Disclaimer: Same as the first chapter, I own nothing (But I want Bill's
car) Oh, and I have been reminded to warn you: OotP SPOILERS! DON'T READ
UNLESS YOU HAVE FINISHED THE BOOK. IF THAT ISN'T THE CASE . I SUGGEST YOU
GET OFF THIS SITE, CAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO RUN INTO A LOT OF THEM
A/N: First, thank you all of the people how took the time to review, that was awesome, and I hope that you do it again :o)
Second, Thank you so much Green Smurf, my brilliant beta reader! I am a HORRIBLE grammar student, so you saved my life :o) A million thanks! You deserve the -Beta of the Year- award
The Charm Bracelet
Part two
Traffic. Streetlights. Random people walking down the drive. Families finishing off their dinner. A royal blue blanket swept across the calm sky, heading towards the flaming sun, that was slowly sinking into the ocean of houses that was Surrey.
Everything seemed normal. But it wasn't.
Harry looked out his window, and sighed. It had only been two weeks, and he had already had enough. He thought that the Dursley's had been unbearable in the past few days. They hadn't forgotten the events that took place the summer before: Dudley and him, being attacked by Dementors. They never hesitated to remind him, that, if it weren't for their generosity, he would be living on the streets, begging for food, wearing clothes that he could find in trash bins. Of course, he knew better. He knew that the only reason he stayed there was because of his Aunt.
'Well, at least I'm allowed to leave the house . sometimes' His mind tried to convince him that it wasn't that bad, 'I can go to Mrs. Figg's when I want, and . and, well, the Dursley's aren't scowling at me every time I enter a room. They are just ignoring me. That's not so bad. They could be making me work all the time, or keeping me locked up. I guess that Moody's threat really worked.'
Still, it was hard to find things to keep him occupied. Nothing could take his mind off of Sirius, his late Godfather. Ron and Hermione could only tell him so much in their letters, but now, he could appreciate that. He remembered when his owl, Hedwig, had been intercepted last year, and now that Voldemort was back, he couldn't take any chances. Mrs. Figg wasn't up to date on any of the news about the order, and the Prophet was still printing articles about people who swore that they saw Voldemort in their yard, stealing carrots out of their gardens. Yea, basically it was pointless to keep getting the paper. The only thing that had lifted his spirits in the slightest way was the fact that Sirius's name had been cleared, 'A bit late, but at least he will be remembered as a hero, not a convict'
Yawning, Harry turned towards the small digital clock that sat on his desk. 'Only 9:00,' he thought. He hated going to bed early, it meant that he would wake up early, and he loathed mornings at the Dursley's. It usually involved a lot of grunting and ignoring his presence. Not that he minded. If he were going to be ignored by anyone, the Dursley's would be his first choice.
He redirected his thoughts to the window. It was warm and humid outside, with a few fluffy clouds that were pink from the setting sun. The streets were nearly deserted now, except for a small black and gray cat that was lurking across the street towards the park. 'Probably one of Mrs. Figgs' patrolling the neighborhood.' He thought, following the cat with his eyes, as it disappeared into the alley.
'Oh, Man . I must be bored. I am watching the travels of a cat.' He thought, scanning the streets for something else to hold his interests. A little boy was sitting, quite unnoticed by anyone, with his back facing a tall hedge in one of the neighbors' yards. Harry almost didn't see him, but his strawberry-blond hair contrasted greatly against the mellow, forest green shrubbery. He was sitting with his legs tucked under him, looking at a piece of parchment. He seemed to be transfixed with it, not taking his eyes off of it for second. He was totally still; it didn't even look like he was breathing. For twenty minutes he just sat there, staring at the parchment so hard that Harry was certain that the boy thought if he looked away, it would disappear. Finally he looked up. Harry could have sworn that the boy looked at him, but seconds later he stood up and stared intently towards the turn-off for Magnolia Crescent. He was very short, Harry noticed, as he dusted the dirt off his jeans. He tucked the paper into his pocket, and turned towards the road. It looked as though he took a glance back in Harry's direction.
