Chapter 14: The Dursleys
Hermione woke up at 6 in the morning, she tried to go back to sleep but couldn't so decided to get up and get all washed up. She finally removed the thin cover from her body, took a look at the two boys and could tell they were not going to get up for another hour or two – both seemed to be in deep sleep. She took some clothes out – another pair of over all shorts and a shirt. She then hesitantly opened the door of her room and peeked out. Seeing the hallway empty – she took her chance and entered the bathroom. Hermione managed to shower and change but once she was out in the hall again – she met Mr. Dursley…
"Good Morning Sir!" said Hermione
"I hope you left some water for the family to use…girl", was his reply and gave a questioning look at her and then stared at her wand.
Hermione just stood there with her eyes wide open…"I ... I didn't use much Sir!" then she added, "this sir is only a walking stick…not a wand", she thought that Mr. Dursley was looking at her stick thinking it was a big wand.
"Whatever…just get out of my way", said Mr. Dursley.
Hermione got a bit angry but kept her cool, she didn't want to cause any trouble for Harry by replying back. She headed towards Harry's room. She decided to reply Neville and Luna. She missed Crookshanks but she knew she had to leave him at the Burrow for Harry told her that Aunt Petunia didn't like cats. She took out two parchments and began replying. Before Hermione could begin writing…she heard some tapping against the window, there she saw Hedwig… she got up from the bed to open the window for her. Hedwig was carrying two letters, one addressed to her and other for all three of them. She decided to open hers and open the other one when the other two will get up.
Unknown to Hermione; Harry had also gotten up from the tapping but remained in the sleeping bag…he finally turned towards Hermione's bed and saw her opening a letter with Hedwig sitting on her shoulder. He sneaked his arm out to pick up his glasses; very soundly he wore them and looked at Hermione without her knowing. She must've been up for quite some time, her hair's all wet so she took a shower….ohhh I hope she didn't have an encounter with any of the Dursleys…Harry panicked a little thinking that … and finally raised himself on his elbows; "Whose it from?" he asked Hermione
Hermione jerked a little at sudden intrusion of Harry voice which made Hedwig hoot and fly…Both looked at Hedwig with panicked look – they didn't want to disturb Harry's uncle. Harry had told Ron and Hermione, how he hated Hedwig. Luckily Hedwig flew out of the window so they sighed with relief.
Hermione finally turned towards Harry … "Good Morning! … It's from Hagrid" – Harry didn't get it then realized that she answered his question.
"What's he writing you for? Everything ok with him? Or is it Grawp…or Buckbeak?" asked Harry hurriedly
"Oh don't worry Harry…it's nothing of the sort, he just wanted to know how I was doing after the attack. He wanted to come for Bill's wedding but couldn't, he had to take care of Hogwarts, now that Dumbledore's gone you see"
(Hermione's tone became a bit different…low and sad when she mentioned Dumbledore and looked sadly at Harry; she knew how upset Harry gets over and tries not to show it – she was right about Harry) … at the mention of Dumbledore – Harry just looked down for he missed him and knew that he was lost without Dumbledore and scared too.
"Can't you two talk some place else?" – interrupted a very irritated Ron and pulled the pillow over his head.
This brought both Harry and Hermione out from their saddened thoughts – they shared mischievous looks and grinned, both got up from their respective places, Hermione took Ron's arm that was on the pillow and Harry took the pillow away and both said GOOD MORNING in his ears…it seemed to do the trick as he got up with eyes wide open. Ron took the pillow snatched the pillow from Harry's hand and hit him hard with it – while Hermione who was still standing tried to move back but tumbled over, Ron took his chance and hit her with the pillow as well. Both Harry and Hermione took the pillow away from Ron – and a pillow fight started…then a loud knock was heard by the three of them and in came Aunt Petunia. Hermione was feeling the pain in her wound but ignored it because she was having a good time with her two friends; they never really had such a moment before. The three friends froze on the floor in quite an awkward position…Hermione was sitting in an awkward position, her legs were over Harry's while she was sitting half way on Ron's right le, while she was trying to balance herself by grabbing on to Harry's shoulder from one hand and other hand on the floor for support. Petunia Dursley clearly didn't like what she saw…
"What the hell is going on here? I will not tolerate any dirty on goings in my house …" she said.
"We were not doing anything wrong aunt petunia … we were just…we were just…" Harry said and couldn't think of something proper to say.
"We were just having a pillow fight…I lost my balance and fell and they were just trying to help me up…" finished Hermione for Harry.
Petunia Dursley seemed unconvinced and said… "Well the pillows in this house are meant to be used for sleeping and not fighting…I don't know how the guests behave in your world … but I must tell you there are some ground rules that you kids have to follow… One: you will not use magic in the presence of my husband, my son or me for that matter, Two: we expect you all to help in house chores, Three: No funny business, Four: you better not be loud or create disturbances…hmmm well these were the important ones, Rest I will let you know in time…Now Harry I would appreciate it if you come and make the … well help me with breakfast "
"Yes Aunt Petunia…I'll be down in 2 minutes…" replied Harry. His aunt left the three of them.
