SECOND BEST BIRTHDAY
A/N: The first year is gone at last. Now it is time for the second year. I am going to make it more different from the books than the first one. Thanks for all the people who are following me, and the stories. Enjoy!
The summer break after the first was very much better than any of the days Natasha had stayed with Dursleys. Natasha was allowed to keep all her books at home, and was allowed to write her homework as long as she did not bother them. As for the Dursleys, they mostly ignored the fact that she was there at their did not mind their behavior,as it did not bother her too, and she was left left to do her work peacefully. The only problem she faced was that, she was not able to let her owl out. This angered her owl a lot, and screeched at her every now and then. One time her screech was so loud that uncle Vernon lost his temper and shouted at her to keep the owl quiet. Fearing that the little freedom that she got may also go, Natasha did not argue. Natasha was very careful not to say anything about magic, or school in front of her family for the fear of them getting angry. But Natasha was not feeling good, because none of her friends had written a single letter to her. She was already starting to miss her school her best friends and her classmates, her Professors, mail arriving by owl, eating banquets in the Great Hall, sleeping in her four-poster bed in the tower dormitory, visiting the gamekeeper, Hagrid, in his cabin next to the Forbidden Forest in the grounds, and, especially, Quidditch, the most popular sport in the wizarding world. But her books and broomstick which were with her, reminded that it was not a dream. She found solace in her books, while waiting for an owl to come. But the waiting was hopeless till now. She spent many nights crying, as she was missing all of her friends. She Ron, Hermione, Neville, Lavender,Parvati, even Draco.
Her twelfth birthday was no better than her other ones. Dursleys ignored that it was her birthday, but called her to come to them for something. Natasha was surprised, and thought that they actually remembered her birthday. They were at least nicer than they were before, now. Natasha went and asked," What is it uncle Vernon?". Uncle Vernon said,"Something very important is going to happen today. I am going to be visited by the Mason family today, to impress them so that i can try to make the biggest deal of my career.". "How does that involve me, Uncle Vernon?",Natasha asked. "Well, Mr and Mrs Mason are people who like girl children very much. I want you to make a good impression on them, so that they will sign the deal. You better help me girl, else I will make sure that you will not go to that school of yours.",Vernon said angrily. Natasha knew she had to do this as, she had been treated very well this summer, and she thought she could repay them by doing this. "OK, Uncle Vernon. I will do it.",Natasha said. "We should all be in position at eight o'clock. Petunia, you will be -?", uncle Vernon said. "In the lounge," said Aunt Petunia promptly, "waiting to welcome them graciously to our home.". "Good, good. And Dudley?", uncle Vernon said. "I'll be waiting to open the door." Dudley put on a foul, simpering smile. "May I take your coats, Mr. and Mrs. Mason?". "Excellent, Dudley.",Uncle Vernon said. "And Natasha,you will greet them and lead them them to the living room. Be polite and nice,and do not show any abnormality of yours. They don't know about it. I have said them that you are going to a boarding school.",uncle Vernon said. Natasha nodded in agreement.
"I'll announce dinner," said Aunt Petunia. "And you girl, will ask them to come to the kitchen.",Vernon said to Natasha. "I will keep the chairs ready, and make them sit.",Dudley said. "My perfect little gentleman!" sniffed Aunt Petunia. Natasha was close to laughing, but controlled her laugh. "Precisely. Now, we should aim to get in a few good compliments at dinner. Petunia, any ideas?", Vernon said. "Vernon tells me you're a wonderful golfer, Mr. Mason... Do tell me where you bought your dress, Mrs. Mason ...", Petunia said. "Perfect! What can the girl do, Petunia?",Vernon said. "Maybe she can tell that she wrote an essay about Mr mason at school. I will also tell that she is the one who cooked the dinner. That might impress them more.", aunt Petunia said. Natasha knew they were desperate to get this deal going,as they would never tell good about her in front of someone else. "I will talk about Mr Mason's style of dressing, and tell that i would like to copy him in future.",Dudley added. This was too much for both Aunt Petunia. Aunt Petunia burst into tears and hugged her son. Natasha was again struggling to control her laughter at the things they were doing, and making her do. "Right - I'm off into town to pick up the dinner jackets for Dudley and me. Girl! You will have to go with your aunt to buy a new dress. The Masons can't see you in this dress.", Uncle Vernon said. Natasha was surprised by this, as the Dursleys never had taken her to buy her new clothes. She was very happy and excited. She had breakfast quickly and at 11 her aunt took her to a nearby clothing shop, and gave her a nice skirt and shirt, which Natasha knew looked good on her. They reached back, just in time for their lunch. Natasha had her lunch, and decided to take a nap, as she was really tired.
