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Disclaimer: I like to pretend I'm from 'across the pond' but I'm not really. An example of that being right above this. I don't own Harry Potter; that belongs to ole JK (ol'?).
Dudley slowly untied the letter and looked it over. Sure enough, it had a Hogwarts seal on the front. On the backside, in emerald green ink, it read:
Ms P. Dursley
1st bedroom on the left
7 Duke Drive
York Town, Surrey
A Hogwarts letter? For Paisley? But that's impossible! He wasn't a wizard! Sally was no witch! And surely any magical genes from his mum's side would be killed by the Vernon Dursley gene. But wait, he hadn't even opened it up yet! Maybe she hadn't been accepted at all. It could be an invitation. Maybe one of her cousins had a game and wanted her to go. Oh, what was he talking about? It was the middle of July! Still, he needn't worry until after he opened it.
Hands trembling, he tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter. It was written in the same emerald green ink, with big swirly handwriting on a bit of parchment. It read:
Headmaster: Pomona Sprout (Order of Merlin, Third Class)
Dear Ms Dursley,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely, Neville Longbottom Deputy Headmaster
Behind the letter there was a second piece of parchment, addressed to 'Mr Dursley'. Maybe this was all a joke. Perhaps this note would explain that very fact to him. Yes...yes that was highly probable. He really needn't worry./ppHe unfolded the yellow parchment, his comfort vanishing quickly.
Dudley Dursley,
If you would like the assistance of a Hogwarts instructor, you may request one within your
response - sent our way of course, using the owl who delivered this letter.
~Neville Longbottom
Dudley sat down on the front step, resting his forehead in the palm of his hand. How could he explain this to his wife? She'd think he was a nutter! That he'd gone mad! Perhaps he was mad. Perhaps this was all in his imagination. He had had a bit too much to drink last night. Was he still drunk? Was this part of the hangover?
Maybe he should just ignore it. Paisley was in a good school. She had plenty of friends in her class, and was receiving high marks. She was happy here! It wouldn't do any harm, right? Sally would never have to know.
No, that was insane. He had never been good at lying - not that it would be lying, really. Just withholding the truth! No, he wasn't any better at that. She'd know something was up. She always did.
The great tawny owl joined him on the front step, hooting sweetly, holding out its leg. It was waiting for his response. Maybe he should kill it.
'You'd better get out of here. Before you get me in trouble with Sally' he said. The owl hopped closer, holding her leg up higher. 'You're not going to let me ignore you, are you?' She hooted softly to confirm.
He should kill it.
He looked at the letter again. It didn't seem so long ago that his living room had been filled with them. If he ignored this, like his father had, would the same thing happen to him? He had to answer. He had to decline. But would Sally kill him for hiding that side of the family? It wasn't as if he'd forgotten to mention a great great aunt that didn't like him. His cousin could kill him with the flick of a stick! Though Harry certainly wouldn't, there were plenty of 'his lot' who would. Would she be angered that he had withheld this knowledge? It would only be a matter of time before she figured it out. And what if she agreed to let her go? He would have already sealed the deal.
'What do you suppose I should do?'
The owl just stared. Where do you get a gun at six in the morning?
'Yeah. That's what I thought.'
She cocked her head to the side, staring with an owl's equivalent to a raised eyebrow. Was it illegal to shoot an owl?
'I've gone mental! I'm talking to a ruddy bird!'
The owl pecked his shin angrily.
'Sorry' he muttered. 'Suppose I deserved that. I guess I should just get it over with. Go tell her. She's bound to find out eventually.'
Or he could always go back to the 'shoot it' plan. How does one go about disposing of an owl carcass?
As if reading his mind, she gave him another peck - this one harder than the last - and nudged him towards the door.
"All right, all right! I'm going." He dragged himself to his feet and entered the house. The owl flew in after him and planted herself on the kitchen table. Putting on a brave face, he walked into his bedroom. Sally was sleeping soundly, curled up in the covers. Dudley slipped silently around the bed and leaned in really close. 'Hello love' he whispered in her ear. She sluggishly sat up and stretched.
'Dudley? What are you still doing here?'
He sat down on the bed. 'Something came for Paisley, that I think you should see.'
'Today? But the post doesn't come 'til nine.'
'It was a...special delivery. It's from this...special school...up North. They want her to join them next term. It's a really good school, Hogwa-'
Sally groaned. 'I knew this was coming. Dudley...please Don't be mad...I didn't want to tell you because your father was so...close minded, and I - '
'Sally?' He took a step back. 'What on earth are you talking about?'
She fell back onto the bed, burying her face in her hands. 'The school! It's called Hogwarts, and it - '
'Wait, you know?'
'You know?'
'Well of course I know! My cousin is - '
'He's that Harry Potter?'
'Yes! Yes! So, you're - '
'No no, all muggle - or Squib actually...my parents are both magic, and my sister is too. I think she would have been in your cousin's year. She used to tell me all kinds of stories about Hogwarts...you're not mad are you? That I am what I - '
'Mad? Are you joking?' he picked her up by the waist and spun her around. 'It's fantastic!'
