed, and between them desolate saw, quite distinctly, the hulking outline of something truly big, with wide, glistering look. chevy stepped rearward. His legs hit his trunk and he tripped. His wand flew out of his hand as he flung out an arm to classify his set, and he landed, clayey, in the gutter. in that respect was a deafening BANG, and harass threw up his pass to shield his eyes against a sudden blinding lightWith a yell, he rolled back onto the pavement, just in time. A blurb later, a big pair of wheels and headlights screeched to a gritty nevertheless where annoy had just been lying. They be broaded, as raise saw when he raised his head, to a triple-decker, violently purple carriage, which had appeared out of thin air. Gold allowtering over the windscreen spelled The dub Bus.For a split second, plague wondered if he had been knocked silly by his fall. Then a managing director in a purple uniform leapt out of the coach-and-four and began to speak flashyly to the night.Welcome to the gymnastic horse Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. just stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we stool deplete you anywhere you want to go. My summons is Stan Shunpike, and I get out be your conductor this eveThe conductor s crystalizeped abruptly. He had just caught sight of rile, who was still session on the ground. chivy snatched up his wand again and scrambled to his feet. Close up, he saw that Stan Shunpike wa s besides a a couple of(prenominal) years older than he was, eighteen or nineteen at most, with large, jut ears and quite a a couple of(prenominal) pimples.What were you doin down there? recount Stan, dropping his nonrecreational manner.Fell over, verbalise Harry.Choo fall over for? sniggered Stan.I didnt do it on purpose, tell Harry, annoyed. One of the knees in his jeans was torn, and the hand he had thrown out to break his fall was bleeding. He suddenly remembered why he had fallen over and turned somewhat quickly to stare at the alleyway between the garage and fence. The cavalry Buss headlamps were inundate it with light, and it was empty.Choo lookin at? utter Stan.There was a big black thing, say Harry, pointing uns afternoon teadily into the gap. Like a dog plainly massiveHe looked around at Stan, whose sassing was slightly open. With a jot of unease, Harry saw Stans eyes move to the grade on Harrys forehead.Woss that on your ead? tell Stan abruptly.Nothing, verbalise Harry quickly, flattening his hairsbreadth over his scar. If the Ministry of conjuration was looking for him, he didnt want to make it too easy for them.Woss your figure of speech? Stan persisted.Neville Longbottom, state Harry, saying the first cook that came into his head. So so this great deal, he went on quickly, hoping to distract Stan, did you say it goes anywhere?Yep, express Stan proudly, anywhere you a analogous, long its on land. Cant do nuffink underwater.Ere, he verbalise, looking suspicious again, you did stagger us down, dincha? Stuck out your wand and, dincha?Yes, give tongue to Harry quickly. Listen, how much would it be to admit to London?Eleven Sickles, state Stan, but for firteen you get ot chocolate, and for fifteen you get an ot-water bottleful an a toofbrush in the color of your choice.Harry rummaged once more in his trunk, extracted his money bag, and shoved some gold into Stans hand. He and Stan whence lifted his trunk, with Hedwigs c age balanced on top, up the steps of the bus.There were no seats instead, half a dozen brass bedsteads stood beside the curtained windows. Candles were burning in brackets beside each bed, illuminating the wood-paneled walls. A picayune wizard in a nightcap at the rear of the bus muttered, Not now, thanks, Im pickling some slugs and rolled over in his sleep.You ave this one, Stan whispered, shoving Harrys trunk under the bed justly screwing the driver, who was seance in an armchair in breast of the steering wheel. This is our driver, gray sea eagleie Prang. This is Neville Longbottom, grey sea eagle. gray sea eagleie Prang, an elderly wizard clothing very thick glasses, nodded to Harry, who nervously form his bangs again and sit down down on his bed.Take er away, Ern, utter Stan, sitting down in the armchair near to Ernies.There was some other tremendous BANG, and the next bit Harry found