Petunia and Vernon“s Punishment

These scenes take place between the ninth (The Half-Blood Prince) and the tenth chapters (The Hour of Gaunt) of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Disclameir: Before I go to jail, Harry Potter belongs to JKR.

Chapter II: Give up

Early September 1996

So far this first week had been very hard. The amount of homework was unbelievable and Susan didn't understand anything from the last Herbology lesson. She'd have to ask Neville Longbottom's help. Not that she's been with atention in that class or another for that matter. She's been thinking about Dudley and how to find a way to write to him. Maybe she'd ask Harry's help. After all they're cousins. Susan was making her way to the castle from the greenhouses when a voice brought her back to reality.

"Susan, did you hear anything of what I said?"

Susan looked in the smiling face of her best friend, Hannah Abbott. "Sorry, Hannah, what did you say?"

"I ask if you want study Herbology later with Neville in the library."

"Yeah... that sounds good."

Hannah stopped and grabbed Susan's arm. "Susan please stop doing that."

"Doing what?"

"Thinking about that guy. Remember in our second year, in the library, the conversation with Harry?"

"What conversation?" Said Susan confused.

"When everyone thought that Harry was the Heir of Slytherin. He said that his family was bad news. Please just give up."

Susan was about to answer when she heard some voices arguing behind her. When she turned, she saw Harry, Ron and Hermione. She made her way to them, ignoring Hannah's protests.

"... I don't believe you, Harry! Stop using that stupid book."

"Stop nagging him, Hermione. Harry knows what he's doing".

Hermione opened her mouth to retorted, when Harry saw Susan and Hannah. "Susan, Hannah, hi. Difficult lesson, don't you think?"

"Yes, I think only Hermione and Neville understood what Professor Sprout said." Laughed Hannah.

"Harry... I have to... ask you a question?... Did your cousin talked about me?" Hannah sighed, Harry, Hermione and Ron gaped. Susan didn't notice and started rambled. "I was thinking, maybe I could write to him or you could talked about me in yours letters, or I could visite the next summer..."

"Susan!" Interrupted Harry. "I'm sorry, but I'm not gonna write to Dudley." Susan's face fell. "I never write to my family, the Durselys don't like me or anything magical. My aunt'd have a fit if an owl showed up with a letter for Dudley. It's for own protection, before you get hurt, just give up. They're not nice people. You and Dudley are from very different worlds that'll never mix up in that family...I'm sorry... just... give up". And with that he walk away, Ron and Hermione trailed behind.

Hannah put a hand on Susan's shoulder. "Harry's right. It's better give up now. Come on, let's take a shower before lunch. You're covered with soil." Hannah grabbed her hand and started to walked to the castle.