Thanks for everyone who has reviewed or followed my story. This is another background chapter to set up the story. Hope you like it.

Chapter 2: Consider us Family

Harry and Maeve were each others rock as they grew up on Privet Drive. They spent every second they could together. Of course, that was made difficult as the Dursleys often wouldn't let him leave the house in case he had fun. But Harry loved the MacKenna's house. As her older brother and sister were both away at boarding school most of the year, it was just Maeve and her father. He would spend every chance he got with them, and Donal always said that he was always welcome.

"I hate geography."

"You still have to do your homework Hairy," Maeve urged.

They were both sitting on a bench overlooking the playground. It was a place they often stopped on their way home from school to chat and share one of Maeve's jam sandwiches. Harry knew that Donal gave Maeve extra food to share with him, he didn't object.

"I know that. I don't have to like it though. You never do your homework!"

"I never get caught though," she shrugged back. "Do you think that your aunt and uncle ignore how stupid Dudley is or do they think he is smart?"

"I honestly couldn't tell you. Did you get the answer to question 4?" he replied looking down at his homework.

"Moscow."

"I really can't wait for Dudley to be going to a different school than me. Me and you can make friends without them fearing that he will beat them up."

"About that Harry. I'll be going to boarding school next year," she admitted, she was dreading telling Harry this as he would ask too many questions.

"What? Why?" the young boy asked.

"Well it is what my family do. At 11 they all go to boarding school. Don't worry. I'll keep in touch. That's months away anyway. Can we change the subject?"

"I suppose.. Whats question 5?"

"Italy."

"6?"

"Mount go do it yourself"

One bright and sunny Saturday Harry walked two doors down to see his favourite family. This wasn't unusual for Harry, however he was going to them because the Dursleys had ordered them to- and that was a first. He neared the door and stopped before he knocked to listen to the familiar sound of music coming from inside. Music was always constantly played in the MacKenna household, either Donal or Maeve were playing an instrument or cds were being played in the backround. This was something Harry couldn't get enough of. It was the only time he ever really heard music as it was not proper enough for the Dursleys. Once he heard the music stop, he knocked.

"Oh hello Harry," Donal said cheerfully opening the door holding his guitar. "Come on in."

"Thanks Donal," Harry said, he was told many years ago to call him by his first name. "I have a favour to ask."

"Oh," Donal replied confused, "Go ahead."

"Can I stay here until 11 tonight? I know its really late to stay but Vernon has guests over and he doesn't want me in the house. He said they wont be leaving until 11." Harry told the man. He felt awful for asking but delighted that he didnt have to stay locked in his cupboard all day. Donal agreed without a second thought and Harry went upstairs to find Maeve.

"Oi Mack!" Harry said barging through her bedroom door to find his friend reading a book, so enticed that she didnt even hear him enter. "Hey!" Harry poked.

"Oh, its you. Harold, you have to read this book. Its incredible. Its about a survivor of a plane crash. Its a true story!" she gushed thrusting the book in his face. Harry laughed at her enthusiasm and shook his head. "I'm alright thanks," he always knew she was a nerd. After telling her the good news, they headed downstairs to the living room where Donal was playing his guitar and Maeve went to the kitchen to make tea.

Harry couldn't help but notice the messiness of their house, as much as he loved it. There was always washing up to do, clothes left by the washing machine to be washed, beer bottles by the sink, sheets on the table in the living room table with song lyrics. But Harry had always thought this is what a family house looked like. He sat and watched Donal play. He was a short, thin man who looked hagard, as if he had gone through hardship. He was always cheerful and chatty, never going a day without seeing a friend. If not seeing his friends, he was playing sport outside with Maeve and Harry or playing Irish songs on his guitar. Harry truly admired him for raising his kids on his own and being such a good dad. Maeve's mother was never mentioned. One day she was here, the next day she wasnt. When Harry tried to ask Maeve what happened she just replied with, "She's gone to France."

"Here's your tea Harold," Maeve said, awakening him from his thoughts. "Dad let's do a reel," she suggested picking up her tin whistle.

They put on a movie later that evening which Donal kept insisting was amazing. "Star Wars will change your life Harry!" Harry sat beside Maeve on the sofa sharing a blanket and a bowl of popcorn. He watched with amazement at this film. His imagination went wild, what if there was a world like that actually existed? About an hour into the movie he looked to his right to find Maeve asleep on his shoulder. He examined her. Her face was still tanned and her hair was messily plaited. She admitted once that her father plaited her hair as it was too long. She was still shorter than everyone in their class. Her eyes were always a bit swollen as she cried a lot, but not today which made Harry happy. She always seemed cheerful like her dad, and would never let him see her cry. Her square, dark framed glasses were falling off her face so he carefully took them off of her small face and placed them on the coffee table. He looked up and saw Donal watching him from the armchair with a beer in his hand.

"Harry you are a fine, young man if I do say so myself," he said looking back at the television. Harry didn't reply not knowing what to say. "I know that them Dursleys dont treat you right," he continued, "but you should always remember that you're a good lad. I've met a lot of people in this world, and some of them like to put others down. But one day you will be somewhere that you love with people you love and that is magical." He stopped and took a swig of his drink. "Just remember where you come from Harry when your famous one day," he winked.

"Eh.. I don't think I'll ever be famous" Harry smiled at the old man.

"Weirder things have happened Harry."

"I don't want you to leave," Harry said plainly as Maeve packed her suitcase. "It's only July. School doesn't start until September."

"I told you Dad needs to visit Nanny. I do too. She needs help now after her hip surgery," she replied folding up her tshirts. They were in her bedroom packing away her things for Ireland and school. She would be staying there until it was time for school which meant Harry would not be seeing her for almost a year. "Turn around. I need to pack my underwear."

Harry turned red and turned around quickly. "I still don't want you to leave. Who will keep me sane?" he asked.

"You're a strong boy Harold. I have full faith that when I return you will have your sanity. Okay, you can turn around now."

"You're my best friend. I don't know who I can talk to now," Harry sighed sitting down on her bed. Maeve looked at him apologetically and sat down beside him.

"You don't know what's around the corner Harry. Maybe your new school will be amazing without Dudley," she argued but to no avail. Harry just looked at her like a lost puppy. They both looked up when they heard her father called her to put her suitcase in the car. She sighed, stood up and closed her case. As they went to leave the room, she dropped her bag and gave Harry the biggest squeeze she could.

"I'll see you next summer," she smiled sadly at the boy who looked lost.

"I don't like goodbyes," he admitted.

"Well this is not a goodbye. We will see each other again," she said ruffling his hair. "This is not the end."

But it was a goodbye.

She got in the car that day and was gone. Harry soon found out all about Hogwarts and the Wizarding World that awaited him. He entered a new world full of adventure, met knew friends and found his home. When he returned that summer he was eager to tell Maeve about Ron and Hermione and how much he loved his new school.

However, she never returned. Neither did any of the MacKennas. They had sold the house while he was away. And just like that his first friend was gone.