Phoenix Inc Keeperoliver Chapter 3

Vernon was in a violent rage. "I never want to see those bloody freaks in my house again, do you understand me? Never again. And if Dudley continues seeing them, then he also is not welcome back. I don't want any of that foolishness around here."

Petunia was scared. She had never seen Vernon this mad before. But now that she had her sister back, she was not going to refuse to see her because of his stupid beliefs. "I will not refuse my sister entry into this house if she should show up. This is not just your house, it is mine and Dudley's also. If you can't accept that then you can leave."

"I am the one that paid for this house, I am the one who pays the utilities, I am the one who puts food on the table. I will not be spoken to in that manner. It's not me that will leave, it's you who will get out. I am going to Marge's for two weeks, I have vacation time coming, and I will take it now. When I get back, you best be gone. I will not put up with you or the freaks you call family"

With that, Vernon charged upstairs, threw some clothes in a suitcase, and left. He stopped at a bar to get a drink to settle his nerves, and that drink turned to many. Totally pissed, he took off for Marge's home.

It was a two hour drive, and in Vernon's condition, Not a very safe one. About half way there, Vernon started to nod off. He pulled off to the side of the road, to try to wake himself up. He got out of his car to get some fresh air. The stretch of road he was on was totally dark. He stumbled around trying to shake off the cobwebs forming in his brain. There was a truck coming from the opposite direction, and Vernon didn't see it until it was right on top of him. The suction created by the truck pulled the drunken fool under the tires. It wasn't a pretty sight. Death was instant and painless.

The driver of the truck stopped about 100 meters down the road, and came back to check on Vernon. He didn't know why, he already knew he was dead, but he did it anyways, just to make sure. He had already notified the authorities, and just had to wait until they get there. He set up flares along area where the body was to warn other vehicles. It took about 15 minutes before anyone got there. They marked the area around the body, searched it and found his wallet. Checked the area from which the truck was coming for tire marks. Not finding any before the point of impact, they checked the area past it where they then found heavy tire marks, as if the driver stood on his breaks to stop his vehicle. They questioned the driver as to what happened, and he explained the victim walked out from behind his car when the truck was passing and got sucked in by the draft created by the moving vehicle. He stated that there was no way he could stop in time to avoid hitting him. The investigator could smell the alcohol on Vernon's clothes, presumably from spilt drinks. They told the driver to drive to the next town and report to desk sargeant, to fill out a report. He had all the driver's infomation, so he knew that if he didn't show up to do this, they would be able to find him.

They now had to notify the next of kin of the unfortunate accident. This was the part that no one liked, to tell someone that they had lost a loved one.

Petunia was still angry when there was a knock on the door. She came to the door and opened it. A gentleman was standing there with a identification tag and a badge, identifying him as Inspector Barrett.

"Mrs. Dursley I presume?"

"Yes, can I help you?"

"May I come in, and you may want to sit down."

They walked into the living room and sat down. Petunia had a look of dread on her face.

"I am sorry, but it is my sad duty to inform you that your husband, Vernon was killed in a vehicle accident, about 30 minutes ago. It appears he had been drinking, but that will not be official until an autopsy is performed. I am sorry to have to tell you this. Are you alright to answer some questions, or would you prefer to wait until the morning."

"No, Please ask now as I may not be able to answer them in the next couple of days."

"Well can you tell me where Mr. Dursley was going and why, if he had been, was drinking?"

"We had a fight over a family matter, and he told me that he was going to his sister's house to stay for 2 weeks, and when he returned he wanted me gone." Petunia was crying into her hands, shaking terribly.

"And where does his sister live?"

"In Kennsington, about two hours from here."

"What time did he leave?"

"About 5:30."

"Three and a half hours ago, and he was only an hour away when he was hit. Do you know where he went directly when he left?"

"No, he just said he was going to Marge's, his sister. I will tell you, he was extremely angry when he left, and he probably did stop off for a drink, to try and calm himself."

"Is there a pub that he prefers to stop at."

"Yes, a place called Cobblestone's Pub, in the town square."

"I know of it, I will stop there next. Thank you Mrs. Dursley, you have been very helpful. If you should need anything, this is my number, just call me, and I will help you if I can. Again, I am sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, Inspector Barrett, please let me know what you find out, as Vernon does not often get drunk, and if he was, it was all my fault."

