Chapter 2: Arrival

Harry was staring out of the train window, having been taking in the calm and tranquil scenery of the countryside. He was glad to be lost in his own little world, as this was the last source of peace he'd had in days.

While Harry always dreaded and loathed the summer holiday, an added feeling of fear and uncertainty weighted heavily on his mind as of lately. In the past few days, Lord Voldemort, the most evil and powerful dark wizard of all time, had returned, he had witnessed a classmate die right before him, and was labeled a liar and a nutter by the Ministry of Magic. All in all, the summer holiday was already looking bleak, and now he had the pleasure of spending it with the Dursleys, his supposed family.

However, there was a single bright spot in this certain-to-be dark summer. Four of his closest friends, Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley, and Neville Longbottom, would accompany him during his stay at the Dursleys. If this news was brought to him at any other point in the previous years, he would have been overcome with joy, conjuring images of playing with Ron and Hermione or annoying his Uncle Vernon. However, Harry found that even with good news, his fears overwhelmed him.

Ron and Hermione were remarkably quiet during to train ride home, although the silence was often broken by Hermione asking what the Dursleys were like. Harry would respond stiffly in short and uniformed answers, causing a bit of concern in Hermione, though she decided not to press the issue further. Neville and Ginny at one point during the trip visited their train compartment. Neville, like Hermione, asked what Harry's relatives were like, and like Hermione, Harry gave a short answer and the topic was dropped. Ginny, on the other hand, seemed annoyed and agitated, though she kept mostly to herself. This concerned Ron, yet only Hermione seemed to know what was bothering her, as she privately joined Ginny at one point during the trip.

Finally, the train came to a halt. They arrived at the station. Taking one last look out the train window, Harry was surprised to see a welcome party waiting for him. There was a solemn looking Mrs. Weasley, a stoic Bill Weasley and Remus Lupin, and a nervous Mr. Weasley. Their presence seemed to cheer Harry up a bit. Taking in a deep breath, he joined his friends as they joined the welcome party.

As Harry exited the train, a few onlookers, both the students departing and the parents picking up their children, stared at Harry. Harry assumed, like their children, they believed the Daily Prophet and the Ministry's account, that he was dangerous and lying and that Voldemort had not returned. Harry, like he did at Hogwarts, ignored them. However, Harry couldn't help but notice that as Ginny left the train, she stared angrily at a Ravenclaw boy, who Harry recognized as Michael Corner, before Corner turned remorsefully. Harry soon joined his welcome party.

Immediately after approaching the adults, Mrs. Weasley scooped up Ron, Ginny, and surprisingly Harry, for one of her bone crushing hugs, still letting the fact that she would not see her youngest children for much of the summer holiday. Fred and George soon joined the group, giving Harry a generous nod, still grateful for giving them his winnings.

"So, little brother and sister, you two are the first children they've kicked out. Ruff," joked Fred.

"Strange, I always assumed we'd be the first kicked out," George joined in.

"Boys," said Mrs. Weasley, in a calmer tone. "Be nice to your siblings. You won't see him in a while."

"Yes, what will we do without his snoring," said George.

"Or complaining," said Fred.

"Or eating all the food."

"Or hogging the bathroom."

"You know what," said Ron walking forward with a smile. "I think I'm actually going to miss you two."

Fred and George stood stunned for moment, before regaining their composure.

"Well of course you'll miss us," boosted George.

"Better us then their lot," said Fred referring to Harry's relatives.

"Which reminds us," said Mr. Weasley suddenly looking stern.

"Ah, yes. Harry, Ron, a word please," said Lupin, bringing the two boys into a corner for a moment.

Mrs. Weasley stretched her head to hear, yet her husband and Lupin had brought the boys to a secluded corner.

"Now boys," whispered Mr. Weasley. "I'm sure Dumbledore or McGonagall explained our plan for the summer."

"Yes, McGonagall did," answered Harry.

Harry remember when McGonagall asked him, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville to visit her in her office a few days before the end of term. She explained the plan to have Harry's friends stay with him for his time in Privet Drive. Harry should have felt overwhelming joy that for he wouldn't be stuck with the Dursleys alone for once, but he found a feeling of resentment bobbling in his stomach. Mrs. Figg was a spy for Dumbledore, after all the Dursleys did to him, Dumbledore sat back and watched. Why was it now that his friends could join him now, why not any of the previous years? And why did he even have to go back to the Dursleys? Why not live with Sirius, or the Weasleys, or Remus, or anyone else? All this was added to everything else weighing on Harry's mind.

