CHAPTER 9 HERE COME THE DURSLEYS
Sunday morning Harry awoke from a peaceful sleep. His room had a king- sized bed that was so comfortable he thought he could stay there forever. He was surprised how well he slept considering who he was, and also where he was. His scar hadn't hurt so far this summer and he also realized this house didn't have any bad memories for him just a lot of curiosities. He sat up suddenly and realized that today was the day the Dursleys would be invading the world that he used to get away from them. He slowly got up, dressed and headed down to breakfast. Everyone was already there sitting at the large kitchen table.
"Morning Harry" said everybody.
"Morning" said Harry.
Molly fixed Harry a plate of bacon, eggs, and toast "Here you go, now tuck in Harry."
"It's time we all had a talk," said Arthur. The boys and Ginny groaned, they knew when their dad started a talk like this that it usually wasn't good. "Today Harry and I will be going to pick up Harry's aunt, uncle, and cousin." Fred and George exchanged grins, Arthur noticed then just frowned at them.
"We are all going to try and do our part to make this living arrangement work. It's going to be rough for a while, but you all will give it your best behavior," he continued looking at Fred and George, "You boys will not use magic or any of your ridiculous products on them. You will try and get along with them. Do I make myself clear?" Said Mr. Weasley in a stern voice. With a round of "YES SIR!" They all finished breakfast.
"So Harry, you about ready to go?" asked Arthur.
"Um yeah, I guess." said a very unenthusiastic Harry.
"Do you want to try driving?" Arthur asked.
"Are you sure? I've never tried before," said Harry. This was defiantly true since Harry could count on one hand the times he had actually been in a car.
"Well considering we could probably fix any damage you could most likely do, I think we could give it a try." smiled Arthur.
Harry and Arthur went out to the shed where the car was parked just outside. Arthur gave Harry a run down on the features he needed to know like the brake, gas, starter, gear shift, horn, seat control and the turning signals. He left out the radio since it was one of his favorite things to fiddle with. Arthur told him how to back out of the driveway and turn so he could drive forwards toward the gate. Arthur pushed the button to open the gate. Harry drove toward the gate not realizing how far to the left he was until he heard a scraping noise down the side of the car. Harry stopped just passed the gate and turned to Arthur.
"Opps." Harry blushed.
"That's okay, I told you could fix the damage," and with a wave of his wand the scratches were gone. Arthur pointed the direction for Harry to drive. He looked at Harry and noticed the position of his feet.
"Harry you can't have both feet going at the same time, try moving your right foot back and forth between the gas and the brake when you need to." Said Arthur
"Sorry." Harry mumbled.
"Relax Harry, if you grip that steering wheel any tighter and you're gonna snap it in two." Arthur laughed.
They drove for a little while in silence until Arthur spoke again "Harry how about we speed up a bit I think we were passed by a flobber worm." This made Harry laugh and also to loosen up a little. They finally made it to 'Private Drive' and pulled next to the curb in front of the house. The driveway was occupied by the Dursley's car with a large trailer behind it. Harry and Arthur walked to the front door and rang the doorbell. Petunia opened the door.
"Harry." she nodded.
"Aunt Petunia, you remember Mr. Weasley," asked Harry.
"Yes. How are you Mr. Weasley?" She asked a little nervously.
"Please call me Arthur." He smiled.
"Is everyone ready?" Asked Harry.
"Just finishing up, I think Vernon was taking the last box." Said Petunia.
"Where's Dudley?" Asked Harry. "Um, he's upstairs, he's pretty upset about the whole thing." Said Petunia "Harry could you go talk to him?"
"Me?" Harry didn't know what good that would do. Dudley deserved every unpleasantness he could get out of all this.
"Harry," said Arthur "remember what I said about us all doing our little parts to make this work?"
"Yes Sir." Replied Harry "I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you so much Harry." Said Aunt Petunia giving Harry a little smile. She really hoped Dudley would cope with everything. Harry went up to Dudley's room, the door was open a crack so he peeked inside. He could see his cousin lying on his bed sobbing. Harry knocked on the door allowing Dudley to compose himself before entering.
"Dudley?" He called.
"What do you want?" Dudley asked nastily.
"It's time to go," Harry replied "you okay?" (Harry has always been too nice for his own good.)
"No. Why do you have to go and ruin my life?" Dudley spat.
"Look Dudley for all I care you can go live with your Aunt Marge. You can suffer her squeezing your cheeks ten times a day, but if you are going to come with us we all need to try and get along, it will make things so much easier." Said Harry.
"That's easy for you to say you never liked it here. I like my room and I want to keep it." Said Dudley.
"I wander why I didn't like it here it surely wasn't the house. As for your room, unfortunately you have an even better one waiting for you. I'll show it to you when we get there if you'd like." Harry didn't know why he was being so nice he just couldn't help but feel sorry for his cousin, who's eyes were swollen making them even more piggy-like.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" questioned Dudley almost ready Harry's mind. "I thought you hated me?"
Harry thought for a moment before saying, "I guess I don't hate you, but you do make it awfully hard to like you, but then again you were raised to be that way." "Is this some kind of trick? You'll get us there then use your ma... stuff and turn us into something." Asked Dudley still not wanting to say the word magic.