"Mrs. Dursley, this most certainly was not your fault. You did not put the glass in his hand and force him to drink. You were not there to cheer him on. The only thing you did wrong, was to let him leave in that angry state, but if what you said was true, then you were not going to be able to stop him, only make him angrier. Please do not fall under the false illusion that you killed your husband. Good day dear lady, and may the peace of God be with you."

"Thank you."

As every one gathered around the table for breakfast, the talk coming from everyone was the events that took place at the Ministry. They were all laughing at Wolfy, and how he was thrown by his wife across the room. The pictures that Colin took were great. He got every moment of the show, including the faces of Tonks, and Dobby. How Prongs and Padfoot galloped into the room to Wolfy's side. Wolfy howling his laughter. They were right, it was a Kodak moment.

Harry pulled Colin off to the side and said, "Colin, all of the pictures you took yesterday were top notch. And as I promised, here are the 100 galleons for the Dursley photo's. And here is another 100 for the Ministry photos. Now do you wish to go to Australia with us for the wedding photos, because if you do, here is 1000 galleons in advance and you will receive another when you have completed your work."

"Harry, I can't take that much. The whole wedding with reception would only take 200 at the most, and as you are my friend, I would do it for nothing."

Harry laughed. "But as an employer, that would be unethical, taking advantage of an employee, just because he is your friend."

Colin's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Really Harry, I got the Job. By the way Harry, what is the Job?"

"Official Photographer and Assistant Manager of the Publicity Dept for Phoenix Inc."

"What's Phoenix Inc?"

"That is the company my family is forming. It will entail both the muggle and wizarding world, cover a wide variety of venues, to include, travel, entertainment, Health, manufacturing and designing. It will create hundreds of jobs for both sides of our world. Does it sound like something you would like to do?"

"You know it Harry, but I can't start until I graduate from Hogwarts, I still have one more year."

"As do the rest of us, Professor McGonagall offered us the chance to finish our education, due to the circumstances of our last year. Hermione, Ron and I will return to finish our last year, and I believe more are coming back as well, such as Draco, Susan and Lisa. I don't know about Neville and Hannah Abbott, as I believe they may be getting married soon as well"

"So we will all be in the same year next year?"

"YUP."

"Excellent!"

"One big happy family. So are you coming to Australia with us?"

"Let me go home to tell my parents, and would you mind if I brought Dennis with me as an assistant?"

"Not at all, bring him along as well."

"Thank you Harry, you just made my day, heck you just made my life. I always dreamed of a career in photography."

"You're welcome Colin. Make sure to be back this evening as we will be leaving early in the morning."

"Will do boss." and with that Colin flooed home.

James walked into the room, holding a folded up news paper that was too thick to be the Prophet, so it must have been a muggle paper. "Dudley, can I see you and Harry in the kitchen please?"

"Sure uncle James."

"Sure dad."

They walked into the kitchen and James had them to sit down. "I don't know how to say this guys, so I will let you read it for yourselves." He unfolded the paper, and layed it flat on the table.

Dudley and Harry started reading, trying to figure they were looking for, when Harry exclaimed. "Oh shit, Dudley, I'm so sorry."

"What are you talking about Harry?"

Harry pointed out the article about the accident, and Dudley went pale as a ghost. "Uncle James, can Aunt Lily take me to see my mom please. I think she needs us both right now."

"Sure Dudley, let me get her."

Harry once again said he was sorry.

"Harry, I know this sounds harsh, but I'm kind of relieved. I loved dad, but he was a prick. He always told mom what to wear, and tried to force me to wear what he thought I should, but I didn't always listen to him. Only when it was important for his business, or a special occasion. Do you know he used to treat me and my friends to ice cream or pizza when ever we beat you up. And then he had us to stop, when you started going to your school. I think he was afraid you might use your freakishness on us. When you saved me three years ago, I changed. Those creatures caused me to feel every beating I gave you and all those others we beat up, or took their money, or called them names. I never felt so miserable in my life. It was as if they were forcing me to relive every horrible moment of my life. But dad never changed. I wish I knew why he hated you so much. I think my mom might have been a part of it, but not all of it, because she started to feel sorry for you, really she did. She was sent letters from your Head Master, telling her of everything that was happening in your world. At first she would crumble them up and throw them in the trash, but she would later retrieve them, and kept them somewhere dad couldn't find them."

