Disclaimer: Same as always I own nothing of Harry Potter. In fact JK
Rowling does.
Chapter Nine
A Strange New Acquaintance
Brenda was staring at the room in amazement. Her first night at Hogwarts she had been rushed out of the Headmaster's office before she could get a proper look around. It was, well at the risk of sounding stupid, magical. She desperately wanted to be a little kid again so that she could have an excuse to run around his office and explore every little item that he old wizard had collected throughout his lifetime.
She was called back from her quick investigation by a knock on the door. Dumbledore gave a quick, "And so you think that you can have it ready for her by noon tomorrow? Thank you so much Travis. I am sure Ms. Daly will be most appreciative of your quick assistance. I must go though. Talk to you later, and tell Lizzy I say hello." With that he turned away from the fireplace and towards the door, "Enter."
The door opened to reveal a pale man that looked as though he had a permanent scowl on his face. He was one of those people that Brenda went out of her way to avoid when she saw them on the street. She was very intimidated and tried to casually back herself into the corner closest to Dumbledore's desk. She wasn't really sure if the man wanted to hurt her or not, and in her state she could not risk it.
Dumbledore noted her retreat to his desk and laughed to himself. Yes this particular professor had this effect on several people. "Yes Severus is there something that you needed?" Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye.
"I need to talk to you, it is personal." He said this looking at Brenda as if trying to size her up. 'She is very pretty, but who is she? I wonder if she can be trusted. Well trust Albus to not make proper introductions. Hm she looks frightened, very good.' Snape thought with a smirk on his face.
"Oh well if you need your privacy. Um Sir, what do you want me to do?" Brenda asked nervously.
"Stay put for a second. Ms. Brenda Daly this is Professor Severus Snape. He is the Potion's Master at the school. Severus I have a favor to ask of you, before Ms. Daly departs."
Snape raised his eyebrows at the headmaster after nodding a slight acknowledgment towards the woman in front of Dumbledore's desk. "And what would that be?"
"Well Ms. Daly needs to travel down towards London. I have procured her a home that she can use as a way of contact for her family. She has graciously offered to allow our agents to use it when it is not needed to entertain her family. I was wondering if you would mind accompanying her in order to set up strong protection wards. I want it to be strong enough to last any form of attack." Dumbledore said while his eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Is that necessary? Cant Lupin or Black do it?" Snape said. 'It was one thing to have him running pointless errands for Deatheaters and trying not to get caught as the spy he was, it was another to be some woman's escort. I really should be in the potion's lab working on new inventions not following some idiotic woman. Surely she could go with the two Marauders they would be able to set up the wards as well as he could.'
"No" Brenda said quickly, while she would not have minded going with either man she needed time away from the two. Remus still had to recover and Sirius would probably want to help Remus, not to mention celebrate his freedom. Not to mention he had his godson Harry that he probably wanted to spend time with. Hmm I wonder if that is the same Harry that Lily and James was talking about. It can't be. There would be no way that they would have her check on him if Sirius was his godfather. Well who knows anyway? "I mean, I think that Sirius should stay to help Remus make a quick recovery." She finished shyly.
Snape looked at her strangely. She had met both men and had managed to resist their charms; maybe she wasn't so bad after all. "Is there no one else you could spare?" He asked desperately. When Dumbledore shook his head he was resigned to his fate. "When are we to leave?"
"That is the spirit Severus," Dumbledore chuckled. "Tomorrow at eight in the morning. Travis will be waiting for you at Kings Cross-Station. Now if there is nothing else, Ms. Daly," He prompted her.
"Yes just one thing. You see I told you that I was asked to check on a friend's child well I was wondering if you could tell me if you know a Harry Potter. Son of James and Lily Potter. They asked me to check in on him, and to tell you that they are sending me." She looked at the astonished look on Snape's face and Dumbledore's face and realized that they must not know about her guardians. So she hastily added, "They are my guardians. All Healers have at least one guardian. They both showed themselves to me this morning."
Dumbledore nodded and asked, "Why did they ask you to check on him?"
