2.Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets外文.doc

Harry Potter AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS By J. K. Rowling CHAPTER ONE THE WORST BIRTHDAY Not for the first time an argument had broken out over breakfast at number four, Privet Drive. Mr. Vernon Dursley had been woken in the early hours of the morning by a loud, hooting noise from his nephew Harrys room. “Third time this week!” he roared across the table. “If you cant control that owl, itll have to go!” Harry tried, yet again, to explain. “Shes bored,” he said. “Shes used to flying around outside. If I could just let her out at night -” “Do I look stupid?” snarled Uncle Vernon, a bit of fried egg dangling from his bushy mustache. “I know whatll happen if that owls let out.” He exchanged dark looks with his wife, Petunia. Harry tried to argue back but his words were drowned by a long, loud belch from the Dursleys son, Dudley. “I want more bacon.” “Theres more in the frying pan, sweetums,” said Aunt Petunia, turning misty eyes on her massive son. “We must build you up while weve got the chance... I dont like the sound of that school food...” “Nonsense, Petunia, I never went hungry when I was at Smeltings,” said Uncle Vernon heartily. “Dudley gets enough, dont you, son?” Dudley, who was so large his bottom drooped (sag, sink) over either side of the kitchen chair, grinned and turned to Harry. “Pass the frying pan.” “Youve forgotten the magic word,” said Harry irritably. The effect of this simple sentence on the rest of the family was incredible: Dursley gasped and fell off his chair with a crash that shook the whole kitchen; Mrs. Dursley gave a small scream and clapped her hands to her mouth; Mr. Dursley jumped to his feet, veins throbbing in his temples. “I meant please!” said Harry quickly. “I didnt mean —” “WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU,” thundered his uncle, spraying spit over the table, “ABOUT SAYING THE “M” WORD IN OUR HOUSE?” “But I —” “HOW DARE YOU THREATEN DUDLEY!” roared Uncle Vernon, pounding the table with his fist. “I just —” “I WARNED YOU! I WILL NOT TOLER