CHAPTER TWO .
The Flight to Freedom
Hermione sat down on his bed. Harry was still staring at her in astonishment. Hermione looked more tired and dull than usual. Apart from that, she had not changed since he had seen her at the end of last year. 'Hermione!' Harry stuttered in astonishment 'How-' 'We have more important things to discuss- seriously'. She said, in a strangely worried voice. Harry continued to stare at her. 'Harry -Voldemort is after you!' she continued, her eyes wide with anxiety. 'Hermione - I KNOW!' Harry groaned, beginning to get impatient. 'The entire wizarding world knows that - of course he's after me- he wants me dead- but Hermione, you're an animagus! Why didn't you tell me?' 'Harry,' said Hermione, gently 'I'm not an animagus, I'll explain later. Seriously, Harry. When I say he's after you, I mean he's on his way. Dumbledore put a charm on him to make him weaker and to slow him down. But be on guard, Harry- that's the only reason why you're not already dead!' 'I think you'd better explain to me what's been going on.' Harry said, making himself comfortable on the bed. Hermione glanced quickly around. 'Aspectus obstuo' she said briskly, pointing her wand at the window, and sat down cross-legged on the bed next to him. She cleared her throat. Harry was surprised how much he'd missed Hermione, even though it had been less than six weeks since he'd last seen her. But he supposed it was because he had so little time to talk together at the end of last year. 'That spell prevents anyone looking in from outside.' Said Hermione, noticing the look of confusion on Harry's face. 'Also, nothing can come in now through the window.' 'Carry on.what happened?' urged Harry. 'It started last Monday.' began Hermione, blushing slightly. 'I sent an owl to Viktor, asking him to come and stay with me- I mentioned it at the end of last year.' 'But Hermione' Harry interrupted 'You don't have an owl!' 'Hold on Harry, I'm coming to that' said Hermione reassuringly, rearranging herself on the bed. 'Anyway, his reply was, well, strange. It said could I meet him at Diagon Alley on Tuesday. So, I went down to London, like he said, but Harry! I saw him! You Know Who, at least I think it was him. Wormtail was definitely there though -he scuttled past me, as I walked into the Leaky Cauldron. Anyway, You Know Who was talking to a bald man in muggle clothes. I couldn't see You Know whose face though. He was wearing a long hooded cloak, and he had his back to me.' Hermione paused for a moment to catch her breath. 'Well, what did you do?' prompted Harry, doubtfully, inwardly remarking on how absurd and ridiculous this was. 'Do you mean that they were right in the dining area?' 'No, Harry.in a room upstairs. It was the attic, where the innkeeper stores extra blankets and old tea sets... I saw Wormtail disappearing the steps.' Hermione gave a sly smile and started to explain the conversation she had overheard; 'I turned up in Diagon Alley much earlier than Viktor was arriving- just in case he was early or something.' Hermione was blushing even more furiously now, 'I went into the leaky cauldron, but it seemed empty and deserted. I sensed that there was something wrong, some sort of trap. On my way there, I read in the Daily Prophet, that there had been several disappearances traced back to the Leaky Cauldron. I quickly transformed myself- into an owl. Now, I could fly, so I flew up to one of the windows on the top floor. It was dark outside, so the one room with a light on was clearly visible. I perched on the window, and peered inside. I could see Wormtail, and I recognised him immediately, and he had just transformed. The Dark Lord had his back to me- he looked as though he was generating heat; an invisible pressure seemed to exist around him. I was about to run away, but then they spoke. I held my ear close to the crack in the window.' Hermione sighed deeply, and then continued. 'This is the conversation I overheard: 'Karkaroff should arrive at any moment, Wormtail. My faithful servant is keeping a close watch, I hope.' Murmured the dark Lord. 'And, and the girl, my Lord?' asked Wormtail, nervously. 'The girl? We can dispose of her? Do we need her, Wormtail?' 