The Dursley's lounged in the living room watch the BBC on the tellie. It was a Sunday afternoon and the weather outside for once was clear. They were too lazy to go out so they found a cricket game on between two unknown teams. It was better than actually doing something. That would mean actually doing something and that was too much work.
Vernon sat in his recliner and was slipping in and out of consciousness. Dudley lounged on the floor and watch the match with waning interest. While they lounged Dudley's mother Petunia was on the phone with one of the many neighbor a woman talking about the total embarrassment of another neighbor.
There was a knock at the door that startled Vernon awake. "We're not interested!" he yelled at the front door. Vernon turned back to the tellie grumbling something about darn salesmen; there should be a law
There were more raps on the door louder and more urgent. Vernon now red in the face grumbled more and clumsily got out of his chair. Oddly, he looked like a walrus moving back into the water. He finally was upright and walking toward the door when the raps came louder. "Alright, alright," he yelled at the person behind the door, "I'm coming. No need in knocking the door off the frame!
Vernon threw open the door to stare face to face with a tall older very well dressed man. Vernon's face almost purple with anger through his gritted teeth growled, "How can I help you?
The man ignored the anger in Vernon's face and smiled. He took a business card from his jacket and held it out for the large man to take. "You must be Vernon Dursley. Allow me introduce myself. My name is Albus Dumbledore. I am the headmaster of
"I know who you are now,' Vernon interrupted, "you run that nonsense school where you take that burden of a boy off our hands for nine months a year. If you think you are going to get a single quid out of me to keep that school going you are sorely mistaken!
Albus rolled his eyes as he placed the card back in his pocket. "I am not here asking for a single quid, as you put it. I am here to take, as you also so eloquently spoke, that burden off your hands."
"Look here," snapped Vernon, "That is all well and fine you taking him off our hand but he will still be coming back next holiday.
Albus stood for a moment waiting to be invited in. He finally took it upon himself. "May I come in? I will explain to you a solution to make all parties satisfied.
Vernon rolled his eyes and sighed, "Very well if this will be quick." He said this briskly as the jerked the door open just enough to let the man in.
Vernon led the man into the living room. He turned to his wife, "This is Albus Dumbledore, and he is here to take
Petunia screeched and slammed the receiver on the phone, "I know who he is!" She snapped and glared at the man now standing in front of the electric fireplace.
"I can tell you want me out of your home as soon as possible. I will not mince words. Albus pulled a rolled up parchment from his breast coat pocket and unrolled it.
"What is that?" yelled Dudley as he lumbered to get up and galloped behind his father to hide. He peaked out from his poor hiding place, "Is that a spell you are going to use on us?
A Flash of fear was shared between Dudley's parents as the stared at the man in their living room.
"No," Albus replied with a smile trying to relax the nervous people in front of him, "This is a legal document turning over the guardianship of Master Potter over to the Ministry of Magic until a suitable guardian is appointed.
A look of relief swept across the Dursley's faces that sickened Albus. He was ready for the next statement out of the fat mans mouth.
"What about compensation for all the time we had to burden ourselves with that boy.
When Vernon started the statement Albus had already started reaching into his opposite breast pocket and pulled out a small tablet and handed it to Vernon.
Vernon took a look with curiosity. This list detailed the cost of the house broke down into square feet and the price for Harry living under the stairs for more almost ten years. It included everything from food to cloths and personal inconvenience. There was a large total at the bottom of this list.
"This is quite adequate," Vernon started to laugh with glee.
"Then you agree to the figures?" Albus questioned the Dursleys.
"Very well," Albus stated flatly, "Please turn to the next page.
Vernon excitedly turned the page but was not excited for long. As he read the next page and the many there after it listed all deductions from the total including slave labor hand me down cloths and at the last personal inconvenience. Vernon's face now purple with rage bellowed, "There is a negative number here! I am not going to pay that boy compensation!
Albus smiled wryly and said in an air of confidence, "Then why don't you sign the paper and I wont take these figures to the local authorities. I am certain they would be very interested in them. Even if you were not prosecuted there would be embarrassment for the family for years to come.