*
The sunlight seeped through the window over Harry's bed. The light felt hot on his face, as he rolled over and buried his head under the pillow. Harry disliked mornings more than most people. Not only because they were bright, and early: but because they usually involved chores. Not to his surprise, a few moments later, Aunt Petunia bellowed up the stairs:
"HARRY POTTER, GET DOWN HERE WHILE THE DAY IS STILL NEW!"
This was the way that most of his mornings at the Dursley's began. At 8:00 sharp, his Aunt would call him down, feed him whatever Dudley left from breakfast (Which was very little. It was amazing how early that boy get up. But, where there's food, there's Dudley) and set him with the daily chores that would usually take the rest of the morning and a large part of the afternoon to complete.
He groaned, and pulled himself out of bed. He found a pair of jeans that he had "gracefully" tossed in a corner the night before. Then after making his way to the wardrobe on the other side of his room, he headed downstairs.
Aunt Petunia was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs, broom in hand. She trusted a piece of un-buttered toast into one hand, and the broom into the other. "Sweep. And don't leave any crumbs."
Harry obliged, having learned that when it came to household tasks, you shouldn't fight with Petunia. He swept the kitchen and the front entrance way (twice, he hadn't done is satisfactory the first time) then washed down the wood in the Dinning room and sitting room, and polished the kitchen until it gleamed up to his Aunts standards.
By the time he was done, it was already 4:00. He decided just to stay in his room for the rest of the day, seeing Dudley had the remote, and was watching wrestling. Harry didn't want to be there incase he was learning from example. He made his was up the stairs, and through the door, into the only room in the house where he knew he wouldn't be disturbed. The window was open, and the room was cool and breezy. He was so tired that he didn't notice the minute owl flying around his room, until he was lying in his bed, and it landed on his chest.
"PIG!" He yelped, sitting strait up, forcing the little bird to be flung a few feet in the air. Using his seeker instinct, though they were out of practice, he snatched him in mid-fall. Hooting enthusiastically as Harry untied the letter attached to his ankle, he flew over to Hedwig's empty cage. Harry unrolled the letter and found Ron's messy script, reading:
Harry-
Dad came home from the meeting this morning, and guess what . YOU CAN COME NOW! He asked Dumbledore if it was ok, and he said something like, "Yes, two weeks is enough." I'm not sure what that meant, but it doesn't matter . you can come!!
Ok, we will be there tomorrow evening, at 6:00; But don't worry, we won't come by floo powder this time. I suggested it, but Dad figured that the muggles didn't like that too much. He figures that they didn't enjoy having their house smashed up! Go figure!
So we will see you then.
-Ron
That was the best news that Harry had heard in a long time. He decided that he would tell the Dursley's at dinner. 'I'm sure that they won't mind that I am leaving only 14 days into the holiday' He thought to himself, happily folding the letter and placing it delicately on his desk.
*
The next morning, Harry packed away all of his school things and the few cherished possessions he owned. He fondly packed up his sneakoscope into the bottom of his trunk, thinking that he should give a class about dark detectors the next time DA met. He grabbed all the books and quills that were piled on his desk, and threw them into his trunk carelessly. After packing all the clothes he would need, he was ready to go.
Harry made his way down the narrow stairway (which Dudley always had trouble with) pulling his trunk behind him. The 'thump thump' sounds it made hitting the wood aroused his cousin, who was watching the telly in the living room. He turned sharply around, and gave Harry a wicked grin.
"Of to join the freaks for the rest of the summer? Pity, I'll miss beating you up!" He said, casting him an amused glare. Dudley found it hilarious that he could say absolutely everything he could think of to insult Harry, and he couldn't use magic to defend himself without getting expelled.
"Oho, that's creative. I don't think that I've heard you call us that before!" Harry said sarcastically. It was getting old, these feeble attempts to get a rise out of him.
"Yea, well . at least I'm normal . umm and I have a girlfriend!" Was the only response that Dudley could come up with without the use of his fist.
