Chapter 5

The Trials of Vernon Dursley

Monday morning came quickly, and both Harry and Petunia were preparing to go to court. That Saturday, Petunia had gone shopping with Hermione and her mother, Angela, while Harry and Robert Granger went to one of London's finest haberdashers for new clothing. After seeing Harry in his new clothing, Hermione had squealed and kissed his cheek, causing him to blush so deeply, his face resembled the famous Weasley hair. All three adults started laughing, and Petunia began teasing Harry about his peculiar fondness for tomatoes, seeing that he wanted to resemble his favorite fruit.

Petunia was putting her earrings in when Harry knocked on the door and entered the room, his tie hanging loosely.

"Aunt Petunia, could you..." Petunia shook her head as she began to knot the tie.

"After 5 years at Hogwarts, and you still can't tie your tie?" His aunt grinned as she finished and looked at her nephew. "Do you think that I'll always be here?"

"Well..."

"Perhaps Hermione is good at this. Have you told her yet?"

"Told her what?"

"That you like her...as more than a friend."

"Aunt Petunia!"

"I'm not blind, Harry. You are head over heels for that girl, and I assure you that she feels the same way."

"Really?"

"I knew you liked her. When are you planning on putting the poor girl out of her misery and let her know?"

"Are you sure she feels this way?"

"She confessed it to Angela and myself Saturday that she was 100 in love with you, dear nephew. Why don't you tell her this afternoon after we get back?"

"I will, but on that note, we had better get going." The two walked downstairs where the Grangers were waiting.

Harry and Petunia led the party into the crowded courtroom. Robert, Angela and Hermione Granger took seats in the back of the room. Harry and Petunia had almost reached their table when they were spun around and faced Vernon and his sister Marge. The siblings began punching Harry and Petunia until the bailiffs separated them. The judge was shouting for order and the Dursley siblings were forced into their chairs. The judge cleared his throat and frowned at Vernon and glanced at the papers.

"From the evidence presented, including the horrific display in my courtroom. I am prepared to render my verdict. I grant a decree of divorce to Petunia Evans Dursley from Vernon William Dursley. Petunia Evans Dursley retains sole legal and physical custody of her son Dudley Vernon Dursley and her nephew Harry James Potter. Vernon William Dursley, you are hereby ordered to pay 500e alimony and 350e in child support. This will be sent to the court on the first of every month. Any failure to pay will result in a garnishment of wages. Also, effective immediately, a restraining order against Vernon William Dursley and Marjorie Amelia Dursley. You are not to come within 200 meters of Petunia Evans Dursley, Dudley Vernon Dursley, or Harry James Potter. Finally, Vernon William Dursley and Marjorie Amelia Dursley, due to your horrific behavior this morning, I find you guilty of contempt of court and willful assault and hereby sentence you both to 60 days in gaol. Case dissmissed.

"Well," Petunia said with a smile, "I believe that this calls for a celebration. How about lunch at the Ivy. My treat." All five left smiling as they made their way outside.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Petunia leaned over toward her nephew. "Have you told her yet?" Harry shook his head and stood up.

"Hermione, can I talk to you for a minute?" The pair walked outside and sat down on a nearby bench.

"What is it Harry?" Harry took a deep breath and took her hand.

"Hermione, I...like you."

"I like you too, Harry. You're one of my best friends." Harry shook his head.

"I mean I really, really like you...as a girl..."Hermione looked down at her hands. "I mean, if you don't..."

"Shut up, Harry." Hermione whispered, leaning over to kiss him. Harry broke the kiss.

"You really mean it?" She nodded, and Harry kissed her again, pulling her into an embrace. The pair kept kissing until they heard a familiar voice.

"All right you two, I'm too young to become a great-aunt."

"And we are too young to be grandparents." Harry and Hermione broke apart, blushing and looked up at the grinning adults. Petunia walked over, still smiling.

"You two had better come inside. It's time to eat." Harry and Hermione stood up and linked hands. Walking into the restaurant, Harry suddenly stopped.

"What's the matter, Harry?"

"How are we going to explain this to Ron?"