"You bet your last quid I will fight
His bellowing now interrupted by Petunia, "No!" She yelled at her husband, "we could not take the embarrassment." The next words were spit out through gritted teeth. " Just get ÔThat Boy' out of our house.
Vernon stood for a moment and raises a pointing finger to the old man in front of him. He opened his mouth to retort but nothing came out. Vernon then opened his hand to accept the parchment.
Harry was lying on his bed studying his books from last year when a knock came from the door. He rolled his eyes and muttered to himself, "Great, What does my uncle want to punish me for now? He quickly hid his book under the pillow and got up and opened the door. Harry furrowed his brow the in the door way was an older man, well dressed with a white goatee. Harry thought for a moment he reminded him of Headmaster Dunbledore, if he had short hair. "Can I help your, sir?
"Actually, Mr. Potter I am here to help you."
Harry stood in shock for a moment and said, "Headmaster Dunbledore? I did not recognize you! Harry's hand without realizing reached up and touched the now bare cheek of his head master. "You look so weirdÉ Too much like a businessman," Harry said with a smirk.
"Well," said Dumbledore, "With talk like that you won't be coming with me," his face showing a mischievous grin.
Harry stood in wonder at the look of his headmaster. The last statement hit him like a ton of bricks. "I am finally getting to go to Ron's for the summer?
"If they are the family chosen as your new guardians." With this last stamen Harry had a look of confusion on his face. Albus continued, "Harry if you want you will never have to set foot on Privet Drive for the rest of your life.
For the first time in many months Harry looked happy. He looked up at his Headmaster hoping this was not a dream. "BÉBut How?
Albus took the parchment from his breast pocket and shoed the proof her was looking for. Harry immediately recognized the ugly scribbling of Uncle Vernon's signature. In about half an hour, which seemed like moments, Harry found himself riding the Knights Bus with his Headmaster rocketing to his hopeful new home the Burrow.
"Veneficus Formalis Ornatus" stated Dunbledore as he sat on the bed across from Harry. A purple beam emanated from his wand and hit the Wizard. As quickly as he had changed to the muggle form of Albus change into the form of the Wizard Harry knew and loved.
"It is comforting to see you back to your old self, Headmaster Dunbledore. The Goatee did not suit you.
Albus chuckled, "It had been so long since I had bare cheeks the air whipping against them when I moved it was dreadfully distracting.
Harry's smile faded into worry, "Headmaster, What if the Weasleys think I am too much of a burden for them to keep? I know I stayed with them over the last summers for a while, but this is different. I will in essence be their son. I don't think I could look in their face and them tell me they don't want me.
"I know for certain that The Weasley feeling for you are very strong and run deep. If you do not want to be there when I speak with themÉ" Harry shook his head vehemently, "Would you like to wait out of site while I make your request known?
The look on Harry's face spoke volumes. "Very well Mr. Potter I will concede to your request. Lay back and rest young Potter. We will be to the Burrow soon.
Hermione sat with the rest of the Weasleys in the living room. It has been a couple of days since Hedwig had came and stayed with the family at the burrow. It was the weekend and her mother and father sat on either side of the hurting teen. Their hands intertwined with hers on Hermione's lap.
Professor McGonagall had advised them the day she had received the letter by owl to wait. She said the professors would handle this issue.
There was very little talking in the living room today. Mrs. Weasley had tried to break up the silence at one point by having the kids go and play Quidditch outside. This was a bad idea. George replied to his mother saying we would be one person short with out Harry Not much was said after this for the last hour.
The light tapping at the front door brought everyone in the room to their feet, like someone had yelled, "Attention! Mr. Weasley bolted to the door in a flash and threw open the door. "GÉGÉGood afternoon," Mr. Weasley stammered in surprise. The rest of the group heard this and stampeded toward the doorway, almost knocking Mr. Weasley out the door into the single person standing on the stoop. They all had the look of worry and anticipation as they surveyed the older wizard in front of them.
