Disclaimer: I make no claim to the rights of any characters that are owned by J.K. Rowling or Warner Bros., and make no money from this venture. This work is purely for entertainment purposes.


— CHAPTER TWO —

The Truth

Harry was speechless. He was stunned. Surely this wasn't real. Surely it was another lie. Never had Aunt Petunia said anything so preposterous in her entire life. This has to be a lie. Or a dream. Maybe I misheard, Harry thought, attempting to make sense of what he had just heard come out of his aunt's mouth.

While he was processing this, he heard the toy drop from Dudley's fat hands and heard him gasp, a sound which he didn't hear very often from his cousin. Harry looked at Uncle Vernon who was staring intently at the floor in front of him and Aunt Petunia's lips were pursed once again. She looked as though the words were physically painful for her to say.

"I'm a ... What did you ... Who told you ... What?" Harry stammered. At the same time Dudley looked like he was going to be sick. Normally he wouldn't ask questions, as he was forbidden from doing so, but, at this moment, he didn't really care. If what they were saying was true, how could they forbid him from asking questions?

"You are ... a wizard. You're ... magical," Aunt Petunia replied with slight hatred exuding from her words. When she saw Harry's confused look she sighed and continued. "Magic is real. Not the stuff that is shown on television and such, but actual magic. Like what's in some books. Your father was a wizard and your mother, my sister, was a witch."

This was not really helping Harry at all and Uncle Vernon noticed.

"Petunia, dear, that is rather vague. Perhaps it would be easiest to just show him the letter." As Petunia pulled an old envelope from her jacket pocket, Uncle Vernon looked at Harry with a look of utter disgust. "I don't know the story very well, as your aunt does not like to talk about her sister or ... her kind, so you should feel grateful she is willing to do so now."

Aunt Petunia looked at Harry and handed him the letter, a strange look on her face.

"Before you open it I think you should know about some of what is written in this letter." This was obviously hard for Aunt Petunia as she looked like she had swallowed a lemon as she talked. Dudley was still silent, and shocked, as she began "When my sister, Lily, turned eleven, her life, as well as my own, changed. She received a letter from a school. 'Hogwarts', it was called. It told her that she was a witch and that she had been accepted at this school to learn magic. At first our parents thought it was some kind of a joke but then the woman who brought the letter to Lily did something thought to be impossible. She ... she changed into a cat."

Aunt Petunia shuddered at the memory. Dudley squealed a little bit. Uncle Vernon jumped off the sofa slightly and looked at his wife with a pale look on his face. Harry merely stared, his jaw almost hitting the ground. Surely Aunt Petunia is joking. No one can do that. It's impossible. This must be a dream. Wake up. Aunt Petunia took a minute to get composed and continued.

"After a few more of those ... displays, this woman had convinced my parents that wizards and witches did, indeed, exist but only in secret. This witch informed us that the school term would start in seven months and that she would be back in 5 months to take Lily to get her school supplies. Our parents were so proud. 'A witch in the family! Isn't it wonderful?' they would say on an almost daily basis. I knew what she really was though. A freak!" Aunt Petunia spat the last two words out as if they were mouthwash. Harry felt his anger rising again although he couldn't really think of any reason why Aunt Petunia wouldn't actually think that. It was freaky. Harry stayed silent and to his surprise Dudley spoke up.

"You – you have to be ... lying again. Wizards don't exist. Only in stories. Fairy tales," he said in a hoarse whisper. He was staring at his mother with a strange look on his face that Harry couldn't really place.

"No, Duddy, I'm telling the truth," she then regarded both Harry and Dudley as she posed the next question to them. "Surely you have noticed some strange things that Harry can do?"

Harry gave it some thought and realised that she was right. Just over twenty-four hours ago Dudley had mysteriously lost all of his clothes when Harry was angry. Then it dawned on him that most of the things that he got into trouble for were because of this. He never wanted those things to happen so, obviously, they were out of his control. They blamed him for something they wouldn't tell him about and even worse, something he couldn't help. He let the anger rise up into his throat before speaking again.

