A Narrow Encounter

It was a dark, overcast day.

As they emerged from the house wrapped in cloaks, a Ministry of Magic car was already waiting in the front yard, one Harry had ridden in before.

"Good thing Dad could send a car for us."

Ron said happily, stretching his limbs comfortably.

The car then pulled briskly away from The Burrow, while Bill and Fleur waved to them from the kitchen window.

Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny were all seated in the spacious, comfortable back seat.

"Don't get too used to it. This is only for Harry."

Mr. Weasley said, turning around.

He and Mrs. Weasley sat in front with the Ministry driver. The passenger seat beside the driver had thoughtfully been widened, like a two-person sofa.

"He's under first-class security now. Once we reach The Leaky Cauldron, they'll strengthen our protection even more."

Harry said nothing.

He had no desire to have a crowd of Aurors trailing him while he shopped, and he had already stuffed the Invisibility Cloak into his backpack.

He had thought that since Dumbledore did not object, the Ministry of Magic would not object either. But on careful reflection, he could not be sure whether the Ministry knew he had an Invisibility Cloak.

"We're here."

The driver said after only a short while, the first words he had spoken.

He slowed as he turned onto Charing Cross Road and stopped outside The Leaky Cauldron.

"I'll wait for you to come back. Do you know how long you'll need?"

"About two hours."

Mr. Weasley said, "Ah, wonderful, he's already here!"

Like Mr. Weasley, Harry looked out through the car window.

His heart immediately leapt with joy. There were no Aurors waiting outside the pub, but rather the huge, black-bearded Hagrid. He wore a long beaver-fur coat, and the moment