The next few days went by very slowly. There was absolutely nothing to do, so Draco, Harry, and I either sat around the house or went up to the neighborhood playground. Dudley learned his lesson apparently because he and his cronies stayed away from us.
The night before Draco and I would leave for the Manor, we were snuggled together in his bed.
“I’m so glad to get out of here.” I sighed. Draco kissed my forehead.
“You want to know something?”
“Hmm?”
“I actually somewhat enjoyed being here. It was interesting to see how muggles live. And being here with you made it even better.”
I smiled. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. And I’m happy that you came; grateful that you convinced me.” He chuckled.
There was a knock on the door. “Come in,” I said. Aunt Petunia came into view.
“Goodnight you two.” I nodded in acknowledgement and got up to go to mine and Harry’s room. As I was about to pass her, she put her hand on my shoulder to stop me. “I’m sorry for the way Vernon treated you.”
I scoffed. “There you go again. Making it seem like it’s all his fault. You’re no angel, Aunt Petunia.” She nodded.
“I know, and I’m sorry.” I rolled my eyes.
“You do this every year, but it’s always the same. I’ve come to realize that it’s all a lie.” I pushed past her and went to my bedroom.
Harry was in bed reading as I got myself ready to sleep. “Aren’t you staying with Draco tonight?” I shook my head.
“No, Aunt Petunia came in and tried to apologize again. And I’m going to be staying in the same room as him at the Manor so it’s no big deal.” He nodded and put the book down. “What are you reading?”
“A book Hermione gave me for my birthday last year.”
“Oh Merlin, call the
Daily Prophet! Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, is reading a book!!” I exclaimed. He laughed.
“Calm down, it’s a book on the history of Quidditch and all the famous players.” I shook my head and climbed into bed.
“Goodnight, bro.”
I was in the maze and heard a maniacal laugh. “You will do as I say or your brother is as good as dead.” a voice said. I looked to see who was speaking, but the figure was in the shadows.
“Who’s there?!” I called. The figure laughed again.
“Oh doll, you know who I am.” Barty Crouch Jr. appeared.
“No!” I yelled. “You’re in Azkaban! You can’t be here!” He laughed.
“Oh dear child, you are naïve. I’ll always be here, waiting for you in your dreams….”
“Nat! Nat! Natalie!!” I woke up seeing Harry sitting on the edge of my bed. I was breathing heavily as he pushed my hair back out of my face. “Are you alright? You had a nightmare.”
I nodded, rolled over, and tried to go back to sleep. Harry sighed and went back to his bed. Within seconds, he was snoring.
Boys.
I couldn’t fall asleep so I sneaked into the guest room and snuggled with Draco. His arms slid around me on instinct even though he didn’t know I was there. I instantly felt calm and safe; falling asleep within seconds.
The next day, Draco and I were packing when there was a knock on the door. I ran into the guest room to see him staring at me.
“They’re here.”
He took my hand and we sprinted to the foyer where my aunt and uncle were standing. Dudley was off with his friends. I looked at everyone and when it seemed like they weren’t going to move, I rolled my eyes and opened the door.
“Hello Cissy, Lucius!” I greeted. Cissy smiled and hugged me. Lucius gave me a nod and walked past me to shake Draco’s hand.
“Having a good summer so far, son?” Draco nodded and his father snorted. Clearly that was not the answer he was expecting. “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, I presume?” Lucius asked as he turned to the other couple in the room. Uncle Vernon was red in the face but nodded.
“Would you like a cup of tea?” Aunt Petunia asked.
“Oh that would be lovely!” Cissy exclaimed. My aunt nodded and went to the kitchen.
“So are we going to stand here all day or do muggles not have sitting rooms?” Lucius sneered.
Uncle Vernon nodded and scurried to the living room. I laughed out loud at the fact that he looked like a fat, nervous squirrel. Lucius even smirked. We all followed him and sat down on the couch.
“So, Mr. Dursley, what do you do for a living?” Cissy asked. “I-I sell tools.”
Lucius scoffed. “Is that a good-paying occupation?” he asked. Uncle Vernon nodded. At this point, Aunt Petunia appeared with a tray.
“We get along.”
“You must be very generous and kind people for raising Natalie for all these years.” Cissy commented.
I snorted and Uncle Vernon gave me a very pointed look. “What?” I asked. “We all know that it isn’t true!”
Lucius raised his eyebrows and turned to them. Aunt Petunia shifted uncomfortably in her seat while Uncle Vernon got redder by the minute.
Draco cleared his throat. “Mother, this is probably not the best thing to discuss on a first meeting.”
“No Draco, I think this is very appropriate. I’m trying to get to know the people that raised your enchanting girlfriend.”
“ENCHANTING?!” Uncle Vernon exploded. “This girl has been anything but since she was brought here! She’s a freak as are you!”
Lucius stood up and towered over him. “How dare you insult my wife; and how can you say anything against a girl who you have raised as your own?!”
Uncle Vernon stood up and tried to match his height (even though it was impossible). “She is not my own child! She was that freak Potter’s!”
I looked between the two men who both looked ready to fight each other. Draco put his arm around my shoulder while Cissy gave me a sympathetic look. She stood up and grasped her husband’s arm.
“Lucius, I believe the kids are anxious to get going. Don’t forget, we have a dinner tonight to prepare for.” He nodded and turned to Draco and me.
“Go get your things.” We stood up and walked upstairs.
Draco kissed my forehead at the top of the stairs. “I’m sorry.”
I scoffed. “Why are you apologizing? I was expecting it.” He smiled and grabbed our trunks.
“Let’s go home.”
A/N: Ta Da! Chapter 2! Please leave a review!!
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