Chapter 6
The white snowy owl beat her wings as fast as she was able. While normally she would try to catch a thermal and coast, this was too important to leave to chance. She had recognized the elf that gave her the letter and knew her master was in dire need. Even the elf felt something bad was going on. Finally, the one she sought was just ahead of her. She flapped even harder until she came up even with the man riding on the bird-horse. She knew to stay far behind the creature's claws and beak. Finally, the human on the back noticed her.
"You're a pretty thing. Is that something for me?"
The owl nodded then tried to get above him to force him to the ground. Sirius realized what the owl wanted but he knew he shouldn't stop. He pulled back on Buckbeak's wing roots and told the hippogriff, "Slower Buckbeak. I think someone wants to talk to me."
Buckbeak turned his regal head quickly and saw the white owl trying to keep pace with him. The bird smelled familiar. It smelled like one of the little humans who had helped him escape. Buckbeak went into a slow diving turn aiming for a small island below, giving the owl a chance to deliver her missive.
Once on the ground, Hedwig allowed the man to take the letter from her, then she squawked loudly and flapped her wings.
"OK, pretty girl, I've got the letter. Why don't you take a kip on that tree while I read it? I know you think it's really important to your master that I get this," Sirius said to Hedwig. Hedwig looked at the man but decided to give him a chance before she started "encouraging" him.
Sirius looked at the envelope and didn't recognize the handwriting. He knew the bird wasn't a ministry bird as they only used common barn owls or tawny owls for really important correspondence. He knew there was something familiar about the bird though.
Opening the letter, he found scratchy handwriting he'd never seen before. Looking quickly at the bottom he saw it was from Harry. Harry! Why was he writing so soon after Sirius' escape?
Dear Mr. Black,
I know we only met a few hours ago, well at least that's all I remember, but you offered me a home, something nobody's ever done for me. I know my mum and dad trusted you to care for me and if it weren't for the stupid rat, you would be. Now the rat's gone and you're on the run again.
I don't know if you know much about my Aunt Petunia, but she's not a nice person and neither are her husband and son. Your offer of a home was the best thing in my life. Even better than getting my Hogwarts letter.
I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated your wanting to take care of me. I'm just sorry it's not going to happen. You can ask Hedwig if she'd like to stay with you. If not, tell her she can find someone more worthy than me to be her owner.
Your Godson,
Harry Potter
Sirius turned to the bird, "So your name is Hedwig?"
The owl nodded her head and then flew up like she wanted him to go with her. Sirius knew something was gravely wrong.
"Buckbeak, we're heading back to Hogwarts. Fly like you've never flown before! Hedwig, jump on board if you want a ride back."
Hedwig flew over and settled just in front of the man as the hippogriff took flight.