DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark is infringement is intended.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a companion piece to "The Order of Life," you may enjoy it more if you are also reading the main story.
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The Order of Life
The Dursley's Point of View
Chapter 1
The Visit
Vernon Dursley looked toward the sound of someone knocking on his front door.
"Who could be visiting at this hour?" he thought. "Right in the middle of breakfast, how rude."
He lifted his considerable bulk from the table and started toward the door.
"I'll get it dear. Eat up son, you haven't much time before term starts up again," he said as he turned down the hall.
"Bloody inconsiderate, best be a good reason for this interruption," he thought as he plastered a semi-pleasant look on his face before opening the door.
"Good day officer, how can I help you?" he asked wondering which of his neighbors they might be asking about.
He had just returned form a month-long vacation with his family, he hoped nothing had happened while he was away. He wanted to assist these officers in carrying out their duty to punish vagabonds, criminals, and wrongdoers. There seemed to be a lot of them, only two in uniform, but the ones in suits might be detectives, and what looked like attorneys. Yes, this must be very important.
"Mr. Vernon Dursley?" an officer asked.
"Yes, that's me. Do come in," he gushed as he showed them to the sitting room. "Have a seat, what can I help you gentlemen with?" doing his best to make a good impression.
Vernon smiled at the 'Officers' questions. He was happy to tell them about his family. He glowed as he showed off pictures of his lovely wife Petunia and their strapping son Dudley. He bragged about how well his company was doing, and how well he was able to care for his family because of it. Yes, he was very proud to tell them of his perfectly normal family.
"So, Mr. Dursley, you, your wife, and your son, are the only ones who live here. Is that correct?" one of the gentlemen asked.
"Well, my wife's nephew stays with us also when he is not in school," answered Vernon his features darkening at the mention of his 'freak' nephew.
"May we meet your family Mr. Dursley?" one of the men in suits pleasantly asked. You seem quite proud of them."
"Yes, yes, very proud, Petunia dear! Dudley, come and meet these nice officers that are visiting us." called Vernon, relaxing back into his prior boastful demeanor.
The officers stood up at the sight of Dudley Dursley. It was clear that the photographs they'd seen were nothing to compare to the reality of Dursley's only child. Stiff smiles were all the group could manage while greeting the simpering Petunia as she coddled her son.
"Will your school term be starting soon?" asked one of the uniformed officers. "Do you like your school?"
"I leave for Smeltings tomorrow actually. Yes, I love my school. Father went there as well you know, family tradition," boasted Dudley.
"And your cousin?" asked one of the attorney's. "Does he follow the same tradition and attend Smeltings with you?"
Dudley's mouth opened and closed several times as he attempted to answer the question.
"The freak, attend Smeltings… with him?" his bulgy eyes deferred to his father.
"No, the boy attends St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boy's," answered Vernon. "He's a bit of trouble, that one."
An exchange of glances signaled the time to leave their host's and the officers smilingly thanked the Dursley's for their hospitality.
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"The search can wait until tomorrow," the attorney in charge announced. "I would like another look at Dudley's school reports and maybe a talk with the school authorities. It would be better to save the questioning of the Dursley's until he is back at school anyway."
"Tomorrow then, say we meet back up at 1:30 PM?" asked one of the uniformed officers.
"1:30 PM, and be sure to bring the search warrants," the group agreed.
The two uniformed officers and one of the attorney's climbed into a waiting car and drove away, leaving the rest to apparate.