Harry Potter and the Orb of Power

Chapter 3: The Effloresca

    The sun finally rose above number four Privet Drive, shedding light on the plain, normal looking houses below. The birds were chirping happily outside, perched on the telephone wires that ranged through the street. The ground was soaked through because of the rain and the lawn, which Aunt Petunia had painstakingly worked on over the course of the year, was reduced to one big stretch of goop. Harry woke up groggily after his late hour birthday party, and he struggled to keep his eyes open for more than a few seconds. He looked around and forgot, for a moment, that he had gotten some really neat presents the night before.

    "Looks like the storm scared away the post-owls," Harry said to Hedgwig, when something at his wrist turned red. He looked, and remembered that he got all his gifts last night and was forced to hide them. He hurriedly retrieved his Animagus book and his prefect badge and grinned from ear to ear. The happy memories of him opening gifts flew into his head, and he started to think again that maybe, just maybe, things will be different this year.

    "BOY! GET DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT!" Vernon Dursley roared from downstairs. Harry rolled his eyes at Hedwig and Pig.

    "Looks like things won't be that different after all. Be right back." Harry put on his glasses, instinctively tried to pat down his messy, jet-black hair (it was utterly hopeless) and proceeded downstairs. Harry reached the first floor and entered into the kitchen, where Vernon was seething over a big puddle of water on the floor. Apparantly, the rain had soaked through the ceiling, and caused the large puddle.

    "What did you do this time, boy," Vernon said hissing through his teeth.

    "Nothing, Uncle Vernon," Harry mumbled inneffectually, knowing that any response he made wouldn't make the slightest difference in his uncle's mind.

    "Don't lie to me boy, I know you did this with your...your..."

    "Magic?" Harry sneered on the inside. And in 3...2...1.., Harry thought as his uncle's face became purple.

    "Don't you ever, EVER mention your abnormality again in this house!" Vernon bellowed at Harry with bits of spittle flying out of his mouth. Harry had a calm look in the face of his uncle's fury, and smiled a little bit.

    "Yes, Uncle Vernon. Oh, and by the way, my godfather, you know, the murderer, will be stopping by in the near future. I just got his letter, and I wanted to let you know promptly." Harry watched in wonder as Vernon went from purple in anger to green with fright.

    "He's...he's coming here?" Vernon asked reluctantly.

    "Well yes. I need to get my school things for the next year."

    "He never had to come here before," Vernon said slowly, as to not accuse of Harry of lying lest his godfather arrive and turn him into a newt.

    "This year is different," Harry said, not wanting to explain about Voldemort and Cedric's death. Harry felt a pang of guilt when he thought of Cedric and his insistance that Harry just take it. Let's take it together, Harry thought, remembering how he made sure Cedric touched the cup too. He took a deep breath, forced Cedric out of his mind, and looked up at his uncle, who still looked like he was about to run screaming into the street.

    "Well...find out from your godfather when he'll be arriving. I don't want one of you in my house without me knowing," Vernon said with an edge, but not enough to make Harry mad. Harry nodded, grinning that his godfather excuse still had its proper effect, and walked outside. But when he got outside, he saw that the garden no long was a large stretch of mud, but a perfectly green lawn with a large amount of flowers blooming. It was picture perfect (too perfect, in Harry's opinion) and it made Harry uncomfortable. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw what looked to be a witch, but when he turned to see her, she was gone.