"You mean to tell me that almost all of the times I've been in trouble from you and gotten punished were because of magic? Something you knew about but never told me? Something I can't control?" He spoke, not even trying to control the anger and resentment he felt towards the Dursleys at that moment. Uncle Vernon's face went purple.

"Do you think we ever wanted you here? Do you think we liked what you are? What do you expect us to do? Not do anything? As far as we were concerned we could beat it out of you!" Uncle Vernon raised his voice above normal to say this while Harry shrunk into his chair, his anger quickly receding into fear. "But just yesterday I realised that there was a simple solution to our problems. We may not like what you are in the slightest but we definitely do not want you under our roof if it won't stop. According to that letter you are holding, what you are doing is 'accidental' and you need to learn to 'control' magic otherwise it keeps happening. You're dangerous to Dudley and to us! We know that you have your eleventh birthday soon so you will receive the same letter as your mother did when she turned eleven. Originally we had planned to make you stay here but I have come to the conclusion that it would benefit all of us if you went. Now read that ruddy letter so we can get this over with."

Uncle Vernon was still purple when Harry began to take out the paper inside the letter and read it to himself, his hands shaking slightly. Whether it was from fear, excitement or apprehension, Harry couldn't tell.

Dear Mr and Mrs Dursley,

You are probably, as of right now, unaware of what has happened to Lily and James Potter or even what is currently happening in the wizarding world at this moment. Lily and James, sadly, were murdered.

.

Those last six words almost brought tears to his eyes, even though he did not know his parents.

"My parents were murdered?" he asked angrily, looking at his aunt and uncle with a furious look on his face. "That doesn't sound like a car crash!" He was absolutely disgusted. When he realised that his Aunt and Uncle were not going to reply to him he went back to reading.

We do know who the culprit was but he was also destroyed that very same night.

Harry was pleased to read that.

Harry has no other family and it is best for him to stay with blood relatives right now. At least until further arrangements can be arranged and we find out more about what happened in Godric's Hollow. I hope you do not mind this intrusion as I know that you and the Potters were not on very good terms but I do sincerely hope that you can find it in your heart to raise this boy like your own. I do not wish to worry you any further or burden you any more than I know I already have. I only have a few things more to write about Harry's future.

I understand that you are aware of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the purpose it serves within the wizarding community. When Harry turns eleven he will receive a letter from the school informing him of his acceptance and will also enclose a list of necessities.

I am aware that you do not exactly like our community so I will be sure to send a Professor along with the letter to help Harry get all of his necessities. When Harry does go to Hogwarts we can then discuss what we should do in terms of living arrangements for him so that it is more comfortable for him and also for you. There are any number of witches and wizards who would take Harry in if you no longer felt capable of keeping him. But this is long in the future. Almost ten years in fact.

However, almost immediately, you will start to realise that Harry does indeed have magic inside him as things will start happening, though it will only start to become extremely prevalent when he turns seven years of age. Do not be alarmed as this is all accidental and he could not possibly control magic at that age. That is one reason Hogwarts is around, so children can learn to control their magic. If they do not do so, the consequences could be extreme.

Words cannot express how extremely sorry I am for your loss, although I do sincerely hope you enjoy what you gain from this tragic incident.

Yours Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore.

Harry stared at the letter, so many thoughts going through his head. It was true. He was a wizard. He would be leaving Privet Drive. Perhaps for good. But my parents were murdered, Harry thought to himself, and they told me different. He glared at his aunt and uncle who were now looking at him with almost calm looks on their faces. Harry felt anger rising again.

"So, this is your way of telling me to get lost is it? Too good to pass up?" Harry asked angrily directing death stares at both Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon who now both had creepy smiles on their ugly faces.

"No point denying it. Yes, that's what this is. But you can't honestly say you don't like the idea of leaving here. But, yes, this is only to get what we want," Uncle Vernon said sickeningly gleefully. Harry began to think and it occurred to him that he didn't care what their reasons where if it meant he could leave, he liked it. A smile cracked across his face which made Uncle Vernon's and Aunt Petunia's own smiles fade slightly.

