章 115: Christmas Eve
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With breakfast concluded and their plans set, Harry and Petunia stepped out into the crisp morning air, their breaths forming clouds in the cold. The journey to London was a quiet one, filled with the anticipation of the day ahead.
Their first stop was a quaint bookstore. As they entered, the smell of old books and the sight of shelves packed with literature greeted them. Harry's eyes lit up at the sight, a stark reminder of his love for the written word. Petunia, noticing his enthusiasm, suggested, "Why don't you pick out a few books, Harry? I came to accept that you will never have enough books."
Harry chuckled at Petunia's comment, accepting her gentle nudge towards the shelves with a smile. The bookstore, a labyrinth of literary treasures, offered him a comforting sense of adventure and nostalgia. Each book he picked up seemed to whisper stories of worlds unexplored, of knowledge untapped. Petunia watched him, her expression a mix of amusement and affection, as he meticulously selected a few titles, each reflecting his broad interests.
The bookstore visit was just the beginning of their day in London. The city, adorned with festive decorations, buzzed with the energy of last-minute shoppers and holiday revelers. Harry and Petunia navigated through the throngs of people, their steps synchronized despite the chaos around them.
Their next destination was a well-known café, a place Harry had heard about but never visited. As they stepped inside, the warm aroma of coffee and baked goods enveloped them, a welcome respite from the chilly air outside. They found a cozy corner, and over cups of hot chocolate for Harry and tea for Petunia, they chatted about everything and nothing—about the books Harry had chosen, the upcoming holiday, and the small, everyday moments that had begun to define their relationship.
Petunia shared stories of her own childhood Christmases, of simpler times that seemed both distant and dear. Harry listened, a part of him soaking in the warmth of the stories, another part marveling at how much had changed between them.
After their café visit, they continued their exploration of London, stopping by various shops to complete their holiday shopping. When they arrived in front of a toy store, Harry noticed Petunia pausing, her gaze lingering on the colorful display window. "Is there something on your mind, Aunty?" he inquired gently. Petunia let out a soft sigh, her eyes not leaving the window. "I haven't received a single letter from Dudley since they left. At first, I was devastated that my own son would choose to leave me behind, but as time passed, I held onto the hope that he might reach out. Yet, months have gone by with no word from him," she shared, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and resignation.
Harry squeezed her hand in support, offering a comforting smile. "He doesn't understand what he's given up, Aunty," he said earnestly. Petunia returned the smile, this time with a sparkle of gratitude in her eyes. "And I hadn't realized what I was missing out on," she replied, her grip on his hand tightening affirmatively.
Despite his reassuring words, Harry couldn't shake off a nagging sense of unease about Vernon and Dudley's silence. Their absence at the divorce hearing was particularly puzzling, and it didn't add up. While Harry hoped they wouldn't disrupt the peace he and Petunia had found, he couldn't help but wonder if something was amiss. Yet, aside from this concern, he remained indifferent towards the two, focusing instead on the new life he and Petunia were building together.
As they continued their day in London, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. The bustling city, with its festive cheer and the promise of new beginnings, offered a stark contrast to the life he once knew. It was in these moments, surrounded by the holiday spirit and the company of his aunt, that Harry felt truly at home.
The day's adventure wasn't just about shopping or exploring; it was about forging new traditions and strengthening the bond between him and Petunia. Each laugh they shared and every story exchanged added another layer to their relationship, transforming it into something genuinely familial.
Harry then grinned, "Now for the magical part of our Christmas adventure, Aunt Petunia." She couldn't hide her excitement. Finding a secluded alley, Harry softly called out, "Misty." Instantly, the house elf appeared at their side, eager to assist. "Please take us to Hogsmeade, Misty," Harry requested. Misty, with a cheerful nod, responded, "Of course, Master Potter," and with a snap of her fingers, they were enveloped in a sensation of swirling magic.
In moments, they found themselves standing at the edge of Hogsmeade, the only all-wizarding village in Britain. Petunia looked around in awe, her eyes wide with wonder at the sight of snow-covered roofs, quaint shops, and the bustling crowd of witches and wizards preparing for the holidays. "It's like stepping into a storybook," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and delight.
Harry, watching her reaction with a mix of pride and amusement, couldn't help but share her excitement. "Welcome to Hogsmeade, Aunty. The magic here is quite real," he said, guiding her through the cobblestone streets.
Their first stop was Honeydukes, the renowned sweet shop. As they entered, the smell of chocolate and sugar filled the air, and Petunia's eyes lit up at the sight of shelves stacked high with every magical confection imaginable. Harry, enjoying the moment, suggested, "Let's stock up on some sweets for the holidays." They spent the next half-hour exploring the shop, filling their basket with chocolate frogs, peppermint toads, and, much to Harry's insistence, a few boxes of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.
