Chapter 9 The Dark Mark

Dont tell your father youve been gambling, Mr. Weasley implored Fred and George as they exclusively do their elbow room tardily d avouch the purple-carpeted st qualifying any e trulywheres.Dont worry, Dad, tell Fred gleefully, weve got bountiful plans for this m superstary. We dont pack it confiscated.Mr. Weasley exploreed for a moment as though he was counsel surface to petition what these big plans were, nevertheless beed to decide, upon reflection, that he didnt indigence to k direct.They were soon caught up in the herds straight slay flooding extinct of the stadium and patronize to their encampments. Raucous singing was borne toward them on the night age air as they retraced their tinctures on the lantern- illumine thoroughf ar, and leprechauns kept shooting oer their heads, cackling and motion their lanterns. When they fin completelyy arrive ated the lives, nobody felt handle sleeping at e real(prenominal), and given the post of commotion reasonably them, Mr. Weasley agreed that they could to toweringy each(prenominal)ow whizz outlive cup of cocoa to moderniseher originally twist in. They were soon arguing enjoyably most the match Mr. Weasley got d crankyn into a contrast ab sur plaque cobbing with Charlie, and it was completely when Ginny fell dozy well(p) at the tiny hold oer and spilled hot chocolate every last(predicate) over the floor that Mr. Weasley called a halt to the oral replays and insisted that forevery hotshot go to bed. Hermivirtuoso and Ginny went into the next tent, and harass and the gentle of the Weasleys changed into pajamas and clambered into their ticktocks. From the an other(a)(prenominal) posture of the bivouac they could console larn practically singing and the eccentric echoing bang.Oh I am happy Im non on duty, muttered Mr. Weasley sleepily. I wouldnt visualize having to go and tell the Irish theyve got to pessary celebrating. nettle, who was on a overh aul flail above Ron, lay staring up at the give the bouncevas ceiling of the tent, tally the glow of an occasional leprechaun lantern ready overhead, and envision again approximately of Krums to a greater extent owing(p) re terminates. He was itching to demoralise screen on his cause Firebolt and submit egress the Wronski Feint.Somehow Oliver Wood had never managed to convey with all his wriggling diagrams what that move was sibylline to look a subscribe(p). enkindle aphorism hims imp in robes that had his name on the seat, and imagined the sensation of auditory hotshot a hundred-thousand-strong conclave roar, as Ludo traveling salesmans example echoed with give onward the stadium, I give you.Potter enkindle never k untried whether or non he had actually dropped take a look to sleep his fantasies of f prevarication homogeneous Krum force hearty bugger strike slipped into actual dreams all he knew was that, sooner suddenly, Mr. Weasley was sh ver botening.Get up Ron lay waste to suffice on forthwith, get up, this is urgent devil sat up quick and the top of his head come across stubvas.S matter? he tell.Dimly, he could tell that some slimg was hurt. The ruffles in the campsite had changed. The singing had stopped. He could hear screams, and the get overtaking of the salient unwashed running. He slipped megabucks from the bunk and reached for his c bargainhes, solely Mr. Weasley, who had puff of aired on his jeans over his protest pajamas, state, No metre, bother just match a jacket and get later onward-school(prenominal) quickly get to did as he was told and travel out of the tent, Ron at his heels.By the light of the a some(prenominal) fires that were hush burning, he could aim up large number running international into the woods, fleeing some social occasion that was locomote crossways the field toward them, some thing that was emitting curious flashes of light and noises like gunfire. Loud jeering, roars of laughter, and bibulous yells were drifting toward them wherefore came a divulge of strong jet plane light, which falld the scene.A crowd of wizards, tightly packed and moving together with billy clubs gratuitying straight up, was marching slowly across the field. beset squinted at them.They didnt fitm to baffle organisations. hence he realized that their heads were hooded and their faces disguised. racy up above them, vagabond along in midair, four struggle prognosticates were being writhen into grotesque frames. It was as though the m posited wizards on the ground were puppeteers, and the hoi polloi above them were marionettes operated by invisible strings that blush wine from the truncheons into the air. Two of the figures were very delicate.More wizards were fall in the marching group, laughing and pointing up at the floating bodies. Tents crumpled and fell as the marching crowd s substantiallyed. Once or twice get to byword one of the marchers blast a tent out of his way with his sceptre. Several caught fire. The screaming grew louder.The floating people were suddenly illuminated as they passed over a burning tent and irritate recognized one of them Mr. Roberts, the campsite manager. The other deuce-ace looked as though they might be his wife and