Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters.
A/N: Well, I said the next day, but how about in two days? Sound good. Cause here it is! I hope you enjoy it! And here it is!
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Harry was sitting in the back seat of Vernon's car. His trunk and other items were in the trunk of the car, and he had stuck his wand and his photo album in his jacket. He wanted to hide them before his uncle saw them. Old habits die hard, but he also didn't know how his uncle would react if he saw them either. Plus, it would be very bad if a death eater or, heaven forbid, Voldemort himself decided to attack while his wand was sitting in his trunk locked in the cabinet under the stairs. Indeed.
His uncle was trying to make small talk with him, but Harry didn't know what to talk about. This whole situation was quite awkward to him.
"Well, Harry how was school?" asked Vernon, not wanting to know about it at all, but trying to gain Harry's trust just the same.
"Uh, it was fine uncle." he said.
"That's good." he wished the damn kid would talk more.
"What would you like for supper?" Harry nearly fell off the backseat in surprise. Never in his life had his uncle asked him what he would want for any meal whatsoever, let alone supper.
"Um…I…maybe…anything would be good." he finally managed to blurt out.
"Anything." muttered Vernon under his breath. He was starting to get annoyed, but didn't show it. "Alright then, how about steak? Petunia was thinking about making some for supper. Does that sound alright?" The thought of letting the little brat eat his steak was almost beyond him. But he had to keep up the act. The mere thought of Harry trusting him, and then him tearing that trust away was enough to keep him going.
"Sure, that sounds good." he said happily. He was never allowed that kind of food before. Perhaps he had changed.
After that the conversation between the two came to a halt and Harry was left to his mind's wonderings. The first thing that popped into his head was Cedric Diggory. About a week after Harry had seen him for the first time, rumors started to fly about him losing his mind. Somehow, Draco Malfoy had found about him speaking to Cedric and went with it. Everyone had been staring at him oddly, especially those from Cedric's house. Most people had honestly thought he had gone mad. Then there was that day in the Great Hall.
"Well, Potty, talked to any dead people lately?" mocked Malfoy, loudly from the Slytherin table. Harry tried to ignore him, but everyone in the room had laughed, even some of Gryffindor. That was almost too much for him to bear. His own house was laughing at him. Although some of them looked on the verge of murdering Malfoy.
"Shut up Malfoy!" yelled Harry. He refused to let him get to him.
"Diggory probably came back to get revenge, wouldn't you think? I mean, it was your fault that he died, wasn't it?" he asked, making half the room gasp this time. If only the teachers had been there. It was still early, and they hadn't even begun to show up yet.
"You shut your mouth, Malfoy!" yelled Ron, sticking up for his friend.
"Stay out of this, Weasel!" he yelled back. Ron stood up from the table and started walking towards the Slytherin table.
"You'll regret that one!"
"I'm shaking in my boots." he said sarcastically. "Trying to protect your murder causing friend?" he asked.
"It wasn't my fault!" yelled Harry. Most of Gryffindor was standing up for Harry now, including the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. "You're the one who's got a death eater for a father!" he said.
"Why you little..." he yelled, advancing on Harry. "I hope Voldemort kills you, and then you can join Cedric, and live in torment because he will know it was your fault he died!" he bellowed. Everyone in the room suddenly grew very silent. Only it wasn't that particular statement that had silenced them. It was the figure in the air which had.
"What the hell do you know, Malfoy?" asked Cedric. Draco slowly turned around and faced the floating apparition in the air.
"What the…" asked Draco.
"You might want to know the facts before you start blabbing falsities." he said calmly towards the boy below him. "Harry didn't get me killed, since you seem to think that, wrongly, might I add. It was a trap, one we both fell into unknowingly. If Harry could have saved my life, he would have. Only he didn't get the chance. I was killed, and the blame lays only on Voldemort, and Wormtail, of course. So shut the hell up, Malfoy!"
Draco seemed to be stuttering incoherently, but no one was paying any attention to him. They were more interested in Cedric, who had floated over to Harry and was talking privately to him.
"I can't believe it's really him." whispered one of the Hufflepuffs. Many of those at the Hufflepuff table were trying to get a closer look at their lost friend, but he soon he had disappeared.
"Hey, where did he go?" asked Cho Chang, who had been trying to get closer to the boy she had been involved with the last year he was alive.
"He had to go, Cho. Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be around."
"Alright."
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That had been the last time he had seen or talked to Cedric, and it had been quite awhile. He hoped to see him again sometime. As it was, he and his uncle had just pulled into number four Privet Drive.
"Well, we're here." said uncle Vernon, getting out of the car. He opened the backseat for Harry to get out. "You go on inside, I'm sure your aunt is dying to see you."
"Don't you want me to get my stuff?" asked Harry. He always had to get his stuff. He wasn't used to his uncle being so uncharacteristic towards him.
