I do not own Harry Potter or any part of this universe, although my dad bought me a Latin translation of Book One. Now I just have to learn Latin.
I apologize for the sickening delay in updating. I swear to never abandon a story and to update far more often.
Another quarter hour of the meeting found Petunia feeling quite anxious. While she understood that everything had to be planned out carefully to ensure success, she had many preparations to finish herself and was not what one might call a patient person.
"Well, Mr. Perks, Vernon dear, I believe I shall take my leave of you now. After all, you're both far better suited to this task than I am and I still have much to do to get ready," Petunia simpered, knowing that flattery was the best way to ensure her husband didn't ask to many questions about her activities.
"Of course, Pet. You needn't worry your pretty head over a thing. I'll handle everything."
"Yes, Mrs. Dursley," agreed Mr. Perks, "there's no need to keep you here while we iron out the details."
Contrary to her public persona, Petunia Dursley wasn't opposed to magic if it could make her life easier. She would never tell Vernon but she was, in fact, a squib. When she came of age, an owl delivered a package to her. She was furious, assuming it to be a gift from Lily, disgusted that her sister would encroach on her life with such abnormalities.
The package was actually from the Ministry of Magic, explaining her status in the Wizarding World and offering information on QuikSpells, how to get a wand and other points of interest. She refused to believe it and put the package away for several years. She avoided asking herself why she didn't just throw it away. Later, during a rare visit to her sister, she saw how easy Lily's life appeared, conjuring teas and biscuits with a gesture, cleaning with a word. Petunia went home and pulled out the information and soon became very good at her QuikSpells and the use of pre-made potions in her home and life.
She hoped the boy would not comment on her obvious use of magic when he returned the next day. She had gone to a great deal of trouble to dissuade him from asking questions, but he had grown bolder with every year spent at that infernal school. And while Petunia would naturally deny it, she hadn't helped things with her apparent knowledge of the Wizarding World the previous summer.
Realizing she was in London and nearing her destination, Petunia put such unpleasant thoughts out of her head for the time being and pulled into an open parking space, carefully locking her car. Sneering at the unkempt state of the street, she made her way to the apothecary and purchased the potions she needed. She sighed as she stocked up on her usual housekeeping potions as well, she would need them this summer.
As she quickly walked back to her car, Petunia mused on the idea that an apothecary should be opened nearer to Surrey. She certainly didn't enjoy the long drive and what excuse could she give were she seen in the less than reputable area. Petunia Dursley shook her head at her own ridiculousness, no one she associated with would ever be seen in the dodgy part of London and she certainly wouldn't want a bunch of freaks any closer to her neighborhood than they had to be. While Petunia would use magic, she still thought herself above witches and wizards, never pausing to think that they would look down on her.
Vernon Dursley returned home early that evening in a jovial mood. He set down his briefcase and made his way into the kitchen, pausing to kiss his wife as he took a beer out and sat down at the table, "Well, I got everything taken care of with no fuss. We should have done this years ago."
"Yes dear, but the important this is that it has been taken care of. I've finished things around here…I also made a list of thing I want the boy to do as soon as he gets here. There's no point in letting him slack off when we need work done."
"Of course, of course! Now where's Dudley? I think a family dinner is in order."
"I let him stay the night at Pier's. You know how much they miss each other over the school year. No matter how popular our little Dudders is he's still friendly with the boys he grew up with. It's so darling. He promised to be home in the morning. I'm taking him shopping before we go to the station. Shouldn't waste a trip to London, after all."
"Quite right. What do you sat we have a night out on the town, my precious pokie?"
"Oh Vernon! That sounds lovely, I'll just go freshen up."
The next morning dawned warm and bright on Privet Drive. Upon Dudley's return home, the Dursley's squeezed into the family car and set off for London. Several hours, many stores and a large sum of money later, the Dursley's made their way to King's Cross Station.
Vernon Dursley turned to his son and said, "I know in the past we've depended on you to help us keep the freak in line, but your mother and I want you to ignore him today and tomorrow. He isn't going to be a bother to any of us after that, but we can't risk anything that might make him contact his freaky friends or call notice from anyone watching him. This will be difficult, I understand how the boy provokes you, but we need you to do this for the family. It's just until tomorrow night. If you make me proud in this, well, maybe we'll see about that car for your birthday."
Dudley scrunched up his face with the obvious effort of thought, "You mean if I can ignore Harry for two days you'll buy me a car?"
"That's right Duddypoo," his mother interjected.
"I guess that would be okay. I'll have to tell Piers, though. He had something special planned."
"That's my boy. Now, let's get this over with."