Ron cupped the trembling rat in both hands and carefully tucked it into his pocket.
Harry yanked off the Invisibility Cloak and threw it aside, then hurried to draw his Wand. Too late—the dog sprang, its sharp forepaws lunging for his chest. He rolled out of the way, but still felt its hot breath and saw its inch-long fangs flash past his eyes...
The great black dog tumbled over him. The blow left Harry dizzy, his ribs feeling as though they might break. He struggled to get up, but heard the dog growling nearby, plainly ready to attack again.
Ron scrambled to his feet and shoved Harry aside as the dog lunged once more. Its jaws clamped around Ron's outstretched calf.
Seeing Harry and Ron hurt, Neville rushed forward and tried to grab the dog's fur to hold it back. But the dog dragged Ron away without effort, as though he were a helpless doll.
"Jerry, why are you just watching? Help us!" Harry cried, his voice close to breaking.
"Ron will be fine. You three, come with me." Jerry watched Sirius drag Ron into the opening beneath the Whomping Willow. He pressed his lips together and sighed deeply.
"Wait, Jerry, be careful!" Hermione grabbed him. "That's the Whomping Willow!"
The faint glow from Harry's Wand lit the thick trunk ahead. Its branches swayed warily, as though ready to strike anyone who came close.
"Never mind it." Jerry did not slow down. He walked straight toward the Whomping Willow.
The tree seemed to sense his approach. Its crown spun a full circle, and the branches that had been thrashing and threatening them suddenly stood straight up.
"What...?" Harry stared at the strange sight in disbelief.
"Perfectly normal." Jerry waved for them to follow. "Maybe the tree came from France!"
"Jerry,