BEING HOME
Harry is feeling quite discomfited by the time they reached so called home. Elation and confidence that filled him at king's cross ebbed away as the car stopped in front of his logical-home. If it is any other time, he would have been cowering in his seat if he has seen his uncle's face as red as it is now. Sirius's death has temporarily removed his capacity to react in normal way. Much to the fury of Vernon, he got down desolately, removed his trunk from boot, walked to door. He stood in front of door, waiting for his uncle, which his uncle performed so nicely, a bulldozer would have felt embarrassed. Harry walked in to the house with out even stopping to look at his relative's faces. He still had his trunk in hands; he walked silently towards his room.
"Stop there boy. I haven't given my permission to go there" hissed uncle Vernon behind him.
Harry paused, turned around to face his bulldozer of uncle, at the same time keeping his trunk down. With eyes devoid of any emotion he just stared at his uncle coldly. Coldness in his eyes sent shivers down Vernon's spine. Though Harry could see no vibrations, he could bet that his uncle shuddered. Any one would have done the same thing – his emerald green eyes for once lost their life, the pain and power that radiated from them is very scary. Harry stared at his uncle expecting him to say next sentence. He is ready for them. However, his uncle never got a chance. There is a loud crank in air as Mad-Eye popped in front of them along with Tonks. She is looking like a gaunt yet stately lady now. She could have given creeps to Slytherens.
" Hmmmmm! Giving Harry a peace of your mind? " asked Tonks in a rough voice. If Harry isn't so depressed, he would have laughed at the sight of uncle Vernon cowering.
"why don't you carry Harry's trunk for him Vernon?" asked Mad-Eye in is most soft voice Harry has ever heard. his uncle became still redder, even Wealsey's hair would not have been as red. Harry interjected quickly. Though he liked his uncle being threatened by some one, he doesn't like to push it too much. It wouldn't do much good. Neither to him, nor to his uncle. They still had to live under same roof for coming month. So Harry turned around, took his trunk and left to his room. Tonks walked in to give him a good-bye hug, this time sporting pink hair and a teenager look. They once again repeated their willing ness to help though Harry thought they have done enough. His uncle didn't dare raise his voice after this incident.
Aunt Petunia behaved as though nothing had happened, her face turned to a stony expression which even Snape would be proud of. Harry silently lay on his bed unable to think about any thing. Pain is building inside him, he tried his best to think about any thing other than Sirius. It is not an easy task. He thought about Quidditch, his thoughts ended at his firebolt which is presented by Sirius. He thought about his friends, which made him feel still worse for the danger he exposed them to at ministry of magic.
Harry would have loved to weep dearly at this time. Even tears had taken his opposition. Not a single tear came out of his eyes, the pain is becoming unbearable to him as a nasty voice inside him repeated all of this is his fault. At nine o'clock, his aunt placed dinner beside him seeing he can't be budged from his bed. Harry didn't touched it till ten when his Aunt came and stood there observing him silently for a moment. Then she removed the plate and walked as though being near Harry would blast her in to pieces. Lack of dinner soon drove Harry to sleep which is still more torturous as it has shown Sirius falling through veil again and again. Harry woken quite disgruntled from sleep at six in morning as an owl with daily prophet dropped it on him, poked him for money. Harry got up, placed money in pouch attached to the owl. He looked at prophet for some time, before tossing it to end of room with out even opening it.
Harry walked out side, cold wind felt almost like life coming to him again. He walked on opposite side of his usual walk so that he would never reach the place where he has first seen Sirius. He walked through a route unknown to him, after walking for half an hour, he found he is walking through his favorite walk. His mind told him to turn back, while his foot carried him forward. Harry closed his eyes unable to bear the pain, the angst that is building in him, but this didn't make things any better. If possible it made his state worse. When he opened his eyes again, he found him self facing swings. It is the place where he has seen Sirius for first time. Harry looked at the place for some time as though he is hypnotized. He could hold it no longer. His eyes slowly filled with tears, his knees gave away. He broke down on pavement, his face in his hands crying his heart out. He didn't know how much time passed, but he raised his head when the heat of sun burnt back of his head. Harry got up, observed his surroundings to make sure no one observed him, made his way back to his house. He knew order members might be watching over him, he hoped it is Lupin who is watching at that time, because he couldn't trust any other order member would babble about it in next meeting. He reached home, feeling considerably lighter than the time when he went out. It is not like that the pain vanished, but it has subsided. He was able to look at pudgy face of his uncle with out scaring him out of his wits. Harry entered house with out feeling lightest fear.
