Ron suddenly finds himself the focus of the students’ attention, for he was the one to see the criminal. Neville however is treated with deep resentment. The portrait of the fat lady is hung back on its place and additionally Trolls guard the entrance to the common room.
Hagrid invites Harry and Ron to a cup of tea at his hut. The boys think that Hagrid would like to know everything about Sirius’ visit, but Hagrid only scolds them for neglecting Hermione who is feeling very lonely and has a lot of homework to do. Still she has been the only one to help him building a case for Buckbeak.
When the next Hogsmeade weekend is approaching Harry simply plans to use the Invisibility Cloak to join Ron in the village. Yet on the way to the secret passageway he is surprised by Neville, who is not allowed to go to Hogsmeade either and wants to spend the time with Harry. With a trick Harry escapes Neville and soon arrives in the village where, after walking around for a while, he starts to bother Draco and his entourage. Unfortunately Professor Snape learns of it. As Snape keeps picking on James Potter, Harry almost goes mad and tells the Professor that he knows that James once saved Snape’s life.
When Professor Snape finds the empty parchment of the Marauder’s Map he calls Professor Lupin who takes it away, pretending not to recognise it.
Hermione waits for Ron and Harry to inform them of Buckbeak’s impending execution.