'So she can go?'
'Of course! Should we call for the official? Or do you think we can explain it ourselves?'
'I think we should be the ones to tell her.'
'I agree!' he said cheerfully. No stranger was going to tell how special she was. That's a fathers job.
'Honey - it's six thirty!'
'Oh, I've got to go! I'll phone Harry, he can help us get her supplies and everything! My daughter is going to be a witch! And a bloody good one at that!' He kissed Sally on the cheek and ran out the door. 'Don't tell her without me!'
As Dudley drove to work, he couldn't hold in his excitement. Although he wanted to be happy for his daughter and her newly discovered skill, that was not the cause of his excitement. Even though at first, the letter had made him uneasy, it was only for fear that his wife reacted like his father. He had never known anyone who knew of magic that approved of it - besides Harry of course. But now, he was almost relieved that she would be going to Hogwarts. It meant she was special. That there was something she could do that none of the others could. And it meant, perhaps he wasn't like his father after all.
During work hours, he tried to act as if there was nothing on his mind. However, as he made awkward conversation with his nauseatingly plain co-workers, he couldn't help but feel a little smug. Their children would go to a normal schools and learn normal things like math and science and grow up to have normal jobs like accountancy, or working for aeroplane companies. But most importantly, these men would go home to their dull, normal families, while he would go home to his magical daughter. Finally something to separate him from the norm.
Dudley rushed home from work, speeding through stop signs and running a few red lights in the process. He joined his wife in the kitchen, where she sat at the table with the Hogwarts owl, staring at the letter. 'Are you ready?' he asked.'Definitely. She's out back with Lydia.'
Dudley opened the back door and called for Paisley. She and Lydia both came running. 'What is it Dad?'
'Something came for you in the post. It's about your school, and we have some things to discuss.'/ppPaisley looked at him skeptically 'Am I in trouble?'
'No, of course not. But it is important. It will only take a few minutes' he assured her.
Paisley, still a bit hesitant, turned to Lydia. 'You go ahead. I'll be out in a few minutes.' She sat down next to her mother, eyeing the owl. 'Okay, so what's up?'
Dudley handed her the letter. Eyebrows raised, she took the envelope. 'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? And this came in the post? Is this a joke?'
'Paisley, just go ahead and read the whole thing aloud please' he said.
'Alright..."Dear Ms Dursley, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31. Yours sincerely, Neville Longbottom. Deputy Headmaster." Okay, so what is this? Witchcraft and Wizardry, what the heck is that supposed to mean?'
'Well honey...Sally would you like to take it from here?'
'Thanks, Dudley. Paisley...you remember Dad's cousin Harry, right? Goodness knows it's been ages since you saw him. You know how his children go to boarding school? It is the same one they attend. It is a school for...for very special people, and we want you to go.'
'Special? What do you mean "special"?'
'Well...it is...it's magic, Paisley. '
'My school is good too.'
'No, I don't mean it like that. It is a school of magic. You know...potions and spells and whatnot.'
Paisley raised an eyebrow again. 'What are you talking about?'
'It's all right there in the letter. Witchcraft and Wizardry. It's a school of magic.'
'Mum...I think I'll just go back outside now...'
'Oh, it's the most wonderful place Paisley. The paintings speak to you, and the staircases move...'
Paisley hopped up out of her chair and started backing away slowly towards the door. 'I'm going back to Lydia now...'
'There are unicorns!' Sally called as she bolted out the door. 'Well I suppose I should have seen that coming' she sighed and handed Dudley the phone.
'What's this for?'
'Call Harry. It's obvious we can't handle this on our own.'
Dudley hesitantly began dialling the number. What would he say? It'd been so long since his last visit with the Potters. Paisley must have been about seven! Christmas cards are one thing, but a legitimate conversation? And wasn't it a bit rude to call only to ask a favour?
The phone was ringing. Maybe he should just hang up. But what if they have caller ID? They'd know he called anyway...
The ringing stopped, and he was greeted with a 'Dudley?' from an obviously surprised Harry.
'Hello...Harry...it, uh...it's been a while, hasn't it?' he asked, practically choking on the awkwardness.
'Yes it has, Dudley. What brought this up?'
'Just...wanted to catch up. What's new with your - I mean the magic world?'
'Er, nothing really. The kids just got their letters. We're off to get their supplies tomorrow. It's Albus' first year, you know.'
Tomorrow...he could take off work tomorrow. There wasn't anything all too important going on. Tomorrow could work. 'Harry? Something came for Paisley today...not the usual way I might add.'
'You're joking!'
'No, actually. Sally's maiden name was Abbott. Her sister - '
'Hannah? I didn't know she had a sister. Witch?'
'Squib.'
'Ah. Well Dudley, you're welcome to join us tomorrow. We'll show you around' said Harry cheerfully.
'Harry...she didn't believe us.'
'Really? I take it she hasn't had anything like the snake incident then.'
