"Harry we can't stand here all night" Hermione scolded him, "it is silly and unsafe"
"I know" Harry sighed.
The trio was standing on the curb in front of Number 4 Privet Drive. Half and hour had passed with them standing on the curb and Harry made no motions to go to the door. Part of him was very excited-knowing this was the last time he would ever be there. But part of him was very scared-the Durlsey's always made Harry feel stupid and he didn't really want Ron and Hermione to witness his verbal (and possibly physical) abuse.
Hermione lifted her suitcase up and headed for the door. Ron looked at Harry with sympathy- "Come on mate" Ron urged, "We don't have a lot of time here"
Harry nodded and followed his friends. Hermione hung back and let Harry knock on the door. He shifted uncomfortable waiting for one of his relatives to answer the door. A few moments later the door swung open revealing Dudley. Harry's cousin stared blankly and continued chewing on his doughnut.
"What are you doing here?" Dudley finally asked.
"I sort of live here" Harry mumbled pushing his way inside. "I wont be living here much longer but…" Harry trailed off looking for his uncle Vernon.
"Dad isn't here," Dudley told him. "He is on a business trip for a week"
"Best news I have heard all year" Harry muttered. Ron and Hermione both stifled a laugh.
"What are you doing here?" Petunia asked-She came into the living room with her arms crossed over her chest and she glared at her nephew.
"According to Dumbledore I have to stay here one last time before my seventeenth birthday" Harry told her. "I am not sure exactly how long I have to stay here-he never said. But Dudders here tells me Uncle Vernon is away for a week-so I will be staying a week" Petunia looked over at Ron and Hermione. "These are my friends-Ron and Hermione. They will be staying here also. Treat them-well treat them as well as you can"
Petunia didn't reply immediately. She looked at Harry for a moment and they saw her face soften a little bit. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "I could make you some dinner"
Harry didn't really know what to say to her so he just nodded. Her attitude didn't make sense. He motioned for Ron and Hermione to follow. The trio went into the kitchen and stood around the table. Petunia opened the refrigerator and started to make sandwiches. Dudley came in whining.
"Mummy-they can't stay here" Dudley whimpered, "Piers is staying here for the summer"
"Duddy- darling" petunia cooed, "Please-there is nothing mummy can do-they wont be here long. Don't worry "
Dudley shut up but glared at his Harry and his friends. Petunia sat small plates down on the table. "Go on sit down" she said. Ron and Hermione were obviously waiting for Harry to sit before they did.
Harry looked over at Dudley to see if his cousin was still pouting but he wasn't. Dudley was staring at Hermione in a way that both embarrassed and offended him. Harry looked over at Hermione- her clothes weren't too revealing but it was summer and Hermione was wearing cut off shorts and a tank top. She was oblivious to Dudley's leering. Harry elbowed Ron; "Give Hermione your shirt" Harry hissed referring to the button up Ron was wearing over a t-shirt. Ron looked confused for a moment.
"What?" he asked. Harry motioned to Dudley. Ron followed Dudley's stare and it only took Ron a minute to realize what was going on. Ron shrugged off his over shirt and handed it to Hermione." Put this on" he whispered.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"Put this on before I punch his smug little face," Ron snarled still looking at Dudley. Hermione looked over at Dudley and quickly realized what was going on. She gave a Dudley a disgusted glare and slipped the shirt on.
"Dudley-please" Harry said, 'Try to act half-way decent"
"What?" Dudley asked trying to look innocent.
"Stop looking at my friend like she is a piece of meat" Harry replied. "That is rude"
"I-I" Dudley stuttered. He smirked at Harry, "What is she your girlfriend?"
Harry shook his head and started to reply but Ron broke in. "No- she is my girlfriend and if you continue looking at her like that I will break arm"
Harry couldn't help but laugh. Dudley looked terrified he backed slowly out of the room and ran away. Harry looked over at Ron who was suddenly blushing. Hermione was also blushing and looked shocked. It took Harry a moment to make the connection. Girlfriend-Harry thought-since when is Hermione Ron's girlfriend. Harry decided to let it go for now.
"Here" Petunia said sitting the food on the table along with three sodas. She paused and waited for them to start eating. "Dudley's friend Piers is staying here this summer and he is in your old room."
"Guess it is back to the broom cupboard for me" Harry said under his breath.
"Actually" Petunia started. "We started redoing the attic this year. It isn't finished but you could still sleep comfortable up there"
Harry regarded her silently for a moment and nodded, "Ok-thanks"
"While you are eating I will bring out some blankets and such" Petunia said and left the kitchen quickly.
Ron and Hermione stared at their food. Harry shrugged and started eating. The silence was deafening and he realized the two of them had an awful lot to work out. His thoughts slipped back to Ginny. The wedding was over- what was she doing now?
