Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

23. A Simpler Day

At the end of July, Cassiopeia had her second godson's birthday, which she knew would be a much quieter affair.
She picked Harry up from the Dursleys in the morning, intending to spend the whole day with him, but unfortunately he already had plans.
"I really would love to spend the entire day with you, but I've got to be back this afternoon because Aunt Marge is coming to stay, and I've got to help her unpack all of her stuff" revealed Harry.
"She's the awful one with all the dogs, right?" Questioned Cassiopeia.
"Yeah, that's the one" sighed Harry.

"You know she's not actually your aunt, and the two of you share no blood" reminded Cassiopeia.
"I know, she's Dudley's aunt, not mine. But since she's Uncle Vernon's sister, and I've grown up in his house, I've been forced to call her Aunt Marge my whole life" explained Harry.
"She's worse than her brother, she treats you appallingly. Her pedigree dogs are treated better than you" replied Cassiopeia.
"I know, and the guest bedroom she stays in when she's here is bigger than my room, since I sleep in Dudley's second bedroom"
"Eugh, those people really are awful... How long is Marge staying with you?"
"I don't know. But I'll probably have to put up with her for a couple of weeks at least".

"That's one way to make your summer miserable" Cassiopeia said softly.
"Yeah... I know summer has just started, but I can't wait for it to be over, so I can go back to Hogwarts" admitted Harry.
"Well, I am glad you're back, even if the Dursleys aren't. And I intend to spoil you this summer, to make your time here more bearable" promised Cassiopeia.
"Thank you. I don't know how I'd get through the holiday without you"
"Well, that is what godmother's are for".

"I know, and since you are my godmother, do you think you would be able to sign my school form for me?" Asked Harry.
"What kind of form?" Quizzed Cassiopeia.
"It's a permission slip, for me to go to Hogsmeade at the weekends. I need a parent or a guardian to sign it" admitted Harry.
"Ah, well legally I could sign it, as your parents are dead and I'm your godmother, so the school would have to accept that as good enough parental approval. But, since I'm on the run, I can't sign it, because I can't risk anyone finding out that we are in contact. It would be bad for both of us, if anyone found out that we've been spending time together".

Harry sighed, "Yeah, I thought you would say something like that".
"I wish I could help, because I would love for you to be able to go to Hogsmeade, since it's a cool little town. But it's just too risky" replied Cassiopeia.
"I know... I asked Uncle Vernon if he would sign it, since he is technically my guardian, and he said he would if I behaved myself while Aunt Marge is here. So, I'm going to have that hanging over my head for weeks, until she leaves. Which is why I was hoping that you would sign it. But I get why you can't" mumbled Harry.

"I really am sorry, Harry. I know it can't be easy having a godmother on the run from the Ministry. I can't be as useful as you need me to be" apologised Cassiopeia.
"It's O.K, it's not your fault. Besides, I'd rather have you in my life like this, than not at all" replied Harry.
"I'm glad to hear that... I wish I could give you the world, but I don't have my family's fortune at my fingertips, so I can't buy you everything you want" Cassiopeia said sadly.
"That's alright. I don't need loads of things. Your company is better than any toy or gadget you could buy me".

Cassiopeia smiled and threw her arm around Harry's shoulders, "You're the best".
Harry beamed, "Thanks".
"Did your friends get you some cool gifts for your birthday though?" Asked Cassiopeia.
"Yep, lots of Quidditch books and stuff. And they each sent me a birthday cake" answered Harry.
"That was nice of them. And I suppose if you've been given so much cake, you don't want me to take you out now and buy you something sweet"
"I never said that".

Cassiopeia chuckled, "Don't worry, I'm going to let you pick out whatever you like. The Dursleys are trying to make you live off scraps of food, and that is not enough for a growing boy like you. I swear that you get taller every time I see you. I don't want you ending up tall and lanky, so I'm going to try and fatten you up".
"I eat loads when I'm Hogwarts, it's just when I'm here that I don't get to eat as much" admitted Harry.
"Well, I'm going to correct that. If the Dursleys want to starve you, then I'm going to keep you fed behind their backs. I know it's going to be hard for you to see me while Marge is at your house, but if you can try to sneak away as often as possible, so that I know you're O.K, then I would really appreciate it. I don't want to have to break into the Dursleys house because they've put bars on your window and a lock outside your door again" replied Cassiopeia.

"Don't worry, I am going to be on my best behaviour, because I want my permission slip signed. So, there is no chance that I'm going to be confined to my room for another summer" insisted Harry.
"I hope you're right, because I hate to hear about how they mistreat you" admitted Cassiopeia.
"Hopefully this year they just ignore me, instead of actively try to make my life miserable" replied Harry.
"We can only hope... Now, let's stop talking about depressing things, and go and buy you a birthday present and get you some cake"
"Sounds good to me"
"Then lets go".