"...So, you see, Mr. Dursley," Williams said with a smile, "we aren't as... unreasonable as you imagine. Harry has plenty of normal, ambitious friends at school. This gathering is simply an ordinary social event for teenagers, at a very safe private manor in Surrey. I assure you, I'll personally bring him home safely before eight this evening."
Vernon's attitude had visibly softened. The young man before him was well-mannered and articulate, drove a luxury car, and lived in a castle. The background hinted at in his conversation clearly belonged to someone either wealthy or distinguished.
Compared with that oddly dressed Potter who had constantly gone on about "Muggles" all those years ago, Williams Howard seemed like a respectable gentleman from another world altogether.
He even thought that dealing with someone like this might help him expand his connections.
"Well... in that case..." Vernon rubbed his pudgy hands together, his tone much gentler. "Then... all right. But he must be back before eight! And no trouble!"
"Of course, Mr. Dursley. You have my word on the honor of the Howard family." Will rose and inclined his head elegantly, casually producing an expensive bottle of red wine. "Oh, yes, a small gift for you."
The moment Dursley saw the bottle, his face broke into a broad smile.
"Oh, there's one more small matter." Williams produced a box of premium cigars as though by magic. "Harry has a permission slip that needs your signature. It's for an activity he'll be attending with my younger brother."
"Of course. I'm sure your brother is an excellent role model. That boy could learn a thing or two from him." Dursley simply couldn't stop smiling.
Will was, of course, referring to the Hogsmeade visits.
When Dursley called Harry out and told him someone had come to take