Author's Note: Ok, I've revised this. A lot. And I've (finally) finished it. It was my first fanfic that I posted a while ago (around Christmas, yikes!) Although it was really predictable and bad and it really stunk, I've decided to revise and write more! I mean, it was my first fanfic I ever wrote. I have certain loyalties to it, even if it is horrible! Horrible, horrible, horrible! Ugh! Well, read and review!
Harry Potter absolutely despised summer vacation, the time the average 14-year-old adores. The Dursleys made his life absolutely miserable by forcing him to do their household chores and screaming at him when he 'missed a spot'. Lazy gits, he thought. You don't see them on their hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor. He was counting the days until September 1st, but the days went by slow and painfully. After an 'unfortunate' incident the previous summer involving his Aunt Marge. The Dursleys were petrified of him, and even more abusive if that was possible. He had spent a week in the cupboard for looking at Dudley 'in the wrong way'. They had only let him out because Dudley's bathroom was getting filthy and no one wanted to clean it.
Imagine Harry's fear when Uncle Vernon came home one day in the middle of July and informed his family that they had been invited to stay on a vacation with a major client's family who had just moved to England from America. Harry had been scrubbing the kitchen sink while Vernon informed Petunia of the news.
"Oh Petunia, it's a large house, it used to be a inn, and it's North of Liverpool on a lake." Vernon told his wife excitedly.
"Really Vernon!" she squeaked. "That sounds marvelous!"
"And hopefully, if I play my cards right," Vernon puffed out his chest. "I might be able to get a rather large, profitable deal."
"Oh, Vernon!"
"Let's see, they have three girls, one's off at college, we won't meet her, one's about five and the other one is about Dudley's age…" he stopped suddenly and glared at Harry. "What can we do with him?" he growled, ignoring the fact that Harry was still in the room.
Aunt Petunia looked worried. "Well, we can't take him, remember what he did to Marge. Who knows what he'll do to those people. We might not be as lucky as we were before."
"I'll be good," Harry piped up.
They ignored him. "How about Ms. Figg?" Uncle Vernon suggested.
"Are you joking? For a month? She'd jump out of her window before she did that!"
"Yvonne?"
"Gone to Hawaii."
"God, that women is always on vacation! Does she not work? Ugh, I guess we could leave him in the cupboard."
"NO! What would he do to my house!" Aunt Petunia screamed.
Uncle Vernon glanced at Harry. "If you do anything funny while we're there you will find yourself on the next train to Tibet and I don't care what happens to you there. I don't give if they eat your eyeballs as meals and brains for desert. Understand? You will not make a fool of me and ruin this deal for me!"
"Clearly," Harry said.
"Oh, Vernon, are you sure he won't do anything?"
"If he does, I'll beat his brains out. Do you get that?" Vernon took one step towards Harry.
"I'll be good," Harry said cheerfully.
"I guess that's settled. Well, everyone, pack your things! I'll go make the train reservations now!" Vernon announced.
***
Five days later Harry found himself at Kings Cross, waiting for, he realized, his first ever muggle train. He almost had to stop himself from walking right up to platform 9¾ and walking through the barrier. I wish it was time for that, Harry thought. Actually, in reality, he was a bit excited about the aspect of this vacation. Harry had never been on a real vacation, not counting that one trip to the zoo for Dudley's birthday. Other than that, he had barely been outside of the house and its garden.
They boarded the train minutes after arriving at the station; the Dursleys where running late. The train smelled musty and of antique perfume, a bit like Professor Trewlany's classroom. The Dursleys chose the seats close to the front. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia shared row; Dudley was so large he took up the entire row himself. Harry took a seat behind them next to a bald, snoring man. The man talked in his sleep, saying things like 'gotta make it in time' and 'hurry up, Bessie!' The man also started shouting out marriage proposals between snores. Harry scooted farther away from the man; he certainly hoped the man wasn't talking to HIM.
The ride was hardly smooth. The bouncing up and down made Harry nauseated and his neighbor's falling down on him every time they turned a corner did not help him either. It was not a fun trip. He longed for the comfortable, pleasant train ride that took him to Hogwarts. When the train finally stopped and the passengers got off at Liverpool, Harry had never been so relieved. He practically ran off the train and would have kissed the ground if the station hadn't been so crowded. It would've scared the Dursley's, he thought with a grin. They'd think I've taken up a new strange power and would be afraid to step on the ground.
"Vernon!" shouted a tall, thin man with a thick head of dirty blonde hair. He wore glasses, but they didn't hide his bright blue eyes. He spoke with a lovely American accent that Harry had only heard in the movies that Dudley had. The two men shook hands.
"I would like to introduce Daniel Springs. Daniel, this is my wife Petunia, my son Dudley…and my nephew Harry," Uncle Vernon added quickly.
"Pleased to meet you," Mr. Springs said. He shook everyone's hand, even Harry's. Harry liked him at once; he seemed very pleasant. Mr. Spring's accent made every little thing sound exotic.
***
The car ride to the Spring's was only about five minutes. Harry was very glad; he wanted to stand and stretch properly. When they arrived a women and three girls came out of the house, which did resemble a lodge. Mr. Springs smiled at them as he parked the car in the driveway.