         * * * * * * ** * * * * * * *

    After the garden incident, Harry went upstairs to do some of his Hogwarts school work. He had just finished a particulary nasty Potions essay on the magical properties of the Petales Detante flower, found frequently in France, and its effect on the Ingenium Potion. He was now working on a History of Magic essay that had to do with the various court trials of Manticore Clan's crimes. Harry thoroughly enjoyed the story; the clan of wizards used manticores to perform grisly murders. Their sentence was apt, they were fed to the same manticores they used to kill their victims. It was a gruesome story, and Harry was happy that Professor Binns, his History of Magic professor, had finally given his students something interesting to do. He was sure that Ron enjoyed the story too, although Hermione would probably scold the both of them for enjoying a story about someone else's death. Harry completed the last two lines of his essay and jumped up in excitement. He had finished all of his homework! Harry looked at Hedwig to celebrate, but realized that he forgot to send Pig back to Ron. Harry scribbled a note to Ron asking about his potential stay at the Burrow and attached the note to Pig. Harry opened the window and let the owl out. Harry was about to close the door when he saw his aunt Petunia and his cousin Dudley over Mrs. Figg's house. Dudley was sitting outside eating a sandwich while it looked like Mrs. Figg was lecturing his aunt, Petunia. When Mrs. Figg pointed to her stove, Harry realized that she was just teaching Petunia a recipe for what seemed to be a very fancy dinner. Harry watched the food cook and realized he was very hungry. He ran downstairs, avoided his uncle, and entered into the kitchen. He saw that the floor was dry and the ceiling had been repaired. Uncle Vernon sure worked fast, Harry thought as he opened the refridgerator and looked for a quick snack. He found an orange and decided that it would do as well as anything, and closed the door. He turned around and saw his aunt standing right in front of him, her arms on her hips ready to scream at Harry. He braced himself, ready to be lectured by his aunt, her lips pursed.

    "Don't eat that all, you'll ruin your appetite," Petunia said quickly. "Now get out of the kitchen, I must prepare dinner before five o'clock tonight." Harry looked at his aunt in shock. He expected many things from his aunt and uncle, but not the disregard he was getting now. He hurried out the kitchen and ran right into Dudley, who looked like he had just been sucking on an extremely sour lemon.

    "How did you get away with last night and today without getting into trouble?" Dudley hissed, trying not to be heard by his mother.

    "I guess I'm just lucky," Harry said, grinning. He looked at his watch, which glowed red. I know, I know, Harry thought grimly. Dudley looked at him.

    "You bewitched my mum, haven't you?" Dudley asked, almost too afraid to find out the answer. Harry laughed at the absurdity of the question. Harry noticed that Dudley had lost only a little weight, even though Aunt Petunia had made Dudley's regimine even tougher than before. But because of the pressure he was under, Dudley had been acting very strangely, becoming paranoid and erratic. Harry would almost feel sympathy for him if he hadn't been tortured by his cousin throughout his life. Harry wasn't going to show any outward sign of sympathy, but he decided he wouldn't make the situation worse.

    "No, Dudley, I haven't bewitched your mum. If I did, I'd make her magic some weight away from you so you wouldn't be such a porker," Harry said. Dudley snarled and charged at Harry, but Harry was too quick for Dudley.

    "I'm telling Mum!" Dudley yelled.

    "Too bad you're as slow as a snail!" Harry yelled. His watch glowed green in agreement. Harry laughed as he ran upstairs. When he entered, he saw that his Foe-Glass was still as foggy as ever, realizing that Dudley probably wouldn't brave the stairs to chase him. He looked at his watch and saw that it was four thirty, and frowned. How was Aunt Petunia going to finish before five? And what was at five o'clock? He remembered hearing something about Uncle Vernon's drill company, Grunnings, and realized that his aunt, uncle, and cousin were probably going to Majorca to find a new house, especially if Uncle Vernon got a promotion. Harry frowned, thinking that he would probably have to move in with Mrs. Figg, who smelled like cats. He looked at his Foe-Glass, which had begun to swirl, and then the face of Dudley was clear in the frame. The door opened and Dudley poked his head in.

    "Dinner's almost ready so hurry up and set the table," Dudley said, who then returned downstairs. Harry looked at his watch, saw that it was quarter of five. Either they weren't eating anything special, or something incredibly weird was going on in the Dursley house. Maybe Harry was eating earlier than everyone else. That seemed to be likely; Aunt Petunia would probably give him a slice of bread with some dirty water. Harry laid his fears to rest and went to wash up for his meager dinner.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Harry walked down the stairs and heard his aunt issuing orders to Vernon. Harry poked his head into the kitchen to receive orders from Petunia.