By the time she woke up, it was nearly five in the evening. Natasha was greeted by an angry aunt Petunia. "You better start getting ready, girl. The Masons will arrive at six-fifteen.", Petunia told. Natasha wanted to argue that there was one more hour, but decided against it. She did not want to make her aunt even more angry. She was now allowed to take her time in shower, so she bathe properly so that she will look really good. She knew she had to impress Masons so that she could be treated the same rest of her holidays. She took a bath that lasted for nearly 15 minutes, and then went to the room to get ready. Aunt Petunia was waiting in her room, and gave her, her dress and said,"Go and change girl, I will do the rest.". Aunt Petunia went out, so that she can change her dress and Natasha closed the door. Natasha changed her clothes, and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She definitely looked good. Natasha let aunt Petunia in, and she made some changes to her attire, and made changes herself. After Natasha got ready, they went out her room. Dudley had already gotten ready, and was waiting in the room. Dudley looked at Natasha in wonder at first, but turned away immediately. Uncle Vernon arrived at around five forty five. "The Masons will arrive within half an hour, you all better be ready.",uncle Vernon said to them all. Then he turned to Natasha and said,"I am telling you,girl. I don't want any funny business here, this is very important, I don't want it to be ruined by you.". "OK uncle Vernon.",Natasha said. At exactly six fifteen, the doorbell rang. Dudley nearly ran, and opened the door to let the Masons in. Natasha also went to greet them. Dudley greeted the Masons first and took Mrs Masons coat immediately, and went on to hang it. "Welcome, Mr and Mrs Mason. I will escort you to the living room.", Natasha greeted. "Ohhh.. What a sweet little girl!",Mrs Mason said. "You must be Vernon's niece. What is your name?". "Its Natasha, mam. Natasha Potter.",Natasha said with a slight blush as she escorted them to the living room.
Uncle Vernon greeted them, in the living room and they exchanged pleasantries. Natasha was thrown questions every now and then, about her school life. She told that her school life was really good, and could not tell more because of the ,magical part of it. Uncle Vernon thankfully informed them that, she was admitted into the school as soon as she was born. Uncle Vernon had already informed them that, her parents had been killed in a car crash, so they did not ask her any questions about that. Even Dudley was asked questions about his school life. The Masons were very impressed,when they heard that Natasha and Dudley were on the top of their classes. Natasha knew that, Dudley being on the top of the class was a lie. She struggled not to laugh. Aunt Petunia came out of the kitchen, and announced dinner. They then went to the dining table. Natasha helped her aunt to arrange the plates on the table, and also served the food to each of them. All of them started eating as soon as the dishes were served. Then came Natasha's turn of informing the Masons about the essay, she had written. She struggled not to burst out laughing, as she told it. Masons were impressed by this, but Natasha knew that they are taking it as a joke. Then Dudley talked about Mr Mason's style of clothing. It was also a really funny thing. By that time, they had finished the main course,and went on to eat the dessert. The Masons were very much impressed by the preparation of it, and complemented it nicely. Aunt Petunia announced that it was prepared by Natasha. The Masons got really happy, and congratulated her, for her delicious cooking.
Uncle Vernon then took Mr Mason to the living room to discuss about the deal, and Natasha helped her aunt to clean the dishes. Her aunt was speaking to Mrs Mason while cleaning. Natasha had come to know that Mrs Mason's real name was Maria. Then to Natasha's surprise Mrs Mason asked,"Hey Petunia, do you know the Grangers?". Natasha was shocked. "How does she know about the Grangers?",she thought. "Of course! They are our family dentists. What about them?", Aunt Petunia asked. "Well, even they told that, they have sent their daughter to a boarding school in Scotland. I think her name is Hermione. Do you know her, Natasha?",Mrs Mason asked. "Yeah, Mrs Mason, she is my classmate and my best friend.",Natasha said. Aunt Petunia stared at her, as if asking her,"are you serious?". Natasha nodded to her. Her aunt did not say anything else to her. "That is really good to know, Natasha.",Mrs Mason told. Then aunt Petunia changed her topic to cooking, so that she could skip the topic. After every dish was washed and cleaned, they went back to the living room,to find uncle Vernon and Mr Mason in a cheerful mood. Dudley was sitting next to his dad. "We have made a really good deal with each other, Mr Dursley. I really wish to have more dealings with you in the future too.",Mr Mason said. Natasha was very happy that things worked out very well without any incident. After telling their final goodbyes, the Mason family left happily.
Just after the Mason family left the home, there was a loud cheer in the home. Uncle Vernon danced around the room, holding aunt Petunia. "We did it! We did it!", they sang. "You did a commendable job, girl! You managed to impress Mr Mason.",uncle Vernon said. Natasha was shocked, as this was the first thing she could call as a compliment that came from the Dursleys. She was really happy, for this. This just turned out to be her second best birthday ever. She not only managed to be relatively happy the whole day, but also got the first compliments ever from the Dursleys. "So, the Granger's daughter is like you, huh!",aunt Petunia asked. "What!?",uncle Vernon said,"I thought the Grangers were a normal family!". "They are uncle Vernon, Hermione is like my mother. She is a magical, but her family is not.",Natasha said. "Hmmm..",uncle Vernon said, but did not say anything else. "I am going to go and drink some whiskey with pals to celebrate this.",uncle Vernon said and went out. Then Natasha heard Dudley screaming and coming running down the stairs. "What is it, Dudders ?",aunt Petunia asked with fear. "There is some kind of creature in her room!",Dudley said pointing to Natasha. "What is he talking about, Girl?",Aunt Petunia said angrily. Then suddenly Natasha heard a pop sound,and saw a strange creature appear in front of her. The little creature on the bed had large, bat-like ears and bulging green eyes the size of tennis balls. Natasha instantly knew it was a house elf. Aunt Petunia gave a scream, and said,"Get that creature out of here now!".
"Don't worry, aunt Petunia. This creature will not harm you.",Natasha said hoping that her aunt will listen. "Natasha Potter!" said the creature in a high-pitched voice Harry was sure would carry down the stairs. "So long has Dobby wanted to meet you, sir... Such an honor it is...". Dudley and aunt Petunia looked at the creature curiously. "What the h-hell is t-this c-creature?",aunt Petunia asked. "Dobby, mam. Just Dobby. Dobby the house-elf," said the creature. Aunt Petunia looked like she would faint, and said,"What in the world is this creature doing in this house?". "Not that I'm not pleased to meet you," said Natasha quickly, "but, er, is there any particular reason you're here?". "Oh, yes, mam," said Dobby earnestly. "Dobby has come to tell you, mam... it is difficult, mam... Dobby wonders where to begin...". "Sit down," said Natasha politely, pointing at the chair. Aunt Petunia looked at her furiously and said,"I will not let such creatures sit here.". But then the elf burst into tears - very noisy tears. "S-sit down!" he wailed. " Never ... never ever...". Dudley went upstairs scared of all this, but her aunt stayed. "I'm sorry,", she whispered, "I didn't mean to offend you or anything-". "Offend Dobby!" choked the elf. "Dobby has never been asked to sit down by a witch or a wizard - like an equal-". At last he managed to control himself, and sat with his great eyes fixed on Natasha in an expression of watery adoration. "You can't have met many decent wizards," said Natasha. She guessed that the family that the elf serves must be bad. Dobby shook his head. Then, without warning, he leapt up and ran to the window started banging his head furiously on the window, shouting, "Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby!". "Stop that thing! I don't want the neighbors to hear!",said aunt Petunia. Don't - what are you doing?" ,Natasha said, running and pulling Dobby back. "Dobby had to punish himself, mam," said the elf, who had gone slightly cross-eyed. "Dobby almost spoke ill of his family, mam...". "Do they know you're here?" asked Natasha curiously. "Oh, no, sir, no... Dobby will have to punish himself most grievously for coming to see you, sir. Dobby will have to shut his ears in the oven door for this. If they ever knew, sir-".