"May I present my wife Rebecca" he said. Mrs. Springs was a short, pretty, and thin women, with dark curly brown hair and brown eyes.
"Daddy!" a little girl, about five with curly bond hair and bright blue eyes that resembled her father's, yelled, throwing herself around his waist.
"This little munchkin is Anneliese," Mr. Springs said fondly. Anneliese reminded him of Shirley Temple, and American child star of the 1930's. Dudley's favorite movie was Heidi, Harry remembered with a smirk. "And this is my daughter, Samantha" he said pointing to the second girl. Samantha was about fourteen, Harry's age, and was quite pretty. She had honey blond wavy hair and light gray eyes. She smiled at Harry in such a warm, friendly way he couldn't help but to smile back. "Ladies, these are the Dursleys, Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley, and their nephew Harry,"
"Does Harry have a last name?" Samantha inquired.
"Potter," he told her. Samantha's eyes widened and she dropped the suitcase she was carrying in on Uncle Vernon's foot.
"I'm so sorry Mr. Dursley!" she exclaimed. Her eyes had not left Harry; she was looking at him with a new found curiosity.
"It's all right," he said, eyeing Harry suspiciously, as if Harry had done that. You jerk, Harry thought. As if I would do that. Samantha's the only chance I have this summer at a friend. Harry remembered Hermione and Ron, and felt a pang in his stomach. He hoped that they both had gotten his letter saying that he was going, and that Ron had agreed to watch Hedwig for him.
After they got inside, Samantha, Anneliese, and Mrs. Springs helped them to their rooms. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia took the room closest to the stairs. Dudley took the room next to them. Harry started to go into the next room, but Samantha stopped him.
"My cousin is coming to stay with us in about a week and that's her room, so…I'm sorry," she apologized.
"It's OK. Is your cousin American?" he asked.
"No, she's British. She lives in London."
"Where did you live in the United States?" Harry asked.
"New York City," she sighed.
"Do you miss it?" Harry asked.
"Incredibly," she sighed again. She looked at him curiously.
"What's that on your forehead?" she asked. Harry lifted his bangs.
"It's a scar. I got it when I was really little," he replied. Her eyes widened again as almost in shock and Harry worried that she was going to drop something again. "Are you all right?' Harry inquired, concerned.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine perfectly fine," she answered quickly.
That night they ate dinner in the large dining hall. Mr. Springs had made crab au gratin, which turned out to be a very good dish, in Harry's opinion. "Where do you go to school, Dudley and Harry?" Mrs. Springs asked.
"I go to Smeltings," Dudley said smugly.
"I go to…" Harry was interrupted.
"Harry goes to St. Brutus's Institute for the Incurable Criminal Boys," Uncle Vernon replied. Harry felt his whole face go red in embarrassment. Why did he have to tell them that? Why couldn't he just tell them that he went to a boarding school in Scotland and spare his reputation? Because they're jerks. Harry fought back a few tears. They're jerks who don't deserve this food, this oxygen they're breathing. I hate them all. Mrs. And Mr. Springs exchanged looks; making Harry feel more embarrassed because they now were most likely worried about their jewelry being stolen. Samantha gave Uncle Vernon a mean, cold glare that made Harry feel much better.
***
A week went by very quickly. Samantha soon became Harry's friend, although she was a bit crazy. When they were on the lake canoeing she threw the oars overboard "just to get the feeling of helplessness." She yelled freely at her parents, she climbed to the roof for no reason what so ever, and argued with Uncle Vernon with out even flinching. She was a daredevil, parasailing, wind-surfing, and doing jumps while water skiing. It was very obvious that Dudley had a bit of a crush on Samantha; he was always following her around and telling her how nice she looked or if he could get her anything. She was very polite, of course, but it was very apparent how she felt about him. She intensely disliked the Dursleys in general. "They're just so proper and normal," she said, disgusted. "I mean, normal's ok, but it's no fun!" Harry laughed and agreed with her; being normal was no fun. While he was 'normal', before Hogwarts, Harry had had the ten worst years of his life.
***
*Harry was dreaming. It's always weird when you subconsciously know your dreaming while you are so, but it never registers in subtext of the dream. Harry knew he was dreaming, because he had never, ever been in a place like this. He was in a small room with one door that was behind him. It shut and locked as soon as he walked through it. The room had livid sea green walls, and a psychedelic orange color painted on both the ceiling and floor. He could sense that Ron and Hermione were nearby, but he couldn't see them. He could only hear laughter, Voldemort's laughter. The evil cackle grew louder and louder until Harry was forced to cover his ears. His scar throbbed, and green light blinded him. He saw a body in the corner of the room, charred beyond recognition. Harry tried to move towards it, but he was glued in his spot. He felt himself get very hot, and heard two screams, both of whom he recognized but couldn't but his finger on. Everything was going black.*
"Wake up Harry!" he hears Samantha's voice call out in the morning. He opened his eyes to see a fully dressed Samantha leaning over him.
"Sam, what is it?" he asked.
"My dad is taking me to the train station to pick up my cousin," she said. "Would you like to come?"
