Harry Potter and the Legion of the Shadow
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Warner Brothers bought me out.
After yet another boring week back at Privet Drive, Harry was working on a report on Vampires when Vernon Dursley shouted up the stairs to him, "HARRY, GET DOWN HERE!" Harry grimaced, wondering what had he supposedly had done to upset his uncle this time.
However, as he walked downstairs, his fears were even surpassed. "Harry," Vernon said, while angrily staring at the 15 year old wizard, "Aunt Marge is coming to visit next week." Harry flinched. Vernon must have noticed, because his voice went up a few more degrees, "For some reason, she doesn't seem to remember what happened last time you came here, but I swear, if you do something like that again…" Vernon now seemed at a loss for an adequate punishment, but Harry knew well enough that he wouldn't be rewarded for a repeat of what happened two years ago.
Harry briefly considered running off. He had money in Gringotts; he didn't have to stay here anymore. The only thing that kept him at Privet Drive was Dumbledore's order. It's for the best, Harry firmly told himself, and it's only five more weeks. Then you'll be back at Hogwarts with your friends.
Harry dreaded the day his aunt would arrive, with each day having more tension than the one before it. On Tuesday, the day Marge was due, Harry could hardly concentrate, imagining all the horrors he was in store for. Finally, at 3:00 in the afternoon, the doorbell rang and Vernon's voice called loudly from the hall, "Hello! We're glad to see you, Marjorie!"
Harry sighed, and knew he would be called down shortly. Not five seconds later, his uncle yelled, "BOY! COME DOWN HERE!"
However, Harry was treated for the shock of his life, as he opened his door and heard Aunt Marge say, "Now, now, Vernon. There's no need to yell at him."
Harry and his uncle both stared, mouths agape. It was difficult to tell who was more surprised. Marge didn't appear to notice or care about their reactions and calmly said, "Well, Harry! It's nice to see you again. I take it you're enjoying your vacation from school?"
Harry was even more shocked, and Vernon managed to sputter, "You… you do know that he goes to St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys… didn't you?"
At this, Aunt Petunia simply laughed, "Oh, you always were a kidder, Vernon! Of course, it might have worked if the policeman last year didn't tell me about Harry going to Worthings. Great institute – my grandfather went there."
"Er, yeah," Harry managed, still unsure what was going on.
"Well, boy, what are you standing there for? Take your aunt's luggage!"
"Now, Vernon," Marge spurted primly, "I am sure you can refer to your nephew by name!"
Harry involuntarily coughed, and Vernon immediately went beet red. It was an enormous sense of shame to Vernon that Harry was his nephew, and getting lectured about treating him well certainly went against his nature. Still, Vernon caved in under the strict glare from his sister and said, "Er, Harry, will you take your aunt's luggage?" Marge still wasn't satisfied, and Vernon mumbled, "…Please?"
It took all of Harry's effort to avoid bursting out laughing at the recent turn of events. He quickly took Aunt Marge's luggage into the guest bedroom, all the while thinking, This visit is definitely better than the one two years ago! As he was walking back into the living room, he caught sight of something outside. An owl was flying around, and it appeared to be heading towards their house. Harry quickly said, "Uncle, if you'll excuse me, I need to get something upstairs."
Harry couldn't help sniggering as Aunt Marge said, "You know, he's such a polite boy!"
Sure enough, as soon as he opened the door, a tawny owl was waiting for him on his bed. Harry quickly opened the note and read it.
Harry,
No doubt you are wondering about the unusual behavior of Marjorie Dursley. As you are aware, your Aunt's memory was modified by ministry officials two years ago after your… incident. However, obliviators are given a certain amount of leeway about what exactly they do to their target, and I suggested to a few of them that they also subsequently modify her perceptions of you. No doubt this will help prevent future… incidents.
Enjoy your holiday!
- Albus Dumbledore
Harry whooped in glee, which drew an odd look from the owl sitting on the bed. Harry was beyond caring what the bird thought of him, and went back downstairs chuckling. This was certainly going to be better than two years ago!
"Harry, dear," Marge's voice called from the kitchen, and Harry entered to find Vernon still baffled about his sister's change of behavior. "I must know," Marge kindly asked, "how school is at Worthings. Are you learning much?"
Vernon began to turn red again, obviously afraid of what Harry's answer would be. Harry grinned, almost maliciously, and said, "Oh, loads! I've got some really great friends there, and I'm actually starting to study Latin! Why, it's almost magic how well they teach – they're real wizards at the subject!" Harry purposely threw 'wizard' and 'magic' into the sentence, if only to annoy Vernon when he couldn't yell at him.
"Latin, eh?" smiled Marge, oblivious to Harry's odd word choices, "I remember learning Latin back at Smeltings with Vernon. Well, let's see… what's the word for night?"
Harry fought not to laugh. "Nox," he said, while enjoying the look on his uncle's face when he uttered the Latin word.
"Very good!" Marge praised, not noticing the pale complexion on Vernon. "How about… move!"
"Mobilis" Harry said, purposely sounding like he was intoning a spell. Vernon scooted back from the table, much to Harry's enjoyment.
"Excellent! I see Worthings hasn't lost its touch. But school work is only part of what you need to be worried about, right Vernon?" Vernon mumbled something, which Harry couldn't discern. Marge didn't appear to even listen, and continued, "I should say not! A man of 14, worried only about school! I shudder! So, Harry, tell me, do you have a girlfriend?"
Harry was shocked at the question, but thought back to the year before, and the first person that came to mind was Cho. However, he didn't know what Cedric's death meant yet between them. It was certainly too much to call him his girlfriend, that was for sure. But he was still hopeful. "Well," Harry stammered, "there's this girl..."
"Aha," boomed Marge, "I knew it! She must be very lucky!"
Harry didn't bother correcting his aunt, and Vernon quickly said, "Well, anyway, Harry has to go over to the library. He's looking up something for his summer work. Always busy…"
Harry knew that Vernon was trying to get him out of the house, as he obviously didn't have any work at the muggle library. Although he wanted to stay and talk with a polite muggle for a change, Vernon's glare made him resign and say, "Er, right. Have some work on potions… chemistry."
"Wait, Harry," Marge called, "Take this. In case you want to buy something on the way home."
Harry looked flabbergasted at the 5 pound note which she handed to him. He had never been given that much money before in his life. Marge gave him an affectionate pat on the back, and Harry took off out the door.
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(NOTE: I always post two chapters to begin with – hence no review feedback right now)
