Chapter 02: The Peace Offering
Harry pretended to be asleep and thought about the discussion he had with his journal. Why would anyone be cruel or hateful enough to put a three year old child in a broom cupboard? There is no way that he could have done accidental magic when he was that young. Harry thought about this and realized that he indeed needed to have a discussion with his uncle and aunt.
Harry also realized that he acted as a typical Gryffindor and had reacted to every circumstance in his life in anger. He never took the time to think about the situation he was in and plan the right course of action. Had he acted on his Slytherin instincts, his life would have been very different. He would have appeased his muggle guardians into giving him concessions, he probably would not have had such a tough time with Snape, he would not have made an enemy of Malfoy, he would have had a better time during the Chamber of Secrets incident and during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The sorting hat was right! He did realize that he had a Slytherin side.
A loud bang of the front door opening and his uncle's shout "YOU!" brought him out of his reverie. There was a lot of noise coming from the living room and Harry ran down to investigate it, wand in hand. When he reached the bottom of the stairs with his wand drawn out, he was shocked to see an enraged Bill Weasley pinning his uncle against the wall with his left forearm against his uncle's throat and the wand in his right hand poking his uncle's chest near his heart.
"Bill, what are you doing?" Harry asked still shocked at the scene.
"Stay out of this Harry, it is for your own good. I am going to teach this fat tub of lard a lesson," Bill growled.
"THIS IS MY HOUSE. GET OUT HERE." Uncle Vernon bellowed trying to show a semblance of bravado but panic and fear was evident in his eyes.
It was obvious to Harry that one of them was going to do something stupid here. The fire and anger in Bill's voice was evident though Harry had no idea as to what his uncle had done.
"WILLIAM ARTHUR WEASLEY! Leave Uncle Vernon alone RIGHT NOW and lower your wand", Harry commanded. Bill had never heard Harry speak in such a tone before and was shocked to hear it. Still indecisive of what to do, he stepped back and lowered his wand. Seeing Bill back down, Uncle Vernon wishing to prove that he was the man of the house tried to punch Bill in his stomach. Before he could do any such thing, Harry commanded in the same voice, "UNCLE VERNON, leave Bill alone and sit on the couch NOW". Uncle Vernon followed.
"Now, Bill, are there any death eaters waiting outside to attack us?"
"No, Harry. There are no death eaters here. You are safe from Voldemort here" Bill replied.
"Then why are you here?" Harry asked in a much calmer yet firm voice.
"We received a tip suggesting that your Uncle Vernon was planning to hurt you" Bill replied not wanting to elaborate further and hoping that Harry wouldn't probe.
"Why you UNGRATEFUL wench..." started Uncle Vernon.
"UNCLE VERNON!" Harry said using his commanding voice again which quieted him. "Were you planning to hurt me?" asked Harry. The expression on his uncle's face told him that it was not the case. Harry turned towards Bill and told him, "Bill, it is obvious that your tip was false. Uncle Vernon does not wish to harm me at this time. Next time, I would suggest that you verify your facts and check up on me before you go about threatening my Uncle and Aunt. Now you may leave as you see there is no necessity for you to be around any longer."
Bill was livid with himself for his behavior. He had let his emotions take over and done a very stupid thing. He was ashamed of himself. 'What just happened?' he thought to himself before walking out the door and disapparating back to the Burrow. 'I am going to have a lot to answer now.'
Harry walked up to the living room where his uncle was sitting fuming and red in his face. His aunt walked up to his uncle and sat beside him on the couch. Harry could see fear in her eyes. 'I wonder if she is afraid that I will hurt Uncle Vernon or vice versa', thought Harry.
"Uncle Vernon, first, I would like to thank you for listening to me and backing down. I would like to apologize for the behavior of Bill Weasley and I give you my personal guarantee that it wont happen again without a just cause."
Both the Drusleys were shocked to hear Harry speaking to them in a composed manner and apologizing for the wizarding world. They just sat there on the couch blinking and not knowing what to say.
"Second, I would like to have a civic conversation with you about us co-existing in this house. I do not want a repeat of what happened just now. So I suggest we have a sit down conversation. I would be interested in knowing what your expectations are of me while I am here under your roof. I would also like to have a chance to voice my grievances here. I would suggest we meet back here in two hours time for the said meeting. Would that be convenient for you?"
Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, still shocked, had absolutely no idea what had just happened. So they just nodded their approval. Harry thanked them again for listening to him and walked up to his room.