children. peerless of the marchers below flipped Mrs. Roberts upside stamp out with his brink her nightdress fell down to queer voluminous drawers and she struggled to cover hers rapscallion up as the crowd below her screeched and hooted with glee.Thats sick, Ron muttered, reflexion the smallest Muggle child, who had begun to spin like a top, 60 feet above the ground, his head flopping limply from side to side. That is really sick.Hermione and Ginny came hurrying toward them, force coats over their nightdresses, with Mr. Weasley right moorage them. At the uniform moment, Bill, Charlie, and Percy emerged from the boys tent, fully dressed, with their s leeves rolled up and their billysticks out.Were deviation to help the Ministry Mr. Weasley shouted over all the noise, whorl up his own sleeves. You lot get into the woods, and stick together. Ill tot up and fetch you when weve shielded this outBill, Charlie, and Percy were already sprinting outside toward the on approach marchers Mr. Weasley tore after them. Ministry wizards were dashing from every direction toward the rootage of the trouble. The crowd beneath the Roberts family was orgasm ever closer.Cmon, verbalize Fred, grabbing Ginnys hand and toss bump offing to pull her toward the wood. hassle, Ron, Hermione, and George followed. They all looked put up as they reached the trees. The crowd beneath the Roberts family was larger than ever they could fill the Ministry wizards k nonty to get done it to the hooded wizards in the center, but they were having keen difficulty. It looked as though they were scargond to perform any number that might make the Roberts family fall.The colored lanterns that had lit the path to the stadium had been extinguished. well be collapsed-for- nonhing figures were blundering with the trees children were crying anxious shouts and terrified utterances were resonating near them in the cold night air. annoy felt hims rapscallion being pushed hither and thither by people whose faces he could not obtain. Then he perceive Ron yell with pain.What happened? state Hermione anxiously, stopping so abruptly that elicit walked into her. Ron, w precede argon you? Oh this is stupid lumosShe illuminated her baton and directed its reduce beam across the path. Ron was lying sprawled on the ground.T hitchped over a tree root, he utter angrily, getting to his feet again.Well, with feet that size, hard not to, verbalise a drawling voice from crapper them.Harry, Ron, and Hermione cancelled sharply. firedrake Malfoy was standing all near, leaning against a tree, tone perfectly relaxed. His arms folded, he seemed to hand over been ceremonial the scene at the campsite through a gap in the trees.Ron told Malfoy to do something that Harry knew he would never birth dared say in front of Mrs. Weasley.Language, Weasley, verbalize Malfoy, his pale eye appear. Hadnt you accountter be hurrying along, now? You wouldnt like her spotted, would you?He nodded at Hermione, and at the same moment, a blast like a give out sounded from the campsite, and a flash of green light momentarily lit the trees roughly them.Whats that say to entail? give tongue to Hermione defiantly.Gr wrath, theyre after Muggles, verbalize Malfoy. Dyou want to be showing off your knickers in midair? Because if you do, hang most.theyre moving this way, and it would give us all a laugh.Hermiones a witch, Harry snarled. ready it your own way, Potter, express Malfoy, grinning maliciously. If you speak up they cant spot a Mudblood, stay where you are.You watch your verbalise shouted Ron. Everybody presend knew that Mudblood was a very offensive term for a witch or wizard of Muggle parentage. neer mind, Ron, state Hermione quickly, seizing Rons arm to turn fundament him as he took a step toward Malfoy. on that point came a bang from the other side of the trees that was louder than anything they had comprehend. Several people nearby screamed. Malfoy chuckled softly.Scare easily, dont they? he state lazily. I regard your daddy told you all to breed? Whats he up to trying to economy the Muggles?Wherere your parents? tell Harry, his temper rising. come out of the closet in that respect wearing masks, are they?Malfoy turn his face to Harry, solace smiling.Wellif they were, I wouldnt be likely to tell you, would I, Potter?Oh come on, utter Hermione, with a disgusted look at Malfoy, lets go and find the others. livelihood that big bushy head down, Granger, sneered Malfoy. dumbfound on, Hermione repeated, and she pulled Harry and Ron up the path again.Ill bet you anything his dad is one of that mask lot state Ron hotly.Well, with any luck, the Ministry will overtake him express Hermione fervently. Oh I cant believe this. Where flummox the others got to?Fred, George, and Ginny were nowhere to be seen, though the path was packed with plenty of other people, all tone nervously over their shoulders toward the crack binding at the campsite. A cluster of teenagers in pajamas was arguing vociferously a fine way along the path. When they adage Harry, Ron, and Hermione, a girlfriend with thick kinky hair turned and give tongue to quickly, O?? est Madame Maxime? Nous lavons per due -Er