Harry's summer at the Dursleys is mind numbingly boring. It's a good thing he doesn't spend all his time there.
Two weeks in, help comes in the form of his sister's parents.
Emily and Hugo Granger knock on the door at 8 in the morning. Hugo is wearing a suit and a tie and Emily is dressed in an old fashioned summer dress. They are what his Aunt and Uncle would call normal people.
Harry eavesdrops as they spin a tale about their unfortunate daughter Hermione who found herself in an unfamiliar world and clung to the first person she met: their nephew. They beg Petunia's pardon for saying so but they don't really believe her nephew is the best choice.
They wonder if they can borrow him for a while - preferably a few weeks, maybe even next summer depending on how stubborn their daughter is. They need to show her how terrible he is. Petunia's eyes gleam greedily. She really wants to be rid of him - though she enjoys having a slave.
"The boy can be very persuasive... perhaps you ought keep him longer."
The Grangers look concerned before conceding. As Petunia calls "Boy", Harry scuttles to the front door.
"This is Doctor Granger and his wife. They have agreed to host for the summer. Behave."
As they move to leave, Mrs Granger assures Petunia that they'll handle his living costs.
"The boy could do with fewer meals" she sniffs and shuts the door quickly as if leaving it open too long will make the Granger's return Harry.
When they are safely ensconced in the Grangers' car, the two adults start beaming. Emily Granger turns around and gives Harry a winning smile.
Harry reminds himself to trust his intuition more often.
He would have come with them whether they'd been lying or not - anything for his sister - but he had the feeling they were playing the Dursleys.
Harry loves his time at the Grangers.
Dr and Dr Granger are the best!
Harry soon learns that both Grangers have PHDs. He's encourage to call her 'Em' and she's so kind to him! Harry's aware he doesn't have anyone to compare her to (Petunia doesn't count) but he is still firmly of the opinion that she's great.
Harry sometimes wonders why his upbringing didn't turn him into an ardent Muggle hater and people like them remind him why not.
The first time Harry argues with one of Hermione's parents leaves him reeling.
They were going out for a family dinner which he didn't want to attend. (A. Because he doesn't like going out to eat and B. Because he's not really family). Hugo gets annoyed at this. Harry - poor, oblivious Harry can't figure out why. If that doesn't tell you something about his life with the Dursleys, nothing will.
It takes an hour of shouting and screaming and arguing and the Grangers miss their reservation.
It all ends with Harry's breakdown. To his horror, it all comes spilling from him. Harry's not in the habit of revealing his - well he wouldn't call them secrets, maybe private memories or feelings? By the end, he is completely mortified. He has never, never broken down like this before. Aunt Petunia would have done much worse than try to hit him with a frying pan.
He doesn't realise that he's vocalised that until he sees Hermione's face twist in anger. He doesn't flinch - this is Hermione, his sister in all but blood, and he trusts her. He knows she's not perfect - he's argued with his sister. It was an absolutely terrible feeling and he hopes it doesn't happen too often: it's rather unenjoyable.
Harry is drawn from his reflection when warm arms wrap around him and he basks in the feeling of being loved. He looks up - it doesn't feel like his sister's arms. He is stunned to find that it is in fact Hugo. Soon he relaxes - until Hermione decides to launch himself at him. For some reason, this act makes him start laughing. Hysterically. Soon, not to be outdone, the Grangers start laughing to.
If Harry didn't know better, he would think they were holding some sort of laughing competition. Emily's wink does nothing to disabuse him of the notion.
Harry's never going to anger the Grangers. Never. (He has a bit more leeway though considering he's practically a Granger now.)
The operation starts with some leaflets.
Leaflets about the signs of child abuse are sent to every house at Privet Drive apart from number 4. If that doesn't get the neighbours chattering, the fact that Arabella Figg glares at the Dursleys every time they walk past does.
They are suddenly wondering their ungrateful nephew is. Apparently, he has gone to stay at a friend's house. Say whatever you like about the occupants of Privet Drive - they are certainly a nosy bunch.
They also stick together. Petunia is soon shunned from the tea parties and no one comes with Vernon to the pub. Dudley is treated with both caution and care.
When the police are seen outside their house, the entire street watches. Some are close enough to make out what is going on.
Petunia has a mental breakdown as she is arrested in plain sight for child abuse whereas Vernon becomes aggressive and attempts to harm the Policewoman leading him. He doesn't get anywhere close. Dudley is taken into his own police car. He is accused of being an accomplice though given his age and upbringing, leniency is sure.
The Grangers and Harry watch the scene impassively. Harry takes some twisted satisfaction at seeing their suffering. Only a little. Hermione has enough for both of them and soon she is cackling hysterically, the sound disguised by the various others in the neighbourhood. Harry has to hand it to them - the Grangers are good at revenge.
Harry is aware of what's going to happen next, knows what will follow but it simply doesn't feel real until the adoption papers are on the table staring at him. He was there at the interviews but it still didn't feel real.
These papers though, just seem so final. He's happy of course, incredibly grateful but he feels a bit apprehensive. He supposes that it's because he has had no parental figures before and it's completely uncharted territory. His heart catches in his throat and suddenly he's crying again for the second time this summer.
Em - he really ought to start calling her Mum now - gives him a warm hug. It isn't overbearing but it's not distant either. It's comfortable and Harry realises that he quite enjoys it.
He's become a bit addicted he thinks to Hugo and Emily's hugs. At least he'll never be out of Hermione hugs.
He sets his gaze to the table where three unwrapped presents lay.
The first is a deck of cards which he is sure to use. Hes learnt at least three different card games not to mention tricks.
The second - your glasses don't count Harry James! - is a selection of his favourite treats ranging from Treacle Tarts to Mars Bars.
The third - your wardrobe doesn't count either! - is a black photo album. On the front page is a heartfelt note from the Grangers - the sort you would expect to see in a birthday card.
Finally, although Harry isn't sure a present is the right word, there are the papers in front of him.
Harry soon overcomes his initial reluctance - the Grangers aren't going to harm him and he likes them, even if he doesn't love Hermione's parents quite yet.
He picks up the pen - oh, the wonders of the Muggle World, why do they have to use quills in school? - and signs. Why ever not?
He choses to change his name to Harry Granger - he wishes to get away from Harry Potter in the near future - and gleefully grabs his sister as the bounce energetically around the room. He doesn't care, he's allowed to be childish! He is a child!
He doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Besides, don't they have their own last days of summer to bother about?