The Dursleys Prepare for the Masons' Arrival

PAGES: 10-11

As evening approaches, the Dursleys make final preparations for the dinner party. Petunia Dursley cooks the meal, including a large pudding, and tells Harry to quickly eat his meager supper before sending him to his room. Uncle Vernon and Dudley dress in formal attire, preparing to impress the Masons. Harry is reminded once again that he must stay out of sight for the entire evening.

It was half past seven,in the evening when at last, exhausted, he heard Aunt Petunia calling him.

“Get in here! And walk on the newspaper!”

Harry moved gladly into the shade of the gleaming kitchen. On top of the fridge stood tonight’s pudding: a huge mound of whipped cream and sugared violets. A loin of roast pork was sizzling in the oven.

“Eat quickly! The Masons will be here soon!” snapped Aunt Petunia, pointing to two slices of bread and a lump of cheese on the kitchen table. She was already wearing a salmon pink cocktail dress.

Harry washed his hands and bolted down his pitiful supper. The moment he had finished, Aunt Petunia whisked away his plate. “Upstairs! Hurry!”

[PAGE 11]

As he passed the door to the living room, Harry caught a glimpse of Uncle Vernon and Dudley in bow ties and dinner jackets. He had only just reached the upstairs landing when the door bell rang and Uncle Vernon’s furious face appeared at the foot of the stairs.

“Remember, boy—one sound—”

Harry crossed to his bedroom on tiptoe slipped inside, closed the door, and turned to collapse on his bed. The trouble was, there was already someone sitting on it.