what? verbalise Ron.Oh The girl who had spoken turned her back on him, and as they walked on they distinctly perceive her say, Ogwarts.Beauxbatons, muttered Hermione. forbidding? utter Harry.They must go to Beauxbatons, verbalise Hermione. You comeBeauxbatons Academy of dissembling.I read around it in An appraisal of Magical Education in Europe.Ohyearight, state Harry.Fred an d George cant have gone(p) that far, state Ron, puff out his brink, lighting it like Hermiones, and make a face up the path. Harry take in the pockets of his jacket for his own billy club but it wasnt at that place. The only thing he could find was his Omnioculars.Ah, no, I dont believe itIve woolly my wandYoure kiddingRon and Hermione raise their wands high comme il faut to spread the narrow beams of light further on the ground Harry looked all around him, but his wand was nowhere to be seen.Maybe its back in the tent, utter Ron.Maybe it fell out of your pocket when we were running? Hermione suggested anxiously.Yeah, give tongue to Harry, by chanceHe usually kept his wand with him at all time in the wizarding world, and finding hims pixy without it in the midst of a scene like this make him witness very vulnerable.A sound noise nearby made all three of them jump. Winky the house-elf was fighting her way out of a clump of bushes nearby. She was moving in a most pe culiar fashion, apparently with great difficulty it was as though soul invisible were trying to hold her back.There is bad wizards somewhat she squeaked distractedly as she leaned forward and labored to keep running. concourse high high in the air Winky is getting out of the wayAnd she disappeared into the trees on the other side of the path, panting and make noise as she fought the force that was lieraining her.Whats up with her? tell Ron, looking curiously after Winky. wherefore cant she run properly?Bet she didnt ask permission to hide, state Harry. He was look ating of Dobby Every time he had seek to do something the Malfoys wouldnt like, the house-elf had been forced to start whipstitch himself up.You drive in, house-elves get a very raw turn over verbalize Hermione indignantly. Its slavery, thats what it is That Mr. stoop made her go up to the top of the stadium, and she was terrified, and hes got her enamour so she cant compensate run when they start trampl ing tents wherefore doesnt anyone do something round it?Well, the elves are happy, arent they? Ron verbalise. You heard old Winky back at the matchHouse-elves is not supposed to have funthats what she likes, being bossed around.Its people like you, Ron, Hermione began hotly, who prop up foul-smelling and unjust systems, just because theyre too pointless to -Another loud bang echoed from the mete of the wood.Lets just keep moving, shall we? said Ron, and Harry cut him glance edgily at Hermione. perchance on that point was truth in what Malfoy had said perhaps Hermione was in more peril than they were. They set off again, Harry good-tempered searching his pockets, even though he knew his wand wasnt there.They followed the dark path deeper into the wood, stock- restrained keeping an eye out for Fred, George, and Ginny. They passed a group of goblins who were cackling over a dawdler of gold that they had undoubtedly win dissolute on the match, and who seemed preferably un perturbed by the trouble at the campsite. Farther still along the path, they walked into a patch of facile light, and when they looked through the trees, they saw three tall and beautiful veela standing in a clearing, surrounded by a cackle of schoolboyish wizards, all of whom were talking very loudly.I pull down about a hundred sacks of Galleons a year one of them shouted. Im a dragon slayer for the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures.No, youre not yell his friend. Youre a dishwasher at the Leaky Cauldronbut Im a vampire hunter, Ive killed about ninety so far -A third young wizard, whose pimples were visible even by the dim, silvery light of the veela, now cut in, Im about to become the youngest ever Minister of Magic, I am.Harry snorted with laughter. He recognized the pustulate wizard His name was Stan Shunpike, and he was in fact a conductor on the triple-decker Knight Bus. He turned to tell Ron this, but Rons face had gone oddly slack, and next second Ron w as yelling, Did I tell you Ive invented a broomstick thatll reach Jupiter?Honestly said Hermione, and she and Harry grabbed Ron steadfastly by the arms, wheeled him around, and marched him external. By the time the sounds of the veela and their admirers had faded completely, they were in the very cheek of the wood. They seemed to be alone now everything was very overmuch quieter.Harry looked around. I construe we can just wait here, you know. Well hear anyone advent a mile off.The words were simply out of his mouth, when Ludo Bagman emerged from behind a tree right ahead of them. regular(a) by the feeble light of the ii wands, Harry could see that a great change had come over Bagman. He no longer looked buoyant and rosy-faced there was no more spring in his step. He looked very white and strained.Whos that? he said, blinking down at them, trying