"Where did you go boy?" confronted uncle Vernon as soon as he entered hall. Aunt petunia is surveying his jeans, which still has some of dust from road on it.
"You better tell where you are going next time boy. If another of your freaky friend comes to this house, I will never allow you to enter this house again." Said uncle Vernon even before Harry got a chance to answer him. Harry glared at his uncle, but he is feeling too resigned to continue kill with eye act. He bent his head, nodded in answer. His uncle has expected Harry to retort, but Harry hadn't had heart for doing that. Considering this as submission, his uncle started mumbling about generosity, people's selfish ness to pay back. He is too afraid of speaking Harry's name directly. Harry hadn't thought of entering the hall again, but he had to this time because uncle Vernon has called him.
" Listen boy." Uncle Vernon surveyed Harry from head to foot once.
" there is a management workshop which Dudley is attending. We thought it will be better if you too attend it. No freak work there. We will go to dress shop in evening to buy a pair for you. behave while we are out side." Uncle Vernon completed his speech and glared at Harry expecting an answer.
Harry wondered for a moment what is making uncle Vernon to do this favor. However it is a good chance, Harry nodded in answer. He soon found out reason for this favor. Dudley is getting slightly out of hand, uncle Vernon want some body to keep an eye on him. Apparently, after one year, his uncle and aunt became slightly suspicious of Dudley's behavior. It will not be good for Dudley to be a duffer for longer time. From the dinner time talks of his aunt and Uncle Harry gathered Dudley is spending a tad more amount of money than he is supposed to be. After all, he has to run some business after graduation. A warning came from Smeltings if he doesn't improve his marks, there will be no excuse for him to stay in school. So, a person has to remain with Dudley to survey over his academics. Though uncle Vernon always ridiculed Harry's performance at school, he does know that Harry is a brilliant student compared to his whale of a son of course.
Harry and Dudley are dropped at workshop at ten in morning. Uncle Vernon thought it would be best to give another warning to Harry.
" If any thing happened to Dudley, you will pay boy. I don't care what those freaks said. Remember this well boy." With this warning his uncle left workshop. Soon, they entered class, Harry could tell that if he isn't here, Dudley would sure have skipped this class. There aren't many free seats, and none of the owners are welcoming. Finally, Harry choose to sit beside a black girl, who is only one in class. She is looking at her notes, is not paying much of attention to rest of class. To his horror, black girl beside him seemed to be best of class, at least merit of class, from time to time she shot disgusting looks his way in same manner as Hermione. Harry made first move toward conversation but it hadn't gone that well.
" Er. . . what is your name?" he asked tentatively.
" Venissa Wikfield" growled back the gal. She is seemingly in towering temper.
Her face sent enough warning to keep his mouth shut after this conversation. But, when the class is over some thing unexpected has happened.
" haven't you studied any thing in past years? " asked the gal in a bossy tone.
" I – Er" Harry don't know what to answer. He just stared blankly at the gal.
" oh! Another Idiot I think. I can help you – I don't like my bench mate to be a duffer." Said Venissa in her commanding voice. Harry is astonished at the rudeness of that gal. He just known her name, she doesn't even know his name, she is calling him an idiot and duffer.
" Thank you Ms.Wikfield. but I am really poor at this work. Do you think I can ever pick up? " asked Harry politely. He should have gone out along with Dudley, uncle Vernon will be leaving. The gal surveyed him with surprised but shrewd look. It is a mixture of Dumbledore and Snape's calculating look.
" What is your name? " asked she observing Harry.
" Harry potter" answered he now checking class for Dudley with side way glance.
" well, Harry call me Venissa. Now listen. -"Venissa recited the topics with which Harry should come prepared next morning, added a warning in end. If he isn't going to come earlier, she is going to knock the hell out of him. She also said he should come one hour earlier, so that she could verify and correct his work. Harry nodded in answer – not that he has any other choice. Even Snape would have done the same if he is threatened in the voice Venissa used. As soon as she completed her speech Harry ran out side only to see uncle Vernon is about to leave. He ran toward car, sat in back seat. His uncle is clearly scowling because Harry is able to reach car in time. As soon as Dudley sat in car he started complaining about Harry.
