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Vernon and Petunia had just returned from their holiday and were watching the late news.

"In other news, a gun battle erupted on a normally quiet London street. Official sources state that
the incident was the result of a territorial dispute between two rival gangs of drug dealers. However,
details have come to light which suggests possible terrorist involvement. . The battle caused a fire
which destroyed, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, a popular local gift shop. Police report that two
teenaged boys who were living above the shop are missing and not accounted for."

The screen showed a picture of the smoking ruin of the Weasley's shop. Petunia screamed.

Harry and Dudley stopped to rest. Harry had landed the Firebolt in the next alley. They had run until
they were exhausted and then walked aimlessly. They were lost.

"Look Harry, there's a night bus."

"The Knight Bus? I thought only wizards could see that?"

"No, you prat, look! The night buses are buses that run after the Tube stops."

Dudley pointed to a red double-decker. They ran to catch it and found that they had just enough
change for the fare back to Little Whinging.

By 2 a.m. they were back at Privet Drive. The Dursley's were still awake Vernon looked at his son,
sank back in his chair and buried his head in his hands. Petunia tried to wrap her bony arms around
both boys at once.

A few days later Harry got up from the biggest and best meal he had ever had with the Dursleys.
Tomorrow was his birthday and he would leave for The Burrow at midnight. He went upstairs to
pack.

Harry's trunk had been destroyed in the fire but he didn't mind. Uncle Vernon had insisted on buying
him a complete new wardrobe. He owned a suit for the first time in his life, three pairs of jeans and
a selection of fashionable shirts. Moody and Shacklebolt had escorted him to Diagon Alley so he
could replace his wizard's robes and books. Luckily, he had loaned his invisibility cloak and the
Marauder's Map to Lupin a few days before. There was only one thing that he would really miss.

He saw a small package on his bed. It contained some photographs and a note. Harry read, "Dear
Harry, your mother gave these to me before she died. I've been saving them for you. Happy Birthday.
Love Aunt Petunia."

Vernon found Dudley a job in the Grunning's warehouse. "I won't need any magic tricks to know
if you're up to no good, boy," he growled.

Sometime later, Dudley received and unexpected letter.

"Dear Mr. Dursley, Hit Wizards from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement have tracked
down the gang that attacked you and your former drug supplier. Their memories have been modified
to remove all recollection of their dealings with you. This was an exceptional measure taken to
protect Harry and the secrecy of the magical world. If you make a similar foolish mistake in future,
you will be on your own. Yours truly, Arthur Weasley."

Fred examined the cheque for the insurance proceeds and passed it to George. Their accountant
cousin and the squib solicitor had done their best. It would cover most of their loss.

"Shall we take it to Gringott's or ...? " Fred asked.

"Definitely Gringott's."

The goblins charged a stiff commission for cashing a muggle cheque but Fred and George wanted to
stay well clear of the muggle world.