CHAPTER SIX
“— STEALING THE CAR, I WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SUR-
PRISED IF THEY’D EXPELLED YOU, YOU WAIT TILL I
GET HOLD OF YOU, I DON’T SUPPOSE YOU STOPPED
TO THINK WHAT YOUR FATHER AND I WENT THROUGH
WHEN WE SAW IT WAS GONE —”
Mrs. Weasley’s yells, a hundred times louder than usual, made
the plates and spoons rattle on the table, and echoed deafeningly
off the stone walls. People throughout the hall were swiveling
around to see who had received the Howler, and Ron sank so low
in his chair that only his crimson forehead could be seen.
“— LETTER FROM DUMBLEDORE LAST NIGHT, I
THOUGHT YOUR FATHER WOULD DIE OF SHAME, WE
DIDN’T BRING YOU UP TO BEHAVE LIKE THIS, YOU
AND HARRY COULD BOTH HAVE DIED —”
Harry had been wondering when his name was going to crop
up. He tried very hard to look as though he couldn’t hear the voice
that was making his eardrums throb.
“— ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED — YOUR FATHER’S FAC-
ING AN INQUIRY AT WORK, IT’S ENTIRELY YOUR FAULT
AND IF YOU PUT ANOTHER TOE OUT OF LINE WE’LL
BRING YOU STRAIGHT BACK HOME.”
A ringing silence fell. The red envelope, which had dropped
from Ron’s hand, burst into flames and curled into ashes. Harry
and Ron sat stunned, as though a tidal wave had just passed over
them. A few people laughed and, gradually, a babble of talk broke
out again.
Hermione closed Voyages with Vampires and looked down at the
top of Ron’s head.
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