This is Crookshanks, a clever, adorable, and well-behaved kitty who enjoys eating, drinking, playing, and lounging about. But lately I seemed to have gotten rather too plump, so my second human servant Glenn demanded I exercise more. Under forced self-discipline, I've now slimmed back down to a proper size.
Actually, after slimming down, I feel quite splendid in my current state. I should definitely exercise more in future.
But wait—let's not discuss such trivial matters first. What I really want to say is that recently, I've made the most curious discovery.
In this magical castle called Hogwarts, there's a rat that doesn't behave like a rat.
More precisely, it's a rat that isn't a rat.
After all...
What sort of rat walks about standing upright on two legs?!
I'm telling the absolute truth—you simply must believe me.
Initially, I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but before I could observe more carefully, that rat vanished completely.
So my curiosity about that fellow immediately intensified. Though I couldn't discern the rat's appearance clearly, I'd memorized its scent most thoroughly.
Honestly speaking, it was absolutely revolting and nauseating—blech!
It smelled precisely like something that had tumbled into a sewer for countless years, been dragged out and flung into a pile of rotting snacks, allowing its matted fur to dry naturally whilst emanating this ghastly stench.
That's exactly why I despise such creatures!
My first human servant Hermione smells infinitely more pleasant.
Therefore, during my daily constitutional strolls throughout Hogwarts castle, I paid particular attention to that odor. I also enlisted other feline residents—Mrs. Norris, for instance—to assist in the search.
With everyone's collaborative efforts, though we didn't locate that peculiar rat directly, we discovered a human carrying a faint but similar scent.
Something like Ro-an... or some such name. The specifics hardly matter—merely knowing this human possessed flame-red hair and blue eyes sufficed.
Though there were four... perhaps five humans with such characteristics?
Two appeared absolutely identical, creating considerable surveillance difficulties for us cats. However, they stood obviously taller than our target, making them easily excludable.
Through collective determination, we identified the genuine target. After patient observation, I finally spotted that strange rat upon the human once more!
Time was crucial, so I immediately launched my assault, attacking that rat from above!
Precisely as suspected! That was no ordinary rat!
A normal rat would've been frightened enough to scurry from the human straight to the ground. This rat actually employed the human's clothing as defensive cover!
I had no alternative but to redirect my momentum, leaping to land upon the floor, whilst that rat exploited my pouncing force to escape into the crowd.
You undoubtedly know what transpired next. During pursuit, my first human servant apprehended me.
Hmm, and administered quite the scolding too. But my human servants remain rather gentle with me, so that reprimand proved painless and utterly insufficient to halt my investigative paws.
However! I no longer wish to share my discoveries with them!
This kitty harbors wounded feelings!
Nevertheless, pursuing that fellow openly would definitely prove futile now—certainly not where my human servants might observe. Moreover, since my previous assault upon that rat, spotting the creature anywhere within the castle had become extraordinarily difficult.
Clearly, it had developed wariness.
So I resolved to await opportunity patiently whilst thoroughly determining that fellow's headquarters.
Astonishingly, it resided directly adjacent to my sleeping quarters—that so-called Gryffindor boys' dormitory.
Never imagining such proximity—I absolutely cannot tolerate this!
But indignation aside, I still required the proper moment.
Having maintained surveillance outside its headquarters for considerable time, I'd yet to witness another emergence.
Therefore, I must wait—wait for an occasion when no humans were present and that rat would venture forth stealthily.
Otherwise, what did anyone expect? For a cat to independently unlock secured doors?
Rather fortuitously, this opportunity arrived with surprising ease.
One evening, humans were hosting festivities in that grand chamber. I attended as well, secretly obtaining abundant delicacies from that benevolent person capable of feline transformation, whilst concealing myself from my first and second human servants. Upon achieving complete satiation, I strolled back to resume surveillance, only discovering that the wall-mounted painting which typically granted me entrance had somehow been shredded beyond recognition. Access to that room was now impossible.
The situation felt distinctly peculiar and rather ominous, so I located a hiding spot and began monitoring the main entrance.
Presently, numerous humans ascended from below. Upon witnessing the destroyed portrait, they grew tremendously agitated, occasionally muttering words I'd seemingly heard previously but hadn't particularly heeded.
Sirius Black—whatever was that?
My second human servant Hermione stood among those humans. She appeared remarkably composed and unruffled, completely unfrightened by this scene. Hmm, truly befitting a human worthy of serving this kitty.
Following instructions from a white-whiskered human who frequently provided me treats, these humans departed once more, leaving only that bearded gentleman standing before the ruined portrait, apparently deep in contemplation.
However, maintaining my dedicated surveillance principles, I refrained from approaching him. Eventually, he too departed.
The surrounding corridor regained tranquility, and this peaceful atmosphere elevated my spirits considerably.
Most gratifyingly, my extended vigil hadn't been wasted. Before long, I observed the main door—adorned with that tattered portrait—being opened.
My target—that peculiar rat—stood bipedally, gripping the door whilst cautiously extending its head to survey both directions. Subsequently, its body trembled, its previously erect posture deflated, and one tiny paw patted its chest exactly as humans do.
Therefore, this rat absolutely could not be any legitimate rat!
The instant it appeared within my sight, I commenced movement—scaling walls and ceiling, soundlessly circling from the rat's blind spot toward the opened door's gap. I slipped inside, then once again noiselessly alighted, positioning myself behind that rat in optimal attacking stance.
Judging by its demeanor, it seemed unlikely to venture forth. I need only await its door-closing, then pounce and capture it. With nowhere to flee, escape would prove impossible!
Yet circumstances exceeded my expectations. As though possessing posterior vision, without even turning around, it detected my presence and bolted straight outside!
How absolutely maddening!
But I couldn't afford such considerations now. We'd been separated so long—I'd missed it terribly, and who could predict our next encounter? Therefore, I immediately gave chase!
This is Peter Pettigrew.
Bloody hell, that blasted cat's still pursuing me!!!!!
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