'We- we might do, my Lord- she is a great friend of Harry P-Potter. She could be useful...' stammered Wormtail. 'Karkaroff should arrive here without any trouble. I'm sure McNair tipped him off- assuming you have obeyed closely to your instructions, which you had the privilege to carry out for me?' 'Y-Yes, my Lord. I mean, yes, the letter was intercepted, but-' at that moment, the door opened, and the balding man came in. 'My Lord, he is nowhere to be seen, he should be-' he began, but the Dark Lord interrupted. 'There is still time. I have heard from Wormtail that you intercepted Krum's letter to the girl? Is that so?' 'Yes, my Lord.' answered the balding man, almost casually. He also gave me the impression of great power, however in a different way from You Know Who. 'I changed the letter from Viktor Krum, so that the girl would come to Diagon Alley today, and Krum will not be in our way- he will arrive at her house later in the week. McNair, if he did as I instructed, tipped off Karkaroff, and that fool would naturally come straight after her. Apparently, the girl has invented some sort of spell that Karkaroff needs to enable him to hide from you, my Lord. But, of course, that would be impossible!' he added. You Know Who seemed satisfied. 'So, it seems that you have done all the work. And this filth,' he said, jerking his long, thin, white thumb at Wormtail, 'has done nothing to help you.' 'Yes, my Lord, that is quite correct.' said the balding man, spitefully. 'And now I must go, my Lord. I must keep watch.' He left the room. Then, I. I came here!' 'But Hermione' Harry said, when she had finished. 'How did they know Karkaroff would come to Diagon Alley?' 'I told you Harry, I sent a letter to Victor, and they have spies all over the country- you can't send a letter any longer, without being intercepted. You Know Who then intercepted and changed the letter that Victor wrote back to me, making me believe that he wanted to meet me in Diagon Alley. A death eater- McNair tipped off Karkaroff to tell him that I was going to be here, so that he would apparate in the Leaky Cauldron, because he wants me Harry. Karkaroff needs a spell I invented, so he can hide from You Know Who'. Harry looked baffled. He was too shocked for this information to sink in. Finally, he said; 'Hermione, I knew you were really clever, but you are simply the most amazing witch ever!' Hermione smiled, trying not to look too pleased with herself. She continued 'But the one Karkaroff's after makes it more difficult for someone, for example Voldemort, to find the person who performs the charm, for example Karkaroff.' Harry stared at her blankly. 'Hermione,' He groaned 'Slow down!' Hermione continued to ramble at full speed. 'It doesn't work too well. Especially if You Know Who is a long way away, but it does help. That's why I've come to you Harry. You have to perform the charm! Mind you take care though Harry.' She was talking very fast now. 'I put an essence of the fidelous charm, in a petrificus format, so mind that you do the Merlin's flick carefully.' She took a deep breath. 'What?' exclaimed Harry, astonished. 'Hermione, I didn't understand a word you said!' 'Ok, sorry, I forgot you don't know how to make spells. I really should show you how to make them! It's really easy once you know how!' Hermione pointed her wand at Harry's bedroom door, and suddenly all the distant sounds from the living room below were blocked out completely, and Harry knew that the Dursleys wouldn't hear them either. Harry stared at Hermione in amazement, blinked, and they began work, casting spells, and chanting complicated words, over and over again. 'It's incredibly simple Harry. Just clear your mind!' said Hermione, frustrated of an hour without progress. Harry groaned. It was nearly as bad as before the First task of the Triwizard tournament last November. Harry closed his eyes, the words flickering through his mind. 'Discedo Tibi Totalus!' Harry shouted. There was a flash of white light, but instead of cheering, Hermione gasped. 'Harry! I forgot! You're not allowed to do magic outside school!' she exclaimed. Harry frowned. 'And you are?' 'Yes!' Hermione said, blushing slightly. 'You know I had the time turner in our third year?' Harry's frown deepened. 