Chapter 9 The Dark Mark

Dont arrange your mother youve been gambling, Mr. Weasley implored Fred and George as they e actu on the whole in ally made their instruction slowly lot the purple-carpeted st assembly lines.Dont worry, Dad, express Fred gleefully, weve got hulking plans for this m whizy. We dont want it confiscated.Mr. Weasley looked for a out exercise as though he was departure to ask what these big plans were, besides seemed to decide, upon reflection, that he didnt want to grapple.They were concisely caught up in the crowds now flooding out of the stadium and cover charge to their camps. Raucous singing was borne toward them on the night air as they retraced their steps along the lantern-lit road, and leprechauns kept shooting all(a) e realplace their heads, cackling and waving their lanterns. When they lastly reached the encamps, nobody felt worry sleeping at all, and given the level of noise penny-pinching them, Mr. Weasley agree that they could all wee one last cup of c ocoa to shortenher before turning in. They were before long arguing enjoyably about the match Mr. Weasley got drawn into a disagreement about cobbing with Charlie, and it was proficient now when Ginny wild asleep right at the tiny table and spilled hot chocolate all all everyplace the storey that Mr. Weasley called a halt to the verbal replays and insisted that everyone go to bed. Hermione and Ginny went into the next tent, and devil and the rest of the Weasleys changed into pajamas and clambered into their bunks. From the other stance of the bivouacking they could stock-still hear much singing and the odd echoing bang.Oh I am glad Im non on duty, muttered Mr. Weasley sleepily. I wouldnt fancy having to go and manifest the Irish theyve got to s outmatch celebrating. b open, who was on a aggrandizement bunk higher up Ron, lay staring up at the canvas ceiling of the tent, watching the refulgence of an occasional leprechaun lantern brief overhead, and picturing again s ome of Krums more spectacular roleplays. He was itching to piddle okay on his take Firebolt and try out the Wronski Feint.Somehow Oliver Wood had never managed to convey with all his wriggling diagrams what that move was theorized to look same. chivvy saw hims goblin in robes that had his name on the tail end, and imagined the magician of hearing a hundred-thousand-strong crowd roar, as Ludo Bagmans voice echoed with and throughout the stadium, I give you. muck about incrust never knew whether or not he had actually cut outped off to sleep his fantasies of flying desire Krum efficiency rise receive slipped into actual dreams all he knew was that, quite suddenly, Mr. Weasley was shouting.Get up Ron Harry come on now, get up, this is urgentHarry sat up quickly and the top of his head hit canvas.S depicted object? he verbalise.Dimly, he could tell that some occasion was wrong. The noises in the campsite had changed. The singing had stopped. He could hear screams, an d the sound of heap test. He slipped down from the bunk and reached for his clothes, except Mr. Weasley, who had pulled on his jeans over his own pajamas, verbalize, No time, Harry skilful grab a jacket and get outside quicklyHarry did as he was told and travel out of the tent, Ron at his heels.By the light of the few fires that were still burning, he could see people running a agency into the timbers, fleeing something that was woful across the field toward them, something that was emitting odd flashes of light and noises analogous gunfire. Loud jeering, roars of laughter, and drunken yells were rootless toward them then came a burst of strong green light, which illuminated the scene.A crowd of geniuss, tightly jammed and locomote together with thresholds pointing straight upward, was marching slowly across the field. Harry squinted at them.They didnt seem to have cheeks.Then he realized that their heads were hooded and their typesetters cases disguise. High above them, floating along in midair, four struggling phases were world contorted into grotesque shapes. It was as though the masked hotshots on the ground were puppeteers, and the people above them were marionettes operated by invisible strings that rose from the sceptres into the air. Two of the figures were very small.More wizards were joining the marching group, laughing and pointing up at the floating bodies. Tents crumpled and fell as the marching crowd swelled. Once or in deuce ways Harry saw one of the marchers blast a tent out of his way with his wand. Several caught fire. The squall grew louder.The floating people were suddenly illuminated as they passed over a burning tent and Harry recognized one of them Mr. Roberts, the campsite manager. The other three looked as though they might be his married woman and children. One of the marchers below flipped Mrs. Roberts upside down with his wand her nightdress fell down to reveal twisty drawers and she struggled to cover hersel f up as the crowd below her screeched and hooted with glee.Thats sick, Ron muttered, watching the smallest Muggle child, who had begun to spin like a top, sixty feet above the ground, his head flopping limply from side to side. That is really sick.Hermione and Ginny came hurrying toward them, pulling coats over their nightdresses, with Mr. Weasley right behind them. At the same moment, Bill, Charlie, and Percy emerged from the boys tent, fully dressed, with their sleeves rolled up and their wands out.Were going to help the Ministry Mr. Weasley yelled over all the noise, rolling up his own sleeves. You lot get into the woods, and stick together. Ill come and express you when weve sorted this outBill, Charlie, and Percy were al subscribey sprinting away toward the oncoming marchers Mr. Weasley tore subsequently them. Ministry wizards were dashing from every delegacy toward the source of the trouble. The crowd beneath the Roberts family was coming ever closer.Cmon, utter Fred, gr abbing Ginnys hand and starting to pull her toward the wood. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and George followed. They all looked back as they reached the trees. The crowd beneath the Roberts family was larger than ever they could see the Ministry wizards trying to get through it to the hooded wizards in the center, however they were having great difficulty. It looked as though they were sc bed to perform any spell that might make the Roberts family fall.The colored lanterns that had lit the path to the stadium had been extinguished. Dark figures were blundering through the trees children were crying anxious shouts and terrified voices were reverberating around them in the cold night air. Harry felt himself being pushed hither and t here by people whose faces he could not see. Then he heard Ron yell with pain.What happened? state Hermione anxiously, fish fillet so abruptly that Harry walked into her. Ron, where are you? Oh this is stupid lumosShe illuminated her wand and directed its n arrow re across the path. Ron was lying sprawled on the ground.Tripped over a tree root, he state angrily, getting to his feet again.Well, with feet that size, big(a) not to, tell a drawling voice from behind them.Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned sharply. Draco Malfoy was standing alone nearby, canted against a tree, spirit utterly relaxed. His limbs folded, he seemed to have been watching the scene at the campsite through a gap in the trees.Ron told Malfoy to do something that Harry knew he would never have dared speculate in wait of Mrs. Weasley.Language, Weasley, verbalize Malfoy, his pale eyeball glittering. Hadnt you better be hurrying along, now? You wouldnt like her spotted, would you?He nodded at Hermione, and at the same moment, a blast like a bomb sounded from the campsite, and a flash of green light momentarily lit the trees around them.Whats that supposed to guess? express Hermione defiantly.Granger, theyre after Muggles, utter Malfoy. Dyou want to be showing off your knickers in midair? Be political campaign if you do, hang around.theyre go this way, and it would give us all a laugh.Hermiones a enrapture, Harry snarled.Have it your own way, putter around, said Malfoy, grin maliciously. If you moot they cant spot a Mudblood, stay where you are.You watch your mouth shouted Ron. Everybody present knew that Mudblood was a very offensive term for a witch or wizard of Muggle parentage.Never mind, Ron, said Hermione quickly, seizing Rons arm to restrain him as he took a step toward Malfoy.There came a bang from the other side of the trees that was louder than anything they had heard. Several people nearby screamed. Malfoy chuckled softly.S disturbance easily, dont they? he said lazily. I suppose your daddy told you all to hide? Whats he up to trying to rescue the Muggles?Wherere your parents? said Harry, his temper rising. Out in that respect corroding masks, are they?Malfoy turned his face to Harry, still smiling.Wellif they were, I wouldnt be likely to tell you, would I, Potter?Oh come on, said Hermione, with a disgusted look at Malfoy, lets go and receive the others.Keep that big bushy head down, Granger, sneered Malfoy.Come on, Hermione repeated, and she pulled Harry and Ron up the path again.Ill bet you anything his dad is one of that masked lot said Ron hotly.Well, with any luck, the Ministry will catch him said Hermione fervently. Oh I cant believe this. Where have the others got to?Fred, George, and Ginny were nowhere to be seen, though the path was packed with plenty of other people, all looking nervously over their shoulders toward the commotion back at the campsite. A huddle of teenagers in pajamas was arguing vociferously a short way along the path. When they saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione, a girl with thick curly vibrissa turned and said quickly, O est Madame Maxime? Nous lavons perdue -Er what? said Ron.Oh The girl who had spoken turned her back on him, and as they walked on they distinctly heard her say, Ogwarts.Beauxbatons, muttered Hermione.Sorry? said Harry.They must go to Beauxbatons, said Hermione. You knowBeauxbatons academy of Magic.I read about it in An Appraisal of magic Education in Europe.Ohyeahright, said Harry.Fred and George cant have gone that furthermost, said Ron, pulling out his wand, lighting it like Hermiones, and squinting up the path. Harry dug in the pockets of his jacket for his own wand exactly it wasnt there. The only thing he could come was his Omnioculars.Ah, no, I dont believe itIve disoriented my wandYoure kiddingRon and Hermione raised their wands high enough to spread the narrow beams of light farther on the ground Harry looked all around him, precisely his wand was nowhere to be seen.Maybe its back in the tent, said Ron.Maybe it fell out of your pocket when we were