Chapitre 38: Hearty Dinner
discord.gg/q5KWmtQARF
Join my Discord!
**************
Harry's experiments with the spells from the Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms books had left him feeling accomplished and eager to explore further. But as he looked around the now chaotic Virtual Potion Crafting Room, cluttered with the remnants of his spellcasting experiments, he realized it was time to clean up.
He then grinned, "Benefits of the Virtual Room." With a casual wave of his hand, the room returned to its pristine form, every trace of the magical experiments vanishing as if they never occurred. Stretching and yawning, he remarked, "Let's go. Aunt Petunia must have cooked already." He then left his mindscape, returning to the reality of his room.
Over the last two weeks, following the night he read Lily's letter, Petunia had undergone a remarkable transformation. She had taken over the household chores, cooking, cleaning, and even ensuring Harry was well-fed and cared for. This change in her was not just limited to the household duties; her attitude towards Harry had shifted significantly. She would bring snacks to his room, take him shopping for clothes and books, although Harry refrained from buying toys, considering them unnecessary.
Their relationship was evolving every day, a stark contrast to the years of neglect and disdain. Now, living in what used to be Dudley's room, Harry found a new sense of belonging in the Evan household. The room, once a symbol of Dudley's pampered lifestyle, was now a sanctuary for Harry, a place where he could read, study, and explore his magical abilities in peace.
Aunt Petunia's change was not lost on Harry. He often caught her watching him with a mixture of curiosity and something akin to remorse. It was as if she was seeing him for the first time, not as the unwanted burden she had always treated him as, but as her sister Lily's son, a living reminder of the family she had lost.
The absence of Vernon and Dudley had left a noticeable void in the house, but it was a void that seemed to bring a sense of calm and normalcy. The constant tension, the fear of unpredictable outbursts, and the oppressive atmosphere that once dominated the Dursleys' home were gone. In its place was a quieter, more thoughtful environment, one that allowed Harry and Petunia to coexist in an almost comfortable silence.
Their trips to the local shops were a new experience for Harry. For the first time, he had the freedom to choose clothes that fit, to select books that interested him, and to explore the small pleasures of a normal life. Petunia, while still reserved and often silent, showed a level of care and consideration that Harry had never experienced from her before.
Petunia Evans's transformation in her acceptance and fascination with magic marked a significant shift in the dynamics of Privet Drive. What was once a source of fear and resentment, the divide that had alienated her from her sister Lily, had become an aspect of her life she couldn't help but find awe-inspiring. Her curiosity about the magical world, previously shrouded in disdain, began to blossom, driven perhaps by a deep-seated need to connect with the memory of her sister.
She would often request Harry to demonstrate some magic, her eyes widening in wonder at even the simplest of spells. These moments, though small, bridged a gap that had widened over years of misunderstanding and neglect. Harry, initially cautious, gradually opened up, sharing snippets of what he learned from his books. It was a cautious dance of rebuilding trust, with magic as the unexpected mediator.
This newfound bond extended beyond their shared interest in magic. Petunia's demeanor towards Harry softened noticeably. She began to treat him not just as a nephew but as a part of her family. Their conversations, once scarce and strained, now carried a hint of warmth. Petunia would often find reasons to talk to him, asking about his day, his studies, and his thoughts on various mundane matters. It was a stark contrast to the years of silence and disregard.
Their shopping trips became a regular activity, a time for both of them to step away from the memories that haunted the walls of their home. Petunia, who had once begrudgingly bought Harry the bare minimum, now took an active interest in his preferences. She would watch him choose his clothes, occasionally suggesting a color or a style, her suggestions always gentle, a far cry from the dictatorial tone she once used.
In the evenings, they would sit in the living room, sometimes in silence, sometimes engaged in light conversation. Petunia would knit or read, glancing up at Harry, who often had his nose buried in a book. These moments, though quiet, were filled with a sense of companionship that had been absent from the house for so long.
Petunia's curiosity about magic wasn't limited to Harry's demonstrations. She would often ask him to recount what he had learned, her questions reflecting a genuine interest. Harry, in turn, found himself enjoying these discussions, the opportunity to share his knowledge, and perhaps in some way, to share a part of his mother with her.
"Nigel, do you think she's trying to make up for all those years?" Harry once asked, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Nigel, ever the voice of reason in Harry's mind, responded, "Perhaps, Master Harry. Or maybe she's realizing that magic isn't the enemy she once thought it was. It's curious how absence and change can alter one's perspective."
Today too, as Harry descended the stairs of number four, Privet Drive, he was greeted by the comforting sight of Aunt Petunia in the kitchen, humming a familiar tune while she cooked. Smiling, Harry joined in, their voices blending in harmony as they prepared the meal together. The atmosphere in the kitchen was light and joyful, a stark contrast to the years of silence and tension that had once filled the space.
The dish they were preparing was Shepherd's Pie, the very same that had once been a point of contention in the household, though Petunia was blissfully unaware of the manipulations Harry had employed to create that divide. As they worked side by side, Petunia's laughter rang out, a sound that was still new and pleasantly surprising to Harry's ears.
They sat and ate, the kitchen filled with the aroma of the freshly prepared Shepherd's Pie, a dish that once served as a symbol of strife, now a testament to their evolving relationship. As they began to chat, Petunia's curiosity about Harry's progress in the magical world was evident. She leaned forward, her eyes reflecting a genuine interest that was new to their interactions.
"So, Harry, tell me about what you've been learning lately," Petunia inquired, her tone softer than Harry had ever heard before. It was a question that, in the past, would have been unthinkable coming from her.
Harry, feeling a mix of surprise and warmth at her interest, replied, "Well, Aunt Petunia, I've been exploring more spells from the Defence Against the Dark Arts book. It's fascinating to see how versatile magic can be for protection."
Petunia nodded, encouraging him to continue. "And what about your other studies? I've noticed you with quite a few books lately."
He smiled, realizing that his aunt's had shown interest in his studies more and more as more time passed. "I've also been working on Charms. It's incredible how they can be used for different purposes – from levitating objects to lighting up dark spaces."
The conversation flowed more naturally than Harry had ever experienced with Petunia. He found himself describing his experiments in the Virtual Potion Crafting Room, carefully omitting the existence of Nigel and the system's more secretive functions. Petunia listened intently, her expression a mix of awe and curiosity.
At one point, Harry cautiously mentioned, "I've been trying to clean up my spells, make them more precise. It's a bit like... tidying up a room, but with magic."
Petunia chuckled softly, a sound that Harry was still getting used to. "I imagine that makes things a lot easier. Cleaning up with a wave of a hand – what a thought!"
Harry laughed along, feeling a sense of camaraderie that had been absent in their previous interactions. "Yes, it certainly does."
--
It is the start of the new week. Please support me with Power Stones! Much appreciated!
-----
To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and support me...
patreon.com/thefanficgod1
Please drop a comment and like the chapter!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone