AN: Eh Happy whatever day it is today. Sorry if this is short. Kinda stuck at the moment. Wrapping up Book 2... Uh Book 3 on the way? Haven't planned anything concrete. Not sure how to contribute the character with the story. Seeing as how he would fit in and I don't want to make Harry's problems his problems, he should have his own... Sooooo any advise would be greatfully appreciated. ANYWAYS thanks for reading. Special thanks to those who left the lovely comments. I really do enjoy reading them. Follow/Fav/Review.
Luna insisted that they spent at least a little bit of time together before they board the Hogwarts Express.
She was sad to hear they wouldn't be able to hang around as much due to his family's strict policy when it came to his friends. Mortimer sugarcoated the thing as him just being too busy. But Luna knew, she knew Draco disapproved of their friendship, that Mortimer could be friends with anyone outside his house. But that was ok with her.
Members of own house thought her crazy, a loon for approaching the Black heir. And in some way, she probably was. It was mad to think Mortimer was the best sort to be around, and being part of one the darkest families, didn't help his case. It didn't matter though, because now she has a friend. She didn't have many friends, aside from Ginny, she was often left on her own. But did Ginny count? The only reason they were acquainted to begin with was because they were neighbors who happen to be the same age.
Regardless a friend was a friend and Mortimer was here. . . and Ginny too.
Finding themselves out into woods of the forest grounds, they settled near a small pond. Streaming water that continued to flow, Mortimer made small splashes, entertaining himself while Luna scouted for enchanted maggots. Why? He had no clue.
Ginny was not far, picking off petals.
The air this time around was rather humid that the girls had decided to wear lighter clothing. Ginny wearing a dull colored dress and Luna wore shorts that reached her knees while sporting a baggy shirt. Mortimer regretted his choice considering he wore a long sleeve and dress pants.
It was like the Malfoy's were afraid to show skin. Their style, consisted of mainly wearing black, there wasn't much of a choice in what he wore. His muggle clothes were left behind once he was taken away from Nana and his Aunt had been the one who had picked out his wardrobe.
"Hey Mortimer? What are your plans for the summer?" Ginny asked from the other side.
Picking up a twig, he shrugs. "Not sure – Probably do what my Aunt and Uncle wants me to do."
"What's that?"
"Study." He grouses, using his fingers in quotations . "Complete my 'heir-y' duties."
Blowing a petal away, she ponders. "Yeah… I'll probably be at The Burrow, maybe visit Luna too. Do you have any friends you might see?"
"Hmmm – There's Nott; perhaps. I wouldn't consider Crabbe or Goyle 'friends' – and Draco. . . Well you know, not much of a choice."
"What about your other friends? Those two other girls you're sometimes with?" She wonders, thinking they were part of Malfoy's crony goons.
He shook his, sadly. "I don't think they would be welcomed."
"What about me? Am I unwelcomed?"
"You? Most definitely."
Bobbing her head, Ginny sets her flower down and join Mortimer near the small creek. "Maybe we can get together once the new term starts. You know?"
"Maybe bump into each other once we go to Diagon Alley for our supplies?"
A mischievous stare when she responds. "Yes."
"I didn't find the maggots but I did find a friend." Luna's crunching footsteps appearing when they hear her voice emerging from a distance.
Mortimer was at a loss when he found a baby thestral clopping as it followed Luna. He didn't know what to think, if anything, he was more worried about finding its mother; known for their protectiveness.
"Luna… What is that?" Numbly, pointing at the dark creature.
Luna rolls her eyes, the answer being so obvious to her. "Don't tell me you've already forgotten, silly."
Finding his arms waving in near panic. "I know what it is, but what's it doing here? Are you sure bringing that here is a good idea?"
"What are you guys talking about?" Ginny asked, squinting her eyes slightly. Maybe she missed something. "I don't see anything."
Dismissing her words, Luna excuses her thinly friend. "I tried telling him to go back but he wouldn't stay put."
"I don't think its mother is going to understand the last part." He says, pinching his nose, Mortimer walks over to the young foal. "Luna, we have to get it back to its mother. If she doesn't kill us, I'm sure the herd of others will."
Pouting, Luna turns to the small creature. "Go on little one – Shoo! Shoo!" Patting it away, the small thestral makes a hard huffing noise, pounding its hooves.
"What are you guys talking about?" Ginny's confused expression was a give away that she'd be unable to see them. "What's going? And why am I hearing strange noises?
Answering her question, Mortimer said. "Luna brought a baby thestral."
"I didn't bring him, he followed me." Continuing to guide it away.
Her eyes popped at the response. "A thestral? I've heard of those… I thought only people who's seen… Oh!" Covering her mouth, she shuts herself up, coming to the realization.
He didn't want to discuss it with her, so he rotates his head, asking Luna. "Well?"
With the exception of Ginny, Luna and Mortimer watched as the small creature began throwing a fit, whining and clapping, it refused to move.
If he didn't stop now, surely they would be heard. The mother will assume they were hurting its baby.
"Shh - Be quiet! Please." Mortimer uses a finger to try silence the young thestral.
Luna frowns, petting its head. "I don't think he speaks english, do you know spanish?"
"Luna! Now's not the time!"
Ginny could only stand there and view as her two friends went back and forth. The forest was filled with the sound of two children speaking over each other. One louder than the other, they don't notice a new figure coming towards them.
The closer it came, the more the children were slowly starting to notice, becoming silent in seconds.
They stopped at the sound of a sharp hollow footstep.
Ginny didn't need to see to know that very heavy noise belonged to its mother. Mortimer, nervously pulls Luna away from the baby and the first time, Luna seemed at a loss. "Oh. . . That's no good…"
Mortimer thought, with the mother's presence, surely the baby thestral would leave their side. However, once Luna moves away, the baby foal starts moving towards her again.
"No no no no…" Luna whispers. "You're going to get us in trouble little one."
An idea goes off in his head when Mortimer asked. "Luna… Do you have something in your pocket?"
Her eyes grew bigger, near to being guilt. Silently, she starts digging in her pocket and in just a few seconds, she takes out a small bag of sliced apples.
The older thestral, lets out a screaming noise as it soon starts charging them.
A squeal from Luna and a yell from Mortimer causes Ginny to scream as well.
There wasn't much thinking going on when the gang start running for their lives.
Following the two, she shouts to them. "Are we being chased!?"
"Yes! Now, keep running." Mortimer instructs, grabbing the girls' arms, he drags them throughout the woodlands.
Finding themselves running all across the woods, they avoided hitting the trees. Yet, had a hard time pushing off the many bushes, slapping and smacking their small bodies as the thestral mother chases the frightened children, there was no stopping a maternal instincts.
The small, twig crunching noises were soundless against the hooves that strike against the ground harshly.
Their stamina was slowly dwindling down as they could hear the large creature getting closer.
It didn't take a genius to know that a human could never outrun a four-legged horse. It here that thumps his head for being an air head.
He remembers why they were being chased, the boy yells at Luna. "Give them the apples!"
Initially, Luna didn't hear Mortimer. The heart beating inside her chest had blocked any sort of sound, any logical thinking she might have, leaving her temporally impaired.
Upon managing to collect her thoughts, she took out the bag of sliced apples. Throwing it as far as she could, the bag flew to the air, causing the fruit to escape right down to the ground.
In that relieving moment, the baby thestral ran pass its mother and went straight for the apple. Huffing excitingly, it digs in while the older one halts, staring at the frightened children.
Mortimer and Luna continue to run until they were confident that they were no longer being followed. Ginny loses her breath. "I don't hear anything, Is it over?"
Using his thighs as a resting place for his hands, he starts panting. "I think so. . ."
Luna, settling near a tree, breathes heavily and smiles. "Silly of me, I've forgotten I had placed them there."
Mortimer face palms in disappointment.
Yet, there was a thought remaining in his head. This would be the last time they'd see each other until the new term starts. Till then, he'd be in Malfoy Manor, bored out of his mind.
Where he'd have to face the inevitable of Lucius' fury. He knew his uncle was mad about his decision to close the chamber, that Mortimer had failed the slytherin name. He didn't care of course, but part of him was afraid that Lucius would take it out on Draco. Blame him for failing to teach him about blood superiority. It return, cause more strain between the two boys.
It was why he found himself laughing.
Willing to let go for a while, he chuckles again. "Never change Luna."
Luna didn't respond but her smile beamed when she went over to Ginny to guide her back to the school grounds while Mortimer took lead.
They talked more on the way. About what they might do more over the summer. The girls were excited for their second-year. Mortimer was curious about his third, mostly because the last two were eventful, to say the least, what could be worse than the having a basilisk roaming the school? A werewolf? Who knew really?
The small journey was enjoyable, the more they laughed and jeered, the more he felt like a real kid, one that wasn't worried about the world, and what they might think of him.
When they reached the entrance doors, they looked at each other before saying goodbye.
Luna was the first to leave, waving at Ginny. "I'll come and visit!" She then turns to Mortimer. "Write me when you can."
Both Ginny and Mortimer wave. "I guess I should go to. I think my brother would flip if he found us hanging together."
"Yeah. . .Draco might even throw a tantrum." Rubbing his neck, he agreed.
One last goodbye and the two separated towards their own crowd.
Ending their last day on a high note.
Back in the train, Mortimer felt comfortable in the compartment. Instead of sitting in the front of the train with the other slytherin children, he decides to sit in the middle with Tracey and Daphne.
Both girls wearing summer dresses, they giggled and began planning their summer schedules.
"Dad's taking me and mum to our summer home. After that, we're going to the muggle world to go visit my aunt and uncles."
"Will you grandmother be there?"
Tracey bounces in her seat. "I hope so, she makes the best desserts! I can bring some home, maybe you can try some when you visit."
Shaking her head, she couldn't wait. "I really liked the toffee she made last year. Tori said she didn't like them, but secretly ate them while I wasn't looking."
They laughed and then turned their attention toward Mortimer, who peered outside the window, his head resting on cheek.
"Any plans for the summer, Mortimer?" He hears Tracey asking.
Unmoving, he replies. "No, sadly – Probably spend it cooped up in my room."
Tracey was rather surprised. Tilting her head, she asked. "Are you not allowed to visit friends?"
Mortimer didn't want to offend Davis by telling her she was allowed because of their mere status. "I-I am. But I'm sure I won't time, considering I still have more to learn."
"You shouldn't push yourself so much." Tracey concernedly said. "My dad would always tell me stuff like that doesn't matter, just that we make the best of what we have and no one should expect that from you."
Daphne, speaking logically, leans back in her seat. "Come now Tracey, it's not his fault. He's the last Black. One that isn't in prison, so of course there would be pressure. He's new compared to us. Right?" Eyeing him suspiciously.
Nodding, Daphne understood more than others should. Her family might not have the dark type to worship the dark lord, but they understood the values of wizarding culture and the kind of territory it came with, including socializing with certain crowds.
"I guess…" Tracey frowns. "At least write to us when you can, will you?" Mortimer could tell she was worried, it was heartwarming but also questioning why she cared so much.
He couldn't promise her that he would, "Sure." He lied. Chances are Lucius would simply send the owls back than having Mortimer receive any kind of letter from those below.
The compartment doors opened to reveal Draco, his voice neutral "I knew I'd find you here." Eyeing the girls, he only gave them a slight nod before moving his attention to Mortimer. "Let's go."
Mortimer wanted to tell him off.
But the summer was just beginning and Draco would probably be the only person he'd be able to talk to. He didn't want to spoil the mood by having a public display of their argument. Yet, Mortimer had serious doubts about Draco ever understanding his choices.
Though, concedes, giving Draco this small victory of obedience.
"Have a great summer, girls." A fake smile they took warmly, Mortimer leaves with Draco leading him near the front of the train.
Settling on a private compartment, Draco closes the doors shut.
Feeling at ease, Draco went to go sit in the opposite side of him where he could fully see his cousin. Though, Mortimer had to roll his eyes at his melodramic state.
"I just went to say goodbye. No need to throw a fit." He inhaled, making it look like he didn't care.
But Draco stood quiet, pressing forward. "It's not about that. It's about the chamber."
Ah… Mortimer thought. After weeks of avoiding him, Draco finally comes out and says it.
Carelessly, he asks. "What about it?"
"They say the chambers closed – that the basilisk was killed… What do you make of it?"
Sitting back, he thought about that beautiful, but cursed, chamber. The memory of meeting his father, the basilisk that petrified students, how he himself was able to put an end to it with one mere word.
It felt like some strange dream.
"What's there to say?" Mortimer lowers his eyes down to his hands. "It's done, closed – Never to be seen again."
"What's that suppose to mean? Did you really destroy the basilisk?"
"No. I only put it back to sleep – Just because it isn't dead doesn't mean I'm going to suddenly let it out in the open. That would be dumb."