"You know, Uncle Vernon, you're absolutely right. I don't want to be here any more than you want me to be. We both get something. But I do have a few questions for you, Aunt Petunia," Harry said coolly which made Uncle Vernon flinch slightly.

"Go ahead," she replied warily.

"First of all, when does school start?" Harry genuinely wanted to know so he could count down the days.

"When Lily went, the train always left on September the first," Aunt Petunia answered matter-of-factly, as if she knew everything. A train? I would have thought it would be cooler than that, Harry thought feeling slightly disappointed.

"I guess that it would be like boarding school, so my next question is, when are the breaks? Christmas and Easter?" Harry had no intention of visiting his family, but it would be nice to know.

"It is like boarding school, yes," Aunt Petunia said. "And there is only a two week break over Christmas. None at Easter. At least Lily never came home for them if there were."

"When does school finish for the year?" Harry asked.

"The third week in June, some time. It was a different day each year," Aunt Petunia replied. "Very similar to your current schooling timetable."

"So, that means I will be away for...nine out of twelve months of the year?" Harry asked happily.

"That is correct." Aunt Petunia looked angry that Harry was happy but she said nothing. Harry thought of another question.

"Are you paying for it?" Harry regretted asking when he saw the disgusted looks on Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon's faces. They did not like that idea in the slightest.

"I should think not!" Vernon shouted, "We kept you sheltered and it was your parents who wanted you there so they better not expect us to pay for you!" He was purple in the face again. Harry knew not to pursue the matter further but instead asked another question.

"Someone will be coming to this house on my birthday to take me to get what I need to go to Hogwarts?" Aunt Petunia nodded but didn't say anything, clearly still angry at Harry's last question. "Then what will happen? Will I come back here for a month or go with them somewhere? I mean, I don't know a thing about all of this." Harry really wanted to leave Privet Drive as soon as possible.

"I don't know what will happen but, chances are, you will remain here until your school term begins. Then, with any luck, you won't have to come back here for anything at all," Aunt Petunia said with a huff.

"Okay, I'm done with the questions about this. I suppose that you'll want to say something now?" He asked both his aunt and uncle. Dudley was now sitting low in his recliner not really comprehending the situation. This could be fun.

"Uh ... yes," Uncle Vernon started and cleared his throat. Harry knew that all too well. He was getting a lecture, "Now. We bent our own rules by telling you all of this so you had better be grateful, boy."

Ah, back to 'boy' now am I? Harry thought wryly.

"We still don't like ... your lot and what they can do. So we will have restrictions. The following words are banned from use in this house unless you are given specific instructions to say you can use them. Magic, Hogwarts, wand, spells, charms, potions -" Uncle Vernon stopped when Dudley suddenly cut in.

"Wait a minute. Why don't you want him to talk about it? I wouldn't mind," Dudley said with a slightly excited look on his face. Harry's jaw fell open. Dudley was clearly defying his parents and almost siding with Harry. In doing so he was basically saying he wants something to do with Harry that didn't have anything to do with fists. It was obvious that Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were stunned as well.

"Uh ... well ... you see … uh," Uncle Vernon was clearly lost for words and was confused, as was Aunt Petunia, "Well uh ... your mother. She, um ..."

Aunt Petunia looked at her husband sharply and said quietly, "Vernon, the last time I heard Dudley was interested in anything this much was when he worked out how to work the television remote. Normally he doesn't even care. Maybe we could be a bit lenient, here. We both know he isn't ... like that so what harm could it do?" Uncle Vernon exploded.

"WHAT HARM COULD IT DO? HE COULD HURT, MAIM OR KILL DUDLEY!" Harry flinched and decided something in the spur of the moment.