'What just happened?' thought Harry. He realized that even if he had planned it, it could not have gone that perfectly. He was going to make an offer to his uncle that he couldn't refuse.
He took a piece of parchment and quickly scribbled a list of questions he needed answered. He wrote a letter and attached the list of questions with it and sealed it in an envelope. He took another piece of parchment and wrote a telegraphic letter.
Dear Hermione,
I am absolutely safe both physically and mentally. Need your expertise ASAP. Could you meet me at the Drusleys (#4 Privet Drive, Surrey) within an hour? Take a taxi if you have to.
Harry
After sealing the second letter, Harry went to Hedwig. "Ready for some exercise girl?" Hedwig hooted in response. "Take this letter first to Hermione. You don't have to wait for a response. Then go to Gringotts and give this other letter to Griphook. Wait for his response and try to return back as soon as you can. Got a very important meeting to attend and I will be waiting for you."
Harry opened the window and Hedwig flew away. Now he needed a strategy. An hour later, he was still pacing in his room when he heard a taxi pull in front of his house. Harry ran downstairs hoping to open the door before either his Uncle or Aunt did. Fortunately, they weren't anywhere to be found.
As soon as Harry opened the door, Hermione ran into him and gave him a hug. He could see that she was distraught and in tears. He stood there in the doorway, held her in his arms and tried to calm her down. He could feel her relaxing and released her from the hug. As soon as he did so, Hermione took one step back and punched him in his stomach knocking the wind out of him. "Harry James Potter! Don't you ever scare me like that ever again! Or I will personally kill you with my own hands." As soon as she calmed down, she realized what she had done and enquired guiltily, "Harry, I am sorry. Are you ok?"
Harry nodded and led her upstairs to his room and locked the door. Hermione walked in and sat on his chair and turned towards him waiting for an explanation for his cryptic letter.
"Now I know how Malfoy felt being at the receiving end of your punch." Harry chuckled.
Hermione still ashamed of herself, didn't laugh but she couldn't control the flicker of an involuntary smile on her face.
"Thank you Hermione for coming as soon as you could. I need to talk to you about something and I really could use your expertise."
'Something has happened. This is not the same Harry I know. He has never asked for help before. I hope it is not one of his impulsive things. He always lands himself in a soup', thought Hermione.
Harry continued to explain what happened since morning, how Bill had barged into the Drusley household and threatened his Uncle and his conversation with them after wards. He also told her that he would make an offer to his uncle that he wouldn't refuse and described to Hermione his plan for the evening.
Hermione was impressed with his plan, but she still had a question. "Your plan sounds good Harry. I hope it works as it should. But what I don't understand is, Why am I here?"
"Hermione, I have known you since our first year. I have the tendency of getting into trouble by my inquisitiveness and impulsiveness. I also have a certain penchant for disregarding rules to satisfy my said traits. I see today's meeting with my uncle as a foundation to solve the mystery of why my uncle hates me more than my aunt. And there is every chance that I may get carried away."
"You Hermione, on the other hand have always been the voice of reason. You are grounded and you have an immense respect for both authority and rules. You don't let your emotions affect your judgment. I don't want a repeat of Bill's performance again and that's why I did not invite Ron for this meeting. Does that answer your question?"
"Yes it does, Harry. Thank you". Something buzzed in Hermione's handbag and she pulled out a cellphone and answered it. "Hi mom" "Yes mom, I am fine. Harry is fine too. I am at his place. His relatives are fine too. I will see you later in the evening?" "Thanks mom, love you, bye."
"Ever since my injury, my parents want to keep a tab on me and have bought me a cellphone in spite of me explaining to them that cellphones do not work in the wizarding world." Hermione explained.
Harry saw Hedwig fly into the room and landed on the table and proudly stuck out her leg on which was attached a letter. "Thank you girl, you did great. Here is a treat for you." Hedwig hooted again.
Harry untied the letter and broke open the Gringotts seal. He held it out to Hermione so that she could read it too.
Mr. Potter,
Thank you for your owl. As your account manager at Gringotts, it is my duty and a pleasure to answer your questions.
The balance in your vault 687 here at Gringotts Diagon Alley branch is approximately 71,000 galleons. You have the right to do whatever you want with your money as the minimum age to operate the Educational Trust vaults according to wizarding law is eleven years. Your current annual expenditure is approximately 4,500 galleons which includes your annual Hogwarts tuition of 4,000 galleons.