"Dudley, Dudley. Here in the real world, we don't usually except inter- species relationships, so whatever poor barn animal you are with, just doesn't count." He was laughing hysterically in his mind. The look that Dudley got on his face was one of the deepest self-restraint not to hit him. He had turned a shocking shade of purple that reminded Harry so much of his uncle it was scary. Harry smiled innocently, and carried his trunk to the front entrance. He wasn't quite sure how the Weasley's were going to get there. He checked his watch, which read 5:52. Only eight minutes. His Aunt and Uncle emerged seconds later, both dressed in their finest attire. His Uncle was looking angry and annoyed, and his Aunt was cowering behind him, which was quite easy, considering his size. They both gave him disgusted looks before sitting on the uncomfortable couch. After a few moments of silence, Vernon spoke up.
"So, when are these freaks to be here again?"
"6:00"
"Yes, well they better not be late this time."
"They are coming the normal way, right?" Petunia asked, with a worried voice.
"I'm not sure," Harry replied, suppressing a grin that was making its way up to his lips. Time seemed to have slowed down. He constantly looked at his wristwatch, checking if it was yet 6:00.
5:54 . 5:55 . 5:56 . 5:57 . 5:58 . 5.59 . 6:00 . 6:01
"AHA! Late, I see. Well that doesn't surprise me. You freaks have never been punctual! Didn't I tell you Petuni-" Vernon bellowed. But just as he finished the last sentence, he was cut off by the unmistakable sound of a car pulling into a driveway. Harry bounded towards the window, and sure enough, a black car had entered the drive of number 4 privet drive. Three redheaded people got out, and made their way up the walk. There was a rap at the door, which Harry immediately answered. There in his doorway were three smiling Weasley's.
"Hey mate!" Said the first walking past him and grabbing one end of the trunk. He looked expectantly at Harry and said, "Well, are you going to help me or not?"
"Ron, don't be a rude prat. You just barged in here without saying 'Hello' or anything," Said a female voice, which was far from mad, but quite amused. Ginny Weasley came through the door, closely followed by the oldest of the Weasley Children, Bill.
"Hey Harry, having a good summer?" He said, shaking his hand.
"All right, you?"
"All right," He said, smiling. He turned his attention to the Dursley's; who at the moment were looking at him with the most horror-stricken faces that Harry had ever seen them wear. They had never liked wizards, but to see one in their house that looked like this! Bill hadn't changed his appearance at all. He still had the torn jeans, and dragon hide boots, complete with fang earring. He prodded Ginny on the back to make her come forward, then smiled at them as he extended his arm and politely said, "I'm sorry, we haven't introduced ourselves. Bill Weasley, and this is my sister Ginny."
They looked shocked to be addressed by him, and just stared at his hand, then his face. Then turned towards Ginny, and surveyed her as well. Harry noticed that Dudley's eyes lingered on her for much longer than they did on Bill, and her surveyed her more than once. She obviously noticed this to, as she gave him an appalled look, and then sent her brother a pleading one.
"Erm . Alright then. Come on guys, we best be leaving now before it gets dark. Nice meeting you," He said to the Dursley's, in one last attempt to get them to acknowledge their presence. Dudley still hadn't taken his eyes off of Ginny, and she was looking rather uncomfortable.
"Duds, didn't you say something about a girlfriend earlier?" Harry asked, innocently. He couldn't resist. It was the perfect opportunity to embarrass him in front of his parents. With that said, Dudley went a horrible shade of scarlet the resembled the gryffindor banners that hung in the common room.
"Well, see you next summer!" He said cheerfully, as Vernon grunted, obviously not wanting to go through the same ordeal as he did the last time he didn't respond to Harry's Good-byes. And with that, Harry grabbed the other end of his trunk and left the house.
*
They headed towards the car, which was black with flames painted on the front. Bill had generously offered to drive Ginny and Ron to Harry's house, so that their dad didn't have to do it.
