How Hagrid Became a Hero -- Part IX

[plinsenmayer at yahoo.com]

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No: HPFGUIDX C1238
From: plinsenmayer
Subject: How Hagrid Became a Hero -- Part IX
Date: 5/8/00 10:24 pm  (ET)

"SHHHHH!" whispered Hermione. "Don't you people EVER do the reading?? I
have an idea. . . And you Hagrid! I'm shocked that you haven't realized
what those red-eyed owls *are*. They're mentioned in Chapter 23 of
"The Monster Book of Monsters."

"Well, I hadn't planned that far ahead see . . . and then what with the
Beaky disaster and havin ter deal mainly with flobberworms for the rest
of the term." He trailed off, looking somewhat abashed.

Ron broke in, "Whenever you'd like to share Hermione. Or we could, you
know, just stand here yammering while Norbert gets sliced up, stuffed
and slathered with mint sauce."

Hermione shot him a sharp look but began to explain in hushed
tones. "Those owls aren't really owls at all. Asiolamia(s) -- that's what
they are. They are owls who can transform into bats and then vampires at
will. I'll bet Grebon is also a vampire. Certainly looks like one." She
shuddered and then continued. "I didn't pay much attention when Harry
and that creature stopped by to pick me up en route. If only I'd paid
more attention," she murmured.

She paused and then went on, "What we need is for Charlie to send several
dragons for our escape. But, let me think . . . we'll need to get a *real*
owl to him with a message."

"Hermione . . .if we could do that," Ron began but she shushed him.

"Quiet! I'm thinking! Harry . . . where do you reckon Hedwig is?"

Harry nodded as he realized they were thinking the same thing. "Hedwig
seemed to hate that owl that brought me the message to come to Ron
here. She'd probably have followed at a safe distance and . . ."

"So now all we have to do is figure out how to get one of us out of
this castle and to the forest out there. Hedwig is probably out there
keeping watch and we could dispatch her to Charlie," Hermione said
quietly. "Hagrid . . ."

Who's next Voicelady?