OotP flints

[lexy582003]

No: HPFGUIDX 69862

Hi There,
This is my very first time here and I am keen to connect with like 
minded adult HP fans. I have just read OotP for the second time and 
have a few questions. Hagrid mentions that Dumbledore uses the 
Thestrals if he is going on a journey and doesn't want to apparate 
(OotP21)- I thought no one could apparate or disapparate in Hogwarts -
 Hermione is very clear about this and mentions it in all the books. 
Does this mean that Dumbledore can do it because he is such a great 
wizard, or that he is the one who casts the protection spells over 
Hogwarts and is therefore exempt?
Also, a continuity question - OotP24 states that Pigwidgeon bursts 
out of his cage on Ron's knee when the Knight bus veers - when did 
Ron get Pigwidgeon from Hogwarts? If I remember correctly Ron and his 
siblings were transported to Grimmauld Place by portkey from 
Dumbledore's office and he didn't have Pigwidgean with him.
These are just questions that have come to me now that the first read 
frenzy is over and I can digest the book properly.
Thanks,
Lexy582003