CHAPTER TWO: GETTING A JOB

     The next morning Harry woke without incident.  He looked at his watch as it read 6 A.M.  He heard the shower start realizing that it was his Uncle Vernon.  Feeling generous he put on his glasses and knocked on his aunt and uncle's bedroom door.  "Excuse me Aunt Petunia?"  He asked.

     "What do you want?"  She asked pulling the door open angrily.

     "Well, I was wondering if you wanted me to start breakfast for Uncle Vernon."

     Looking shocked she stammered a yes and closed the door.  "Vernon?"  She said walking into the bathroom.

     "Yes Petunia.  What is it?"

     "Did you happen to say anything to Him on the way home yesterday?"

     "No.  Why?  Is he acting up already?"  He asked angrily.

     "No.  He just knocked on the door asking if it was alright to start your breakfast.  I could swear to it."

     "Well it's about time he started giving a little around here.  Let's go wake up Dudley for breakfast.  Since the boy is making an effort than we can at the very least be a little nice to him."

     They went to wake up Dudley and found that he had already started to make his way down to the kitchen.  When they got there they had a look of astonishment on their collective faces.  The table was set and the coffee was just about done.  There was toast, bacon, ham steak, and baked grapefruit with a touch of sugar on it in the oven almost ready.  You could almost hear a pin drop as they ate breakfast together.  When they were done Harry did the dishes, and left the house for a run.

     As he was running he saw a construction site so he stopped to look around, and saw group of men talking.  He heard one of the men saying that they could use someone to pick up all of the loose garbage that was around and perhaps help with loading of the elevators that held the materials.  He was starting to walk away when one of the men noticed him and called him over.

     "Sorry sir," Harry started, "I didn't mean to intrude."

     "No worries kid.  I'm the Forman here.  Do you live around here?"

     "Yes sir.  About three blocks from here on Privet Drive."

     "I see.  How old are you?"

     "I'll be seventeen in eight weeks.  I just got out of school for the summer.  Why do you ask?"

     "Well you probably over heard us talking.  We need someone to help with the garbage and stuff.  You interested?"

     "Well umm I guess.  I'll have to ask my Aunt and Uncle if it's ok though."

     "Wait a minute.  You live on Privet Drive you said?  Do you know that git Vernon Dursley?"

     Harry smirked at this and said, "He's my uncle.  Why?"

     "Don't sweat it kid.  What's your name?"

     "Harry."

     "Okay Harry here's the deal.  I'll pay you 600 pounds a week under the table and you don't tell your uncle anything about this.  We got a different drill company to sell us equipment at a lower price than him, and he's as mad as a hornet about it.  We just got off the phone with him."

     "I've got no problems there.  When do I start?"

     "Well you can start now.  Everyone works starting at 7A.M. until 6P.M."

     "That sounds just fine.  Where do I go first?"

     The foreman whose name Harry learned was Tameron Brown showed him everything he needed to know.  Soon the lunch truck came by and everyone was eating except for Harry.  He was busy cleaning up around the work area that the men were going to start on next.  Mr. Brown called him over to see if he was going to get something to eat.  Harry mumbled something about not having any money.  The lunch driver heard that and gave him lunch anyway.  He said that he'd let Harry run a tab until he got paid.  Harry thanked him and had his lunch.  At 6P.M everyone called it quits, and Mr. Brown thanked Harry for the second time as he was leaving the site.  As he was walking home he saw Mrs. Figg pruning her garden.

     "Hello Harry dear."  She said.

     "Hello Mrs. Figg.  How are you today?" he asked trying to be nice.

     "I'm fine Harry.  My, don't we look dirty.  Where have you been?"

     "Can you keep a secret?"  He asked.

     "Well I think I can.  Come inside and tell me all about it."

     Harry started to tell her about the job, and about Hermione.  "I just don't know how to tell her that I like her."  He said.  "If you don't mind me asking, um how would you like to be asked out?"

     She smiled at that and sat down taking a sip of tea.  "Very good question and I'll answer that in a moment."  She went to the wall, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.  "Hello?  Petunia dear it's Mrs. Figg from across the way.  Yes dear.  I'm calling to tell you that I had captured Harry for the day to help me in my garden.  I forgot to call, but I figured that you wouldn't mind him out of your hair for the day.  Yes I got him as he was headed home this morning from his run.  I knew you wouldn't mind.  He's a bit dirty Petunia dear so don't be alarmed when he comes in, and I've fed him dinner so you don't worry about setting him a plate.  Why yes I do have a lot of work for him this summer.  That is if you wouldn't mind him helping me out.  No.  Well that's very sweet of you.  You give that Dudley a big hug from me.  Oh what time do I need him at?"  She was looking at Harry for the answer.  He held up his hands to say seven.  "How about 6:45 sharp.  I don't expect lateness.  Yes thank you Petunia dear."  With that she hung up the phone.

     Harry started to laugh, and almost fell out of his seat.  "Mrs. Figg you're the best."  He said.

     "Well thank you.  In response to your question, I do recall a group of boys that I went to school with.  They were all quite handsome, but the one I'm thinking of was about 6'2" with deep blue eyes that you could swim in.  He was always the lady's man that one was.  Well when he asked me out he was very kind hearted, and very sure of himself.  Always knew what he wanted, and most of the time he got it."

     "What happened to him?"  Harry said without thinking.

     "Oh.  He was caught up in something bad.  The papers said that he'd betrayed a group of his friends, and they sent him away for life.  Never betray your friends Harry.  Always do what's right.  Keep searching for the truth.  It will, as they say, set you free."

     "Wow.  I'm sorry for digging up your past.  It must be a painful memory."

     "Yes it was.  That is until recently.  I heard from another friend that it was all a mistake, and that there was significant proof that he was innocent.  I just hope he is well wherever he is."

     "I think I should be going now.  It's getting late."

     "Harry, about Hermione, you should tell her how you feel.  Give her something to love and cherish, and you'll find that she will return that back to you in spades.  Now take these cookies, and for God's sake don't show them to Dudley.  He'll eat them all on you.  Good luck with Hermione.  She sounds like a lovely girl.  Who knows maybe you'll let me meet her sometime."

     "If everything works out I just might do that.  I'll see you tomorrow Mrs. Figg."  Harry left the house and walked across the street.  When he walked in the door he was greeted by his Aunt Petunia. 

     "You'll be at her house at 6:45 in the morning.  Don't be late."

     "Yes Aunt Petunia."  He said walking up the stairs.  He walked into his room and shut the door.  It was 8:30, and he needed sleep.  He was out even before his head hit the pillow.