"She is … well she is just horrible…isn't she?" Ron said
"No doubts about that … the more I talk to them…more I feel sorry for you Harry … don't you think she'll make a good wife for Voldermort ?" replied Hermione
At which they all laughed…"He would've destroyed his own horcruxes … had he been married to your Aunt Harry…" continued Ron.
The three of them went in to a fit of laughter…they finally got up. Hermione offered to go down and help Aunt Petunia…"Don't Hermione…I don't think that's a good idea…" warned Harry.
"Oh common … I've become quite good at taking risks… so will try my luck here…" Hermione replied with a big smile and headed downstairs while Ron and Harry went to change.
Hermione went down and saw the backs of two fat figures…she assumed the one with black hair is Dudley … hmm finally my chance to meet the baby bear…Good Luck Hermione! Hermione was talking to herself in her mind.
She finally went inside…"umm Good morning everyone", they all nodded without uttering a simple word. She went over to Aunt Petunia who was by the stove…"I can help you with them" said Hermione…pointing towards the scrambled eggs Aunt Petunia was placing on the plate and placed her stick against the wall. Mrs. Dursley nodded and handed her the plate to be given to Vernon Dursley. Hermione took the plate over to him.
"Where is that boy…is he still sleeping?" Asked Vernon Dursley taking his plate from her.
"No, he is not sleeping, he is up…he is changing and I thought I could help her instead of him and then…" said Hermione but was interrupted by Dudley's rude or rather dumb question…"Harry's got a MAID…I mean is she his maid…hun mum? Why is she doing his work? "
"I am not his maid" replied Hermione very sternly…then she bent a little near his ear as if picking up something from the table…"I am helping him but you wouldn't know coz you don't have friends." With that said…she moved over to Aunt Petunia and helped her making more eggs and tea. Dudley kept staring at her back greatly vexed.
Finally Ron and Harry made an entrance, they both greeted everyone and Harry told Ron to sit on the table, who obeyed hesitantly. Harry went over to Hermione's side to help her … but it seemed everything was done. He pulled in two extra stools for Hermione and himself. They sat on the table very quietly…it seemed as if they were all constipated.
"So…what are your names? ", asked Vernon Dursley looking with a disgusted look towards Ron and then at Hermione.
"I am Ron…Ron Weasley", answered Ron.
"And I am Hermione Sir…Hermione Granger", replied Hermione in a meek voice.
"What's wrong with your leg Hermione…is it permanent or something happened?" asked Aunt Petunia with clear doubts in her tone.
Hermione gave a nervous glance towards Harry and said "Oh it's not permanent…I met with a car accident this summer…my father was driving but Thank God…nothing serious"
"Car accident? Well I mean do you live in London?" asked Vernon Dursley.
"Yes, yes I live in London with my parents…they have their own clinic ... you see they are dentists"
Her answer seemed to relax both the elderly figures. When Dudley asked the next question… "So your parents are humans…well I mean … different from you…you are like Harry…aren't you?"
At this Hermione gave a grin for she found the "human" part funny while Ron and Harry frowned.
"Yes … yes they are humans and not aliens. But I wouldn't really know, I think my grandfather's an alien. As far as I am concerned, yes I am like Harry and Ron both and proud to be like them" – replied Hermione in a very confident tone.
Harry and Ron both beamed at this. Harry noticed how Hermione was keeping her cool and instead of getting annoyed … she seemed greatly amused. For the first time ever since their arrival, he felt relaxed and it seemed that things won't go too wrong.
While Harry was lost in his thoughts … Ron noticed how Dudley was staring at Hermione…and couldn't quite read his expression. After sometime Vernon Dursley left for office, Harry, Ron and Hermione cleaned up…while Dudley went to the lounge to watch TV and Aunt Petunia upstairs to clean the rooms. Once the three of them were done, they moved towards the lounge. Ron looked at TV and was amused by it…there was some rerun of American soap opera on it that Dudley seemed to be engrossed in.
"What's that? And Wow! What a beauty! "– said Ron looking at one of the actresses.
"It's a television and yeah she is pretty". Replied Harry as if by telling him it's a television…he would get the whole picture.
Dudley turned his head…"yeah human girls are pretty…nothing like the sample standing next to you guys … honestly" said Dudley with his eyes fixed on Hermione.
"Shut up Dudley or I will hex you…and trust me I will…I am permitted to use magic freely…Apologize to Hermione" Harry said in a very angry tone but yet not shouting.
Dudley seemed to think things over … scared and yet didn't want to give in…
"Forget it Harry…doesn't really matter…" Hermione said and pulled Harry away from the lounge. She raised her stick and pointed at Dudley….who got scared like anything …."Sorry…I am sorry…don't do anything with that thing please"… begged Dudley.
"Oh I was just raising it … it seemed a bit heavier so I raised it to check the weight … It's just a walking stick … not a wand" replied Hermione.
