December 8: 1984
17 days until Christmas…
"And I want a new electric car and a TV set and a light saber," four-year-old Dudley dictated. "Are you writing this down, mummy?"
Petunia looked up from her paper and smiled indulgently at her son. "Yes, diddykins."
"Make sure you remember the air rifle and new gaming system," Dudley commanded.
"Of course. Nothing but the best for my little pumpkin."
Harry coughed.
His aunt's head swiveled to the doorway of the den like a hawk. "What do you want?"
"I… I thought maybe I'd give you my Christmas list."
"Isn't that sweet?" Petunia said sarcastically.
Dudley's eyes widened, signaling a tantrum. "NO! If you buy him gifts I'll get less! No! Throw it away!"
Petunia pulled him to her and stroked his back. "Oh, Duddykins, don't worry." Over Dudley's fat shoulder, she gave Harry the evil eye. "Come here, boy."
Harry took stiff steps towards her until he was close enough for her to snatch his list away.
With exaggerated motions, she tore it into miniscule pieces and placed it in the ashtray. "There, my ickle Dudleykins. Don't worry, mommy loves you."
Dudley stopped sniveling. "Okay, then I also want a dog and a new dirt bike…"
Quietly, Harry slipped out of the room and ran down the hallway into his cupboard.
It was the last time he wrote a Christmas wish list.