"Of course!" he said excitedly. As he was getting dressed he thought about his dream. He had had it all week now, but the colors where brighter than they had been before last night. He shrugged it off and ran downstairs.
"Where do you think you're going?" asked Uncle Vernon rudely.
"With the Springs to pick up their cousin," he answered.
"If you don't mind Vernon," Mr. Springs said. Uncle Vernon shook his head but he gave Harry a stare of pure hate. Harry just smiled sweetly and turned around to leave.
***
The train station was very crowded. "What does your cousin look like?" he asked. It was getting very hard to see anyone in this mob. He was frightened about losing Sam and Mr. Springs and then having to find his way back.
"She's about my height, she's our age, she has brown hair, brown eyes…" she trailed off. "Well I can't see anything, I'm too short." She stood up on a bench. "Much better. There she is! There she is! There she is!" She shouted, jumping up and down, then falling of the bench.
Harry laughed. "You ok?"
"She sees me! She's coming over here!" Samantha cried, ignoring him. She ran over and hugged her cousin. Harry rubbed his glasses. Were his eyes playing tricks on him?
"Harry?" the cousin asked in disbelief.
"Hermione?" he whispered.
Hermione smiled and gave him a hug. "Oh it's so great to see you!" She paused. "But what are you doing here? How do you know Sam?"
"The Springs are clients of the Dursleys and we're staying with them," he said, still in shock. "You guys are cousins?"
"Yep, we are. You know, I should have put you two together, but I guess I'm just too stupid!" Sam laughed. "I knew that Hermione went to Hogwarts, and that you went there too, but I didn't know what houses you guys are in or anything. I mean, Hermione's probably in all the house with all the nerds.."
"Hey!"
"And Harry's where are the heroes are!" Sam concluded. "What are you guys in anyhow?"
"Gryffindor," they said in unison.
"Sam, are you a …" Harry began to ask.
"A witch? You betcha. I'd have thought you'd have figured that out by now, the way I freaked when I finally met the famous Harry Potter. The last thing I would have purposely done was drop a suitcase on your uncle's foot," she smiled. "Last thing you want to do in the world is piss Vernon Dursley off, right Harry?"
"Right on," Harry laughed.
***
When they finally got to the house, it was very, very late. They had been stuck in traffic for hours. The normally thirty minute ride had taken six times that long. They had finally stopped at a fast food restaurant because Hermione had been getting hungry. "Get to bed," Mr. Springs ordered everyone once they arrived home. Harry went to sleep quickly, as soon as his head hit the pillow.
He had his dream again. It was exactly the same as the last night's except that he could see the body with more detail. He could tell that it was a girl, due to it's long hair. He recognized the face of the body, but he couldn't put his finger on it. The heat was more intense, the screams were louder, and his scar throbbed more than ever. Confused and scared, Harry woke with a start. He looked at his clock. It was around two o'clock when Harry heard a knock on his door.
"Harry," came Hermione's voice. "I can't sleep. I… I had a bad dream. Oh, that sounded like Anneliese, a five year old." She laughed. "I mean, I haven't had nightmares in years…" she paused. "What are you doing up?"
He smiled. "I can't sleep either." She walked in and sat down on the foot of his bed. Harry turned a lamp on. Suddenly a loud snorting noise came from two rooms down.
"What was that?" asked Hermione, flinching.
"Dudley," he answered.
"I guess I get to meet him in the morning. I've heard so many wonderful things about him." She smiled.
"Yeah," Harry said.
"Do you mind if I sit here, for just a minute. I'm to lazy to go back to my room now." Hermione asked.
"No, course not." He suspected she was scared, but he didn't want to embarrass her. Harry started to read, and when he looked up again, he saw Hermione fast asleep. He smiled, put down his book, and carried Hermione to her bed. Actually, he tried to carry her. "You are heavy!" he mumbled. "Or else I'm very weak," he thought, which was probably true. He finally stirred a bit so she could walk with his assistance. As soon as she laid down, she was asleep again. He pulled the blanket over her, to keep her warm. For the middle of summer, it was very chilly in the lake side lodge. He took one last glance at his friend. He had never seen her like this, so quiet and sweet. She didn't look at all like the know-it-all Harry knew so well. He wished her sweet dreams and left.
***
That morning he felt groggy and sleepy; even after going back to his own room, he didn't sleep. By the time he reached downstairs, everyone was already down, eating their breakfast of French toast and sausage. He sat down in a chair between Hermione and Samantha.
"What do your parents do for a living, Hermione?" asked Aunt Petunia.
"They're both dentists," she said.
"After breakfast, why don't you, Hermione, Dudley, and Harry go down to the lake, and maybe picnic?" Mrs. Springs suggested to Sam.
"I want to go to," insisted Anneliese. She put her hands on her hips impatiently.
"Now, now, dear, you must give the big kids a chance to be alone," said Mr. Springs. "Daddy will play with you, all right?"
"Ok!" Anneliese said, picnic forgotten. "Let's color!"
Mr. Springs laughed. "What ever you want, honey."