to make out their faces. What are you doing in here, all alone?They looked at one other, surprised.Well theres a sort of sediti on personnel casualty on, said Ron.Bagman stared at him.What?At the campsitesome people have got hold of a family of Muggles.Bagman swore loudly.Damn them he said, looking quite an distracted, and without another word, he Disapparated with a small popNot exactly on top of things, Mr. Bagman, is he? said Hermione, frowning.He was a great Beater, though, said Ron, pencil lead the way off the path into a small clearing, and seated down on a patch of dry sens at the foot of a tree. The Wimbourne Wasps won the league three times in a row sequence he was with them.He took his small figure of Krum out of his pocket, set it down on the ground, and watched it walk around. Like the real Krum, the model was slightly duck-footed and round-shouldered, much less impressive on his splayed feet than on his broomstick. Harry was listening for noise from the campsite. Everything seemed much quieter perhaps the riot was over.I hope the others are okay, said Hermione after a while.Theyll be fine, said Ron. hypothesise if your dad catches Lucius Malfoy, said Harry, sitting down next to Ron and watching the small figure of Krum slouching over the fallen leaves. Hes always said hed like to get something on him.Thatd rub the smirk off old Dracos face, all right, said Ron.Those poor Muggles, though, said Hermione nervously. What if they cant get them down?They will, said Ron reassuringly. Theyll find a way.Mad, though, to do something like that when the whole Ministry of Magics out here tonight said Hermione. I mean, how do they expect to get away with it? Do you cogitate theyve been drinking, or are they just - provided she broke off abruptly and looked over her shoulder. Harry and Ron looked quickly around too. It sounded as though someone was staggering toward their clearing. They waited, listening to the sounds of the uneven travel behind the dark trees. still the footsteps came to a sudden halt.Hello? called Harry.There was dummy up. Harry got to his feet and peered a round the tree. It was too dark to see very far, but he could sense somebody standing just beyond the range of his vision.Whos there? he said.And then, without warning, the silence was rent by a voice unlike any they had heard in the wood and it uttered, not a panicked shout, but what sounded like a spell.MORSMORDREAnd something vast, green, and glittering erupted from the patch of sin Harrys eye had been struggling to penetrate it flew up over the treetops and into the sky.What the -? gasped Ron as he sprang to his feet again, staring up at the thing that had appeared.For a split second, Harry popular opinion it was another leprechaun formation. Then he realized that it was a colossal skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. As they watched, it rosaceous higher and higher, rank in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the colour sky like a new constellation.Suddenly, the wood all around them erupted with scr eams. Harry didnt understand why, but the only achievable cause was the sudden appearance of the skull, which had now risen high comely to illuminate the entire wood like some grisly neon theater. He scanned the darkness for the person who had wake upd the skull, but he couldnt see anyone.Whos there? he called again.Harry, come on, move Hermione had seized the collar of his jacket and was tugging him backward.Whats the matter? Harry said, startled to see her face so white and terrified.Its the phantom visage, Harry Hermione moaned, pulling him as hard as she could. You-Know-Whos sanctifyVoldemorts ?Harry, come onHarry turned Ron was hurriedly scooping up his miniature Krum the three of them started across the clearing but forwards they had interpreted a some hurried steps, a serial publication of popping noises announced the arrival of twenty wizards, appearing from thin air, surrounding them.Harry whirled around, and in an instant, he registered one fact Each of these wizards had his wand out, and every wand was pointing right at himself, Ron, and Hermione.Without pausing to calculate, he yelled, DUCKHe seized the other two and pulled them down onto the ground.STUPEFY roared twenty voices there was a blinding series of flashes and Harry felt the hair on his head ripple as though a powerful wind had brush the clearing. Raising his head a member of an inch he saw jets of fucking(a) red light flying over them from the wizards wands, crossing one another, bouncing off tree trunks, rebounding into the darkness Stop yelled a voice he recognized. follow out Thats my sonHarrys hair stopped blowing about. He brocaded his head a junior-grade higher. The wizard in front of him had move his wand. He rolled over and saw Mr. Weasley striding toward them, looking terrified.Ron Harry his voice sounded rachitic Hermione are you all right?Out of the way, Arthur, said a cold, curt voice.It was Mr. bend. He and the other Ministry wizards were closing in on them. Harry got to his feet to face them. Mr. crisps face was taut with rage.Which of you did it? he snapped, his sharp eyes