"Dudley if everyone try's to get along, no one will get hurt in any way. You know if you could just see that magic is allot of fun and very useful and in most cases nothing to be afraid of." Said Harry.
"Boys!" Yelled Aunt Petunia from downstairs "We're leaving."
"You ready?" Harry asked Dudley.
"Not really but I'll try." Returned Dudley "I guess I'd like it if you showed me around when we get there, only because I don't know the place and I do know you, okay?"
"Okay." Said Harry. They went downstairs where the adults were gathered. "Boy," said Vernon "this place of yours better be livable."
Harry smiled "Just wait and see."
"Everyone ready? Good, Harry I'll drive back so we won't take too long." Mr. Weasley said.
"What? Harry drove here?" Screamed Vernon.
Yes, I'm teaching him to drive since this is his car." Said Arthur pointing to the old yet shinny black Cadillac. Vernon's face turned red. He could recognize the old car as being a collector's item in the muggle world.
"Well let's go then." Said Petunia. Arthur and Harry got in the car and led the way while the Dursleys followed.
They arrived at the house. When Arthur tuned up the long lane the Dursley's car just stopped and sat in the road.
"They have got to be joking," said Vernon looking at the house, which from both wizard and muggle perspective was a grand view.
"There's got to be a small shack out back or they are playing tricks on our eyes." Vernon fumed.
"Now Vernon we are going to try and be civil about all of this. Think about it, you've complained about Harry living off of us for all those years, well here's our chance for him to repay us." Said Petunia.
This didn't help Vernon he could think of a lot of things he didn't want Harry "paying" him back for. Vernon finally turned his car up the lane, Mr. Weasley had already parked the car and went crack to the gate and walked through.
Vernon stopped at the now closed gate. He rolled down his window to talk to Arthur. "What's the hold up?"
"The gate needs to get to know your car," said Arthur "can you pull right up to the gate, put the car in park and honk the horn once?" Vernon didn't understand this nonsense but did as Arthur asked. He pulled the car up to the gate, put it in park and honked the horn.
"Hello," said a soothing feminine voice inside the car.
"What the hell!" Vernon shouted, almost jumping out of his seat.
"Language please!" The voice replied.
"Sorry" said a red-faced Vernon. Petunia and Dudley sat with their mouths open.
"Names please and business here?" said the voice.
"Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley. Um... we have come to stay here." Vernon answered.
"Thank you, you are expected. Press the purple button on your dash when you want to enter or exit through the gate." Said the voice, and with a small pop a purple button appeared on the dash of Vernon's car. Vernon stared unable to grasp that such a thing could appear from out of nowhere.
"Well," Petunia put her hand on Vernon's leg "push the button dear."
Once they parked the car, which Vernon found he had a stall in the large shed to use, they made their way to the east entrance of the house. Since the gate provided the needed security this and the back entrance didn't have the same type of doors as the front entrance, these both had windows and were unlocked.
Molly greeted them and showed them in "Did you have a good trip?" She asked.
"Yes it was fine." Returned Petunia.
"Would you like to see your rooms first or would you like to come to the kitchen for some tea?" Molly asked.
"How about we have Harry show us our rooms, then some tea afterwards." Said Petunia. Vernon nodded in agreement.
"If you're tired we could have the tea brought to your sitting room and talk a bit. There is someone I will need to introduce you to." Said Molly.
"That sounds good. I'd like to take this slow and let everyone get adjusted." Said Petunia.
"Harry dear can you show them where...?"
"Yeah I'll show them their rooms." Harry interrupted Molly.
Harry led them down the hall where it came out to the main hall.
"The main stairs are over there, but I'll show you the other stairs that come out near your rooms." He took them to the south side of the main hall and pointed to the entrance of the kitchen before turning back east to another passage. About halfway down he opened a door to a staircase leading up to the east end of the upstairs hall. This end of the hall had two doors.
"These are your rooms," said Harry, opening the door directly at the end of the hall to show his aunt and uncle to their sitting room.
Petunia's mouth dropped, and began looking around. It was beautifully furnished with chairs, a sofa with a coffee table in the middle, a chase lounge over by some double doors leading out to a balcony. Vernon couldn't utter a sound.
"It' just lovely Harry!" She said, her eyes shining with delight. Petunia was always loved the well to do and in her mind this was it.
"I'll go show Dudley his room, it's right next door if you need anything." Said Harry. He had never witnessed a speechless Vernon and a raving Petunia and wasn't sure what to do besides leave.
"Okay Harry, take care of my Duddykins." Said Petunia.
Harry opened the next door to another sitting room, it also had a set of double doors leading to the balcony, but the furniture was toned for less extravagant taste. It had an over stuffed sofa and chairs like which were in Harry's room, the bedroom had a queen-sized bed and an attached bath.
"This is your room Dud, what do you think?" Asked Harry.
"It's nice but is this so that I stay out of your way? Keep me confined to my room." Asked Dudley.
"No, we gave you this room because we thought you'd like to have some privacy without having to be in just a bedroom, but you can go anywhere else that you want. If you want one of the regular bedrooms you can change." Said Harry.
