Reaper's Heir (Book 3)

Chapter 10

Chapter X

We made our way through the tunnel, ducking around roots as we went. This tunnel was much more primitive than the one that led to Honeydukes. Harder to navigate too. Abruptly, the tunnel ended and we all looked around, until I glanced up and noticed a trap door. I climbed up, hoisting myself through and helped Harry and Hermione up. Paper was peeling off the walls, shattered furniture was strewn about and what looked suspiciously like dried blood was splattered all over the floorboards.

"We're in the Shrieking Shack, aren't we?" Hermione asked.

I nodded, but Harry didn't answer, focusing on the pawprints in the dust on the floor. We started hearing wailing above us and dashed for the stairs. Coming to the next floor, there was a wide strip in the dust, like someone had been dragged through here. The strip led to a door at the end of the hallway, where light shone through the bottom.

"Nox."

Slowly, we stepped up to the door. We all exchanged looks and held our wands at the ready. Harry kicked the door open, revealing Ron on a musty lookin bed with a bloodied leg. Hermione rushed to him. "Ron! You're okay --"

"The dog!" Harry pressed. "Where's the --"

"He's the dog. It's a trap, Harry. He's an Animagus!"

We turned, the door creaking as it swung shut, revealing a filthy man standing in the shadows. Matted hair hung to his shoulders and he looked like a walking corpse. Sirius Black. I felt foolish having worried about him all year. He didn't look like he could win a fight, evem without magic right at the moment. Harry drew his wand and I stepped in front of him, leveling my own wand at Black. "If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us, too!"

"No. Only one will die tonight." Black hissed.

"Then it'll be you!" Harry shoved by me and launched himself at Black, pinning him to the ground and pointing it at his face.

Still Black just laughed. "Are you going to kill me, Harry?"

Then Professor Lupin burst through the door. "Expelliarmus!" Harry's wand went flying and he shot up, moving away from the two men. I stepped in front of him again, but Professor Lupin ignores all of us, eying Black intensely. "Looking a bit ragged, aren't we, Sirius? Finally the skin reflects the madness within."

"Well, you'd know all about the madness within, wouldn't you, Remus?" Black laughed. Professor Lupin smiled and lowered his wand, helping the convict up. They embraced each other like old friends.

"I found him!" Black said.

"I know," Lupin said.

"It's him!" I moved closer to Harry at his words.

"I understand,"

"Let's kill him!"

"No! I trusted you! I covered up for you. And all this time you've been his friend! He's a werewolf! That's why he's been missing classes!" Hermione jumped forward. Harry and Ron stared. Professor Lupin looked defeated and annoyed.

"How long have you known?" He asked, watching Hermione carefully.

"Since Professor Snape set the essay." She answered.

Well, well, well, Hermione, you really are the brightest witch of your age I've ever met." He took a step forward and I grabbed Hermione, pulling her back.

"Enough talk, Remus! Come on, let's kill him!" Black snapped.

"Wait, Sirius --"

"I did my waiting! Twelve years of it! In Azkaban!" Black yelled.