Hedwig being a phoenix will put a dent in the Old Manipulator's plans :-D
I hope for some reaction when Harry will enter the Great Hall with Hedwig (if you intend to have her with him at that precise moment... Otherwise, having her fire-flashing for the first time during the breakfast to give him some mail from Tom and Annette might be fun too ;-p)
Ooh! :-) A tiny dragon-post :-D I find it strange that I've never read about the Goblins using Dragons instead of owls for their mail. But I like the idea :-D (must be cute! Well... Until you annoy it... While an angry owl might bit your hand, a dragon might burn you... And your clothes... And your mail...)
Now, I'm off to read the next chapter ;-)
Author's response
I am thinking of Harry striding into the hall at the head of the group of first years wearing all his stuff; his robes, his basilisk armour, his dragonhide cloak and carrying his staff with Hedwig on his shoulder.
I can't wait for the first time Hedwig flames into the Great Hall to give Harry his mail either, it'll be fantastic writing people's reactions.
I loved the little dragon-post idea, it was just such a great idea when it occurred to me.
Thanks for the review!