"And you're fine with that?" Draco getting loud.
Darting his head away, Mortimer responds. "No. But I had to."
Draco's voice held the frustration of an uncaring boy who knew nothing about values. "Do you have any idea what you've done! You could of built us a new world. One without –"
"Without muggleborns and bloodtraitors – I get it. Here's the thing. . . I don't care. I've told this time and time and again. I have no interest in doing anything BUT forgetting I was ever related to him."
"And what about Aunt Bella? Huh? You're going to forget her too? Forget that she was ever your mother?"
Mortimer never wanted to be anything in the first place. After realizing he was both Black and Slytherin, those first few months he's come to know that purebloods were filled with entitlement and whiney complaints. So much so, that were times Mortimer thought he'd lose his mind from their howling gripes.
In the end, he didn't dare to say anything, not after Dumbledore had told him about the bigger picture. And for that, he remained unhappy, covering it with a plastered smile, a talent for playing politics.
So yes, he wanted to forget his mother, it was clear that she did. No matter, the least he could now was try and correct it.
Starting by closing the chamber. "Do you really want to know what happened?"
This caught his attention.
Draco nodding, his eyes filling with hunger. "Yes?"
Before he could begin, Mortimer warned. "I don't need to remind you that everything I tell you is to not to be told. Right?"
Again, he nods, growing impaitent.
Mortimer, running a hand through his hair. Where to begin with? "I met my father." Boringly, he stated.
"What?"
"I met my. . .father." He repeats. "And it went as expected."
Draco found his voice, his thoughts on the encounter, he imagined it but seemed beyond possibility. "How?"
"Apparently," There was detachment to Mortimer's tone, but somehow felt sad at what he had discovered. "Your father had placed a book that once belonged to dearly beloved dad – A book that was not only cursed, but had a fragment of my father's soul."
"You're lying!" Draco felt his rage. Unable to believe a word, that his father would somehow be involved. "My father would never do that."
Mortimer ignores him, but continues to express. "He put it inside Ginny Weasley's cauldron. She's the one who opened the chamber. Who released the basilisk. Who was in the process of creating your world."
"You don't know what you're talking about! You probably imagined half of the stuff you're telling me." It had to be a lie, a ploy to turn him against his father.
Even if did tell the truth, Mortimer was afraid he wouldn't believe. "I don't get anything out of lying, Draco. If you don't believe me, ask your father." Lucius was known to lie, but to his son? Probably not, because everything he did, was for Draco's future.
Draco paled in comparison, he looked as his stomach was churning. "I-I will. . ." He said quietly.
Changing the subject, nervous still playing in his tone. "Yo-You said you met him. . . How?"
It normal for Mortimer to hesitate when revealing too many things. Regardless, he had to, for Dumbledore's sake. "Like I said – before you so rudely interrupted me. My father's diary. He kept a piece of him inside the book; some kind of dark magic… It slowly manifested into an actual thing. . . His younger self." Ruefully remembering when he first laid eyes on him. The joy in his father's eyes once he undid Potter in the chamber. A bully, he hated him.
"What happened?" Taking off the tension on his back, his nervous hands clenching together when he question him further.
Mortimer shrugged, trying to appear far more casual than he felt. "He saw me, tried to get me to get rid of Potter. When I refused, he called me weak and tried to get the basilisk to kill me." Cautiously proceeding. "It didn't work of course, so I had to get rid of him."
A silent sigh of relief that was real, relaxing all rigid knots in his back.
Draco looked worried. It wasn't his first time talking in this dark tone. A distant and hollow voice showing no emotion, remorse for what might have been done. If it anything his cousin sounded like he had experience in dealing with death. The way he talked about taking lives as if it meant nothing. Then again, Draco would be a hypocrite, if he didn't say he wanted the muggleborns out.
Granted, Draco didn't quite believe him about meeting the dark lord, one that was a lot younger. How in one fell swoop, Mortimer sic the basilisk on his own father. It made him wonder what really happened to his previous guardian, the one that had hurt Mortimer.
His cousin, failing to mention how the old muggle died, only that she was indeed dead.
There were many questions left unanswered. He knew more than he already should, but what's the harm in asking.
"Just like that?" Draco began to worry when a smirk appeared in the corner of Mortimer's mouth.
