Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.
Molly watched Ginny with amusement as she floated through dinner, a perpetual grin plastered on her face. Her curiosity got the better of her.
"Ginny, what's behind that silly grin?" Molly asked, her eyes twinkling.
Ginny's smile grew even wider as she pulled out Harry's letter from her pocket. She unfolded it and handed it to Molly, pointing to the signature.
Molly's eyes scanned the page, her face softening as she read the words: "Love, Your Silly Boyfriend, Harry."
"Aww," Molly cooed. "That's adorable."
Ginny blushed, her eyes shining. "I know, right?"
Molly handed the letter back, her expression warm. "He's definitely a keeper, Ginny."
Molly was still smiling at the sweet signature when the twins, Fred and George, snatched the letter from her hand.
"Hey, what's this?" Fred asked, his eyes scanning the page.
"Love letters from Harry?" George chimed in, his voice full of teasing.
Ron and Arthur joined in, chuckling and making jokes about Harry's affectionate sign-off.
But Ginny had had enough. "Give it back, now," she warned, her eyes flashing.
The twins, still grinning, didn't take her seriously. That was, until Ginny raised her wand.
"I mean it. Hand it over, or I'll hex you both," Ginny said, her voice firm.
The room fell silent as the twins exchanged nervous glances. They quickly handed the letter back to Ginny, who snatched it from them.
"Sorry, Gin," Fred muttered.
"Yeah, sorry," George added, backing away.
Ginny tucked the letter safely back into her pocket, her expression still stern. "Just remember, this is private."
Harry woke up at five, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. He looked around his darkened room, and his eyes landed on a familiar shape perched on his desk. Hedwig was back, and she had a letter tied to her leg.
"Thanks, girl," Harry whispered, gently removing the letter from Hedwig's leg.
He unfolded the parchment and began to read Ginny's reply.
"Dear Harry," he read, his eyes devouring every word. "I'm so happy for you and Dudley. I know how much it means to you to have your cousin back."
Harry's heart swelled with love and gratitude as he read on.
"Lots of Weasley Love, silly boyfriend," Ginny wrote. "Can't wait to see you soon."
Harry's face broke out into a wide grin as he finished reading the letter. He felt like he was walking on air.
"Thanks, Hedwig," he whispered again, stroking his owl's soft feathers. "You're the best."
As they sat down to enjoy their breakfast, Dudley turned to Harry with a sly grin.
"I never told you, but you're a great cook, Harry," Dudley said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Harry chuckled, feeling pleased. "Thanks, cuz. I've had my fair share of practice."
After breakfast, they hatched a plan to write a note to Vernon and Petunia, explaining Dudley's sudden desire to go on an outing with his friends in the forest.
"We need to make sure they don't get suspicious," Harry said, scribbling down some words.
"Yeah, and we need to cover our tracks," Dudley added, snickering.
Together, they wrote a note that read: "Dear Mum and Dad, I'm going out with my friends today. I'm forcing Harry to come with me so they can do our work. I'll be back by evening. - Yours Ickle Duddlikins."
Dudley giggled as he signed the note, his eyes shining with mischief.
"That should do the trick," Harry said, grinning.
With the note in place, they felt ready to embark on their adventure, free from the prying eyes of Vernon and Petunia.
As they set out towards the Fawcett Manor, Harry noticed Dudley struggling to keep up. He was panting heavily, his face flushed with exertion.
"Hey, cuz, you okay?" Harry asked, slowing down his pace.
"Yeah...I'm fine," Dudley gasped, his eyes fixed on the ground.
Harry chuckled. "You're not exactly built for long-distance walking, are you?"
Dudley shook his head, still panting. "No...I'm not."
Harry's expression turned serious. "Listen, if you really like boxing, you should start exercising and get in shape."
"Boxing?" Dudley repeated, his eyes lighting up. "Yeah, I love it."
"Then you need to be fit," Harry said, his voice firm but encouraging. "I can help you with that, if you want."
Dudley nodded, determination etched on his face. "Yeah...I want to get in shape."
After what seemed like an eternity, they finally reached the grand entrance of the Fawcett Manor. Dudley looked exhausted, his legs trembling beneath him.
"We're almost there, cuz," Harry said, noticing Dudley's fatigue.
But it was clear Dudley couldn't take another step. Harry quickly assessed the situation and decided to call for a horse carriage.
"Hey, wait here," Harry instructed, before whistling loudly.
A elegant carriage emerged from the nearby stables, its horses' hooves clip-clopping on the stone pathway.
"Get in, Dudley," Harry said, helping his cousin into the carriage.
"You're not coming in?" Dudley asked, looking up at Harry.
"I'll run alongside," Harry replied with a grin. "Need to keep my fitness up, too."
With a nod, the horses moved forward, and they began their leisurely pace up the winding driveway. Harry jogged effortlessly beside the carriage, his eyes fixed on Dudley.
"Hold on, cuz, we're almost there," Harry called out, his voice steady and reassuring.
Dudley smiled weakly, grateful for Harry's consideration. The manor's imposing facade soon came into view, its turrets and towers rising above the trees.
As they stepped out of the carriage, Harry was warmly greeted by Twinky and Dimpy, the twin house-elves of the Fawcett Manor.
"Master Harry, welcome home!" Twinky exclaimed, beaming.
"Thank you, Twinky," Harry replied with a smile. "What's the news?"
"Mrs. Tucker had to leave early today, Master Harry," Dimpy said, her eyes sparkling. "She said she'd meet you later."
Harry nodded, understanding. "No problem, thanks for letting me know."
He then turned to Dudley, who was watching the exchange with wide eyes.
"Dudley, this is Twinky and Dimpy," Harry said, gesturing to the elves. "They're the best house-elves in the wizarding world."
"Hello!" Dudley stammered, unsure how to react to his first encounter with house-elves.
Twinky and Dimpy curtsied in unison. "Welcome, Master Dudley," they chimed in harmony.
Dudley's gaze lingered on the elves, his expression a mix of curiosity and surprise.
"They're...so small," Dudley whispered to Harry.
Harry chuckled. "And incredibly talented," he added. "Twinky and Dimpy will take care of us while we're here."
Twinky's face lit up. "We'll make sure Master Dudley feels at home."
Dimpy nodded enthusiastically. "We'll prepare lunch immediately."
Harry smiled, grateful for the elves' warmth. "Thanks, Twinky. Thanks, Dimpy."
As they stepped into the grand entrance hall of the Fawcett Manor, Dudley's eyes widened in awe.
"Blimey!" Dudley exclaimed, his gaze darting around the opulent room. "This is incredible!"
Harry chuckled, pleased to see his cousin's reaction.
"I know, right?" Harry said, leading Dudley further into the manor. "It's been in Mrs. Tucker's family for generations."
Dudley's eyes landed on a magnificent chandelier. "It's so...so..."
"Grand?" Harry suggested, grinning.
Dudley nodded, still looking stunned.
Harry's expression turned serious. "Dudley, there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?" Dudley asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Mrs. Tucker made me her heir," Harry said, his voice filled with emotion. "That's why I've inherited the Fawcett Manor."
Dudley's eyes widened further. "You mean...this all belongs to you?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, it does."
Dudley looked around the room again, this time with a newfound appreciation.
"Wow, Harry...congratulations!" Dudley exclaimed.
Harry led Dudley up a grand staircase and down a long hallway, lined with portraits of ancestors and ornate tapestries.
"Here we are," Harry said, opening a door to a lavish guest room. "You can stay here while you're at the manor."
Dudley's eyes widened as he stepped inside. "This is incredible!" he exclaimed.
The room was filled with opulent furnishings, including a four-poster bed, a marble fireplace, and a stunning crystal chandelier.
"Wow, Harry, this is amazing," Dudley said, his voice full of wonder.
"I'm glad you like it," Harry replied with a smile. "You can make yourself at home here."
Dudley looked around the room, taking in every detail. "I feel like royalty," he said, chuckling.
"You're my guest, so you should feel like royalty," Harry said, grinning.
Dudley flopped down onto the bed, bouncing on the soft mattress. "This is the life," he said, sighing contentedly.
Harry laughed. "I'm glad you're comfortable, cuz."
As Dudley continued to explore the guest room, he suddenly let out a startled yelp.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked, following Dudley's gaze to the walls.
The portraits and paintings were chatting with each other, their subjects' eyes moving and their lips curling into smiles.
"This is...this is insane!" Dudley stammered.
Harry chuckled. "It's completely normal in the wizarding world, cuz."
"Normal?" Dudley repeated, his eyes wide with wonder. "You mean, they're...they're alive?"
"Well, sort of," Harry explained. "They're enchanted, so they can talk and move."
Dudley looked around the room again, this time with a mixture of fascination and trepidation.
"I've never seen anything like this before," Dudley said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"It's just one of the many magical things you'll encounter here," Harry said with a grin.
One of the portraits, an old man with a long white beard, caught Harry's eye.
"Ah, good day, Master Harry," the old man said, bowing low.
"Good day, Sir Edward," Harry replied, nodding in respect.
Dudley's eyes darted back and forth, trying to take it all in.
"This is...this is too much for me," Dudley said, laughing nervously.
Harry clapped Dudley on the back. "You'll get used to it, cuz."
As Harry watched Dudley marvel at the talking portraits, a sudden realization struck him.
"How is this possible?" Harry muttered to himself.
He turned to Dudley, his eyes narrowing in thought.
"Dudley, you're a Muggle," Harry said, his voice filled with confusion. "You shouldn't be able to see the Manor."
Dudley looked at Harry, perplexed. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, the Manor is charmed to be invisible to Muggles," Harry explained. "But you can see it, and you can hear the portraits talking."
Harry's eyes widened as understanding dawned.
"Dudley, I think you might be a Squib," Harry said, his voice filled with excitement.
"A Squib?" Dudley repeated, looking puzzled.
"Yeah, a Squib is a non-magical person born to magical parents, but it's also possible for a Muggle to have magical ancestry without knowing it," Harry explained.
Dudley's eyes widened. "You mean, I might have magic in my family?"
"It's possible," Harry said, nodding. "That would explain why you can see the Manor and interact with magical things."
Dudley looked stunned, his mind racing with the implications.
"Does this mean I'm...special or something?" Dudley asked, a hint of wonder in his voice.
Harry grinned. "You're definitely special, cuz."
Harry's eyes sparkled with excitement as he explained the possibilities to Dudley.
"Being a Squib opens up a whole new world for you, cuz," Harry said. "You could be made an heir to a magical estate, or even inherit magical properties."
Dudley's eyes widened. "Really?"
"And you can Floo," Harry added, grinning. "You already know about that, don't you?"
Dudley nodded. "Mrs. Figg taught me how to use the Floo Network."
Harry nodded. "Right, of course. And who knows, you might even be able to ride a broomstick."
Dudley's face lit up. "Really? You think so?"
Harry shrugged. "I'm not sure, but it's possible. And even if you can't do magic yourself, your children might be magical."
Dudley's eyes went wide. "My children?"
"Yeah, when you get married and have kids, they might inherit magical abilities," Harry explained.
Dudley looked stunned, his mind racing with the possibilities.
"Blimey, Harry," Dudley said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I had no idea being a Squib could be so...so cool."
Harry grinned. "I told you, cuz, being a Squib is not the end of the world. It's just the beginning of a new adventure."
Harry smiled at Dudley and then called out, "Dimpy!"
