Chapter 2: Arriving at the Dursleys

"You… you really shouldn't," Began Harry as his friends packed their trunks. Harry knew they would be locked away but he didn't want to put his best friends off, he felt horrible about thinking it, but, he actually wanted them to come.

"We are going Harry!" Ron said almost agitated at his friend's… reluctance.

"You have never managed a successful summer," Hermione put in, "Letters, House elves, blowing people up, the world cup, Dementors… I think we should go with you." Hermione squeezed in the last book, Harry felt like he couldn't break it to her that she wouldn't get them into his room. Speaking of room, where were they going to sleep? Knowing Uncle Vernon he'd love to lock them all away in the cupboard. Surely he would think better of it… these were other people's kids. Yet again he was someone else's kid and look at how they treated him! But their parents were still much alive… Harry puzzled over the matter for a while before deciding the best thing to do.

"Listen… it's not like I don't appreciate it and all…" Harry began.

"It's okay!" Hermione persisted.

"But I really don't know how he'll treat you… and stuff…" Harry added lamely.

"We're going." Ron said determinedly, "After last year at Hogwarts I doubt an old fat beetroot will give us many problems!" Harry smirked, so did Hermione.

"Spoken like the twins brother…" She mumbled to herself.

"You are arriving by Port key a few miles away from Privet drive so that you won't attract any attention to any Ministry Wizard or Witch watching you." Mr Weasley told them while handing over a small empty box, "Your family have been informed Harry, they should be there to pick you up… if not come back by Port Key."

"No graveyards!" George added cheekily, Mrs Weasley glared and Fred nudged George in the ribs. Making Harry aware that he was going to a place where he'd most likely get shoved in the ribs.

A swirl and hooked feeling took place as Harry travelled by Port Key…

Harry became aware that he was standing in a field, well half standing. He became more aware of a car glinting a bit further away.

"This is it…" He murmured as tension rose inside him, "Come on guys."

"Who are these?" Grunted Uncle Vernon pointing a large finger at Ron and Hermione whom looked a bit out of place somehow.

"Ronal Weasley and Hermione Granger, they are coming to stay with me for the rest of the Holidays," Harry said quite firmly.

"Oh they are, are they?" Uncle Vernon Questioned almost Threat-like.

"Yes, they are." Harry said, "Unless you'd like to take it up with… our lot?" Harry knew that a simple sentence like that was enough to send Uncle Vernon to Hospital with a heart attack. Harry was sure his Uncle was about to lash out but with Ron and Hermione here he didn't dare.

"Get in the bloody car then, but you'll have to fit in… unless one of you wants to go in the boot!" He looked hopefully or even nastily at Harry. Harry knew what he really meant by 'boot'

"No, thanks! We're pretty skinny, we can squeeze in!" Uncle Vernon Glared at him, "And no 'funny stuff'" Harry added hastily. Ron and Hermione squashed in beside Harry which proved difficult because of Dudley's large figure. Dudley began trying to look innocent and unimportant but after everything Harry had experienced of Dudley, it wasn't convincing.

"Harry, I've had an idea… Just a bit of fun like…" Ron Whispered, Dudley obviously didn't hear but squirmed anyway.

"What?" Harry asked.

"We can Blabber nonsense and pretend we are talking about Magic! After all he's done to you wouldn't be nice to make him feel uncomfortable?" Hermione looked a bit intrigued by this idea, her usual calm and smart self seemed to have left her. It looked as if she had got the 'boot' line too.

"Sure," Harry agreed almost smiling.

"Did you hear about Professor Sprout and her unfortunate encounter with the Poison Son-pick?" Hermione asked Ron and Harry.

"Heard about it? Hermione, the mummertos were practically flying around the school!" He mouthed joke at the end and the other two laughed heartily.

"That's a good one Ron, but I was studying for Defence against the Dark Arts so of course I didn't see them!" Hermione said a putting on an annoyed pose.

"Course you were, it'd be a hard time beating Harry in that class!" Ron told them, Harry stared at his Uncle who was watching them in the mirror. It was clear to Harry that his Uncle thought that anyone who said Harry was good at something would never ever be likeable in his books.

"No way," Harry said, "Hermione is the best at everything! Remember her charms, 'Kato, Plinkoy and Mods'? They were pretty amazing!"

"Aw, thanks Harry… What about you Ron? What do you think was best?" Hermione asked.

"Well… oh, I know! Remember in Divination when even the Crystal Ball blew up in Shamuses' face!" The others laughed until the car came to a halt and reversed into a drive.

"Hide your wands," Harry whispered quickly. The other did so but with expressions of Confusion on their faces. Ron and Hermione looked at Harry's torn face as his Uncle lifted out the trunks. They wondered why.

As the three of them entered the House Harry led the others upstairs.

"Boy, come here!" Uncle Vernon yelled. Harry gestured Ron and Hermione to go to his room. When the others were out of sight Uncle Vernon Grabbed Harry by his hair and dragged him into the Kitchen. He half threw Harry into a chair.

"What they blazes do you think you're doing boy? Bringing freaks into our household?" He smashed his fist down on the table making Harry jump. "How dare you let your kind into this house without our consent? What the bloody hell do you think you were talking about in the car? Trying to freak us out? Huh?" Uncle Vernon demanded, "Thought you'd scare us away boy?"

"N-No, sir…" Harry said as his Uncle picked him up by his shirt.

"This is Disgusting behaviour!" Shrieked Aunt Petunia, "We will let the freaks stay if you do not come anywhere near us! Don't think this is getting you out of work though!" Uncle Vernon nodded, well tried to but his huge chins made it rather difficult. He led Harry to the door and smacked him over the head as he pushed Harry out the door into the Hallway.

"Be grateful it wasn't more, boy, and don't go telling your devil friends." Harry nodded but caught sight of an extendable ear and he swore in his mind. He tore up the stairs into his embarrassingly messy room; Hermione and Ron were sitting on his bed looking a bit uncomfortable. He didn't blame them; His room said anything but "Welcome" and so did his relatives.