Chapter 2

Not What They Expected

    Vernon Dursley smiled as his wife prepared a favorite breakfast for their son, Dudley. Perunia looked so happy, frying the eggs and bacon, humming softly to herself. Dudley needed a good meal to see him off to school. The diet the school made him follow, she thought they were trying to starve her dear boy.

    Vernon didn't want to bother his lovely wife with his musings but the prior day's unexplained visit from the officers' had ruined his day. He'd thought of little else. Why, they hadn't asked a single question about the neighbors.

    Vernon cleared his throat. "Petunia dear?" he asked. "Did you think the officers' visit yesterday was a bit… strange?"

    "Strange dear? No, it must have been part of that new program they had on the tele a few months ago. You remember the one about involving the police in the community?" asked Petunia. "I really don't know what else it could be; they were so interested in Dudley."

    "Yes, our young man," boasted Vernon. "They were quite impressed with our son I dare say."

    "What's for breakfast mum?" asked Dudley as he took his seat.

    "I made all your favorites, Duddykins. Bacon eggs, hash, pancakes, muffins… Eat up dear; you need your strength this year. I know they don't feed you enough at school," coddled Petunia.

    "Yes Dudley, you make your mum and me proud. We'll have a special something waiting for you at Christmas break," added Vernon.

    "Seconds Dinkypoo?" asked Petunia. "After breakfast I'll pack your bags dear. Is there anything special you want to take with you?"

    "No mum. Can I watch the tele until it's time to leave? I never get to watch my favorite programs during term. The other boys hog the tele so," complained Dudley."

    "Of course Dudums, and I will write the Headmistress. You should be getting your share of time, letting the other boys hog the tele, really." said Petunia.

    "How would you like a lunch out son?" asked Vernon. "If we leave a little early we can stop at your favorite diner before you catch the train."

   Dudley thought for a moment. "Can I bring my Game Boy?" he asked.

    "Yes dear," simpered Petunia.

    Petunia carefully folded Dudley's custom made britches into his suitcase. He, in spit of his diet, had managed to outgrow even the largest size the uniform store carried.

    "Diet!" she thought. "The school just doesn't understand. Dudley is a growing boy, he needs healthy serving of his meals."

    She had already started filling care-boxes to keep her sons spirits up through the term.

    "I just hope he doesn't waste away, he gets so weak without proper meals." she muttered to herself tucking the last of Dudley's school things into the case.

    "There," she thought. "I'll just get him up a nice basket for the train."

    "Is Dudley's bag ready to go dear?" Vernon asked folding his morning newspaper. "Right, I'll take it out then. You just sit and enjoy yourself son."

    Dudley's eyes didn't budge form the tele. He showed no sign of hearing his parents' conversation.

    "Ready, Petunia?" asked Vernon. "Dudley, it's time to go."

    "Just five minutes until this show is over, do you have my Game Boy?"

    "Of course you can finish watching your show, Duddyumkins!" coddled Petunia.

    It was a full half-hour before the family was seated in the car, driving down the motorway. Vernon had completely forgotten the prior days puzzling visit by the time they said goodbye at the station. He happily bragged about his own days at Smelting's on the drive home. Yes, he was very proud of his Dudley.

* * * * * * *

    2 police officers, 4 aurors, and 3 attorneys walked quietly up Privet Drive. The group had been ready and waiting for nearly two hours before Vernon Dursley drove the family car into the driveway of number four. They had verified and cross-checked their warrant's during their meeting earlier, and now gave the couple a few extra minutes to get settled inside before knocking sharply.

    "Mr. Dursley?" one of the officers asked. "I hope were not intruding."

    "No, no… you forgot to ask some of the questions yesterday?" asked Vernon warily. "What have the neighbors done?"

    "Yes, we do have a few more questions. May we come in? Your lovely wife was so gracious yesterday."

    "Indeed… come in then. Petunia dear?" he called toward the kitchen. "The officers from yesterday are here; perhaps they'd like some tea?"

    "Is your son off to school?" asked the officer socially.

    "Yes, our Dudley is really growing up. He takes his exams this year…" said Vernon. "Thank you dear! You gentlemen remember my wife, Petunia?"

    "The lovely Mrs. Dursley, how could we forget?" flattered one of the attorney's. "You keep a beautiful home, Mrs. Dursley. I don't know how you manage with raising two boys."

    "Thank you," Petunia glowed. "Would you like some tea?"

    She took a seat near her husband, not willing to miss any news of her neighbors.

    "We have received a complaint, Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. I am sure that you will agree that complaints must be investigated." stated the attorney.

    "Absolutely," the Dursley's agreed. "We will help you carry out your duty in any way we can." They were excited by the idea that they might be the ones whose information led to the capture of whatever dangerous criminal these "officers of the law" were after.

  "We appreciate your cooperation," an officer assured them.

* * * * * * *

    Dudley Dursley had, once again, taken over a private compartment on the train. It hadn't been difficult; most of the younger students went out of their way to avoid the well known bully's. Those that did dare to enter the now guarded room had a specific purpose in mind, joining the annual poker game.

    School rules were in effect for the students on the train, but enforcement was typically lax. There were few chaperones so as long as the young people weren't disturbing the other passengers or breaking any of the first 10 school rules, they were left to their own amusements.

    Unfortunately for Dudley this year's chaperone had been instructed to keep a very close eye on him, and "No Gambling" was rule #7.

* * * * * *

    "The complaint was filed anonymously it concerns your son and nephew."

    "What has that boy done to my son?" screeched Petunia.

    "THAT'S IT," Vernon roared, "he is not returning to this house! That freak hurt my boy! Does Dudley need a doctor?"

    The visitors were surprised by the Dursley's outburst. Their research into the family had shown Petunia and Vernon to be mild, if greedy.

    "Sir, madam, I don't believe you understand, an attorney clarified. "The complaint is about your treatment of your son and nephew. It claims neglect and abuse."

    "Neglect… abuse… my son? GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" shouted Vernon. "How dare you! Come into my house, accept my hospitality and accuse me of committing a crime! GET OUT!"

    Seeing his visitors distinct lack of movement, Vernon grabbed the nearest man by the front of his jacket and started dragging him toward the door.

    "AND DON'T COME BACK! YOU…"

    "The attack on one of their own prompted a switch to plan "B." The officers and aurors jumped into action. Vernon and Petunia Dursley were quickly restrained. They were informed of the warrants for their arrest and the search of their house, then read their rights and given two options. Cooperate here, or cooperate at headquarters.

    "I WANT MY ATTORNEY! You'll be sorry for this mistake when I am finished with you. I promise you that," screamed Vernon as he was escorted to the waiting police car.

    Petunia held her head high as she followed her husband.

    "It's just a little misunderstanding," she tried to explain to the gathering of neighbors.

    "Don't worry my love," Vernon consoled her as the car drove down the motorway. "I'll call my attorney as soon as we get to the station. We'll have this cleared up before Supper."