Harry Potter and the Last Heir
Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter series or any of its characters...so don't sue me. I ain't got nuttin'. :)
Chapter 2: An Unexpected Birthday Gift
Harry awoke still very early the next morning, even though they group had decided to give themselves a day off from horcrux hunt. He packed his belongs, quickly, into his trunk, grabbed it and Hedwig's cage and headed downstairs. He was to meet Ron and his dad, Arthur Weasley, that morning at 6 and he didn't want to have the make them have to wait on him. Harry was overjoyed at the thought of never having to return to the Dursley home. He had dealt with a tremendous amount of torture through out his living there; there was wasn't much that could make him happier than never having to see this house or the Dursleys ever again.
Harry set his stuff down in the living room while waiting for Ron and Mr. Weasley. He thought he could hear a rustling from upstairs, but shook the idea off, not wanting to ruin his perfect exit. At that moment Harry's stomach growled with fierce hunger, and then he remembered not finishing his dinner last night. So, quite reluctantly, Harry made his way to the kitchen to look for a snack that could hold him over until he could make it to the Burrow where Mrs. Weasley would be sure that Harry had atleast two servings of breakfast. He smiled at the thought of Mrs. Weasley, and all the Weasleys for that matter, but he found himself resting on the thought of the youngest Weasley child, Ginny. Harry cared very much for Ginny, he could even dare to say he loved her. But Harry knew deep within his heart that he couldn't risk Ginny's life, he couldn't be with her, not until Voldemort was finished, atleast.
Harry quitely opened the swinging door to the kitchen to find a most unwelcome face - Aunt Petunia. Aunt Petunia stood a few feet away from Harry, arms crossed, but instead of her normal scowl or look of disapproval there was a distinct look of sorrow on Petunia's horse-like face.
"Sit." She said. "I'll make you something."
Harry dared not refute, or even respond his aunt's words. He was genuinely shocked but Petunia's act, almost touched. Within minutes Harry's aunt Petunia had produced bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast, all set out for Harry to eat. Harry couldn't believe himself, but instead of taking time to analyze things he quickly began grabbing food to shuffle onto his plate. While he was eating Petunia took a seat across from Harry, a corncerned look beaming through what looked like a coverup scowl.
"Harry-" She began. "I know you haven't always been treated the best here, but-but I hope you stay safe wherever you're going." The words seemed almost forced, like she had to push herself to say them, they even sounded a bit rehearsed, but Harry didn't care, he was grateful for them.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Petunia stood and made her way to the refridgerator, bringing back with her a white, medium-sized box. "Happy birthday." She said plainly as she handed Harry the chilled box. He looked closely at her, wondering whether it was the same aunt or not. He muttered "thank you" and opened the box. Inside was a chocolate cake with white frosting, and the words "Happy Birthday" written in red icing on top. Harry could hardly believe his eyes. He even felt a tear or two creep up to his eyes. He looked at his aunt Petunia, a shocked expression clearly visable on his face. She sighed, and he placed the box down on the table, next to his plate.
"I know what you must be thinking, believe me, that's what I was thinking when I bought it, but-" She paused for a second. "Well, it's your last day here, I figured, well, maybe, it wouldn't hurt, you know, just this one time." Harry thought he could see a small trace of smile on Petunia's face, but the thought was disturbed by the sound of a knock at the door.
"The Weasleys." Harry said aloud, and jumped up from the table and nearly ran for the door. As he opened it he could see the bright red hair, and smiles common in the Weasley family on Ron and Mr. Weasley. Harry stood there a minute, just staring at them, not really realizing what he was doing.
"Well, are you going to let us in or not?" Ron said, half laughing. Harry snapped out of his daze and laughed with Ron while letting them in.
"It's good to see you, Harry." Mr. Weasley said as he gave Harry a giant hug.
"It's good to see you too, Mr. Weasley." Harry smiled. Just then the group heard a snort from upstairs. "We'll need to keep it down, so we don't wake up my uncle Vernon." The other two men nodded in agreement.
"Do you have your stuff packed and ready to go?" Ron asked, his vioce barely above that of a whisper.
"Yeah. All my stuff is over there." Harry pointed to his trunk and Hedwig's cage.
"Great, let's get going then." Mr. Weasley suggested as he grabbed Harry's trunk and Ron grabbed Hedwig's cage.
"Wait." Petunia said as she entered from the kitchen door. "Harry, you almost forgot your cake."
"Oh yeah. Thanks Aunt Petunia." Harry took the white box from Petunia and they stood there a minute looking at one another.
"Well, goodbye Harry." Petunia said while extending her hand for him to shake. Harry instead pulled her into an unexpected hug, which she didn't struggle against.
"I hope I never see you again." She said smiling slightly as they broke the hug and stepped back fom one another.
"I hope I never see you again too." Harry said as he smiled back at her. Ron and Mr. Weasley made their way out the door and to the car with harry's stuff. Harry waved to his Aunt Petunia as he walked out the door, then she closed the door behind him. Harry walked a few steps away from the house before pausing and turning back around, the cake still in his hands. He looked at the house for what he was sure would be the last time, taking in the precious moment. Then Harry made his way to the car, got in, and drove off with Ron and Mr. Weasley, never again to return to Number 4 Privet Drive.
Not much, if any longer than the last chapter, but I have to get through all of these introductory chapters to get to the really good stuff that I'm just dying to put on here. lol. Anyway, I know Petunia was pretty out of character here, but I always thought she had it in her to be nice, so I figured, hey, it's the last time she's ever gonna see him, why not?!? You know? I think you do. :) Tell me what you think.