"Right," said Mr. Weasley, bringing Harry back to reality. "Ron, you'll spend the first night with Harry. Hermione's parents will bring her tomorrow morning, while Ginny and Neville should be arriving tomorrow afternoon."

"He'll still have me in the meantime," reassured Ron.

"Exactly. Now, if the Dursleys give you any trouble, contact us. We'll straighten them out," said Remus.

Harry looked straight at him. "Thanks," replied Harry, a newfound appreciation forming for these two men.

"We'll be sure to look after him," said Ron, placing his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"It's not just your relatives. You two are probably aware of the level of danger we are all in now."

"Yes, sir," said Harry gravely.

"Dumbledore doesn't believe Voldemort will attack right away, but that doesn't mean to be careless. He'd be more concerned regaining his followers, as well as…." Remus stopped for moment. "Other things. If anything happens, contact us immediately."

"How?" asked Harry.

"Go to Mrs. Figgs or

Both Harry and Ron shock their heads agreeing.

"One other thing?" asked Harry. "How's Snuffles?"

"Who?" asked Remus confused.

"Padfoot," whispered Harry.

"Oh, yes," answered Remus, realizing his was talking about Sirius and finding humor in the name choice. "He's doing fine. A little weary, but otherwise fine."

Mr. Weasley seemed to understand who they were discussing as well, as he soon joined. "He wanted to come, actually."

"You've seen him," said Ron surprised.

"Yes, Dumbledore explained his predicament to me and your mother. He wanted to see you off too, but we had to stop him," explained Mr. Weasley.

"Even in his animagus form, it's too much of risk being out in the open. He did ask me to tell you and Ron something?" Remus leaned closer. "He said to take great care of yourselves and each other and be on guard. You'll see him soon."

"Are you almost done?" called out Mrs. Weasley, gesturing for them to join the others.

"Yes dear," answered Mr. Weasley.

Returning to the main group, Harry caught a glimpse of Neville's intimidating grandmother, waiting for him. One stern glance from his grandmother, gave Neville his que to leave. Turning to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, he gave them a cheerful smile, grateful he'd see them all again soon.

"See yeah guys soon," said Neville, walking away and joining his grandmother.

"See you soon," replied Harry, happy to see his friend excited for a change.

Since learning of unfortunate fate Neville's parents suffered, Harry had been more caring and considerate to him, trying to treat him with the same level of respect he had shown Ron and Hermione. Harry assumed this was one of the reasons Dumbledore asked him to accompany him.

Mr. Weasley took his wife by hand as the couple lead Harry and his friends through the barrier and out of Platform 9 ¾. Waiting for them, unable to hide their concern, were Hermione's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, who immediately rushed to hug their daughter. Harry imagined this was due to either Dumbledore or Hermione telling her of the death of a fellow student and the return of Lord Voldemort. This concern was shared by the Weasleys as well, given Mrs. Weasley's grim expression and the fact that Mr. Weasley hadn't begun asking the Grangers various questions on the Muggle world.

After reuniting with her parents, Hermione went over to Harry and Ron, smiling at both.

"Usually, I'd say goodbye and tell you both to write, but since we'll be seeing each other tomorrow, I'll ask you not to do anything stupid until I see you," joked Hermione.

"You know me. I like a quiet life," replied Harry.

"Besides, Hermione, by now you'd realize that trouble finds us even when we avoid it," added Ron.

"Still, be cautious. A lot can happen in just one day," warned Hermione, showing the similar signs of concern as the others.

"Hermione, we'll be fine. You know my mum, she would never let go there if she thought for a minute me or Harry would be in any danger there," reassured Ron. "It's just a day. Then you can join us and defend us."

"Don't burn Harry's home down while I'm gone," said Hermione.

Harry glared over Hermione's shoulder to see his Uncle Vernon waiting on nearby bench, the vain in his head pulsing and his large, piggy hands practically strangling themselves in clenched fists. To say his uncle was an ill-tempered man was like saying Hermione was clever or Voldemort was evil. Vernon Dursleys' well-known anger was so legendary that Harry had been able to classify it through the years. Currently, his uncle was going through what Harry called his reserved anger, a stage when Vernon wanted to scream, protest, or lash out at anyone or anything, but something or someone reframed him from doing so. Harry knew this was due entirely to Vernon being forced to share his home with other wizards. Harry wondered for a second if his uncle might actually explode this time.