"I have Little Mermaid coloring books!" she cried. "And I have my "Littlest Witch" coloring book too!" Harry noticed that the Dursley's cringed at the word 'witch'. Haha, he thought. Little do you know, you're in the room with two of them. He glanced at Anneliese. Maybe three, if she proves to be magic.
***
After breakfast the four of them headed down to the lake. Dudley was telling Samantha about Smeltings; bragging about things that Harry was sure that he made up just to impress her. Harry wished more that anything that Dudley would just disappear; he wanted to talk to the girls alone about some 'things'.
"Ugh." Hermione said. "I'm still hungry."
Harry chuckled. "You hardly ate your breakfast, no wonder."
Hermione shrugged. "I hate sausage, and I'm not too fond of French toast."
"Weird," Harry joked. She grinned at him and shoved his shoulder.
"I am hungry," she repeated.
"Dudley dear, would you mind walking back and getting us a snack?" Sam asked sweetly, flashing him a warm, almost seducing smile. She was the one person Dudley would do anything for.
"OK," he said joyfully, and turned back. Harry detected a slight skip in his walk.
"He's sweet on you," Hermione laughed.
"You think I haven't noticed?" Samantha groaned.
"Well, it's nice having a personal servant, don't you think?" Harry asked.
"Rather have peace, but you have to deal with what you get," Sam answered.
"Sam, if you're a witch, where did you go to school last year?" Harry asked.
"Whoa, that was random!" Sam shouted.
"Sorry, it just popped into my head."
Samantha smiled. "I attended the Independence Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry," she answered. "Guess what?"
"What?" Harry and Hermione asked simultaneously.
"Mom doesn't want me to go across seas for boarding school, so for next year I've been accepted into Hogwarts, like you and Hermione."
"Really! That's great!" exclaimed Harry.
"Thanks. You know, I was at the school last year on day visiting, you know, just checking it out. Making sure there were no rats or anything."
"Hogwarts doesn't have rats!" cried Hermione.
"Unless you're counting animage ex-Voldemort servants posing as pets," Harry added. "Other than that, no."
Sam looked at him as if he were nuts. "Anyway, I saw you," she pointed to Harry, "with a tall red-haired boy. What's his name again?" Sam asked.
"Ron," Hermione answered. Then she turned and whispered to Harry. "She found him very handsome." Harry laughed.
"Hey!" Sam cried. "Well, he was." She sighed. "I guess I have a soft spot for freckles. My one weakness."
"Other than your one for lacking common sense?" Hermione joked.
"Hey!" Sam said again, turning to smack Hermione upside the head. "I thought we were going to be on the same side this summer. You know, me, you, and Harry against Dudley."
"Sorry," Hermione apologized. "I just couldn't help myself. It was to tempting."
"Tempting my ass," Samantha muttered.
Dudley appeared again with snacks so they couldn't continue their conversation about Hogwarts and Ron. "While I was inside, Samantha, I heard your mum talking about a party tonight," Dudley commented while biting into a king-sized twinkie.
"Oh right! I completely forgot! How could I have been so stupid!" Samantha exclaimed, hitting her forehead.
"Well…" Hermione began, smiling.
"Oh shut up. You all are invited, of course, it's mainly a 'Hi, we're your new neighbors' party. It's a bit fancy, so I hope you have something to wear." Sam said.
"Yeah," Harry and Dudley said in unison, then glared at each other.
"I don't," Hermione admitted. "I packed for water skiing and wind-surfing, not going to a dinner party."
"Well, you can borrow something of mine," Samantha suggested. "I have enough dresses, and if none of mine fit, you can go into Gwen's closet." She eyed Hermione with a smile. "I…"
"Don't even start," Hermione said. "Believe me, it won't be funny."
"Shut up!" Sam laughed. "I am too funny!"
"Actually, I do know something about you that is quite funny. Harry, do you know…" Hermione began.
Samantha clamped her hand over Hermione's mouth. "You wouldn't dare," she hissed in Hermione's ear, who was turning red from laughter. Samantha turned to Harry. "It's nothing, absolutely nothing. Please excuse us." She dragged Hermione away.
Harry watched them leave, laughing. They were so close, it was more like they were sisters, not cousins. He turned to Dudley, his cousin. Just then Dudley burped, loudly. Harry turned back to gaze at Hermione and Samantha as he laid down on the grass. I'm jealous, he thought. I want a brother, or someone's who close to me. They're so lucky. Harry sighed. That's all I've ever wanted, companionship. While I have friends at Hogwarts, it's not the same as having brothers and sisters of my own.
What would it have been like if mom and dad hadn't been killed that night? Would I still be an only child, or would I have a little brother or sister? I miss my parents so, even though I don't remember them. I guess I just feel like I missed out on something. Hermione has parents. Samantha has parents AND a sister. As for Ron's family, I'd die to trade places with him, although he hates it for some unknown reason. Harry smiled. I'll probably never understand.
"Are you going to eat that?" Dudley asked, pointing to Harry's unopened candy bar.
"Knock yourself out," Harry muttered and threw the candy bar at his cousin. As Dudley began chewing on the chocolate, he let out a humongous burp. Harry rolled his eyes. I need companionship other than Dudley Dursley.
