Albert remained skeptical of his mother's words, yet his attention shifted to Aunt Joanna, calmly sipping black tea across the table. A cascade of thoughts flooded his mind: "Could it be possible? Did I truly misinterpret?"
...
Around the table, Mr. Foley bore a dark blue eye and a nose adorned with toilet paper, presenting a rather pitiable sight. Abel, not faring much better, sported panda eyes and disheveled hair, intermittently grinning and gasping. Despite their conditions, the two engaged in animated conversation.
Meanwhile, Joanna and Millie were in the kitchen, diligently preparing lunch.
"Cousin Braun! That occurrence just now..." Pauline inquired.
"That's magic," Braun responded to his cousin, deciding to share the secret due to her innate magical talent. He believed she would have to learn about the wizarding world sooner or later, with no significant repercussions.
"Magic? Really?" Pauline's eyes widened. "Can you demonstrate it for me?"
"Sorry, Pauline. I'm still too young to perform magic, but I might show you once I start school next year," Braun explained.
"Ah." Pauline responded, a tinge of disappointment evident. However, she quickly resumed bombarding Braun with questions, showcasing her keen interest.
"Joanna, help me serve the dishes!" Mrs. Foley's call interrupted their conversation, providing Braun with a welcome escape from his inquisitive cousin.
Post-agreement, Braun hurriedly made his way to the kitchen, realizing the challenges of dealing with a child's fanciful inquiries.
Lunch was modest, comprising simple sandwiches and bacon. Following the meal, the adults delved into discussions and preparations for Christmas dinner.
Braun, however, found himself dragged outside by his cousin. The snowfall had lessened, creating a festive ambiance for the approaching celebration. They strolled through the streets, with Pauline exchanging greetings with neighbors.
"Pauline, who's he?" Dudley, a slightly portly figure, accompanied by two companions, regarded Braun with hostility.
"It is none of you business as to who he is!" Pauline responded with a frown. "I've already told you, Dudley, I don't like you. Stop bothering me."
Dudley, somewhat agitated, pointed accusingly at Braun. "Is it because of this guy? What do you see in him? He is just a little white face!"
His companions chimed in, urging Dudley to use his new boxing gloves.
Braun, who was standing to side was slightly amused. He just realized who this kid was. He was Dudley Dursley, the cousin of Harry Potter. He was the son of Harry's muggle aunt Petunia. Braun was intrigued and was wondering if this was fate and decided to play along.
Before Pauline could intervene, Braun teased, "Cousin, who is this person? He looks rather foolish."
Dudley, caught off guard, stammered, "You, what did you call her?"
"Cousin! What's wrong?" Braun continued his playful act.
Dudley, attempting to save face, introduced himself. However, his focus shifted nervously, and Braun noticed the boxing gloves in Dudley's hands.
"Are those your new boxing gloves?" Braun inquired, diverting the conversation.
Dudley, desperate to impress, responded, "Yes, do you think they look good?"
"Quite impressive. But back to the point, why did you refer to me as a 'little white face' earlier?" Braun questioned, maintaining the playful tone.
Dudley, realizing his mistake, struggled to explain. Braun, enjoying the moment, continued bantering until he finally took Dudley's boxing gloves as a parting gift.
As they walked away, Braun couldn't help but laugh, leaving Dudley and his companions bewildered.
"Brother D, why did we come here?" one companion cautiously asked.
Dudley, still reeling from the encounter, lamented, "It's all your fault for encouraging me. Now my new gloves are gone!"
The trio headed home, Dudley fuming and regretting his impulsive actions.