Hermione seeing Vernon, took it as her que to leave. "I'll see you guys soon, bye," she said.

"See yeah," said Harry.

"See you," said Ron.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, as well as the others, approached Harry and Ron, after seeing Vernon waiting by the bench. Mrs. Weasley shot Vernon a look of sheer contempt and loathing, while the twins both gave him a sinister smile. Vernon tried his best to ignore them, though he was already beginning to turn a shade of red. However, Mrs. Weasley quickly changed her expressions when she turned to Harry and her youngest son, looking at the two boys comfortingly.

"Take care of each other," said Mrs. Weasley motherly.

"We will. Plus, we'll have Hermione to watch after us," replied Ron.

"And Ron, when your sister arrives, she's your responsibility. Look after her," asked Mr. Weasley.

"We'll all look after each other, like you said," said Harry.

"That's what I like to hear," said Remus smiling.

"And if Harry's relatives give you two any grief, well then…." Fred began mischievously.

"We could send some more Ton-Tongue Toffee," finished George.

"Oi! Are we going or not!" snapped Vernon, drawing everyone's attention.

"We're saying goodbye to our son," said Mr. Weasley sternly.

"Unlike you, we actually say goodbye to the people in our lives," said Mrs. Weasley coldly.

"You…!" before Vernon could finish, Remus intercepted.

"We were all just saying our goodbyes. Harry, Ron, see you soon," said Remus.

"See you then, Ginny," said Harry, but Ginny didn't respond.

Waving goodbye, Harry and Ron solemnly followed Uncle Vernon to his car, ignoring Vernon's grunts and murmurs. The Weasleys and Remus watched as Harry and Ron left, not turning away until the Dursley car was well out of sight. Harry could feel their eyes watching him. Despite Ron accompanying him this time, he still felt awful leaving Hogwarts and his friends for the loneliness and isolation of Privet Drive and the Dursleys.

"Not a word for either of you!" grunted Vernon through gritted teeth.

"Don't you want to know my name?" asked Ron already annoyed.

"I said not a word!" repeated Vernon louder.

Either to aggravate his uncle or defend his friend, Harry spoke.

"Where's Aunt Petunia?" asked Harry in mock innocence.

"Well, if you must know, Petunia is preparing the house for when Dudley returns. He's staying at Smeltings for an extra day," there were clear hints of pride in Vernon's voice, never missing a chance to boast about Dudley, even to the likes of Harry and his lot. "He's become a sort of big shot there, the star of the boxing team. He's accomplished more in a year than you ever have in your entire life."

"Really," Ron said incredulously. "Because Harry's now a Triwizard Champion, Seeker for our Quidditch team, helped us…."

"I SAID QUIET!" shouted Vernon, snapping back to his old self.

This was a huge mistake on Ron's part, as an unspoken rule in the Dursley household was any compliment to Harry was an insult to the Dursleys. For the rest of the ride to Privet Drive, Harry and Ron remained silent, often exchanging looks of annoyance and aggravation towards Harry's uncle. Vernon kept to himself, hoping the ride could last longer, dreading the fact that more wizards would be sharing his home, eating his food, and worse, conversing with neighbors. However, in what seemed like no time at all, the Dursley car was arriving at the common white picket fences and rows of indistinctive house that was Privet Drive, Surrey. Vernon grunted as they pulled up the street.

While Harry stared out the car uninterested, while Ron looked strangely fascinated at the muggle neighborhood. While Ron, along with Fred and George, had been to Privet Drive to save Harry his second year, they had a limited view of the casual muggle area. Ron, who had spent his entire life in the Wizarding World, had little exposure to the Muggle World, and like his father, was intrigued with newfound curiosity by this muggle environment.

"Why are the houses all the same?" asked Ron like a child.

"Why are the house all the same!" spouted Vernon. "Because there normal, that's why!"

Before Ron could retort, the car pulled up to Number 4, Privet Drive and Vernon turned to the two boys, staring at them sternly and coldly.

