BLOOD OF THE MOTHERBy BertaSMarch-05
Chapter 3
Description: Muggle and magic combine to achieve common goals.
It all belongs to JKR
Workouts and Potions
Later that week while looking through each others books Harry found a book on nutrition and meal planning that they both thought might help Dudley with his weight problem.
Dudley became fascinated when he found a weight loss potion, and insisted on brewing it on the kitchen stove much to his mother's horror. Luckily there were no explosions and the kitchen escaped unscathed.
Harry maintained that he could get in trouble if anyone noticed that they were technically using magic. By combining working out and eating right with a couple of drops of the potion each day it would go faster but not so fast as to draw attention.
They started working out by walking but when they passed the gym they were advertising a two for one summer special, they had to check it out. The deal was very good with lessons in karate, aerobics, and yoga as well as the regular work out equipment and an indoor pool.
The hardest part was at dinner that night when Dudley said, "Hey, dad the gym down the street is offering a real deal for summer memberships."
Vernon was not real interested in this as he thought he worked out enough just walking from his car to his desk at the office, but asked "What kind of deal?"
"A two for one, I want Harry to be my partner, you know spot me during my work outs."
Vernon frowned that would be giving the freak a chance to use the facilities as well. "I'm not sure that would be a good idea, Duders. What if he drops a weight on you?"
"Please Dad." He begged, "They have karate classes. I need a punching ba…um… I mean… a sparing partner." Dudley answered with an evil smirk at Harry.
Harry hid his smile when Vernon agreed to let them join.
There was something decidedly Slytherin about the way Dudley convinced Uncle Vernon to allow them to join. Dudley did not tell his father about the other classes offered that Harry knew they had already discussed signing up for.
Several days later they went to London with Vernon. Dudley had insisted they needed to do some shopping and having his drivers permit they could take the car while Vernon was working.
After leaving Vernon, Harry was nervous and trying to explain that the only thing keeping him safe at #4 Privite Drive was the fact that his Mothers Blood dwelt there.
Dudley said, "So being with a relative of your mother, keeps this Voldemort guy away from you?"
"That's what Dumbledore says." Harry sighed, "I not convinced that he told me the whole truth. I know he doesn't tell me everything I need to know."
After some thought Dudley said "But, Harry I'm related to your mum. So you should be safe with me, more so than with Dad, he's not related to your mum other than through marriage."
Harry grinned he liked Dudley's thinking.
Around noon they found themselves walking along thinking about where to have lunch when Harry suddenly said "this way." Grabbing Dudley and dragging him toward a small grimy looking pub that Dudley could have sworn wasn't there moments before.
Inside the pub Harry greeted the bartender quietly, "Hi, Tom two of you specials and some butterbeers, please."
Dudley was practically shaking in his shoes, "Harry, this is not someplace Mum and Dad would want me to be."
Harry winked, "Then don't tell them we were here." He thought a second, "I really should go into Diagon Ally and get some money from the bank, think you can handle a magic shopping trip?" he challenged.
Dudley was surprised "I…" he took a deep breath, "OK, there won't be any of those – things, will there?"
It took Harry a moment to realize that Dudley was referring to Dementors. He shook his head "There bloody well better not be. The inhabitants of the Ally would have the Ministers head if they ever came here."
The boys finished eating and went out the back where Harry tapped the bricks and they rearranged themselves into an arch, "Welcome to Diagon Alley, Dudley."
Harry watched the amazement on Dudley's face with a smile. "First stop Gringotts Bank."
When the entered Dudley shrank closer to Harry, "Harry, what are they?"
Harry looked around, "What, oh, Goblins. Just treat them with respect and you'll be fine. They are the reason no one would steal from this bank. There is nowhere safer than Gringotts, other than maybe Hogwarts."
When they got to the counter Harry said happily surprised, "Griphook, you got a promotion?" and holding up his key, "I need to make a withdrawal."
The Goblin did not show it but he was quite surprised that a wizard would know his name let alone that he had recently received a promotion to teller from runner. "Ah, thank you Mr. Potter." Griphook looked around the almost empty lobby. Motioning to one of the other goblins, "I'll be seeing to Mr. Potter personally." He then led them through a door to the trolley.
Dudley was dazed form not only the wildest rollercoaster ride of his life but the sight of all that gold. Harry was rich. Harry was a little surprised himself, evidently there had been a significant deposit about six months ago. Griphook was unable or unwilling to say where, exactly, it came from but hinted that a certain Mr. Black may have been involved.
The rest of the day was spent ordering new robes, and school supplies as well as about a dozen extra books including a copy of Hermione's favorite, Hogwarts: a History, for Dudley. And a book called Weapons and Armor for the Well-Prepared Wizard, which covered the making and use of magical weapons, and armor.
Harry was surprised when he caught sight of several order members but none of them approached him. He was sure they were watching him but he was reluctant to blow their delusions that he was foolish enough not to notice. If they would let him alone he was fine with that. Besides he could always thank them in a letter later, since he had a hard time thinking of anything to write other than 'everything's fine'.
Next Chapter: Birthday Surprises – Harry's predictions seem to have come true and Tonks breaks cover. We also hear Dudley say, "My wishes take longer to come true."