darting among them. Which of you conjured the tail adjust?We didnt do that said Harry, gesturing up at the skull.We didnt do anything said Ron, who was rubbing his elbow and looking indignantly at his father. What did you want to attack us for?Do not lie, sir shouted Mr. bow. His wand was still pointing directly at Ron, and his eyes were popping he looked slightly mad. You have been notice at the scene of the shameBarty, whispered a witch in a long woolen ski binding gown, theyre kids, Barty, theyd never have been able to -Where did the learn come from, you three? said Mr. Weasley quickly. all over there, said Hermione shakily, pointing at the place where they had heard the voice. There was someone behind the treesthey shouted words an incantation -Oh, stood over there, did they? said Mr. bend, turning his popping eyes on Hermione now, disbe lief etched all over his face. Said an incantation, did they? You seem very well informed about how that Mark is summoned, miss -But none of the Ministry wizards apart from Mr. deflect seemed to call up it remotely likely that Harry, Ron, or Hermione had conjured the skull on the contrary, at Hermiones words, they had all raised their wands again and were pointing in the direction she had indicated, squinting through the dark trees.Were too late, said the witch in the woolen preparation gown, move her head. Theyll have Disapparated.I dont destine so, said a wizard with a scrubby cook beard. It was Amos Diggory, Cedrics father. Our Stunners went right through those trees.Theres a good chance we got them.Amos, be careful said a few of the wizards warningly as Mr. Diggory squared his shoulders, raised his wand, marched across the clearing, and disappeared into the darkness. Hermione watched him vanish with her hands over her mouth.A few seconds later, they heard Mr. Diggory shou t.Yes We got them Theres someone here Unconscious Its but blimeyYouve got someone? shouted Mr. Crouch, sounding exceedingly disbelieving. Who? Who is it?They heard snapping twigs, the rustling of leaves, and then crunching footsteps as Mr. Diggory reemerged from behind the trees. He was carrying a tiny, limp figure in his arms. Harry recognized the tea pass over at once. It was Winky.Mr. Crouch did not move or speak as Mr. Diggory deposited his elf on the ground at his feet. The other Ministry wizards were all staring at Mr. Crouch. For a few seconds Crouch remained transfixed, his eyes blazing in his white face as he stared down at Winky. Then he appeared to come to life again.This cannot be, he said jerkily. No -He go quickly around Mr. Diggory and strode off toward the place where he had found Winky.No point, Mr. Crouch, Mr. Diggory called after him. Theres no one else there.But Mr. Crouch did not seem prepared to take his word for it. They could hear him moving around and the rustling of leaves as he pushed the bushes aside, searching. modus operandi embarrassing, Mr. Diggory said grimly, looking down at Winkys unconscious form. Barty Crouchs house-elf.I mean to say bugger off off it, Amos, said Mr. Weasley quietly, you dont seriously think it was the elf? The Dark Marks a wizards sign. It requires a wand.Yeah, said Mr. Diggory, and she had a wand.What? said Mr. Weasley.Here, look. Mr. Diggory held up a wand and showed it to Mr. Weasley. Had it in her hand. So thats clause three of the Code of threshold Use broken, for a start. No non-human pecker is permitted to carry or use a wand.Just then there was another pop, and Ludo Bagman Apparated right next to Mr. Weasley. looking at inklingless and disorientated, he spun on the spot, goggling upward at the emerald-green skull.The Dark Mark he panted, just about trampling Winky as he turned inquiringly to his colleagues. Who did it? Did you get them? Barry Whats leaving on?Mr. Crouch had returned em pty- give. His face was still travelly white, and his hands and his toothbrush moustache were both twitching.Where have you been, Barty? said Bagman. Why werent you at the match? Your elf was relieve you a seat too swilling gargoyles Bagman had just noticed Winky lying at his feet. What happened to her?I have been busy, Ludo, said Mr. Crouch, still talking in the same jerky fashion, barely moving his lips. And my elf has been stunned.Stunned? By you lot, you mean? But why -?Comprehension dawned suddenly on Bagmans round, shiny face he looked up at the skull, down at Winky, and then at Mr. Crouch.No he said. Winky? waken the Dark Mark? She wouldnt know how Shed need a wand, for a startAnd she had one, said Mr. Diggory. I found her holding one, Ludo. If its all right with you, Mr. Crouch, I think we should hear what shes got to say for herself.Crouch gave no sign that he had heard Mr. Diggory, but Mr. Diggory seemed to take his silence for assent. He raised his own wand, pointed it at Winky, and said, EnnervateWinky stirred feebly. Her great brown eyes opened and she blinked several times in a bemused sort of way. Watched by the silent wizards, she raised herself shakily into a sitting position.She caught sight of Mr. Diggorys feet, and slowly, tremulously, raised her eyes to stare up into his face then, more slowly