Chapter 3
Dudley the Stowaway
The Entire Dursley family piled outside, closely accompanied by Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore. They Surrounded a blue Ford Anglia.
"What is this ruddy piece of Filth doing in my driveway?" Vernon demanded.
Dumbledore ignored him. "Thank you all so much for your hospitality. Goodbye."
Dumbledore got in the car as the Dursley's filed back into the house.
"Oh, professor by Trunk…" Harry started.
"It is taken care of." Dumbledore as the truck flew out of the house and dropped itself in the trunk. "Get in."
"If I may. Why are we taking this car." Harry asked.
"I didn't have much of a choice. One day it just showed up at headquarters. Obviously the fidelius charm does not work on bewitched cars. It volunteered itself for this mission, and as you can't apparate…" Dumbledore replied.
The car slowly began rising off the ground.
"Although I understand Ron has been taking lessons, as he can get his apparating license in March. And Hermione applied for a testing date already."
Harry had forgotten that Ron would be seventeen in March and Hermione would be turning seventeen in September and therefore getting there apparation licenses. He would have to wait until next July.
They sped forward into a cloud and Dumbledore turned on the invisibility booster. "Obviously we've made some Modifications." Dumbledore said. "Arthur's been applying for a permit to mass-produce them. He believes there is a need for a family vehicle."
"So, why…" Harry began.
"Have I come to pick you up?" Dumbledore laughed. "We didn't have as much time to talk in June as I hoped we would have. And I'd be willing to bet that you and your Aunt have spent some time Chatting. Correct?"
"Yes," said Harry.
"What did she tell you?" Dumbledore asked.
"Not much. She told me that she's been in contact with you."
"Yes, I've been keeping her informed on our situation since before you came to Hogwarts." Dumbledore replied. "It wasn't a big secret."
"She also told me…" Harry said.
"About the veil?" Dumbledore said.
Harry Didn't reply.
"Yes, I'd imagined so. I did build the veil that brought the end of Sirius' life." Dumbledore smiled. "Death is but the next great adventure."
"Why did you…"
"I built it for personal reasons. They are unimportant," Dumbledore said. Harry knew it was true, and by the tone of voice, didn't think the subject needed anymore prodding. "Ah, we're here."
They descended on a London street. Harry recognized the Leaky Cauldron.
"Is the new headquarters in Diagon Ally?"
"In a manner of speaking." Dumbledore smiled. "Go inform our stowaway that we've arrived."
"Stowaway?" Harry asked.
"In the trunk." Dumbledore tossed the keys at Harry. Who walked around and unlocked the trunk finding non-other then Dudley sleeping on his back.
"Dudley!" Harry screamed. More out of Surprise then Anger.
He awoke with a start. "Where are we?"
"London, Get out of there!" Harry Grabbed Dudley's hand and pulled him out of the trunk.
"Wat're we doin' in londin?" Dudley asked, almost incoherently.
"Why…What are you doing here?" Harry Asked.
"Uh…" Dudley seemed to remember why he'd shoved himself into the trunk.
"You need to go home." Harry said,
"I want to see more magic!" Dudley yelled. "C'mon Harry, you're like a superhero! Magic is cool. Just think what you could…"
"No, no thinking. Thinking plus Dudley equals bad!" Harry Screamed.
Dudley bent down on his knees. "Please Harry!"
"Did I mention I'm having a very strange night?"
Dumbledore brought Dudley inside. The Leaky cauldron, which was an odd experience because Dudley couldn't see it. Dumbledore put some floo powder in the fire and sent Dudley back to Number 4 Privet Drive.
"I'd love to see him come back through. The fireplace is still boarded up!" Harry Said.