"You have enough on you plate, Dad. You shouldn't be wasting your time being a taxi service for your kids, the order needs you more" is what he said. However, Ginny knew that it was just a front for getting to get out of the house, and to meet this apparent 'Demon Family' that Harry lived with. She had a feeling that Bill was now convinced that they were really as bad as Fred, George, Ron and even Dad made them out to be. She certainly was.
"Just throw it into the back, guys," He directed to Ron and Harry, as they brought Harry's trunk around the car. After it was placed safely in the back, they got into the vehicle. Ron and Harry took the back seat, while Bill and Ginny took the front.
"Wow," Bill exclaimed after they had pulled out of the car-park, "I have to say, I honestly didn't believe it when you said that they were horrid, Ron. Wouldn't even talk to me, that lot."
"Yea, well don't lose any sleep over it. With the way you dress, plus the fact that you are a wizard, you are lucky that they didn't drop dead right there." Harry said, though he was grinning.
"Harry," Ginny asked, turning around in her seat, "Does your cousin act like that every time a girl comes into your house?"
Harry just snorted, and said, "What girls? He scares most of them away!"
"Ahh, I see. Oddly enough that doesn't surprise me," She said facing the window again.
"Yes, well I'm sure that Dean wouldn't have liked that very much, seeing that fat arse staring at you like that!" Ron proclaimed, with much bitterness in his voice.
"Dean?" Bill spoke up, giving Ginny a serious look, "Who is this Dean? Why have I never heard of him?"
Ginny was about to open her mouth to answer when Ron did it for her, "He's her boyfriend," he said in an overprotective voice. Ginny heard Harry sigh, and was sure that if she could see him, he would be rolling his eyes. For some reason, she had the impression that he had heard this all before.
"WHAT!" Bill erupted, "BOYFRIEND! YOUR ONLY-"
"I'm fifteen, thank you very much! And my personal life is no concern of yours!" She replied coldly.
"Well that is much to young to have a bo-"
"Oh, give up the big brother act, it's just a guy." She said annoyed. Sometimes it really sucked being the youngest and the only girl.
"Just a guy? JUST a GUY! VIRGINIA ANNE WEASLEY,"
' Oh boy,' she thought, 'he's using my full name. Bill's awesome, and he is usually so cool, but . a tad over protective'
"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT!? What if he is taking advantage of you? Or just using you?" Bill said, astonished.
"I'm not stupid, thank-you!" She snapped, causing him to jump a bit, "Dean is a good guy! Ask Harry."
"Oh, no. Don't you bring me into this!" He replied, sounding a bit scared. But, who wouldn't be with two angry Weasley's ready to pounce on him if he says the wrong thing.
"I'm just saying," Bill said, in a voice that he was obviously fighting very hard to keep calm, "That I know nothing about this guy. What if he isn't good enough for you?"
"Like I said, he's a good guy. Even Ron likes him."
"Did I ever say that?"
"Yes." Stated Harry, who was now looking more entertained than afraid.
"Thanks," Ron said through gritted teeth.
"Ok, but is he good enough for you?" Bill asked, his fingers clenched to the steering wheel.
"Yes"
"No"
Ginny and Ron spoke at the same time. Ginny sighed, and looked out the window. She didn't even like Dean that much. But he was always nice to her, and he was in her house, which meant he wouldn't be jealous when she played Quidditch.
"Ok, lets just drop it," Said a voice from the back. Ginny turned to see Harry, who was clearly torn between being uncomfortable, and highly amused.
"Yes, thank you" She said smiling towards him. To her surprise he smiled back.
When nobody protested, they spent the next few minutes in silence, until they started a conversation about the Gryffindor Quidditch team that lasted the last hour and a quarter home.
A/N: So, what did you think? Please review, and if you aren't signed in, be sure to leave your email so I can thank you for reviewing personally. There was one reviewer who didn't do either last time (naughty, naughty . j/k) so I will thank you now, 'punkrockprincess' please, take the stage so I can say: Thanks :o)
Thanks for reading!
