Hedwig flew. It was harder to flap her huge wings, to stay airborne, to land, and to take off than normal, and it wasn't because she was getting older. A little while after leaving Harry's house to deliver his letter, she had landed in a tree to rest. She hadn't noticed the corn below her, nor the farmer with his gun. When her instincts told her she was in danger, it was too late. No sooner had she opened her mighty wings to flee, there was a loud bang and white hot pain seared through her wing. She looked down, and saw a large, bloody hole, and hot red blood pouring down to the bottom of what had been a beautiful, grand, snowy white wing. From then on, she'd had to land frequently. She wondered how long she had been travelling; her master would be frantic with worry. She knew that Molly Weasley, Ron's Mother, would be able to fix it in a jiffy, but even with magic, it would be slow to heal, not to mention incredibly painful. And anyway, she didn't want to cause a fuss.
After what felt like years, she wearily tapped on the kitchen window of The Burrow. Her knocks were answered, and she stuck out her leg, making sure to keep her injury hidden. When a reply had been written and attached, she spun around and flew away as quickly as she could. But she wasn't able to keep the bullet hole secret when her wings were stretched out.
"Look mum, Hedwig's injured!" Came the unmistakeable voice of Ginny Weasley. Hedwig panicked and flapped harder, with increasing desperation.
"Ooooo, so she is Ginny dear! We better help her. I don't like the idea of her flying all the way back in that state!"
"Quick mum, she's getting away!"
"STUPEFY!" Hedwig found herself unable to move. She dropped like a stone and was caught by Ron. After that came a spell or two, a new note to go to Harry using pigwidgeon, and an extensive training program, but after many weeks she was ready to go back to her master.
"HEDWIG!" shouted Harry when the weary owl arrived at his window. "I got the note from Ron saying that they were looking after you until you were better. And on my birthday Mr Weasley is going to come and collect us!" Hedwig was upset about this. Why did she have to fly back when she could have stayed and The Burrow until Harry came? But she gave him the letter attached to her leg as calmly as she could and waited patiently while Harry read it out.
Dear Harry,
I can't wait until you arrive, and neither can Ron. Hermione's coming the same day as you. I've got you a birthday present, and so has Ron. By the way, dad told me to tell you that you can come and live with us if you like! Oh yeah, Hermione's Head girl. I feel sorry for her though, Malfoy's head boy. That means they have to share a dorm room!
Hugs, kisses, and a lot of love,
Ginny xxx
Harry smiled and stowed the letter under the loose floorboard beside his bed, along with all his other precious items. He lay down on his bed, looking up at the ceiling, with the sensation of happiness coursing through his body. Live at 'The Burrow. What a wonderful idea.' He thought over and over again, lulling himself to sleep.
