Chapter 376: Teasing Dogs
The morning before Halloween, nearly all the third-year students and above gathered outside Hogwarts' main entrance, eager to set off for Hogsmeade. Harry, however, stood alone in the foyer, under Filch's watchful eye. With no signed permission form, he was the only third-year not joining the trip, which made him Filch's primary target.
Professor McGonagall arrived shortly after, leading the procession of students out of the castle. Harry forced himself to appear casual as he waved goodbye to Ron and Hermione.
"Don't worry about me," he said, trying to sound unconcerned. "I'll see you at the banquet later—have fun."
"Staying behind, Potter?" Malfoy called, approaching with a sneer. "Afraid of the Dementors?"
Harry ignored him, heading instead toward the Marble Staircase.
"Shame he can't go to Hogsmeade—he's going to miss out on so much," Fred whispered to George, glancing back at Harry. "He can't stay locked in the castle for the next seven years. That'd be miserable."
"Exactly," George nodded. "We've got to help him out..."
"How?" asked Kyle, who was walking beside them. "Are you thinking about giving him the Marauder's Map?"
"Not a bad idea," Fred said thoughtfully. "We've memorized all the secret passageways by now, so giving it to Harry wouldn't be the worst plan."
"But it'd be tricky for nighttime excursions," George added. "Actually, we could use the map we made last year, as long as we mark the secret passages on it."
"We'll just have to make sure it's discreet, so Filch or any professor can't stumble upon it," Fred pointed out.