The little elf appeared instantly, curtsying low.
"Yes, Master Harry?" Dimpy asked.
"Dimpy, could you please remove Dudley's...ah...tail?" Harry requested, trying to phrase it delicately.
Dudley's face flushed as he reached back to feel the pig's tail that had been a constant reminder of his humiliation.
Dimpy's eyes twinkled. "Of course, Master Harry!"
She hurried over to Dudley and examined the tail. With a flick of her hand and a whispered incantation, the tail vanished.
"There you are, Master Dudley," Dimpy said, beaming.
Dudley stared at his reflection in a nearby mirror, his eyes widening in amazement.
"Blimey! It's gone!" Dudley exclaimed.
Harry chuckled. "Told you Dimpy's a genius."
Dimpy curtsied again. "Thank you, Master Harry. Shall I bring some refreshments now?"
Harry nodded. "That would be great, Dimpy. Thanks."
As Dimpy scurried off, Dudley turned to Harry, grinning.
"Thanks, Harry. I owe you one."
Harry's expression turned serious as he began to explain the reason behind the pig's tail.
"Dudley, it's time you knew the truth," Harry said. "Hagrid was furious with your parents because they insulted someone he deeply respects."
"Who was it?" Dudley asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Professor Dumbledore," Harry replied. "Hagrid idolizes him, and when your parents made derogatory comments about him, Hagrid lost his temper."
Dudley's eyes widened in understanding. "And that's when he gave me the pig's tail?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, in his anger, Hagrid cast a spell on you. But I'm sure he never intended for it to last as long as it did."
Dudley looked reflective. "I had no idea my parents had offended Hagrid like that."
Harry's expression softened. "It's not your fault, cuz. And now that the tail is gone, let's just forget about it, okay?"
Dudley nodded in agreement. "Okay, Harry."
Dudley's expression turned somber as he asked, "What did Hagrid tell you about your parents, Harry?"
Harry's eyes grew misty as he replied, "They didn't die in a car crash, Dudley. Their names were James and Lily Potter, and they were...murdered."
Dudley's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling from the revelation.
But before he could ask the questions that were forming on his lips, Twinky appeared with a tray of refreshments, interrupting the tense moment.
"Master Harry, I brought some tea and cookies," Twinky said, her voice cheerful.
Harry forced a smile, grateful for the distraction. "Thanks, Twinky."
Dudley's gaze remained fixed on Harry, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. He opened his mouth to speak, but Harry's subtle nod encouraged him to wait until later.
As they sipped their tea and nibbled on cookies, the atmosphere remained heavy with unspoken questions and unresolved emotions.
Harry's eyes clouded over as he began to explain the truth about his parents' death.
"There was a dark wizard, Dudley, named Voldemort," Harry said, his voice low and serious. "Many people refer to him as 'The One Who Must Not Be Named'."
Dudley's eyes widened. "What's so special about him?"
"He believed that magic should only belong to purebloods," Harry replied.
"What do you mean by purebloods?" Dudley asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Purebloods are wizards and witches who come from families with only magical heritage," Harry explained. "Then there are half-bloods, like me, who have both magical and non-magical parents."
"And what about Muggleborns?" Dudley asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
"Muggleborns are people born to non-magical parents but possess magical abilities themselves," Harry said. "Voldemort believed that only purebloods were worthy of magic, and he sought to eliminate all others."
Dudley's face looked pale. "That's...that's horrific."
Harry's expression turned grim. "It gets worse, Dudley. Much worse..."
Dudley's expression softened as he saw Harry's distress. He reached out and put a hand on Harry's shoulder, offering comfort.
"It's okay, Harry," Dudley said gently. "You don't have to continue if it's too hard."
Harry took a deep breath and composed himself, his eyes welling up with tears.
"I need to tell you, Dudley," Harry said, his voice shaking. "On Halloween night in 1981, Voldemort came to our house in Godric's Hollow."
