Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
“Look,” Hagrid twisted his crossbow uncomfortably in his hands; there
was a loud splintering sound and it snapped in two. “I know what yeh’re
like abou’ Snape, Harry, an’ I don’ want yeh ter go readin’ more inter this
than there is.”
“Look out,” said Hermione tersely.
They turned just in time to see the shadow of Argus Filch looming over
the wall behind them before the man himself turned the corner, hunchbacked,
his jowls aquiver.
“Oho!” he wheezed. “Out of bed so late, this’ll mean detention!”
“No it won’, Filch,” said Hagrid shortly. “They’re with me, aren’ they?”
“And what difference does that make?” asked Filch obnoxiously.
“I’m a ruddy teacher, aren’ I, yeh sneakin’ Squib!” said Hagrid, firing up
at once.
There was a nasty hissing noise as Filch swelled with fury; Mrs. Norris
had arrived, unseen, and was twisting herself sinuously around Filch’s skinny
ankles.
“Get goin,’” said Hagrid out of the corner of his mouth.
Harry did not need telling twice; he and Hermione both hurried off;
Hagrid’s and Filch’s raised voices echoed behind them as they ran. They
passed Peeves near the turning into Gryffindor Tower, but he was streaking
happily toward the source of the yelling, cackling and calling,
When there’s strife and when there’s trouble
Call on Peevsie, he’ll make double!
The Fat Lady was snoozing and not pleased to be woken, but swung forward
grumpily to allow them to clamber into the mercifully peaceful and
empty common room. It did not seem that people knew about Ron yet;
Harry was very relieved: He had been interrogated enough that day. Hermione
bade him good night and set off for the girls’ dormitory. Harry, however,
remained behind, taking a seat beside the fire and looking down into
the dying embers.
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