Albus' expression was unreadable. Half ignoring the group crowded in the doorway he looked straight at Mr. Weasley and said, "Is there a place where we can meet in private? While he was speaking his gaze indicated Albus wanted to speak with only the parents.
"I already have a silence charm on the garage," with this statement Arthur looked warily to his glaring wife, "We can go in there. Arthur gave Molly a sheepish grin as he led the group behind his home to the garage.
Albus waited patiently as the group filed into the garage and Arthur closed the door. Albus spoke quietly, "Harry is safe for the moment and is here.
The couple let out a collective sigh, "Can we see him?" said Molly (Mrs. Weasley.)
"All in due time, "Albus held up his hand to quiet the questions, "I and very much Harry wanted to ask something of the Weasley family that was too hard for a 15 year old to face. Both couples looked in anticipation at the next question. "The Ministry, myself, and Harry would like you to become his foster parents.
Harry sat inform of the wall that made the front enclosure of the Weasley's front yard. With his knees brought up to this chest and his arms wrapped around he barely breathed. He had heard the conversation at the front door and he was surprised the Weasley twins were not trying to sneak a peak at the meeting. Harry smirked he thought there were certain line even those two would not cross, their mom. He stayed quiet for what seemed to be an eternity. He was wrapped up in his own thought what if they did not want him? Would headmaster just come out and say it or try and soften the blow. Would Ginny be comfortable with him in her house?
Wait! Where did that thought come from? Why when waiting to see if the Weasley family would take him in would he focus on her? She was Ron's little sister. I hardly saw her last year. Why was it her face was burned into my brain at the train station? She barely spoke word one
Harry was jolted from his thought as the gate beside him cam swinging open. Harry jumped to his feet with a start and started to blush, for some unknown reason, to look Mrs. Weasley Square in the eyes.
Her face was flushed her cheeks showed the tracks of many tears. Her eyes were blood shot and puffy as she stated shakily, "Harry this is a very big step and I wanted you to hear the answer from me not Albus. We felt you deserved it. She gathered her thoughts and breath. "Harry, We all love you and would go to the ends of the earth for you.
Harry saw the tears welling up again and he knew the answer, "Mrs. Weasley," he interrupted I understand. You love me as Ron's friend nothing more. Let me know when Headmaster Dunbledore is ready to leave. Harry spun on his heals and shoved his hand into his pockets. He dropped his gaze top the ground and started walking. He did not know where he was going but it would not be here.
Harry did not get four steps before he felt a small yet strong had grip his shoulder and spin him around. This same hand gripped his chin and forced him to look Mrs. Weasley straight in the face. "Harry," Molly said sternly, "We love you as our own son. So as you live here you will learn not to interrupt your foster mother. Molly before Harry could react pulled the shocked boy to her and grabbed him in a warm motherly embrace. "Harry," her voice cracking and barely a whisper, "Welcome home.
With the words welcome home Harry held onto his new foster mother for dear life. He felt a warmth and comfort he never felt from the Dursleys. As he stood a felt many hand around him holing him and making him feel warm and safe. He opened his eyes to a shock. All five of the people that had gone to the garage had now held Harry Tight in a group hug. He smiled there wasn't a dry eye in the bunch.
The first week with the Weasleys was exhausting for Harry. He worked himself night and day. In the morning he would get up early and set the table for breakfast, Ginny's job. After breakfast he would clear the table, Ron's job and wash and dry the dishes, the twins job. The list went on and on, Harry was even in the spare closet polishing the old shoes. Molly at first though Harry would slow down or at least let the other help. That was until she saw her three boys asking Harry to de-gnome the garden for them. Molly's blood boiled as the three walked away from Harry to go practice Quidditch.
The Weasley twins strutted triumphantly toward the secluded field their brooms over their shoulders. Ron quietly followed his brothers carrying his broom at his side.
"Are you sure we should let Harry de-gnome the garden by himself?" Ron nervously asked.
The twins stopped and spun on their heals to face their younger brother. The stood shoulder to shoulder and each place a hand on the perspective shoulder of Ron.
