Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
CHAPTER TWENTY
LORD VOLDEMORT’S REQUEST
Harry and Ron left the hospital wing first thing on Monday morning,
restored to full health by the ministrations of Madam Pomfrey and now able
to enjoy the benefits of having been knocked out and poisoned, the best of
which was that Hermione was friends with Ron again. Hermione even
escorted them down to breakfast, bringing with her the news that Ginny had
argued with Dean. The drowsing creature in Harry’s chest suddenly raised
its head, sniffing the air hopefully.
“What did they row about?” he asked, trying to sound casual as they turned
onto a seventh-floor corridor that was deserted but for a very small girl
who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus. She looked terrified at
the sight of the approaching sixth years and dropped the heavy brass scales
she was carrying.
“It’s all right!” said Hermione kindly, hurrying forward to help her.
“Here...”
She tapped the broken scales with her wand and said, “Reparo.” The girl
did not say thank you, but remained rooted to the spot as they passed and
watched them out of sight; Ron glanced back at her.
“I swear they’re getting smaller,” he said.
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