Chapter 4: Diagon Alley

Uncle Vernon stared at Dumbledore.

'Why on earth would I want myself and my family living in a fantasy world!'

Dumbledore's smile faded. Mr. Emmons rolled up his sleeve.

Dumbledore stood, and gave Uncle Vernon a terrifying gleam that made Uncle Vernon tremble. Dumbledore pointed his finger at him, and said 'now see here Mr. Dursley! You don't understand who or what you are dealing with. I wished not to resort to this. Your son is coming with us in September! Whether you like it or not!'

Uncle Vernon coward in the corner with his wife and son.

Harry, who had witnessed this from the corner, thought he never saw Dumbledore look so angry or dangerous... or was that what he looked like... or was it panic and fear?

Uncle Vernon, who's bravery had surprised Harry, was bubbling like a fool.

'I.... you.... my...'

Dumbledore turned to Dudley, still with that face, and said, 'you mustn't listen to your parents. You must take the test.'

'Um... Professor Dumbledore, what test?' asked Harry.

Dumbledore turned to him, and eased a bit.

'I will explain to you soon.'

He turned once again to Vernon Dursley.

'Fine, you may stay here... but you have September to get your son ready for his test, which will be taking place at an area near Hogsmeade I wish not to explain. If he is not ready by September 1st, and is not on that train with Harry.... you will deeply regret it.'

It seemed to Harry that Uncle Vernon's eyes were fighting to stay down, instead of rolling up into his head. Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing.

'Harry, resume normal life after I leave. I have asked Arthur Weasley to pick you up Harry, two weeks before term... your cousin will also be going with them,' Dumbledore gave a warningful look towards the trembling Durlseys.

'Also, he will pick you all up next month for a trip to Diagon Alley, your Aunt and Uncle must go as well. They will need to visit Gringott's to get some money.

You will be staying with Arthur and Molly for the remainder of your summer vacation. I will see you at Hogwarts Harry.'

Dumbledore smiled.

'Professor, I don't understand. Why so urgent to get him to take this... this test?' asked Harry.

'And what test is it? I have never heard of a test of this sort.'

'Ah, Harry... so many questions... but they will be answered soon enough. I wish not to worry you with them now. Good bye Harry.'

Lockhart and Emmons, who Harry had totally forgot about, stepped next to Dumbledore and the all vanished with three pops.

* * *

For the next few days, the Dursley's would not speak to Harry. He did not care, he too much enjoyed the look of utter fear on their faces which seemed only to ease when they slept... when they did sleep. Uncle Vernon looked most worn with stress. Large black circles engulfed his eyes and he was looking more like a fat raccoon than a pig. The test too was on Harry's mind for most of he days to come

Soon, June faded into July, and July ticked away. As the days past, the Dursley's eased a bit, but looked horribly troubled. Dudley was taking it the best, however. He busied himself with eating most of the time, so he had little room to worry about any test.

On July 30th, the day before Harry's birthday, Uncle Vernon sat Dudley down at the dining room table behind closed doors. Harry could only guess that he was trying to prepare Dudley for September. Harry caught a few words, like "DONT YOU WORRY DUDLEY! I WON'T LET ANYTHING HAPPEN TO YOU!" Uncle Vernon was shouting over the sobs of Aunt Petunia.

In the end, they had convinced Dudley that everything would be okay while he was away, no matter how long he'd be away.

Aunt Petunia was very upset. She didn't know what to do with herself while her son was off to a strange land without her, for the period of time. During dinner, the phone rang. Uncle Vernon picked it up.

'Hello?'

'HELLO! IS THIS VERNON DURSLEY!' came the shout at the other end of the phone.

'STOP SHOUTING! DONT YOU KNOW HOW TO WORK A TELEPHONE!' Yelled Uncle Vernon.

'OH YEAH! I DONT HAVE TO SHOUT.'

After a short conversation, they hung up.

Uncle Vernon stood at the table to make an announcement.

'That... ah.... was the man that is picking us up to take us to that god forsaken digging alley or whatever he called it. He is coming in a car thankfully. Listen, Petunia, Dudley...

stay with me. Don't go anywhere alone with this man. I promise you we will return home normal.'