'Yes.' He said curiously. 'Well, the ministry is notified every time somebody uses a time turner, so professor McGonagall cast a spell on me to prevent the ministry having to send me letters each time I used it. But the spell she used prevented the ministry from seeing any magic I did! She was supposed to take it off when I gave back the time turner... but she must have forgotten!' She giggled. 'Hermione! Why didn't you tell me?' said Harry, slightly indignant. 'I don't know.' Hermione said impatiently. 'It didn't seem important.' 'Ok, so now I'm going to get an official warning again. Thanks Hermione, you just got me expelled.' Harry said sarcastically. Hermione laughed. 'Harry! I'm joking! The ministry is much too busy to worry about this. Anyway, my spell isn't registered. The ministry would only notice that half spells had been performed. They would just think it was a mistake. Nothing has happened to you yet, let's try again!' 'Hermione, are you sure about this?' Said Harry, exhausted. 'Harry you don't trust me at all. One last time, come on.' After another session of tiresome work, Hermione let out a squeal of delight. 'I think you're finally getting this Harry!' Harry gave Hermione a weary smile and flopped onto the bed. 'It's about time!' He chuckled. He was beginning to relax now. The shock of discovering Hermione in his bedroom was beginning to wear off. Suddenly there was a shout from downstairs. The magical seal had evidently been broken. 'HARRY! Get down here at once and help me prepare lunch!' Harry jolted back into reality. 'Err. coming.' He shouted vaguely back down the stairs. 'Hermione! Quick what should we do?' 'Relax Harry!' Hermione soothed. 'Why don't you just come with me?' Harry gave a hollow laugh. 'Easier said than done! Like the Dursleys would let me. I might have fun!' He rolled his eyes. 'Why is it difficult?' Hermione frowned. 'Just walk out. Say you're going to my house. We can stay at the leaky cauldron, seeing as my parents think I'm staying at your house for the remainder of the holidays.' Harry smiled. 'Better not to tell them anything! Help me pack my things!' This didn't take very long, so soon Harry stumbled down the stairs, and slipped quietly out of the back door, Hermione following. They were suddenly out, free at last. They jogged along the street, pulling Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage behind them. Harry and Hermione were on the corner of privet drive before Harry realised his problem. 'Hermione. I know you managed to become an animagus, but it takes normal wizards like me years to master.' 'I've told you before; I'm not an animagus Harry, that takes years. I told you. It's a spell I invented. It's not at all complicated.' Harry groaned. 'It's easy for you to say that Hermione! To you the imperious curse is 'Not too complicated.' 'Well it's not. This time I really mean it.' Hermione smiled. 'You know that piece of transfiguration Viktor used in the second task? The one that turned him into a shark...' Harry nodded, beginning to understand what Hermione was getting at. 'If you mix it with a few other spells and some ageing potion.' Hermione smiled slyly, and Harry smiled back. An hour later, they were flying over Surrey as owls, their trunks in a bush in Privet Drive, bewitched to be invisible and feather light. 'Hermione!' Harry tried to say, but all that came out of his beak was a hoot. 'Yes?' Hooted Hermione in reply, and to Harry's surprise, he understood her. It was a bit like being able to talk to snakes. 'This is the weirdest feeling I've had in my life. It's like the gillyweed, a bit.' 'Harry, I've got to warn you. Changing back isn't easy. I haven't worked out how to do it simply, but it could be dangerous.' 'How could it be dangerous?' Harry asked, puzzled. He didn't like the sound of this. 'Well, what if you transformed back into a human now, whilst you were flying?' 'I wouldn't be stupid enough to do that!' said Harry, hooting with laughter. 'But you could do it by accident.' Hermione hooted nastily in reply. 'S'pose so.' hooted Harry. 'So, to do it, we have to use, well drink.err.polyjuice potion.' 'WHAT?' hooted Harry angrily. 