The Apprentice Piece
by Jardyn39
Part One of "The Apprentice Piece"
Chapter 2: An Unexpected Guest
At about 4 pm Harry got off the train at Little Whinging and ambled along the platform to the exit thinking about whether or not to tell Aunt Petunia about his wages.
He held is ticket ready to show it as he exited but no-one was there. He put the ticket back in his pocket, thinking Mr Weasley might like it, and walked through the ticket office and past the taxi rank that had no taxis.
He looked around before crossing the road. He saw two youths with bikes that he recognised from Dudley's gang. Their attention was drawn to a young woman sitting on a bench looking through her bag. They must have made some remark because she looked up to them looking distressed. Harry recognised her at once and turned to go over to her.
"Clear off, you two. Now!" Harry said aggressively as soon as he got close.
They turned quickly, looking alarmed. Harry for once was pleased that his false reputation was intact. They withdrew hastily.
"Hello, Pansy. Are you okay?" he asked.
Pansy Parkinson just stared at him, clearly very surprised to see him. He smiled. "Those idiots were friends of my cousin. Everyone around here thinks I go to a Secure School for Incurably Criminal Boys. You look a little flustered."
"I think I got off at the wrong station. Now I've lost my ticket and the muggle in there said I didn't have enough money for another. Millicent was supposed to come with me. Mum gave me a muggle fifty note for emergencies." There was a quiet desperation in her voice.
"Fifty Pounds? That should be plenty of money."
"I bought a tin of drink earlier and the muggle gave me change." She held out just three coins. "I think I was short changed. And when I eventually got the bloody thing open it spilled." Harry nodded sympathetically as she held up the twisted can. Somehow she had opened the wrong end.
"Some day you're having. Come on, let's check the train times and the ticket price. Then we'll get you a drink."
*
"Okay, the good news is we've got enough money for your train ticket. The bad news is there will be more than a two hour wait for the next one that stops here. We will have some change over but I think you should keep that for emergencies."
She nodded silently.
"If you're up for a short walk we can get you something to drink and eat at the Dursley's."
*
As Harry led Pansy into the kitchen is worst fear was realised. Uncle Vernon was home early.
"Er, Pansy could I introduce my Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. This is Pansy Parkinson. She is from a school in the village close to my school. We met at the train station and I invited her for some tea as she has a long wait until her train."
"BOY!" Uncle Vernon yelled. "How dare you bring another … another …" he just couldn't bring himself to say the words.
Pansy cut across him. "I hope you're not suggesting I'm one of those freaks that attend that mad-house," she said imperiously.
Uncle Vernon looked quite shocked as Pansy said, "You may not be aware but sometimes they let them out of school to wander around the village." She sat down uninvited and continued. "On several occasions I have had to send Potter packing. They do respond to simple instructions but it can be hard work sometimes. This one seems particularly dense sometimes. You must be incredibly patient."
"Please stay for tea."
Harry marvelled at Pansy. She was clearly in her element. Both Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia revelled in her effortless insults at Harry. They just loved her and Harry thought she was enjoying herself too as he was ordered about.
In no time at all they were being dropped off at the station by Uncle Vernon who had insisted taking her in his car. He wasn't going to take Harry as well but Pansy just ordered him into the car.
Waving a cheery goodbye, Uncle Vernon drove off. Pansy turned to Harry who was grinning at her.
"I can't believe it! He actually just drove off and left you here!"
Harry laughed and shrugged. Pansy's face was still serious as she said, "That was horrible. They are awful people, Harry. I almost punched him when he showed off your cupboard." She looked genuinely upset.
"Well, thanks for acting like you were having a good time," he said smiling. "Come on or you'll miss your train," and he steered her through the ticket office and onto the platform. It was still early but the station was now busy with people returning from work.
"Send me an owl so I know you got home, okay? Here's a list of your connections. Your ticket is good for the entire journey. And, Pansy?"
"Yes?" she asked absently, not looking up from the list, clearly thinking of her journey ahead.
"Thanks for using my first name."
He slammed the door to the train and waited until it had gone before turning and walking home.
As he passed a waste basket he dropped his empty wage packet inside.