Chapter 19 – Hagrid Loses the Korean Market
Whether that letter had truly been meant for Dudley could no longer be proven, unless the sender was asked directly. Yet given Dudley's current circumstances, that was clearly impossible.
"Leave this place!"
After burning all the letters, Vernon tried to maintain his composure, but the way he yanked handfuls of hair from his own face betrayed his inner turmoil.
"In five minutes, we are leaving. Pack a few clothes—no arguments!"
His expression was more serious than Dudley had ever seen.
"I will not allow my family to be entangled in that blasted nonsense!"
Soon the family piled into the Dursleys' newly bought car. Vernon drove silently, head down and grim, while Petunia bowed her head in whispered prayers. Dudley could hear her muttering, "Shake them off, shake them off." The atmosphere inside the car was suffocating.
Dudley's mind began to wander. The situation was playing out just like in the original story: the whole family on the run, "seeking refuge."
What puzzled Dudley was why the Dursleys insisted on bringing Harry. If they truly hated him, why not leave him behind?
Both Vernon and Petunia knew perfectly well the letters sought only Harry Potter, not the Dursleys.
And yet, they still brought him along.
The car drove for an entire day, until they reached a hotel on the outskirts of a large city.
Compared to the Muggle method of slowly driving, wizarding methods like Apparition, Floo Powder, or Portkeys were far more efficient.
But early in the morning, a pile of letters awaited the Dursleys at the hotel regardless.
Dudley thought his father was on the verge of madness.
For the first time, Dudley felt dissatisfaction toward the wizards' actions.
When they needed someone cared for, they dumped him on the Dursleys' doorstep. For eleven years they ignored him completely. They claimed pity, yet not once did they come to visit or help.
And now, when he reached school age, the magical world needed him. A single letter was enough to take him back?
No thought for his guardians' opinion.
What did they take the Dursleys for?
What did they take Harry for?
Summon at will, dismiss at will.
Could they not send someone to speak properly face to face?
Was mocking Muggles amusing to them?
So this was what the lofty wizards were? Far too arrogant.
"I've found the perfect place!"
Vernon shoved open the hotel door, bloodshot eyes glaring. He had not slept soundly in days.
The place Vernon had found was a massive rock at sea, with a dilapidated two-story hut shaped like a lighthouse.
There was no electricity there, cooking could only be done with firewood.
When night fell, the Dursleys retired early, worn out from constant fear and tension.
From the kitchen came the aroma of food. Soon, a few simple dishes and a bowl of longevity noodles were set before Harry.
"Happy birthday, Harry."
Dudley spoke apologetically. "With what we have now, this is the best I can do. I'll make up for the gift once we're back."
He placed a makeshift birthday cake on the table, made only with flour and eggs, without cream or even honey.
Yet Harry was overjoyed. All these years, his cousin had never forgotten his birthday.
"Thank you, Big Dud."
Slurping down the noodles, a happy smile spread across his face.
The bowl was soon emptied, and most of the cake eaten.
Then Harry suddenly said, "Big Dud, if I'm the one they want, then let them take me."
"Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia have suffered enough these days. I don't want anyone hurt because of me."
Even without reading the letters, Harry had guessed that their target was him.
Dudley patted his head. "Don't worry. As long as you don't want to go, no one can take you."
The wizards' disdainful games had already planted resentment in Dudley's heart.
At his fingertips, a spark of golden fire flickered.
Ripple Breathing.
At Dudley's waist, his pouch held rows of neatly arranged potions.
Dudley did not like using violence, but he never opposed it.
After a while, Harry, feeling drowsy, curled beneath his blanket and lay down. Dudley sat cross-legged in place, conserving his strength, bringing his state to its peak.
With each unique breath, golden arcs of lightning coursed through his blood, flowing into his meridians, his limbs, and his bones.
No one knew how much time passed when a creak sounded outside.
Given that they were beside the reef, such noises were normal, so he paid little attention.
But then Dudley slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as twin swords, locked on the door.
He could feel it—someone was about to enter.
Boom!
A tremendous force slammed against the door, shaking the entire shack violently. Harry woke with a start, clutching his blanket, staring at the door in terror.
Vernon, still in pajamas, stumbled down the stairs clutching a rifle, Petunia following anxiously behind.
Then came a thunderous crash. The door flew inward and hit the ground with a heavy thud, dust rising into the air.
A giant man stood in the doorway, taller than the frame by several feet. Dudley estimated him to be at least three meters tall. His face was almost completely obscured by wild hair and a tangled beard, but beneath it, two beetle-black eyes gleamed.
The giant hunched down and squeezed his way through the doorway, finally managing to enter. He casually picked up the fallen door and set it back in place.
"Any chance of a hot cup of tea? Milk'll do. This place is a bit out of the way."
The giant moved about as though in his own home, striding over to the sofa and dropping heavily into it. Dudley could hear the springs groan under the weight.
"Ah-ha, Harry, you're Harry."
The giant pointed at the stunned boy and laughed like rolling thunder.
"Last time I saw you, you were only this tall."
He held up his thumb and forefinger, making a gesture as if to show "tiny."
"Look at you, the spitting image of your dad, though you've got your mother's eyes."
"You knew my parents?"
Before Harry could even ask, Vernon shouted, his voice shrill with panic.
"I want you out of here, sir!"
"You've broken into a private home!"
He leveled the rifle straight at the giant.
"Dursley, you great fool. That thing's useless against me."
The giant casually reached out, plucking the rifle from Vernon's hands across the sofa. With a simple twist, he tied it into a knot as though it were made of rubber.
"What are you doing?"
Vernon spread his arms, shielding Petunia, Harry, and Dudley like a mother hen.
"I will protect my family."
(End of Chapter)
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