[Egypt journey runs from chapters 108 to 124. If you only want the original plot, you can skip it.]
Time slipped by like sand, and Christmas break soon arrived.
In late December, students began leaving for the holidays. After saying goodbye to Sylvia, Will packed his luggage and went to Snape's office as arranged.
"Professor, how are we getting to Egypt? Apparition? The Floo Network? Or a plane?"
Snape stood before the fireplace in his office. "We'll use the Floo Network. Hogwarts fireplaces normally aren't connected to it, but I've already contacted Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic, so we can travel directly by Floo.
"First to the Ministry of Magic, then on to the Egyptian Ministry of Magic via the International Floo Network."
"There's an international Floo network?" Will was surprised. He had learned something new.
In Britain, the Floo Network was managed by the Floo Network Authority, a branch of the Department of Magical Transportation. A simple spell could disconnect a fireplace from the network, but connecting one required permission from the Ministry of Magic. This made the network easier to manage and kept Muggle fireplaces from being connected by accident.
The Floo Network had remained popular for centuries because it offered so many advantages. Unlike traveling by broomstick, it required neither courage nor any worry about violating the International Statute of Secrecy.
It also took no lengthy practice to use and carried no risk of serious injury. Children, the elderly, and the infirm could travel by Floo as well.
"Of course. Wizards rarely use it. International Floo connections must be arranged in advance and disconnected afterward, so they're generally reserved for important people." Snape tossed a handful of Floo Powder into the fireplace and called out, "Ministry of Magic!"
Green flames roared up. Snape stepped into them