Chapter 1

"Looks like we are getting new neighbours across the road" said Vernon peering through the net curtain in the living room, seeing a removal van parked outside with a couple of men bringing out an expensive looking couch.

It was the beginning of the summer holidays and fifteen-year-old Harry Potter stood in the door way awaiting orders for the day shuffling one foot to the other nervously.

"I am going to make apple pie and welcome them to the neighbourhood" said Petunia as she bustled passed Harry giving him a irritated look. As Dudley sat watching the news, he was up early despite it being the first day into the summer holidays as Harry had arrived the night before and he yawned tiredly as he never had a good sleep due to the death of his friend and the return of Voldemort was a great worry he thought as Vernon sighed and stepped away from the window turning to face Harry sorting his tie at the same time.

"I have arranged some volunteer work for you this summer Harry, I can't have you sitting doing nothing all summer while i work to put food on the table and pay the bills, no sir you will be working in a grocery shop in town on the way to my work so i will take you there and back each day. Its full time so you won't be under our feet all day"

"What?" gasped Harry processing the news "but thats not fair"

"Life isn't fair sometimes you just have to do whats best, no i won't have you in the house all day, you will work for your keep this summer as the boss is expecting you at nine am sharp tomorrow. I will give you today to prepare yourself but for the rest of the summer you will be in that shop"

"But Voldemort's return?"

"Don't say that name. I won't have that rubbish in this house" snapped his uncle getting his brief case and heading out of the room as Dudley sat laughing at Harry as he made his way into the kitchen where his aunt was cooking.

"Did he tell you about your new job?" she asked not looking at him.

"Yes" replied Harry rather shocked at the thought, especially with Voldemort back he had no idea what was going to happen.

"Its for the best, can't have you being lazy this summer"

"I am not lazy" said Harry heading out of the room away from that horrible woman before she could reply.

"Take out the rubbish while your here?"

"Please" mumbled Harry grabbing two bags ready for collection.

As Harry stepped outside he saw a removal van hearing a woman voice say "oh please be careful that was expensive" as two men brought out a round glass table with a woman with short curly blond hair came out after them with a box.

"Oh, hello there" said the woman seeing Harry come up the drive with two bags.

"Hello" Harry replied placing the two bags in the bin.

"My name is Susan" said the woman walking over to a nervous Harry. Putting the box down, she shook his hand with him saying his name was "Harry Potter"

"I am your new neighbour" said Susan, picking up the box.

"Do you need a hand?" asked Harry.

"Would you be a dear and grab the last box?" replied Susan pointing into the van.

"Thank you" she said as Harry pulled the box out of it and followed her into her house.

It needed decorating thought Harry as he entered the hallway, it was identical to his Uncles house but 'less cleaner' he thought which was rather pleasant.

"You can put that here" said the nice woman pointing to the kitchen table as he could hear the removal men put the table in the living room. Would you like a cup of tea asked Susan as she brought out a white kettle. "If i can find the cups"

"No thank you" replied Harry smiling at her.

"Your a nice young man are you back for the summer holidays?"

Nodding, Harry said "that he went to boarding school quite far away from home" instead of his relatives lies, he was kind of telling the truth he thought nervously as Susan looked into the numerous boxes for the cups.

"No sky television or internet connection yet so there is nothing to do except un pack" she said finally locating matching cups. "Sure you don't want one?"

"Would you like me to help you?"

"No thank you, i think i can manage but if i do need help i will come over and ask you?"

"Is there anyone else here?" asked Harry being nosey.

"Just me" said the nice woman, "I am a nurse at the hospital" she said the kettle coming to boil. "I am married to my work"

"Thats us" said a voice from the door way.

Harry had forgotten about the removal men as he turned to leave. "If you ever need anything let us know?" said Harry as he left her paying the men for their work.

Feeling rather tired after a night of bad dreams, he did odd chores about the house and spent the rest of the day in his room.

Flinging himself down onto his bed, Harry lay face down, spread out on the covers and as soon as his eyes closed all he could see was his friends eyes staring into space at him and Voldemort.

He must have dozed off sometime as he awoke with sweat poring down his face and body, shaking from yet another nightmare, sighing, he rolled over and stared at the ceiling, yawning rubbing his sweaty face with his sleeves, he swung his legs around and stood up stretching and looking at the time. It was nearly dinner time he thought, he must have slept a good few hours before wakening from 'the nightmare' he thought as he could hear his uncle return from work as the car drove into the driveway and the smell of food was making him hungry.

Opening the door, Harry was coming down the stairs he could hear his uncle talking to Susan who was introducing herself to him. After a few minutes, his uncle came in looking less than pleased. "After dinner Susan needs you help" was all Vernon said as he pushed passed him moodily.

Dinner was not good as Harry had to force the dry chicken down his throat and his plate had less than the others he noticed and was 'still hungry' he thought as he made his way over to Susan's house.

"Come in?" said Susan opening the door, smiling at him, "I have just used the oven to heat up a pizza" allowing him to follow her after shutting the door behind him. Mouth watering, he followed her in to the smell of pizza.

"Thought I would have some dinner before I start" she said handing him a plate.

"You needed my help?" asked Harry through a mouthful of food.

"Its the company i am after" was her reply as she took a bite of delicious pizza.

For the rest of the evening Harry helped her un pack the rest of her things and just spoke about every day things and about his volunteer work and she was shocked that he wouldn't be paid for it.

Barely noticing the time fly by and she looked outside and noticing the time she gasped seeing it was nearly half ten at night. "Oh you best get back and get a goodnights sleep before work"

His relatives were watching Tv when he let himself in, smiling to himself he 'had made a new friend' he thought as he headed up stairs to Dudley's second room, which was now his and going in he got ready for bed and found himself relaxing a little as he tried to sleep.