Dudley thought for a moment and decided Harry was right he did need somewhere to go if he needed to get away from things.
"No that's okay." Replied Dudley "Where is your room?"
"It's upstairs would you like to see it?" Asked Harry.
"Um... yeah." Answered Dudley, he wanted to know where Harry would be in the middle of the night just in case.
They went down the hall and up another flight of stairs then down the hall to the west end. Harry opened the door to show Dudley a sitting room, not too different from his own, only his was done in blues where as Harry's were in red and gold. Harry then opened the doors to his bedroom. Dudley noticed that Harry had a huge king-sized bed where his was only a queen. This normally would make him complain and throw a fit but he remember his mothers warning about trying to get along and also this was Harry's house so it wouldn't do much good to argue the point.
"This was my fathers room when he was growing up." Said Harry glancing around.
"It's...it's nice." Stammered Dudley, not knowing what to say.
"Well let's get back downstairs to your parents room. Tea will probably be ready," said Harry.
When Harry and Dudley got back downstairs Molly was pouring tea. Everyone sat down and was handed a cup. I need to introduce you to someone." Said Molly.
"Do you mean that Ictus or whatever his name is. Dumblewhatsis said there was a care taker here." said Vernon.
"Dumbledore," Molly corrected, "and yes Ickus that's right. I wanted to warn you about him before you met him." said Molly.
"Why what's wrong with him?" asked Petunia.
"Well Ickus isn't a wizard like us nor is he a muggle..." Molly started.
"What Molly is trying to say is that Ickus is a house elf." said Arthur deciding to get right to the point.
"A what!? asked Vernon.
"Well maybe it will best to show you but don't be afraid, house elves are very nice and very loyal." Arthur made a gesture to Harry to open the door. Ickus entered the room. Aunt Petunia screamed and Vernon's stammered "Wha What isss that?"
"Now calm down everyone please. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, Dudley this is Ickus he runs the house. Ickus this is the Dursleys, Harry's Aunt, Uncle, and cousin." Arthur introduced everyone.
Ickus, dressed in his usual uniform of a nicely done tea towel with the Potter crest, came forward and gave a low bow touching his nose to the floor.
"I'm pleased to meet you. If you need anything please let Ickus know. Replied the elf. Dudley came forward and poked Ickus in the top of the head. "cool" said Dudley.
"Dudley don't touch it!" said Vernon. Ickus rubbed the top of his head as Dudley poked him again.
"If Master Dudley will refrain from poking Ickus, Master Dudley will still have all of his fingers." Ickus's words made Dudley back up trying to swallow the lump, which had formed in his throat.
"Okay now that you've met Ickus you can meet the two who have come to help for awhile." said Molly.
"What are they?" asked Petunia with a bit of a worried look. "Oh they're also house elves, one of which Harry freed from his Master whom mistreated him. He's a little enthusiastic but you'll get used to him." said Molly
Harry opened the door again to let in Dobby and Winky. Dobby had on his usual assortment of odd-looking clothes, where as Winky had on a pretty little pink dress that Ginny gave her.
Dobby came forward right away, "You are the relatives to the 'Great Harry Potter' who haven't been very nice."
"Dobby!" Harry yelled "Behave!"
"You must really like Harry." said Petunia giving Dobby a smile.
"Harry Potter is the kindest and greatest wizard around Madam, well along with Dumbledore." said Dobby with great confidence.
Vernon made a short discussed noise earning him a glare from Dobby Petunia had always been jealous of her sister who always got everything so easily, she didn't have to work she could do everything by magic. Now was the time she thought she could get a little of that herself, even if it meant being nice to all of these freaks.
Molly told then that after lunch Ickus and Winky would unload their trailer and the Dursleys could instruct them where they would go, or they could tour the house and grounds to familiarize themselves with things.
"Most of the boxes and things have labels to tell where they should go.," said Petunia "but there are some boxes and furniture that will need to be stored somewhere."
"There is attic storage on the third floor there should be plenty of room in there." said Molly.
Everyone excused himself or herself from the Dursleys sitting room. Molly stated that lunch would be ready in a half hour.
At lunchtime Ron and Ginny came in from the backyard and the twins from their new 'facilities'. Everyone sat around the table and Molly told them they would eat as soon as the Dursleys came down. They waited for a while in silence like they were all listening for the approach of the Dursleys. The silence was broken by a low grumble.
"Ron," said Ginny. "What I'm hungry!" Ron returned.
"I'll send Winky to see if they're coming." said Molly. With a pop Winky appeared in the Dursleys' sitting room.
"AHHH!" Petunia's scream echoed through the house. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and the twins burst out laughing when they heard the shriek. Winky popped back in the kitchen sobbing.
"Mrs. Dursley screamed at Winky and fainted." The elf said with a look of a scared child.
"Oh my," responded Molly rushing out of the kitchen, while Ginny went to comfort the distraught elf.