"Uncle Vernon. I don't think I would. Hurt Dudley that is. In fact," Harry looked at Dudley with a smile which seemed to physically hurt his face to do. Harry had not once smiled at Dudley before. Not in a good way at least, "It might be fun to have someone to talk to about it. If you don't like talking about ... what I am and what I can do then I don't have to around you. I'll just talk to Dudley about it. Even let him read books about it if I get them and if he wants to." That's a long shot, Harry thought. Dudley was actually smiling a smile that didn't seem evil.

"I really want to, Dad. I mean, there's a whole different world out there. They can do cool things. Why wouldn't I be interested?" Dudley was actually being sincere for once. Harry was stunned. "And, yes, I would read the books as well."

That statement had a massive effect. Considering Harry wasn't even sure Dudley could read up until that point, this stunned him, and everyone else, in the room. Dudley looked defiantly at his parents, causing the both of them to look at each other.

"Vernon," Harry heard Petunia mutter as if she was going to burst with pride and with tears standing in her eyes. "He wants to read. And a book, no less. Vernon, we absolutely cannot say no. This could be the single best thing to happen to him. I still don't like it but if my Duddikins is willing to do all that because of it, I am willing to let him. You and I both know he isn't that good in school. What if this fixes all that?" Uncle Vernon nodded reluctantly and began to speak in an authoritarian tone.

"Fine. Dudley, you are the only person in this family who can talk tohim about that," he said reluctantly. "If you, or he, mention it to us we will only give you one warning. If you do it a second time you will no longer be allowed to talk about it at all."

Dudley looked extremely happy at this concession on Uncle Vernon's part. But there was a niggling doubt in the back of Harry's mind about Dudley. He could only hope that it didn't become any more than just a niggling doubt. Harry had never been able to trust him before, but he felt strangely compelled to trust him this time. Even after everything Dudley had done to him in the past.

"However," said Uncle Vernon with a loud voice causing Dudley's smile to fade very quickly, "you are, under no circumstances to go with him on that trip on his birthday. I know you were going to ask because you always ask us to do things for you, and you mother, being the lovely person she is," Ha! Harry thought to himself trying to conceal a smirk, "cannot say no to you. So there is no way you are going." Dudley looked a little disappointed but still seemed in high spirits.

"Okay Dad," he said in a happy tone that sounded, for once, like it wasn't forced.

"Now you," Uncle Vernon really emphasised 'you' like it was some evil word. "You will not harm Dudley at all. If you do, you will be out of here in the blink of an eye whether it is safe for you or not. Do you understand?" he barked at Harry who nodded quickly. "If you wish to speak about any of this to Petunia or I you say 'ability' instead of 'magic' and 'school' instead of 'Hogwarts'. We are being lenient enough to allow you to say such words to Dudley but we will not be with ourselves. Petunia is still traumatized from –" He was cut off by Aunt Petunia.

"VERNON!" she shrieked, making Harry's ears ring.

Uncle Vernon looked embarrassed realising his mistake. He cleared his throat and said, "Okay then. Off you go. Discussion over. Do what you want to. We will call you for dinner," he said all of this very quickly and Harry was lucky to catch all of it.

Harry and Dudley got up instantly and left the room. Harry headed towards his cupboard but as he opened the door he felt a hand on his shoulder. Harry flinched waiting for something to happen to him but nothing did. He turned around to see Dudley looking concerned.

"Why'd you do that?" he asked Harry.

"Well, the last time you grabbed my shoulder you spun me around and punched my nose and snapped my glasses. Plus, it isn't really a good thing when anyone touches me in this house," Harry pointed out and Dudley lowered his head in something that Harry thought may be remorse.

"Yeah," he said slowly. "I guess I've been a pretty big git to you haven't I?"

"Yeah. You have," Harry replied a little quicker and angrier than he actually wanted to.

"Well I hope I can make it up to you. I really think what you are is actually pretty cool. I don't care what my parents say," he added with a wry grin. "Anyway, let's forget the cupboard for now and head up to my room. I wanna talk to you and I think it would be best to be somewhere where they can't hear us."