Leaving Honeydukes with their spoils, Harry then led Petunia to the Three Broomsticks for a warm drink. The cozy inn was bustling with patrons seeking refuge from the cold. As they settled into a booth, Harry ordered two butterbeers. Petunia took a tentative sip and smiled, "This is delightful, Harry."
As they enjoyed their drinks, Harry shared stories of his time at Hogwarts, the lessons learned, and the friends made. Petunia listened intently, her earlier reservations about the magical world slowly melting away with each tale.
After their visit to the Three Broomsticks, Harry took Petunia to Dervish and Banges, the magical equipment shop. There, they marveled at the array of items, from brooms to enchanted objects, each with its own unique purpose and story. Petunia, fascinated by a display of self-stirring cauldrons, chuckled, "This would certainly make cooking easier."
As the day turned to evening, and the village lights began to glow against the twilight, Harry and Petunia made their way back to the village outskirts. "Thank you, Harry, for sharing this with me," Petunia said, her voice laced with genuine gratitude. "It's been an extraordinary day."
Harry smiled, "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Aunty. There's so much more I want to show you."
Just then, Nigel's voice chimed in Harry's mind, his tone lightheartedly sarcastic as ever, "Ah, Master Harry, turning the skeptical into believers, one magical outing at a time. What's next, teaching Aunt Petunia to ride a broomstick?"
Harry pondered the idea for a moment before responding with enthusiasm, "Actually, that's not a bad idea at all, Nigel." He reached into his inventory, summoning his custom Nimbus 2000 with a flick of his wrist. Turning to Petunia with a playful grin, he offered, "Aunty, would you like to try riding a broom?"
Petunia's initial shock quickly gave way to a gleam of excitement in her eyes, a spark of childhood wonder rekindled. "Can I really?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. She recalled a time when she had envied Lily's magical abilities, especially her flying skills. "I always wanted to try when I was younger, but Lily never let me. She was afraid I'd hurt myself."
Harry's smile widened. "Of course, you can," he assured her, sensing the joy and nostalgia her words carried. Positioning the broom on the ground, he gestured for her to sit in front of him. "I'll be right behind you to make sure everything's under control," he explained, his tone reassuring.
As they both mounted the broom, Harry could feel Petunia's tension, her body rigid with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Wrapping his arms around her for support, he whispered, "Just relax, Aunty. I promise you're going to enjoy this."
With a gentle nudge, the broom lifted off the ground, ascending smoothly into the evening sky. Petunia's initial gasp of surprise soon turned into laughter, the exhilaration of flight washing away any lingering fears. They soared above Hogsmeade, the village lights twinkling like stars below them.
Harry guided the broom with practiced ease, steering them towards Hogwarts. The majestic castle loomed in the distance, its towers and spires silhouetted against the moonlit sky. "That's Hogwarts," Harry said, pointing out the various landmarks—the Quidditch pitch, the Forbidden Forest, and the Great Lake.
Petunia, her eyes wide with amazement, drank in the sight. "It's incredible, Harry," she breathed, her voice filled with awe. "I never imagined anything like this."
Nigel couldn't resist commenting, "Well, I must say, this beats any Muggle sightseeing tour. Who needs the London Eye when you have a Potter-guided broomstick tour?"
Harry chuckled quietly, careful not to disturb the magical moment. "I thought you might appreciate the view, Nigel," he thought back, amused by the AI's sarcasm.
As they circled the castle, Harry shared stories of his adventures within its walls—the classes, the hidden corridors, and the friendships he'd forged. Petunia listened intently, her earlier reservations about the magical world softening with each tale.
Eventually, as the night grew colder, Harry decided it was time to return. He steered the broom back towards Hogsmeade, their descent slow and steady. Upon landing, Petunia dismounted with a grace she hadn't known she possessed, her face alight with joy.
"That was...extraordinary," she said, struggling to find the words to express her gratitude. "Thank you, Harry. That was a gift I'll never forget."
Harry smiled, helping her steady herself on the ground. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Aunty. There's so much more I want to share with you."
As they prepared to leave Hogsmeade, Misty reappeared, ready to transport them back home. "Did you have a good flight, Miss Petunia?" the elf asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Petunia nodded, her smile bright. "It was wonderful, Misty. Truly magical."
With a final look at the village, Harry and Petunia, accompanied by Misty, vanished with a pop, returning to the warmth and comfort of their home. The day had been a blend of Muggle and magical experiences, a perfect fusion of their two worlds.
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