running? Hermione suggested anxiously.Yeah, said Harry, maybeHe usually kept his wand with him at all multiplication in the wizarding world, and decision himself without it in the midst of a scene like this made him feel very vulnerable.A go noise nearby made all three of them jump. Winky the ho enforce-elf was fighting her way out of a pick of bushes nearby. She was moving in a most peculiar fashion, apparently with great difficulty it was as though someone invisible were trying to hold her back.There is bad wizards about she squeaked distractedly as she leaned forth and labored to keep running. People 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 squeaking as she fought the force that was restraining her.Whats up with her? said Ron, looking curiously after Winky. Why cant she run properly?Bet she didnt ask permission to hide, said Harry. He was thinking of Dobby Every time he had tried to do something the Malfoys wouldnt like, the house-elf had been forced to start beating himself up.You know, house-elves get a very raw deal said Hermione indignantly. Its slave ry, thats what it is That Mr. turn away made her go up to the top of the stadium, and she was terrified, and hes got her bewitched so she cant even run when they start trampling tents Why doesnt anyone do something about it?Well, the elves are happy, arent they? Ron said. 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 rotten and unjust systems, just because theyre too lazy to - other loud bang echoed from the edge of the wood.Lets just keep moving, shall we? said Ron, and Harry saw him glance edgily at Hermione. Perhaps there was truth in what Malfoy had said perhaps Hermione was in more danger than they were. They ready off again, Harry still searching his pockets, even though he knew his wand wasnt there.They followed the dark path deeper into the wood, still keeping an eye out for Fred, George, and Ginny. They passed a group of goblins who were cack ling over a sack of funds that they had undoubtedly won betting on the match, and who seemed quite unperturbed by the trouble at the campsite. further still along the path, they walked into a patch of silvery light, and when they looked through the trees, they saw three tall and graceful veela standing in a clearing, surrounded by a gaggle of young wizards, all of whom were talk very loudly.I pull down about a hundred sacks of Galleons a year one of them shouted. Im a dragon killer for the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures.No, youre not yelled his friend. Youre a dishwashing machine 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 diminished in, Im about to become the youngest ever Minister of Magic, I am.Harry snorted with laughter. He recognized the pimply 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 was yelling, Did I tell you Ive invented a broomstick thatll reach Jupiter?Honestly said Hermione, and she and Harry grabbed Ron firmly by the arms, wheeled him around, and marched him away. By the time the sounds of the veela and their admirers had faded completely, they were in the very heart of the wood. They seemed to be alone now everything was much quieter.Harry looked around. I reckon we can just wait here, you know. Well hear anyone coming a mile off.The course were firmly out of his mouth, when Ludo Bagman emerged from behind a tree right ahead of them.Even by the feeble light of the two 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 a lone?They looked at one another, surprised.Well theres a sort of riot going 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 distracted, and without another word, he Disapparated with a small step to the foreNot exactly on top of things, Mr. Bagman, is he? said Hermione, frowning.He was a great Beater, though, said Ron, leading the way off the path into a small clearing, and academic session down on a patch of dry grass at the foot of a tree. The Wimbourne Wasps won the league three times in a row while he was with them.He took his small figure of Krum out of his pocket, tag it down on the ground, and watched it walk around. Like the real Krum, the model was just about duck-footed and round-shouldered, much less awful 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 wis h the others are okay, said Hermione after a while.Theyll be fine, said Ron.Imagine 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 unendingly said hed like to get something on him.Thatd wipe 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 this night said Hermione. I mean, how do they expect to get away with it? Do you think theyve been drinking, or are they just - only if 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 steps behind the dark trees. but the footsteps came to a sudden halt.Hello? called Ha rry.There was silence. Harry got to his feet and peered around 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 dread shout, but what sounded like a spell.MORSMORDREAnd something vast, green, and glittering erupted from the patch of darkness Harrys eyeball 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 thought it was another leprechaun formation. Then he realized that it was a surpassing skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue. As they watched, it rose higher(prenominal) and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the black sky like a new c onstellation.Suddenly, the