Harry Potter and the Order Of the Phoenix [72]
“Oh come on!” said Harry. “We’re all tired, and we have a big task tomorrow! I’m sure we’ll think of something when we get there.”
“I don’t think we should leave it to chance Harry,” said Ron.
“Well I do, Ron,” said Harry. “I have a feeling that we’ll get an idea when we arrive. Maybe we’ll see a secret passage or something.”
“Maybe you’re right Harry,” said Ron. “Besides, we’ve got a bigger problem, how are we going to get to Azkaban in the first place? I mean, we’re not going to just walk there, are we?” Harry stroked his chin,
“Well, I’m getting pretty good at flying with my wings, so I can do that. I guess you two can share my Firebolt,” suggested Harry.
“We both won’t fit,” said Ron. “A Firebolt’s only big enough for one.”
“Well,” said Harry, “Ron, you can become smaller, and then you and Hermione will fit on the broom.”
“Oh god, I hope no one sees us,” said Hermione. “A kid with wings flying next to a girl on a broom holding a ten inch boy.” Harry and Ron burst out laughing and when they couldn’t stop, they decided it was time for bed.
“Well meet here at five o’ clock, just when the feast starts,” said Harry as they all wobbled to their dorms.
Harry slept in later that day then he did all of his life, to catch up on the sleep he missed the last week, and to save his strength. He’d need it when he had to fly all the way to Azkaban.
When he finally got up at two in the afternoon, he sprinted down to the common room, and was surprised to see almost no one there except for Ron and Hermione (who were engaged in a game of chess) and a few younger kids.
“Where have you been sleepyhead?” asked Hermione as Ron took her queen. Harry shook himself awake, and looked around.
“Where is everyone?” he asked groggily.
“Hogsmeade,” said Ron as he put Hermione in checkmate. “It’s the first trip of the year. We decided not to go, Hogsmeade’s started to lose its… excitement.” Harry smiled, Hogsmeade was plenty exciting, especially when he was at the theater with Cho. All of a sudden, Ron gave a very loud laugh.
“What is it Ron?” asked Hermione. “I didn’t play that bad… did I?”
“No, no… it’s not that Hermione,” said Ron, still laughing. “It’s just that… I can’t believe we didn’t think about this before… how is it that we’re going to be here and at Azkaban at the same time?” Harry and Hermione stared at him.
“What do you mean Ron?” asked Harry.
“Well, people are bound to notice that were gone for a few days, aren’t they?” asked Ron. “I mean, while were at Azkaban, how will people not notice that we’re not here?” Harry and Hermione’s mouths dropped wide open.
“How… did… we… not… think… of… that…?” asked Hermione, sounding appalled at the fact that she did not think of something.
“How are we going to accomplish that?” asked Harry. He looked at Hermione, expecting an answer.
“Well, we could make models of ourselves and then try to bring them to life, but… oh no… there’s no way we can do anything! We only have three hours! Why didn’t we think of this earlier!?” Hermione looked as though she might collapse from worrying.
“Hermione!” yelled Harry. “Calm down! We will think of something!”
“What? In three hours? You’re going to think of something?” she asked.
“Well, yeah…” started Harry, but then he looked around. “Actually… no.” Hermione looked like she was going to explode,
“No?! Well, we have to think of-”
“No, I mean I won’t think of something, Aylar will!” said Harry. He looked over at Aylar, who was busy making a perfect sculpture of a dragon out of a large block of marble to the entertainment of some other first years, looked over at Harry, apparently hearing him say his name.
“What will I think of, Harry?” he asked. Harry had to think of something fast, he wasn’t ready just yet.
“Well, Aylar… you see… um… well…” Harry had to think of something fast or Aylar would get suspicious. Suddenly, and idea popped into his head, “I like Ginny.” Aylar raised an eyebrow.
“And what does that have to do with anything?” he asked.
“Well… I’m currently going