To avoid being spotted leaving the Castle by others, Harry, Ron, and Hermione huddled together under the Invisibility Cloak, carefully walking on tiptoe across the Great Hall. By the time they stepped out of the front doors and onto the stone steps, the sun was already dipping low behind the Forbidden Forest.
Having been repeatedly coaxed and instructed by Hermione, Crookshanks obediently followed the trio toward Hagrid's hut.
Standing before the hut, Harry cautiously scanned their surroundings. Once he was certain no one was in sight, he raised a hand and knocked on the door. The door swung open almost immediately, and Hagrid poked his head out, peering intently in all directions, only to find no visitors standing there.
Chapter 725