'It's just. well you see it's not like being an animagus really. After you drink the polyjuice potion you can transform at will whenever you want for an hour. That's what I did when I came through your bedroom window. Mine's worn off now though.' She said nervously. 'Sorry.' She said, seeing Harry glaring angrily at her. 'Why didn't you tell me this BEFORE I became an owl?' Harry hooted. 'Then you would have held us back and we do need to hurry!' With a very angry look back at Hermione, Harry swept off and landed on a high branch of a tree. When Harry and Hermione finally arrived at Diagon Alley, they were both tired and irritable. 'Oh, don't make such a fuss Harry!' Hermione snapped 'I've already made up the polyjuice potion. All you need to do is put one of your feathers into it. And don't ask me how it works because I don't know.' She snapped as Harry opened his mouth, perhaps to protest. Harry glared at Hermione, but finally gave a sulky 'OK.' 'I'll bring our trunks.' said Hermione, attempting to withdraw her wand from under her wing. 'Hurry up.' moaned Harry. 'I'm beginning to get hungry.' 'Oh, sorry Harry,' Hermione snapped back sarcastically. 'It's rather difficult, believe it or not, to cast spells as an owl.' She frowned and finally managed to slip her wand out. 'Accio!' she hooted. 'How do we know when the trunks are coming?' asked Harry, swallowing his anger. 'Seeing as they're invisible?' 'We don't.' replied Hermione bluntly. 'Oh, here they are.' She said as a gust of wind swept over them and there was a loud clunk. Hermione nudged the trunk open with her beak, and withdrew the polyjuice bottle (which wasn't invisible) she took a sip, and appeared before Harry. Harry took a deep breath, and then took a quick peck of the potion Hermione had just put one of his feathers in. he felt something warm trickle down his owl throat. It didn't seem as bad as an owl. 'Come on! Let's get a room then!' said Hermione, as Harry appeared in front of her. 'Yuck!' exclaimed Harry. 'I think owls have a slightly different taste in food- it must seem like a nice drink to them....' said Hermione, although it was evident that she hadn't enjoyed it either.
The Flight to Freedom
Hermione sat down on his bed. Harry was still staring at her in astonishment. Hermione looked more tired and dull than usual. Apart from that, she had not changed since he had seen her at the end of last year. 'Hermione!' Harry stuttered in astonishment 'How-' 'We have more important things to discuss- seriously'. She said, in a strangely worried voice. Harry continued to stare at her. 'Harry -Voldemort is after you!' she continued, her eyes wide with anxiety. 'Hermione - I KNOW!' Harry groaned, beginning to get impatient. 'The entire wizarding world knows that - of course he's after me- he wants me dead- but Hermione, you're an animagus! Why didn't you tell me?' 'Harry,' said Hermione, gently 'I'm not an animagus, I'll explain later. Seriously, Harry. When I say he's after you, I mean he's on his way. Dumbledore put a charm on him to make him weaker and to slow him down. But be on guard, Harry- that's the only reason why you're not already dead!' 'I think you'd better explain to me what's been going on.' Harry said, making himself comfortable on the bed. Hermione glanced quickly around. 'Aspectus obstuo' she said briskly, pointing her wand at the window, and sat down cross-legged on the bed next to him. She cleared her throat. Harry was surprised how much he'd missed Hermione, even though it had been less than six weeks since he'd last seen her. But he supposed it was because he had so little time to talk together at the end of last year. 'That spell prevents anyone looking in from outside.' Said Hermione, noticing the look of confusion on Harry's face. 'Also, nothing can come in now through the window.' 'Carry on.what happened?' urged Harry. 'It started last Monday.' began Hermione, blushing slightly. 'I sent an owl to Viktor, asking him to come and stay with me- I mentioned it at the end of last year.' 'But Hermione' Harry interrupted 'You don't have an owl!' 'Hold on Harry, I'm coming to that' said Hermione reassuringly, rearranging herself on the bed. 