Chapter III
The next morning, Harry was brought abruptly out of a rather pleasant dream by the alarm on his bedstand. He cracked open a bleary eye and peered at the clock-face. It took him a few moments to realize that he could actually see the numbers, and he whooped with joy when he did.
It was half nine, so Harry decided that he would venture out to muggle London to have brunch and buy a new outfit. He would buy the rest in Japan, because he would otherwise exceed his baggage allowance on the plane. In the end, he had bought a pair of black slacks and a grey button-up, as well as some new shoes.
He then headed to a large electronics store, where he bought a discman and several cds that appeared interesting, including some Japanese. He wandered through several more aisles looking for things to pass time on the airplane, and decided on a Gameboy. Noting the time, he made his purchases and headed back to the Leaky Cauldron.
Harry had just enough time to grab some lunch before he made his way to the airport. He had an interesting time with the security guards, who wondered if he was an actor because of the "costumes and props" in his trunk. When Harry boarded the plane, he was pleased to find that he had a window seat, and settled in for the long flight to Japan.
> > > > > > > >
When the pilot announced that they would arrive in ten minutes, Harry got up and changed into his new clothing. He wanted to make an impression on the Dursleys, so he tied back his hair with a nice bit of cord as well. He got back to his seat just in time to put on his seatbelt, and the plane landed. Gathering his things, he made his way out of the plane, to the baggage collection area in the airport. He quickly spotted the Dursleys, and nearly laughed as he approached them.
Dudley had (amazingly, Harry thought) lost several pounds. Unfortunately, Dudley seemed to be of the opinion that he now had the figure of a model, from the way he was puffing his chest and swaggering about. Several girls and boys merely turned away, some sneering. However, this seemed to have no effect upon Dudley's overlarge ego.
Vernon turned toward Harry, finally recognising him. Noting the guitar case he carried, Vernon glared, and told him in no uncertain terms that he was not to play it where it could disturb them. In other words, Harry was not to play it in the apaato1 at all.
On the drive to Aoyama-ku, during which Vernon quickly grew frustrated with early-morning commuters (it was now 7:00 am, Japanese time), Vernon told Harry the rules that he was to obey. Harry would be up to cook breakfast for the Dursleys, be required to vacate the residence, and return in time to cook supper. He would be confined to his room after supper, and should make no noise. Vernon parked the car in an underground lot, and led them up to the apaato.
As the door was opened, Harry got his first glimpse of the interior of the two-floor mashon2. It had come fully furnished, with a state-of-the-art kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, and glass doors that lead to a large balcony. Harry looked about, and noticed stairs in one corner. Climbing them, he found four bedrooms, two obviously belonging to the Dursleys. He entered the room on the left at the end of the hall, and put down his belongings. In his room, he had a low futon, small bookshelf, a closet and dresser, a desk, and a table. On the desk were a stereo and laptop, obviously Vernon had thought people would find it suspicious if he removed these from Harry's room. After unpacking his trunk and placing his guitar in a corner, Harry grabbed some toiletries before heading for the shower. Toweling his hair dry when he returned, he put on some pajama pants and rummaged through a small bag for a phial. Quaffing the contents, he lay down and promised to hug whomever invented the Anti-Jet Lag Draught if he ever saw them.
> > > > > > > >
1 Apaato: apartment. I've grown so used to this term that I even tend to use it in everyday life. Very confusing for those around me at times.
2 Mashon: A two-floor(or more) apaato. Derived from "mansion," as if it were difficult to determine.
> > > > > > > >
A/N: I am very sorry that I took so long to update, I was grounded from the computer for a few months and during that time lost my muse -- But my ideas are returning, so hopefully you'll have more of a story to read very soon.
Reviews make me ever so happy, and help to improve my writing skills.