"No, no. You go inside, I'll get your things." he said, plastering a fake smile upon his face.
"Alright." said Harry, and he walked into the house.
"One more week, and you're mine." he mumbled.
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As Harry entered the house, he noticed that everything looked the same. Absolutely nothing had changed. He wasn't surprised, though, either. He walked into the kitchen and was met by his aunt. Dudley was no where to be seen.
"Hello, Harry. How was the trip?" Even his aunt was acting nice towards him.
"It was fine, thanks. Where's Dudley?"
"Uh, well, the last I saw of him, he was upstairs in his room." she said, getting out a pan from one of the cabinets. "Did you and your uncle decide what you wanted for supper?"
"Yes, he said something about steaks, if that's alright with you?" he asked. He wanted things to start off on the right foot, and making his aunt angry wasn't on the right foot.
"That'd be fine. Why don't you run upstairs and get your cousin. He's been asking about you."
'Dudley, asking about me, what, so he can hit me with his Smelting's stick?' he asked himself.
"Okay." he said, and made his way upstairs. He knocked on his cousin's door, and was surprised when it opened immediately.
"When did you get here?" he asked, slightly in an aggravated tone.
"Just now." said Harry, wondering about his cousin's tone of voice. "Aunt Petunia asked me to come and get you. She's fixing dinner; I gather it will be done soon."
"Oh, alright. Do you want to watch television with me?" Harry noticed that Dudley's attitude had changed. He wasn't nearly as annoying as before.
"Sure." They went downstairs into the living room and Dudley turned on the television. There wasn't really anything on, so Dudley left it on a show Harry had never heard of before. "What's this?" he asked.
"Um, I think it's called Charmed. I thought you might like it." said Dudley, laughing.
As soon as the show progressed, he knew what it was about. Witches.
"Cute, Dudley, real cute. Won't your dad get mad?"
"Naw, he doesn't mind."
"If you say so." replied Harry.
"I do."
About an hour later, Petunia called everyone into the kitchen. They sat down at the table and Harry made to set the table.
"No, Harry, you sit down. I'll take care of that." said Petunia, steering Harry towards a chair. When she had loaded everyone's plates down with an enormous amount of food, she finally sat down herself. "Enjoy."
They all ate silently. To Harry, it was a miracle in itself. He couldn't believe they were treating him so nicely. He finally let himself relax, and dug into the food. He didn't notice as his uncle glared at him.
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That night, when he went upstairs to his bedroom, he noticed that it was much better furnished than before. His bed looked brand new, along with the dresser, nightstand, and there was even a muggle radio sitting on the nightstand. He was never allowed one of those before.
"Whoa." he said to himself. He spent the rest of the night listening to the radio while lying on his bed. The next morning, he quickly got up, just in case they wanted him to help with breakfast. He could hear his aunt downstairs making an awful racket. He quickly got dressed and went downstairs.
"Do you need any help with that?" he asked. She turned around, startled. Her husband and son had come and gone, without even offering to help.
"Don't you have something to do, like watch television or something with your uncle and cousin?" she asked him.
"I'll help you, if you want me to." He could tell she was having difficulties with making all the courses at once.
"Only if you really want to." she said, softening towards him. He really was a little sweety when one wasn't a jerk to him, she noticed.
"Alright, if you want. Why don't you get started on cutting up the fruits over there." she said, pointing towards the counter where there were bananas and strawberries sitting on plates. He walked over to the drawer, got out a knife, and then went back to the counter and started cutting up the fruits. She started making pancakes and homemade syrup.
Within thirty minutes everything was prepared and on their own serving plates. They placed them on the table and waited as the two larger of the four came flying into the room. They sat down at the table and ate their breakfast.
That was how it went for the next few days. Harry noticed that he and his aunt were really getting along. He could also tell that Vernon wasn't too pleased about it, even though he acted very nice otherwise. Dudley as well. But he didn't feel near as close to them as he did to his aunt. He honestly felt she had changed from how she used to be towards him.
Harry and Petunia talked a lot about anything and everything. Towards the end of the first week, he noticed that Petunia was getting anxious about something, but she wouldn't say what. On Saturday, he was sitting in the living room, watching television with the entire family when there was a knock on the front door.
"I'll get it." said Vernon happily. He knew exactly who it was. He opened the door, and just as he suspected, there stood Indra Rostau. "Why, hello Ms. Rostau. Come on in." he said, and motioned for her to walk ahead of him. As soon as she passed him, he let an evil smile come across his face. Just a little longer, and everything would fall into place.
Indra went into the living room and saw Harry. "Hello, everyone. How are we all today?" she asked. She looked Harry over, physically and emotionally, checking for anything amiss, found nothing, and grinned.
"We're fine, miss, and how are you? Would you like something to drink? Soda, coffee, water?" asked Petunia.
