The Easter holidays had arrived.
Harry stood outside Number Four, Privet Drive.
It was the first time in years that he had chosen to come back here outside the summer holidays.
The door opened.
Vernon's voice bore down on him before anything else.
"What are you standing there for? Come in."
Harry carried his trunk inside.
The first thing he smelled was roast meat.
Then came the smell of printing ink.
Several forms lay spread across the living room coffee table.
A steel ruler weighed them down at one side.
There was also a copy of the Factory Safety Rules.
Vernon sat on the sofa, his back ramrod straight.
His tie was still tight.
He looked as though he had just returned from some important meeting.
Dudley was sitting on the carpet.
A thick workbook lay open beside his legs.
His face was a little thinner than last year.
But his shoulders were broader.
"You're back just in time."
Dudley glanced up at him and put down his pen.
Harry set his trunk by the door.
"Why?"
Dudley tipped up his chin.
"Because he spent the day telling a bunch of people off."
"Your lot."
Vernon sat on the sofa, pretending to study some report.
But his eyes were clearly waiting for someone to speak.
Harry did not disappoint him.
"Isn't it supposed to be a work placement site? Why were you there today?"
He knew today was the opening day of the vocational training institute.
Vernon ignored him and snorted.
Dudley corrected him with a smile.
"My dear cousin Harry, you ought to address Dad respectfully as Professor Dursley."
The clatter of plates came from the kitchen.
Petunia was setting out dinner.
She interrupted Dudley outright.
"Darling, go and wash your hands."
Then she looked at Harry.
"Don't they