He turned around in time to see great, big, hairy SOMETHING whiz into his bedroom window and bump straight into the opposite wall. He immediately stood up to see what it was. It lay motionless on the floor before Harry picked it up, recognizing it at once.
'Errol!' he cried. Errol was the Weasley family's owl. He headed straight to his owl Hedwig's cage and put the bird inside. Hedwig had flown away earlier and probably won't be back until the next night, so he put the harassed-looking owl inside and watched as the bird came around eventually and crawled its way towards the canter of the water inside the cage. He then relieved the owl of its package and plopped down on his bed to read the letter. It was from Ron's youngest sister, Ginny.
Harry,
Hello! Having a nice summer? Anyway, mum made me write to you so we could confirm the plans for tomorrow night. We'll be there by about six in the evening, although I'm not sure because these Muggle trains are slower than using Floo Powder. We'll take a cab to Surrey, so we can drop off directly at your house. There'll be just three of us, me, Ron and mum. Fred and George wanted to come, but mum wouldn't have a word of it. She thinks they're just going to make more trouble. I think she's right, but they're too busy with starting up their own joke shop in Hogsmeade anyway to be too upset. Think the Muggles are still mad?
Ginny
P.S. Send Errol back right away. I don't think this is a good idea, but mum insists.
Harry smiled. She was probably right about the owl. He went over to his desk and set about writing a letter back to Ginny.
Ginny,
Thanks for writing.
Yeah, the Muggles say it's still on for the overnight stay. You and Mrs. Weasley get to use the guest room, while Ron can stay in mine. It's probably good that Fred and George aren't with you. I don't think the Muggles have forgotten yet.
Have a nice trip! See you tomorrow at six.
Harry
The next problem was Errol. Harry agreed with Ginny that the tired owl was probably going to collapse on delivery. But for now, he had no choice. Hedwig was off somewhere, and Errol was all he had. He tied the letter to the owl's leg and watched as the aged bird flew off into the night. He then turned off his lights, removed his glasses and slipped into bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
The next evening at six, the Weasleys arrived as promised. The Dursleys were so stiff; they looked delicate enough to break. Uncle Vernon had convinced Dudley to remove his hand from his lips and his fat bottom, but he seemed scared enough to put it back in place. Ron and Harry hauled the Weasley's luggage up the stairs and into the rooms. He was happy. It had been nearly a whole month since he'd seen Ron, and they got around to talking about Voldemort. It was never a pleasant topic.
'There's no tumult anywhere,' said Ron, taking off his hat.
'There's no news of Voldemort,' said Harry blandly. He ignored Ron's wince and plunged straight ahead. 'It's like he's never been back. He disappeared again. It's like he's gathering his forces - maybe he's trying to figure out another brilliant idea to finish me off.'
'Stop talking like that, Harry,' snapped Ron, his face suddenly turning white with worry, making him look pasty against his trademark Weasley hair. 'Who knows, maybe he'll surprise us again with another attack.'
They headed downstairs in a gloomy silence. They headed for the dining room, where all the Dursleys were already seated and had begun to eat. Mrs. Weasley was trying to strike up a conversation, but no one seemed to want to talk. They went to bed that night, with Harry a little irritated at the Dursleys.
The next morning, they left for the Burrow using the fireplace and Floo Powder, which gave the Dursleys a bit of a shock. The last thing Harry saw before he was pulled into the swirling vortex of magical fireplaces was Dudley screaming his head off and bolting out of the living room, with Aunt Petunia close on his heels.