The average income of a lower middle-class wizarding family is approximately 10,000 galleons a year. While a 5 bedroom house with a lawn and a quiditch pitch might cost upto 150,000 galleons, you will be able to rent a modest 2 bedroom flat for 200 galleons a month. Your other monthly expenditure post-graduation from Hogwarts should not be greater than 300 galleons. Hence the remaining 32,000 galleons (post graduation) should last you for at least 5 years for a modest lifestyle.
However, all this speculation should be moot following the will reading of your godfather, Sirius Black, as I hear through the Gringotts' grapevine that you have been expressly mentioned in his will, although I do not know the details of your inheritance from him. I would suggest that you drop by at Gringotts Bank in a day or two to settle that issue.
I have enclosed a Bankers Cheque for the amount of 75,000 GBP (15,000 galleons) in favor of your uncle Vernon Drusley, aunt Petunia Drusley and cousin Dudley Drusley. I took the liberty of adding the latter two names to the cheque to ensure their co-operation in your business with them. If you need any further clarification, please do not hesitate to send me an owl.
Thank you,
Griphook
Accounts Manager, Gringotts Diagon Alley Branch
"Smart Goblin!" Harry Chuckled. "He has already guessed what I am going to do. No wonder Goblins know everything. Are you ready to go down and have some fun?"
Harry and Hermione walked down to the living room and sat in the two chairs that were opposite to the couch. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were already seated in it and were surprised to see that they had company.
"Is she one of your freaks?" demanded Uncle Vernon, but shrunk into the couch seeing the anger in Harry's eyes. Harry took a deep breath and began the meeting.
"Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. Thank you for agreeing to sit with us for a civil meeting to discuss our mutual grievances. First, I would like to apologize for inviting my friend Hermione to this meeting without your consent. My reasons for inviting her here are three-fold. She is the smartest witch I know and there is no curse or hex she doesn't know about. She is my best friend and will ensure that I am not taken advantage of unduly at this meeting. Lastly, she would be a dampening effect on my temper in case our meeting turns ugly. It would be in our best interests to be courteous and civil and hear each other out and come to a mutual understanding. So why don't you begin Uncle Vernon?"
"Alright. I will bite your bait", started Uncle Vernon in his boardroom voice. Hermione pulled out her notebook and a ball point pen and started making notes.
"Number 1: I will not allow freaks into my house."
"Number 2: I will not allow any funny business inside or outside my house in the neighborhood."
"Number 3: I will not allow you to show any disrespect towards me, your aunt or your cousin."
"Number 4: At no point are you or your freaky friends allowed to cause any harm or discomfort to me and my family."
"Number 5: You are to do your chores assigned by me or your aunt and earn your keep here."
"I reserve the right to add to these points as we move along in this meeting."
"Now your turn," said Uncle Vernon with a smile that suggested that he had won a legal case based on res ipsa loquitor.
Harry looked at Hermione who nodded to him to continue. Harry took a deep breath before he started speaking.
"Thank you Uncle Vernon, for being succinct. Before I agree to your terms, may I ask you a few questions to clarify your points?" When Uncle Vernon nodded, he looked at Aunt Petunia and asked, "Would you or Dudley like to add any further points, Aunt?"
Aunt Petunia was surprised at his reaction and said, "Dudley and I reserve the right to add to these points as we move along in this meeting. Right now, I have nothing else to add."
"Thank you Aunt." Looking at his uncle he asked, "Uncle Vernon, would you agree with me that my conduct, behavior and manner of addressing you and your family TODAY has been anything but disrespectful?" Uncle Vernon agreed with him as did Aunt Petunia.
"Would it satisfy one of your points if I were to continue the same approach whenever I interact with you and your family?" Again, they both nodded. Uncle Vernon could not hide the smirk on his face when he realized that he had won the first point in this debate. Harry continued, "If I were to extend this courtesy to you, would you be willing to do the same to me? That would mean among other things that you not shout at me or call my friends names or refer to them as freaks"
Uncle Vernon's smile wavered a little but he conceded that he had a better deal here. So he agreed. Aunt Petunia did the same.
"Now, about the funny business around the Drusley neighborhood," Harry continued.
"As you know, we are not allowed to do magic outside of school during the summers." This brought a bigger smile to Uncle Vernon's face. "However, this restriction on underage magic according to the wizarding law is waived for self-protection. That means that if ever I feel that my life is threatened, I will proverbially speaking, shoot first and ask questions later." Harry could see a shudder go through Uncle Vernon at that.