"Now, before you even set foot in my house, there are a few rules. First, I'll have none of your lots' freakiness and oddities. No nonsense. Second, they'll be no mention of that horrid word?"

"What word?" asked Ron confused.

"Magic," whispered Harry.

Vernon's temper rose at the mention of his least favorite word.

"That! That word! Not only single mention of that word, in my house and especially not around the neighbors. And third, not one step out of line from either of you. The moment you step out of line," he pointed a grubby finger at the boys, "that's the moment your gone. You hear me?"

"Sure thing," said Harry, unable to hide a sarcastic and bitter tone. "I'll explain it to the rest when they arrive."

"Watch your tongue!" snapped Vernon.

For a moment, both boys were silent, until Vernon finally exited the car, muttering angrily under his breath on ungrateful boys and inconsiderate wizards. Exiting the car, Ron helped Harry with their trunks, staring stunned him.

"Blimey, no wonder you never talk about your home," said Ron.

"You see why I hate going home," replied Harry.

"No wonder mum hates talking about those people. Their terrible."

"Pretty much, and they hate anything to do with magic. Even the mention of it," said Harry shutting the car trunk.

"I tell you what. I am not following any of those stupid rules. If I want to mention magic, I'll mention magic. If I want to act freaky, I'll act freaky," said Ron defensively.

"From my experience, it's best just to avoid them. If you ignore them, they'll ignore you. They want nothing to do with magic, therefore, if your magical they want nothing to do with you," explained Harry.

"Is that what you do every summer, just avoid them until you leave for the Burrow or Hogwarts. That's terrible."

The look Ron was making made Harry uneasy, it was a look of sympathy and shock, maybe even pity. This was the main reason Harry was concerned for his friends staying here, where they would see the neglect and mistreatment he'd suffered over the years. Though he took it for granted and often forgot about it, one of the main reasons he was closest to Ron and Hermione more than anyone else was the way they treated him. When he was around them, he wasn't the famous Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, he was just Harry, their friend. He wouldn't trade it for the world. Though he always believed they suspected mistreatment on the part of his relatives, they never had proof, and now they would.

"Let's get inside before my uncle gets any more upset," suggested Harry.

While Ron still looked at Harry concerned, he went decided to drop the subject and follow his best mate into the household of Number 4, Privet Drive. As Harry expected, nothing of the Dursley House had changed, it was still as bland and as uninteresting as when he last left, down to the spotless kitchen counters and the array of pictures devoted to their son, Dudley, in various stages of his life.

In the living area, standing on her tiptoes and dusting the corner of the ceiling, was Harry's Aunt Petunia. As Harry and Ron entered, Petunia stopped what she was doing and glared at the two boys, disgusted.

"You're back, and you've brought a friend," sneered Petunia.

"Ron Weasley," introduced Ron, reaching out his hand for Petunia to shake.

The disgust in Petunia's eyes grew as she looked down at Ron's hand, taking his gesture as an insult. Ron, taking the hint, retracted his hand, looking around awkwardly at the house.

"Nice place you got here. See you fixed the fireplace," said Ron.

Sure enough, Harry noticed now that the fireplace, the same fireplace the Weasleys had busted out of earlier this year, had been locked and sealed shut. Ron's comment only seemed to increase the resentment and anger the Dursleys felt to the situation, as Petunia's lips pursed tighter and the vain in Vernon's temple grew red.

"Are you insulting us," snapped Vernon.

"Seems rude to say to people allowing you to stay in their house. Not that we had a choice and not that I expect any better from you lot," said Petunia.

"Our lot," replied Ron, the anger in his voice raising.

Before anyone else to do anything, Harry spoke.

"Why don't I take Ron up to my room to unpack," Harry said.

Still angry, but not willing to make a scene, Ron joined Harry and the two walked up to Harry's Room, trunks in hand.

"Now you see what I meant by avoid them," Harry said as Ron shut the door behind him.

"I wish I could avoid them my entire life. How do you survive?" asked Ron.

"Barely," replied Harry bitterly. "Luckily I spend most of the year at Hogwarts or at the Burrow."

Ron began to gaze around the small bedroom, his eyes turning from the quant bed to the tight closet and to the little space of the floor.

"This is it," said Ron confused.

"Well what did you expect, a five-star bedroom."