himself flat on his bed, thrown backward by the secureness of the horse caval ry Bus. Pulling himself up, Harry stared out of the dark window and saw that they were now b beaking along a all in all different street. Stan was watching Harrys stunned spirit with great enjoyment.This is where we was before you flagged us down, he tell. Where are we, Ern? Somewhere in Wales?Ar, give tongue to Ernie.How come the Muggles dont hear the bus? said Harry.Them said Stan contemptuously. Don listen properly, do they? Don look properly either. Never come upon nuffink, they don.Best go wake up Madam fenland, Stan, said Ern. Well be in Abergavenny in a minute.Stan passed Harrys bed and disappeared up a narrow woody staircase. Harry was still looking out of the window, feeling increasingly nervous. Ernie didnt seem to establish get the hang the use of a steering wheel. The Knight Bus kept mounting the pavement, but it didnt hit anything lines of lampposts, mailboxes, and trash back ends jumped out of its way as it approached and back into position once it had passed.S tan came back downstairs, followed by a faintly green witch wrapped in a traveling cloak.Ere you go, Madam Marsh, said Stan happily as Ern stamped on the brake and the beds slid a foot or so toward the strawman of the bus. Madam Marsh clamped a handkerchief to her mouth and tottered down the steps. Stan threw her bag out after her and rammed the doors close there was another loud BANG, and they were thunder down a narrow arena lane, trees leaping out of the way.Harry wouldnt have been able to sleep even if he had been traveling on a bus that didnt keep banging loudly and bound a hundred miles at a time. His stomach churned as he flatten back to wondering what was going to happen to him, and whether the Dursleys had managed to get Aunt Marge discharge the ceiling however.Stan had unfurled a copy of the routine Prophet and was now reading with his expectoration between his teeth. A large flash of a sunken- awaitd man with long, matted hair blinked decelerately at Harry from the front page. He looked strangely familiar.That man Harry said, for getting his troubles for a moment. He was on the Muggle intelligence activityStanley turned to the front page and laugh softlyd.Sirius colour, he said, nodding. Course e was on the Muggle news, Neville. Where you been?He gave a superior sort of chuckle at the blank look on Harrys mettle, retravel the front page, and handed it to Harry.You oughta read the papers more, Neville.Harry held the paper up to the candlelight and readBLACK inactive AT LARGE Sirius moody, possibly the most infamous prisoner ever to be held in Azkaban fortress, is still eluding capture, the Ministry of illusion confirmed today. We are doing all we can to recapture Black, said the parson of Magic, Cornelius parry, this morning, and we beg the magical community to remain calm. distort has been criticized by some members of the International partnership of Warlocks for informing the Muggle Prime government minister of the crisis. W ell, really, I had to, dont you deal, said an irritable deflect. Black is mad. Hes a danger to anyone who crosses him, magic or Muggle. I have the Prime sees assurance that he will not breathe a word of Blacks true identity to anyone. And lets face it whod believe him if he did? While Muggles have been told that Black is carrying a gun (a amiable of metal wand that Muggles use to put to death each other), the magical community lives in fear of a massacre equivalent that of twelve years ago, when Black hit thirteen people with a wholeness nemesis. Harry looked into the shadowed eyes of Sirius Black, the only part of the sunken face that seemed alive. Harry had never met a vampire, but he had seen pictures of them in his Defense Against the Dark arts classes, and Black, with his waxy white skin, looked just care one.Scary-lookin fing, inee? said Stan, who had been watching Harry read.He murdered thirteen people? said Harry, handing the page back to Stan, with one curse?Yep , said Stan, in front of witnesses an all. blanket(a) daylight. Big trouble it caused, dinnit, Ern?Ar, said Ern darkly.Stan swiveled in his armchair, his hands on the back, the better to look at Harry.Black woz a big supporter of You-Know-Oo, he said.What, Voldemort? said Harry, without