The goodbye was more painful than it would have been. But now Hermione was Harrys girlfriend, and not seeing her for 4 weeks was hard. They had snogged a bit before the Dursleys were awake, but the unstoppable came faster than Harry and Dudley wanted.
The moment came and Hermione wrapped herself around Harry, giving him a wanting look. Harry gave her the same look, full of love. Dudley was irritated but was gentleman enough to blush while Hermione pecked him on the cheek. He waved at the Grangers and patted Padfoot. Padfoot was a dog again, it was much safer for traveling. Harry had thought a great deal about becoming an Animagus, and came to the conclusion that it could be useful. He had imagined strolling through the streets with Sirius, two strays wreaking havoc. But he didn't feel like becoming a dog, he wanted to have a different Animagus form. But he had no idea what kind of animal he wanted to become. Maybe McGonagall or Dumbledore can help me.
Shortly after his guests departed Dudley asked him if he wanted to join his training session. Maybe Dudley changed his mind about wizards and witches, Harry thought. Well, everyone would have been stunned, Hermione is the most beautiful person in the world.
Harry and Dudley were arriving at the front door, intending to go outside, but Uncle Vernon stood between them and the door. He spoke menacingly.
"You will do you chores-list, and you will do this additional list for making up because SHE stayed here. And you want to go to the these weezles or whatever that bunch of redheaded lunatics are called. SO you do it or I won't allow it." The last sentence was no question but a demand. Vernon forced the two sheets into his hands and left immediately. Harry threw a look at them and groaned. The old list were chore mainly inside the house and some gardening, but the new list had chores like 'visit Mrs Jenny to do the watering' or 'visit Mr Mallon to help him feed the dogs'. Harry knew that the neighbours had seen him working, and how fast and accurate he was (because he wanted it to be done fast). Petunia noticed it too and took the opportunity to torture some more. Damn, he thought. When do I get some sleep, I have to work all day.
It was a hot summer day, and Harry had only three more days to stay in hell. Means in three days he would went to his friend, Ron Weasley, to spend the rest of the summer holidays there. Harry was at the moment doing the gardening at some old friends of Aunt Petunia's, and he worked like a maniac. There were weeds everywhere and if he wanted to get home today he had to hurry. Dudley had annoyed him a bit, laughing at his dirty cloth and how he looked like a bum with that shabby clothes all dirty. Harry was finally sure that Dudley wasn't that mean, and even he laughed at Harry it was not to make Harry feel worse. It was just because Harry really looked like an old bum. He would have laughed himself if there had been a mirror to look into. After Harry was ready to proceed they ran around some more blocks until they reached the place of Harry's next chore. It was a nice house where a small girl lived in. The girl had apparently not enough time and Petunia had offered Harry's services to feed her guinea pig for her. It was a ridiculous chore but Harry had to do it. Petunia would let him do everything as long it is embarassing enough.
Dudley waited patiently and after a short time they headed back to Privet Drive Nr 4. Arriving there they did sit-ups and stretching. His body was getting more muscular and he took her advise, he was now sunning every free minute. After a quick shower he had to do the in-house chores, including cleaning the dishes, tidying his and Dudley's room (which was untidy as a room could be), sorting his uncle's ties (the most boring colour at first) and finally peeling the potatoes for dinner.
Harry had cut himself twice already, but after Dudley came into the kitchen Harry cut himself for the third time out of surprise. Harry sucked in the finger to stop the bleeding. Dudley sat beside Harry while patting him lightly on the shoulder.
"Having the time of your life, I hope? You can be glad, that's your last task for today. You look worked up enough." Dudley pointed at Harry's cut fingers and laughed, Harry just said "Ha ha."
"To be honest I'm here because I forgot to give you your present." Harry shook his head to say that this was not necessary. Dudley never gave him presents, nor his parents.
"Yeah, well, You remember I told you that my training is hard? Yeah, it is, and seeing you taking it makes me believe you're good person. So take this, maybe you like it." Dudley gave him a small package which was hidden behind his enormous back (enormous because of the mass of muscles).
Harry grinned broadly at his present. It was a complete set of clothes, running trousers and shorts, two sleeveless shirts and a jacket, everything jet black. Harry was overjoyed, in the past he always had to wear the cast off clothes of Dudley. Now he had some clothes on his own.
"Thanks mate." Harry said and Dudley grinned as broadly as Harry had, pleased that his present was good.
Harry trained the last week with his new clothes and felt stronger than ever. Shall Voldemort attack me, I will fight him.
The day before Harry would go to the Weasleys he received an owl from Ron who told him that Mr Weasley would fetch him by car at noon. Harry still felt guilty, he and Ron had crashed the Whomping Willow with Mr Weasleys Old Ford Anglia (which was bewitched) in their Second Year. And last year Mr Weasley had used their fireplace to travel by floo, but with Voldemort rising up it was impossible using it again.
Harry was anxious to see his best friend again, and then he remembered Ron's letter at the beginning of the summer. He had told him that he had started training, and now they could train together! Harry was sure that he had received the worst treatment, Dudley had trained him unhumanly hard. Ron probably had a nice training session every day, but not as hard as Harry's. Harry thought about Ginny and the twins and Percy. And even about Bill and Charlie, and of course about Mr and Mrs Weasley. He was very excited to see the following day. Pity Hermione wasn't there.
And another chapter, probably the smallest. I will change the summary, maybe then some people will review this. Thanks to all readers if there are some.