"Daddy, Harry sat beside a black girl"this is first complaint of Dudley.
"Freaks of his kind are not allowed to sit beside normal people. "Snorted uncle Vernon. Harry sensed his anger is rising, how ever he sat there with impassive face. Dudley's complaints continued. Because of Harry, he is unable to see board, his bench mate is disturbing him, his lecturer forgot what to say while he gave him clue – (Harry wondered when Dudley has become this wise – self praise?) and his reputation which is being ruined because a dimwit like Harry is his cousin (Harry has tried his best to stifle his laugh this time.). By the time they reached home Harry is bright red because of stifling laughs. Harry ate his lunch in silence, he is again becoming moody he is starting to feel like he should be alone again. He wolfed down his food as fast as he can, washed his plate, escaped to his room. He is feeling like he is not supposed to laugh while his godfather died because of him. Again, the guilty feeling started to overtake him, this time guilty of laughing added to them.
It is not your fault, he repeated to him self. Yes, it is answered another voice in his head. If you haven't gone to Ministry of magic, he would have been alive. At least if you aren't as thick as you are he would have been alive – said another voice. I have home work – reminded Harry to him self, immediately walked out of room to ask Dudley for books. Uncle Vernon fixed him with a calculative glance, but Harry is quick upon his feet.
"Well, for a dimwit like me – more work is suggested." Answered him thinking it is a normal and convincing answer. Dudley grunted in answer.
"I am not allowing in to my room. I don't want to give my books to him" he added as an after thought.
That is if you know what books are, fool – commented Harry in his mind.
How ever, uncle Vernon took this as an opportunity to chastise Harry.
" Dudley, fetch your books" said uncle Vernon in a voice that Dudley know very well not to cross. He moved out of living room grinding his teeth, giving death glares to Harry.
After five minutes Dudley came in to Hall with two big books. Harry noticed the new smell that is coming from books. Well, that is to be expected. Dudley never opens a book. Harry suddenly had an idea.
" I don't know if I can do this with out Dudley's help sir?" said he to his uncle Vernon.
" you better start boy, Dudley will overlook your work." Said uncle Vernon. Well, the rest of evening is fun. Dudley don't know what the school books are and what to with them. Uncle Vernon constantly urged Dudley to find one or another error in Harry's work. Well, some sort of brain is needed for that, which is accidentally drowned out by his food. So Dudley tried to find some sort of error, while Harry explained it to him from scratch. By the end of evening Dudley lost his head. If he spent one more minute at his desk reading, there is a possibility of his forgetting his own name. Harry felt very, very satisfied. He don't know it is evil pleasure or not, but seeing Dudley confusedly shuffling through his books gave him a light feeling. He felt it is as revenge for the ten year old Dudley has beaten last time. Though he is shooed away from taking help of Dudley in studying, Harry is allowed to have books.
" we are doing this so that you don't spoil Dud's reputation there" said uncle Vernon.
As if, he has one. Thought Harry to him self, snorted inside at the never ending stupid ness of his uncle and cousin.
By the time Harry laid on his bed, he remembered nothing but calculations and the steps- so on. In fact his mind is tired to think of any thing so it didn't take him long time to close his mind. Harry felt he has just closed his eyes when he opened them again. Though he has one good night's sleep, he didn't feel much relaxed or rested. Well, he is up now. He dressed, made his way to break fast so that he wouldn't be late and Dudley wouldn't eat all of his breakfast. For the first time in month, he didn't felt like running away from people when he entered workshop. Uncle Vernon did leave them early not because of Harry but because it is only time that is convenient for him. Venissa is already waiting for him. In the hour they had before actual lecture, Dudley explored surroundings for picking fights, Harry is briefed on purpose of work shop by Venissa.
She has a knack for epithets, by the end of their small meeting, Harry is rated as a complete moron. Why have I sat beside this gal – moaned Harry to him self, but he didn't have much of a choice than do what he is instructed to do. However this helped very much to keep Sirirus from his mind, so he engrossed him self in studies – with or with out interest. It took only two days for Harry to become friends with Venissa, once she trusted people she is very good friend. Harry soon became interested in what he is being taught, i.e. muggle business strategy, it became more and more interesting as the days passed on. After first day of home work, Dudley is scared enough not to meddle with Harry. First test of week is announced on Monday, Venissa's enthusiasm remembered Harry strongly of Hermione. Only thing lacking is, Venissa never takes exams as seriously as Hermione, but she prepares in same way as Hermione.