A/N: It's finished in part two and three; It's too long to upload the entire thing. God, my computer is screwed up!
Disclaimer: It'll be in the next part. I'm so lazy today!
Harry Potter absolutely despised summer vacation, the time the average 14-year-old adores. The Dursleys made his life absolutely miserable by forcing him to do their household chores and screaming at him when he 'missed a spot'. Lazy gits, he thought. You don't see them on their hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor. He was counting the days until September 1st, but the days went by slow and painfully. After an 'unfortunate' incident the previous summer involving his Aunt Marge. The Dursleys were petrified of him, and even more abusive if that was possible. He had spent a week in the cupboard for looking at Dudley 'in the wrong way'. They had only let him out because Dudley's bathroom was getting filthy and no one wanted to clean it.
Imagine Harry's fear when Uncle Vernon came home one day in the middle of July and informed his family that they had been invited to stay on a vacation with a major client's family who had just moved to England from America. Harry had been scrubbing the kitchen sink while Vernon informed Petunia of the news.
"Oh Petunia, it's a large house, it used to be a inn, and it's North of Liverpool on a lake." Vernon told his wife excitedly.
"Really Vernon!" she squeaked. "That sounds marvelous!"
"And hopefully, if I play my cards right," Vernon puffed out his chest. "I might be able to get a rather large, profitable deal."
"Oh, Vernon!"
"Let's see, they have three girls, one's off at college, we won't meet her, one's about five and the other one is about Dudley's age…" he stopped suddenly and glared at Harry. "What can we do with him?" he growled, ignoring the fact that Harry was still in the room.
Aunt Petunia looked worried. "Well, we can't take him, remember what he did to Marge. Who knows what he'll do to those people. We might not be as lucky as we were before."
"I'll be good," Harry piped up.
They ignored him. "How about Ms. Figg?" Uncle Vernon suggested.
"Are you joking? For a month? She'd jump out of her window before she did that!"
"Yvonne?"
"Gone to Hawaii."
"God, that women is always on vacation! Does she not work? Ugh, I guess we could leave him in the cupboard."
"NO! What would he do to my house!" Aunt Petunia screamed.
Uncle Vernon glanced at Harry. "If you do anything funny while we're there you will find yourself on the next train to Tibet and I don't care what happens to you there. I don't give if they eat your eyeballs as meals and brains for desert. Understand? You will not make a fool of me and ruin this deal for me!"
"Clearly," Harry said.
"Oh, Vernon, are you sure he won't do anything?"
"If he does, I'll beat his brains out. Do you get that?" Vernon took one step towards Harry.
"I'll be good," Harry said cheerfully.
"I guess that's settled. Well, everyone, pack your things! I'll go make the train reservations now!" Vernon announced.
***
Five days later Harry found himself at Kings Cross, waiting for, he realized, his first ever muggle train. He almost had to stop himself from walking right up to platform 9¾ and walking through the barrier. I wish it was time for that, Harry thought. Actually, in reality, he was a bit excited about the aspect of this vacation. Harry had never been on a real vacation, not counting that one trip to the zoo for Dudley's birthday. Other than that, he had barely been outside of the house and its garden.
They boarded the train minutes after arriving at the station; the Dursleys where running late. The train smelled musty and of antique perfume, a bit like Professor Trewlany's classroom. The Dursleys chose the seats close to the front. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia shared row; Dudley was so large he took up the entire row himself. Harry took a seat behind them next to a bald, snoring man. The man talked in his sleep, saying things like 'gotta make it in time' and 'hurry up, Bessie!' The man also started shouting out marriage proposals between snores. Harry scooted farther away from the man; he certainly hoped the man wasn't talking to HIM.
The ride was hardly smooth. The bouncing up and down made Harry nauseated and his neighbor's falling down on him every time they turned a corner did not help him either. It was not a fun trip. He longed for the comfortable, pleasant train ride that took him to Hogwarts. When the train finally stopped and the passengers got off at Liverpool, Harry had never been so relieved. He practically ran off the train and would have kissed the ground if the station hadn't been so crowded. It would've scared the Dursley's, he thought with a grin. They'd think I've taken up a new strange power and would be afraid to step on the ground.
"Vernon!" shouted a tall, thin man with a thick head of dirty blonde hair. He wore glasses, but they didn't hide his bright blue eyes. He spoke with a lovely American accent that Harry had only heard in the movies that Dudley had. The two men shook hands.
"I would like to introduce Daniel Springs. Daniel, this is my wife Petunia, my son Dudley…and my nephew Harry," Uncle Vernon added quickly.
"Pleased to meet you," Mr. Springs said. He shook everyone's hand, even Harry's. Harry liked him at once; he seemed very pleasant. Mr. Spring's accent made every little thing sound exotic.
***
The car ride to the Spring's was only about five minutes. Harry was very glad; he wanted to stand and stretch properly. When they arrived a women and three girls came out of the house, which did resemble a lodge. Mr. Springs smiled at them as he parked the car in the driveway.
"May I present my wife Rebecca" he said. Mrs. Springs was a short, pretty, and thin women, with dark curly brown hair and brown eyes.
