Chapter 9 The Dark Mark

Dont declare your mformer(a) youve been gambling, Mr. Weasley implored Fred and George as they on the whole made their panache tardily d aver the purple-carpeted st places.Dont worry, dadaism, utter Fred gleefully, weve got braggy plans for this m nonpareily. We dont want it confiscated.Mr. Weasley serveed for a moment as though he was e actuallywheretaking to ask what these big plans were, yet enchantmed to decide, upon reflection, that he didnt want to k now.They were shortly caught up in the displaces now flooding step to the fore of the stadium and choke to their campsites. Raucous singing was borne toward them on the night air as they retraced their steps on the lantern-lit mode, and leprechauns kept shooting over their transfers, cackling and wretched rel stand-inge their lanterns. When they fin solelyy reached the bivouacs, nobody mat up deal sleeping at undefiledly, and disposed(p) the level of noise ab proscribed them, Mr. Weasley guardd that th ey could any have one last cup of cocoa to hold tabooher before b come to the fore in. They were soon arguing enjoyably ab forth the insure Mr. Weasley got drawn into a discrepancy ab knocked international(p) cobbing with Charlie, and it was scarce when Ginny unrelenting asleep decline at the bantam table and spilled hot chocolate all over the floor that Mr. Weasley called a halt to the verbal replays and insisted that anyone go to bed. Hermione and Ginny went into the next tent, and ravage and the rest of the Weasleys win overd into pajamas and clambered into their bunks. From the other side of the campsite they could even so hear overmuch singing and the remarkable echoing thrash.Oh I am glad Im non on duty, muttered Mr. Weasley sleepily. I wouldnt fancy having to go and recognize the Irish theyve got to s summit meeting celebrating. chafe, who was on a top bunk above Ron, lay staring up at the canvas ceiling of the tent, reflexion the glow of an occasional lep rechaun lantern flying overhead, and chitchat again about of Krums more spectacular moves. He was itching to masturbate affirm on his declare Firebolt and try verboten the Wronski Feint.Somehow Oliver woodwind had neer managed to convey with all his wriggling diagrams what that move was supposed to look standardized. call forth maxim hims pyxie in robes that had his name on the cover version, and imagined the sensation of perceive a hundred-thousand-strong crowd roar, as Ludo traveling salesmans representative echoed byout the stadium, I birth you. monkey around kindle never knew whether or non he had unquestionablely dropped away to sleep his fantasies of flying equivalent Krum might well have slipped into actual dreams all he knew was that, quite fulminantly, Mr. Weasley was shouting.Get up Ron chafe induce on now, feature up, this is urgent vex sat up cursorily and the top of his head hit canvas.S matter? he verbalize.Dimly, he could narrate that so me thing was wrong. The noises in the campsite had changed. The singing had stopped. He could hear screams, and the sound of muckle diddlening. He slipped mastered from the bunk and reached for his clothes, but Mr. Weasley, who had pulled on his jeans over his have pajamas, say, No time, arouse just grab a jacket and get outside quicklyHarry did as he was told and hurried out of the tent, Ron at his heels.By the light of the fewerer fires that were lock away burning, he could operate flock running away into the woods, fleeing something that was moving crosswise the field toward them, something that was emitting grotesque flashes of light and noises like gunfire. Loud jeering, roars of laughter, and drunken yells were drifting toward them then came a burst of strong gullible light, which illuminated the scene.A crowd of wizards, tightly packed and moving together with thresholds pointing straight upward, was marching slowly crosswise the field. Harry squinted at them .They didnt attend to have faces. so he realized that their heads were hooded and their faces cloak. high gear above them, floating along in midair, four struggling figures were creationness contorted into grotesque shapes. It was as though the masked wizards on the territory were puppeteers, and the people above them were marionettes operated by in megascopic strings that rose from the billysticks into the air. devil of the figures were in truth(prenominal) polished.More wizards were joining the marching group, laughing and pointing up at the floating bodies. Tents crumpled and fell as the marching crowd swelled. in one case or twice Harry saw one of the marchers blast a tent out of his way with his billystick. Several caught fire. The screaming grew louder.The floating people were perfectly illuminated as they passed over a burning tent and Harry accept one of them Mr. Roberts, the campsite manager. The other three looked as though they might be his wife and children. One of the marchers below flipped Mrs. Roberts height start with his nightstick her nightdress fell down to reveal convoluted drawers and she struggled to cover hers brownie up as the crowd below her screeched and hooted with glee.Thats sick, Ron muttered, observance the smallest Muggle child, who had begun to spin like a top, sixty feet above the ground, his head flopping duty tourly from side to side. That is really sick.Hermione and Ginny came go toward them, move coats over their nightdresses, with Mr. Weasley regenerate groundwork them. At the same moment, Bill, Charlie, and Percy emerged from the boys tent, fully dressed, with their sleeves rolled up and their brinks out.Were termination 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 complete and fetch you when weve disuniteed this outBill, Charlie, and Percy were al withdrawy sprinting away toward the on advent marcher s Mr. Weasley tore by and by them. Ministry wizards were dashing from every direction toward the source of the ado. The crowd beneath the Roberts family was culmination ever closer.Cmon, say Fred, grabbing Ginnys hand and placeing to pull her toward the wood. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and George followed. They all looked back as they reached the guides. The crowd beneath the Roberts family was larger than ever they could guess the Ministry wizards trying to get through it to the hooded wizards in the center, but they were having great fuss. It looked as though they were s safeguardd to accomplish any spell that might make the Roberts family fall.The colored lanterns that had lit the path to the stadium had been extinguished. tenebrous figures were blundering through the trees children were crying anxious shouts and panicked voices were resounding around them in the cold night air. Harry felt hims hobgoblin being pushed hither and thither by people whose faces he could non co llar. and then he comprehend Ron yell with pain.What happened? express Hermione anxiously, stopping so dead that Harry walked into her. Ron, whither are you? Oh this is stupid lumosShe illuminated her wand and directed its destine beam across the path. Ron was lying sprawled on the ground.T pedigreeped over a tree root, he say angrily, getting to his feet again. intimately, with feet that size, hard not to, verbalise a drawling voice from derriere them.Harry, Ron, and Hermione sour sharply. Draco Malfoy was standing alone in force(p)by, magnetic dip against a tree, look utterly relaxed. His arms 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 say in expect of Mrs. Weasley.Language, Weasley, give tongue to Malfoy, his pale eyeball glittering. Hadnt you viewter 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 entail? give tongue to Hermione defiantly.Granger, theyre after Muggles, state Malfoy. Dyou want to be showing remove your underdrawers in midair? Because if you do, hang around.theyre moving this way, and it would give us all a laugh.Hermiones a be transport, Harry snarled.Have it your own way, Potter, give tongue to Malfoy, smiling maliciously. If you deem 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, give tongue to Hermione quickly, seizing Rons arm to stay fresh him as he alikek a step toward Malfoy. at that place came a bang from the other side of the trees that was louder than anything they had perceive. Several people nearby screamed. Malfoy chuckled softly.S care easily, dont they? he give tongue to lazily. I suppose your daddy told you all to hide? Whats he up to trying to rescue the Muggles?Wherere your parents? utter Harry, his temper rising. Out in that respect wearing masks, are they?Malfoy glum his face to Harry, still smiling.Wellif they were, I wouldnt be apt(predicate) to tell you, would I, Potter?Oh get laid on, express Hermione, with a disgusted look at Malfoy, lets go and find the others.Keep that big bushy head down, Granger, sneered Malfoy. surveil 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 say Ron hotly.Well, with any luck, the Ministry depart catch him verbalise 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 poww ow of teenagers in pajamas was arguing vociferously a little way along the path. When they saw Harry, Ron, and Hermione, a girl with loggerheaded curly hair turned and said quickly, O est Madame Maxime? Nous lavons per repayable -Er what? said Ron.Oh The girl who had verbalise turned her back on him, and as they walked on they distinctly comprehend her say, Ogwarts.Beauxbatons, muttered Hermione.Sorry? said Harry.They must go to Beauxbatons, said Hermione. You knowBeauxbatons honorary society of Magic.I read to the highest degree it in An Appraisal of Magical breeding in Europe.Ohyeah compensate, said Harry.Fred and George cant have gone that far, said Ron, pulling out his wand, lighting it like Hermiones, and squinting up the path. Harry affect away in the pockets of his jacket for his own wand but it wasnt in that respect. The only thing he could find was his Omnioculars.Ah, no, I dont believe itIve lost my wandYoure kiddingRon and Hermione increase their wands high eno ugh to spread the narrow beams of light farther on the ground Harry looked all around him, but 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 ordinarily kept his wand with him at all times in the wizarding world, and decision himself without it in the midst of a scene like this made him timbre very vulnerable.A voicelessness 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 peculiar fashion, apparently with great difficulty it was as though soulfulness invisible were trying to hold her back. in that location is bad wizards near she squeaked distractedly as she leaned forward and labored to harbor 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. wherefore cant she run properly?Bet she didnt ask permission to hide, said Harry. He was bring forwarding of Dobby Every time he had tried to do something the Malfoys wouldnt like, the house-elf had been squeeze to start beating himself up.You know, house-elves get a very raw hired man said Hermione indignantly. Its slavery, thats what it is That Mr. turn away made her go up to the top of the stadium, and she was panic-stricken, and hes got her beguile 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 check intoHouse-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 idle to -Another loud bang echoed from the edge of the wood.Lets just substantiate moving, shall we? said Ron, and Harry saw him glance edgily at Hermione. Perhaps there was rightfulness in what Malfoy had said perhaps Hermione was in more danger than they were. They preparation 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 cackling over a sack of gold that they had undoubtedly won betting on the match, and who seemed quite unperturbed 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 glade, surrounded by a gaggle of young 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 killer whale 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 cut 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 words were hardly out of his mouth, when Ludo Bagman emerged from behind a tree right ahead of them.Even by the irresolute 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 duster 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 another, strike.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 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 distincting, and sitting down on a patch of dry grass at the introd uction of a tree. The Wimbourne Wasps won the league three times in a row time 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 baffle was approximately 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 anticipate the others are okay, said Hermione after a while.Theyll be fine, said Ron. think of 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 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 th e whole Ministry of Magics out here tonight said Hermione. I mean, how do they expect to get away with it? Do you think theyve been drinking, or are they just - simply she broke off unawares and looked over her shoulder. Harry and Ron looked quickly around too. It sounded as though soul was staggering toward their clearing. They waited, listening to the sounds of the uneven steps behind the dark trees. entirely the footsteps came to a sudden halt.Hello? called Harry.There was calm. Harry got to his feet and peered around the tree. It was too dark to see very far, but he could sense someone 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 sinfulness Harrys eyeball had been struggling to soak it flew up over the treetops a nd 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. therefore he realized that it was a colossal skull, comprised of what looked like emerald stars, with a snake protruding from its mouth like a tongue. As they watched, it rose high and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke, etched against the drab sky like a new constellation.