In the early hours two days ago, Ron was awakened by Scabbers's screams. By the time he rushed outside, Scabbers was already lying at the door, covered in blood, with a patch of fur pecked clean off.
After examining him, Madam Pomfrey concluded that Scabbers had been attacked by a ferocious bird—and not an owl.
Furious, Ron spent two days investigating, yet failed to find out who owned the vile beast that had attacked his beloved pet.
Whenever it came up, Ron flew into a rage. "That bastard had better not let me catch him, or I'll shove his bird up his arse!"
Harry: "..."
Then they heard a familiar voice reply, "No one in the whole school keeps birds of prey other than owls, except Dumbledore!"
"Hi, Hermione."
Following the voice, Harry greeted Hermione, who was leaning behind a corridor pillar ahead with a hefty book in her arms.
Ron looked at her suspiciously. "You mean Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, hurt Scabbers?"
"I never said that. I'm only telling you what I know." Hermione shrugged. "So, Ronald, do you want to verify it? The wounds caused by a phoenix should be fairly distinctive. I'm sure Professor Kettleburn can give you an answer and testify for you, so you can go get revenge on Dumbledore!"
Ron did not quite believe her, but he still nervously looked around to see whether anyone else had heard his earlier threats.
Harry was speechless at how Ron bullied the weak and feared the strong. He could not be bothered to respond to him and only asked Hermione, "Want to go to the Great Hall together?"
"No, Harry. I'm waiting for Vaughn."
"Alright, see you later."
The two parties went their separate ways. Only after they had walked quite a distance did Ron say resentfully, "She's