"As my headmaster might have explained to you, I am currently on the most-wanted list of a terrorist and his minions, the Death-eaters, who have tried to kill me at least once every year since I have gone to Hogwarts. His name is Lord Voldemort and he is the one who killed my parents using the killing curse Avada Kedavra." Harry's eyes were moist at this sentence and he fought hard not to show any weakness.
"That said, there is every possibility that the Death-eaters will try to kill me while I am here. You are not at any more increased risk due to close proximity to me because his minions would kill you on sight just because you people are non-magical. So having me around is actually a blessing in disguise because I will be able fight magic with magic. Secondly, the blood wards get recharged as long as I live with you folks. Think of me as a battery that recharges the wards that keep these death eaters away for the rest of the year. I cannot guarantee your hundred percent safety, but I will try to protect you provided you follow my orders if and when we are under attack."
"So about funny business, I will not do magic while I am here unless I feel my life is threatened either by you, your family, Death eaters or Lord Voldemort. Would that be acceptable to you?"
In spite of all the talk about death and terrorists, Uncle Vernon realized that he had won another point and he readily agreed. Petunia had a surprised expression on her face when she asked, "You would protect us if those death eaters come here?"
Harry wasn't surprised to hear that question. "Yes Aunt Petunia, when in danger, do as I say and I will protect you. In spite of how I feel I have been treated here, my conscience will not allow me to let you three be harmed." Petunia nodded.
"Continuing onto a similar point, from today on, I will not allow any of my friends to threaten you in any way provided our terms we agree today are upheld by you. You honor your end of the deal and I will do mine."
Uncle Vernon could not believe that he had scored again. But he had his own doubts about this boy's ability to control his friends. So he asked, "How can you guarantee on behalf of everyone? How do I know that someone will not pounce on me behind your back?"
Hermione spoke for the first time during the meeting. "Harry is a very powerful wizard. If he tells them not to trouble you, they won't. Even I can guarantee that!"
Vernon scoffed at that and said, "You mean to say that your headmaster, that giant oaf and that cat woman will listen to this boy? No way!"
Hermione was shocked when she recognized the people he had described. She looked at Harry and realized that he wasn't surprised at all. "Tell me Mr. Drusley, did those three threaten you?"
"Of course they did! The day they dropped him off at our door step and tried to sneak away."
"Is that why you have abused Harry here? Because they threatened you and you had to vent it out on a child?" Hermione was furious.
"Now listen, young lady! You have no right to..." Vernon was about to stand up.
"UNCLE VERNON!" Harry used his commanding voice. "Please let me apologize for my friend's outburst here. She means no harm or disrespect. It is natural to get angry when your loved ones are abused and you will please pardon my young friend here. Although, I would strongly suggest that you not get a raise from her. Otherwise, however powerful I am, I will not be able to beat or control my very clever friend. Please let us continue our civil meeting." Vernon visually paled when he understood the unveiled threat.
"Uncle Vernon, I will guarantee you and your family safety from all my friends including those three you mentioned earlier provided you do not break any of our agreed terms. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, it is." He nodded to continue. He was winning and he liked it.
"Now the two things remaining on your list are: me doing my chores to earn my keep and allowing my friends to come and visit me" Hermione could see that Harry was on a roll.
"Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, you have allowed me to live here for 10 years full time and last 4 summers. Even though I have lived the first ten years in a cupboard under the stairs, I have to agree that you fed me and ensured that I was safe under your roof. For this I would like to thank you. In spite of how I perceive that I was treated, I should show you gratitude for doing that." Uncle Vernon could not hold his grin here. Harry continued, "I need to remind you that I need to stay in this house for my protection, and also yours for the next two summers after which I will not be living with you. So as a show of goodwill and gratitude and for a few concessions, I wish to present to you a Bankers Cheque for the amount of 75,000 pounds." Harry picked up the cheque and showed it to them without handing it over.
"Where did you get that kind of money boy? Did you steal it?" asked Uncle Vernon.
"Umm... Uncle, might I remind you that you are not showing me the respect by accusing me of stealing. If you really need to know, I borrowed it from my friend's father." Harry said pointing at Hermione. Hermione though she was shocked, did not show it on her face. This was not something they had discussed. With her best poker she said, "My dad and mom are like you, they are non magical people and they are dentists with a very good practice."