"Daddy!" a little girl, about five with curly bond hair and bright blue eyes that resembled her father's, yelled, throwing herself around his waist.
"This little munchkin is Anneliese," Mr. Springs said fondly. Anneliese reminded him of Shirley Temple, and American child star of the 1930's. Dudley's favorite movie was Heidi, Harry remembered with a smirk. "And this is my daughter, Samantha" he said pointing to the second girl. Samantha was about fourteen, Harry's age, and was quite pretty. She had honey blond wavy hair and light gray eyes. She smiled at Harry in such a warm, friendly way he couldn't help but to smile back. "Ladies, these are the Dursleys, Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley, and their nephew Harry,"
"Does Harry have a last name?" Samantha inquired.
"Potter," he told her. Samantha's eyes widened and she dropped the suitcase she was carrying in on Uncle Vernon's foot.
"I'm so sorry Mr. Dursley!" she exclaimed. Her eyes had not left Harry; she was looking at him with a new found curiosity.
"It's all right," he said, eyeing Harry suspiciously, as if Harry had done that. You jerk, Harry thought. As if I would do that. Samantha's the only chance I have this summer at a friend. Harry remembered Hermione and Ron, and felt a pang in his stomach. He hoped that they both had gotten his letter saying that he was going, and that Ron had agreed to watch Hedwig for him.
After they got inside, Samantha, Anneliese, and Mrs. Springs helped them to their rooms. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia took the room closest to the stairs. Dudley took the room next to them. Harry started to go into the next room, but Samantha stopped him.
"My cousin is coming to stay with us in about a week and that's her room, so…I'm sorry," she apologized.
"It's OK. Is your cousin American?" he asked.
"No, she's British. She lives in London."
"Where did you live in the United States?" Harry asked.
"New York City," she sighed.
"Do you miss it?" Harry asked.
"Incredibly," she sighed again. She looked at him curiously.
"What's that on your forehead?" she asked. Harry lifted his bangs.
"It's a scar. I got it when I was really little," he replied. Her eyes widened again as almost in shock and Harry worried that she was going to drop something again. "Are you all right?' Harry inquired, concerned.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine perfectly fine," she answered quickly.
That night they ate dinner in the large dining hall. Mr. Springs had made crab au gratin, which turned out to be a very good dish, in Harry's opinion. "Where do you go to school, Dudley and Harry?" Mrs. Springs asked.
"I go to Smeltings," Dudley said smugly.
"I go to…" Harry was interrupted.
"Harry goes to St. Brutus's Institute for the Incurable Criminal Boys," Uncle Vernon replied. Harry felt his whole face go red in embarrassment. Why did he have to tell them that? Why couldn't he just tell them that he went to a boarding school in Scotland and spare his reputation? Because they're jerks. Harry fought back a few tears. They're jerks who don't deserve this food, this oxygen they're breathing. I hate them all. Mrs. And Mr. Springs exchanged looks; making Harry feel more embarrassed because they now were most likely worried about their jewelry being stolen. Samantha gave Uncle Vernon a mean, cold glare that made Harry feel much better.
***
A week went by very quickly. Samantha soon became Harry's friend, although she was a bit crazy. When they were on the lake canoeing she threw the oars overboard "just to get the feeling of helplessness." She yelled freely at her parents, she climbed to the roof for no reason what so ever, and argued with Uncle Vernon with out even flinching. She was a daredevil, parasailing, wind-surfing, and doing jumps while water skiing. It was very obvious that Dudley had a bit of a crush on Samantha; he was always following her around and telling her how nice she looked or if he could get her anything. She was very polite, of course, but it was very apparent how she felt about him. She intensely disliked the Dursleys in general. "They're just so proper and normal," she said, disgusted. "I mean, normal's ok, but it's no fun!" Harry laughed and agreed with her; being normal was no fun. While he was 'normal', before Hogwarts, Harry had had the ten worst years of his life.
***
*Harry was dreaming. It's always weird when you subconsciously know your dreaming while you are so, but it never registers in subtext of the dream. Harry knew he was dreaming, because he had never, ever been in a place like this. He was in a small room with one door that was behind him. It shut and locked as soon as he walked through it. The room had livid sea green walls, and a psychedelic orange color painted on both the ceiling and floor. He could sense that Ron and Hermione were nearby, but he couldn't see them. He could only hear laughter, Voldemort's laughter. The evil cackle grew louder and louder until Harry was forced to cover his ears. His scar throbbed, and green light blinded him. He saw a body in the corner of the room, charred beyond recognition. Harry tried to move towards it, but he was glued in his spot. He felt himself get very hot, and heard two screams, both of whom he recognized but couldn't but his finger on. Everything was going black.*
"Wake up Harry!" he hears Samantha's voice call out in the morning. He opened his eyes to see a fully dressed Samantha leaning over him.
"Sam, what is it?" he asked.
"My dad is taking me to the train station to pick up my cousin," she said. "Would you like to come?"
"Of course!" he said excitedly. As he was getting dressed he thought about his dream. He had had it all week now, but the colors where brighter than they had been before last night. He shrugged it off and ran downstairs.
