Chapter 1: The Dursleys
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Chapter 1: The Dursleys
NOTE: With the exception of any original characters my mind may create, no one else belongs to me. All characters and places belong to the brilliant J.K. Rowling. That said, this is my first fan fic so be kind, or honest, whatever you want. Read, Review, Enjoy!
In the eerily silent night, we focus on a row of houses along Privet Dr. All within these houses are asleep, with the exception of a young adult in the smallest bedroom of Number 4. This boy is awake, reading through an odd book, odd in that the pictures inside of it are moving, as if the book is bewitched. The boy runs his hands through his hair, revealing a lightning shaped scar. He adjusts his round glasses as he brings the book closer to his face.
Harry gave up. This wasn’t helping him stay awake. He threw the book to the floor and wondered how Hermione had finally convinced him to read Hogwarts: A history. He dragged himself out of bed hoping a walk around the room would help keep him awake. All he knew was that he couldn’t fall asleep. The incident at the Department of Mysteries was haunting his dreams. If I don’t sleep, I don’t dream, he thought to himself. The dream, or nightmare, rather, was always the same: Neville’s bloody nose, Luna helping Ginny walk on a broken ankle, Ron being attacked by brains, Hermione’s unconscious body, and ending with Sirius falling through that veil. He shuddered just remembering and felt a sudden flash of anger. All of it, every bit, was his fault. He let himself be tricked by Voldemort. The famous Harry Potter had gotten his friends hurt because he just had to play the hero. And what had happened? Sirius and the others had needed to come save him instead.
A light tapping at his window knocked him out of his thoughts. He walked over to let Hedwig in, glad for the interruption. She flew in and circled the room once before landing on his shoulder. Lightly nipping his ear, she lifted her leg for him to take the letter attached to it.
“Thanks girl.” She made a soft squeak and flew over to her perch, looking at him in such a way that said I’m not going to keep flying so far everyday for you. Harry chuckled no longer bewildered that his owl understood everything he said perfectly. “Hopefully this will be the last flight you have to make this summer.” He held the letter up and recognized Hermione’s small, neat writing. “Maybe this is our reprieve.” And with that, he tore open the letter. As soon as the envelope was open, Hermione’s voice floated out of it, surrounding him as she began the letter.
July 30 8:00 p.m.
Dear Harry,
Ron and I and the rest of the Weasley’s just arrived at the usual place. It’s amazing that Hedwig knew where to find us. And speaking of O.W.L.’s, have you gotten yours yet? I know WE haven’t. I shall have to speak with Dumbledore. We were supposed to get those weeks ago. I know you were expecting a letter from Mooney or Tonks, but they agreed to let us tell you the good news. Oh, hold on. Ronald wants to write now.
Hey Harry mate. Can you believe how she begins a letter? Personally the longer it takes to get back our results the better. Anyway, how are the muggles treating you? A fair lot better I expect after the Order talked with them end of last year.
Harry closed the envelope there and took a minute to reflect. True, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia had been better to him, for about two weeks. They of course made sure Harry wrote “his freaks” every other day, but they monitored what he put into the letters. There was no way for him to mention that his food portions were getting smaller by the day, or that he was getting the occasional smack around for not doing chores in a timely manner. It seemed that this year, when Harry most wanted to be left alone, they were always there. Uncle Vernon especially had turned meaner than he ever had, never once all summer calling him by his name. It was always “Boy” or “Idiot boy” or “Freak” and there was always something Harry was doing wrong that deserved discipline; being too loud, being too quiet…. breathing. If only he could do magic to emphasize the point the Order tried to make. But no, he could face evil wizards, centaurs, death eaters, trolls and dementors, but the muggles he has to stay with he can not lay a hand on, or wand in this case. If only you could see me now Ron. Big strong Harry Potter, forced to scrub toilets and getting beaten if they aren’t spotless. Harry looked at his arms which were covered in small finger shaped bruises and scratches. If only Vernon weren’t so much bigger than him, he might be able to fight back. He sighed and opened the envelope again, hoping for the good news Hermione had alluded to.
