THE POLYJUICE POTION
play Exploding Snap loudly without bothering anyone , and practice dueling in private . Fred , George , and Ginny had chosen to stay at school rather than visit Bill in Egypt with Mr . and Mrs . Weasley . Percy , who disapproved of what he termed their childish behavior , didn ’ t spend much time in the Gryffindor common room . He had already told them pompously that he was only staying over Christmas because it was his duty as a prefect to support the teachers during this troubled time .
Christmas morning dawned , cold and white . Harry and Ron , the only ones left in their dormitory , were woken very early by Hermione , who burst in , fully dressed and carrying presents for them both .
“ Wake up ,” she said loudly , pulling back the curtains at the window .
“ Hermione — you ’ re not supposed to be in here —” said Ron , shielding his eyes against the light .
“ Merry Christmas to you , too ,” said Hermione , throwing him his present . “ I ’ ve been up for nearly an hour , adding more lacewings to the potion . It ’ s ready .” Harry sat up , suddenly wide awake . “ Are you sure ?” “ Positive ,” said Hermione , shirting Scabbers the rat so that she could sit down on the end of Ron ’ s four-poster . “ If we ’ re going to do it , I say it should be tonight .”
At that moment , Hedwig swooped into the room , carrying a very small package in her beak .
“ Hello ,” said Harry happily as she landed on his bed . “ Are you speaking to me again ?”
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