Dudley's eyes widened in horror.
"My parents weren't prepared," Harry continued. "He killed my dad first, who was trying to give him and my mom more time to protect me."
Harry's voice cracked.
"Then he approached my mom and asked her to step aside," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper. "She begged him to spare me, but...but he killed her too."
Harry broke down again, overcome with emotion. Dudley held his shoulder, offering silent support.
"I'm so sorry, Harry," Dudley whispered. "I had no idea..."
Harry wiped away his tears and continued, his voice still shaking.
"Then Voldemort tried to kill me," Harry said, his eyes gazing into the past. "But for some reason, he was unable to. His curse backfired, and he vanished."
Dudley's eyes widened in awe. "What happened?"
"No one knows why it happened," Harry replied. "But the curse left me with this scar." Harry touched the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.
"And it left you orphaned," Dudley added, his voice filled with compassion.
Harry nodded, his eyes welling up again.
"Do they know if Voldemort is...dead?" Dudley asked hesitantly.
Harry shook his head. "No one knows for sure. Some say he's dead, but others, like Hagrid, believe he's still out there, waiting to regain his powers and rule the world."
Dudley's face paled. "You mean, he could come back?"
Harry's expression turned grim. "Yes, that's what many people fear. Hagrid always says, 'You can't kill what's already dead,' but no one understands what that means."
The room fell silent, the weight of Harry's words hanging in the air.
"What does it mean for you?" Dudley asked quietly.
Harry's eyes locked onto Dudley's. "It means I've been living on borrowed time, waiting for the day Voldemort might return."
Harry's eyes blazed with determination as he spoke.
"I'll fight him, Dudley," Harry said, his voice firm. "I won't let him take over. I'd rather die like my parents than accept his rule."
Dudley's eyes widened in awe. "You're so brave, Harry."
Harry's face set in a resolute expression. "I'm not brave, Dudley. I'm just doing what's right. I won't let Voldemort win."
"You're not alone, Harry," Dudley said, his voice filled with conviction. "I'll stand by you, no matter what."
Harry's eyes softened, touched by Dudley's words. "Thanks, Dudley. That means a lot to me."
"I mean it, Harry," Dudley said, his voice firm. "We'll face whatever comes together."
Harry nodded, a small smile on his face. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that, but if it does, I know I can count on you, cuz."
Harry clapped his hands together, a bright smile on his face.
"Enough about Moldyshorts, Dudley," Harry said, using the nickname he had started usingto refer to Voldemort. "Let's focus on more pleasant things. Welcome to the Manor! I'll give you the grand tour."
Dudley's eyes lit up with excitement as Harry led him out of the room and into the grand hallway.
"Wow, this place is amazing!" Dudley exclaimed, his eyes scanning the high ceilings and ornate chandeliers.
"Thanks, I'm pretty fond of it myself," Harry said, grinning. "This way, I'll show you the library. It's one of my favorite rooms."
As they walked, Harry pointed out various portraits and tapestries, regaling Dudley with stories of the Manor's history and the wizards who had lived there before him.
Dudley listened with wide eyes, taking it all in. "This is incredible, Harry. I had no idea..."
That settled their new routine. Every morning, Harry and Dudley would wake up early, scribble a quick note to the Dursleys, and slip out of the house to head to the Manor for their daily run.
"I'm actually starting to enjoy this," Dudley said one morning, panting as they jogged through the Manor's grounds.
"Told you it would get easier," Harry replied, grinning.
As the days went by, Dudley was slowly getting accustomed to their morning routine, and the results were beginning to show. He had lost a few kilograms, and his face looked leaner.
After their run, they would spend the day at the Manor, immersed in the wizarding world. Harry would regale Dudley with tales of magical creatures.
"Today, I'll tell you about dragons," Harry said, leading Dudley to the Manor's library. "They're magnificent creatures, but extremely difficult to tame."
