C H A P T E R N I N E
THE WRITING
ON THE WALL
W
hat’s going on here? What’s going on?”
Attracted no doubt by Malfoy’s shout, Argus Filch
came shouldering his way through the crowd. Then he saw Mrs.
Norris and fell back, clutching his face in horror.
“My cat! My cat! What’s happened to Mrs. Norris?” he shrieked.
And his popping eyes fell on Harry.
“You!” he screeched. “You! You’ve murdered my cat! You’ve killed
her! I’ll kill you! I’ll —”
“Argus!”
Dumbledore had arrived on the scene, followed by a number of
other teachers. In seconds, he had swept past Harry, Ron, and
Hermione and detached Mrs. Norris from the torch bracket.
“Come with me, Argus,” he said to Filch. “You, too, Mr. Potter,
Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger.”
Lockhart stepped forward eagerly.
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