Harry was still very wary of the 'new' Dudley who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. Was this the same kid who had kicked him in the ribs just over twenty-four hours ago? Would this all turn out to be a plan of Dudley's to get him alone? It didn't seem at all possible, but there he was, walking up to Dudley's room with him. Going to talk about magic. This is weird.

When they got to his rather large room Dudley shut his door and sat on his bed, causing it to creak quite loudly. He told Harry to grab a chair from near his desk to sit on and Harry did so cautiously, still feeling the effects of the conversation and what had happened with Dudley. He watched Dudley's hands closely, waiting for the moment they lashed out at him.

"So, you really had no idea that you were a wizard?" Dudley blurted out. Harry actually laughed. Harry didn't know if Dudley had ever heard a laugh like that from Harry. Actually, Harry wasn't sure this particular type of laugh had ever escaped his lips.

"No Dudley. I didn't. I mean, I knew weird things happened around me. And they seemed to be very weird things but I never once thought, 'Hey, maybe I'm a wizard'," Harry replied laughing again. "It still feels weird. And you really didn't know? It would make more sense for you to know seeing as it was your parents hiding it from me."

"No. Not at all. I knew that Mum and Dad didn't like you but I had no idea why," Dudley admitted. "To be honest, I never really hated you at all when we were young. My parents made me. I actually liked the idea of having a cousin live with me, especially since I don't have a brother or sister. But they didn't like you and whenever I got near you when we were very young they always used to pull me away and get angry with me for going near you. I felt like I had to believe what they told me. I guess I just realised exactly what they were like today. They always praised me whenever I did anything to hurt you. I guess that helped them get what they wanted."

Wow. An admission of guilt from Dudley. And also an admission that he actually likes me. And more than a sentence out of his mouth. Wow, Harry thought. The biggest shock was that it all actually made sense.

"I guess I never thought of it that way," Harry admitted. "I just thought you just hated me like they did. I don't remember much of when we were both very young. Maybe that's why. In a strange way, I'm glad you feel this way because it means I have one less thing to fear in this house."

Dudley looked at the floor in front of his feet and then looked up at Harry.

"I'm sorry. For everything. I don't think my parents will ever say that, but I want to try at least." He held out a hand. Harry flinched away as a reflex but eventually, very cautiously, shook it. Dudley looked relieved when he did so.

"What a day!" Harry exclaimed cheerfully as he let go of his cousin's hand, much to the surprise of Dudley and even himself.

"Why do you sound so happy? I mean that wasn't all good down there," he pointed out and Harry just smiled.

"It's more than just that. I mean, when I got to Mrs Figg's today she had a cake made for my birthday. And I had never told her the date. You know better than anyone that I've never had a birthday cake before, let alone anyone really seem excited about it. Say, do you think your parents would have mentioned my birthday to Mrs Figg?" Dudley shook his head sadly. "I didn't think so. Strange. Anyway, and then I find out I am a wizard and I find out the truth about everything, well almost everything, and now I actually feel like I have a cousin." Dudley grinned at him.

"I can see why you would like today a load more than any other day. And just so you know, I'm excited about your birthday this year." To Harry's quizzical look Dudley laughed and added, "Because you're getting all of your Hogwarts stuff. Don't tell me you forgot already!" Dudley laughed again and this time, so did Harry.

"No, I didn't," Harry replied after recovering from the fit of laughter he was having with Dudley, something he never thought would ever happen. "Just getting used to you being, well, different, that's all."

"You know something Harry? I'm going to ask my parents to bake you a cake for your birthday. And only partly because I want a bit too," He laughed again. "I'm sure they'll say yes to me."

"You know something Dudley? That would be brilliant!"

For the first time in his life Harry Potter actually felt as if he belonged there in Number 4 Privet Drive. For almost 10 years he had felt like he was trapped in his own personal hell but now he felt like there was a glimmer of hope for him. He would be leaving the Dursleys' in just over a month. Yet now that Dudley was treating him better he felt strangely conflicted about that. He still wanted to go because he still despised the place but he wanted to stay because he knew that Dudley was just coming around. His life was definitely going in a new direction.