Dudley's eyes widened. "I've always wanted to see a dragon!"
Harry chuckled. "Maybe one day. And then there are the goblins – skilled metalworkers and bankers."
"Like Gringotts Wizarding Bank?" Dudley asked, impressed.
Harry nodded. "Exactly. And house-elves, like some, who are bound to serve wizarding families."
Dudley's expression turned thoughtful. "I had no idea they were treated so poorly."
Harry's eyes clouded. "Yes, it's a dark part of our history."
As they delved deeper into the wizarding world, Harry introduced Dudley to the mysterious merpeople.
"They live in the lake at Hogwarts," Harry explained. "And are known for their beautiful singing voices."
Dudley listened intently, fascinated by the magical world unfolding before him.
"Wow, I had no idea," Dudley said, shaking his head. "There's so much more to life than I ever imagined."
Harry smiled. "I'm glad I can share it with you, Dudley."
They were astonished to find that Dudley, a Squib, could indeed ride a broomstick. However, it quickly became apparent that he was not a natural.
At first, Dudley struggled to maintain his balance, and his movements were clumsy. But he was determined to learn.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you," Harry said, offering words of encouragement.
And so, Harry started training Dudley. They spent hours on the Quidditch pitch, with Harry providing guidance and support.
"You're doing great, Dudley!" Harry exclaimed, as Dudley managed to stay aloft for a few seconds.
"Thanks, Harry," Dudley panted, his face red with effort. "You're a really good teacher."
Harry smiled. "Just keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it."
Dudley nodded, his eyes fixed on the broomstick. "I won't give up."
As the training sessions continued, Dudley slowly began to improve. He still wasn't a natural, but he was determined to master the art of broomstick flying.
"I never thought I'd be able to do this," Dudley said, grinning from ear to ear.
Harry clapped him on the back. "I told you, magic is full of surprises."
As the days went by, Dudley became more involved in the daily activities at the Manor. He started assisting Harry with watering the flowers, fruits, vegetables, and crops in the expansive gardens.
"I never knew gardening could be so therapeutic," Dudley said, smiling as he watched the plants thrive under their care.
Harry chuckled. "It's one of my favorite things to do here."
Together, they would spend hours tending to the gardens, ensuring everything was healthy and flourishing.
In addition to gardening, Dudley also helped Harry with collecting chicken eggs from the coop and milking the cows in the Manor's dairy.
"I'm actually getting to like this," Dudley said, holding up a freshly collected egg.
Harry grinned. "Told you it's not so bad."
As Dudley's involvement in the Manor's daily activities increased, so did his physical transformation. He was slowly getting into better shape, his muscles toned from the manual labor.
"You're looking fit, Dudley," Harry remarked one day, as they sat on the porch, watching the sunset.
Dudley smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Thanks, Harry. I feel better too."
Harry nodded. "You're really taking to this country life, aren't you?"
Dudley nodded, his eyes gazing out at the rolling hills. "Yeah, I am. It's amazing how much I've changed since coming here."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Harry would sit down at his desk, quill in hand, and write a letter to Ginny. He would tell her about his day, sharing stories of his adventures with Dudley and the latest developments at the Manor.
"I had the best day today, Ginny," Harry wrote. "Dudley finally managed to ride a broomstick without falling off!"
In the morning, Harry would eagerly await the arrival of the owls, hoping to receive a letter from Ginny. And every day, without fail, an owl would land on his windowsill, carrying a letter from the love of his life.
"Dear Harry," Ginny's letters would begin, "I'm so proud of you for teaching Dudley how to ride a broomstick!"
Harry's face would light up with a smile as he read Ginny's words, feeling connected to her despite the distance between them.
"I miss you so much, Ginny," Harry wrote back one day. "But I'm so grateful for these letters. They make every day brighter."
Ginny's response would arrive a day later, "I miss you too, Harry. But I'm loving hearing about your adventures with Dudley. You're an amazing teacher!"