"Well after I made my 'exchange' with Remus Lily came back from checking on him in tears. Then she told me that he was in trouble. Needed someone to help him out with something before he lost it all. She was in such a state that I gave her my word that I would check in on him and help him out. Do you know where I can find him? She was very insistent that I help and I really don't want to let either of them down as they are in charge of my safety."
Snape could only stare at her in shock. 'So this girl was not a muggle nor was she a witch, she was a bloody healer. When Voldemort found out she was in serious trouble. Well at least it appeared that she was on the side of the Light. She could do a lot for the cause.' What astonished him most was that Lily and James were her protectors. 'Poor girl. What could be wrong with young Potter? Getting pampered by his muggle relatives?'
"Yes, I know him. He goes to school here and I am in charge of ensuring his safety at his summer home. Are you sure of what Lily said?" Dumbledore asked cautiously.
"Yes, she was really upset. I think that she is worried about the boy's health." Brenda responded hopeful that her quest to help the boy would end quickly.
"Okay well I am sure that it would not hurt to check up on him especially after what happened last term. Severus would you mind taking Ms. Daly over to Mr. Potter's after you have secured the house that she will be purchasing?"
"I don't see. Very well." Snape said grumpily.
"Brenda stood and made a quick exit, stopping only to call over her shoulder, "Thank you Professor. See you in front of the doors at seven twenty three then?" He nodded his head and she left the office.
Snape shook his head and thought 'what a strange person.'
Peeves happened to be passing by the Headmaster's office when Brenda emerged. "Uh, um, excuse me." Brenda said, she couldn't quite remember the name of the ghost or poltergeist in front of her.
"Peeves Miss at your service. What can I do for you?" he said in a silky voice that did nothing to ease her sense of foreboding.
"Can you take me to my rooms? They are near the Muggle studies classroom," she asked.
"Certainly." With that Peeves took off in the direction of her rooms. Brenda was just glad that he took what appeared to be the most direct root and she was in her rooms in less then five minutes.
"Thank you so much. Uh, would you mind going and asking if I could have food sent to my rooms? A nice plate of rice with vegetables would be really nice right about now. With some soup, anything with vegetables. Please?" He nodded and told her he would be back in about ten minutes. That gave her just enough time to take a quick bath and change before he returned.
When Brenda got out of her shower there was a steaming plate of food waiting for her, and a short little animal setting her table. She was scared at first but realized that it must be a sort of servant that magical people had. "Hello there. My name is Brenda what is yours?"
The creature jumped and dropped the plate that he was carrying; thank goodness it was empty at the time. "Sorry, Miss scared Dobby. I is just setting Miss's dinner. Peeves is saying you is wanting soup and rice with vegetables. I is not wanting to interrupt anything." Poor Dobby was twitching so nervously that Brenda immediately took pity on the creature.
"Don't worry. I sent Peeves to ask for food. I thank you for making it so quickly. I tell you I have never had a fresh meal made so fast. Would you mind calling me Brenda instead of Miss. Please sit down I have some questions to ask you." She could tell that the creature was nervous, although he beamed at her complement of being so quick, but her curiosity was getting the better of her.
"If it is what you is wanting Mi. Er, Brenda" Dobby reluctantly sat down at the table.
"Good, good. So tell me what kind of creature are you?" Brenda asked as she began eating.
"I is a house elf Brenda. I is cooking and cleaning for Hogwarts I is." He said with a smile.
"Is there more than just one of you?"
"Oh yes there is many of us here. Dumbledore is great wizard he is. We is all liking working for Dumbledore we do."
"Ah. Well, can you do magic?"
"We elves have our own kind we do. To clean and move quietly. Dobby is sorry Miss but he is needing to go."
"Well Dobby do you think that you could return some other time so that we can get to know each other more. And if it is not too much trouble do you think that you could be the only one to come in here. I mean I am a fairly neat person by nature and I don't like to have strangers in my rooms. Would that be okay?"
Dobby beamed and nodded, "I is honored to Miss." He smiled at her and with a POP he was gone.