    "You, set out the nice dinner plates and silverware. And make it snappy, the dinner is ready." Petunia put the emphasis on snappy, which Harry frowned at. Ever the servant, Harry said as reached into the cabinet and pulled out the nicest dinner plates available. "Are you done yet?" Petunia called out to Harry, which made Harry scowl. If only I could use magic, Harry thought as he, as fast as he could, set out glasses and silverware.

    "Ready, Aunt Petunia!" Harry called out. He sat in his traditional seat, waiting for his meal. Vernon came out the kitchen and sat at the head of the table, while Dudley came waddling into the dining room, excited that he was going to be able to eat a complete meal for once. Petunia came out with a prime rib cut of beef, and then came out with the finest vegetables Harry had seen outside of Hogwarts. He waited for his bread and butter, but it never came. Petunia, Dudley, and Vernon began eating, while Harry sat waiting for his meager portion.

    "What's your problem?" Petunia asked, glaring at Harry.

    "Um...nothing," Harry mumbled. He reached out hesitantly to grab the mashed potatos. He was grabbed the bowl, and expected there to be an uproar at the table. However, no noise was made and Harry finally sighed in relief. This is new, Harry thought. He filled his plate, still expecting rebukes, and ate slowly, savoring every bite. He looked up and realized that something was not quite right; the Dursley's should have been discussing the promotion or whatever was the special occasion. He looked at Petunia, who was glancing from Vernon to Dudley, almost analyzing the mood they seemed to be in. When everyone was done eating (Dudley certainly wasn't, but Petunia made him stop anyways) Petunia cleared her throat as if to announce that she had something important to say.

    "I think I have forgotten something important: dessert. Hold on one moment." Petunia, as she walked into the kitchen, dimmed the lights. Vernon looked utterly confused, while Dudley was concerned only with the prospect of more food. Harry, on the other hand, was troubled at his aunt's odd behavior. Something was wrong with Aunt Petunia. Maybe she was sick, or she was having an affair on Uncle Vernon. Harry laughed inwardly, thinking that he wouldn't blame her if she went somewhere else. However, Harry was very interested in learning Aunt Petunia's little secret. His thoughts however, left him when she emerged from the kitchen with a cake topped with lit candles. Aunt Petunia was smiling as she placed the cake on the table and started singing "Happy Birthday" to Harry. Dudley's jaw dropped in horror and Vernon was turning purple. Harry was caught between shock and amusement until Petunia stopped singing. Harry blew out the candles reluctantly and then looked at Uncle Vernon. Harry didn't know what to expect; this was something completely new and strange.

    "What in the blazes was that?" Vernon said slowly and deliberately, trying not to start screaming in anger in case this was a misunderstanding. Harry looked at Aunt Petunia, who looked like she was going to answer.

    "Mum?" Dudley asked, whimpering. Even though he was stupid, Harry could tell that Dudley knew something awful was transpiring before him.

    "Vernon, Dudley, Harry...I have something to tell you." Petunia looked pained; Harry dreaded this news. Even though he couldn't stand the Dursley's, he didn't want anything permanantly bad happening to them. They were, after all, family, even though Harry certainly didn't want to fess up to it. There was a long, painful silence that filled the Dursley household that Harry certainly did not like.

    "Well, Petunia?" Vernon asked, a bit too severely. Aunt Petunia started to get angry.

    "Will you be patient for just two minutes Vernon? I need to phrase this exactly right," Petunia said harshly. Oh no, Harry thought.

    "Maybe I should go upstairs, this looks like a private moment for you guys," Harry said, getting up from his chair.

    "Sit down, Harry." Harry sat down in shock. The Dursleys usually never referred to Harry as "Harry". They more often called him "You" or "Boy" or "Freak". Things certainly were very weird. The suspense was killing Harry as silence descended on the Dursleys.

