As the door swings open into the tall, circular room that is the Owlery- a soft creak escapes the hinges. The floor is covered with a soft bed of discarded feathers- left from each preening owl. As far up as the eye can see in this circular room on the top of the tower there are hundreds and hundreds of nesting boxes, one for each owl. In fact- the only place that is not covered with boxes is the window. The view from the window is magnificent, A sweeping panorama of the lake and countryside that surrounds Hogwarts. All around you can hear the soft calls of the owls as they flutter around the room. In the center of the room there is a shallow bowl filled with water. Another, identical bowl is filled to the brim with owl food. As the owls eat- the bowl re- fills itself so that the owls do not get hungry. Each minute you stand there seems to bring a flurry of activity as the owls return from their assorted flights. Some with letters still clutched in their beaks- waiting for the morning when they can give their masters the letters that they have delivered. As you turn to leave- you spot a small stand. Wondering what it is, you step forward. The stand is equipped with quills, ink and parchment. It is obviously there to write last- minute letters. You move towards the door and shut it softly. The latch clicks and you are outside again.