'Vernon, can't we just ignore them? Keep Dudley with us? Have him not show up?' ask Petunia.

'No, Petunia... I wish we could, but.... those people will hunt us down and kill us for all I know! ALL BECAUSE OF YOU BOY! OUT! UP TO YOUR ROOM!' he shouted at Harry. Harry did as was told, breaking into a smile as he climbed the stairs.

The next day came with dark clouds and rain. Harry was unsure of the time Mr. Weasley was picking them up, but it turned out to be one in the afternoon.

'Hello, Mr. And Mrs. Dursley.' Said Mr. Weasley extending a hand.

'YOU!' said Uncle Vernon, remembering quite well how Mr. Weasley and his family came bursting through the fireplace last year and causing much trouble.

'Yes well, I don't think we got off on the right track... HARRY! How are you! I see you haven't packed yet... I assume you are coming to stay with us the rest of the summer?'

'Yes, when you drop them off I'll get my bags,' said Harry with a smile. He was glade to be leaving the Dursley's earlier than before... what a birthday present this was.

'Well, Mr. And Mrs. Dursley, and you boy... Dudley is it? Go on in the car, you all sit in the back. Harry, come up with me.'

'Did you get a new car Mr. Weasley?' asked Harry.

'No, this is just a company car. We wont be flying... may scare the Muggles to death.'

So they entered the car. Harry looked back and saw that the backseat was four times as wide as it looked from the outside, easily fitting all the Dursleys.

'Witchcraft Petunia... I was afraid of this,' whispered Uncle Vernon.

So they drove off until they made it in London and outside the Leaky Cauldron. Mr. Weasley led Harry and the Dursley's into the pub.

'Mr. Weasley! I didn't get my letter yet!' yelled Harry.

'Oh, no need to worry, I have it right here,' he replied pulling out two parchments, handing one to Harry and the other to Dudley.

Uncle Vernon ripped it out of Dudley's hands and said, 'just what do you call this?'

'That is all that your son needs today. But first you need to exchange your moy, you did bring many killograms, didn't you?'

'Pounds, you mean,' said Harry.

Indeed, Uncle Vernon stuffed a rather large amount of pounds in his pocket that morning.

The Dursley's made a tight circle while following Harry and Mr. Weasley.

'The kids aren't going to Diagon Alley until mid August. Molly is taking them. We will get all your stuff today while we are here, but you may still tag along with them.'

They made their way out the back of the pub into the rain. Uncle Vernon looked angry and scared.

'What is the meaning of this?' he said through the sound of pouring rain.

Mr. Weasley took out his wand, despite the gasp from Aunt Petunia. He tapped the brick wall three times and it opened.

The Durley's were beyond themselves with fear. They all entered Diagon Alley, which was cloudy yet was not raining.

'Mr. Dursley, read the parchment.'

He shook as he pulled out the parchment and said in a shaky voice, 'um... A... beginners wand... Quill. Um... book called "kwik spell" or what not.'

'Ah yes! Kwik spell, perfect for squibs. Well then, we will got to Gringott's and get the money, then we will be off to get your son's things, then Harry's things. Come along.'

They made their way to the wizard bank, walking past the various stores. The Dursley's flinching if anything odd happened.

Mr. Weasley did the traveling deep into the vault to get Harry's money while the Dursley's did their best not to scream out in fear as the goblins exchanged their money.

It had been uneventful the rest of the day. Harry got all his things, while the Dursley's silently bought Dudley's few items. Aunt Petunia not speaking a single syllable most of the day.

As Mr. Weasley pulled into Privet Drive, the Dursley's let out a sigh of relief. Harry ran in and got his things. But when he came down the car was gone.

'Harry, we go by Floo powder,' said Mr. Weasley handing Harry a pinch

'Well Dursleys... been a fun day, eh? See you on the first of September then!' with that he disappeared into the fire.

'Well, whatever,' said Harry, throwing the dust into the fire and felt the familiar feeling of being sucked through the chimney. At the other end, something surprising was waiting at the Burrow.