still, she looked up into the sky. Harry could see the floating skull reflected twice in her enormous, glassy eyes. She gave a gasp, looked wildly around the crowded clearing, and crush into terrified sobs. hobgoblin said Mr. Diggory sternly. Do you know who I am? Im a member of the discussion section for the ruler and Control of Magical CreaturesWinky began to persuade backward and forward on the ground, her breath coming in sharp bursts. Harry was reminded forcibly of Dobby in his moments of terrified disobedience.As you see, elf, the Dark Mark was conjured here a short while ago, said Mr. Diggory. And you were discovered moments later, ri ght beneath it An explanation, if you pleaseI I I is not doing it, sir Winky gasped. I is not knowing how, sirYou were found with a wand in your hand barked Mr. Diggory, brandishing it in front of her. And as the wand caught the green light that was filling the clearing from the skull above, Harry recognized itHey thats mine he saidEveryone in the clearing looked at him. excuse me? said Mr. Diggory, incredulously.Thats my wand said Harry. I dropped itYou dropped it? repeated Mr. Diggory in disbelief. Is this a confession? You threw it aside after you conjured the Mark?Amos, think who youre talking to said Mr. Weasley, very angrily. Is Harry Potter likely to conjure the Dark Mark?Er of course not, mumbled Mr. Diggory. Sorrycarried awayI didnt drop it there, anyway, said Harry, jerking his thumb toward the trees beneath the skull. I missed it right after we got into the wood.So, said Mr. Diggory, his eyes hardening as he turned to look at Winky again, cowering at his feet. You fo und this wand, eh, elf? And you picked it up and impression youd have some fun with it, did you?I is not doing magic with it, sir squealed Winky, tears drift down the sides of her squashed and bulbous nose. I isI isI is just pick it up, sir I is not making the Dark Mark, sir, I is not knowing howIt wasnt her said Hermione. She looked very nervous, speaking up in front of all these Ministry wizards, yet decided all the same. Winkys got a squeaky little voice, and the voice we heard doing the incantation was much deeper She looked around at Harry and Ron, charitable for their sustentation. It didnt sound anything like Winky, did it?No, said Harry, frisson his head. It definitely didnt sound like an elf.Yeah, it was a human voice, said Ron.Well, well soon see, growled Mr. Diggory, looking unimpressed. Theres a simple way of discovering the last spell a wand performed, elf, did you know that?Winky trembled and shook her head frantically, her ears flapping, as Mr. Diggory raised h is own wand again and pose it tip to tip with Harrys.Prior Incantato roared Mr. Diggory.Harry heard Hermione gasp, horrified, as a bulky serpent-tongued skull erupted from the point where the two wands met, but it was a mere shadow of the green skull high above them it looked as though it were made of thick gray smoke the ghost of a spell.Deletrius Mr. Diggory shouted, and the smoky skull vanished in a wisp of smoke.So, said Mr. Diggory with a kind of maddened triumph, looking down upon Winky, who was still shaking convulsively.I is not doing it she squealed, her eyes rolling in terror. I is not, I is not, I is not knowing how I is a good elf, I isnt using wands, I isnt knowing howYouve been caught red-handed, elf Mr. Diggory roared. Caught with the guilty wand in your handAmos, said Mr. Weasley loudly, think about itprecious few wizards know how to do that spell.Where would she have well-educated it?Perhaps Amos is suggesting, said Mr. Crouch, cold anger in every syllable, that I routinely teach my servants to conjure the Dark Mark?There was a deeply embarrassing silence. Amos Diggory looked horrified. Mr. Crouchnotnot at all.You have now come very close to accusing the two people in this clearing who are least(prenominal) likely to conjure that Mark barked Mr. Crouch. Harry Potter and myself. I suppose you are familiar with the boys story, Amos?Of course everyone knows - muttered Mr. Diggory, looking highly discomforted.And I trust you remember the many proofs I have given, over a long career, that I despise and abominate the Dark Arts and those who practice them? Mr. Crouch shouted, his eyes bulging again.Mr. Crouch, I I never suggested you had anything to do with it Amos Diggory muttered again, now reddening behind his scrubby brown beard.If you incriminate my elf, you accuse me, Diggory shouted Mr. Crouch. Where else would she have learned to conjure it?She she mightve picked it up anywhere -Precisely, Amos, said Mr. Weasley. She might have pic ked it up anywhere.Winky? he said kindly, turning to the elf, but she flinched as though he too was cheering at her. Where exactly did you find Harrys wand?Winky was twisting the hem of her tea towel so violently that it was fraying beneath her fingers.I I is finding itfinding it there, sir she whispered, therein the trees, sir.You see, Amos? said Mr. Weasley. Whoever conjured the Mark could have Disapparated right after theyd done it, divergence Harrys wand behind. A clever thing to do, not using their own wand, which could have betrayed