Molly patched things up and returned with the Dursleys in tow. They all sat around the table. Arthur started making introductions. "You remember our sons Fred, George and Ron and this is our daughter Ginny." "Yes, yes nice to meet you." said a rather grumpy Vernon. Lunch appeared on the table, there were fried chicken, mounds of buttery potatoes, creamy gravy, steamed vegetables, and pudding for dessert. Dishes were passed around the table, everyone's plate was full with the exception of the Dursleys' whose plates were still empty.
"You're not hungry?" asked Arthur.
"Um.. no not..." he trailed off when the rumble of Dudley's stomach interrupted.
"It's normal food," said Harry, who now understood the lack of appetite in his relatives "wizards eat the same as everyone else and Mrs. Weasley is the best cook around."
"Thank you Harry dear." Said Molly blushing.
That was enough to reassure Dudley as he started dishing out large helpings from all around him. Petunia and Vernon took small helpings testing everything first before committing themselves. Careful Dudley you're still supposed to be on a low fat diet." Cautioned Petunia. "If I may," Molly said clearing her throat "good food in the right portions along with exercise is better than most diets. I could also help you with setting up a program for Dudley if you'd like." "Well um..." started Petunia but was interrupted by Dudley. "Yes please I'd like that." said Dudley swallowing a mouthful of food.
Harry was right the food was great and the last thing he had to eat was half of a grapefruit and he usually had to have things like carrots and celery for lunch, although he wasn't sure about the exercise, but then again they used magic so what would they know about exercise.
"So how long are you all visiting for?" Asked Petunia.
"They're not visiting they live here." Said Harry.
"Live here!" Yelled Vernon "We were told this was your house. I will not stand for lies!"
"Now calm down Mr. Dursley." Said Arthur.
"This is Harry's house." Shouted Ginny.
" Then why would you be living here?" Yelled Vernon.
"Everyone please sit down and let us explain." Scolded Molly. They quickly obeyed.
"Molly?" Asked Harry " may I?"
"Yes Harry dear, go ahead." Molly returned.
"Mrs. Weasley is the conservator of my estate," Harry started "she is here to take care of me, the house and all of the finances. If you need anything you can talk to either Mrs. Weasley or myself. Everything Professor Dumbledore told you if true and is being taken care of. My executer has to live with me since I am underage and since she has a family, they will live here as well."
"Well what about us? We could do it." Snapped Vernon. "You? You think that I would trust you who never gave me a thing my whole life and has always hated me?" Yelled Harry. A few snickers came from most of the siblings. Molly shot a warning look at her children.
"Harry please calm yourself you know it this is ever going to work we must make sacrifices and if that means biting our tongues then that's what we need to do." Said Arthur in a tight voice. "I'm sorry. Harry stated looking at Arthur. "I appointed Mrs. Weasley and that is how it will be, besides you wouldn't be able to do anything, all the money is wizards gold and you wouldn't have access to the bank or anywhere to change it." Harry answered flatly. Vernon's face was a deep purple and had his mouth pinched shut like he was holding his breath. Petunia just looked like she was in shock.
Molly decided to speak up. "We may all be here for different reasons but I think we could make this work if we all try and act civil towards each other."
"What about them?" Dudley pointed to the twins. He had not forgotten the piece of candy they had 'dropped' the last time he saw them.
"What us?" Asked Fred trying to pull an innocent face.
"Fred and George will not cause any harm." Molly said while giving the twins a warning look.
"Um yeah." Said George.
The Dusleys, realizing they had no choice in the matter, decided to drop the subject. They would have to wait and see what developed. When they finished eating Ron asked Harry if he wanted to play some two on two quidditch with him and the twins.
"What's quidditch?" Asked Dudley.
"You can come and watch if you want, it won't be a real game because we don't have enough players, but it's fun either way." Said Ginny trying to be nice. She thought it must be hard for the muggles to move into the wizarding world not knowing anything about it.
"I'll go get my broom." Said Harry, but with a pop Dobby disappeared then reappeared holding Harry's broom.
"Dobby got Master Harry's broom for him sir." Replied Dobby looking very proud.
"Thanks Dobby." Said Harry.
Later all six of them were out back in the field. George and Fred had set up goals at opposite ends. Harry and George were the chasers while Fred and Ron were playing the keepers. After awhile they switched places to give equal turns.
"Wow they do actually fly on those things!" said Dudley excitedly. "Well what did you think Harry used his for at school, cleaning the castle?" said Ginny smartly.
"No, but I've just never seen it done before." returned Dudley.
"Can I ask you something Dudley?" asked Ginny.
"Um sure I guess so." said Dudley.
"Why have you always been so mean to Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Um I don't know Dad always said Harry was a freak and didn't deserve our kindness. He always said there was no such thing as magic so when stuff started happening around Harry I thought he was a freak too." answered Dudley with a shrug.
"Well what do you think now?" asked Ginny.
"That Dad was wrong, there is magic and I guess Harry really isn't a freak." Said Dudley while watching the quidditch game.
A.N. Well tell me what you think. I will try to add more problems later on but it wouldn't go very far it they started right off the bat so its got to be a gradual thing. I am hopping that everyone is enjoying this story and I would like to have a few more reviews. So I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10 and when I get that many Ill add the next chapter. I have up to 14 completely done so I can hold off. Thank you to those of you who have reviewed.