Ron left the room because he didn't want to provoke any of the Dursleys by laughing at their faces. Dudley looked really embarrassed and turned away from them. The three of them went up the stairs to Harry's room … giggling like young girls.
When they got to his room, they saw Ron's owl sitting on the windowsill along with Hedwig with a letter.
"I think more of Hermione's fan mail…" said Harry jokingly. Ron looked at him questioningly as to what was he talking about.
"You see Hermione got two mails this morning, and then she received two at the Burrow and I am sure this one is for her too – all wanting to know how she is doing" said Harry.
"Who wrote to you this morning Hermione? Nobody sent me owls when I was almost poisoned to death last year! ", said Ron.
Hermione was opening the letter which was indeed addressed to her…
"I received a letter from Hagrid…the other letter is addressed to all three of us so have not opened it as yet and this one is from Charlie. Ron, no one wrote you letter because they were all around you. Neville, Hagrid, Luna, your whole family, Harry and I…we were all there ... with you personally" replied Hermione in an annoyed tone.
"Yeah still it's not like … hmm well yeah you are right … everyone was there. It was pretty serious I mean you got injured only…I could've died you know…anyway what is Charlie writing you for…and how's Hagrid?" continued Ron.
Hermione ignored the first part of his speech and replied…"Hagrid is just fine, still sad over what happened though. Grawp is fine too … guess what…he still remembers me…as he asked Hagrid "where Hermy" and as far as Charlie goes…he writing because there was something I wanted him to do for me…so he is writing for that purpose…and yeah he did say if any of you two bug me…I should tell him – he will deal with the two you" Hermione was grinning now openly.
While the two friends argued … Harry went over to open the letter addressed to the three of them. Harry was going through the letter and half of his mind was listening to Ron and Hermione's bickering.
"…that doesn't make sense Hermione…he never offered to this kind of help to you before so why now?"
Hermione clearly irritated by this argument. "Harry…can you please shut Ron up?" requested Hermione.
"What happened…Sorry I wasn't listening" said Harry.
"Harry don't you think Charlie is showing way too much concern for Hermione…I think he fancies her but Hermione thinks otherwise…I think it's wrong of him to even have such thoughts for Hermione…first of all he should know she is my best friend and then she is way too young for him…" explained Ron – quite red in face.
Hermione gave a "help me" look to Harry and pouted her lips.
"Why would he fancy Hermione… Ron. I think he is only thankful to her for saving his life. I mean I don't see any other reason for his concern. Why would he fancy Hermione of all the people…and yeah you are right about him being too old for her and I don't think he would go for Hermione, with the age factor and the kind of choice you all Weasleys have so I think he is only concerned as a friend". Said Harry
They both didn't see the hurt look cross Hermione's face. She sat down and started writing her letter…will I be ever good enough for anyone…were the thoughts that kept haunting Hermione.
"Yeah I guess you are right…but he should know that we are her best friends and if she wants to complain, she'll complain to us" said Ron.
Harry looked at Hermione, looking for a "Thank you" for getting her out of the stupid argument but saw her writing fiercely on a parchment. He couldn't read her expression but she had gotten extremely quiet and seemed like ignoring the two of them. He asked very timidly, "who are you writing to Hermione?"
"Luna…didn't get to reply them earlier." replied Hermione in a low voice.
"Oh by the way that letter was from Lupin … he instructed us to behave ourselves and not bug these muggles" – said Harry with a smile.
"I wouldn't dare mate…wouldn't dare get on their bad side", replied Ron. Then he continued, "hey Hermione, say Hello to Luna for me…and yeah don't forget Harry…I am sure she would appreciate hearing from her date", teased Ron.
Hermione just nodded her head.
"We went as friends Ron…just friends" said Harry – quite irritated.
"Oh then why didn't you take Hermione…you should've asked Hermione, that would've made more sense to just friend deal…hmm come to think of it Harry… you never considered Hermione during the yule ball – it would've saved you an awkward date too…" it seemed Ron kept on remembering things.
Hermione had bent her head down even lower…such that her hair fell on her face. She was clearly embarrassed by all this – while Harry…he didn't bother to reply either…he seemed to be staring at Hermione and was ignoring Ron.
"Hey Harry…you know what I think…I realized she was a girl before you did or may be you still don't acknowledge her as one hehehehe" said Ron highly amused.
"Hmm…No Ron…nothing like that. I am not dumb …" Replied Harry in a very docile and embarrassed tone.
"Then why didn't you ask her out…I mean it would've been only friends hanging out, it would've saved quite a lot of misunderstandings…don't you think…hey I wanna do No.1 … I hope the bathroom is free…" with that said Ron left the room…leaving his two friends alone.
Some how Ron had touched a nerve that neither Harry nor Hermione ever bothered to think about.
Why didn't I ask her? – thought Harry
Yeah why didn't he ask me? I was never his choice for yule ball even. He never showed slightest interest when Ron asked me to accompany either him or Harry. – thought Hermione.