'Anyway, his reply was, well, strange. It said could I meet him at Diagon Alley on Tuesday. So, I went down to London, like he said, but Harry! I saw him! You Know Who, at least I think it was him. Wormtail was definitely there though -he scuttled past me, as I walked into the Leaky Cauldron. Anyway, You Know Who was talking to a bald man in muggle clothes. I couldn't see You Know whose face though. He was wearing a long hooded cloak, and he had his back to me.' Hermione paused for a moment to catch her breath. 'Well, what did you do?' prompted Harry, doubtfully, inwardly remarking on how absurd and ridiculous this was. 'Do you mean that they were right in the dining area?' 'No, Harry.in a room upstairs. It was the attic, where the innkeeper stores extra blankets and old tea sets... I saw Wormtail disappearing the steps.' Hermione gave a sly smile and started to explain the conversation she had overheard; 'I turned up in Diagon Alley much earlier than Viktor was arriving- just in case he was early or something.' Hermione was blushing even more furiously now, 'I went into the leaky cauldron, but it seemed empty and deserted. I sensed that there was something wrong, some sort of trap. On my way there, I read in the Daily Prophet, that there had been several disappearances traced back to the Leaky Cauldron. I quickly transformed myself- into an owl. Now, I could fly, so I flew up to one of the windows on the top floor. It was dark outside, so the one room with a light on was clearly visible. I perched on the window, and peered inside. I could see Wormtail, and I recognised him immediately, and he had just transformed. The Dark Lord had his back to me- he looked as though he was generating heat; an invisible pressure seemed to exist around him. I was about to run away, but then they spoke. I held my ear close to the crack in the window.' Hermione sighed deeply, and then continued. 'This is the conversation I overheard: 'Karkaroff should arrive at any moment, Wormtail. My faithful servant is keeping a close watch, I hope.' Murmured the dark Lord. 'And, and the girl, my Lord?' asked Wormtail, nervously. 'The girl? We can dispose of her? Do we need her, Wormtail?' 'We- we might do, my Lord- she is a great friend of Harry P-Potter. She could be useful...' stammered Wormtail. 'Karkaroff should arrive here without any trouble. I'm sure McNair tipped him off- assuming you have obeyed closely to your instructions, which you had the privilege to carry out for me?' 'Y-Yes, my Lord. I mean, yes, the letter was intercepted, but-' at that moment, the door opened, and the balding man came in. 'My Lord, he is nowhere to be seen, he should be-' he began, but the Dark Lord interrupted. 'There is still time. I have heard from Wormtail that you intercepted Krum's letter to the girl? Is that so?' 'Yes, my Lord.' answered the balding man, almost casually. He also gave me the impression of great power, however in a different way from You Know Who. 'I changed the letter from Viktor Krum, so that the girl would come to Diagon Alley today, and Krum will not be in our way- he will arrive at her house later in the week. McNair, if he did as I instructed, tipped off Karkaroff, and that fool would naturally come straight after her. Apparently, the girl has invented some sort of spell that Karkaroff needs to enable him to hide from you, my Lord. But, of course, that would be impossible!' he added. You Know Who seemed satisfied. 'So, it seems that you have done all the work. And this filth,' he said, jerking his long, thin, white thumb at Wormtail, 'has done nothing to help you.' 'Yes, my Lord, that is quite correct.' said the balding man, spitefully. 'And now I must go, my Lord. I must keep watch.' He left the room. Then, I. I came here!' 'But Hermione' Harry said, when she had finished. 'How did they know Karkaroff would come to Diagon Alley?' 