NORBERT THE
NORWEGIAN RIDGEBACK
chimed midnight when the portrait hole burst open. Ron appeared
out of nowhere as he pulled off Harry’s Invisibility Cloak. He had
been down at Hagrid’s hut, helping him feed Norbert, who was
now eating dead rats by the crate.
“It bit me!” he said, showing them his hand, which was wrapped
in a bloody handkerchief. “I’m not going to be able to hold a quill
for a week. I tell you, that dragon’s the most horrible animal I’ve
ever met, but the way Hagrid goes on about it, you’d think it was a
fluffy little bunny rabbit. When it bit me he told me off for fright-
ening it. And when I left, he was singing it a lullaby.”
There was a tap on the dark window.
“Its Hedwig!” said Harry, hurrying to let her in. “She’ll have
Charlie’s answer!”
The three of them put their heads together to read the note.
Dear Ron,
How are you? Thanks for the letter — I’d be glad to take
the Norwegian Ridgeback, but it won’t be easy getting him
here. I think the best thing will be to send him over with
some friends of mine who are coming to visit me next week.
Trouble is, they mustn’t be seen carrying an illegal dragon.
Could you get the Ridgeback up the tallest tower at mid-
night on Saturday? They can meet you there and take him
away while it’s still dark.
Send me an answer as soon as possible.
Love,
Charlie
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