Talking of Hermione, she kept her promise of calling him. She called him almost every day. She become too excited when Harry told her about work shop, Harry could imagine her bouncing on her sofa. She promised him to come to visit him for few days, though Harry told her to enjoy time with her parents.
" don't be silly Harry. I do spend time with them. Any way, there is a international seminar, they will be gone for to two weeks." Told she brushing him off.
The remaining order members also kept their promise. 24/7 guard is patrolling at privet drive. After two days, Harry almost mastered their timetable. Uncle Vernon made sure Harry is writing to his friends regularly.
But it is not what made Harry's day. On his first Sunday at privet drive, he remained in his room reading his notes in workshop. But his peace is soon interrupted by a shrill cry from aunt Petunia. Thinking of worst, Harry ran in to living room. He is astonished by the sight will be under statement of century.
Dudley stood there in door way, a funny painting on his face, eggs and tomatoes all over his body along with mud spray. On his back were writen words – " PIG KING" in capital letters. His hair is dyed to a funny color, is standing in spikes. His hair style will make Harry's look like most managed hair. Harry immediately ran toward a place where he wont be visible but he will be able to listen and see what happened in living room. He tried his best to stop any sounds emanating from him; his stomach is paining like being punched by the time he reached his room because of stifling laughter.
" Oh! Dudley ! who did this to my boy ?tell me I will make them suffer for this." – so on ranted uncle Vernon.
Dudley remained silent refusing to tell who did this. After twenty attempts from aunt petunia answer came from Dudley.
"That Evans boy and Gray girl" answered Dudley in meek tone. Uncle Vernon immediately took off at his fastest pace toward Evans house leaving Dudley in house. Harry would have thought this is best opportunity to taunt Dudley, but curiosity got better of him. He sneaked out of home while aunt petunia is on Mission clean-pig king. He ran along with uncle Vernon, closely following him with out any body noticing. His uncle's first stop came at so called Gray gal's house. His uncle took no precautions to keep his voice down. He launched in to his rants as soon as Mr. Gray opened his door.
" What is this sir? " asked uncle Vernon.
Mr. Gray gave him a funny perplexed look.
" your daughter has injured our boy with eggs and tomatoes. Not to mention dye on his hair, and rude words on his shirt. Is this what you have taught to your daughter? " asked Vernon heatedly. Harry noticed some of neighbor's heads are poking out from their windows.
" if your accusations are true then I will take proper actions sir. " answered Mr.Gray politely, but pointedly.
" Florence ?" called he turning to inside of house.
" Bloody hell" swore Harry involuntarily.
The expression on uncle Vernon's face is price less. It is surprise, anger, betrayal and shock. The gal is eleven year old and she is cutest gal Harry has ever seen. She has soft chestnut curly hair, big dark eyes, cherry red lips add to this the gal is very little. Even Malfoy would stop to buy her ice-cream. Such is the innocence on her face. she will not be able to harm a flobber warm.
" Baby, Have you gone out side after noon?" asked her father. The gal is hiding behind her mother.
" No daddy" answered she in her sweetest voice from behind her mother still eyeing uncle Vernon as though he is a demon. A smile crept on Harry's face. uncle Vernon tried to speak but no words issued from his mouth. He wouldn't be able to chastise such a cute gal in front of his neighbors who have constantly complained about his boy. He turned on his heel to return to home, but Mr. Gray stopped him.
"I think you have accused our daughter sir?" said he surveying uncle Vernon.
"Sorry Mr. Gray" said uncle Vernon before stomping back. Harry would have gone back in to home but it can be hazardous to his intestines. So he did the most proper thing to do at this time. He ran toward park, once he is in park, he laughed till his eyes watered, his face is looking like an apple by the time he controlled his laughter. To any passers by he would have appeared like a lunatic. He didn't care. Any way all residents of privet drive consider him to be lunatic. He laughed his heart out for one hour when he noticed two forms in park retreating from him. He wiped his tears from eyes, looked towards the little boy and gal retreating from him.
One is the gal he has just seen. She has a look of apprehension on her face. a little boy is on her side, both are moving back wards. Harry walked toward them still with a smile on his face. the small boy moved in front of gal.