Sunday morning Harry awoke from a peaceful sleep. His room had a king- sized bed that was so comfortable he thought he could stay there forever. He was surprised how well he slept considering who he was, and also where he was. His scar hadn't hurt so far this summer and he also realized this house didn't have any bad memories for him just a lot of curiosities. He sat up suddenly and realized that today was the day the Dursleys would be invading the world that he used to get away from them. He slowly got up, dressed and headed down to breakfast. Everyone was already there sitting at the large kitchen table.
"Morning Harry" said everybody.
"Morning" said Harry.
Molly fixed Harry a plate of bacon, eggs, and toast "Here you go, now tuck in Harry."
"It's time we all had a talk," said Arthur. The boys and Ginny groaned, they knew when their dad started a talk like this that it usually wasn't good. "Today Harry and I will be going to pick up Harry's aunt, uncle, and cousin." Fred and George exchanged grins, Arthur noticed then just frowned at them.
"We are all going to try and do our part to make this living arrangement work. It's going to be rough for a while, but you all will give it your best behavior," he continued looking at Fred and George, "You boys will not use magic or any of your ridiculous products on them. You will try and get along with them. Do I make myself clear?" Said Mr. Weasley in a stern voice. With a round of "YES SIR!" They all finished breakfast.
"So Harry, you about ready to go?" asked Arthur.
"Um yeah, I guess." said a very unenthusiastic Harry.
"Do you want to try driving?" Arthur asked.
"Are you sure? I've never tried before," said Harry. This was defiantly true since Harry could count on one hand the times he had actually been in a car.
"Well considering we could probably fix any damage you could most likely do, I think we could give it a try." smiled Arthur.
Harry and Arthur went out to the shed where the car was parked just outside. Arthur gave Harry a run down on the features he needed to know like the brake, gas, starter, gear shift, horn, seat control and the turning signals. He left out the radio since it was one of his favorite things to fiddle with. Arthur told him how to back out of the driveway and turn so he could drive forwards toward the gate. Arthur pushed the button to open the gate. Harry drove toward the gate not realizing how far to the left he was until he heard a scraping noise down the side of the car. Harry stopped just passed the gate and turned to Arthur.
"Opps." Harry blushed.
"That's okay, I told you could fix the damage," and with a wave of his wand the scratches were gone. Arthur pointed the direction for Harry to drive. He looked at Harry and noticed the position of his feet.
"Harry you can't have both feet going at the same time, try moving your right foot back and forth between the gas and the brake when you need to." Said Arthur
"Sorry." Harry mumbled.
"Relax Harry, if you grip that steering wheel any tighter and you're gonna snap it in two." Arthur laughed.
They drove for a little while in silence until Arthur spoke again "Harry how about we speed up a bit I think we were passed by a flobber worm." This made Harry laugh and also to loosen up a little. They finally made it to 'Private Drive' and pulled next to the curb in front of the house. The driveway was occupied by the Dursley's car with a large trailer behind it. Harry and Arthur walked to the front door and rang the doorbell. Petunia opened the door.
"Harry." she nodded.
"Aunt Petunia, you remember Mr. Weasley," asked Harry.
"Yes. How are you Mr. Weasley?" She asked a little nervously.
"Please call me Arthur." He smiled.
"Is everyone ready?" Asked Harry.
"Just finishing up, I think Vernon was taking the last box." Said Petunia.
"Where's Dudley?" Asked Harry. "Um, he's upstairs, he's pretty upset about the whole thing." Said Petunia "Harry could you go talk to him?"
"Me?" Harry didn't know what good that would do. Dudley deserved every unpleasantness he could get out of all this.
"Harry," said Arthur "remember what I said about us all doing our little parts to make this work?"
"Yes Sir." Replied Harry "I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you so much Harry." Said Aunt Petunia giving Harry a little smile. She really hoped Dudley would cope with everything. Harry went up to Dudley's room, the door was open a crack so he peeked inside. He could see his cousin lying on his bed sobbing. Harry knocked on the door allowing Dudley to compose himself before entering.
"Dudley?" He called.
"What do you want?" Dudley asked nastily.
"It's time to go," Harry replied "you okay?" (Harry has always been too nice for his own good.)
"No. Why do you have to go and ruin my life?" Dudley spat.
"Look Dudley for all I care you can go live with your Aunt Marge. You can suffer her squeezing your cheeks ten times a day, but if you are going to come with us we all need to try and get along, it will make things so much easier." Said Harry.
"That's easy for you to say you never liked it here. I like my room and I want to keep it." Said Dudley.
"I wander why I didn't like it here it surely wasn't the house. As for your room, unfortunately you have an even better one waiting for you. I'll show it to you when we get there if you'd like." Harry didn't know why he was being so nice he just couldn't help but feel sorry for his cousin, who's eyes were swollen making them even more piggy-like.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" questioned Dudley almost ready Harry's mind. "I thought you hated me?"
Harry thought for a moment before saying, "I guess I don't hate you, but you do make it awfully hard to like you, but then again you were raised to be that way." "Is this some kind of trick? You'll get us there then use your ma... stuff and turn us into something." Asked Dudley still not wanting to say the word magic.
