Gaunt Shack (An Explanation of Some Readers' Criticism of the Previous Chapter; See Author's Note)

Uncle Vernon had completely transformed into a member of the Folk of Rage. "Who cares whether it's good behavior or not!"

"Tell me, you're the headmaster of a magic school, and you come to our house nearly every summer holiday. What exactly are you up to?"

"Are you trying to use our strapping young lad for magical experiments? Ha! I knew it—the evil wizard has finally shown his true colors!"

A flicker of obvious astonishment crossed Professor Dumbledore's face. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

The two stared at each other. Uncle Vernon's legs trembled a little, but he still gripped the barrel of his gun tightly, as if he couldn't wait to knock Professor Dumbledore out the door with it.

After a while, Professor Dumbledore finally recovered and coughed twice. "Mr. Dursley, I think you may have misunderstood..."

After a lengthy spell of friendly conversation, Uncle Vernon took his repaired hunting rifle and marched into the kitchen, dragging Dudley along with him. Dudley had been greedily sneaking bites of his own grapefruit.

But Dudley was as big as a small hill, and Uncle Vernon failed to pull him away on his first attempt.

Dudley looked up at his father in displeasure, only to see his father's furious face. His purple-red complexion hadn't quite returned to normal, and he was still holding the double-barreled shotgun.

Dudley shuddered in fright and hurried after him, not forgetting to tuck the unfinished grapefruit into his arms before he left.

"Harley!" Uncle Vernon shouted in an unfriendly voice before entering the kitchen. "Your headmaster's here!"

A little while later, the upstairs door opened.

Harley quickly stuffed the black robes and veil she'd worn to Diagon Alley into her pocket, then hurried down the stairs.

Professor Dumbledore had written to her