Ch. 2 The Move
*** Same disclaimer as before***
Breaking the news to Dudley about the upcoming move involved many temper tantrums a broken vase and much bribing. Dudley was rarely seen around the house now as he was spending as much time as possible with his gang friends.
This was good news for Harry as he was for once not used as a punching bag or a human piƱata for Dudley's pleasure. Instead, Harry was busy with a whole host of new chores and tasks.
The most interesting of which had to be the creation of his identity, school records, immunizations, and passport. Harry had never seen his Aunt's face become so soured as when she had to explain why her own son attended school and her nephew was home schooled. Beyond getting skeptical looks from the government officials everything was cleared for their upcoming trip.
Vernon had left 2 weeks ago to establish his new position and find a place to live. Apparently the best place he could find was a semi-traditional detached home near an expatriate community and an international school. Or so Harry deduced from his Uncles bellows on the other side of the phone.
One week later and Harry, Dudley, and Petunia were on a plane to China. Dudley and Petunia were in 1st class of course and Harry was a far back in the plane as they could get him.
Harry didn't mind. In fact he was grateful for the separation as he'd been working nearly nonstop to pack and clean everything in time for the movers and the flight. Once he was fastened in his seat he drifted off and it wasn't until hours later that he woke again.
Upon their arrival at the airport, the Dursley's and Harry were guided to an awaiting car where Dudley and Petunia climbed in and waited for Harry and the driver to load the baggage into the boot and on the ceiling of the car. Ultimately Harry and the driver ended up in the front seat of the vehicle, which offered Harry a clear unobstructed view of their new city.
Some 45 minutes later Harry was beginning to bring in the suitcases and could hear his Aunt's curses and loud exclamations about the state of the house from outside. The art of sliding screens was completely lost on a drowsy Dudley, who ended up tearing through one of the delicate room dividers in his hast to get to a WC. Harry thought this was very amusing until it occurred to him who would be fixing the screen.
More screeching was to be heard as Aunt Petunia entered the kitchen and found the traditional set up of Asian kitchens instead of a state-of-the-art kitchen she had been promised. Harry didn't know why she was so upset as she never cooked anyways.
The most basic supplies were unpacked, and the house cleaned by the time Vernon came home. The litany of grievances began nearly as soon as he entered the door, and Harry was glad he could escape to his new room.
Harry's new room was a tiny room off of the kitchen which was set up as a servant's quarters. This suited Harry just fine and was in fact a major upgrade from the cramped conditions in the cupboard under the stairs at #4 Privet Drive.
His new room contained an upgraded cot/bed structure, a desk, a window, and an attached bathroom. It was perfect, and seemed to be in good condition. For once Harry went to bed with a smile on his face and eager to see the sunrise view he was afforded in his new room on the morrow.
Next time: What's happening in Wizarding England.