~Angi
Oh, P.S. IF ANYONE OUT THERE CAN TEACH ME HOW TO USE ITALICS ON THIS STUPID SERVER: PLEASE PLEASE EMAIL ME :o) I hate having to use 'these' for their thoughts :o)
A/N: First, thank you all of the people how took the time to review, that was awesome, and I hope that you do it again :o)
Second, Thank you so much Green Smurf, my brilliant beta reader! I am a HORRIBLE grammar student, so you saved my life :o) A million thanks! You deserve the -Beta of the Year- award
The Charm Bracelet
Part two
Traffic. Streetlights. Random people walking down the drive. Families finishing off their dinner. A royal blue blanket swept across the calm sky, heading towards the flaming sun, that was slowly sinking into the ocean of houses that was Surrey.
Everything seemed normal. But it wasn't.
Harry looked out his window, and sighed. It had only been two weeks, and he had already had enough. He thought that the Dursley's had been unbearable in the past few days. They hadn't forgotten the events that took place the summer before: Dudley and him, being attacked by Dementors. They never hesitated to remind him, that, if it weren't for their generosity, he would be living on the streets, begging for food, wearing clothes that he could find in trash bins. Of course, he knew better. He knew that the only reason he stayed there was because of his Aunt.
'Well, at least I'm allowed to leave the house . sometimes' His mind tried to convince him that it wasn't that bad, 'I can go to Mrs. Figg's when I want, and . and, well, the Dursley's aren't scowling at me every time I enter a room. They are just ignoring me. That's not so bad. They could be making me work all the time, or keeping me locked up. I guess that Moody's threat really worked.'
Still, it was hard to find things to keep him occupied. Nothing could take his mind off of Sirius, his late Godfather. Ron and Hermione could only tell him so much in their letters, but now, he could appreciate that. He remembered when his owl, Hedwig, had been intercepted last year, and now that Voldemort was back, he couldn't take any chances. Mrs. Figg wasn't up to date on any of the news about the order, and the Prophet was still printing articles about people who swore that they saw Voldemort in their yard, stealing carrots out of their gardens. Yea, basically it was pointless to keep getting the paper. The only thing that had lifted his spirits in the slightest way was the fact that Sirius's name had been cleared, 'A bit late, but at least he will be remembered as a hero, not a convict'
Yawning, Harry turned towards the small digital clock that sat on his desk. 'Only 9:00,' he thought. He hated going to bed early, it meant that he would wake up early, and he loathed mornings at the Dursley's. It usually involved a lot of grunting and ignoring his presence. Not that he minded. If he were going to be ignored by anyone, the Dursley's would be his first choice.
He redirected his thoughts to the window. It was warm and humid outside, with a few fluffy clouds that were pink from the setting sun. The streets were nearly deserted now, except for a small black and gray cat that was lurking across the street towards the park. 'Probably one of Mrs. Figgs' patrolling the neighborhood.' He thought, following the cat with his eyes, as it disappeared into the alley.
'Oh, Man . I must be bored. I am watching the travels of a cat.' He thought, scanning the streets for something else to hold his interests. A little boy was sitting, quite unnoticed by anyone, with his back facing a tall hedge in one of the neighbors' yards. Harry almost didn't see him, but his strawberry-blond hair contrasted greatly against the mellow, forest green shrubbery. He was sitting with his legs tucked under him, looking at a piece of parchment. He seemed to be transfixed with it, not taking his eyes off of it for second. He was totally still; it didn't even look like he was breathing. For twenty minutes he just sat there, staring at the parchment so hard that Harry was certain that the boy thought if he looked away, it would disappear. Finally he looked up. Harry could have sworn that the boy looked at him, but seconds later he stood up and stared intently towards the turn-off for Magnolia Crescent. He was very short, Harry noticed, as he dusted the dirt off his jeans. He tucked the paper into his pocket, and turned towards the road. It looked as though he took a glance back in Harry's direction.