Peeves returned about ten seconds after Dobby disappeared. "I see you have your meal. Those house elves are quite good aren't they? Do you need me any more tonight?"
"Thank you so much, and yes they are. Do you think that you could meet me here tomorrow around six forty five in the morning? To take me to breakfast?" Brenda asked. Peeves nodded his assent and left. Brenda had finished her dinner and headed straight for bed. It had been a long couple of days and she did not expect tomorrow to be much different.
Snape entered the Great Hall to find Ms. Daly and Peeves talking at the staff table. It appeared that Peeves was actually being nice to the newcomer. He smiled to himself; she definitely had a charm about her. A house elf appeared beside her and she turned to talk to it with a smile. He was the only other human around and so his entrance was not noted.
He approached the table and heard the elf say, "If Miss is going to be traveling today, she is needing meals to take with her. I is making them now."
"Thank you Dobby. Remember that I will have a male companion so please pack enough for him as well." She said with a smile. Snape noticed the disappointment in the poltergeists face when she mentioned a male companion.
"Yes Ms. I is getting it for you right away." And Dobby disappeared.
"This seat taken?" Snape asked.
Brenda looked startled, but smiled at him and said, "Only by you. So are you ready to head out?"
"As soon as I eat. I see you are getting along with someone Peeves are you not feeling well?" Peeves sneered at the Potions Master nodded a goodbye to Brenda blew his tongue at Snape and left.
"Now why does everyone keep speaking ill of the poor thing. He has been nice to me since I got here. I think that you just haven't given him a chance."
Not feeling the least bit remorseful they finished their meal in quiet. When they reached the Great Hall they were met by Dobby. He had prepared a mean fit for three people who would be traveling for a week. Brenda smiled and thanked the elf graciously then they left the school.
They took the train to London talking very little, Brenda was still tiered from the previous days and Severus was happy pouring over his own thoughts. They met Travis at the station and continued on to the new house. It was beautiful. There was five bedrooms on the top floor with three bathrooms. Two bedrooms and a bathroom at each end and a master suite with a built in bath in the middle. On the main level was a spacious kitchen and dining room. Along with a sitting room and a living room. There were two powder rooms one located next to the front door just under the stairs, the other in the hallway that connected the garage, kitchen and patio. There was a pool in the backyard. Everything seemed to be centered and perfect.
Brenda and Travis went to the back to settle the deal and then to the store to buy some groceries. The house came with furniture and appliances. While they were gone Snape started with the wards. He wanted to be through with this job as soon as possible. When Brenda and Travis returned he was almost finished with his wards. They took a quick break to eat some of the food that Dobby had packed. After making sure that Travis was indeed gone he quickly finished the last of the wards. The fireplace was connected to the Floo Network but only people who knew the password could enter, and the house's occupants could change the password as often as possible.
Brenda was pleased with the house and while Snape was finishing the wards she typed a quick e-mail to her family explaining to them about her move and lack of basic communication ability. She gave them the address and phone number and told them to call as soon as they wanted. Snape was displeased to find out that she had done this but she pointed out that only those that were allowed into the house could get through the wards to the house. She also pointed out that they were also his wards. That of course hit a nerve and he dropped his argument. All that was left was a quick visit to Potter's.
Brenda had decided that she would pose as a muggle lawyer visiting Potter on behalf of his godfather. She was there to make sure that he was okay and give him someone to talk to, Snape would stay in the car and was not to be seen.
When they arrived at number four Privet Drive it looked like a normal house. Brenda quickly withdrew a briefcase from the car and walked up to the door. Mrs. Dursley answered the door.
"Yes, what can I do for you?" she asked.
"Is this the Dursley residence?" Brenda asked politely.
"Who is asking?" came the short reply.
"I am sorry, how rude of me. My name is Brenda Daly I am an American lawyer. I am here representing the interests of a Mister Sirius Black. May I come in?" Brenda replied with a forced smile.