The Dursleys were astonished to notice the transformation in Dudley. He was getting in better shape, his physique leaner and more toned.
"How did this happen?" Uncle Vernon asked, eyeing Dudley's new physique suspiciously.
Dudley just shrugged, a hint of a smile on his face. "I've been getting more exercise."
Aunt Petunia's eyes narrowed. "I don't know what kind of influence Harry is having on you, Dudley, but I'm not sure I approve."
Dudley stood his ground. "Harry's been a great help, Mum. He's taught me a lot about hard work and discipline."
Uncle Vernon snorted. "Discipline? You? Don't make me laugh."
But as they sat down to dinner, they couldn't help but notice that Dudley was controlling his appetite, eating smaller portions and avoiding his usual snacks.
"This is witchcraft, I'm telling you," Uncle Vernon muttered.
But Aunt Petunia just shook her head. "Whatever it is, it seems to be working. You're looking better, Dudley."
Dudley smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Thanks, Mum. I'm feeling better too."
Despite Dudley's transformation, the Dursleys remained skeptical. They couldn't fathom why their nephew was suddenly taking an interest in fitness and self-improvement.
"I think I know what's behind this," Uncle Vernon said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "He's trying to impress those girls at Smeltings."
Aunt Petunia nodded in agreement. "Yes, that must be it. Dudley's always been a ladies' man."
Dudley's face turned bright red as he protested, "That's not it at all!
But his parents just laughed.
"Don't be ridiculous, Dudley," Uncle Vernon chuckled. "You're trying to get noticed, and we know it."
Dudley shook his head, frustrated. "You don't understand. Harry's been helping me, and I'm actually enjoying it."
Aunt Petunia raised an eyebrow. "Harry Potter? What's he got to do with this?"
Dudley hesitated before responding, "Just...he's been teaching me stuff."
The Dursleys exchanged knowing glances, convinced they had pegged the reason for Dudley's sudden change.
"Smeltings' girls, that's all it is," Uncle Vernon said, winking at Aunt Petunia.
August 30th had finally arrived, marking their last visit to the Manor before the new school year began. Harry and Dudley spent the day reminiscing about their summer adventures and the incredible transformation Dudley had undergone.
"I'm going to miss this place," Dudley said, gazing out at the Manor's rolling hills.
Harry nodded. "I'll miss it too, but we've got exciting times ahead."
As they sat on the porch, Harry broke the news. "Dudley, from September 1st, I'll be starting my first year at Hogwarts."
Dudley's eyes widened. "Blimey, really?"
Harry grinned. "Yeah, I'm nervous but excited."
Dudley smiled. "You'll be amazing, Harry."
"And you," Harry said, turning to Dudley, "will be starting at Smeltings on September 4th."
Dudley nodded, a mix of emotions on his face.
"Don't worry, I'll write to you at Smeltings," Harry promised.
"Really?" Dudley's face lit up.
Harry nodded. "Of course, I want to hear all about your adventures."
Dudley smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his cousin. "Thanks, Harry. You've changed my life."
Harry smiled back. "You've changed too, Dudley. For the better."
That night, Harry sat in his room, staring at his ticket to Hogwarts. He had been so caught up in the excitement of starting school that he hadn't noticed something strange - the ticket mentioned Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
"Platform Nine and Three-Quarters?" Harry wondered, scratching his head. "How can a platform be in two places at once?"
Confused, Harry decided to write to Ginny, hoping she could clarify things for him.
"Dear Ginny," he wrote, "When we meet at the station on September 1st, please tell me how to get to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. I'm completely baffled!"
He signed off with a flourish, "Lots of Potter Love, Your Excited Boyfriend, Harry."
Harry sealed the letter and sent it off, eager to hear back from Ginny and solve the mystery of the strange platform.