*
The sunlight seeped through the window over Harry's bed. The light felt hot on his face, as he rolled over and buried his head under the pillow. Harry disliked mornings more than most people. Not only because they were bright, and early: but because they usually involved chores. Not to his surprise, a few moments later, Aunt Petunia bellowed up the stairs:
"HARRY POTTER, GET DOWN HERE WHILE THE DAY IS STILL NEW!"
This was the way that most of his mornings at the Dursley's began. At 8:00 sharp, his Aunt would call him down, feed him whatever Dudley left from breakfast (Which was very little. It was amazing how early that boy get up. But, where there's food, there's Dudley) and set him with the daily chores that would usually take the rest of the morning and a large part of the afternoon to complete.
He groaned, and pulled himself out of bed. He found a pair of jeans that he had "gracefully" tossed in a corner the night before. Then after making his way to the wardrobe on the other side of his room, he headed downstairs.
Aunt Petunia was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs, broom in hand. She trusted a piece of un-buttered toast into one hand, and the broom into the other. "Sweep. And don't leave any crumbs."
Harry obliged, having learned that when it came to household tasks, you shouldn't fight with Petunia. He swept the kitchen and the front entrance way (twice, he hadn't done is satisfactory the first time) then washed down the wood in the Dinning room and sitting room, and polished the kitchen until it gleamed up to his Aunts standards.
By the time he was done, it was already 4:00. He decided just to stay in his room for the rest of the day, seeing Dudley had the remote, and was watching wrestling. Harry didn't want to be there incase he was learning from example. He made his was up the stairs, and through the door, into the only room in the house where he knew he wouldn't be disturbed. The window was open, and the room was cool and breezy. He was so tired that he didn't notice the minute owl flying around his room, until he was lying in his bed, and it landed on his chest.
"PIG!" He yelped, sitting strait up, forcing the little bird to be flung a few feet in the air. Using his seeker instinct, though they were out of practice, he snatched him in mid-fall. Hooting enthusiastically as Harry untied the letter attached to his ankle, he flew over to Hedwig's empty cage. Harry unrolled the letter and found Ron's messy script, reading:
Harry-
Dad came home from the meeting this morning, and guess what . YOU CAN COME NOW! He asked Dumbledore if it was ok, and he said something like, "Yes, two weeks is enough." I'm not sure what that meant, but it doesn't matter . you can come!!
Ok, we will be there tomorrow evening, at 6:00; But don't worry, we won't come by floo powder this time. I suggested it, but Dad figured that the muggles didn't like that too much. He figures that they didn't enjoy having their house smashed up! Go figure!
So we will see you then.
-Ron
That was the best news that Harry had heard in a long time. He decided that he would tell the Dursley's at dinner. 'I'm sure that they won't mind that I am leaving only 14 days into the holiday' He thought to himself, happily folding the letter and placing it delicately on his desk.
*
The next morning, Harry packed away all of his school things and the few cherished possessions he owned. He fondly packed up his sneakoscope into the bottom of his trunk, thinking that he should give a class about dark detectors the next time DA met. He grabbed all the books and quills that were piled on his desk, and threw them into his trunk carelessly. After packing all the clothes he would need, he was ready to go.
Harry made his way down the narrow stairway (which Dudley always had trouble with) pulling his trunk behind him. The 'thump thump' sounds it made hitting the wood aroused his cousin, who was watching the telly in the living room. He turned sharply around, and gave Harry a wicked grin.
"Of to join the freaks for the rest of the summer? Pity, I'll miss beating you up!" He said, casting him an amused glare. Dudley found it hilarious that he could say absolutely everything he could think of to insult Harry, and he couldn't use magic to defend himself without getting expelled.
"Oho, that's creative. I don't think that I've heard you call us that before!" Harry said sarcastically. It was getting old, these feeble attempts to get a rise out of him.
"Yea, well . at least I'm normal . umm and I have a girlfriend!" Was the only response that Dudley could come up with without the use of his fist.
