Again, none of the characters are mine(except the ones that do!) Also, thanks to all who reviewed. Your kind words inspire me to continue.
Harry Potter: BloodlineChapter 4: Response
Harry was now totally accepting of the idea that Dudley could be a fellow wizard. He felt that Dudley certainly had the attitude of a wizard. Dudley, even though he and Harry had not been close, had always been very questioning of every thing except magic. Harry thought that it was largely due to the likely reactions of Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. Harry suddenly thought about Aunt Petunia. She would likely have magic in her blood as well, since she was Harry's closest blood relative. Of course, he thought, she was too old to do anything about it now.
Just then Hedwig returned through the window and landed on Harry's shoulder as he sat on his bed. Harry instinctively removed the letter from her leg and gave her several owl treats, which Hedwig gratefully devoured. Harry paused as he considered the possibility that the letter was not good news. His pondering was interrupted by Dudley yelling, "Dinner, Harry!" Harry guessed it was just as well to wait until after dinner to read the letter, so he placed it under his pillow and started for the stairs.
Taking his seat, Harry ate as much of the goulash and biscuits he could; topping it with a swell of water and waiting for the others to finish in hope that dessert would follow. No one spoke as Uncle Dudley finished his fourth bowl of stew and left the table without a word to anyone. Aunt Petunia stared at Dudley for a moment and then broke the silence by addressing Harry. "We know that you must have done something to our son (Harry noticed she didn't say Dudley's name) to make him become so disrespectful towards his parents. I have discussed this with your Uncle Vernon and we have decided to try to be more accepting of you and your kind," she said sourly. She immediately began to clear the table without even giving Harry a chance to respond. "Come, Harry, let's go outside and talk a bit," Dudley said in a very pleased tone. "Why don't we talk in my room, Dudley, I have something to show you anyway." "Alright, Harry," came Dudley as Aunt Petunia failed to stifle back a deep sigh. They walked through the living room and said goodnight to Uncle Vernon, who pretended not to hear them.
After reaching Harry's room and closing the door, Harry asked Dudley, "What in bloody heck was that all about? I think I liked it better when they were only insulting, at least then I knew it was how they really felt!" Dudley gave him a look of amusement and said, "I talked to them when we returned from the park today. I told them that I had fully meant what I told them at breakfast, and that if they really loved me that they would try to make things more loving around here. I know that they will do anything I ask of them, and I reckon it will make things easier when you get me into your school if they are already a bit softened." "Oh yeah, about that," Harry began. "You haven't changed your mind about helping, have you?" Dudley said before Harry could finish. "Of course not. It just that I got a letter from Professor Dumbledore before dinner and I was going to read it for the first time with you, so that you would know everything as we go along," Harry retorted.
"Oh boy!" Dudley exclaimed as Harry reached under his pillow and began opening the letter from Professor Dumbledore. Dudley sat as close as he could to Harry, not wanting to miss a single word.
Dear Harry,
I am quite pleased to hear from you. You know that nothing is too small a reason to contact me. I am quite busy doing things for the upcoming term, as it seems I will need to replace a few teachers.
In regard to your letter, yes I am aware of the magical potential that exists in your cousin. As you know, the use of magic is strictly monitored, and the use of it by dabbling muggles is certainly included in this monitoring. I have consulted with several others about this, and I have concluded that your cousin, although not nearly as potent as yours, has a significant amount of magical power and should be allowed to come to Hogwart's this term provided the two of you could convince his parents to allow it. You may tell him anything you should want, as his memory will surely be wiped of any and all of this should his parents not comply with sending him to Hogwart's. Your cousin and his parents will receive the standard owl inviting them to visit our school and have Dudley attend should they wish him to be formally trained. Take care, Harry and I will owl you soon, as I am quite sure that this letter will need to be shared.
Sincerely,
A. Dumbledore
Headmaster
Hogwart's School of Witchcraft
And Wizardry
"Yes!" cried Dudley. "Calm down, Dudley." Harry said dryly. "But He said I can come, Harry!" Dudley said still excited. "Yes, but first your parents have to consent, and that will take more magic than the most powerful wizard on the planet has." Harry sighed.
"Thank you for all of your help, Harry. Just you let me worry about Mum and Dad. You don't know them like I do. One tear is all it will take and as much as they will hate the idea, they will fold." Harry began to pace. Dudley approached Harry and grabbed him by both shoulders. Harry looked unknowingly at Dudley as Dudley pulled Harry into a very enthusiastic embrace. Although neither of them said anything, Harry knew that this was the beginning of a close relationship with someone who was actually family. Harry gave in and returned the hug his cousin had started, allowed a single tear to escape his eye, and finally said in a whisper, "Congratulations, Dudley." As they released each other, Dudley saw the tear rolling down Harry's cheek and wiped it away saying, "Thanks, Harry. See you in the morning."
*************************************************************************Well let me know what you think. If anyone likes it or has ideas, let me know. This is my first fanfic, and I'll try to do a chapter every day. Thanks to all who read the first three chapters. Geneaux