"Ron, Ron, RonÉ"Fred started
At the same time a quiet Ôpop' emanated from behind the group of boys. None of them took notice.
"Harry is happy to do our chores," George finishing Fred's statement.
"Us Weasley boy have been slaving away all out lives at the Burrow.
"We deserve a holiday from our house work.
"And with Harry doing his darnedest to impress MumÉ" George said with a smile broadening on his face.
"We don't want to make Harry look bad in front of Mum?
"Do we Ron? The twins started to snicker at their speech.
Ron scratched his head as a mischievous grin spread across his face. In a Haughty tone Ron started, "Your right we do deserve a holiday. And who am I to keep Harry out of Mum's good graces.
"GEORGE, FREDRICK, RONALD WEASLEY!!
All three boys eyes were the size of saucers. Fred and George mouthed to Ron "Is that Mum behind us?
Ron was about to lean over and peak behind the twins when, "Of course it's me behind you! At this time I am not sure I want to call myself your Mum.
The two terrified twins dropped their brooms and spun in unison to each side of their equally terrified younger bother. The twins tried to defend them selves in unison, "You see Mum it was like this
"Don't even try to wrangle your way out of this spot. I heard your reasons and it sickens me!" Mrs. Weasley boor into then with all her rage, "Ron, You are suppose to be Harry's best friend and now his bother!" Ron looked down in shame at these words. "You three are old enough to know better. Especially you to George and Fredrick Weasley, you two are about to be in you seventh year at Hogwarts. Mrs. Weasley paused for a moment and said, "We are going to nip this in the bud.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER! FRONT AND CENTERÉNOW!!! Her voice roared across the small field so loud the echo could be head a moment later bouncing off of the stonewall, 30 meters away, surrounding the Weasley home.
Harry watched as the three bothers traipsed off to play Quidditch. He was thinking how he wanted to play himself when he had spied his first gnome in the garden. Harry's train of though lost he bolted forward between the plants and snatched up the gnome by the feet. He held the gnome up, resembling a potato with legs, and could hear the gnome griping.
He lifted the gnome and started to spin it in a circle in the air faster and faster. A quiet voice behind him said, "Hi Harry. Harry was deep in concentration the gnome slipped from his hand in mid-swing and barely made it over the wall.
Harry jumped and twirled around to see Hermione standing at the edge of the garden. Hermione giggled and with a mocking tone, "Your going to be here all day with throws like that. The gnomes will find their way back easy.
"Hey," Harry retorted, "you snuck up on me. It's not like you could throw that far Miss Granger.
Hermione furrowed her brow and opened her mouth to start on Harry. Then a spark went off in her head. Before Harry could say anything she ran for the nearest gnome and in a flash had him lobbed over the wall.
"Not bad," Hermione smiled as Harry stroked his chin, "for a girl.
Hermione's smile immediately turned upside down and fire flashed in her eyes, "I would like to see you do better. She growled through gritted teeth.
"Fine." Harry smirked. He spotted one just across the row and grabbed it. He clenched his teeth and went into the biggest wind up of his life. Harry envisioned this gnome flying. He was almost ready to through it when
"Ginny's coming!
Again the gnome barely made it over the wall. Harry turn to Hermione laughing hysterically. "You did that on purpose! Hermione completely oblivious to his defense just kept on laughing. Harry was not going to let any girl especially the smaller supple Hermione (supple his mind flashed where did that come from) get the best of the Seeker for the Gryffindor house team. "Just like a girl, has to cheat to win.
Hermione went silent. She clinched her fist at her side and stormed right up to Harry. Her face red with anger she poked a finger in Harry's chest and said, "I'll show you how a girl plays
"HARRY POTTER! FRONT AND CENTERÉNOW!!! Mrs. Wesley's voice halted their one-upmanship immediately.
Harry ran through the gate and turned toward the area Mrs. Weasley's voice had originated. Harry ran the length of the garden wall. The young teen could have sworn a heard a gnome say as he passed, "Hey! There's that boy who throws us like a girl!" and then the cackle of laughs from the diminutive creatures.