James and Lily walked into the Kitchen and Lily pulled Dudley into hug, telling him how sorry she was. She then composed herself and asked if he was ready to go.

Harry walked back into the dinning room and saw all the females crying. Dad must have told them what happened. He sat between Ginny and Hermione, and they turned their heads to his chest and continued to cry. Not for the death of Vernon, but for the loss to Dudley. They had all started to like him, even Draco. And then there was Lisa. She was the only one at the table, besides Harry who knew Vernon, as she stayed with him for six months. She also knew how Dudley felt about his father. There were no tears in her eyes, only a look of what might be considered satisfaction. What ever it was, it was definately not regret.

Harry felt it was time for a little alone time with his girlfriends.

"Ginny, Hermione, would you please come with me. We haven't had much time alone, and right now I think you both need it. We all need it."

Harry was right, up till now, everything that was done was done together as a family.

They all broke up into pairs except for the adults who decided to stay together and talk.

Harry, Ginny and Hermione went to the Girls' room, Draco and Susan went to the boys room, and Dobby, and Luna took Lisa with them, so that she would not be alone.

Harry laid on Hermione's bed and the girls laid on both sides of him and laid their heads on his shoulders. He put his arms around them to comfort them, rubbing little circles on their backs.

Harry started their conversation, "I know we haven't spent time alone, and I am sorry for that. With every thing going on, it has been so hectic, I really haven't had time to think about what was expected of me for you two. I want you both to know, that if things get to fast, and you want it to slow down, just tell me. I love you both so much, and I promise you we will spend more time like this together. Ginny, I know what Hermione will be doing, once we graduate, now what do you want to do? Do you want to play professional Quidditch?"

"At first I did, that was my dream, but as I saw the hurt that was being inflicted by the Carrows, I swore that I would do everything in my power to heal every person I could, to try and take away their pain. So I guess that I would want to be a healer, but even that doesn't seem to be what I really want. It's so hard to explain."

Hermione got up on her elbow to look across at Ginny. "Ginny, their are other ways to take away pain. You know Quidditch matches are one way. People get away from their everyday life, and go out and have a day of fun and relaxation. There's also singing, dancing, acting, anything that gets them off their routine of everyday life. Look at the twins, they have a thriving business, making people happy. Do you see what I mean?"

"I think so, but I can't sing, and while I can dance, I am not that good to entertain people. Quidditch is still an option, but that will take me away from you two for to long a period of time. Besides, I enjoy watching a good Quidditch game."

"Ginny, you don't have to perform to entertain, all you have to do is provide. Do you know what Disney land and Walt Disney World are?"

"No, can't say that I do, what are they?"

"They are theme parks, or amusement parks if you will. They have rides, games, places to eat, buy momentos of their experience, shows. The bigger your imagination, the better the experience for the visitors. Water rides are great in the summer, and skating is great in the winter. How do you feel about that."

"And these things are actually out there in the real world?"

"Have you been in Gringotts, and riden on their carts?"

"Oh yeah, I love them, what a rush."

"They are nothing compared to a ride in an amusement park, isn't that right Harry?"

"I wouldn't know, I have never been to one, but it does sound interesting. But wouldn't we need a lot of land for something that big?"

"Yes, a lot of land, but if you look hard enough, you will find it."

"Harry, you asked what I wanted to do, then that is what I want to do, run a theme park."

"Then that is what you will do. The first venture for Phoenix Inc. What shall we call it?"

Ginny thought for a minute and said, "Miracles and Magic."

"I like it, Miracles and Magic yeah."

Dobby, Luna and Lisa, were sitting on a bed in a spare bedroom, thinking about what happened with Dudley's dad. Lisa let them know how Dudley felt. "I know this probably is not the time to say this, but Dudley loved his father, and all, it's just his father was a miserable person, who could be as cruel as You Know Who. He hated magic. Kept saying there is no such thing as magic, the boy is just a freak, just like you, meaning me. He constantly badmouthed Dedalus and Hestia, and all they did was protect his family. At first, Petunia was the same way, but as time went on, she became friends with the rest of us. What I am trying to say is, that Dudley and his father grew apart when Vernon started bad mouthing my family an I. I do not believe he wil miss his father as much as every one thinks he will. Oh he will miss him, but not a lot."

