Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: Thank you for the kind reviews of Chapter 1.
Ten years later, Petunia once again blinked back tears as she regarded her sons. She was so proud of them, but her heart could hardly stand the thought of them leaving. Why, only a few years ago they had been toddlers, learning to walk and scrapping with each other at every opportunity. Petunia would try to stop them but Vernon would just laugh and say that boys would be boys. And they would: they had grown to be the stars of their football team, Harold as a forward and Dudley in the net. Football games were the only time they didn't fight. Wiping her eyes, Petunia stepped forward and tried to stop the two from belting each other with their Smeltings sticks.
Now boys! she scolded. Can you at least wait until you're at school?Aw, Mum, whined Dudley, When we're at school I'll have to protect this skinny kid from all the older boys. I have to hit him now!
Harold frowned. I can take care of myself, you know. I am the fastest boy in school.Better watch you aren't running away all the time, Harold. They don't like cowards at Smeltings.
Harold sighed, and Petunia felt his frustration. No matter what he said or did, Harold never seemed to measure up to Vernon's standards. Still, she knew that her husband loved the boy, and she was careful to spoil him a bit to make up for Vernon's seeming coldness. She didn't understand why he put up that front; she had seen how proud he was when Harold scored goals for his team, and even when he brought home a perfect test. Dudley never did either of those things, of course, but they were very proud of him too. To think that both her sons were attending such a prestigious school! And leaving home!
Mum, leave off! Harold protested. There's nothing to cry about.Your mother and I are very proud of you both, Vernon intoned. Now go try those Smeltings sticks outside in the yard, eh?Don't get your new uniforms dirty! Petunia called after them, but they gave no sign of having heard her. Sighing a little, she turned to her husband. Do you think it's safe yet?Not yet. Not until they're at Smeltings.But Vernon, we haven't heard a word from them in ten years. They must understand, he's our son, we aren't going to let them take him away.
Vernon shook his head. That lot don't think the way we do, Pet. They aren't logical. I expect we'll be hearing from them shortly. But don't you worry, he added, we'll send them packing. Petunia began, do you think we ought to ... warn Harold?What do you mean? He knows how dangerous that lot is.But he isn't expecting to hear from them. He might do something - unexpected - if he's surprised. It was a very trying fact of Petunia's life that her adopted son didn't see eye to eye with her and Vernon on some matters. Although he had a rigid inner moral code, Harold didn't conform to all of the Dursley's rules. For example, he wouldn't think twice about disobeying his parents, but it never occurred to him to cheat at football. It was odd how her sons were opposites in that way.
Hm, yes, I suppose. Better do it now, then, the letter could arrive any day.
Shaking slightly, Petunia went to call the boys inside.
Moments later, her family had gathered in the parlour. Petunia bustled around the kitchen, putting a tray together with tea and cake. In her house, food made the world go round. Entering the parlour, she smiled brightly and set the tray on the table.
Boys, your mother and I want to talk to you about something.
Dudley and Harold exchanged looks.
You remember those nutters we told you about, Harold. The lot that did your parents in.
Harold nodded, his face stony.
When you were given to us, Petunia cut in, they left a note saying that we would be hearing from them when you were older.
Harold raised an eyebrow. How old? Petunia admitted. We expect they'll send a letter any day.Well - what for? her son demanded. They left me here, didn't they? Didn't want me then, so what do they want with me now?They want you to attend some ruddy school. We won't have it, of course. You're going to Smeltings with Dudley, just like I did.
Dudley, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, then broke in. What do they want him for? He's just a speccy git. Petunia frowned at her eldest. Dudley was often jealous of Harold's intelligence and popularity, although he had many friends himself and was the apple of his father's eye.
They want Harold because my sister and that man she married were involved with their lot, and they think they have some claim to Harold. But don't worry, dear, she added, we don't intend to let them take you anywhere.