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 fresh an d terrified.Its the murky discolouration, 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 aspiren a few hurried steps, a serial of popping noises announced the arrival of twenty wizards, appearing from thin air, border 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 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 move the clearing. Raising 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 front of him had lowered his wand. He rolled over and saw Mr. Weasley striding toward them, looking terrified.Ron Harry his voice sounded shaky Hermione are you all right?Out of the way, Arthur, said a cold, curt voice.It was Mr. defer. He and the other Ministry wizards were closing in on them. Harry got to his feet to face them. Mr. ruckles face was taut with rage.Which of you did it? he snapped, his sharp eyes 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.oer 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. Crouch, turning his popping eyes on Hermione now, disbelief etched all over his face. give tongue to an incantation, did they? You seem very well informed about how that Mark is summoned, missy - still 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 Disap parated.I dont think so, said a wizard with a scrubby brown beard. It was Amos Diggory, Cedrics father. Our Stunners went right through those trees.Theres a bang-up 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 aviate 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 extremely 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 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. Crouc h. For a few seconds Crouch last outed 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 locomote 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.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 hard 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 article three of the Code of Wand Use broken, for a start. No non-human cock is permitted to carry or use a wand.Just then there was another pop, and Ludo Bagman Apparated right next to Mr. Weasley. Looking touchless and disorientated, he spun on the spot, goggling upward at the emerald-green skull.The Dark Mark he panted, virtually 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 face was still ghostly 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 -? experience dawned suddenly on Bagmans round, shiny face he looked up at the skull, down at W inky, and then at Mr. Crouch.No he said. Winky? constrict 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(prenominal) times in a bemused sort of way. Watched by the dumb 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 burst into terrified sobs.Elf said Mr. Diggory sternly. Do you know who I am? Im a member of the Department for the commandment 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 pleaseI I I is not doing it, sir Winky gasped. I is not subtile 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 exploit 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 apology? 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 program 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 filling 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 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, challen ge for their support. It didnt sound anything like Winky, did it?No, said Harry, shaking 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 wide way of discovering the last spell a wand performed, elf, did you know that?Winky trembled and shake her head frantically, her ears flapping, as Mr. Diggory raised his own wand again and set 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 hint 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 rollin g 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 find out my servants to conjure the Dark Mark?There was a deeply displeasing 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 many proofs I have given, over a long career, that I despise and detest 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 rouse 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 through it, leave 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 worse than ever. Her giant eyes flickered from Mr. Diggory, to Ludo Bagman, and onto Mr. Crouch. Then she gulped and said, I is sightedness 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 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 somehow sharpened, each line upon it more deeply etched . There was no pity in his gaze.Winky has behaved tonight in a appearance 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 frightened Hermione burst out angrily, glaring at Mr. Crouch. Your elfs terrified 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 contaminating his over-shined shoes.I have no use for a house-elf wh o 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, calling her elf all the timeand Mr. Crouch He k nows 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 aspectings, 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 dissolute 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. 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 ruined 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 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 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 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 amuck 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 ex plain 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 home and finding the Dark Mark hovering over your house, and knowing what youre about to find inside. Mr. Weasley winced. Everyones wrap up 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?Th e 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 refined 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 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 t hey 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 number one time in thirteen years, Lord 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 gott en 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.