Chapter -27.
"Go! Of course, he'll join!"
It wasn't Dudley who said this, but Petunia. When she heard Dumbledore's words, she nearly shouted it out.
Everyone turned to look at Petunia, even Vernon, who was left gaping in shock at his wife.
"Dear, didn't you say you wanted to stay away from that place?"
Vernon's mind was a bit of a jumble; he wanted to ask for clarification, but it clearly wasn't the right moment.
What he didn't realize was that Petunia was thinking, "I always knew Dudley was special; he could definitely go to Hogwarts and become an amazing wizard."
Her change of heart was truly surprising.
This is a real glimpse into how people can be; nobody's perfect, and it's common to have double standards.
Petunia could overlook Harry's feelings, but Dudley couldn't; he was the bridge between the two.
For all these years, it had been like this: "Before we respond to the headmaster's invitation, can I ask a question?"
"You may."
Dudley took a deep breath, trying to calm himself with a technique he learned, keeping his thoughts hidden from everyone else, whether they thought he was being petty or not.
"What happened to the people who helped the one who hurt my aunt's family? Have they faced any consequences? I remember that wizard named Hagrid saying that the laws of our world don't apply to wizards."
"I think those people would really want to get rid of Harry."
"Right now, they're only thinking of themselves."
Hearing Dudley's words, Harry felt a warm glow inside, quietly wiping away the tears that had gathered in his eyes. His brother was just too good; it made him emotional.
"They've mostly received the punishment they deserve, locked up in Azkaban, which is the wizarding world's prison," Dumbledore explained, pausing when he mentioned Azkaban, realizing he needed to clarify for the Dursleys.
"Mostly?" Dudley raised an eyebrow, catching the important part of that statement.
Dumbledore thought for a moment, trying to simplify his words: "Some people just made impulsive mistakes; it doesn't mean they're bad people, nor does it mean they'll be a threat to Harry, at least not while he's at Hogwarts."
"I get it." Dudley nodded, summarizing succinctly: "Wealth, power, and influence help them escape; they won't be a threat to Harry unless there's something in it for them."
'Did I say that?'
Dumbledore looked at Dudley with newfound respect; the Dursleys' son was more mature than he had expected.
"Then... one last question." Dudley said, placing his hands on the table, fingers interlocked under his chin, his expression serious as he asked slowly: "Is Hogwarts... safe?"
Is Hogwarts safe?
For a Muggle kid who doesn't know much about it, that's a totally normal question.
Professor McGonagall, right after Dudley finished speaking, said with a hint of pride: "Of course, Hogwarts is the safest place in the world!"
Dudley looked at Dumbledore, who resembled a wise old wizard, and heard him say: "Rest assured, Mr. Dursley, Hogwarts is very safe."
"You guarantee it?"
"I guarantee it."
"Then I'm really happy to attend your school."
Dudley's serious demeanor melted away into a bright smile; at that moment, he looked just like a kid, if you ignored his muscular build.
Professor McGonagall smiled back: "Then Harry..."
Before she could finish, Harry jumped in eagerly: "If Dudley goes, I'll also go!"
Looking at Petunia's excited expression, it was clear she was on board.
As for Vernon, he usually followed Petunia's lead.
Watching this display of brotherly love, Professor McGonagall quietly wiped a tear from her eye. Despite her serious exterior, she was actually quite emotional.
Except for Vernon, who was still mumbling in dissatisfaction, this was a happy moment for everyone.
"Minerva." Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction; as long as Harry was going to Hogwarts, that was what mattered: "I might need to ask you to take them to Diagon Alley to get their school supplies, since they've grown up in the Muggle world and have never been there."
"I initially thought Hagrid could take them, but I don't think he's the best fit for this task."
Professor McGonagall didn't resist Dumbledore's suggestion; in fact, she was quite happy about it: "Tomorrow, I happen to need to take a little witch who received her letter."
"Then let's go together."
"Tomorrow morning at nine o'clock, I'll come to pick you up. And of course, as the parents of little wizards, you're welcome to join us."
Professor McGonagall's last comment was clearly aimed at the Dursleys.
"Absolutely—"
Vernon's words were cut short when Petunia quickly pinched him at the waist; as he grimaced in pain, she took over the conversation, smiling at Professor McGonagall: "Of course."
Not far from the Dursleys' home, Dumbledore suddenly turned to Professor McGonagall: "Minerva, what do you think of young Mr. Dursley?"
"He's a good kid who cares for his brother."
Dumbledore paused for a moment at her words, nodding thoughtfully, pondering something.
Meanwhile, Vernon, Petunia, Dudley, and Harry sat in separate corners of the sofa, exchanging glances.
"Petunia."
Now that Dumbledore was gone, Vernon couldn't hold back any longer; he was bursting with questions.
"Dudley, Harry."
Before Vernon could finish, Petunia quickly interrupted, turning to Dudley and Harry: "You two go rest; there are some things we need to discuss as adults."
So, the two obediently headed back to their rooms, leaving Petunia and Vernon alone.
"Big-D, we can go to school together again!" Harry said excitedly before they parted.
Even though he felt a bit sad about not attending Smelting School, that feeling vanished when he thought about being with Dudley. Dudley ruffled Harry's hair and said meaningfully, "Harry, you might need to help me a lot at Hogwarts." The moment Dudley got back to his room, he could hardly contain his laughter.
He was finally going to learn magic!
Today was truly a lucky day; not only was he confirmed to attend Hogwarts, but he was also about to gain magical powers. Dudley planned to make the most of this incredible luck to draw some magic.
But maybe good fortune has its limits. At the same time, Dudley forgot something important: the law of conservation of character.
As the slot machine of fate slowly came to a stop after spinning wildly, Dudley received the result of his draw.
"Congratulations: You've drawn magic—Illumination Spell!"
Dudley exclaimed, "Wow, I knew it!"
Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.
*****
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