'She seems very nice.' thought Indra. "A soda would be lovely, thank you." She followed Petunia into the kitchen area and sat at the counter. "How are things going between Harry and the rest of you?" she asked.
"Oh, things are going very well." said Petunia. "I think Harry's really enjoying himself here." Petunia was smiling broadly. 'Tell her' her mind yelled. But she couldn't bring herself to go against her husband. Perhaps things would stay the same. Vernon had been acting extremely well towards the boy. She thought she would wait and see what happened.
"That's what I like to hear." said Indra, smiling right along with the older woman. "And is Vernon behaving himself?"
"Yes, he's been wonderful with Harry. I think things will be just fine."
"Great." Indra looked back towards the living room. "Do you mind if I speak privately with Harry?"
"No, by all means, go ahead. I'll go get him for you." Petunia went back into the living room and whispered something into Harry's ear. He nodded, stood up, and came into the kitchen.
"Well?" she asked.
Harry smiled, genuinely. "I like it here." he said. "They're all being really nice, especially aunt Petunia. I definitely think she's changed. I've had my doubts about Vernon, but so far he's been really descent. I'm not worried or anything."
"Alright, that's good. And Dudley, how about him? He looks like he could try even my patience." she said, laughingly.
"He's actually been tolerable as well. Normally we just sit around and watch television when we're together."
"Well, everything seems to be alright then. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself Harry. Just remember to be careful. Have you been talking to Dumbledore with the mirror?"
Harry looked at her curiously. "How did you find out about the mirror?"
"Dumbledore told me, of course. Well, have you?"
"Yes, we've been talking every time he gets the chance." he said.
"Well, just be sure to tell him if anything changes. I don't want you to worry or anything Harry, but this is the last time I'll be able to visit with you."
"What!" he whispered in a slight yell.
"Shh…listen, as long as you have that mirror, you'll be alright. My boss and my associates have looked in on this situation as well, they think you and your family's doing fine. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about. But, in case I'm wrong, just use the mirror."
"Alright, I will."
"Good." She patted him on his head, and walked over to Vernon Dursley. "A word if you please." she said, and he followed her to the door.
He couldn't tell what they were talking about, but soon the door was opening, Indra was waving, and then she was gone. Vernon decided to wait a few more hours before he put his foot down and gave that boy the lesson he desperately needed. He'd been acting out of place the entire time. Eating all their food, never doing a single chore, talking back, and the list went on and on, to Vernon, that is. He couldn't wait. But he couldn't risk being caught in case that woman decided to come back for something she 'forgot'. People always seemed to do that.
"Well, it's almost time for lunch, who's hungry?" asked Petunia. They all raised their hands in affirmation and went into the kitchen, where Harry still stood.
After supper that evening, Harry was sitting in his room, listening to the radio, his favorite thing to do after dark, when the door opened. He was surprised because no one ever entered his room without at least knocking first. It was his uncle.
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A/N: Damn those cliffhangers! Sorry, but I thought I would stop it there. Don't hate me. I'll update as soon as possible, I promise.
JaimeyKay: Well, it wasn't the next day, but it was close! Did that cheer you up! Yes, nothing is ever easy for poor Harry. I don't know, I might break the mirror, or have something else happen to it. I won't kill him though. Yes, I did it just to spite you!!!! No, I definitely do not like the Harry/Ginny pairing, do you like me now? I'm almost a single Harry type of person. But if I did pair him with anyone, it would probably be Hermione!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am confusing, I know. But I like the Ron and Hermione pairing the most. Demonic is good! Evil…hmm…I can't think of any more for you! Sorry to confuse you, he didn't actually explode, his powers did. Sorry! Yes, I quite enjoyed that line too! "Harry happened, dear." Yes, Sirius must remain evil and a jerk! Sirius is sweet, isn't he? WRITE A REVIEW TODAY! Your wrath? I'm so scared! HA! But here it is, apparently I'm more scared of your wrath than I thought!
Lei Dumbledore: Thanks! I'll start listening to it more often now, forget Christmas. Yes, I learned early on in life that living with others sucks. I got robbed my first semester at school, conveniently right after one of our roommates moved out. Yes, working fulltime and school fulltime can be the death of you. I'm sorry you have to depend on your parents for money! It's great to make your own money, isn't it? Updated!
Gabriella: Your bad feeling is right on. Yes, he was buried alive, much to his dismay! What show did you see? I should have watched something to see how their reaction was.
It could have helped me to write his reaction, but oh well.
Saya-Sato: Thank you! Glad you liked it. And here's the next chapter!
Hermione Eveningfall: Way to *happy dance*. Yes, he's gone back! I'm evil, I know. The only unexpected thing will be Petunia, I guess. Or maybe not. Just wait, sick Harry will come back full force in a few chapters! You'll love it, I guarantee it!
Qserenity2000: Sorry about the cliffies!