Chapter 25 – I, Harry Potter, Will Not Go to Hogwarts
According to English law, a citizen's private property is sacred and inviolable. Even if Hagrid had been killed by the Dursleys for trespassing, it would still be counted as self-defense.
Of course, this applied only to ordinary people. Wizards did not need to obey the laws of the Muggle world. Incidentally, the word "Muggle" was in fact a derogatory slur, which could even be translated as "fool."
Standing outside, Hagrid looked dejectedly at the reassembled door. After lowering his head in thought for a moment, he silently mounted his motorbike and left.
Only after hearing the sound of his departure did Dudley finally breathe a sigh of relief. He had worried that Hagrid might return and escalate the conflict. Turning to his parents and Harry, he said, "The unwanted intruder has been driven away. Let's go back to sleep."
Dudley was exhausted. The level five skill had nearly drained all his strength. All he wanted now was to rest and deal with everything tomorrow. He resolved to use that move sparingly in the future.
With that, he lay down on the sofa and quickly fell asleep.
Vernon opened his mouth to ask something, but Petunia tugged at his sleeve. After a brief exchange of glances, the two quietly went upstairs.
Hagrid's arrival had made it clear to the Dursleys that the wizards would never let Harry go. Compared to their anxious faces, Harry's heart was full of admiration for Dudley: "As expected of Brother D, he actually defeated that giant."
He had countless questions for Dudley, but seeing him asleep, he could only press his curiosity deep inside.
The next morning, Dudley awoke early as always, following the good habits he had cultivated since childhood. After finishing his morning exercise, the Dursleys and Harry finally rose.
"Let's go home," Dudley said as soon as he saw them. His baby-fat face, covered in sweat, carried a maturity far beyond his age.
"I think important guests, like the one yesterday, will soon come to our house."
The family quietly packed their belongings. Vernon drove them toward Privet Drive.
The journey was silent. After several hours, they returned to their familiar two-story home.
Outside in the yard, the owls near the mailbox had vanished. Only a tabby cat, seemingly passing by, sat with wide curious eyes as the Dursleys carried their luggage inside.
"Dudley, dear—" Petunia began, but Dudley raised his hand to stop her.
"Before that, I think you should tell us a few things. For example, Harry's background. For example, my aunt and uncle whom I've never met—Harry's parents. And about those strange abilities. I think our family should be honest with each other."
He deliberately emphasized the words "our family."
Harry's eyes lit up. He looked at Dudley, then at his uncle and aunt. He obediently sat still, waiting in silence.
Hearing Dudley's words, Vernon and Petunia fell into rare silence. They knew his character well. Since childhood, Dudley had never caused them worry. Whether in conduct or study, their harmonious family life owed much to him.
But this child was far too decisive.
"Tell them," they had agreed the night before.
At this point, there was little meaning in hiding the truth.
"All right, since you want to know, I'll tell you. It begins when my sister and I were young…"
With Petunia's hoarse narration, long-buried memories unfolded before Dudley and Harry's eyes.
The story was neither short nor long. It had wizards and magic, ordinary people, laughter, sorrow, and above all—helplessness.
In her youth, Petunia had longed deeply for the magical world. When Lily went to Hogwarts, Petunia wrote many letters to Dumbledore, hoping to go too. But she lacked the gift of a witch and was mercilessly rejected.
Yet her yearning did not fade. By various means, she learned of Dementors, Death Eaters, and even fragments of information about Voldemort. She knew he had killed many half-bloods and Muggles. When at last she heard the news of her sister Lily's death, her hopes of entering the magical world were forever shattered.
She had agreed to adopt Harry fully aware of everything. It was the last thing she could do for her sister. Perhaps she was not a competent aunt, but she was a responsible elder sister.
The story ended when she described finding the baby asleep in a cradle outside the door. Needless to say, Harry knew that the baby was himself.
After hearing Petunia's account, Harry spoke with a complex expression. "So my parents didn't die in a car accident, but were murdered?"
The Dursleys had told him since childhood that his parents had died in a crash, and he had always believed it.
"Harry, I'm sorry."
Petunia stared into his green eyes, filled with guilt, as if seeing her sister again.
Harry shook his head slightly and looked at her earnestly. "You didn't tell me for my own good."
He bowed deeply to Petunia. "Thank you for raising me all these years. I've troubled you."
Growing up at Dudley's side, Harry was far more mature than his peers. Now, knowing the truth, he felt only deep respect for her.
Hearing this, Vernon showed Harry a kind look for the first time, his face full of relief.
Petunia, meanwhile, covered her mouth, tears glimmering in her eyes, emotions she could no longer suppress.
"Their methods were terrifying and cruel. Vernon and I didn't want to see you—"
"That night, you lost your parents, and I lost my only sister."
Her voice broke, and she could no longer continue.
"This is not your fault, Petunia."
A sudden voice came from outside. It carried a strange power that calmed the heart. The Dursleys' door opened slowly, revealing a kindly white-bearded old man. At his feet stood a tabby cat.
"Eavesdropping is a very rude thing to do."
Dudley frowned slightly at Dumbledore standing outside.
"Forgive me, young fellow, I only happened to hear," Dumbledore said, winking at Dudley. He had meant to call him "young lad," but seeing that Dudley was nearly his height, he quickly changed his words.
"Allow me to introduce myself. Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."
After hearing Petunia bare her heart about his mother, and after the events of the past two days—especially the unpleasant encounter at the seaside shack—Harry felt a strong instinctive rejection toward Hogwarts.
It had even led to Dudley's injury. Worse still, he would not be able to attend school with Dudley. They might even be forced apart, belonging to different worlds, unable to meet again.
A flood of emotions overwhelmed him. Hearing Dumbledore's introduction, Harry's eyes turned red. A surge of heat rushed to his head, his eardrums buzzing. Unable to endure it, he roared at the old wizard.
"I! Harry Potter! Will never go to Hogwarts!"
(End of Chapter)
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