Disclaimer: The amazing world of Harry Potter is not mine. That belongs to the brilliant J. K. Rowling and none other.
A/N: Well everyone, I haven't written in a while, but I have an idea, so I'm going to go with it and see where it takes me. Enjoy!
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The Final Quest
Chapter One: Dudley's Dinner
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The sun was setting on Privet Drive as a warm summer day came to its end. The street was deserted, as were the nicely-kept yards of the various residents living in this particular part of Little Whinging. All of the children who had been playing outside earlier in the day had undoubtedly been called inside their houses for dinner. The doorway of number seven was lit up, as though its occupants were waiting for a family member to arrive home. Soft classical music floated through the open kitchen window, a treat to the ears of passersby.
Inside, Mrs. Number Seven was busily preparing a meal for her family and her son's guest. He had invited a boy over who lived just a few houses down, and she wanted to make a good impression. Maybe he'll go home and tell that nosy mother of his that he had a wonderful home-cooked meal… she thought. After all, everyone living on Privet Drive seemed to be in some kind of competition. Nothing abnormal, of course. Simply questions of who had a better car and lawn, or which couples were having marriage troubles. And outsider would think that the people on Privet Drive were as perfect as can be. Nothing strange or unusual about any of them. However, everyone has secrets.
At this very moment, Mrs. Number Seven heard a shriek. Her young daughter came racing into the kitchen looking distraught.
"Mum! Gordon and Dudley are ruining my tea party! My dolls and stuffed animals are all crying!"
"That's lovely, dear," replied the girl's mother, completely disregarding what her daughter had to say and paying more attention to the roast beef she was cutting. "Call the boys down for dinner, will you? Your father will be home any minute now…"
The girl ran from the room just as the front door opened and closed.
"I'm home, darling!" a man's voice called from the parlor.
His wife replied, "I'm in the kitchen! Dinner is just about ready."
The little girl's voice screeched, "Gordon! Dudley! Dinner!" She went back into the kitchen and sat down with her father. Mrs. Number Seven was setting the mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables down on the table.
"Now, where are those boys?" the woman asked, fumbling with her apron and taking a seat as well.
"I told you, they were-"the girl started, but then Gordon and Dudley entered the room.
"Thank you again for inviting me to dinner, ma'am," Dudley said, plastering an overly bright smile on his chubby face.
"You're very welcome. Now, eat up!"
"So, how's your summer going so far, boys?" Mr. Number Seven asked.
"Dad, it's only been a week," Gordon replied.
Dudley swallowed a rather large bite of roast beef and put on his fake grin again. "But it's been great!"
Mr. Number Seven smiled back. "Now, I understand you have a brother who goes to another school…"
Dudley's smile immediately changed into a grimace. "That's Harry. He's not my brother, he's my cousin. His parents died 16 years ago, and he was left with us."
"Well, that's very kind of your parents to take him in."
"Yeah, well, we really don't like him very much." Mr. and Mrs. Number Seven looked up, astonished at Dudley's harsh demeanor. "He's a pain, not to mention a delinquent. He attends a magi-" Dudley's eyes widened. "I mean, he attends St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys."
Mrs. Number Seven looked as though Christmas had come early. After all, gossip was one of her priorities. "Why on earth-" she said, but was interrupted by her husband.
"Now, dear, that's really none of our business. But, Dudley, shouldn't Harry be back home on holiday by now?"
"I think so, but-" they never heard what Dudley had to say, for at that moment, three extremely loud popping noises came from the street, just outside the house, making everyone at the table jump.
Gordon got up from his seat and ran to the window. His jaw dropped. "Er…Dudley? You might want to come and look at this…"
Dudley stood up from his chair and joined Gordon at the window. The next second, he was bolting out of the house.
"Well, that was certainly rude," remarked Mrs. Number Seven.
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A/N: Well, thank you for reading! I hope you liked the first chapter. It's a bit of a different angle, right? Well, please review with any questions or comments. Thanks again!
By: SammyLynn