The Summer After

Chapter 1: Vernon

I watch from the car as Harry embraces his friends and steps reluctantly away toward me.
Don't worry, boy, I'm no more eager to see you.
Here we go again, I say aloud, startling myself.
The car door opens and suddenly the cacophony of the train station whooshes into the car. The door slams shut and, like a vacuum, heavy silence takes over. I scowl and drive off. We say nothing until I pull into our driveway. I look in the rearview mirror and see his insolent green eyes, staring into me. Creepy. As soon as we stop, the boy makes a move to get out.
Wait, mister, before you go inside let's get one thing clear. No funny business this year. You do as your told. Full stop.
No response, so I look in the mirror again. He nods. I know that's all I'll get from him, so I get out and go inside, slamming the front door behind me.
Petunia! I'm home! I hang my coat, go to the den, and turn on the telly.
My show begins and Harry enters the house, trying to manage his trunk and that dratted molting owl all at once.
Jesus, boy, stop all that racket! I can't hear the telly! I shout from the den.
The noise stops. Petunia comes into the den with a cup of tea.
Oh Vernon, she whines. I can't stand it when he comes. You get so grouchy and Duddy too and I feel like he's always just staring at us, plotting...
I know Petunia. I know, I say. And you turn up the whining full blast. I turn toward the TV in the hopes that she'll get the hint and leave, but she remains in front of me.

Yes, darling? Maybe I wouldn't be so grouchy if you'd leave me in peace!
We should get dear Dudley something to make up for Harry coming. You know he takes it so hard. Would she ever shut-up about that hulking son of hers?
Yes, dear, you're right. Get him whatever you think he wants. You're always so good at spoiling the little tyke. Now, maybe she'd leave.
Oh good. I'll go see him right now. He's working so hard on his summer schoolwork, he needs a break... Her voice fades as she leaves the room. Whew. A little peace.
The TV show drones on; my mind wanders. Gotta fire that tech worker tomorrow. Should I do it in my office or in front of the tech department? That could set an example... but it could spark dissent. Oh come on, everyone know he's a lazy lout, they won't care... Gotta order a new shipment of WD-40. How do we--
My thoughts are interrupted by a crash from upstairs and then Petunia's shriek. I can't take this. I storm upstairs, pounding each stair as hard as I can as I go. God, he's only been here 30 minutes...
I reach the top of the stairs and Petunia comes rushing to me.
Vernon, oh Vernon! I -- I push past her, towards Harry's room.
He was trying to push his trunk into his room, but ended up crashing into the wall, chipping the paint and knocking over a lamp and two wall hangings. That was the crash, then. Now he is righting the lamp. I grab his arm above the elbow, drag him into his room, and slam the door behind us. I am already so angry, I can't imagine how this is only the beginning of the summer.
Look, boy, maybe I didn't make myself clear in the car. I will not have you wreaking havoc on my life while you're here. He doesn't say a word. Just that creepy stare.
Its not been thirty minutes and already you have my wife in hysterics. I don't have any qualms about doing what I need to do to get some peace around here. Don't leave this room for any reason for the rest of the night. I don't want to know you're here. He nods and drops his eyes. I give him a shake and push him away as I turn to leave. He teeters and seems to shrink. He's too quiet...scheming. Well, I won't put up with that nonsense this year. As I walk out Petunia tries to intercept me again. I move to avoid her and end up tripping over the boy's blasted trunk.
Petunia gasps. Damn it!
I kick the trunk into Harry's room and once again slam the door behind myself. How would I survive without doors to slam?
 I cut her off with a look and a hand.
Petunia. Don't disturb me until dinner. I don't even wait for her response as I lock myself in our bedroom and switch the telly on. Loud.

****************
I am in bed with my wife. All is dark and quiet. The incessant noise of the day has finally stopped. I sigh and turn over in relief, eager for sleep to come. I can tell I will look forward to bedtime each night for the rest of the summer....
Why am I awake? I fumble for my clock. 3:47 am. Damn. In the next room I hear violent sobbing. I roll over and put the pillow over my head to drown it out. On and on the boy sobs. Right when I think he's finally stopped he carries on again. Petunia doesn't even stir. I try to wake her by kicking her. Its her bloody nephew. She should have to be awake, too. She jerks and rolls over, nearly on top of me. I kick her again, and I hear her reach for her own clock and curse as she sees the time. 4:02 am. The boy shows no sign of shutting up. There'll be hell to pay tomorrow, mark my words. 4:11 am. If anything he's getting louder. Petunia thinks I'm still asleep. 4:18 am. Why isn't she shutting him up? Wait...she heaves herself out of bed and pads quickly out of the room. I hear a sharp slap, then a whimper, the door closes...and silence. Ah, mission accomplished. I roll over once and remember nothing more but my dreams of Petunia and Harry locked in his trunk together.