Petunia Dursley wore a pale pink ladies' suit, a pearl necklace encircling her long neck. A veil hanging from her wide-brimmed hat covered most of her face.
She looked like a peacock displaying its plumage as she stood proudly outside Smeltings School, waiting for her precious son, Dudley.
The elderly guard at the school gates was still trying to find out what award she had won.
"The Greater London Best Lawn Award, sir!"
Petunia was very polite. Although she privately despised this old man who had never even heard of the Best Lawn Award, she still answered him courteously.
Soon, Dudley came toward her with a teacher, crossing the immaculate lawn and passing the fountain.
Although the lawn was well maintained, there were still plenty of flaws in the details-Petunia surveyed Smeltings' lawn with a "professional" eye.
Yes, ever since winning the award, Petunia had considered herself Greater London's foremost lawn-care expert. Over the past few days, she had delivered no shortage of lectures on her neighbors' lawns.
The Smeltings teacher confirmed the arrangements for Dudley's leave once more, had Petunia sign, then nodded with a perfunctory smile.
"Well, congratulations, madam. Please enjoy this moment of honor with your family."
"Thank you."
Watching the two walk away, the teacher shrugged. The Best Lawn Award?
"Mum, why didn't Dad come to pick us up?" Dudley undid a button on his Smeltings uniform shirt and idly spun his bowler hat on his cane.
Petunia hurriedly straightened Dudley's clothes. Only after carefully smoothing every crease did she say with satisfaction,
"Dad has an important meeting, but that's all right. The award ceremony isn't until this afternoon. We can go to the venue and wait for him while enjoying the lovely meal the organizers are providing."
At the mention of a lovely meal, Dudley's