Mrs. Dursley swallowed hard and looked Brenda up and down with distaste. However she moved aside and allowed Brenda access to the house. Brenda found what she presumed to be the family sitting in the sitting room watching the television. "Vernon darling, this is Ms. Daly. She is an attorney from the States. She is here on behalf of a Mister Black." With that Mr. Dursley turned and looked at Brenda. He then ordered what Brenda assumed was his son, a fat dumpy boy who was far to wide to be healthy, into the kitchen. The boy stood and waddled away.
"Hello Mr. Dursley. I am here to check on the welfare of the household and to see if there is anything that its occupants are in need of. Now if you will just sign these forms I will take a quick survey of the house and then I will conduct personal interviews with every member of the house. Mister Black insists upon paying you back for taking care of his charge all this time." She said, and noted the gleam that reached their eyes at the mention of money. Brenda took out papers that she had drawn up after writing to her father. They basically said that the Dursleys gave her permission to snoop around their house, and if Brenda found justifiable cause to remove Harry she could without prior notice. The Dursleys however never read the contract but signed eagerly. Brenda grabbed the papers from them and handed them a copy that needed to be signed as well. She then took the copy and placed both packets in her bag.
"Right now if you will ask your darling son to return to this room." They promptly complied. "I ask that no one leave this room during my survey of the house. I will be done fairly quickly. I would also like to see how Harry is but I do not want him to know my purpose so I think that it will be best if you stay here and do not talk." She noted the sudden change on their faces, from glee to fear. That was unnerving. They tried to get up and stop her but she had already left the room and began to climb the stairs. When she reached the top, she looked around and noticed that only one bedroom door was closed. Thinking that this might be where Harry was she quickly walked towards it. When she got closer to the door she could see chains and a dog door around the door. 'This can't be where Harry is.' She thought. So she turned to check the other rooms first.
A/N: Hey I know that this is kind of slow but I thought that if I went the fast way you would be completely lost. Trust me I get lost sometimes. Well I hope that everyone had a good holiday season. So what do you think? Tell me so that I can make necessary changes. I have seen people rewrite stories because of feedback. Don't know if I would but I have considered it if you ask nicely with lots of advice. If not I can fix future problems maybe.
Chapter Nine
A Strange New Acquaintance
Brenda was staring at the room in amazement. Her first night at Hogwarts she had been rushed out of the Headmaster's office before she could get a proper look around. It was, well at the risk of sounding stupid, magical. She desperately wanted to be a little kid again so that she could have an excuse to run around his office and explore every little item that he old wizard had collected throughout his lifetime.
She was called back from her quick investigation by a knock on the door. Dumbledore gave a quick, "And so you think that you can have it ready for her by noon tomorrow? Thank you so much Travis. I am sure Ms. Daly will be most appreciative of your quick assistance. I must go though. Talk to you later, and tell Lizzy I say hello." With that he turned away from the fireplace and towards the door, "Enter."
The door opened to reveal a pale man that looked as though he had a permanent scowl on his face. He was one of those people that Brenda went out of her way to avoid when she saw them on the street. She was very intimidated and tried to casually back herself into the corner closest to Dumbledore's desk. She wasn't really sure if the man wanted to hurt her or not, and in her state she could not risk it.
Dumbledore noted her retreat to his desk and laughed to himself. Yes this particular professor had this effect on several people. "Yes Severus is there something that you needed?" Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye.
"I need to talk to you, it is personal." He said this looking at Brenda as if trying to size her up. 'She is very pretty, but who is she? I wonder if she can be trusted. Well trust Albus to not make proper introductions. Hm she looks frightened, very good.' Snape thought with a smirk on his face.
"Oh well if you need your privacy. Um Sir, what do you want me to do?" Brenda asked nervously.
"Stay put for a second. Ms. Brenda Daly this is Professor Severus Snape. He is the Potion's Master at the school. Severus I have a favor to ask of you, before Ms. Daly departs."
Snape raised his eyebrows at the headmaster after nodding a slight acknowledgment towards the woman in front of Dumbledore's desk. "And what would that be?"