"No, but not this!" Ron gestured to the entire room. "This isn't any better than my room, and this is a pretty big house! Where am I gonna sleep?"

"We'll figure something out. Which reminds me. Wait here, I'll be right back."

The last thing Harry wanted now was to return downstairs to where his aunt and uncle were trying to calm down, yet he remembered something he was supposed to ask his uncle earlier, but the tense moment pushed it out of his mind. No doubt his aunt had returned to cleaning and his uncle was watching the telly to simmer down.

As predicted, Aunt Petunia was sweeping the counters and Uncle Vernon was watching reruns of either Fawlty Towers or Keeping up with Appearances. Neither looked at Harry was he reentered the room, yet the upset expressions they bore said they knew he was there.

"Uncle Vernon," Harry spoke-up.

"What is it!" replied Vernon, not looking away from the screen.

"What was the story you come up with for my friends? On why their staying here and in the neighbor?" asked Harry.

"We'll just say their St. Brutus's," said Vernon smiling sinisterly.

"Two of my friends are girls, and wouldn't the neighbors find it odd your housing two other juvenile delinquents," Harry responded.

Vernon's smile dropped and Petunia looked up from her cleaning with a horrified expression. Vernon even pressed the mute button, staring at Harry grumpily.

"What do you suggest then," said Vernon begrudgingly.

"Anyone who asks, tell them Ron and Hermione are exchange students from a school up north. I'll tell the neighbor Ginny and Neville are staying with the same when they arrive," replied Harry, smug he got the better of Vernon.

"Who is it? The friend that Dumbledore spoke of?" asked Petunia trying to sound casual.

Despite her clear hatred of all things magic, Petunia could never resist the urge of gossip.

"You'll see when they get there," said Harry, heading back up the stairs.

When he got back to his room, Ron was already trying to fit his sleeping bag into the corner of the room, near the door.

"Put it here," said Harry, pointing to the end of his bed, in the area between the desk and drawer.

"Thanks," said Ron dragging the sleeping bag over. Ron then stared at Harry, as if expecting him to say something. "So."

"So what?" asked Harry confused.

"So, what is there to do?"

"Not much. As I said, I mostly keep to myself."

Ron looked at Harry, stunned. "That's it! You just sit around, keep out of your relatives' sight and wait till you go to Hogwarts, the Burrow, or who-knows-where!"

"Pretty much," sighed Harry.

In that moment, the realization of how Harry had spent his early years and his time away from Hogwarts came to Ron. He began imaging sad images of Harry, alone and keeping out of sight from his relatives. Harry seemed to realize this and placed a reassuring hand on Ron's shoulder.

"It wasn't as bad as you think. I mean yeah, it was bad, but I learned to live," said Harry. "Besides, it doesn't matter now. I have you, and Hermione, and your family."

Harry's words seemed to ease a bit of Ron's nerves, though he didn't look entirely convinced. "I mean, we, me and Hermione, always knew they mistreated you. Mum could never find a nice thing to say about them, and after he got you for the Quidditch World Cup, neither could dad. Harry?"

"Yes?" answered Harry.

"Did they…did they ever do something, like, hit you? Beyond mistreatment, like actual abuse?" asked Ron awkwardly.

"No," Harry replied quickly. "I mean nothing too serious."

Ron knew Harry wasn't telling the full story but chose not to push the topic further.

"Don't worry, they're not even the worse. My uncle's sister is worse, Aunt Marge," told Harry.

"Is she the one you blow up before your third year?" asked Ron.

"Pretty much."

"Blimey, Fred and George have been trying to figure out how to do that since I told them. Want to do it to our Great Aunt Muriel the next time she makes fun of dad."

Ron was able to make Harry chuckle a laugh. "Could you imagine your mum's reaction if they do that?" joked Harry.

"I try not to. I still have nightmares from the time she sent me a howler," said Ron actually frightened.

"I was your idea to steal the car."

"You could have stopped me."

The remainder of the day flowed like this. Harry and Ron joking, laughing, and Ron exchanging stories of Fred and George's hijinks and Mrs. Weasley's best outbursts. Before they knew, it was dark out and the hour was late. Choosing to get an early sleep, they called it a day. Ignoring Ron's and his Uncle Vernon's combined snoring, Harry began to drift to sleep. Hoping, the rest of his time here was just as pleasant as his time with Ron.