Luna said. "So he was as bad as Harry said he was?"

"Probably worse, as Harry tends to understate everything."

"Wow he was bad then. Harry use to say that Vernon never , or hardly ever beat him, but would starve him for days, and then when he did feed him, it was just enough to keep him alive, but very weak."

"Judging from what I heard and saw, it was probably worse. He used to treat Dudley and his friends to treats when they beat Harry up or get him in trouble at school."

Dobby was shaking with anger, and then he felt humiliated when he remembered what he did to Harry before his second year. Another reason for him to be grateful to Harry for what he has done for him.

They talked for a while longer when Luna asked Dobby for something. "Dobby, can you do something for me?"

"Sure my love, all you have to do is ask, and if I can, I will do it."

"Dobby, it was funny when it first started, but I believe that some people are getting upset with you going around kissing their wives or girlfriends. I was hoping you would stop doing it, at least with the wives and maybe Susan and Lisa. I don't think it bothers Harry too much. Could you do that for me, please."

"Consider it done my love."

"Thank you my lord."

Dobby then said."Now can you do something for me?"

"If I can I will."

"Will you please quit calling me MY LORD."

"Yes sire."

That started the tickle war, which Lisa took sides with Luna, and they eventually won.

Draco and Susan didn't do much talking, they were using their mouths for other reasons, like snogging.

Lily and Dudley finally got back, bringing Petunia back with them, with her suitcase. They had convinced her to go with them to Australia. She had been convinced that for her to go to Vernon's funeral would only cause her grief, and humiliation from Marge. As it stood, she would never have to see Marge again.

They all decided to go to bed, when Colin and Dennis finally showed up, as it was going to be an early day.

When everyone was up and fed, they floo called everyone that was going and have them meet at the airport. Harry had chartered a whole flight from an airline, seeing as there was around 100 people going. It had to be a special flight, and the cost was high, but worth it.

After every one was accounted for, they headed for their flight. While walking through the terminal, they saw a family crying sitting in one of the waiting areas. James and Lily walked over to ask what was the matter. The people didn't speak english, so they didn't know what the problem was.

Padma walked over to the family and started to talk to them. it seems they were trying to get home to their dieing father, and the flight they were scheduled for was booked solid, and they were flying standby. Harry's flight had a scheduled stop in India, and asked Padma to tell them that if they wanted to, they could fly with them. The family was so honored by this act, that asked Padma to thank James, Lily and Harry, and if they were ever to visit there country, they would consider it an honor if they would stop for a visit.

They all arrived at their gate with 20 minutes to spare.

The time had finally come where every one boarded. Once seated, and all the pleasentries from the stewardess passed on, they started their taxi to the runway. After a short wait, they got clearence from the tower for take off.

When they were airborne, that was when all the trouble started. There was a scream, and all off a sudden Dobby came running down the aisle, holding his ears. The stewardess tried to calm him dowm, but it was no use. Harry tried, Sirius tried and Remus tried, but no use. Finally, Hermione got up, walked to Dobby, Grabbed him by the nose, opened his mouth, covered it with hers, and blew in his mouth as hard as she could. There was a distinct pop, and Dobby let out a sigh of relief. "What the hell happened, I thought I would never be able to hear again?"

"It's called cabin pressure, Dobby. It is when the pressure outside the plane is less than that inside the plane, that the aircraft creates it's own pressure to stabalize the flight. When that happens. the pressure inside the plane causes your ears to plug up. What you have to do, is blow air through you ear canals to open them up and release the pressure in your ears. Sometimes you can release it by moving your jaw around."

"Does it happen often?"

"Only when there is a change in cabin pressure."

"Which is how often?"

"Every time there is a change in elevation."

"What's that?"

"When the plane goes up, and the plane goes down."

"So I will be going through one more time?"

"Nope, probably several more times."

"ARRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH."