The Fox In A Snake Pit! Story 3

Sleeping Professors!

Hermione glanced at Harry and Jade, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Imagine how wonderful it would be to escape the confines of school and wander through Hogsmeade for a bit!" she exclaimed.

Harry let out a heavy sigh, his mood darkening. "I can only assume it will," he replied, resignation lacing his words. "You'll have to tell me when you find out."

Ron's eyes widened in disbelief. "What do you mean?"

"I can't go. The Dursleys didn't sign my permission slip, and Fudge refused to help either," Harry lamented, his spirits clearly deflated. Ron's eyes widened in disbelief at the predicament while the air around them grew heavy with disappointment.

"And what about you, Jade?" Hermione inquired, her eyes finally landing on Jade, who was visibly struggling to avoid their gaze. "Will you be joining us?"

With a heavy sigh, she replied, "I can't go either..." Her voice was laced with despair. "Mr. Malfoy believes Draco and me should stay put until they track down Black. He thinks it's safer that way..." she trailed off, her eyes reflecting a deep sadness.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were left speechless, their mouths hanging open in disbelief. "Hold on, are you saying Daddy's Boy was actually told no?" Ron scoffed, his tone laden with mockery.

The moment those words left his mouth, Jade turned sharply, her gaze sharp and frigid enough to pierce through all bravado. Harry couldn't help but think that even Voldemort would have hesitated in the face of her fury. "I don't care what issues you have with Draco, Weasley, but it'd be wise not to mock him in front of me." she warned, her voice cold and deadly. Ron swallowed nervously, before turning to face Harry.

"You're really not allowed to go? But... that can't be right... surely McGonagall or someone would let you..." he exclaimed to Harry, who responded with a hollow chuckle. "Or we could always turn to Fred and George; they're experts at finding every hidden route out of the castle..."

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency. "I really don't believe it's safe for Harry to wander off with Black still out there..." She cast a glance at Harry, her eyes pleading for his understanding.  

"Right, I can just picture McGonagall's reaction when I go to her for permission," Harry replied, a hint of resentment coloring his tone. 

Jade couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Harry approaching the Gryffindor headmistress, nervously requesting her signature on his permission slip. 

"But if we're by his side," Ron grinned at Hermione, his expression bordering on foolish excitement. "Surely Black wouldn't take the risk—"  

"Oh, Ron, don't be so naïve," Hermione shot back, irritation lacing her voice. "Black has already gone so far as to murder several people right in front of a crowd. Do you honestly believe he would hesitate to go after Harry just because we're around?" Her fingers fumbled with Crookshanks' basket, the tension palpable in the air. 

"Don't let that thing out!" Ron exclaimed, but it was too late. 

Crookshanks emerged from the basket with a graceful leap, stretching his limbs and letting out a leisurely yawn before positioning himself comfortably on Ron's lap. The Rat in Ron's pocket began to quiver, prompting him to shove the cat aside in frustration. "Scram!" he snapped. 

"Ron, don't!" Hermione exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration. She had clearly had enough of his carelessness with Crookshanks. 

Ron was on the verge of retorting when Professor Lupin shifted in his seat. They exchanged uneasy glances, but the professor merely turned away, his lips parted in slumber, seemingly oblivious to their antics.