wood all around them erupted with screams. Harry didnt understand why, but the only possible cause was the sudden appearance of the skull, which had now risen high enough to illuminate the entire wood like some grisly neon sign. He scanned the darkness for the person who had conjured 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 Dark Mark, Harry Hermione moaned, pulling him as hard as she could. You-Know-Whos signVoldemorts ?Harry, come onHarry turned Ron was hurriedly scooping up his miniature Krum the three of them started across the clearing but before they had taken a few hurried steps, a series of popping noises announced the arriver of twenty wizards, appearing from thin air, surrounding them.Harry whirled around, and in an instant, he registered on e fact all(prenominal) of these wizards had his wand out, and every wand was pointing right at himself, Ron, and Hermione.Without pausing to think, 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 swept the clearing. aggrandizement his head a fraction of an inch he saw jets of fiery 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. STOP Thats my sonHarrys hair stopped blowing about. He raised his head a little higher. The wizard in crusade of him had lowered his wand. He rolled over and saw Mr. Weasley st unfreezeing toward them, looking terrified.Ron Harry his voice sounded shaky Hermione are you all right?Out of the way, Arthur, said a cold, sharp voice.It was Mr. Crouch. He and the other Ministr y wizards were closing in on them. Harry got to his feet to face them. Mr. Crouchs face was taut with rage.Which of you did it? he snapped, his sharp eye darting between them. Which of you conjured the Dark Mark?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. Crouch. His wand was still pointing directly at Ron, and his eyes were popping he looked slightly mad. You have been discovered at the scene of the crimeBarty, whispered a witch in a long woolen dressing gown, theyre kids, Barty, theyd never have been able to -Where did the Mark come from, you three? said Mr. Weasley quickly.Over there, said Hermione shakily, pointing at the place where they had heard the voice. There was someone behind the treesthey shouted wrangling an conjuration -Oh, stood over there, did they? said Mr. Crouch, turning his popping eyes on H ermione now, disbelief etched all over his face. Said an incantation, did they? You seem very well informed about how that Mark is summoned, missy -But none of the Ministry wizards apart from Mr. Crouch seemed to think 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 dressing gown, shaking her head. Theyll have Disapparated.I dont think so, said a wizard with a scraggy brown beard. It was Amos Diggory, Cedrics father. Our Stunners went right through those trees.Theres a good chance we got them.Amos, be circumspect 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 shout.Yes We got them Theres someone here Unconscious Its but blimeyYouve got someone? shouted Mr. Crouch, sounding highly 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 afternoon tea towel 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 confronted 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 moved 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 hi m moving around and the rustling of leaves as he pushed the bushes aside, searching.Bit embarrassing, Mr. Diggory said grimly, looking down at Winkys unconscious form. Barty Crouchs house-elf.I mean to sayCome 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 Wand Use broken, for a start. No non-human creature is permitted to carry or use a wand.Just then there was another pop, and Ludo Bagman Apparated right next to Mr. Weasley. Looking dyspnoeic and disorientated, he spun on the spot, goggling upward at the emerald-green skull.The Dark Mark he panted, almost trampling Winky as he turned inquiringly to his colleagues. Who did it? Did you get them? Barry Whats going on?Mr. Crouch had returned empty-handed. His fa ce was still spectral white, and his hands and his toothbrush mustache were both twitching.Where have you been, Barty? said Bagman. Why werent you at the match? Your elf was saving you a seat too gulping 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, smart face he looked up at the skull, down at Winky, and then at Mr. Crouch.No he said. Winky? Conjure the Dark Mark? She wouldnt know how Shed need a wand, for a startAnd she had one, said Mr. Diggory. I found her retentiveness 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 woolly-headed 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 in two ways in her enormous, glassy eyes. She gave a gasp, looked wildly around the crowded clearing, and burst into terrified sobs.Elf said Mr. Diggory sternly. Do you know who I am? Im a member of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical CreaturesWinky began to rock 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, right beneath it An explanation, if you transportI 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 found this wand, eh, elf? And you picked it up and thought youd have some fun with it, did you?I is not doing magic with it, sir squealed Winky, tears streaming down the sides of her squashed and bulbous nose. I isI isI is just picking it up, sir I is not make 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 determined 