His dark eyes remained on his palms as he refuses to glance at the blond. "Of course. It was reasonable… seeing as how he didn't hesitate to kill me – Why should I? Fair is fair."
Draco's neck begins to feel warm when questioning. "So what if I – or – someone you knew, someone you cared about… were to-to try and do the same?"
Mortimer stood muted. Tilting his neck, Draco hears it crack. He could tell he was having trouble answering it. Yet, Draco's own curiosity was dying to know about Mortimer psyche.
"I'm not sure." Playing with his finger, he too starts, cracking them one by one. "I hope I never have to find out." Faintly, he answers and then lifts his head slowly to face the tense Malfoy, a small but effective smile. "You'd never hurt me… would you?"
"No! No I would – never! I –" Turning red as an apple, he begins to stutter in his words.
It causes Mortimer to laugh in response. "Draco relax. I was only kidding."
He showed Draco his hands in surrender. It calmed him, only slight. Black's voiced in jeer, however, the eerie starless in his eyes never left him.
For a few seconds the compartment remained quiet and Mortimer began returning to the chamber, having it closed was for the best. And somehow, he felt bad for having to do so.
Closing his hands together and with no physical outlet for his rage, he forced himself into stillness.
Arriving at King's Cross station, platform nine and three-quarters, Mortimer and Draco waited for Aunt Narcissa. She had sent an owl a few days ago, letting them know that uncle Lucius would be unable to join them, Ministry business and all that… Regardless, he held onto his trunk while Draco waits to let the elves do it.
Fresh out the train, the area was overcrowded with people who've arrived to pick up their own children. Out into the short distance Mortimer could see Davis, who was immediately hugged by her parents. Then there was Crabbe, his mother kissing his chubby cheeks. Theo, surprised to see that Nott senior had sent an elf to do the task.
And then was feeling in the back of his head. He was being eyeballed at.
Moving to look for the very person he knew well.
Potter, standing alone in the middle of the platform, observing him like no one's business. Appeared to be studying the young slytherin heir.
He watches him like a hawk these days and it was slowly starting to become annoying, how often he did it and how often Mortimer caught him in the act. But there was nothing to see, Mortimer had made it clear to Potter and Dumbledore that he had no interest in stupid pureblood notions. What he really wanted now was to simply be left alone. His words might not be enough for them but it was all he could offer.
They never really talked beyond what was discussed in the headmaster's office. Though, it was clear that Potter hasn't forgotten. There was always a glint of curiosity in eyes; looking for something specific.
Maybe he was searching for any likeness between him and Tom. A manipulative and narcissistic boy who fooled the world into thinking he was innocent. Mortimer couldn't deny being offended. A spit to his face that they would believe he's inherited more than carnal qualities.
They share only physical attributes and nothing else. His mind was his own and no one will able to influence it.
"What's wrong?" Detecting Draco's question, Mortimer nudges his head in response.
"What's his problem?" Seething through his teeth, Draco started to shift from his position.
"I think he wants to talk." And so did he, although kept it to himself.
Draco groans in annoyance. This is not how he wanted to begin his summer. "Tell him to shove off; better yet, I'll tell him."
Mortimer pulls him back and was adamant about keeping him away, least he wanted to avoid a scene. "No – It isn't about you – Just give me a minute."
Chance are Draco was giving Potter the foulest of looks when Mortimer had set aside his trunk, making it through the formed crowd.
Nearly bumping into many of the adults, he finds Potter standing towards a steel support post with a single Trunk and an owl's cage that was tied together.
Eyeing the beautiful owl, Mortimer speaks first. "Potter."
Clearing his throat Harry returns the greeting. "Black – or do you prefer Riddle? The other one?"
Glancing away, he replies. "Black's fine, its what the record says, at least…"
"What do you want?" Folding his arms, trying to appear casual. "You've been staring for weeks and lately, It's getting quite annoying."
"I…I guess what I want is . . ." He says it with uncertainty. "the truth."
Not quite following, Mortimer shakes his head. "Truth? What truth?"
"How do I know you weren't really working with Tom?" He slants his head, questioningly eyeing Mortimer's blank expression. "You helped me, but maybe it was because you wanted him out of the way."
Hanging back, Potter's unexpected idea had him clenching his jaw. "You've been hanging out with Wealsey for way too long." A small chuckle, he turns to Draco, whose eyes never leaves theirs. "Like I already told you. I don't care about Tom, just like I don't care about you. What I want is for everyone to mind their own business and leave me alone. I haven't done anything except breath but even then, I'm still under suspicion."