Harry just rolled his eyes and kept going. In a few moments he came upon the tensest scene in his life. The twins were on each side of his friend Ron each with a death grip on Ron's shoulder. Mrs. Weasley stood in front of the trio of boys with her arms crossed. If looks could kill even Harry would be dead, and she had not looked at him yet. Harry instinctively stood beside the three terrified teens. "You sent for me Mrs. Weasley?
"Yes Harry," Mrs. Weasley face immediately soften when she look to the nervous black haired boy, "What were you doing when I called you?
Harry took a uncertain glance a the three red headed boy and said, "I was de-gnoming the garden? His statement more of a question than an answer.
"Too right you were Harry," Mrs. Weasley stated with an knowing tone, "and just where were these thee boys at the time.
The three boys immediately looked turned to Harry with a distinct "Deer caught in the headlights look" on each of their faces. Harry gulped and stammered, "I don't remember
"Let me refresh it," she said glaring at the nervous brothers, "they Left you to De-gnome the garden while they go and play Quidditch. I hate to tell you this Harry when I can to ask them to help you they were gloating about you doing their work. They call themselves your brother.
With each statement out of Mrs. Weasley's mouth the three boys cringed and turn their faces from both their mum and Harry. They acted like the sentences were slapping them in the face.
Harry bowed his head in embarrassment and whispered, "I was just trying to do my part.
"Boys go now and de-gnome the garden!" Mrs. Weasley said through gritted teeth. The twins bent down to pick up their brooms and leave, "No, Fred George leave your two brooms where they are. The three boys turned quickly and ran toward the Garden. Harry quietly turned with out looking at Mrs. Weasley and walk toward the garden as well.
"Harry," Mrs. Weasley said in a soothing quite voice, "not you. You and I need to talk. Mrs. Weasley went to pick up George's broom, "Grab a broom Harry. I am going to show you a private place to think."
The next couple of weeks flew by. Ron immediately accepted him as the brother he knew he was and so did the rest of the Weasley boys. Ginny was still very standoffish and Harry noticed. Even though Harry was dodging and hiding the same as Ron and Hermione in the house trying not to be the guinea pigs for Fred and George, The Weasley twins. Ever since Harry gave those two the prize money from the Tri-Wizard tournament there was not a moment's peace for the three.
George and Fred still felt bad for what they did to Harry. Of course the last two weeks of doing their chores plus Harry's was a persistent reminder. The motley twins knew their mum was going to make a bi production of a surprise party in the early day but there was still the night. Even the nicest things the twins did always had a joke in there somewhere. They decided to take Harry to a special owl restaurant for his birthday. The Hard par was the closest "owl restaurant" was in Birmingham an hour and a half away. This was a Muggle restaurant, invented by Americans, and they knew there was no way this was part of the Floo Fireplace Network. This entailed borrowing the new car. Since the old Ford Angelina was still running wild in the forbidden Forrest. Thank to their prat of a brother crashing it into the Whomping Willow at Hogwarts in the twins fourth year.
The Whomping Willow is a very valuable, very violent tree planted alone in the middle of the school grounds. It was planted the same year that Lupin arrived at Hogwarts (c. 1971) to disguise the opening to a secret passage from Hogwarts to the Shrieking Shack. Lupin would go through a hole in the Willow's roots every month to transform into a werewolf in the Shack where he couldn't hurt anyone. The Willow was so dangerous that it kept other people from entering the passage and encountering the werewolf.
Since the wrecked and almost getting their father in a sticky wicket. Their mum did not even let the children behind the wheel to back the car out of the garage. George was heard once saying to Fred, "It's not like we would back it out and throw it into drive for a joy ride.
Fred took a long look at his twin. George came to the realization and said with a smile, "Oops, I guess mum does know us better than we think.
This was not going to stop future greatest pranksters the wizarding world has ever seen to stop them. By hook or by crook they were going to get Harry to the party.