'I told you Harry, I sent a letter to Victor, and they have spies all over the country- you can't send a letter any longer, without being intercepted. You Know Who then intercepted and changed the letter that Victor wrote back to me, making me believe that he wanted to meet me in Diagon Alley. A death eater- McNair tipped off Karkaroff to tell him that I was going to be here, so that he would apparate in the Leaky Cauldron, because he wants me Harry. Karkaroff needs a spell I invented, so he can hide from You Know Who'. Harry looked baffled. He was too shocked for this information to sink in. Finally, he said; 'Hermione, I knew you were really clever, but you are simply the most amazing witch ever!' Hermione smiled, trying not to look too pleased with herself. She continued 'But the one Karkaroff's after makes it more difficult for someone, for example Voldemort, to find the person who performs the charm, for example Karkaroff.' Harry stared at her blankly. 'Hermione,' He groaned 'Slow down!' Hermione continued to ramble at full speed. 'It doesn't work too well. Especially if You Know Who is a long way away, but it does help. That's why I've come to you Harry. You have to perform the charm! Mind you take care though Harry.' She was talking very fast now. 'I put an essence of the fidelous charm, in a petrificus format, so mind that you do the Merlin's flick carefully.' She took a deep breath. 'What?' exclaimed Harry, astonished. 'Hermione, I didn't understand a word you said!' 'Ok, sorry, I forgot you don't know how to make spells. I really should show you how to make them! It's really easy once you know how!' Hermione pointed her wand at Harry's bedroom door, and suddenly all the distant sounds from the living room below were blocked out completely, and Harry knew that the Dursleys wouldn't hear them either. Harry stared at Hermione in amazement, blinked, and they began work, casting spells, and chanting complicated words, over and over again. 'It's incredibly simple Harry. Just clear your mind!' said Hermione, frustrated of an hour without progress. Harry groaned. It was nearly as bad as before the First task of the Triwizard tournament last November. Harry closed his eyes, the words flickering through his mind. 'Discedo Tibi Totalus!' Harry shouted. There was a flash of white light, but instead of cheering, Hermione gasped. 'Harry! I forgot! You're not allowed to do magic outside school!' she exclaimed. Harry frowned. 'And you are?' 'Yes!' Hermione said, blushing slightly. 'You know I had the time turner in our third year?' Harry's frown deepened. 'Yes.' He said curiously. 'Well, the ministry is notified every time somebody uses a time turner, so professor McGonagall cast a spell on me to prevent the ministry having to send me letters each time I used it. But the spell she used prevented the ministry from seeing any magic I did! She was supposed to take it off when I gave back the time turner... but she must have forgotten!' She giggled. 'Hermione! Why didn't you tell me?' said Harry, slightly indignant. 'I don't know.' Hermione said impatiently. 'It didn't seem important.' 'Ok, so now I'm going to get an official warning again. Thanks Hermione, you just got me expelled.' Harry said sarcastically. Hermione laughed. 'Harry! I'm joking! The ministry is much too busy to worry about this. Anyway, my spell isn't registered. The ministry would only notice that half spells had been performed. They would just think it was a mistake. Nothing has happened to you yet, let's try again!' 'Hermione, are you sure about this?' Said Harry, exhausted. 'Harry you don't trust me at all. One last time, come on.' After another session of tiresome work, Hermione let out a squeal of delight. 'I think you're finally getting this Harry!' Harry gave Hermione a weary smile and flopped onto the bed. 'It's about time!' He chuckled. He was beginning to relax now. The shock of discovering Hermione in his bedroom was beginning to wear off. Suddenly there was a shout from downstairs. The magical seal had evidently been broken. 'HARRY! Get down here at once and help me prepare lunch!' Harry jolted back into reality. 'Err. coming.' He shouted vaguely back down the stairs. 'Hermione! Quick what should we do?' 'Relax Harry!' Hermione soothed. 'Why don't you just come with me?' Harry gave a hollow laugh. 'Easier said than done! Like the Dursleys would let me. I might have fun!' He rolled his eyes. 'Why is it difficult?' Hermione frowned. 'Just walk out. Say you're going to my house. We can stay at the leaky cauldron, seeing as my parents think I'm staying at your house for the remainder of the holidays.' Harry smiled. 