Magical - Harry Potter Fanfiction

29| Charlene's arrival

August, 1993

Harry's P.O.V.

I was currently sitting at my desk at Number four, Privet Drive, working on a transfiguration essay that was set by McGonagall.

I was usually quite a good worker, but my mind was focused on something else, Charlene. I can't stop thinking about her.

It was my birthday last month and I was sent some gifts through owl post. Ron got me a whole bunch of wizard candy so I felt less isolated. Charlene got me a broomstick servicing kit since she knew my old one had been used to the maximum. Hermione got me some bird food for Hedwig, which was perfect since neither Hedwig or I were allowed out, and I wouldn't want to Hedwig to starve, obviously! Hagrid got me a handmade wooden figure of Fang.

"Potter!" Called Uncle Vernon, pounding on the door.

"Come in," I said lazily.

Vernon burst open the door.

"Potter, my sister Marge is coming to stay for a week," he told me. "And while we're on the subject, we need to get a few things straight, you'll speak nicely to Marge. Secondly, as Marge doesn't know anything about your... abnormality, I don't want any... any funny business while she's here. Thirdly, we've told Marge you attend St Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys."

"What?" I exclaimed.

"And you'll be sticking to that story, boy. Or they'll be trouble," Vernon warned. "Now I'll be off to the station to pick her up."

Last week I got my Hogwarts letter, and it came with a permission form to visit Hogsmeade Village and it had to be signed by a parent or a guardian.

"I want to ask you something," I said seriously. "Third years at Hog- at my school are allowed to go and visit the village sometimes. I need you to sign the permission form so I can go."

"Why should I?" Uncle Vernon questioned.

"Well," I said, "It'll be hard work, pretending to Aunt Marge I go to that St. Whats-it-called school."

"St. Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys!" Yelled Uncle Vernon.

"Exactly," I said. "It's a lot to remember, and I'll have to make it sound convincing, won't I? But if you sign my permission form, I swear I'll remember everything, and I'll act like a mug- like I'm normal and everything."

"Right," Snapped Vernon, "I shall monitor your behaviour carefully during Marge's visit. If at the end of it, you've been good and kept to the story, I'll sign your ruddy form."

Then he got into his car and left. I dashed straight up to my room to write a letter to Charlene.

Dear Charlene

How has your Summer been? Hopefully better than mine. The Dursleys are so annoying. I wonder if I'll ever meet people more anti-magic than them. Anyway, just as I was having a terrible Summer, it got worse. My uncle's sister, Marge, is coming to stay. She's horrible! She gave me dog biscuits for Christmas once. She's arriving tonight. Hopefully, we can mail back and forth while she's here, it would certainly make me feel much better. Hope to hear from you soon.

Love, Harry.

I enclosed her birthday present, a pretty silver bracelet, and sent it off with Hedwig.

Charlene's P.O.V.

This Summer has been alright. Mia and Aunt Ethel came to stay again, but they're both at the Ministry all the time and they also take a lot of night shifts, so it's usually just Mia and me at home.