A/N: This chapter contains violence, but I do not think it crosses the line from a PG-13 type violence. I've seen worse in PG-13 movies. However, if you want to skip this chapter what happens will be summed up well enough in the next that this one is not necessary to read.
A/N 2: Thanks for the reviews. Thanks to Tawney Spitfyre for the ideas about time zones too. When I go back and edit again, I may use that.
Harry went into the men's room of the restaurant and, making sure no one else was there, touched the portkey water-globe. He felt the tug behind his naval, saw a blur, then landed on his rear in the living room of #4.
A tall blonde woman with wispy hair and a tanned complexion squealed in surprise. "Wha-Where did he come from?" she gasp to Uncle Vernon. Harry did not recognize the woman, but could tell from her clothes that she was a business associate of his uncle's.
Vernon and Petunia glared at him maliciously. Harry said nothing, afraid to make things worse.
"It's the kitchen boy," Vernon explained. "Neighbor kid we hired to do odd jobs around the house. He's saving for college. Always been a bit clumsy, that one. He must've tripped on his way in to gather the teacups."
"Oh, yeah, er, sorry," Harry answered.
"Harry, Petunia started in a very fake sweet voice, "You should have waited until Mrs. Blakeney left before you started cleaning."
"Yes, I apologize." Harry said, playing along. "I didn't realize anyone was still here. I didn't mean to interrupt." He was relieved that someone was there. It would prevent Vernon from blowing up at him for appearing with no warning.
"Oh, no, dear," Mrs. Blakeney answered. "It's quite all right. I was just about to leave." She got up from the sofa. "Vernon, Petunia, it was a lovely evening. I didn't realize how late I had kept you up. I'll be calling soon in regard to an order for my company."
Vernon got the woman's lavender silky wrap and put it over her shoulders, then escorted her to the door. After he closed the door, he turned back to Harry who was standing with the water-globe still in his hand. His face was purple with rage. "What is the meaning of this?" he snapped. "How dare you drop in from the sky while I'm entertaining a potential client?
"I didn't mean to," Harry said again. "I had to come back for an hour. There was no time to let you know."
"Your kind has no consideration for others!" He pounded his fist into the wall. "I'm sick of it!"
Harry backed away from his uncle. "I'll be gone in--"
"Shut your trap!" Vernon yelled. He was so angry that Harry could feel heat radiating from his body as he got closer. "Did the Grangers get tired of you? Did they send you back to be rid of you?" He asked with his face inches from Harry's. He pushed Harry as hard as he could and Harry landed against the coffee table, breaking it. The portkey flew from Harry's hand as he fell.
"No, sir. I ha--" He was cut off as Vernon's approached him again. Vernon had no intention of letting Harry explain anything.
"Now look what you've done!" He yelled as Harry got up from the floor.
"I'm sorry!" Harry said, his eyes met his aunt's pleading with her for help, but Petunia turned from him and walked up the stairs, leaving him to face his uncle alone. Vernon had never been this angry before. He raised his voice, desperate to make Petunia understand. "It's because of Vold--"
"Your behavior could cost me my business!" Vernon yelled as he reached out for Harry, grabbing him tightly around his neck. "That's what you want, isn't it? You want to make me fail." His eyes were bulging as he tightened his hold on Harry. Harry was pulling at his arms, trying to free himself.
Harry realized he couldn't get Vernon's hands to budge and instinctively kicked at the man, struggling to be able to breathe. He managed a strong blow just above his uncle's ankle.
Vernon dropped Harry, to massage his leg. Harry was lying on the floor beside him, gasping for air.
Harry tried to crawl away from Vernon, in an effort to find a safer spot that did not exist. The next thing he knew, Vernon had kicked him hard in the chest, winding him. He was saying something about Harry kicking him, but he was not focused on Vernon's words. He heard bones crack at the impact. He reached for the portkey, hoping it would work despite the fact that it had not been an hour since it was used last.
"This what you want, boy?" Vernon asked, taking the miniature version of Atlantic City in his hand. He was hovering threateningly above Harry. "Have it!" He slammed the delicate orb against Harry's head as he was trying to pull himself out of Vernon's reach. It was the last thing Harry was aware of happening to him.