"Can't anyone help you? Can't I?", Natasha asked. Almost at once, Harry wished he hadn't spoken. Dobby dissolved again into wails of gratitude. Aunt Petunia was frowning again. "Natasha Potter asks if she can help Dobby... Dobby has heard of your greatness, sir, but of your goodness, Dobby never knew...Dobby heard tell," he said hoarsely, "that Natasha Potter met the Dark Lord for a second time just weeks ago... that Natasha Potter escaped yet again .". "Ah, sir," he gasped, dabbing his face with a corner of the grubby pillowcase he was wearing. "Natasha Potter is valiant and bold! She has braved so many dangers already! But Dobby has come to protect Natasha Potter, to warn her, even if he does have to shut his ears in the oven door later... Natasha Potter must not go back to Hogwarts .". "What do you mean?",Natasha asked. "I have to go there, I have to go back there. It is like a home to me!". "No, no, no," squeaked Dobby, shaking his head so hard his ears flapped. "Natasha Potter must stay where she is safe. She is too great, too good, to lose. If Natasha Potter goes back to Hogwarts, she will be in mortal danger.". Aunt Petunia let out a gasp and asked,"What do you mean,by danger?". For the first time in her life, Natasha saw concern in her eyes. "There is a plot. A plot to make most terrible things happen at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year.", Dobby said. "Dobby has known it for months, sir. Natasha Potter must not put herself in peril. She is too important, sir!".
"What terrible things?" said Natasha at once. "Who's plotting them?". Dobby made a funny choking noise and then banged his head frantically against the wall. "All right!" cried Natasha, grabbing the elf's arm to stop him. "You can't tell me. I understand. But why are you warning me?" A sudden, unpleasant thought struck him. "Hang on - this hasn't got anything to do with Vol- - sorry - with You-Know-Who, has it?". "Not - not He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named , sir-", he replied. "Well then, I can't think who else would have a chance of making horrible things happen at Hogwarts," said Harry. "I mean, there's Dumbledore, for one thing. I have to go Hogwarts, there are friends for me there, I can warn them.",Natasha said. "Friends who don't even write to Natasha Potter?" said Dobby slyly. "I expect they've just been - wait a minute," said Natasha, frowning. "How do you know my friends haven't been writing to me?". "Harry Potter mustn't be angry with Dobby. Dobby did it for the best-", Dobby said. Natasha was getting really angry. "What do you mean, has none of the friends contacted you? I know that letters come through owls.",aunt Petunia asked. "Have you been stopping my letters?", Natasha asked angrily. "Dobby has them here, sir," said the elf. Stepping nimbly out of her reach, he pulled a thick wad of envelopes from the inside of the pillowcase he was wearing. Natasha could make out Hermione's neat writing, Ron's untidy scrawl, and even a scribble that looked as though it was from the Hogwarts gamekeeper, Hagrid.
"Natasha Potter mustn't be angry...Dobby hoped... if Natasha Potter thought her friends had forgotten him... Natasha Potter might not want to go back to school, mam...",Dobby said. "I want my letters back!",Natasha shouted. "Natasha Potter will have them, mam, if she gives Dobby her word that she will not return to Hogwarts. Ah, mam, this is a danger you must not face! Say you won't go back, mam!". "I will go back to the school! Now give them back!",Natasha said. "Stop shouting,girl!", aunt Petunia said. "Then Harry Potter leaves Dobby no choice," said the elf and disappeared with a pop, without giving the letters. "So, girl. What have you decided?",aunt Petunia asked. "I am going, aunt Petunia. No one is going to stop me!",Natasha said. "What the hell was that creature?",her aunt asked. "It is a house elf, it does chores of a wizarding house.",Natasha said. "Ohh.",aunt Petunia said disgustedly. "Whatever you are going to do, girl. I don't want your dead body here, you understand?". Natasha somehow knew that, her aunt was not saying anything bad. She knew her aunt was trying to hide a voice of concern. In all the occasions when her uncle had tried to give severe punishment to her, her aunt was the one who tried to ease it down, by asking about 'how will the neighbors think?'. Natasha knew that her aunt was not so cruel. Natasha then went to her room, and tried to read. She knew there was no point in sending a letter to her friends , as she knew that the elf will intercept them. She had no idea on what exactly to do. After reading for several hours, she felt tired and went to sleep. Her mind was full of questions that were unanswered.