Leaky Cauldron, 1st August 1991

Vernon looked at his pocket watch and was startled to notice the time say 9 am.

How could it be so? The Malfoys arrived at 9 and since then they had been conversing. It has been so long …

Vernon was perplexed.

Narcissa had regained her composure by now. She noticed Vernon's strange expression.

"Anything wrong Mr. Dursley?" She queried.

The others looked at Vernon.

"My watch! It says it's 9 even now! How can that be?" Replied a thoroughly confused Vernon.

"That is because electricity and magic do not mix!" said Petunia. She seemed to be startled that she knew the answer.

"Indeed "drawled Lucius.

Vernon looked at her questioningly but Petunia just shook her head. He knew she would explain later.

"So, how do you know what is the time?" asked Harry, finally feeling safe enough to ask.

"Like this – Tempus" Narcissa demonstrated.

It was nearing 11.

"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy, "said Harry.

"It's Lady Malfoy when informally speaking Mr. Potter." Said Narcissa.

Harry was about to apologize when she spoke again "However for friends its Narcissa. Would you like to be our friend Mr. Potter?"

Harry realized she had spun a cunning trap but he had to answer fast. He looked to Vernon for directions.

Meanwhile, Lucius once again thanked his late father for arranging his marriage to Narcissa. Merlin! The woman had brains.

Vernon nodded.

"It would be my pleasure Narcissa" replied Harry.

Draco smiled a wide smile. His joy making him forget his composure.

Lucius noticed Draco's condition but just gave a slight smile. He would endure anything to ensure that smile of his beloved son's face.

"I hope you don't mind if we end this meeting here as we have some previously arranged appointments, "said Petunia, with a polite smile.

"It is of no issue, Mrs. Dursley. Perhaps Mr. Potter would like to grace our Manor with his presence someday soon. It would enable Draco to help acclimatize him with our world" Said Lucius.

"We would have no obligations given that we have your word that he would be safe, "said Petunia

"In fact, we would like a written statement if you don't mind. Just precautions you see" Interjected Vernon.

Lucius smirked and said "Not bad Mr. Dursley. It seems you have lesson number one down to a pat. Trust no one explicitly"

Petunia smirked, while Vernon gave a ghost of a smile and said "The note, please "

"How about we put it off for the day we schedule the meeting?" said Narcissa.

Petunia nodded" Agreed. When would you like Harry to visit? And would you mind if I accompany him?"

"Unfortunately we have permanent muggle repelling wards at our manor and thus no muggle can enter our manor. Would you prefer a neutral location?" Replied Lucius.

"It's fine, we can trust you for one visit, how about the 4th this month?" said Vernon. "It is a Sunday and therefore I assume you will be free?"

"The 4th is a fine suggestion, "said Narcissa after exchanging a look with Lucius and he nodded.

Harry and Draco grinned at each other, excitedly thinking about their upcoming meeting.

"Well it was certainly interesting to meet you Lord Malfoy, "said Vernon.

"Likewise Mr. Dursley," said Lucius.

The two families parted ways.

The Dursleys and Harry towards Fortescue's Ice cream parlor and the Malfoys towards the apparition point.

…..

"Well?" eagerly asked Harry.

"Well I would like a Butter pecan caramel ice cream," said Petunia.

"And I would like Mint chocolate chip ice cream. What about you Harry?" asked Vernon.

"That's not what I meant!" groaned Harry.

Petunia and Vernon chuckled.

"We know Harry, but first let's get our ice creams and then we will discuss," said Petunia kindly.

"I think we should first send an owl to the goblin bank, "said Vernon "That way if they ask to meet today, we would save time and money."

"Oh right, I had forgotten about it" Harry sat up.

"That's why we are the Adults" smiled Petunia." Now, why don't you select a flavor and then you and I will head over to the Owl Office while your Uncle Vernon gets our Ice creams.

"I will take a Rocky road then," said Harry. It was his favorite.

"Alright" said Petunia "See you soon love." And she kissed Vernon on the cheek and handed him a few galleons and sickles, not knowing the price of the ice creams.

Harry and Petunia went to the Owl office and sent an owl to Barchoke. It cost them 10 knuts.

They were able to pay it easily as last time Harry had taken a bit too much money from the Bank.

They asked him if he could meet them today and where he would like to meet .Then they went back to the Ice cream Parlor only to find Vernon waiting for them.

"They are apparently charmed not to melt till you touch the spoon. A useful trick that. " Said Vernon.

They sat down together and started eating their ice cream.

Except Harry. He was eagerly staring from Vernon to Petunia and Petunia to Vernon waiting for them to speak.

"Yes Harry, you are allowed to be friends with allowed you to go over to their Manor didn't we?" Petunia calmly asked.

"Yes, sorry Aunt Petunia. I got so excited that I couldn't think straight." Harry sheepishly said.

"Now then, calm down and enjoy your ice cream. We will discuss everything in details at home with Dudley. As a family we will deal with this."

Harry nodded and started eating his Ice cream. In his excitement he had forgotten that family discussions happened together.

Just when they finished them ice creams, a tawny owl came and sat on their table.

Petunia took the letter from it and the owl flew away.

She read it and said "It's from Barchoke. He says he will meet us in his office and that we will have to hold onto this parchment for 1 minute together . At exactly 12:30 it will activate and take us to his office."

"Well it's not too long now "said Vernon.

They talked for inconsequential things till at 12:30 and then they held the parchment for 1 minute together till it activated and they disappeared.

A/N Well that's it for this time. I am trying to find a way to make a career in writing but seemed to run out of ideas, anyone wanting to advice is welcome.

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