"Well Ms. Daly needs to travel down towards London. I have procured her a home that she can use as a way of contact for her family. She has graciously offered to allow our agents to use it when it is not needed to entertain her family. I was wondering if you would mind accompanying her in order to set up strong protection wards. I want it to be strong enough to last any form of attack." Dumbledore said while his eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Is that necessary? Cant Lupin or Black do it?" Snape said. 'It was one thing to have him running pointless errands for Deatheaters and trying not to get caught as the spy he was, it was another to be some woman's escort. I really should be in the potion's lab working on new inventions not following some idiotic woman. Surely she could go with the two Marauders they would be able to set up the wards as well as he could.'
"No" Brenda said quickly, while she would not have minded going with either man she needed time away from the two. Remus still had to recover and Sirius would probably want to help Remus, not to mention celebrate his freedom. Not to mention he had his godson Harry that he probably wanted to spend time with. Hmm I wonder if that is the same Harry that Lily and James was talking about. It can't be. There would be no way that they would have her check on him if Sirius was his godfather. Well who knows anyway? "I mean, I think that Sirius should stay to help Remus make a quick recovery." She finished shyly.
Snape looked at her strangely. She had met both men and had managed to resist their charms; maybe she wasn't so bad after all. "Is there no one else you could spare?" He asked desperately. When Dumbledore shook his head he was resigned to his fate. "When are we to leave?"
"That is the spirit Severus," Dumbledore chuckled. "Tomorrow at eight in the morning. Travis will be waiting for you at Kings Cross-Station. Now if there is nothing else, Ms. Daly," He prompted her.
"Yes just one thing. You see I told you that I was asked to check on a friend's child well I was wondering if you could tell me if you know a Harry Potter. Son of James and Lily Potter. They asked me to check in on him, and to tell you that they are sending me." She looked at the astonished look on Snape's face and Dumbledore's face and realized that they must not know about her guardians. So she hastily added, "They are my guardians. All Healers have at least one guardian. They both showed themselves to me this morning."
Dumbledore nodded and asked, "Why did they ask you to check on him?"
"Well after I made my 'exchange' with Remus Lily came back from checking on him in tears. Then she told me that he was in trouble. Needed someone to help him out with something before he lost it all. She was in such a state that I gave her my word that I would check in on him and help him out. Do you know where I can find him? She was very insistent that I help and I really don't want to let either of them down as they are in charge of my safety."
Snape could only stare at her in shock. 'So this girl was not a muggle nor was she a witch, she was a bloody healer. When Voldemort found out she was in serious trouble. Well at least it appeared that she was on the side of the Light. She could do a lot for the cause.' What astonished him most was that Lily and James were her protectors. 'Poor girl. What could be wrong with young Potter? Getting pampered by his muggle relatives?'
"Yes, I know him. He goes to school here and I am in charge of ensuring his safety at his summer home. Are you sure of what Lily said?" Dumbledore asked cautiously.
"Yes, she was really upset. I think that she is worried about the boy's health." Brenda responded hopeful that her quest to help the boy would end quickly.
"Okay well I am sure that it would not hurt to check up on him especially after what happened last term. Severus would you mind taking Ms. Daly over to Mr. Potter's after you have secured the house that she will be purchasing?"
"I don't see. Very well." Snape said grumpily.
"Brenda stood and made a quick exit, stopping only to call over her shoulder, "Thank you Professor. See you in front of the doors at seven twenty three then?" He nodded his head and she left the office.
Snape shook his head and thought 'what a strange person.'
Peeves happened to be passing by the Headmaster's office when Brenda emerged. "Uh, um, excuse me." Brenda said, she couldn't quite remember the name of the ghost or poltergeist in front of her.
"Peeves Miss at your service. What can I do for you?" he said in a silky voice that did nothing to ease her sense of foreboding.
"Can you take me to my rooms? They are near the Muggle studies classroom," she asked.
"Certainly." With that Peeves took off in the direction of her rooms. Brenda was just glad that he took what appeared to be the most direct root and she was in her rooms in less then five minutes.
