The Dursleys Departing

Harry’s reverie with the mirror fragment is disturbed by the Dursleys’ arrival home at Privet Drive. Once in the door, Vernon Dursley (Harry’s uncle) immediately calls Harry downstairs to discuss some important business.

The members of the Order of the Phoenix have explained to the Dursleys that they must leave their own home for their safety. Harry is about to turn seventeen and become an adult in the wizarding world. This means that the charm protecting Privet Drive will be broken at that time. Therefore, no one at Privet Drive will be safe, not even the Dursleys. 

The Dursleys have never taken instruction well, and this time is no exception. Vernon Dursley informs Harry that they are not leaving their own home. Vernon has a far-fetched idea that the Order of the Phoenix simply wants possession of the Dursley home at Privet Drive. Harry, who knows the truth, gets angry at his uncle and tries to convince him otherwise.

Vernon demands that, if this is all true, then the Ministry of Magic should protect Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley. Harry insists that this is a moot point because the Ministry of Magic has been corrupted by followers of Voldemort. Vernon Dursley finally agrees to accept the protection of the Order of the Phoenix but complains that he cannot get Kingsley Shaklebolt to do the protecting. Kingsley Shaklebolt, instead, is protecting the Prime Minister of England as well as some other important Muggles. 

When Vernon Dursley begins complaining about how all of this will affect his work and Dudley’s school, Harry gets angry again and screams, “Do not you understand?...They will torture and kill you like they did my parents!” At this point, it is Dudley who immediately agrees to go with the Order of the Phoenix. That settles things.

Suddenly Hestia Jones and Dedalus Diggle arrive at the door. They are the members of the Order of the Phoenix who are supposed to make sure the Dursleys comply with the move from Privet Drive. Hestia and Dedalus instruct Harry to wait for Mad-Eye Moody, who will arrange for Harry to be moved safely. 

The Dursleys prepare to go, and Hestia and Dedalus are a bit upset that the Dursleys do not seem to care about leaving Harry. Vernon and Petunia Dursley try to usher Dudley into the car as quickly as possible. Dudley does not move. At first, Dudley wonders why Harry is not coming with them. Then, Dudley thanks Harry for saving his life. Harry is shocked when Dudley offers to shake Harry’s hand. Even Petunia looks as if she wants to say something to Harry, but she decides otherwise and walks quickly away.