Chapter 25
You know, in England, people really value their private property. It's like a sacred rule! So when Hagrid barged in without a heads-up, the only way he could defend himself was if the Dursleys had actually shot him.
But here's the twist: wizards don't have to follow Muggle laws at all! Oh, and just so you know, the term "Muggle" isn't exactly a compliment; it can come off as a bit harsh, almost like calling someone a 'fool.'
Hagrid stood outside, looking pretty down about the door that had just been fixed. After a moment of thought, he quietly took off on his little motorcycle.
Once Dudley heard Hagrid leave, he let out a big sigh of relief. He was really worried that Hagrid might stir things up again. Turning to his parents and Harry, he said, "The annoying intruder is gone; let's get back to sleep."
Dudley was feeling pretty wiped out; that LV5 skill had really drained his energy. All he wanted was a good night's sleep to tackle whatever came next in the morning.
He made a mental note to be careful about using that move again in the future.
With that, he plopped down on the sofa and quickly fell asleep.
Vernon opened his mouth to ask something, but Petunia quickly pulled at his sleeve. They exchanged a look, and then the two headed upstairs.
Hagrid's visit made the Dursleys realize that the wizarding world wasn't going to let Harry go easily.
But while the Dursleys were worried, Harry couldn't help but admire Dudley: 'Way to go, big D! You actually stood up to that giant!'
He had so many questions for Dudley, but since Dudley was already snoozing, he had to keep his curiosity in check.
The next morning, Dudley's early bird habits kicked in. After finishing his morning workout, the Dursleys and Harry finally got up.
"Let's go home," was the first thing Dudley said, his chubby face glistening with sweat, looking way more mature than his age.
"I think we might have some important guests coming over soon, just like yesterday."
The Dursleys quietly packed their things, with Vernon driving them back to Privet Drive.
The drive was pretty uneventful.
After a few hours, they arrived back at their familiar two-story house.
Outside, near the mailbox, the owls had mysteriously disappeared. A curious little tabby kitten was watching the Dursleys move their stuff back home with wide eyes.
"Dudley, sweetheart."
Once they were home, Petunia was about to say something, but Dudley waved her off.
"Before anything else, I think you should fill us in on a few things, like Harry's background, my aunt and uncle I've never met, um, Harry's parents, and all that magical stuff. I think it's time our family was a bit more honest."
Dudley really emphasized the words 'our family.'
Harry's eyes lit up as he looked at Dudley and then at his uncle and aunt, sitting quietly and waiting for what would happen next.
After Dudley spoke, Vernon and Petunia fell into an unusual silence.
They knew Dudley well; he had never caused them any trouble, whether with people or school. In fact, their family's harmony was largely thanks to Dudley. But he was also quite determined.
"Tell them."
This was the result of a conversation Petunia had with Vernon the night before.
At this point, keeping things hidden didn't make much sense anymore.
"Alright, since you want to know, I'll share. It all starts with my sister and me when we were kids."
As Petunia began to share her story, long-buried memories came flooding back for both Dudley and Harry.
The tale wasn't too long or too short, filled with wizards, magic, ordinary folks, laughter, sadness, and a lot of helplessness.
Petunia had always dreamed of the magical world when she was younger. After Lily went to Hogwarts, Petunia wrote several letters to Dumbledore, hoping to join her. But since she didn't have the talent for magic, Dumbledore had to turn her down.
Still, that didn't stop Petunia from longing for the magical world. She learned about Dementors, Death Eaters, and even some things about Voldemort, realizing he had harmed many innocent Muggles. When she found out about her sister Lily's death, it completely crushed her dreams of entering that world.
It was with all this knowledge that she agreed to adopt Harry, as a final gesture for her sister. Maybe she wasn't the best aunt, but she was a responsible sister.
The story took a pause when they discovered the sleeping baby in the cradle outside the door.
Needless to say, Harry knew that baby was him.
After hearing Petunia's story, Harry, with a mix of emotions, said, "So my parents didn't die in a car accident, but were actually murdered?"
The Dursleys had always told him his parents died in a car crash, and he had believed it all his life.
"Harry, I'm so sorry."
Petunia looked at Harry with regret in her eyes, almost seeing her sister in him.
Harry shook his head slightly and looked earnestly at Petunia, saying, "You not telling me was for my own good."
After saying that, Harry nodded respectfully to Petunia.
"Thank you for taking care of me all these years; I'm sorry for any trouble I caused."
Growing up alongside Dudley, Harry was more mature than most kids his age. After learning the truth, he felt nothing but deep respect for Petunia.
Hearing Harry say this, Vernon looked at him with a newfound warmth, a look of satisfaction on his face.
As for Petunia, she covered her mouth tightly, her eyes glistening with tears, unable to hold back her emotions any longer.
"Those people's methods are terrifying and cruel."
"We didn't want to see you either…"
"On that night when you lost your parents, I lost my only sister."
At this point, Petunia was completely choked up.
"Petunia, it's not your fault."
Suddenly, a voice came from outside the door, almost like it had a magical quality, bringing a wave of calm. The Dursleys' front door slowly opened, revealing a kind-looking old man with a white beard, accompanied by a small tabby cat at his feet.
"Listening in on others is quite rude."
Dudley peered out at Dumbledore, looking a bit annoyed.
"Big one, please forgive me; I just happened to overhear."
Dumbledore winked at Dudley, initially planning to call him 'little one,' but realizing Dudley was about the same size as him, he changed his words.
"Allow me to introduce myself, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."
After hearing Petunia share so much about his mother, along with everything that had happened recently, especially the not-so-great experience at the seaside cottage, Harry instinctively felt a strong aversion to Hogwarts.
Especially since Dudley had been hurt, and the thought of not being able to go to school with Dudley, possibly ending up in two completely different worlds where they couldn't meet, made him feel angry.
A wave of emotions surged within him. When he heard Dumbledore's introduction, Harry's eyes turned red, and he felt a rush of heat, making his ears buzz.
Unable to hold it in any longer, he shouted at Dumbledore,
"I! Harry Potter! Will never go to Hogwarts!
Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.
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