"Dudley, Dudley. Here in the real world, we don't usually except inter- species relationships, so whatever poor barn animal you are with, just doesn't count." He was laughing hysterically in his mind. The look that Dudley got on his face was one of the deepest self-restraint not to hit him. He had turned a shocking shade of purple that reminded Harry so much of his uncle it was scary. Harry smiled innocently, and carried his trunk to the front entrance. He wasn't quite sure how the Weasley's were going to get there. He checked his watch, which read 5:52. Only eight minutes. His Aunt and Uncle emerged seconds later, both dressed in their finest attire. His Uncle was looking angry and annoyed, and his Aunt was cowering behind him, which was quite easy, considering his size. They both gave him disgusted looks before sitting on the uncomfortable couch. After a few moments of silence, Vernon spoke up.
"So, when are these freaks to be here again?"
"6:00"
"Yes, well they better not be late this time."
"They are coming the normal way, right?" Petunia asked, with a worried voice.
"I'm not sure," Harry replied, suppressing a grin that was making its way up to his lips. Time seemed to have slowed down. He constantly looked at his wristwatch, checking if it was yet 6:00.
5:54 . 5:55 . 5:56 . 5:57 . 5:58 . 5.59 . 6:00 . 6:01
"AHA! Late, I see. Well that doesn't surprise me. You freaks have never been punctual! Didn't I tell you Petuni-" Vernon bellowed. But just as he finished the last sentence, he was cut off by the unmistakable sound of a car pulling into a driveway. Harry bounded towards the window, and sure enough, a black car had entered the drive of number 4 privet drive. Three redheaded people got out, and made their way up the walk. There was a rap at the door, which Harry immediately answered. There in his doorway were three smiling Weasley's.
"Hey mate!" Said the first walking past him and grabbing one end of the trunk. He looked expectantly at Harry and said, "Well, are you going to help me or not?"
"Ron, don't be a rude prat. You just barged in here without saying 'Hello' or anything," Said a female voice, which was far from mad, but quite amused. Ginny Weasley came through the door, closely followed by the oldest of the Weasley Children, Bill.
"Hey Harry, having a good summer?" He said, shaking his hand.
"All right, you?"
"All right," He said, smiling. He turned his attention to the Dursley's; who at the moment were looking at him with the most horror-stricken faces that Harry had ever seen them wear. They had never liked wizards, but to see one in their house that looked like this! Bill hadn't changed his appearance at all. He still had the torn jeans, and dragon hide boots, complete with fang earring. He prodded Ginny on the back to make her come forward, then smiled at them as he extended his arm and politely said, "I'm sorry, we haven't introduced ourselves. Bill Weasley, and this is my sister Ginny."
They looked shocked to be addressed by him, and just stared at his hand, then his face. Then turned towards Ginny, and surveyed her as well. Harry noticed that Dudley's eyes lingered on her for much longer than they did on Bill, and her surveyed her more than once. She obviously noticed this to, as she gave him an appalled look, and then sent her brother a pleading one.
"Erm . Alright then. Come on guys, we best be leaving now before it gets dark. Nice meeting you," He said to the Dursley's, in one last attempt to get them to acknowledge their presence. Dudley still hadn't taken his eyes off of Ginny, and she was looking rather uncomfortable.
"Duds, didn't you say something about a girlfriend earlier?" Harry asked, innocently. He couldn't resist. It was the perfect opportunity to embarrass him in front of his parents. With that said, Dudley went a horrible shade of scarlet the resembled the gryffindor banners that hung in the common room.
"Well, see you next summer!" He said cheerfully, as Vernon grunted, obviously not wanting to go through the same ordeal as he did the last time he didn't respond to Harry's Good-byes. And with that, Harry grabbed the other end of his trunk and left the house.
*
They headed towards the car, which was black with flames painted on the front. Bill had generously offered to drive Ginny and Ron to Harry's house, so that their dad didn't have to do it.
"You have enough on you plate, Dad. You shouldn't be wasting your time being a taxi service for your kids, the order needs you more" is what he said. However, Ginny knew that it was just a front for getting to get out of the house, and to meet this apparent 'Demon Family' that Harry lived with. She had a feeling that Bill was now convinced that they were really as bad as Fred, George, Ron and even Dad made them out to be. She certainly was.
