Harry Potter:Bloodline

Only the original characters belong to me. Please read and review.

Chapter 5: Choices

Morning had come. As Harry awoke, he was surprised that nobody was yelling at him to make breakfast. In fact, he was certain that he smelled food cooking already. Harry wondered if things could change any more than in the last couple of days.  He had discovered that Dudley was a wizard, that his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon would be attempting to treat him civilly, and that Dudley might be attending Hogwart's for the rapidly approaching term. "Kindly get to breakfast before it's cold, please!" Harry heard his Aunt Petunia say in a loud and eerie tone that made him shudder.

Harry entered the kitchen to see an agitated-looking Uncle Vernon dressed for something other than work.  Dudley and Aunt Petunia were dressed nicely as well, and there was food covering the table.  Harry had never seen a meal like this at the Dursley's home. He considered that he must still be asleep and dreaming, but his dreams were never this pleasant. "Good morning, Harry. Did you sleep well?" asked Aunt Petunia as Uncle Vernon eyed her suspiciously. "I, uh, yes, thank you." Harry replied. "Well, dig in; it isn't going to magically ingest itself, I hope you know." Aunt Petunia said with a weak smile. At this, Harry took a little of everything to his plate and ate a meal more hearty then the finest Hogwart's feast. As he stuffed himself, he fought the urge to question the reasons why his family was choosing to treat him so well. He knew that he would need to speak to Dudley for any answers because he wouldn't hold anything back.

Aunt Petunia rose to begin clearing the table, and Harry offered, "Breakfast was really good, would you like some help cleaning up?" Again his Aunt Petunia smiled and nodded yes. Uncle Vernon, who had still not spoken a word, exited the kitchen and Dudley followed. Once alone, Aunt Petunia looked at Harry in a way that scared him. It was a cross between uncertainty and admiration. They had almost finished cleaning, and Aunt Petunia finally spoke. "Harry, I need you to listen to me very carefully, and please do not interrupt me.  Dudley has told us that he has discovered that he has some magical aptitude, and that he, unlike me, has been accepted to Hogwart's. Of course I knew that there was a chance that something like this could happen. I was always so jealous of your mother because she was chosen to attend that school and I was not. I must apologize for the way that I have treated you all of these years, Harry. I have been taking out my jealousy of your mother on you, and that is surely a bad choice on my part. Your Uncle Vernon will come around as well, but it will take some time because he does not understand anything related to magic. Although I have been in denial for so long, I do understand, and I would take this opportunity to thank you for saving us all. You see Harry, you probably got more magic from your father, but the strength of mind and the determination to effectively wield your power comes from your mother.  You have the Evans' spirit. I see it in your mother's eyes every time I look into yours. I really did love my sister, and I realize now that I have always loved you as well. I have chosen, against your Uncle Vernon's wishes, to allow Dudley to attend Hogwart's. We will be going to see the headmaster today, and he has asked that you join us. Please pack your things, and be ready to leave in about an hour. You do not need to worry about bringing them, just pack them and your headmaster will make arrangements to transport them. The headmaster, Dumbledore or another, said that your letter of supplies and books would be waiting for you at the school. Now give us a hug and get going." Harry gladly hugged his Aunt Petunia for the first time in his life and retreated up to his room, being happier than he had ever been.