"Why would you do that? Are you his girlfriend?" Petunia asked Hermione.
Hermione smiled at her and said, "That is what you do for someone you love. No, I am not Harry's girlfriend. He is my best friend and I do love him. He has always been good to me and has saved me from certain death multiple times, sometimes at the risk of his own life. If this amount can bring him some happiness and peace, I am more than willing to give it away."
"Moreover, I think my other best friend has a crush on her and it might be mutual", Harry laughed watching the blush creep up on Hermione's face.
Uncle Vernon was still apprehensive. "You said something about concessions?"
"I have three requests. First, you will let some of my friends to come and visit me as often as they like. When they visit me, they will do so at civilized hours except in case of an emergency, will be properly attired in normal clothing and will be respectful and will not do any funny business. As far as possible, I will try to inform you well in advance of their trips. While they are here, we may sit together and study or have fun playing one of our games in my room. But we will remember the manners of the house while we are here and will not impose on you in case you have company. They will also not impose on you for any food or drink. But I would like you to extend basic courtesy to them such as greeting them preferably with a genuine smile or inviting them for a cup of tea and biscuits, which I am sure they will reject"
"Second, I will not do any chores at home. I think with this Bankers Cheque, I have here with me will already have earned my keep."
"Third, I will not be imposing on you for food or drink. I might occasionally come down and have some tea if I crave your company. My food and cleaning will be taken care of a special friend of mine who is magical. He will only come to me when I call him and I will call only when I am in my room. His name is Dobby. Would you like to meet him?"
Hermione was livid. This was again not part of the plan. But she let him continue. She wanted to know where this was going. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia looked uncertain.
"Don't worry, I will tell him not to harm you in any way." They nodded. "Dobby!"
There was a loud crack and Dobby immediately appeared in the living room and hugged Harry's leg.
"Harry Potter, Sir calling Dobby." Dobby became hysterical and started crying. "What can Dobby do for the greatest wizard Harry Potter Sir?"
"Dobby, I would like you to meet my Uncle and Aunt. I don't want you to harm them in any way and protect them if you can. The exception of course is if they try to harm you, me or my friends and you can use any magic you want. Will you do that for me?"
"Of course, Harry Potter, Sir. Dobby will do what ever Harry Potter Sir asks!"
"Thank you Dobby. I would also want you to only appear in my room when I am there. I do not want you to scare these muggles by appearing in front of them. That will be all Dobby for now. I will talk to you more about our arrangement tomorrow."
Dobby disappeared with a loud crack.
"Please don't underestimate Dobby because of his small size. As you can see, he is very loyal to me and will do anything to protect me and mine. He once threw a full trained wizard 100 feet backwards with just a flick of his hand because the wizard drew his wand to harm me." Harry explained and his relatives nodded.
"Other than these three concessions, I would love it if you could throw in a few minor favors like dropping me some place on the way to work or picking me up from the train station, etc. the things you have been doing for the last few years, for which I am very grateful."
"There ends my requests and to give you an added incentive to keep up your end of the bargain, I will throw in another 25,000 pounds on my 17th birthday which will be the day I leave your home permanently. This money will be given to you even if Voldemort gets lucky and kills me provided, you haven't broken our agreement. There are ways magical people can track if a contract is broken. So are you willing to agree?"
"Yes", said Uncle Vernon. "I like the terms." Aunt Petunia nodded and smiled with pride.
"Ok, please hold out your hands and shake my hand and my friend will touch our hands with her wand. I promise you that this will not hurt. This would make our arrangement magically binding. I have to warn you that if you or I break our agreement, the consequences can be disastrous." Aunt Petunia blanched at this. 'She sure knows more about the magical world than she lets on'
Uncle Vernon was the first to hold out his hand. He felt like a winner. Aunt Petunia held out her hand gingerly and they both shook Harry's hand. When Hermione touched her wands to their hands, it was encircled by a blue glow accompanied by a tingling sensation and it disappeared.
Harry got up and handed over the Banker's Cheque to Uncle Vernon. "I offer you this as a peace offering. Remember that in spite of Dudley not being here, he too is bound by our magical contract as he is still under your guardianship. Thank you Uncle and Aunt, it was fun speaking with you."
"Umm, Harry! I have to report to my summer job now. How about I come over tomorrow morning?" Harry gave her a hug and whispered in her ear, "Thank you Hermione. We will talk more later," and walked her out of the house to her cab that was waiting for her.