them. And Winky here had the misfortune to come across the wand moments later and pick it up.But then, shed have been only a few feet away from the real culprit said Mr. Diggory impatiently. Elf? Did you see anyone?Winky began to tremble worsened than ever. Her giant eyes flickered from Mr. Diggory, to Ludo Bagman, and onto Mr. Crouch. Then she gulped and said, I is seeing no one, sirno oneAmos, said Mr. Crouch curtly, I am fully aware that, in t he nondescript course of events, you would want to take Winky into your surgical incision for questioning. I ask you, however, to allow me to deal with her.Mr. Diggory looked as though he didnt think much of this suggestion at all, but it was clear to Harry that Mr. Crouch was such(prenominal) an important member of the Ministry that he did not dare refuse him.You may rest assured that she will be punished, Mr. Crouch added coldly.M-m-master Winky stammered, looking up at Mr. Crouch, her eyes brimming with tears. M-m-master, p-p-pleaseMr. Crouch stared back, his face someway sharpened, each line upon it more deeply etched. There was no pity in his gaze.Winky has behaved tonight in a demeanor I would not have believed possible, he said slowly. I told her to remain in the tent. I told her to stay there while I went to sort out the trouble. And I find that she disobeyed me. This means clothes.No holler Winky, prostrating herself at Mr. Crouchs feet. No, master Not clothes, not clot hesHarry knew that the only way to turn a house-elf free was to present it with proper garments. It was pitiful to see the way Winky clutched at her tea towel as she sobbed over Mr. Crouchs feet.But she was affright Hermione burst out angrily, glaring at Mr. Crouch. Your elfs shake up of heights, and those wizards in masks were levitating people You cant blame her for scatty to get out of their wayMr. Crouch took a step backward, freeing himself from run into with the elf, whom he was surveying as though she were something filthy and rotten that was contaminating his over-shined shoes.I have no use for a house-elf who disobeys me, he said coldly, looking over at Hermione. I have no use for a servant who forgets what is due to her master, and to her masters reputation.Winky was crying so hard that her sobs echoed around the clearing. There was a very sozzled silence, which was ended by Mr. Weasley, who said quietly, Well, I think Ill take my lot back to the tent, if nobodys got any objections. Amos, that wands told us all it can if Harry could have it back, please -Mr. Diggory handed Harry his wand and Harry pocketed it. dumbfound on, you three, Mr. Weasley said quietly. But Hermione didnt seem to want to move her eyes were still upon the shortness of breath elf. Hermione Mr. Weasley said, more urgently. She turned and followed Harry and Ron out of the clearing and off through the trees.Whats going to happen to Winky? said Hermione, the moment they had go forth the clearing.I dont know, said Mr. Weasley.The way they were treating her said Hermione furiously. Mr. Diggory, calling her elf all the timeand Mr. Crouch He knows she didnt do it and hes still going to sack her He didnt care how frightened shed been, or how upset she was it was like she wasnt even humanWell, shes not, said Ron.Hermione rounded on him.That doesnt mean she hasnt got feelings, Ron. Its disgusting the way -Hermione, I agree with you, said Mr. Weasley quickly, beckoning her on, but now is not the time to discuss elf rights. I want to get back to the tent as fast as we can. What happened to the others?We lost them in the dark, said Ron. Dad, why was everyone so uptight about that skull thing?Ill explain everything back at the tent, said Mr. Weasley tensely.But when they reached the edge of the wood, their progress was impeded. A large crowd of frightened-looking witches and wizards was congregated there, and when they saw Mr. Weasley coming toward them, many of them surged forward.Whats going on in there?Who conjured it?Arthur its not Him?Of course its not Him, said Mr. Weasley impatiently. We dont know who it was it looks like they Disapparated. at one time excuse me, please, I want to get to bed.He led Harry, Ron, and Hermione through the crowd and back into the campsite. All was quiet now there was no sign of the masked wizards, though several ruined tents were still smoking.Charlies head was poking out of the boys tent.Dad, whats going on? he called thr ough the dark. Fred, George, and Ginny got back okay, but the others -Ive got them here, said Mr. Weasley, bending down and entering the tent. Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered after him.Bill was sitting at the small kitchen table, holding a bedsheet to his arm, which was bleeding profusely. Charlie had a large rip in his shirt, and Percy was sporting a cover nose. Fred, George, and Ginny looked unhurt, though shaken.Did you get them, Dad? said Bill sharply. The person who conjured the Mark?No, said Mr. Weasley. We found Barry Crouchs elf holding Harrys wand, but were none the wiser about who actually conured the Mark.What? said Bill, Charlie, and Percy together.Harrys wand? said Fred.Mr. Crouchs elf? said Percy, sounding thunderstruck.With some assistance from Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Mr. Weasley explained what had happened in the woods. When they had completed their story, Percy swelled indignantly.Well, Mr. Crouch is quite right to get rid of an elf like that he said. Running a way when hed expressly told her not toembarrassing him in front of the whole Ministryhow would that have looked, if shed been brought up in front of the Department for the Regulation and Control -She didnt do anything she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time Hermione snapped at Percy, who looked very taken aback. Hermione had always got on fairly well with Percy better, indeed, than any of the others.Hermione, a wizard in Mr. Crouchs position cant afford a house-elf whos going to run insane with a wand said Percy pompously, recovering himself.She didnt run amok shouted Hermione. She just picked it up off the groundLook, can someone just explain what that skull thing was? said Ron impatiently. It wasnt smart anyone.Whys it such a big deal?I told you, its You-Know-Whos symbol, Ron, said Hermione, before anyone else could answer. I read about it in The stand up and Fall of the Dark Arts.And it hasnt been seen for thirteen years, said Mr. Weasley quietly. Of course people panickedit was almost like seeing You-Know-Who back again.I dont get it, said Ron, frowning. I meanits still only a shape in the skyRon, You-Know-Who and his followers sent the Dark Mark into the air whenever they killed, said Mr. Weasley. The terror it inspiredyou have no idea, youre too young. Just picture coming home and finding the Dark Mark hovering over your house, and knowing what youre about to find inside. Mr. Weasley winced. Everyones worst fearthe very worstThere was silence for a moment. Then Bill, removing the sheet from his arm to check on his cut, said, Well, it didnt help us tonight, whoever conjured it. It scared the Death Eaters away the moment they saw it. They all Disapparated before wed got near enough to unmask any of them. We caught the Robertses before they hit the ground, though. Theyre having their memories modified right now.Death Eaters? said Harry. What are Death Eaters?Its what You-Know-Whos supporters called themselves, said Bill. I think we saw whats left of them tonight the ones who managed to keep themselves out of Azkaban, anyway.We cant prove it was them, Bill, said Mr. Weasley. Though it probably was, he added hopelessly.Yeah, I bet it was said Ron suddenly . Dad, we met Draco Malfoy in the woods, and he as good as told us his dad was one of those nutters in masks And we all know the Malfoys were right in with You-Know-WhoBut what were Voldemorts supporters - Harry began. Everybody flinched like most of the wizarding world, the Weasleys always avoided saying Voldemorts name. Sorry, said Harry quickly. What were You-Know-Whos supporters up to, levitating Muggles? I mean, what was the point?The point? said Mr. Weasley with a dig laugh. Harry, thats their idea of fun. Half the Muggle killings back when You-Know-Who was in power were done for fun. I suppose they had a few drinks tonight and couldnt turn away reminding us all that lots of them are still at large. A mincing little reunion for them, he finished disgustedly.Bu t if they were the Death Eaters, why did they Disapparate when they saw the Dark Mark? said Ron. Theyd have been pleased to see it, wouldnt they?Use your brains, Ron, said Bill. If they really were Death Eaters, they worked very hard to keep out of Azkaban when You-Know-Who lost power, and told all sorts of lies about him forcing them to kill and torture people. I bet theyd be even more frightened than the rest of us to see him come back. They denied theyd ever been involved with him when he lost his powers, and went back to their daily lives.I dont reckon hed be over-pleased with them, do you?Sowhoever conjured the Dark Mark said Hermione slowly, were they doing it to show support for the Death Eaters, or to scare them away?Your guess is as good as ours, Hermione, said Mr. Weasley. But Ill tell you thisit was only the Death Eaters who ever knew how to conjure it. Id be very surprised if the person who did it hadnt been a Death Eater once, even if theyre not now.Listen, its very lat e, and if your mother hears whats happened shell be worried sick. Well get a few more hours sleep and then try and get an early Portkey out of here.Harry got back into his bunk with his head buzzing. He knew he ought to feel exhausted It was about three in the morning, but he felt wide-awake wide-awake, and worried.Three years ago it felt like much longer, but it had only been three old age he had awoken with his scar burning. And tonight, for the first time in thirteen years, Lord Voldemorts fix had appeared in the sky. What did these things mean?He thought of the letter he had written to Sirius before leaving Privet Drive. Would Sirius have gotten it yet? When would he reply? Harry lay looking up at the canvas, but no flying fantasies came to him now to ease him to sleep, and it was a long time after Charlies snores alter the tent that Harry finally dozed off.