Chapter Thirty-Nine
A/N To the guest who who wrote about my use of the WolfStar slash pairing. First of all, I am not trying to "convert" anyone. You can't convert someone to something you yourself do not participate in. (As far as I know, anyway.) WolfStar is one of my favorite couples, alongside HHR or Lunar Harmony. When I started a fanfic of my own, I saw no reason not to include them. I wrote it the way I did because I have never tried to write sex scenes before, and I saw no reason to ruin what I see as a perfectly good story with my shoddy attempts to "turn up the heat" so to speak. Enough of my small rant, on with the chapter!
Harry went straight for the cupboard as soon as he got through the door. He answered Aunt Petunia's question about Dudley with a quick "I don't know," and kept going before she could say anything else.
He tumbled into the living room to be greeted by the whole family, sand Nana.
"How was your day pup?" asked Sirius, ruffling his hair, "wait where did you get that bruise?"
"Dudley," said Harry, "don't worry, Ms. Simons gave his a good what-for about it. She even sent a note home with him about it."
Aunt B huffed, "bet that won't make it a meter out of school before it ends up on the bin,"
Harry grinned, "She thought so too. That's why she sent a copy home with me. I just wanted to show you first, so you can come with me when I give it to Aunt Petunia." He said, handing Sirius the sealed envelope.
Sirius chuckled, "good thinking, pup. Let's copy it so we can see what's up." He said as he walked to the kitchen.
After copying the note, he ripped open the envelope and read;
To Mr. and Mrs. Dursley,
Today I witnessed your son knock down your nephew and kick him in the ribs as hard as possible. While I admit there was only minor bruising in this instance, I find it troubling because I believe based on both boys' reactions, this is or was a common occurrence. I have also seen from both boys' records that you have been called in for similar situations before. At the time, it was chalked up to "boys will be boys", but now your son is at the age of responsibility. That means if this were to happen again, the school would be forced to call the police and have him charged with assault.* I will also be calling you and sending a copy of this with your nephew. Thank you.
Ms. Violet Simons
Sirius passed around the letter and turned to Harry, "are you sure you're OK?"
Harry nodded and pulled up his shirt to show the now black and blue area above his ribs, "just a bruise, see? I've had worse."
Remus huffed, "Mind if I cast a diagnostic charm on you anyway? Just to make sure."
Harry sighed, "OK go ahead."
Remus waved his wand over Harry, and smiled slightly when the charm revealed only minor bruising on his cheek and ribs, "you're good, cub. I'll get you some bruise cream later. For now, want to take this to your aunt?"
Harry made a face, "not really, but it's better to do it before Uncle Vernon comes home. Aunt Petunia will screech, but Uncle Vernon might do something to make you hex him. I like my school and I'm almost done so I don't want to leave it."
Aunt B smiled, "if you had to leave here, we'd just move the trunk to my house until school was over."
Harry grinned and hugged her, "OK let's go!"
They all trooped out of the trunk, Augusta gave a sniff at the cupboard, and the group headed toward the kitchen, where the could hear Petunia working.
She looked up from her cleaning when she heard them come in, "what are you doing in here?" she asked with a sniff.
Harry looked at his family before stepping forward and handing her the note.
"Mrs. Simons sent this to you," said Harry.
Petunia huffed and snatched it from his hand, causing everyone to scowl, "what did you do now fr-" she cut off abruptly seeing the others' faces.
"That's not about Harry," said Remus.
Petunia sniffed and tore open the envelope. Reading quickly she sniffed and glared at Harry.
"What did you do to get my sweet Diddykins in trouble you freak!?" she screeched.
Augusta boomed, "what did you just call him?!"
At the same time Remus hissed, "what did we tell you about that word?"
Harry stood up straighter, "I didn't do anything Aunt Petunia. The teacher saw Dudley hit me," he turned to Remus, " I wanted to ask you something. About what Ms. Simons said."
"What is it, cub?" Remus asked.
"What does 'charged with assault' mean? She said Dudley's at the age when he could be changed with assault."
Petunia grew pale as she read the letter again.
Remus smiled at him, "assault means that one person attacks another person. To be charged with assault means that the police will come and arrest the person, and they will go to court and a judge will decide whether they go to jail or whatever else he decides. I don't really know much about the Muggle laws beyond that."
Harry's eyes got wide, "oh. So Dudley could go to jail if he hits me again?"
Petunia grew paler as the door slammed open, causing her to jump slightly. Dudley came stomping into the room.
"Muuuuum, I'm huuungry!" he whined, "that stupid teacher kept me after school, just cause I hit the stupid free-" he cut off abruptly as he saw the group in the kitchen.
Petunia rushed to her son, "all right Diddy darling. Mommy will fix you a snack in a bit."
Dudley frowned, "but I'm hungry noooowwwww." He whined.
Petunia sighed, "we need to talk about this note first Daddy darling," she said, showing him the paper in her hand.
He scowled at the offending paper that was keeping him from his snacks. "how did you get that?" he nearly yelped before he could stop himself.
Petunia pursed her lips, "your cousin gave it to me," she said, "it says you have a copy for me, too." She held out her hand.
Dudley frowned, "I-I- he stole it!" Dudley shrieked, pointing at Harry, "he stole it out or my bag to make me look bad!"
Harry opened his mouth to say something, but Remus touched his shoulder, shaking his head before stepping in himself.
Remus looked at Dudley, "and how would you know that? You haven't even checked your bag yet," he said with a smile.
Just as Petunia was opening her mouth, the phone rang. She answered it quickly, "hello, Dursley residence. Yes, I'm Petunia Dursley. Hello Ms. Simons…..yes I read your note….I see. Yes, I understand, I'll talk to him. Goodbye." She hung up lust as quickly.
Sirius looked at her, "just so you know, if this happens again and the school has him arrested," he looked at her with a tight smile, "Harry WILL press charges, then we will leave."
"But he's a child!" waited Petunia.
"So was Harry," was his short response.
Before Petunia could respond, they heard the slam of a car door, and heavy footsteps accompanied by the jingling of keys.
Vernon Dursley was home.
