Chapter 114: Greenhouse
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Petunia, after showing the Christmas tree, said with a smile, "That is not all," her voice laced with a hint of excitement. Leading him through the house, they emerged into the backyard, which had undergone a remarkable transformation. Harry's eyes widened in shock; the back garden was now significantly larger than he remembered, magically expanded to accommodate a new addition. In the center of this enlarged space stood a magnificent greenhouse, its structure large and imposing, made of glass that shimmered in the fading light of the evening.
The greenhouse was a marvel of magical and Muggle engineering. Its frame was constructed of enchanted metal that gleamed with a subtle glow, indicating protective charms woven into its very essence. The glass panes, clear and faultless, magnified the sunlight, creating a warm, inviting interior. Inside, an array of plants and trees thrived, ranging from common vegetables to exotic magical herbs that Harry could only guess at their properties.
Petunia, with a proud smile, explained, "I've been using it to grow vegetables and fruits, some of which are quite rare in the Muggle world. With Misty's help, we've started selling them. It's been quite a successful venture." Her eyes sparkled with a sense of accomplishment, a testament to her adaptability and newfound embrace of the magical aspects of their lives.
Harry, genuinely impressed, walked closer to examine the contents of the greenhouse. Among the greenery, he spotted several plants that he recognized from his Herbology classes, their leaves vibrant and flowers blooming in an array of colors. "This is incredible, Aunt Petunia," he said, turning to her with a look of admiration. "I had no idea you were interested in botany."
Petunia chuckled, "Neither did I, dear. But it turns out, with a bit of magic and a lot of hard work, I have quite the green thumb. Plus, it's been a wonderful way to connect with your world."
As they toured the greenhouse, Harry could see the careful attention to detail in every corner. Each plant was meticulously labeled, both in Latin and in English, and the magical plants had additional notes on their care and use written by Misty, whose knowledge of magical flora was evidently extensive.
Nigel's voice, amused and impressed, echoed in Harry's mind, "Well, it seems your aunt has embraced the magical life with more gusto than some wizards I know. Who would have thought Petunia Evans would become a purveyor of magical herbs and plants?"
Harry smiled at Nigel's observation, his heart warming at the thought of how much had changed for the better. "It's amazing, isn't it? I never would have imagined our backyard turning into a magical greenhouse."
Harry turned to Petunia, his expression one of gratitude mixed with a hint of concern. "Aunty, you really didn't have to go through all this trouble for me," he said softly, his eyes taking in the expansive greenhouse once more. "I told you, you could use the gold in the vault."
Petunia, her hands clasped together, shook her head with a gentle smile. "Harry, that's your inheritance. I couldn't possibly use it for my own needs. Besides, constantly going to Gringotts to exchange gold for pounds is a bit of a hassle. This way, I can contribute on my own." Her voice carried a note of independence and pride that Harry hadn't heard before.
Harry's heart swelled with pride for her. "I'm truly glad, Aunty," he responded warmly. He knew the financial situation at home had been tight since Vernon left. Initially, they relied on their modest savings, and it was only after Harry began accessing his inheritance from his mother that they had some financial breathing room. At Gringotts, they had exchanged some of the gold for pounds, and when he had seen the vast amount of gold in the Potter vault—enough to last them several lifetimes—he had insisted Petunia use it. Yet, it seemed she had other plans.
Petunia's decision to not rely solely on Harry's inheritance spoke volumes about her character. She had transformed from the woman who once viewed the magical world with disdain to someone who embraced it, finding her own place within it. The success of the greenhouse venture was a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
As they strolled through the rows of plants, Harry couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed. The Dursley household, once a place of neglect and misunderstanding, had become a home filled with warmth and acceptance. Petunia's embrace of the magical aspects of their lives had bridged the gap between their worlds, creating a new bond between them.
Nigel's voice broke through Harry's reverie. "It seems the Evans residence has become something of a botanical sanctuary. Who would have thought? Your Aunt Petunia, a pioneer in magical horticulture. I dare say she's outdoing some of the professors at Hogwarts."
Harry chuckled silently. "It is surprising, isn't it? But I think it's wonderful. She's found something she's passionate about, and it connects us in a way I never expected."
The rest of the evening was spent discussing Petunia's plans for the greenhouse and the various magical plants she hoped to cultivate. Harry shared his knowledge from Herbology class, excited to contribute to her venture in any way he could. The conversation flowed easily, a reflection of their strengthened relationship.
Later, as Harry settled into his room for the night, he couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. The transformation of his relationship with Petunia, the magical greenhouse in their backyard, and the prospect of spending Christmas in a home that finally felt like one. It was a far cry from the lonely holidays of his past.
Nigel, sensing Harry's contemplative mood, offered a rare moment of sincerity. "It's been quite the journey for you, Master Harry. From the cupboard under the stairs to this. You've built something remarkable here."
Harry smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "Yes, we have. And it's only the beginning." He looked forward to the days ahead, knowing that with Petunia by his side, and a magical world full of possibilities to explore, the future was brighter than he ever could have imagined.
The holiday season at the Evans residence was shaping up to be a memorable one, filled with new traditions and a deeper understanding between Harry and Petunia. It was a testament to the power of change and the unexpected paths life could take.
As Harry drifted off to sleep, the thought of the coming days filled him with anticipation. Waking up to the soft winter light filtering through his curtains, Harry felt a ripple of excitement for the day ahead. It was December 24th, a day he had long anticipated—not for its proximity to Christmas, but for the promise of a new tradition he was about to establish with Aunt Petunia. This year, they planned to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of London's bustling streets, followed by a magical excursion to Hogsmeade.
As he dressed, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what the day held. The idea of Christmas shopping, something so ordinary yet entirely new to him, sparked a curious joy within. This was more than just an outing; it was a chance to create memories with Petunia, to share a slice of his world with her, and to perhaps bridge the gap between their worlds even further.
Descending the stairs, Harry found Petunia in the kitchen, already preparing a simple yet hearty breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of toast. "Good morning, Aunty," Harry greeted, his voice warm with affection.
Petunia turned, a smile lighting up her features. "Good morning, Harry. I thought we could have a quick breakfast before heading out. London will be crowded today, and I want to beat the rush," she explained, her tone practical yet tinged with excitement.
As they ate, Misty appeared, her usual cheerful self. "Master Potter, Miss Petunia, is there anything else you need before you leave?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
Harry shook his head, "Thank you, Misty. We're just about ready. But I'll need you to join us later in Hogsmeade. There's a part of today's adventure that's strictly magical."
Misty's face fell slightly, a pout forming. "Misty wishes Misty could join you in London too, Master Potter," she said, her voice a mixture of disappointment and understanding.
Petunia added, "We'll bring back stories, Misty. And Harry has promised you'll be part of the magical part of our day."
Reassured, Misty nodded, her spirits lifting. "Misty looks forward to it. Have a wonderful time in London."
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