"Dudley if everyone try's to get along, no one will get hurt in any way. You know if you could just see that magic is allot of fun and very useful and in most cases nothing to be afraid of." Said Harry.
"Boys!" Yelled Aunt Petunia from downstairs "We're leaving."
"You ready?" Harry asked Dudley.
"Not really but I'll try." Returned Dudley "I guess I'd like it if you showed me around when we get there, only because I don't know the place and I do know you, okay?"
"Okay." Said Harry. They went downstairs where the adults were gathered. "Boy," said Vernon "this place of yours better be livable."
Harry smiled "Just wait and see."
"Everyone ready? Good, Harry I'll drive back so we won't take too long." Mr. Weasley said.
"What? Harry drove here?" Screamed Vernon.
Yes, I'm teaching him to drive since this is his car." Said Arthur pointing to the old yet shinny black Cadillac. Vernon's face turned red. He could recognize the old car as being a collector's item in the muggle world.
"Well let's go then." Said Petunia. Arthur and Harry got in the car and led the way while the Dursleys followed.
They arrived at the house. When Arthur tuned up the long lane the Dursley's car just stopped and sat in the road.
"They have got to be joking," said Vernon looking at the house, which from both wizard and muggle perspective was a grand view.
"There's got to be a small shack out back or they are playing tricks on our eyes." Vernon fumed.
"Now Vernon we are going to try and be civil about all of this. Think about it, you've complained about Harry living off of us for all those years, well here's our chance for him to repay us." Said Petunia.
This didn't help Vernon he could think of a lot of things he didn't want Harry "paying" him back for. Vernon finally turned his car up the lane, Mr. Weasley had already parked the car and went crack to the gate and walked through.
Vernon stopped at the now closed gate. He rolled down his window to talk to Arthur. "What's the hold up?"
"The gate needs to get to know your car," said Arthur "can you pull right up to the gate, put the car in park and honk the horn once?" Vernon didn't understand this nonsense but did as Arthur asked. He pulled the car up to the gate, put it in park and honked the horn.
"Hello," said a soothing feminine voice inside the car.
"What the hell!" Vernon shouted, almost jumping out of his seat.
"Language please!" The voice replied.
"Sorry" said a red-faced Vernon. Petunia and Dudley sat with their mouths open.
"Names please and business here?" said the voice.
"Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley. Um... we have come to stay here." Vernon answered.
"Thank you, you are expected. Press the purple button on your dash when you want to enter or exit through the gate." Said the voice, and with a small pop a purple button appeared on the dash of Vernon's car. Vernon stared unable to grasp that such a thing could appear from out of nowhere.
"Well," Petunia put her hand on Vernon's leg "push the button dear."
Once they parked the car, which Vernon found he had a stall in the large shed to use, they made their way to the east entrance of the house. Since the gate provided the needed security this and the back entrance didn't have the same type of doors as the front entrance, these both had windows and were unlocked.
Molly greeted them and showed them in "Did you have a good trip?" She asked.
"Yes it was fine." Returned Petunia.
"Would you like to see your rooms first or would you like to come to the kitchen for some tea?" Molly asked.
"How about we have Harry show us our rooms, then some tea afterwards." Said Petunia. Vernon nodded in agreement.
"If you're tired we could have the tea brought to your sitting room and talk a bit. There is someone I will need to introduce you to." Said Molly.
"That sounds good. I'd like to take this slow and let everyone get adjusted." Said Petunia.
"Harry dear can you show them where...?"
"Yeah I'll show them their rooms." Harry interrupted Molly.
Harry led them down the hall where it came out to the main hall.
"The main stairs are over there, but I'll show you the other stairs that come out near your rooms." He took them to the south side of the main hall and pointed to the entrance of the kitchen before turning back east to another passage. About halfway down he opened a door to a staircase leading up to the east end of the upstairs hall. This end of the hall had two doors.
"These are your rooms," said Harry, opening the door directly at the end of the hall to show his aunt and uncle to their sitting room.
Petunia's mouth dropped, and began looking around. It was beautifully furnished with chairs, a sofa with a coffee table in the middle, a chase lounge over by some double doors leading out to a balcony. Vernon couldn't utter a sound.
"It' just lovely Harry!" She said, her eyes shining with delight. Petunia was always loved the well to do and in her mind this was it.
"I'll go show Dudley his room, it's right next door if you need anything." Said Harry. He had never witnessed a speechless Vernon and a raving Petunia and wasn't sure what to do besides leave.
"Okay Harry, take care of my Duddykins." Said Petunia.
Harry opened the next door to another sitting room, it also had a set of double doors leading to the balcony, but the furniture was toned for less extravagant taste. It had an over stuffed sofa and chairs like which were in Harry's room, the bedroom had a queen-sized bed and an attached bath.
"This is your room Dud, what do you think?" Asked Harry.
"It's nice but is this so that I stay out of your way? Keep me confined to my room." Asked Dudley.
"No, we gave you this room because we thought you'd like to have some privacy without having to be in just a bedroom, but you can go anywhere else that you want. If you want one of the regular bedrooms you can change." Said Harry.