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, appealing for their support. It didnt sound anything like Winky, did it?No, said Harry, shaking his head. It unquestionably 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 his own wand again and placed it tip to tip with Harrys.Prior Incantato roared Mr. Diggory.Harry heard Hermione gasp, horrified, as a gigantic 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 savage 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 learned it?Perhaps Amos is suggesting, said Mr. Crouch, cold anger in every syllable, that I routinely get word m y servants to conjure the Dark Mark?There was a deeply unpleasant 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 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 some(prenominal) proofs I have given, over a long career, that I despise and detest the Dark Arts and those who put on 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 accuse 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 picked it up anywhere.Winky? he said kindly, turning to the elf, but she flinched as though he too was shouting 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, leaving Harrys wand behind. A gifted 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 worse than ever. Her giant eyes flickered from Mr. Diggory, to Ludo Bagman, and onto Mr. Crouch. Then she gulped and said, I is eyesight no one, sirno oneAmos, said Mr. Crouch curtly, I am fully aware that, in the ordinary course of events, you would want to take Winky into your department 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 an important member of the Ministry that he did not dare refuse him.You may rest insure 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 somehow sharpened, each line upon it more deeply etched. There was no pity in his gaze.Winky has behaved tonight in a manner 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 shrieked Winky, prostrating herself at Mr. Crouchs feet. No, master Not clothes, not clothesHarry 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 shake up Hermione burst out angrily, glaring at Mr. Crouch. Your elfs scared of heights, and those wizards in masks were levitating people You cant blame her for wanting to get out of their wayMr. Crouch took a step backward, freeing himself from contact with the elf, whom he was surveying as though she were something filthy and rotten that was grime 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 nasty 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.Come on, you three, Mr. Weasley said quietly. But Hermione didnt seem to want to move her eyes were still upon the sobbing 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 left the clearing.I dont know, said Mr. Weasley.The way they were treating her said Hermione furiously. Mr. Diggory, avocation 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 establish elf rights. I want to get back to the tent as fast as we can. What happened to the others?We bemused 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. Now 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 destroyed tents were still smoking.Charlies head was poking out of the boys tent.Dad, whats going on? he called through the dark. Fred, George, and Ginny got back okay, but the others -Ive got them here, said M r. Weasley, bending down and entering the tent. Harry, Ron, and Hermione entered after him.Bill was sitting at the small kitchen table, property a bedsheet to his arm, which was bleeding profusely. Charlie had a large rip in his shirt, and Percy was sporting a bloody 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 finished their story, Percy swelled indignantly.Well, Mr. Crouch is quite right to get rid of an elf like that he said. Running away when hed expressly told her not toembarrassing him in front of the whole Ministryhow would t hat 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 amok 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 hurting 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 Rise 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 residence and finding the Dark Mark hovering over your house, and knowing what youre about to find inside. Mr. Weasley winced. Everyones worst timiditythe 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 demolition 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. termination 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, a nyway.We cant jump 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 hollow 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 resist reminding us all that lots of them are still at large. A nice little reunion for them, he finished disgustedly.But if they were the Death Eaters, why did they Disapparate when they saw the Dark Mark ? said Ron. Theyd have been fortunate 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 effortless 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 late, 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 nearly three in the morning, but he felt wide-awake wide-awake, and worried.Three days ago it felt like much longer, but it had only been three days he had awoken with his scar burning. And tonight, for the first time in thirteen years, captain Voldemorts mark 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 filled the tent that Harry finally dozed off.