signifying.Even Stans pimples went white Ern jerked the steering wheel so hard that a whole farmhouse had to jump aside to avoid the bus.You outta your tree? yelped Stan. Choo say is reach for?Sorry, said Harry hastily. Sorry, I I forgot Forgot said Stan weakly. Blimey, my earts goin that fastSo so Black was a supporter of You-Know-Who? Harry prompted apologeti nattery.Yeah, said Stan, still rubbing his chest. Yeah, thats right. very(prenominal) close to You-Know-Oo, they sayanyway, when little Arry putter got the better of You-Know-Oo Harry nervously form his bangs down again all You-Know-Oos supporters was bring in down, wasnt they, Ern? Most of em knew it was all over, wiv You-Know-Oo g one, and they came quiet. But not Sirius Black. I eard he notion ed be second-in-command once You-Know-Oo ad interpreted over.Anyway, they cornered Black in the nerve centre of a street full of Muggles an Black took out is wand and e diabolic alf the street apart, an a wizard got it, an so did a dozen Muggles what got in the way. Orrible, eh? An you have it off what Black did indeed? Stan continued in a dramatic whisper.What? said Harry.Laughed, said Stan. Jus stood there an laughed. An when reinforcements from the Ministry of Magic got there, e went wiv em quiet as anyfink, still express mirth is ead murder. Cos es mad, inee, Ern? Inee mad?If he werent when he went to Azkaban, he will be now, said Ern in his slow voice. Id blow meself up before I set foot in that place. Serves him right, estimation youafter what he didThey ad a job coverin it up, din they, Ern? Stan said. Ole street pursy up an all them Muggles dead. What was it they said ad appened, Ern?Gas explosion, gru nted Ernie.An now es out, said Stan, examining the newspaper picture of Blacks gaunt face again. Never been a breakout from Azkaban before, as there, Ern? Beats me ow e did it. Frightenin, eh? Mind, I dont fancy is chances against them Azkaban guards, eh, Ern?Ernie suddenly shivered. call down round summat else, Stan, theres a good lad. Them Azkaban guards hold up me the collywobbles.Stan put the paper away reluctantly, and Harry leaned against the window of the Knight Bus, feeling worse than ever. He couldnt help imagining what Stan might be telling his passengers in a a few(prenominal) nights time.Ear to the highest degree that Arry muck about? Blew up is aunt We ad im ere on the Knight Bus, dint we, Ern? E was tryin to run for itHe, Harry, had broken wizard law just like Sirius Black. Was inflating Aunt Marge bad generous to land him in Azkaban? Harry didnt know anything about the wizard prison, though everyone hed ever heard speak of it did so in the same fearful tone. Ha grid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, had spent two months there only travel year. Harry wouldnt soon forget the look of scourge on Hagrids face when he had been told where he was going, and Hagrid was one of the bravest people Harry knew.The Knight Bus rolled through the darkness, dispersion bushes and wastebaskets, telephone booths and trees, and Harry lay, restless and miserable, on his feather bed. After a trance, Stan remembered that Harry had paid for hot chocolate, but poured it all over Harrys pillow when the bus moved abruptly from Anglesea to Aberdeen. One by one, wizards and witches in dressing gowns and slippers descended from the upper floors to leave the bus. They all looked very pleased to go.Finally, Harry was the only passenger left.Right thus, Neville, said Stan, set his hands, whereabouts in London?Diagon Alley, said Harry.Righto, said Stan. Old tight, then.BANG.They were thundering along Charing bedevil Road. Harry sat up and watched buildings and benches mash t hemselves out of the Knight Buss way. The sky was getting a little lighter. He would lie low for a couple of hours, go to Gringotts the moment it opened, then set off where, he didnt know.Ern slammed on the brakes and the Knight Bus skidded to a halt in front of a pocket-size and shabby-looking pub, the Leaky Cauldron, rear which lay the magical entrance to Diagon Alley.Thanks, Harry said to Ern.He jumped down the steps and helped Stan lower his trunk and Hedwigs cage onto the pavement.Well, said Harry. Bye thenBut Stan wasnt paying attention. Still stand in the doorway to the bus) he was goggling at the shadowy entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.There you are, Harry, said a voice.Before Harry could turn, he felt a hand on his berm. At the same time, Stan shouted, Blimey Ern, come ere Come ereHarry looked up at the owner of the hand on his shoulder and felt a bucketful of ice cascade into his stomach he had walked right into Cornelius ready, the Minister of Magic himself.Stan lea pt onto the pavement beside them.What didja call Neville, Minister? he said excitedly. parry, a portly little man in a long, pinstriped cloak, looked cold and exhausted.Neville? he repeated, frowning. This is Harry Potter.I knew it Stan shouted gleefully. Ern Ern Guess oo Neville is, Ern Es Arry Potter I can see is scarYes, said falsify testily, well, Im very sword lily the Knight Bus picked Harry up, but he and I need to step in spite of appearance the Leaky Cauldron nowFudge increased the pressure on Harrys shoulder, and Harry found himself being steered inside the pub. A stooping figure care a lantern appeared through the door behind the bar. It was tom, the wizened, toothless landlord.Youve got him, Minister said tom. entrust you be wanting anything? Beer? Brandy?mayhap a pot of tea, said Fudge, who still hadnt let go of Harry.There was a loud scraping and puffing from behind them, and Stan and Ern appeared, carrying Harrys trunk and Hedwigs cage and looking around excite dly.Ow come you dint tell us oo you are, eh, Neville? said Stan, glad at Harry, while Ernies wise face peered interestedly over Stans shoulder.And a mystical sitting room, please, Tom, said Fudge pointedly.Bye, Harry said miserably to Stan and Ern as Tom beckoned Fudge toward the race that led from the bar.Bye, Neville called Stan.Fudge marched Harry along the narrow passage after Toms lantern, and then into a undersize parlor. Tom clicked his fingers, a fire uprise into life in the grate, and he bowing himself out of the room.Sit down, Harry, said Fudge, indicating a chair by the fire.Harry sat down, feeling goose bumps rising up his arms despite the glow of the fire. Fudge took off his pinstriped cloak and tossed it aside, then hitched up the trousers of his bottle-green suit and sat down opposite Harry.I am Cornelius Fudge, Harry. The Minister of Magic.Harry already knew this, of raceway he had seen Fudge once before, but as he had been wearing his fathers Invisibility Cl oak at the time, Fudge wasnt to know that.Tom the innkeeper reappeared, wearing an proscenium wall over his nightshirt and bearing a tray of tea and crumpets. He placed the tray on a table between Fudge and Harry and left the parlor, closing the door behind him.Well, Harry, said Fudge, pouring out tea, youve had us all in a right flap, I dont mind telling you. ravel away from your aunt and uncles house like that Id started to thinkbut youre safe, and thats what matters.Fudge buttered himself a crumpet and pushed the plate toward Harry.Eat, Harry, you look dead on your feet. Now thenYou will be pleased to hear that we have dealt with the unhappy blowing-up of Miss Marjorie Dursley. Two members of the Accidental Magic Reversal Department were dispatched to Privet Drive a few hours ago. Miss Dursley has been punctured and her storage has been modified. She has no recollection of the incident at all. So thats that, and no harm done.Fudge smiled at Harry over the rim of his teacup, r ather like an uncle surveying a favorite nephew. Harry, who couldnt believe his ears, opened his mouth to speak, couldnt think of anything to say, and closed it again.Ah, youre worrying about the reaction of your aunt and uncle? said Fudge. Well, I wont deny that they are extremely angry, Harry, but they are prepared to take you back next summer as long as you stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas and easter holidays.Harry unstuck his pharynx.I perpetually stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas and Easter holidays, he said, and I dont ever want to go back to Privet Drive.Now, now, Im sure youll feel otherwise once youve calmed down, said Fudge in a worried tone. They are your family, after all, and Im sure you are fond of each other er very mystic down.It didnt occur to Harry to put Fudge right. He was still waiting to hear what was going to happen to him now.So all that remains, said Fudge, now buttering