Dudley thought for a moment and decided Harry was right he did need somewhere to go if he needed to get away from things.
"No that's okay." Replied Dudley "Where is your room?"
"It's upstairs would you like to see it?" Asked Harry.
"Um... yeah." Answered Dudley, he wanted to know where Harry would be in the middle of the night just in case.
They went down the hall and up another flight of stairs then down the hall to the west end. Harry opened the door to show Dudley a sitting room, not too different from his own, only his was done in blues where as Harry's were in red and gold. Harry then opened the doors to his bedroom. Dudley noticed that Harry had a huge king-sized bed where his was only a queen. This normally would make him complain and throw a fit but he remember his mothers warning about trying to get along and also this was Harry's house so it wouldn't do much good to argue the point.
"This was my fathers room when he was growing up." Said Harry glancing around.
"It's...it's nice." Stammered Dudley, not knowing what to say.
"Well let's get back downstairs to your parents room. Tea will probably be ready," said Harry.
When Harry and Dudley got back downstairs Molly was pouring tea. Everyone sat down and was handed a cup. I need to introduce you to someone." Said Molly.
"Do you mean that Ictus or whatever his name is. Dumblewhatsis said there was a care taker here." said Vernon.
"Dumbledore," Molly corrected, "and yes Ickus that's right. I wanted to warn you about him before you met him." said Molly.
"Why what's wrong with him?" asked Petunia.
"Well Ickus isn't a wizard like us nor is he a muggle..." Molly started.
"What Molly is trying to say is that Ickus is a house elf." said Arthur deciding to get right to the point.
"A what!? asked Vernon.
"Well maybe it will best to show you but don't be afraid, house elves are very nice and very loyal." Arthur made a gesture to Harry to open the door. Ickus entered the room. Aunt Petunia screamed and Vernon's stammered "Wha What isss that?"
"Now calm down everyone please. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, Dudley this is Ickus he runs the house. Ickus this is the Dursleys, Harry's Aunt, Uncle, and cousin." Arthur introduced everyone.
Ickus, dressed in his usual uniform of a nicely done tea towel with the Potter crest, came forward and gave a low bow touching his nose to the floor.
"I'm pleased to meet you. If you need anything please let Ickus know. Replied the elf. Dudley came forward and poked Ickus in the top of the head. "cool" said Dudley.
"Dudley don't touch it!" said Vernon. Ickus rubbed the top of his head as Dudley poked him again.
"If Master Dudley will refrain from poking Ickus, Master Dudley will still have all of his fingers." Ickus's words made Dudley back up trying to swallow the lump, which had formed in his throat.
"Okay now that you've met Ickus you can meet the two who have come to help for awhile." said Molly.
"What are they?" asked Petunia with a bit of a worried look. "Oh they're also house elves, one of which Harry freed from his Master whom mistreated him. He's a little enthusiastic but you'll get used to him." said Molly
Harry opened the door again to let in Dobby and Winky. Dobby had on his usual assortment of odd-looking clothes, where as Winky had on a pretty little pink dress that Ginny gave her.
Dobby came forward right away, "You are the relatives to the 'Great Harry Potter' who haven't been very nice."
"Dobby!" Harry yelled "Behave!"
"You must really like Harry." said Petunia giving Dobby a smile.
"Harry Potter is the kindest and greatest wizard around Madam, well along with Dumbledore." said Dobby with great confidence.
Vernon made a short discussed noise earning him a glare from Dobby Petunia had always been jealous of her sister who always got everything so easily, she didn't have to work she could do everything by magic. Now was the time she thought she could get a little of that herself, even if it meant being nice to all of these freaks.
Molly told then that after lunch Ickus and Winky would unload their trailer and the Dursleys could instruct them where they would go, or they could tour the house and grounds to familiarize themselves with things.
"Most of the boxes and things have labels to tell where they should go.," said Petunia "but there are some boxes and furniture that will need to be stored somewhere."
"There is attic storage on the third floor there should be plenty of room in there." said Molly.
Everyone excused himself or herself from the Dursleys sitting room. Molly stated that lunch would be ready in a half hour.
At lunchtime Ron and Ginny came in from the backyard and the twins from their new 'facilities'. Everyone sat around the table and Molly told them they would eat as soon as the Dursleys came down. They waited for a while in silence like they were all listening for the approach of the Dursleys. The silence was broken by a low grumble.
"Ron," said Ginny. "What I'm hungry!" Ron returned.
"I'll send Winky to see if they're coming." said Molly. With a pop Winky appeared in the Dursleys' sitting room.
"AHHH!" Petunia's scream echoed through the house. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and the twins burst out laughing when they heard the shriek. Winky popped back in the kitchen sobbing.
"Mrs. Dursley screamed at Winky and fainted." The elf said with a look of a scared child.
"Oh my," responded Molly rushing out of the kitchen, while Ginny went to comfort the distraught elf.