'Nothing of the sort. She seemed...muggle to me.' An unpleasant thought found it's way into his head. 'It couldn't be a mistake, could it?'
Harry laughed. 'No mistake. If she got a letter, she's one of us. How about I come by? I'm sure I could convince her.'
Dudley let out a sigh of relief. 'Thank you! That would be great. How soon can you be here?'
There was a loud cracking sound, causing Dudley and Sally both to jump. He shot around and saw his cousin sitting at his kitchen table. 'About that fast' Harry answered, hanging up the phone. 'So Paisley's a witch, huh?' Dudley awkwardly nodded. 'So how should I do this? I could always blast the door down and give you a pig tail. Bet that'd do it.' He laughed a bit and tipped back in his chair.
There was a long silence. This was how these things usually went. An awkward start, the occasional spark of casual conversation, and a long silence, followed by the 'Wow, would you look at the time!' line that really just meant 'I can't take this anymore'. At least in years past, there had been the little ones running around they could focus on instead. It was no wonder they'd stopped visiting./ppThankfully enough, Paisley came running in and worked her magic - so to speak. 'Mum, can Lydia spend the night?'
'Not tonight honey. In fact, it's time for her to go home. It's about dinner time. And we have a guest!'
Paisley eyed Harry with the same hesitation as she did the bird. 'Who's he?'
Harry chuckled. 'Has it really been that long Paisley? Come on! It's Harry!'
'Dad's cousin?'
'That's the one.'
Lydia, who looked anxious to leave, slipped her trainers on and started for the door. 'I'll see you tomorrow then.'
Paisley plopped down on the seat beside Harry. 'Is Lily here? Or Albus?'
'No, just me. Your father called me and invited me over. Said we needed to catch up. So Paisley, what's new? Anything interesting happen lately?'
She eyed the owl, who was still sitting on the table. 'Am I the only one who sees the bird?
'No, I see her. So anything interesting happen?'
'Well there is an iowl /iin my kitchen, for starters. And my parents of gone completely mad. Mum keeps talking about this school with unicorns and moving staircases.'
'Oh, so you got accepted then? Fantastic school, Hogwarts is. You'll love it!'
Paisley groaned. 'Not you too! I think the joke's gone on long enough. It's not even funny!'
'Joke? This is no joke.' Harry grinned and pulled his wand out of his back pocket. 'I'll show you a joke.' He pointed his wand at Dudley, muttered something incomprehensive, and suddenly there was a sharp pain in his bum.
He twisted around to get a good look, and once again saw a curly pink tail poking out of his trousers. 'Harry!'
His cousin fell back on his chair laughing. 'Sorry Dudders, I just couldn't resist!'
Paisley jumped up out of her chair and ran to get a good look. She gave it a good flick, watching it bounce back and forth, while Dudley tried to ignore the fact that his daughter was staring at his rear. 'Daddy, is it...real?' He nodded, casually turning towards her - keeping the tail out of sight.
'All right Harry, you can get it off now' he mumbled.
'All right, fine.' He waved his wand again, and Dudley's bum felt normal again. 'You know, you look good with a tail' Harry said, failing to hide a grin.
Paisley ran back to Harry. 'How did you do that?'
'You liked it?'
'It was brilliant!'
'Oh, that's nothing. You'll learn all sorts of spells like that at school' Harry said.
'So, it's real?'
'Of course it's real! You think your dad would train an owl just to pull one on you? Listen, if you're still not convinced, come with me tomorrow. I'm taking James and Albus to get their school books. Trust me, after a day in Diagon Alley all your doubts will be gone.'
'Alright, we'll come along then. If it's alright with Dad.' She looked up at Dudley with pouty lips and pleading eyes.
'Of course we'll go. What time, Harry?' he said.
'Oh, I'll just pop by 'round noon to pick you up. I'd best be headed home now. Ginny's got dinner ready, and she'll kill me if I make her wait. See you tomorrow!' And with that, he turned on the spot and vanished with a familiar cracking noise, leaving Paisley wide eyed and speechless.
Dudley couldn't believe it. Tomorrow, he was going to get her school things. He was going to Diagon Alley.
Tomorow, he was going into the wizard world.
Okay this chapter proved challenging to finish. No matter how many times I wrote and rewrote it, it just didn't sound right. I still feel like it's not right, but this is the best I've gotten it to sound. Is it okay? Sorry it was nearly all dialouge. I'll try to avoid that next time.
So Sally's a Squib...I mean I couldn't go against what JKR said, could I? Yeah I could...but I didn't. About the 2nd note thing...yeah I wasn't sure how that would work. I mean muggleborns have someone sent to them to explain, but technically Paisley isn't muggleborn right? Really I just liked the idea of Dudley having to ask Harry for help. And since Neville is the herbology teacher, Sprout had to have left the position but I didn't think she was old enough to already be retired or dead, and JK said McGonnagal wasn't it, and I figured all the teachers that participated in the Battle of Hogwarts would get something for it...and this note is losing coherency so I think I'll leave it at that.
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