Chapter -6.
Since Vernon Dursley changed jobs, his business has been thriving like never before, expanding rapidly and becoming stronger, evident by the new appliances filling their home and how frequently the family updates their wardrobe.
"Oh, dear Dudley, how do you feel about this shirt I got for you?"
Petunia held up a black-and-white checkered shirt, directing her attention towards Dudley, who was already wearing the largest size available: "Put it on and give it a try; it should fit you just right."
That 'black-and-white checkered shirt' really shows Petunia's exceptional taste!
"Aunt Petunia," Harry managed to push the door open just then and greeted her weakly, his gaze pausing for a moment on Dudley and his new shirt.
What some take for granted can be something others wish for deeply.
For Harry, living at Aunt Petunia's, simply having enough to eat each day feels like a blessing; new clothes seem like a luxury he can only dream of.
Although Harry hides his feelings well, Dudley notices more than he lets on.
Setting aside his own reasons for staying close to Harry to get things done, Dudley genuinely feels a bit sorry for him.
Having lost his parents shortly after he was born and living with an aunt who doesn't really care for him, Harry has learned to read people's expressions and adapt his behavior, leading to a keen understanding of others' feelings.
All Dudley can really do is try to be a little kinder to him.
"Mom, what about Harry?"
Dudley is aware that his mother feels something complex about Harry that goes beyond simple dislike. He has caught her gazing at Harry with a mix of nostalgia, memories, and sorrow in her eyes, showing feelings that certainly exclude hatred.
However, these moments are rare; for the most part, Petunia treats Harry with indifference.
Vernon, his father, is no different, often calling Harry a freak, but usually only in Petunia's presence.
When she's not around, Vernon acts as if Harry doesn't exist.
"Harry has one too," Petunia reluctantly dug through her bag and pulled out a shirt in the same style, but two sizes smaller, handing it to Harry with little enthusiasm, "This one's for you."
Harry gladly accepted the shirt, unfazed by Petunia's cool demeanor; after all, he now had new clothes, just like Dudley's.
Thanks to Dudley's efforts to keep things smooth, the atmosphere among the four of them was relatively pleasant, and Harry's living conditions weren't too shabby.
"Do you like it? But you'll have to hold off wearing it for a bit."
Dudley approached Harry and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Noticing Harry's confused expression, he explained, "Did you forget? We agreed to help you tidy up your room today. You often say how dust falls into your room every time someone goes upstairs, right?"
"It wouldn't be great to get your new clothes dirty already."
As Dudley spoke, he grabbed a toolbox from the drawer, threw his arm around Harry's shoulder, and headed to his 'little room.'
This 'little room' was really just a closet under the stairs.
That's Harry's room.
The two of them spent the day making quite a racket with their 'clang clang bang bang' sounds.
Thanks to Dudley's Level 2 renovation skills, his handiwork looked quite good, and after his efforts, it at least resembled a proper small room.
When Harry opened the door again, his eyes widened in disbelief.
Could this really be the cold, dark, dusty closet he had called home, once filled with spiders?
It wasn't an entirely new makeover, but it definitely looked completely different.
Dudley had added a nightlight, warm and gentle, so Harry no longer had to endure the dark at night. The walls were freshly painted and covered with new wallpaper, and a ceiling was installed, preventing dust from falling onto him. Even the bed was a new, soft, and cozy one. Dudley also added some decorations and utilized some techniques he learned, giving the whole room a much more appealing feel.
What a cozy little room!
Under Dudley's careful arrangement, although the space was small, it looked quite nice from any angle, especially in an era where home decor hadn't fully developed yet.
Seeing Dudley's chubby face, covered in dust and grime, stirred something deep within Harry.
That usual tough and stingy cousin now appeared so lovable.
Especially since it was just a casual comment, it really touched Harry to know Dudley remembered.
'Those ornaments must've cost quite a bit; that little cactus decoration I spotted costs a whole pound. Decorating this space must have eaten into Dudley's savings.'
All the kindness Dudley had shown him before flashed back to Harry's mind.
"Thanks, Big-D."
Dudley looked momentarily surprised, scratching his dirty head, seemingly shocked that the typically quiet Harry would actually thank him.
This was a promising beginning.
"What are you thanking me for? We're brothers."
"Brothers by blood, don't need to be so formal."
Dudley wiped sweat from his brow, smearing more dirt across his face.
"Brothers, family." Little Harry didn't dwell on this point, just repeating those words, his tone growing more determined.
If the entire world treats someone poorly, when just one person is kind, that person will undoubtedly hold a significant place in your heart.
Dudley gave Harry a meaningful pat on the shoulder and said, "If you ever succeed in life, you won't forget your cousin, right?"
"D, you're definitely going to surpass me in the future," Harry replied with a touch of self-awareness.
The Dudley in front of him was practically skilled in everything—academics, sports—you name it; if not for his reputation as a bully, he would undoubtedly be the most popular boy among girls at school.
Next to Dudley, Harry felt painfully ordinary—almost invisible at school.
"Every field has its experts; who knows, right?" he thought. For now, he was just a big Muggle. Though he had decent physical abilities, in the grand scheme, he was just a slightly stronger Muggle, at least according to this world's standards.
Shinji Matou's magical constitution had enhanced Dudley's physical capabilities only slightly, with no other magical effects manifesting.
Dudley thought that even if he could become a wizard one day, he'd still rely on his little cousin's support. With Harry's magical talent and skills—not to mention he was the protagonist—having a good relationship would certainly pay off.
'Improving the living conditions of the young savior, reward: one item draw.'
Upon hearing that delightful voice in his mind, Dudley's face glowed with excitement.
Receiving a boost of goodwill along with a reward? It doesn't get any better than that!
It was probably best that Harry didn't know about this.
"Come on, Harry! I'll treat you to ice cream."
Feeling pleased, Dudley ruffled Harry's unruly hair playfully.
"Sure, Big-D! But you probably don't have any money."
As soon as Harry spoke, Dudley seemed to read his thoughts and continued to mess up Harry's hair, "Don't worry, little cousin; your big cousin still has enough money to treat you!"
The ice cream was sweet, and it filled Harry with warmth.
Upon reflection, Dudley wasn't stingy at all; while he often made Harry run errands, he also regularly took him out for treats.
Whenever Harry felt down, Dudley was always his first defender.
Overall, having an older brother who spoiled him felt amazing!
When you admire someone, it seems everything they do is wonderful.
Petunia watched the two brothers, arms around each other, and her mind wandered back many years to when she was that close with her sister. They shared everything and spent the night dreaming and discussing all the possibilities, until the day Lily received her acceptance letter at eleven.
After that, they became people from two different worlds.
Petunia sighed quietly, gently shook her head, and walked into her room.
Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.