Chapter 6: Off to the unknown
Harry awoke early the following morning feeling surprisingly refreshed. He had slept through the night without the nightmares. He got out of bed and headed for the bathroom to take a shower. He noticed how quiet the house was, Uncle Vernon must not be up yet he thought. I guess I better get a move on before he gets up, no use tempting fate. He hadn't said a word to Harry in the few days he'd been home and Harry was hoping to keep it that way. He took a quick shower and went back to his room to get dressed. He'd just laced up his trainers when he heard voices, I guess the rest of the house is finally up he thought as he glanced at his clock it was six minutes til seven. Amelia said that she would be here at seven so he'd better get a move on. Harry took Hedwig out of her cage and gave her some owl treats while he tied the letters to her leg.
"Okay girl, deliver these and I'll see you in a bit." He stroked her head and she was off. Harry took one last look around the room he was happy he was leaving but he was also sad that he wouldn't be seeing his friends for a while. He grabbed his trunk in one hand and Hedwig cage in the other and headed downstairs to wait for Amelia.
On his way downstairs he passed his aunt, she looked from him to his belongings but didn't say a word. Harry was on his way through the living room towards the front door when he heard Uncle Vernon's voice.
"Just where do you think you're going boy?" he asked disdainfully. "Are those freaky friends of yours coming to get you?"
Harry sighed deeply he was hoping that he wouldn't have to go through this with his relatives. He'd hoped that they would continue to ignore him and he could just leave and everyone would be happy. Harry turned around to face his uncle and squared his shoulders. "I'm leaving" he replied. He saw the color start to creep up in his uncle's cheeks and knew that he didn't like the answer he had received. But before he could erupt Harry continued. "I will be gone for the whole year and yes someone is picking me up." And with that Harry turned and went out the door closing it behind him. Harry had to try hard not to laugh out loud he could hear is uncle blowing a serious gasket. He was going on about freaks visiting his house and how he would not stand for it anymore.
Just then he heard the screech of tires and saw a red convertible being driven by someone with bright copper hair. Harry just stared at the girl how could she be driving he was certain she wasn't old enough to get a license and how did she learn. He was still staring when he heard her voice.
"Are you gonna stand there with your mouth open all day or are you gonna get in?" Harry just nod and went about putting his trunk and Hedwig cage in the trunk which he noticed was much bigger than it should have been. He got in next to Amelia and before he had the door closed they were off. Driving with Amelia was just like riding on the Knights bus. They were whipping in and out of traffic at unbelievable speeds and before he could say anything they were at Amelia's house. Once he had his feet firmly on the ground Harry turned to Amelia. "Are you even old enough to drive?" he asked while still trying to catch his breath.
"Of course not?" she replied laughing "but who is going to tell me that I can't do it? Besides who decides when you are old enough to drive anyway? I personally don't see the point of it, so since I know how to I decided that I should. Anyway would you rather me pick you on a broom?"
Harry had to laugh at this imagine the look on his aunt and uncle's faces if she had shown up riding a broom. He was laughing hilariously now. Amelia stood and watch him laugh himself silly she had to admit it was good to hear him laugh. She loved his laugh it was such a joyous sound and she was glad she was the cause of that sound. After a few tries Harry finally composed himself. Grabbing his things from the car's trunk he turned to Amelia. "What now?" he asked. She smiled at him and answered, "now we enter the unknown."