" don't touch her" said the little boy. In any other situation Harry would have answered with a retort but he is too excited to do that now.
" don't be silly boy. " he snapped at the little boy in very snapish way. Then he smiled again at the little boy who is still looking at him with apprehension.
" what is your name? " he asked – but his voice has become raspy from all laughing.
" Mark Evans." Answered boy.
" and you are Florence Gray! Right? " said Harry turning towards the gal who is still eyeing him fearfully.
He smiled again at the pair of them.
" Have you done that to Dudley? " asked he looking at both of them. Mark nodded yes while Florence nodded to a no.
" Hey! Come on. you have done a great job! Now, tell me have you done that to Dudley? " asked Harry again. This seemed to reduce the fear in both of them. This time they both nodded in yes.
"congratulations! " said Harry giving them a big smile.
They both looked very elated at the appreciation but still seemed a little doubtful about Harry's behavior. In fact Harry can say they both are bouncing with joy at being appreciated.
" Ok. I am Harry potter." He introduced him self, shook hands of children heartily.
"next time you do some thing like this ask for my service. " said he.
"now if you two are as brave as I think you are, then tell me how you did this." Said Harry walking toward the swings, occupying middle one. Florence and Mark sat on either side of him and started talking. In fact they both seem very enthusiastic about their first victory, since Harry listened to them with patience they retold the tale three times. Harry laughed for the first time in holidays, he promised he would take care of both of them in case Dud's group planned any retaliation.
Actually, Florence is the one to plan the prank. She has given mark a sweet box containing sweets that make people sleep. Mark then walked in front of Dudley's gang holding the box as though he is hiding it from them. As usual, Dudley confiscated the box from Mark, Mark quitted scene soon enough to escape any injuries. After that it took fifteen minutes for the group to become unconscious. Florence fetched paints while Mark brought eggs and tomatoes. They both done the job rather effectively and left Dudley co on road. But, probably one of gal friends of the group has seen them from behind so now their secret is out. Not that any would believe but Dudley may target Mark again. Harry promised to escort them in park every evening, walked home making a mental note to him self to order best of Honeydukes chocolate for both Florence and Mark. As soon as he reached home, he sent a letter to Remus asking to deliver him some of candy, if possible in person.
Next day at four in evening, Harry headed to Mrs. Figg's house. He greeted Mrs. Figg as usual, and waited there for arrival of Remus. He has told Remus to come there in code because Harry has doubted some one might poison the chocolate if they know it is for him. Remus popped in due time with a loud crank.
" Hello Harry" said he almost cheerfully.
" Hi Remus" greeted Harry. He observed Remus closely for a moment. His eyes has sunken more, he has become more peaky and shabby than ever. Harry felt a sudden wave of guilty again at the sight of Remus. His face is cheerful but there is an empty expression in his face which is clearly showing how much Sirius's death has affected him.
He fumbled in his pocket, pulled out some photographs. Harry eyed them curiously. But he is shocked when he has seen the photographs. They are his photographs laughing uncontrollably in park.
"How in the name of Merlin you got these? "asked Harry surprised.
"well, Tonks always carries a camera with her. It is Dumbledore's idea actually. If a attack occurs, then we would be able to provide some evidence." Answered Remus.
"Ok. I am very happy to see you are getting over Sirius's death. He would have loved to see you like this" said Remus looking at the photos fondly.
This sobered Harry, Remus's werewolf senses observed the change rather quickly.
"Listen Harry! Sirius death is fate. It would have happened whether or not you have come there."
" No! if I haven't gone charging to Ministry it wouldn't have happened" croaked Harry .
"Ok. I believe you. Now listen to this. you know Order members are guarding prophecy. Don't u? " asked Remus.
" Yes." Answered Harry.
" well, now at first Voldemort tried to retrieve the prophecy by him self. Didn't he? " asked Remus.
" Yeah." Answered Harry wondering what he is about to tell.
" if you haven't intervened, then he would have tried to retrieve the prophecy by himself. Don't you think? "
Harry fell in to deep cogitation. It made sense. If he hasn't intervened then Voldemort would have tried to get prophecy by him self.
" well, yes but-" Remus cut him off.
" then at least one of order members would have been alerted. Since Sirius is present at order all the time, he would have gone immediately to spot after alerting order members since he is nearest to Ministry. Do you think Sirius would have had a chance against Voldemort ? " asked Remus.