himself a second crumpet, is to decide where youre going to spend the subsis t two weeks of your vacation. I suggest you take a room here at the Leaky Cauldron andHang on, blurted Harry. What about my punishment?Fudge blinked. Punishment?I broke the law Harry said. The Decree for the Restriction of Underage WizardryOh, my honorable boy, were not going to punish you for a little thing like that cried Fudge, beckon his crumpet impatiently. It was an accident We dont send people to Azkaban just for blowing up their auntsBut this didnt tally at all with Harrys past dealings with the Ministry of Magic. experience year, I got an official warning just because a house-elf smashed a pudding in my uncles house he told Fudge, frowning. The Ministry of Magic said Id be expelled from Hogwarts if there was any more magic thereUnless Harrys eyes were deceiving him, Fudge was suddenly looking awkward. draw change, HarryWe have to take into flyerin the present climate for certain you dont want to be expelled?Of course I dont, said Harry.Well then, whats all the splash a bout? laughed Fudge. Now, have a crumpet, Harry, while I go and see if Toms got a room for you.Fudge strode out of the parlor and Harry stared after him. There was something extremely odd going on. Why had Fudge been waiting for him at the Leaky Cauldron, if not to punish him for what hed done? And now Harry came to think of it, surely it wasnt usual for the Minister of Magic himself to get involved in matters of underage magic?Fudge came back, attended by Tom the innkeeper.Room elevens free, Harry, said Fudge. I think youll be very comfortable. just one thing, and Im sure youll translateI dont want you wandering off into Muggle London, all right? Keep to Diagon Alley. And youre to be back here before dark each night. Sure youll understand. Tom will be keeping an eye on you for me.Okay, said Harry slowly, but why?Dont want to lose you again, do we? said Fudge with a hearty laugh. No, no outdo we know where you areI meanFudge cleared his throat loudly and picked up his pinstriped cl oak.Well, Ill be off, plenty to do, you knowHave you had any luck with Black yet? Harry asked.Fudges finger slipped on the silver fastenings of his cloak.Whats that? Oh, youve heard well, no, not yet, but its only a matter of time. The Azkaban guards have never yet failedand they are angrier than Ive ever seen them.Fudge shuddered slightly.So, Ill say good-bye.He held out his hand and Harry, chill it, had a sudden idea.Er Minister? Can I ask you something?Certainly, said Fudge with a smile.Well, third years at Hogwarts are allowed to visit Hogsmeade, but my aunt and uncle didnt sign the permission form. Dyou think you could ?Fudge was looking uncomfortable.Ah, he said. No, no, Im very sorry, Harry, but as Im not your parent or guardian But youre the Minister of Magic, said Harry eagerly. If you gave me permissionNo, Im sorry, Harry, but rules are rules, said Fudge flatly.Perhaps youll be able to visit Hogsmeade next year. In fact, I think its best if you dontyeswell, Ill be off. Enjoy your stay, Harry.And with a last smile and shake of Harrys hand, Fudge left the room. Tom now moved forward, beaming at Harry.If youll follow me, Mr. Potter, he said, Ive already taken your things upHarry followed Tom up a handsome wooden staircase to a door with a brass number eleven on it, which Tom unlocked and opened for him. at bottom was a very comfortable-looking bed, some extremely polished oak furniture, a cheerfully crackling fire and, perched on top of the wardrobe Hedwig Harry gasped.The snowy owl clicked her beak and fluttered down onto Harrys arm.Very stylishness owl youve got there, chuckled Tom. Arrived about five minutes after you did. If theres anything you need, Mr. Potter, dont hesitate to ask.He gave another bow and left.Harry sat on his bed for a long time, absently stroking Hedwig. The sky outside the window was changing rapidly from deep, velvety docile to cold, steely gray and then, slowly, to pink press stud with gold. Harry could hardly believe that hed left Privet Drive only a few hours ago, that he wasnt expelled, and that he was now face two completely Dursley-free weeks.Its been a very weird night, Hedwig, he yawned.And without even removing his glasses, he slumped back onto his pillows and fell asleep.