"Where do you think you're going?" asked Uncle Vernon rudely.
"With the Springs to pick up their cousin," he answered.
"If you don't mind Vernon," Mr. Springs said. Uncle Vernon shook his head but he gave Harry a stare of pure hate. Harry just smiled sweetly and turned around to leave.
***
The train station was very crowded. "What does your cousin look like?" he asked. It was getting very hard to see anyone in this mob. He was frightened about losing Sam and Mr. Springs and then having to find his way back.
"She's about my height, she's our age, she has brown hair, brown eyes…" she trailed off. "Well I can't see anything, I'm too short." She stood up on a bench. "Much better. There she is! There she is! There she is!" She shouted, jumping up and down, then falling of the bench.
Harry laughed. "You ok?"
"She sees me! She's coming over here!" Samantha cried, ignoring him. She ran over and hugged her cousin. Harry rubbed his glasses. Were his eyes playing tricks on him?
"Harry?" the cousin asked in disbelief.
"Hermione?" he whispered.
Hermione smiled and gave him a hug. "Oh it's so great to see you!" She paused. "But what are you doing here? How do you know Sam?"
"The Springs are clients of the Dursleys and we're staying with them," he said, still in shock. "You guys are cousins?"
"Yep, we are. You know, I should have put you two together, but I guess I'm just too stupid!" Sam laughed. "I knew that Hermione went to Hogwarts, and that you went there too, but I didn't know what houses you guys are in or anything. I mean, Hermione's probably in all the house with all the nerds.."
"Hey!"
"And Harry's where are the heroes are!" Sam concluded. "What are you guys in anyhow?"
"Gryffindor," they said in unison.
"Sam, are you a …" Harry began to ask.
"A witch? You betcha. I'd have thought you'd have figured that out by now, the way I freaked when I finally met the famous Harry Potter. The last thing I would have purposely done was drop a suitcase on your uncle's foot," she smiled. "Last thing you want to do in the world is piss Vernon Dursley off, right Harry?"
"Right on," Harry laughed.
***
When they finally got to the house, it was very, very late. They had been stuck in traffic for hours. The normally thirty minute ride had taken six times that long. They had finally stopped at a fast food restaurant because Hermione had been getting hungry. "Get to bed," Mr. Springs ordered everyone once they arrived home. Harry went to sleep quickly, as soon as his head hit the pillow.
He had his dream again. It was exactly the same as the last night's except that he could see the body with more detail. He could tell that it was a girl, due to it's long hair. He recognized the face of the body, but he couldn't put his finger on it. The heat was more intense, the screams were louder, and his scar throbbed more than ever. Confused and scared, Harry woke with a start. He looked at his clock. It was around two o'clock when Harry heard a knock on his door.
"Harry," came Hermione's voice. "I can't sleep. I… I had a bad dream. Oh, that sounded like Anneliese, a five year old." She laughed. "I mean, I haven't had nightmares in years…" she paused. "What are you doing up?"
He smiled. "I can't sleep either." She walked in and sat down on the foot of his bed. Harry turned a lamp on. Suddenly a loud snorting noise came from two rooms down.
"What was that?" asked Hermione, flinching.
"Dudley," he answered.
"I guess I get to meet him in the morning. I've heard so many wonderful things about him." She smiled.
"Yeah," Harry said.
"Do you mind if I sit here, for just a minute. I'm to lazy to go back to my room now." Hermione asked.
"No, course not." He suspected she was scared, but he didn't want to embarrass her. Harry started to read, and when he looked up again, he saw Hermione fast asleep. He smiled, put down his book, and carried Hermione to her bed. Actually, he tried to carry her. "You are heavy!" he mumbled. "Or else I'm very weak," he thought, which was probably true. He finally stirred a bit so she could walk with his assistance. As soon as she laid down, she was asleep again. He pulled the blanket over her, to keep her warm. For the middle of summer, it was very chilly in the lake side lodge. He took one last glance at his friend. He had never seen her like this, so quiet and sweet. She didn't look at all like the know-it-all Harry knew so well. He wished her sweet dreams and left.
***
That morning he felt groggy and sleepy; even after going back to his own room, he didn't sleep. By the time he reached downstairs, everyone was already down, eating their breakfast of French toast and sausage. He sat down in a chair between Hermione and Samantha.
"What do your parents do for a living, Hermione?" asked Aunt Petunia.
"They're both dentists," she said.
"After breakfast, why don't you, Hermione, Dudley, and Harry go down to the lake, and maybe picnic?" Mrs. Springs suggested to Sam.
"I want to go to," insisted Anneliese. She put her hands on her hips impatiently.
"Now, now, dear, you must give the big kids a chance to be alone," said Mr. Springs. "Daddy will play with you, all right?"
"Ok!" Anneliese said, picnic forgotten. "Let's color!"
Mr. Springs laughed. "What ever you want, honey."
"I have Little Mermaid coloring books!" she cried. "And I have my "Littlest Witch" coloring book too!" Harry noticed that the Dursley's cringed at the word 'witch'. Haha, he thought. Little do you know, you're in the room with two of them. He glanced at Anneliese. Maybe three, if she proves to be magic.