'Better not to tell them anything! Help me pack my things!' This didn't take very long, so soon Harry stumbled down the stairs, and slipped quietly out of the back door, Hermione following. They were suddenly out, free at last. They jogged along the street, pulling Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage behind them. Harry and Hermione were on the corner of privet drive before Harry realised his problem. 'Hermione. I know you managed to become an animagus, but it takes normal wizards like me years to master.' 'I've told you before; I'm not an animagus Harry, that takes years. I told you. It's a spell I invented. It's not at all complicated.' Harry groaned. 'It's easy for you to say that Hermione! To you the imperious curse is 'Not too complicated.' 'Well it's not. This time I really mean it.' Hermione smiled. 'You know that piece of transfiguration Viktor used in the second task? The one that turned him into a shark...' Harry nodded, beginning to understand what Hermione was getting at. 'If you mix it with a few other spells and some ageing potion.' Hermione smiled slyly, and Harry smiled back. An hour later, they were flying over Surrey as owls, their trunks in a bush in Privet Drive, bewitched to be invisible and feather light. 'Hermione!' Harry tried to say, but all that came out of his beak was a hoot. 'Yes?' Hooted Hermione in reply, and to Harry's surprise, he understood her. It was a bit like being able to talk to snakes. 'This is the weirdest feeling I've had in my life. It's like the gillyweed, a bit.' 'Harry, I've got to warn you. Changing back isn't easy. I haven't worked out how to do it simply, but it could be dangerous.' 'How could it be dangerous?' Harry asked, puzzled. He didn't like the sound of this. 'Well, what if you transformed back into a human now, whilst you were flying?' 'I wouldn't be stupid enough to do that!' said Harry, hooting with laughter. 'But you could do it by accident.' Hermione hooted nastily in reply. 'S'pose so.' hooted Harry. 'So, to do it, we have to use, well drink.err.polyjuice potion.' 'WHAT?' hooted Harry angrily. 'It's just. well you see it's not like being an animagus really. After you drink the polyjuice potion you can transform at will whenever you want for an hour. That's what I did when I came through your bedroom window. Mine's worn off now though.' She said nervously. 'Sorry.' She said, seeing Harry glaring angrily at her. 'Why didn't you tell me this BEFORE I became an owl?' Harry hooted. 'Then you would have held us back and we do need to hurry!' With a very angry look back at Hermione, Harry swept off and landed on a high branch of a tree. When Harry and Hermione finally arrived at Diagon Alley, they were both tired and irritable. 'Oh, don't make such a fuss Harry!' Hermione snapped 'I've already made up the polyjuice potion. All you need to do is put one of your feathers into it. And don't ask me how it works because I don't know.' She snapped as Harry opened his mouth, perhaps to protest. Harry glared at Hermione, but finally gave a sulky 'OK.' 'I'll bring our trunks.' said Hermione, attempting to withdraw her wand from under her wing. 'Hurry up.' moaned Harry. 'I'm beginning to get hungry.' 'Oh, sorry Harry,' Hermione snapped back sarcastically. 'It's rather difficult, believe it or not, to cast spells as an owl.' She frowned and finally managed to slip her wand out. 'Accio!' she hooted. 'How do we know when the trunks are coming?' asked Harry, swallowing his anger. 'Seeing as they're invisible?' 'We don't.' replied Hermione bluntly. 'Oh, here they are.' She said as a gust of wind swept over them and there was a loud clunk. Hermione nudged the trunk open with her beak, and withdrew the polyjuice bottle (which wasn't invisible) she took a sip, and appeared before Harry. Harry took a deep breath, and then took a quick peck of the potion Hermione had just put one of his feathers in. he felt something warm trickle down his owl throat. It didn't seem as bad as an owl. 'Come on! Let's get a room then!' said Hermione, as Harry appeared in front of her. 'Yuck!' exclaimed Harry. 'I think owls have a slightly different taste in food- it must seem like a nice drink to them....' said Hermione, although it was evident that she hadn't enjoyed it either.