Harry was unable to answer him. He sat there his head bent in resignation.
" Listen Harry, this is not what Sirius would have wished for you. where ever we are our beloved ones will be watching over us. This is what Sirius would have liked you to be. " said Remus shoving photographs in Harry's face.
" Now, tell me what is reason of this laughter?" asked Remus with out giving Harry much time for thinking.
Harry explained what happened yesterday, he even invited Remus to see the memory in his mind. Remus gladly complied, laughed for fifteen minutes with out stopping. This cheered Harry immediately, he too began laughing after five minutes seeing Remus's mad laughter.
"Sirius would have loved to see this memory. Not that he can't see, he would have been rolling over in clouds by now. " said Remus after controlling his laughter.
"do you think he would have ? " asked Harry looking brightly at Remus.
"Oh Yeah. He would have fallen in to first pit only to bounce back, and knock James over. He loved to knock James by rolling on floor." Said Remus.
For the first time in this year, life is sparkling in both person's faces.
"Sirius knocked my father? " asked Harry curiously.
"Yeah. Actually, it is how laughing begins. your father and Sirius would plan a prank, after pulling it, Sirius was always first one to start laughing. James preferred laughing but he has the decency to stand while laughing. But Sirius loved to roll over while laughing. Since James wouldn't do it, he would always knock James to floor, it would take some time on James part to stand again. Laughing uncontrollably doesn't help the fact." Said Remus with a dreamy smile on his face. he sat there smiling in reminiscence.
"Harry we have enjoyed our school. your father never hexed any one unless he has known that the person deserves being punished. Heck! That is how our first quarrel with Snape started. he hexed Wormtail for fun, your father stood up to rescue the rat. Now I regret it, but at that time it seemed correct thing to do." Said Remus frowning at the memory.
" It's ok Remus. Who would have guessed future? "said Harry consolingly.
" that gal is very cute. If Sirius is here, he would have bought biggest ice cream for her." Said Remus, but he suddenly remembered some thing.
" Hey! That is why you asked for Chocolate? Didn't u? " asked he giving out chocolate boxes.
" Yeah. Thank you." said Harry taking the chocolate boxes.
" you are welcome." Said Remus getting up from his seat.
" Remus? " called he softly as Remus prepared to leave.
" Yeah? " he turned around.
"thank you for coming and talking to me." Said Harry hugging Remus.
" you are most welcome " said Remus.
" do you think you can come and talk daily? " asked Harry.
" I would love it." Answered Remus, his eyes filled with a gleam which Harry has seen only when he is talking to Sirius.
The day went normally after that. Florence and Mark jumped with joy when Harry has given them chocolate. After that they talked so much Harry thought it would be very likely his ears would explode. He returned home in highest spirits possible. He is again hunted by night mares in night, but this time it turned in to good dream after a minute. Sirius has fallen over veil, this time Harry is able to follow him in to the veil. He felt like he is dropping from a great height, then landed on soft white mass that is very similar to smoke. His mum and dad are kissing each other, but Sirius is standing behind nearest tree, aiming a catapult to James's back. Harry smiled involuntarily, Sirius released the stone, Ran toward nearest bush to hide. James turned toward tree with a frown on his face, his mother following him closely. Suddenly, there is a gash of green light, Harry woke up with a start. His dream is good, but what does green light meant? Is he again in Voldemort's mind? Harry quickly practiced his occulemency, continued to sleep. He slept peacefully, awoken at six in morning because of a mad twittering sound coming from above. Pig is zooming around in his room, a small parchment is tied to its leg. Harry caught the owl, he released the owl of letters. Ron and Ginny sent the letters. He thought he should send one to twins soon.
The letters are just normal, telling him to control his temper and with promise to take him out of privet drive as soon as possible. For the first time in his life, Harry felt he can bear one month at privet drive, and even enjoy it. Well, Florence has planned another good joke for to night. He answered Ron and Ginny's letters first telling them not to worry much, he is fine. He even mentioned he is feeling well to stay two months of holidays over here. Going to Grimmaud place didn't appeal to him much. He then asked twins for products which are easily reversible, look like muggle jokes. He told them about the prank that is played against Dudley, asked them if they have any non magical looking stuff for doing that. He wrote another letter to Remus asking him to retrieve some money from his vault and changing it to muggle currency.
