Chapter 2 – Privet Drive

Harry's last week at Privet Drive was the best time he had ever spent there. After the initial shock of Harry daring to bring more 'freaky, abnormal' people into the house, the Dursleys pretended that Harry and his two friends didn't exist, something Harry was very used to by now.

The conditions were simple; as long as they didn't leave the house and stayed out of sight all week, then they could stay. Any 'funny business' and they would have to leave. This suited Harry, and he, Ron and Hermione spent the days in Harry's room playing exploding snap and wizard's chess, chatting, and in Hermione's case, reading.

At night Harry and Ron took turns sleeping on Harry's bed, and Hermione had been grudgingly allowed the guest room, as long as she 'didn't leave anything disturbed.' If Hermione had been a boy, she would have been made to share with Harry and Ron, despite the size of his small room.

Meals were the only time they saw the Dursleys, save a chance meeting on the landing or stairs. The three were told to eat in the kitchen, and the Dursleys ate in the dining room, but as the two rooms were adjoined it made little difference. Petunia would serve them their (very small) portions of food, whilst tight lipped and tutting.

Dudley, of course, was terrified of the three, and didn't like to walk around his own house anymore in case of meeting either Ron or Hermione. If he did have to go upstairs, he would walk with his back to a wall, hands tight over his huge bottom, afraid of being cursed when not looking. Hermione was always nice to him and would smile and say, 'hello Dudley,' if she met him. His response was always to squeak in shock and waddle away as fast as he could, absolutely terrified.

On the fifth day of their stay, Ron and Harry were sitting on Harry's bedroom floor playing wizards chess, and Hermione was lying on her stomach on Harry's bed, reading. Suddenly there was a whooshing noise and something tawny and feathery catapulted in through the open window and flopped right onto the middle of the chess board. Hermione gasped, and the chess pieces scattered, hiding under the bed, whilst Ron, recovering from the shock, picked up what looked like a mouldy feather duster, groaning, 'Errol!'

He removed the two letters attached to its leg, and the owl stirred and shook itself before flying back out of the window.

'It's from Dad!' said Ron, and opened the envelope, reading out loud;

'Dear Ron, Harry and Hermione,
I hope you are having a pleasant stay at Privet Drive, and that the Dursleys are treating you well. (You must tell me all about living with muggles when you get home, Ron, it must be fascinating!) Molly has asked me to tell you all to apperate to The Burrow at 10:00 on Sunday morning. She isn't keen for Harry and Ron to apperate as they haven't had their licence, but understands it's the best way in the circumstances, and in her own words, 'its just this once.' She also says that if you muck up and end up splinched she will deal with you. We're all trusting that you can do it safely! See you all on Sunday,
Mr Weasley'

Ron finished reading and exclaimed, 'brilliant!' in response. Hermione smiled at him and his cheeks flushed pink. He tossed the other letter to Harry, who opened it. It was from Ginny. He got up and sat at his desk to read it.

' Dear Harry,
How are you? Its awful being here alone, even Fred and George are staying at their shop right now. Fleur's come to stay so there is a lot of phlegm about, especially as Bill isn't around to distract her, he's not back for another week. Mum has been unbearable, she's guessed something is going on between us from our goodbye at the station and has been cooing over it ever since. I tried to tell her otherwise but she wouldn't hear of it! And anyway, Harry, although you ended it with me I know you didn't mean it. I don't care about being in danger from You-Know-Who, who isn't these days? If I'm with you I'll be safe. I've waited for you long enough, and now we're together, I wont let you go. I really miss you and I know you miss me too. See you on Sunday. Lots of love,
Your Ginny.'

Harry sighed. Why was it that Ginny knew him so well? Her light tone about Fleur and Mrs Weasley almost made him laugh, and it seemed as if she were happy, but the rest was serious and also typically Ginny, telling Harry that she was not happy at all. 'I really miss you Harry and I know you miss me too.' He did miss Ginny, very much, but at least he knew she was safe. He smiled at the last line, 'lots of love, your Ginny,' but it gave him a pang all the same. If only he could be with her…

'Harry mate, you alright?' Harry looked up to see Ron and Hermione looking at him in concern.

He forced a smile, 'yeah.'

Hermione frowned. 'Was the letter from Ginny?'

'Um, yes, it was.'

'What's wrong? Is she ok? Why are you looking so worried?' gabbled Ron, speaking fast.

'She's fine, Ron, nothing's wrong, relax.'

'Then why-'

'Is everything ok between you and Ginny, Harry?' Hermione interrupted gently.

'Yes! Well, ok then, no. I kind of split up with her,' admitted Harry, realising that he could no longer keep this to himself.

'You what? How dare you! You said you'd never hurt her!' spluttered Ron in rage, taking out his wand.

'Ron, be quiet! And don't threaten Harry!'

'I will if I want to, he-'

'We're his guests, Ronald. Let him explain.'

'Oh, oh yeah. Sorry. What is there to explain though?' asked Ron in a slightly calmer voice.

Harry sighed. 'I ended it with her because if we're together, if I care for her, Voldemort will know and target her next. I couldn't bare it if anything were to happen to her. If she died, I couldn't live. It's for her own safety, Ron. She's in danger when with me.'

Ron looked sheepish. 'Sorry mate, I just assumed…'

'Ron, I love Ginny, I'd never hurt her.' Ron seemed uncomfortable at the words, 'I love Ginny,' coming from his best friend about his sister, but grinned. 'Yeah, I know Harry.'

Hermione sighed in relief that they'd reached an understanding, but privately thought that Harry hadn't considered the matter thoroughly. Ginny would be safer with Harry, and she could tell that he needed her love and would realise it soon enough. 'Everyone needs love…' she thought, and glanced at Ron, his blazing red hair ruffled as he bent to retrieve the chess pieces. Soon they would be out of this imprisonment in Privet Drive, and with the freedom of the summer at The Burrow ahead.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Please leave a review to let me know what you think! More coming soon if I get at least one review!

Rose :)