"Thank you so much. Uh, would you mind going and asking if I could have food sent to my rooms? A nice plate of rice with vegetables would be really nice right about now. With some soup, anything with vegetables. Please?" He nodded and told her he would be back in about ten minutes. That gave her just enough time to take a quick bath and change before he returned.
When Brenda got out of her shower there was a steaming plate of food waiting for her, and a short little animal setting her table. She was scared at first but realized that it must be a sort of servant that magical people had. "Hello there. My name is Brenda what is yours?"
The creature jumped and dropped the plate that he was carrying; thank goodness it was empty at the time. "Sorry, Miss scared Dobby. I is just setting Miss's dinner. Peeves is saying you is wanting soup and rice with vegetables. I is not wanting to interrupt anything." Poor Dobby was twitching so nervously that Brenda immediately took pity on the creature.
"Don't worry. I sent Peeves to ask for food. I thank you for making it so quickly. I tell you I have never had a fresh meal made so fast. Would you mind calling me Brenda instead of Miss. Please sit down I have some questions to ask you." She could tell that the creature was nervous, although he beamed at her complement of being so quick, but her curiosity was getting the better of her.
"If it is what you is wanting Mi. Er, Brenda" Dobby reluctantly sat down at the table.
"Good, good. So tell me what kind of creature are you?" Brenda asked as she began eating.
"I is a house elf Brenda. I is cooking and cleaning for Hogwarts I is." He said with a smile.
"Is there more than just one of you?"
"Oh yes there is many of us here. Dumbledore is great wizard he is. We is all liking working for Dumbledore we do."
"Ah. Well, can you do magic?"
"We elves have our own kind we do. To clean and move quietly. Dobby is sorry Miss but he is needing to go."
"Well Dobby do you think that you could return some other time so that we can get to know each other more. And if it is not too much trouble do you think that you could be the only one to come in here. I mean I am a fairly neat person by nature and I don't like to have strangers in my rooms. Would that be okay?"
Dobby beamed and nodded, "I is honored to Miss." He smiled at her and with a POP he was gone.
Peeves returned about ten seconds after Dobby disappeared. "I see you have your meal. Those house elves are quite good aren't they? Do you need me any more tonight?"
"Thank you so much, and yes they are. Do you think that you could meet me here tomorrow around six forty five in the morning? To take me to breakfast?" Brenda asked. Peeves nodded his assent and left. Brenda had finished her dinner and headed straight for bed. It had been a long couple of days and she did not expect tomorrow to be much different.
Snape entered the Great Hall to find Ms. Daly and Peeves talking at the staff table. It appeared that Peeves was actually being nice to the newcomer. He smiled to himself; she definitely had a charm about her. A house elf appeared beside her and she turned to talk to it with a smile. He was the only other human around and so his entrance was not noted.
He approached the table and heard the elf say, "If Miss is going to be traveling today, she is needing meals to take with her. I is making them now."
"Thank you Dobby. Remember that I will have a male companion so please pack enough for him as well." She said with a smile. Snape noticed the disappointment in the poltergeists face when she mentioned a male companion.
"Yes Ms. I is getting it for you right away." And Dobby disappeared.
"This seat taken?" Snape asked.
Brenda looked startled, but smiled at him and said, "Only by you. So are you ready to head out?"
"As soon as I eat. I see you are getting along with someone Peeves are you not feeling well?" Peeves sneered at the Potions Master nodded a goodbye to Brenda blew his tongue at Snape and left.
"Now why does everyone keep speaking ill of the poor thing. He has been nice to me since I got here. I think that you just haven't given him a chance."
Not feeling the least bit remorseful they finished their meal in quiet. When they reached the Great Hall they were met by Dobby. He had prepared a mean fit for three people who would be traveling for a week. Brenda smiled and thanked the elf graciously then they left the school.
They took the train to London talking very little, Brenda was still tiered from the previous days and Severus was happy pouring over his own thoughts. They met Travis at the station and continued on to the new house. It was beautiful. There was five bedrooms on the top floor with three bathrooms. Two bedrooms and a bathroom at each end and a master suite with a built in bath in the middle. On the main level was a spacious kitchen and dining room. Along with a sitting room and a living room. There were two powder rooms one located next to the front door just under the stairs, the other in the hallway that connected the garage, kitchen and patio. There was a pool in the backyard. Everything seemed to be centered and perfect.
