Chapter 2: The Journey

Ron and Hermione were getting more and more concerned as they followed Hedwig for what seemed like miles.

"We're coming, Harry!" Hermione called, panting as she ran to keep up with Hedwig.

"Hang on, mate!" cried Ron desperately, throwing his voice and hoping Harry could hear him.

Hedwig hooted, flapping her wings faster.

"Are we getting close, Hedwig?" Hermione asked.

Hedwig hooted again as she kept flying, causing Hermione to squeal a little. "Faster, Ron!" she called over her shoulder. "I think we're getting close!" She could hear Ron's labored breathing behind her.

Suddenly, she heard a desperate scream coming from behind some trees behind Hagrid's hut."Harry!" she cried, bounding forward to follow Hedwig,
"Hermione, wait!" Ron yelled, grabbing her arm as he caught up with her.

"Why are you holding me back, Ron?" she asked angrily. "Harry's in there, and he needs our help!"

"I know, but we don't know what's in those trees, so let's get our wands."

Hermione nodded as she reached into her robes, withdrawing her wand. "You're right," she said sheepishly as they walked forward. "I don't know what came over me."

"Harry, can you hear us?" Ron called as he patted Hermione's arm.

"Ron, Hermione, help!" Harry screamed.

Moments later, Ron and Hermione found Harry lying at Grawp's feet, bleeding from several gashes on his face and torso.

"Grawpy, what happened?" Hermione asked the giant as she helped Harry to his feet,

"Bow... truc ... kles." Grawp said slowly. "Bring him Hagger."

"Huh?" said Ron, confused.

"Don't you see, Ron? The bowtruckles that live in these trees scratched Harry, so Grawp was bringing him to Hagrid to see if he could help him. Isn't that right, Grawpy?" she asked.
Grawp nodded. "I help, not hurt, but Hagger not home," he told her.

Hermione smiled. "We understand, Grawpy," she told him gently.

"I come with you, Hermy?" he questioned with pleading eyes.

Hermione shook her head. "No, Grawpy, it's too dangerous, but don't worry. Ron and I- we'll come back as soon as we get Harry up to the hospital wing." She patted his arm with her left hand while supporting Harry with her right. "Thanks for trying to help him."

Grawp nodded.

It was then that Harry found his voice. "Yeah, thanks," he said. squeezing Hermione's hand harder as his knees began to buckle under him.

"We've got you, mate," Ron told him as he took his other hand. "Let's get you up to Madame Pomfrey. She'll fix you up in no time."

Harry nodded, beginning to feel a bit woozy as he headed back toward the castle between Ron and Hermione.