The next day, Harry eagerly awaited the arrival of the owls, hoping to receive a response from Ginny. And sure enough, a letter arrived, bearing Ginny's familiar handwriting.
Harry ripped open the envelope and unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the page for answers.
"Dear Harry," Ginny wrote, "I'm so excited to hear that you're getting ready for Hogwarts! Don't worry about Platform Nine and Three-Quarters - it's not as confusing as it sounds."
Harry's eyes widened as he read on.
"All you have to do is walk through the brick wall between platforms nine and ten. It's magic, so don't worry if it feels strange!"
Harry's confusion lifted, replaced by a thrill of excitement.
"Can't wait to see you on September 1st!" Ginny's letter concluded.
Harry grinned, feeling a sense of relief and anticipation. "Me neither," he whispered, already counting down the days until they would meet again.
That evening, Harry broke the news to his aunt and uncle that he would be leaving for Hogwarts the next day.
"I'm off to Hogwarts tomorrow," Harry announced, trying to sound casual.
Uncle Vernon scowled. "Good riddance."
Aunt Petunia nodded in agreement. "We won't be seeing you off, Harry. No need to make a fuss."
Harry wasn't surprised by their reaction, but he was disappointed.
However, Dudley's reaction was different. He had grown attached to Harry over the summer.
Dudley approached his parents with a clever plan. "Mum, Dad, I need to go to the Botanical Garden tomorrow to work on a project for my entry at Smeltings."
Uncle Vernon raised an eyebrow. "What's this project?"
Dudley thought quickly. "It's about...about the different types of plants and their uses."
Aunt Petunia nodded. "Very well, you can take a taxi."
Dudley grinned inwardly, knowing his plan had worked.
"It's decided then," Uncle Vernon said. "Harry will take you to the Botanical Garden in a taxi, and then he'll be off to...wherever it is he's going."
Dudley smiled to himself, excited to see Harry off to Hogwarts, even if it had to be a secret.
"Thanks, Mum, Dad," Dudley said, trying to sound nonchalant.
Little did they know, Dudley had other plans for the day.
That evening, Harry's beloved sparrow, Spare, passed away peacefully due to old age. Harry was saddened by the loss, but he was also surprised to find that Spare had left behind an egg.
"Goodbye, Spare," Harry whispered, gently stroking the sparrow's soft feathers. "You'll be missed."
Harry buried Spare in a quiet corner of the garden, marking the grave with a small stone.
As he returned to his room, he noticed Hedwig, his white owl, gazing curiously at the egg.
To Harry's amazement, Hedwig's maternal instincts kicked in, and she began to care for the egg as if it were her own.
"Wow, Hedwig, you're a natural mother!" Harry exclaimed.
Hedwig softly hooted, nudging the egg gently with her beak.
Harry smiled, grateful for Hedwig's unexpected nurturing side.
"I'll help you take care of it, Hedwig," Harry promised. "We'll raise it together."
As the days went by, Hedwig devoted herself to the egg, keeping it warm and safe, and Harry assisted her with pride.
As the night drew to a close, Harry double-checked that he had packed everything he needed in his large seven-poster trunk. Satisfied that he hadn't forgotten anything, he yawned and settled into bed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about the adventures that lay ahead.
Kluer, his loyal cat, jumped onto the bed beside him, purring softly as Harry stroked her soft fur.
"Tomorrow's the big day, Kluer," Harry whispered, his eyes drifting shut. "I'm off to Hogwarts."
Kluer purred in response, as if she understood the significance of the moment.
As Harry drifted off to sleep, he felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He knew that he was ready for whatever lay ahead, and with Kluer by his side, he felt like he could conquer anything.
"Goodnight, Kluer," Harry murmured, his voice barely audible. "Tomorrow, we start a new chapter."
Next Chapter is Journey to Hogwarts.
A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. I know that technically squibs could not ride broomsticks , but I thought since it is my story , I added it, because technically my story could not exist. Everything is of JKR .Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!