***
After breakfast the four of them headed down to the lake. Dudley was telling Samantha about Smeltings; bragging about things that Harry was sure that he made up just to impress her. Harry wished more that anything that Dudley would just disappear; he wanted to talk to the girls alone about some 'things'.
"Ugh." Hermione said. "I'm still hungry."
Harry chuckled. "You hardly ate your breakfast, no wonder."
Hermione shrugged. "I hate sausage, and I'm not too fond of French toast."
"Weird," Harry joked. She grinned at him and shoved his shoulder.
"I am hungry," she repeated.
"Dudley dear, would you mind walking back and getting us a snack?" Sam asked sweetly, flashing him a warm, almost seducing smile. She was the one person Dudley would do anything for.
"OK," he said joyfully, and turned back. Harry detected a slight skip in his walk.
"He's sweet on you," Hermione laughed.
"You think I haven't noticed?" Samantha groaned.
"Well, it's nice having a personal servant, don't you think?" Harry asked.
"Rather have peace, but you have to deal with what you get," Sam answered.
"Sam, if you're a witch, where did you go to school last year?" Harry asked.
"Whoa, that was random!" Sam shouted.
"Sorry, it just popped into my head."
Samantha smiled. "I attended the Independence Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry," she answered. "Guess what?"
"What?" Harry and Hermione asked simultaneously.
"Mom doesn't want me to go across seas for boarding school, so for next year I've been accepted into Hogwarts, like you and Hermione."
"Really! That's great!" exclaimed Harry.
"Thanks. You know, I was at the school last year on day visiting, you know, just checking it out. Making sure there were no rats or anything."
"Hogwarts doesn't have rats!" cried Hermione.
"Unless you're counting animage ex-Voldemort servants posing as pets," Harry added. "Other than that, no."
Sam looked at him as if he were nuts. "Anyway, I saw you," she pointed to Harry, "with a tall red-haired boy. What's his name again?" Sam asked.
"Ron," Hermione answered. Then she turned and whispered to Harry. "She found him very handsome." Harry laughed.
"Hey!" Sam cried. "Well, he was." She sighed. "I guess I have a soft spot for freckles. My one weakness."
"Other than your one for lacking common sense?" Hermione joked.
"Hey!" Sam said again, turning to smack Hermione upside the head. "I thought we were going to be on the same side this summer. You know, me, you, and Harry against Dudley."
"Sorry," Hermione apologized. "I just couldn't help myself. It was to tempting."
"Tempting my ass," Samantha muttered.
Dudley appeared again with snacks so they couldn't continue their conversation about Hogwarts and Ron. "While I was inside, Samantha, I heard your mum talking about a party tonight," Dudley commented while biting into a king-sized twinkie.
"Oh right! I completely forgot! How could I have been so stupid!" Samantha exclaimed, hitting her forehead.
"Well…" Hermione began, smiling.
"Oh shut up. You all are invited, of course, it's mainly a 'Hi, we're your new neighbors' party. It's a bit fancy, so I hope you have something to wear." Sam said.
"Yeah," Harry and Dudley said in unison, then glared at each other.
"I don't," Hermione admitted. "I packed for water skiing and wind-surfing, not going to a dinner party."
"Well, you can borrow something of mine," Samantha suggested. "I have enough dresses, and if none of mine fit, you can go into Gwen's closet." She eyed Hermione with a smile. "I…"
"Don't even start," Hermione said. "Believe me, it won't be funny."
"Shut up!" Sam laughed. "I am too funny!"
"Actually, I do know something about you that is quite funny. Harry, do you know…" Hermione began.
Samantha clamped her hand over Hermione's mouth. "You wouldn't dare," she hissed in Hermione's ear, who was turning red from laughter. Samantha turned to Harry. "It's nothing, absolutely nothing. Please excuse us." She dragged Hermione away.
Harry watched them leave, laughing. They were so close, it was more like they were sisters, not cousins. He turned to Dudley, his cousin. Just then Dudley burped, loudly. Harry turned back to gaze at Hermione and Samantha as he laid down on the grass. I'm jealous, he thought. I want a brother, or someone's who close to me. They're so lucky. Harry sighed. That's all I've ever wanted, companionship. While I have friends at Hogwarts, it's not the same as having brothers and sisters of my own.
What would it have been like if mom and dad hadn't been killed that night? Would I still be an only child, or would I have a little brother or sister? I miss my parents so, even though I don't remember them. I guess I just feel like I missed out on something. Hermione has parents. Samantha has parents AND a sister. As for Ron's family, I'd die to trade places with him, although he hates it for some unknown reason. Harry smiled. I'll probably never understand.
"Are you going to eat that?" Dudley asked, pointing to Harry's unopened candy bar.
"Knock yourself out," Harry muttered and threw the candy bar at his cousin. As Dudley began chewing on the chocolate, he let out a humongous burp. Harry rolled his eyes. I need companionship other than Dudley Dursley.
A/N: It's finished in part two and three; It's too long to upload the entire thing. God, my computer is screwed up!
Disclaimer: It'll be in the next part. I'm so lazy today!