Chapter 4: Ride to the Dursleys

“I see,” said Mr. Weasley, examining the mystery in his mind, “Well, I guess we should go now. We’ll be getting to the Burrow even later if we have to go to the Dursleys.”

Harry said, quite fervently, “Mr. Weasley, I’m sorry. I’ve got no choice. They could be in grave danger.”

Mr. Weasley nodded and started to walk towards the exit and pulled out a rusty key from his pocket.

"I believe I forgot to tell you. We’re going to go in my old flying car,”

Ron, speaking for the first time since Harry’s incident, said, “What? I thought it’s been in the Forbidden Forest?”

Mr. Weasley replied, “Well, it was found during the battle, broken down and dead. After I fixed it up a bit, I reclaimed ownership. However, according to the Ministry, muggles are more alert about witches and wizards than ever, so it’s better to travel by car. On the ground, of course. Anyway, let’s go!”

After walking for a few moments and chatting about the end of the school year, they reached the old, familiar blue car. However, a truck, with a crane attached, stood beside it: apparently ready to take the car away. Mr. Weasley hurried towards the car and screamed, “Hey! Stop! That’s my car!”

But an inspector, blocking his way, replied, “I’m sorry, sir. We’ve got orders to take your car away. It appears that you parked it right in front of a space clearly marked for no parking.”

The inspector pointed his thick finger towards a sign nearby, indicating the message. Mr. Weasley, looking baffled, asked Harry for help. But Harry, without any means of aid, shrugged his shoulders.

Harry looked at Hermione, but she also looked clueless. Suddenly, Ginny pointed her wand at the inspector and whispered, “Obliviate!”

The stunned inspector looked quite confused for a few seconds before walking away. They all hurried inside the car. Mr. Weasley sat in the driving seat, while Harry sat on the seat beside him. Hermione and Ginny sat in the back.

Mr. Weasley inserted the key into the ignition and started the car. Suddenly, and quite surprisingly, the car started to speed up very fast. Mr. Weasley began to shout, “I c-can’t control it! Somebody help me!”

Although Harry had never driven a car before, he got hold of the steering wheel, stopping the car from wobbling around. But the car was gathering speed, and Harry found it hard to control it.

“We're going to crash!” yelled Mr. Weasley, looking ecstatic.

Harry, looking at Mr. Weasley, replied, “We definitely would if you would let go of the accelerator!”

Mr. Weasley, looking at Harry in panic, said, “The what?”

Harry roared, “The accelerator! The one that your foot is on!”

Mr. Weasley hastily removed his foot from the accelerator and immediately jammed his foot on the break. There was a loud screech, and the car began to stop. Everyone started to scream as the car was about to approached a large building. However, the car stopped, barely inches from it.

It took nearly half an hour for them to reach Privet Drive. After what seemed like hours, the car halted, with a jerk, near a strikingly familiar house.

“C’mon guys. We're here! Ron, you should… Ron! Where’s Ron?”