"Just throw it into the back, guys," He directed to Ron and Harry, as they brought Harry's trunk around the car. After it was placed safely in the back, they got into the vehicle. Ron and Harry took the back seat, while Bill and Ginny took the front.
"Wow," Bill exclaimed after they had pulled out of the car-park, "I have to say, I honestly didn't believe it when you said that they were horrid, Ron. Wouldn't even talk to me, that lot."
"Yea, well don't lose any sleep over it. With the way you dress, plus the fact that you are a wizard, you are lucky that they didn't drop dead right there." Harry said, though he was grinning.
"Harry," Ginny asked, turning around in her seat, "Does your cousin act like that every time a girl comes into your house?"
Harry just snorted, and said, "What girls? He scares most of them away!"
"Ahh, I see. Oddly enough that doesn't surprise me," She said facing the window again.
"Yes, well I'm sure that Dean wouldn't have liked that very much, seeing that fat arse staring at you like that!" Ron proclaimed, with much bitterness in his voice.
"Dean?" Bill spoke up, giving Ginny a serious look, "Who is this Dean? Why have I never heard of him?"
Ginny was about to open her mouth to answer when Ron did it for her, "He's her boyfriend," he said in an overprotective voice. Ginny heard Harry sigh, and was sure that if she could see him, he would be rolling his eyes. For some reason, she had the impression that he had heard this all before.
"WHAT!" Bill erupted, "BOYFRIEND! YOUR ONLY-"
"I'm fifteen, thank you very much! And my personal life is no concern of yours!" She replied coldly.
"Well that is much to young to have a bo-"
"Oh, give up the big brother act, it's just a guy." She said annoyed. Sometimes it really sucked being the youngest and the only girl.
"Just a guy? JUST a GUY! VIRGINIA ANNE WEASLEY,"
' Oh boy,' she thought, 'he's using my full name. Bill's awesome, and he is usually so cool, but . a tad over protective'
"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT!? What if he is taking advantage of you? Or just using you?" Bill said, astonished.
"I'm not stupid, thank-you!" She snapped, causing him to jump a bit, "Dean is a good guy! Ask Harry."
"Oh, no. Don't you bring me into this!" He replied, sounding a bit scared. But, who wouldn't be with two angry Weasley's ready to pounce on him if he says the wrong thing.
"I'm just saying," Bill said, in a voice that he was obviously fighting very hard to keep calm, "That I know nothing about this guy. What if he isn't good enough for you?"
"Like I said, he's a good guy. Even Ron likes him."
"Did I ever say that?"
"Yes." Stated Harry, who was now looking more entertained than afraid.
"Thanks," Ron said through gritted teeth.
"Ok, but is he good enough for you?" Bill asked, his fingers clenched to the steering wheel.
"Yes"
"No"
Ginny and Ron spoke at the same time. Ginny sighed, and looked out the window. She didn't even like Dean that much. But he was always nice to her, and he was in her house, which meant he wouldn't be jealous when she played Quidditch.
"Ok, lets just drop it," Said a voice from the back. Ginny turned to see Harry, who was clearly torn between being uncomfortable, and highly amused.
"Yes, thank you" She said smiling towards him. To her surprise he smiled back.
When nobody protested, they spent the next few minutes in silence, until they started a conversation about the Gryffindor Quidditch team that lasted the last hour and a quarter home.
A/N: So, what did you think? Please review, and if you aren't signed in, be sure to leave your email so I can thank you for reviewing personally. There was one reviewer who didn't do either last time (naughty, naughty . j/k) so I will thank you now, 'punkrockprincess' please, take the stage so I can say: Thanks :o)
Thanks for reading!
~Angi
Oh, P.S. IF ANYONE OUT THERE CAN TEACH ME HOW TO USE ITALICS ON THIS STUPID SERVER: PLEASE PLEASE EMAIL ME :o) I hate having to use 'these' for their thoughts :o)
