Hermione got up and stepped in front of Harry to stop his pacing so she could answer him. "Well, since Professor McGonagall can't do anything about the buttons, perhaps we should. We can ask Snuffles and Moony for some ideas. I don't know about the Dursleys', Harry but my parents should have some news on that front in a few days according to their last letter. I'm not sure what to think about Dumbledore doing all of those things to test you but it does make sense. The question is why is he testing you? Do you think that it has to do with Voldemort?"
Harry sighed as he felt some of the tension leave him with Hermione's hug. "I don't know but that is the only thing that I can think of too. I know that Dumbledore says that Voldemort isn't dead but why did he come after me in the first place? Did you know that Voldemort told me his real name down in the Chamber of Secrets? It's Tom Marvolo Riddle, Voldemort is an anagram of his name. Do you think we should look him up to see if we can find anything out about why he attacked me?"
"I don't know why he attacked you but that is a good idea. We should probably ask Snuffles and Moony all of those questions soon. Come on, why don't we head on up to the Room and give them a call." Hermione said as she grabbed Harry's hand and started up towards the castle.
...
Back in Crawley, Hermione's parents were putting the final additions on their project before heading off to confront the Dursleys. The information that their private investigator and solicitor had dug up would go a long way in making sure that Vernon and Petunia complied. Harry had provided them with enough information to piece together his childhood, or the distinct lack thereof, and the fact that the Dursleys did not want anyone to know that they were less than perfect.
John Granger had begun a business relationship with Vernon Dursley using their dental practice's drill needs. Tonight's dinner was supposed to be to finalize the deal of the year for Vernon. Unbeknownst to Vernon, John Granger had very different plans for the evening.
Dinner was a very normal affair for both parties. Petunia really was a good host and the dinner conversation was polite but a little bland. When the time came for the after-dinner drinks and business talk, Vernon Dursleys' world turned upside down.
"I have a few conditions before I sign this contract Mr. Dursley." John Granger spoke as he pulled out his notepad from his dinner jacket.
"First, you will ask for a transfer to the Australian Branch of Grunnings. I have a large group of friends in Sydney and Melbourne and they all have long term drill needs. I would like you to be their account manager. This is a very large account and a definite pay raise for you if you accept. You will still be my account manager here too." Mr. Granger paused to let this information sink in. He was not disappointed to see that Vernon really wanted this position but could not take it because of Harry Potter.
Vernon Dursley had mixed feelings. He desperately wanted the new position and the pay raise. The problem was that blasted Potter boy and his freak minders. The letter that they had received with Harry all those years ago forbid them from moving because of the protections put in place. It was with a heavy heart, and a promise to make Harry's life a living hell when he returned for ruining another business deal for him, that he spoke to turn down the offer. "Mr. Granger, I'm afraid that I can't accept the offer as much as I want to."
"Why is that, Mr. Dursley?" John knew the reason but he wanted to hear Vernon explain his reasons. He wanted to close the deal without using the blackmail material but he would use it if he absolutely had too.
"We have custody of our nephew and he is currently away at a boarding school. If we were to move away it would cause all sorts of problems." Vernon said while squirming a bit in his seat. The sight of Mr. Granger grinning broadly at his remark did nothing to ease his tension level.
"You are referring to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry then?" John said in a completely normal tone.
Vernon Dursleys response was exactly what Mr. Granger had predicted. All color drained from Vernon's face and he spluttered "What?"
"My daughter is a student there and she is a very good friend of Harry's." John knew that this would really push Vernon over the edge and he was not disappointed. Vernon had turned a nasty shade of puce before standing up and putting the sofa between them as a defensive barrier.
"You're one of them aren't you?" Vernon whispered at Mr. Granger.
Remaining seated and in a completely calm tone of voice John replied, "No. I'm just like you but my daughter is a witch and I have a way to solve your guardianship problem."
Seeing that he wasn't' going to be attacked by some freakish means Vernon Dursley sat back down on the sofa and asked "How?"
With an internal smile, John Granger knew he had won. Vernon and Petunia Dursley desperately wanted to rid themselves of their nephew. "Let my wife and I take over guardianship of Harry. We already know about the magical world and have made arrangements to have our house protected."
For the first time in the entire conversation, Petunia spoke up as she and Mrs. Granger walked into the living room with the tea service. "We can't leave. Dumbledore said that there were protections from our being family that meant that he had to stay here for them to remain in place."
Leaning forward in his seat, John Granger motioned for Petunia to join them in the living room. "Were you ever really given a choice in the matter?" Upon seeing their negative response Mrs. Granger continued speaking; "Then why should you listen to someone who has not once checked up on Harry in the time that he has stayed here."
"How did you know that?" gasped Petunia.
....
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