The Ashes Of A Phoenix

The Harry Potter series is not mine they belong to Rowling. I have however decided to rewrite the 5th book as I would have liked it to turn out under the rules set up by another fanfic authors challenge. However I use a public computer so updates may be slow.

"Vernon," Petunia crowed happily," Guess what happened today."

Under the kitchen window, Harry perked up and leaned closer.
Petunia continued," I was first 8in line at the Thrifty Turtle and I got double coupons. Just listen to this. I saved 30 cents on a box of Dudley's favorite cereal (Chocolate Chunkies), twenty cents off a can of tomato soup, and a free can of crushed pineapples when you buy three or more."
"Excellent," said Vernon," That store is far too expensive anyway."
Harry sighed. Free pineapples may have been big news to Aunt Petunia, but he was listening for news of a much larger event: the return of the darkest wizard in centuries. Lord Voldemort, whom most witches and wizards feared to name aloud, had killed Harry's parents leaving him to be raised by the Dursleys. Voldemort had lost his powers that same night when he failed to kill Harry as well. After that he had spent the past twelve years searching for a way to avenge himself on Harry and the rest of the wizarding world. He had found that way last year at Harry's school Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when he regained his body and killed another student.
"Well," thought Harry," I guess this is as low as it gets; spying on the Dursleys for news of the magical world.
Vernon and Petunia could not do magic and hated it in all forms, including their 13 year old nephew. They went out of their way to avoid knowledge of the magical community. They lived on a muggle street, had muggle jobs, and an unimaginative muggle son named Dudley whom they adored absolutely.
Harry decided to go upstairs and send a message with his owl to Ron and Hermione , the only wizards he talked to during summer break. Of course they couldn't give him news either. Anything really important would be too dangerous to send by owl. Maybe they could give him hints though.
Harry walked through the front door and what he saw left him speechless. Dudley, petunia and Vernon were on their knees surrounding a large , shaggy, black dog who was barking and wagging his tail excitedly.
" What's the matter with you boy," asked Vernon," not used to dogs anymore I suppose. Surrounded all the time by owls and toads."
"Well," said Petunia in a simpering voice," We've finally got a normal pet for a nice, normal boy. He's much better than some nasty old owl."
Without another word Harry walked numbly up the stairs.