Harry entered his class uneasily. If he got any grade less than B, Venissa will be driven crazy. She made it clear to him that since she has taken pain of teaching him for one week, he must and should get good marks. Soon, the grades are announced, Venissa is the top student. There are no one near her, Harry scraped an average grade. Venissa is happy to see the grade, in fact she is surprised to see Harry is able to get an average. Then she proposed to go to dinner in some restaurant to celebrate. Harry has never gone to any restaurant, Dursley's never taken him any where. Harry agreed almost instantaneously, Venissa fixed time as 7 o'clock. They both are in good mood by the time they left institute. Rest of day has gone very well, talking with Remus proved to be very useful.
Venissa picked him promptly at 7 p.m. , his uncle muttered some thing about freaks and niggers. Harry controlled his anger barely, got in to car, urged Venissa to leave immediately. His face is very red from anger, he kept saying to him self to cool down.
" Harry! It is ok. I get it always and I pity them. Don't worry. " spoke Venissa after some time.
" They have no right." Answered Harry still struggling to control his anger.
" Thank you for saying it. you know, when I came to this country, I thought I will never meet a person with brain. Well, now I understand how this country managed to survive. It has survived because of people like you. " said Venissa with a small smile.
" don't flatter me. " growled Harry but he couldn't help laughing.
" I don't like it Venissa. How can people be so blind? They don't even know you and they are insulting you. and you are loads better than their stuffed up son." Said Harry aggressively.
"yes, I agree. That is why no one prefer to sit beside me. If there are any one who could have beaten me with a small margin then they would never have allowed me to be top of class." Said Venissa wisely.
Harry has to agree with her. He has seen the lecturer's behavior. Not that all of them are showing bigotry, but if there are any one who is almost as competent as Venissa, they would have been teacher's pet. They parked in front of a Indian restaurant, it is not very opulent, but it is good looking. It is adorned in red and gold, Harry thought whether the owner is griffyndor. However it is very different from their decoration. The red and gold vines are intertwined too much, mirrors are used too much, they added a ethereal glow to the place.
" this is rajasthany style. " said Venissa occupying a seat.
Harry nodded while Venissa proceeded to explain. It seemed that she almost know every thing. After five minutes of listening to Architecture and famous building Harry asked his first question – not out of curiosity, simply to stop him self from falling asleep.
" How did you know this? "
" I have read it some where. " said Venissa brushing his question and taking menu.
" so what would you like ? " asked she going through menu.
" I have no idea. " answered Harry truthfully.
" you have never gone to a restaurant? " asked Venissa frowning.
" well. No. " answered Harry.
" Ok. Il order then. I think you should see best of this restaurant." After one hour they have dined on samosas, biryani and chicken tikka. She ordered basundi for dessert, Harry made a mental note to him self that he should ask Dobby to learn all these varieties. He loved his outing experience, it is the first time ever in his life to have a contended meal out side magical world. They exited restaurant at nine, still talking about places they should see.
" enjoying with a nigger? " said a sarcastic voice behind him.
" Oh! Fishing for a guy you nigger? you know this is not the place where you should be. There is a place for fuckers. " said another voice.
" shut up Grinch." Growled Venissa glaring at the four boys that stood opposite restaurant.
" come Harry." She tried to drag Harry who seemed to have rooted to spot now glaring at the two people.
" what are you glaring at you moron? Thinking of killing us with eyes? Well, your whore of a gal friend is better. At least she knows what her position is." Said another person looking at Venissa who is now practically tugging Harry to make him move.
" Apologize ! " said Harry in a calm tone, his voice is almost whisper.
" Oh! Sticking up for your galfriend? What are you going to do if we don't? "
the other boys snickered behind him.
" Harry lets go." Said Venissa pulling him with all her might.
" kick us? " snickerd another boy.
Even before the others could respond, Harry's fist connected with now laughing boy. The others launched in to attack immediately. Two held Harry, while the other punched him. They are in parking place, which is almost dark. Another of them caught Venissa, he is too hefty for her to react in any way. After one hour of beating, they left unconscious Harry on floor in a mass of blood. He vaguely remembered their leaving with an warning to Venissa to behave, and another kick to him. One of them is obviously a boxing champ, even Dudley is afraid of picking a fight with him. He lost his conscious ness completely as Venissa carried him to car, shoved him in to back seat crying uncontrollably.
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