    "Petunia, dear, what is going on?" Vernon said, gently. His eyes turned to Harry, as if blaming him for this outrage.

    "I have something to tell you. Things will be a lot different around here," Petunia said. She looked at Harry, and then back at Vernon.

    "What?" Vernon asked, dropping all pretense of gentleness.

    "I just found out that I am an Effloresca," Petunia said finally. Instead of shocking gasps, silence followed Petunia's statement.

    "A what?" Vernon asked, as if Petunia made up the word. Dudley looked like he was going to melt from thinking, while Harry looked at Petunia oddly. An Effloresca?

    "Is that some sort of club?" Harry asked, trying to fill in the silence.

    "No, Harry, it isn't," Petunia replied in a sarcastic tone. "Honestly, you'd think you would know by now what I'm talking about." Harry frowned. If he should know, then it probably would be something out magic. Suddenly Harry dropped his fork in shock.

    "Aunt Petunia, you can do magic can't you?" Harry asked. Vernon snarled and stood up at his place at the dinner table.

    "How dare you accuse her of being a freak like you? How dare you! I'll wring your neck for this, boy!" Vernon said, proceeding around the table.

    "Vernon, stop!" Petunia shrieked. Dudley had tears in his eyes.

    "I don't want dessert anymore!" Dudley wailed.

    "Stop your blubbering," Harry whispered fiercely. Vernon looked at Petunia.

    "It...isn't true, is it? Petunia?" Vernon looked like he was pleading with Petunia to tell him differently.

    "An Effloresca is a person who does not demonstrate any magical ability until an older age," Petunia said. Vernon looked as if he was about to collapse on the spot. "I've been learning how to use magic for household purposes, nothing else."

    "How...how could you not tell me?" Vernon asked fiercely.

    "She just did," Harry said, annoyed at Vernon's stupid question.

    "You keep out of this, you freak," Vernon said maliciously, and then realized his mistake.

    "Freak, is he?" Petunia said, rounding on Vernon. "Well, in that case, you probably won't be sleeping in the same bed as me, seeing as I am a freak as well. Perhaps you'll feel more comfortable on the couch!"

    "You wouldn't dare. Perhaps you are the one that'll be moving!" Vernon yelled back. Dudley ran out of the room, his hands wiping at his eyes.

    "I hate you both!" Dudley shrieked. Harry sat down in his chair, unable to take all of this change. Petunia and Vernon were screaming at each other. Harry felt a headache coming on, and he rubbed his temples to relieve some of the pressure. This was a shock; Harry didn't know how to react to such a situation. Petunia? A witch? He looked at both his aunt and his uncle, vaguely paying attention to the horrible things they were screaming at each other. A loud crash came from upstairs, which was probably Dudley smashing in his television. Harry took a deep breath and stood up. Enough was enough.

    "When you two are quite done, let me know!" Harry yelled, which instantly silenced the two adults. Vernon looked at him with a murderous gaze while Petunia was still locked in a torn expression as she glared at Vernon. They were about to start shouting again, so Harry decided to leave the dining room. He exited the house and waited outside. The air was crisp and fresh; Harry took a deep breath and found himself relaxing. He felt lost; things were changing too fast for him. Two months ago Voldemort was back, Cedric died, and now he had to figure out a way to deal with Petunia being a witch. Would she have to leave? Harry knew Uncle Vernon wouldn't tolerate magic under his house. Would his opinions change? Harry didn't know, but he didn't like the uncertainty. He looked up at the stars and felt his worries ebb away. He saw the witch out of the corner of his eye again, and when he turned to see her, she was again gone.

    "There's a witch out here," Harry said loudly. His watch glowed green, confirming that he was not going insane. He stood outside, waiting to catch another glimpse, but the mysterious witch failed to show up. He went inside, and headed upstairs to avoid hearing the Dursley's fighting again.