AT FLOURISH AND BLOTTS
“I was lookin’ fer a Flesh-Eatin’ Slug Repellent,” growled Ha-
grid. “They’re ruinin’ the school cabbages. Yer not on yer own?”
“I’m staying with the Weasleys but we got separated,” Harry ex-
plained. “I’ve got to go and find them. . . .”
They set off together down the street.
“How come yeh never wrote back ter me?” said Hagrid as Harry
jogged alongside him (he had to take three steps to every stride of
Hagrid’s enormous boots). Harry explained all about Dobby and
the Dursleys.
“Lousy Muggles,” growled Hagrid. “If I’d’ve known —”
“Harry! Harry! Over here!”
Harry looked up and saw Hermione Granger standing at the top
of the white flight of steps to Gringotts. She ran down to meet
them, her bushy brown hair flying behind her.
“What happened to your glasses? Hello, Hagrid — Oh, it’s
wonderful to see you two again — Are you coming into Gringotts,
Harry?”
“As soon as I’ve found the Weasleys,” said Harry.
“Yeh won’t have long ter wait,” Hagrid said with a grin.
Harry and Hermione looked around: Sprinting up the crowded
street were Ron, Fred, George, Percy, and Mr. Weasley.
“Harry,” Mr. Weasley panted. “We hoped you’d only gone one
grate too far. . . .” He mopped his glistening bald patch. “Molly’s
frantic — she’s coming now —”
“Where did you come out?” Ron asked.
“Knockturn Alley,” said Hagrid grimly.
“Excellent!” said Fred and George together.
“We’ve never been allowed in,” said Ron enviously.
55