Molly patched things up and returned with the Dursleys in tow. They all sat around the table. Arthur started making introductions. "You remember our sons Fred, George and Ron and this is our daughter Ginny." "Yes, yes nice to meet you." said a rather grumpy Vernon. Lunch appeared on the table, there were fried chicken, mounds of buttery potatoes, creamy gravy, steamed vegetables, and pudding for dessert. Dishes were passed around the table, everyone's plate was full with the exception of the Dursleys' whose plates were still empty.
"You're not hungry?" asked Arthur.
"Um.. no not..." he trailed off when the rumble of Dudley's stomach interrupted.
"It's normal food," said Harry, who now understood the lack of appetite in his relatives "wizards eat the same as everyone else and Mrs. Weasley is the best cook around."
"Thank you Harry dear." Said Molly blushing.
That was enough to reassure Dudley as he started dishing out large helpings from all around him. Petunia and Vernon took small helpings testing everything first before committing themselves. Careful Dudley you're still supposed to be on a low fat diet." Cautioned Petunia. "If I may," Molly said clearing her throat "good food in the right portions along with exercise is better than most diets. I could also help you with setting up a program for Dudley if you'd like." "Well um..." started Petunia but was interrupted by Dudley. "Yes please I'd like that." said Dudley swallowing a mouthful of food.
Harry was right the food was great and the last thing he had to eat was half of a grapefruit and he usually had to have things like carrots and celery for lunch, although he wasn't sure about the exercise, but then again they used magic so what would they know about exercise.
"So how long are you all visiting for?" Asked Petunia.
"They're not visiting they live here." Said Harry.
"Live here!" Yelled Vernon "We were told this was your house. I will not stand for lies!"
"Now calm down Mr. Dursley." Said Arthur.
"This is Harry's house." Shouted Ginny.
" Then why would you be living here?" Yelled Vernon.
"Everyone please sit down and let us explain." Scolded Molly. They quickly obeyed.
"Molly?" Asked Harry " may I?"
"Yes Harry dear, go ahead." Molly returned.
"Mrs. Weasley is the conservator of my estate," Harry started "she is here to take care of me, the house and all of the finances. If you need anything you can talk to either Mrs. Weasley or myself. Everything Professor Dumbledore told you if true and is being taken care of. My executer has to live with me since I am underage and since she has a family, they will live here as well."
"Well what about us? We could do it." Snapped Vernon. "You? You think that I would trust you who never gave me a thing my whole life and has always hated me?" Yelled Harry. A few snickers came from most of the siblings. Molly shot a warning look at her children.
"Harry please calm yourself you know it this is ever going to work we must make sacrifices and if that means biting our tongues then that's what we need to do." Said Arthur in a tight voice. "I'm sorry. Harry stated looking at Arthur. "I appointed Mrs. Weasley and that is how it will be, besides you wouldn't be able to do anything, all the money is wizards gold and you wouldn't have access to the bank or anywhere to change it." Harry answered flatly. Vernon's face was a deep purple and had his mouth pinched shut like he was holding his breath. Petunia just looked like she was in shock.
Molly decided to speak up. "We may all be here for different reasons but I think we could make this work if we all try and act civil towards each other."
"What about them?" Dudley pointed to the twins. He had not forgotten the piece of candy they had 'dropped' the last time he saw them.
"What us?" Asked Fred trying to pull an innocent face.
"Fred and George will not cause any harm." Molly said while giving the twins a warning look.
"Um yeah." Said George.
The Dusleys, realizing they had no choice in the matter, decided to drop the subject. They would have to wait and see what developed. When they finished eating Ron asked Harry if he wanted to play some two on two quidditch with him and the twins.
"What's quidditch?" Asked Dudley.
"You can come and watch if you want, it won't be a real game because we don't have enough players, but it's fun either way." Said Ginny trying to be nice. She thought it must be hard for the muggles to move into the wizarding world not knowing anything about it.
"I'll go get my broom." Said Harry, but with a pop Dobby disappeared then reappeared holding Harry's broom.
"Dobby got Master Harry's broom for him sir." Replied Dobby looking very proud.
"Thanks Dobby." Said Harry.
Later all six of them were out back in the field. George and Fred had set up goals at opposite ends. Harry and George were the chasers while Fred and Ron were playing the keepers. After awhile they switched places to give equal turns.
"Wow they do actually fly on those things!" said Dudley excitedly. "Well what did you think Harry used his for at school, cleaning the castle?" said Ginny smartly.
"No, but I've just never seen it done before." returned Dudley.
"Can I ask you something Dudley?" asked Ginny.
"Um sure I guess so." said Dudley.
"Why have you always been so mean to Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Um I don't know Dad always said Harry was a freak and didn't deserve our kindness. He always said there was no such thing as magic so when stuff started happening around Harry I thought he was a freak too." answered Dudley with a shrug.
"Well what do you think now?" asked Ginny.
"That Dad was wrong, there is magic and I guess Harry really isn't a freak." Said Dudley while watching the quidditch game.
A.N. Well tell me what you think. I will try to add more problems later on but it wouldn't go very far it they started right off the bat so its got to be a gradual thing. I am hopping that everyone is enjoying this story and I would like to have a few more reviews. So I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10 and when I get that many Ill add the next chapter. I have up to 14 completely done so I can hold off. Thank you to those of you who have reviewed.