"And what does Mr. Malfoy think?"
"He's pissed! Granted, he never says anything to me directly, mainly because my Aunt tells him, but I know he's furious." He snorts. "His nostrils get bigger – Draco said they've stayed that way since his meeting with Dumbledore."
Harry appearing keen to know his plans, he raises. "What are you going to do? Dumbledore says Voldemort is planning his return. When he does, what's going to happen to you?"
"Why do you care?" Peeping over Harry's shoulder, he makes sure they aren't being heard.
Harry answers, shrugging. "Professor Dumbledore asked me not to reveal anything about you – For your protection, he says."
"And you listened?" Mortimer was skeptic, a secret this big, it's tempting not to tell anyone. "Or have you already announced to the world that the dark lord's spawn has arrived?"
Taking a step back, he fumbled with his hands, Harry seemed unsure. He hasn't told anyone, not even Ron or Hermione. Part of him felt they deserved to know. "Had I told anyone, you wouldn't be here. You'd probably be running away from an angry mob."
Agreeing, there was comfort. Mortimer's secret was safe at the moment. "True."
"So," Harry asks. "What are you going to do when he does come back?"
The question made his brows lower at the uncertainty of what the future may hold. It was a concept he almost never delved into for too long. It was a trail with various of paths, fearing he'd get lost, he always made sure to turn the other direction.
Truthfully, he answers. "I don't know."
"What if your mother escapes?"
In a quiet tone, his ears become warm, his words repeating. "I don't know."
Harry offers no little comfort. "What if they find out you've been hanging around other muggles?"
Adamant, he shakes his head. "They won't."
"How can you be sure? Your uncle might tell."
"He won't. He'd get punished for it, make him responsible for allowing it to happen." Clenching his hands together, Harry can almost hear the small panic forming in his voice.
A nod, Harry wasn't convinced, but kept this thought to himself.
"I never got to say thank you." Adjusting his glasses, he awkwardly says. "So. . . Thanks?"
Initially, Mortimer was surprised to hear the gryffindor showing signs of appriciation. He thought that maybe Potter would somehow twist it in being his fault.
"It's fine... Just don't go around telling everybody - Wouldn't want your gryffindor peers thinking we're not all bad." He joked.
And slowly, Harry was starting to believe him.
Though, He wouldn't tell him that.
The owl, inside the cage, starts flapping its wings. "That probably means it's time to go." Rubbing his neck, Harry turns to adjust his trunk. "I guess you'll be staying with the Malfoy's?"
There was a small sigh as he looks over his shoulders. "I am. It's not as bad as you think, when Lucius isn't around." He scratches his chin, facing Potter. "And I suppose you'll be going with your family as well?"
Harry's expression soured for a spilt-second before it was replaced by what seemed to be glum. "Ye-Yeah. . ." he avoids eye contact. "I guess I will."
A slow tilt of the head, Mortimer felt confused when he detected the sound of dread. It was the same tone he often used when he talked to Nana. He couldn't help but ask. "Are you going to be ok?"
Nervous hands clenching together, Harry was surprised at the sudden question that it took him a couple of seconds to figure out a casual response. "Of course. Beside, it's only for the summer. Right?"
Accepting his answer, he simply nods.
It was likely that they would both start counting the days before they would return to Hogwarts.
"Mortimer! Mother's waiting for us." A loud, but faint shout coming from the crowd of children, Mortimer finds Draco waiting for him.
Not far behind, he could see Aunt Cissy's approaching, expecting to see her two boys together.
"Right, well guess I'll see you around Potter – Have good summer." Waving goodbye, Mortimer quickly turns around and heads towards the Draco.
Harry watches as the woman, knowing it to be Draco's mother, bring both Draco and Mortimer into a tight hug. It was obvious that Draco was pretending like he didn't enjoy it but then Mortimer fully embraces the gesture. And after a few short moment, they depart within the crowd.
Alone now, Harry looked at the time. Hedwig, his faithful owl, flaps her wings and makes a sound of annoyance. "I know Hedwig," He says quietly. "It'll probably take uncle Vernon till night to come and get us."
Staring at the sky, it was early in the afternoon. Yup, hours to go… His only hope now was that they hadn't forgotten him.