Brenda and Travis went to the back to settle the deal and then to the store to buy some groceries. The house came with furniture and appliances. While they were gone Snape started with the wards. He wanted to be through with this job as soon as possible. When Brenda and Travis returned he was almost finished with his wards. They took a quick break to eat some of the food that Dobby had packed. After making sure that Travis was indeed gone he quickly finished the last of the wards. The fireplace was connected to the Floo Network but only people who knew the password could enter, and the house's occupants could change the password as often as possible.
Brenda was pleased with the house and while Snape was finishing the wards she typed a quick e-mail to her family explaining to them about her move and lack of basic communication ability. She gave them the address and phone number and told them to call as soon as they wanted. Snape was displeased to find out that she had done this but she pointed out that only those that were allowed into the house could get through the wards to the house. She also pointed out that they were also his wards. That of course hit a nerve and he dropped his argument. All that was left was a quick visit to Potter's.
Brenda had decided that she would pose as a muggle lawyer visiting Potter on behalf of his godfather. She was there to make sure that he was okay and give him someone to talk to, Snape would stay in the car and was not to be seen.
When they arrived at number four Privet Drive it looked like a normal house. Brenda quickly withdrew a briefcase from the car and walked up to the door. Mrs. Dursley answered the door.
"Yes, what can I do for you?" she asked.
"Is this the Dursley residence?" Brenda asked politely.
"Who is asking?" came the short reply.
"I am sorry, how rude of me. My name is Brenda Daly I am an American lawyer. I am here representing the interests of a Mister Sirius Black. May I come in?" Brenda replied with a forced smile.
Mrs. Dursley swallowed hard and looked Brenda up and down with distaste. However she moved aside and allowed Brenda access to the house. Brenda found what she presumed to be the family sitting in the sitting room watching the television. "Vernon darling, this is Ms. Daly. She is an attorney from the States. She is here on behalf of a Mister Black." With that Mr. Dursley turned and looked at Brenda. He then ordered what Brenda assumed was his son, a fat dumpy boy who was far to wide to be healthy, into the kitchen. The boy stood and waddled away.
"Hello Mr. Dursley. I am here to check on the welfare of the household and to see if there is anything that its occupants are in need of. Now if you will just sign these forms I will take a quick survey of the house and then I will conduct personal interviews with every member of the house. Mister Black insists upon paying you back for taking care of his charge all this time." She said, and noted the gleam that reached their eyes at the mention of money. Brenda took out papers that she had drawn up after writing to her father. They basically said that the Dursleys gave her permission to snoop around their house, and if Brenda found justifiable cause to remove Harry she could without prior notice. The Dursleys however never read the contract but signed eagerly. Brenda grabbed the papers from them and handed them a copy that needed to be signed as well. She then took the copy and placed both packets in her bag.
"Right now if you will ask your darling son to return to this room." They promptly complied. "I ask that no one leave this room during my survey of the house. I will be done fairly quickly. I would also like to see how Harry is but I do not want him to know my purpose so I think that it will be best if you stay here and do not talk." She noted the sudden change on their faces, from glee to fear. That was unnerving. They tried to get up and stop her but she had already left the room and began to climb the stairs. When she reached the top, she looked around and noticed that only one bedroom door was closed. Thinking that this might be where Harry was she quickly walked towards it. When she got closer to the door she could see chains and a dog door around the door. 'This can't be where Harry is.' She thought. So she turned to check the other rooms first.
A/N: Hey I know that this is kind of slow but I thought that if I went the fast way you would be completely lost. Trust me I get lost sometimes. Well I hope that everyone had a good holiday season. So what do you think? Tell me so that I can make necessary changes. I have seen people rewrite stories because of feedback. Don't know if I would but I have considered it if you ask nicely with lots of advice. If not I can fix future problems maybe.