It's Mine

Vernon's voice was a mixture of astonishment and anger, which compelled Dudley to halt his work on the "Wizard Cell" observation diary. Another commotion was added to the mix, leading Dudley to get up, open the door, and make his way down the stairs from the second floor to the first-floor hallway.

As he entered the room, he witnessed Vernon's portly frame rushing around in pursuit of Harry, who was deftly maneuvering through obstacles such as dining tables and chairs. Despite his typically frail appearance, Harry moved with remarkable agility, seemingly at ease in avoiding Vernon's pursuit.

"Stinky... Stinky imp! Stop right there!" Vernon's attempts to chase Harry had clearly taken a toll on his long-sedentary and out-of-shape body, leaving him breathless and exasperated.

Harry's head shook as he addressed his uncle, "Uncle Vernon, I can stop, but you have to promise not to harm me."

Vernon, on the brink of explosion, retorted, "What are you up to, boy? Give me that letter you're holding. It's not for your eyes."

Harry extended his hand, adjusting his glasses held together with duct tape, and spoke with unwavering determination, "Uncle Vernon, you don't have to lie to me. I saw it clearly. The back of this letter is addressed to 'Mr. Harry Potter.' It's for me, and it belongs to me."

Despite his insistence, the Hogwarts letter Harry held in his hand had already been crumpled. He had seen his letters a while ago, but each time he emerged from his confinement, he could only watch as Vernon tossed his letters one by one into the fireplace.

"Alright, Harry, listen to your uncle. You shouldn't be reading this letter; it's not meant for you," Penny chimed in, offering her counsel.

"No! It's mine! It clearly says 'Harry Potter' on it!" Harry refused to relinquish the letter, his determination evident in his flushed face.

Vernon's countenance grew increasingly menacing as he removed the chair blocking his path. He fixed a stern gaze on Harry and declared, "You should know your place, boy. Your actions are bordering on 'theft.' I suggest you hand over those 'letters' before I change my mind."

Tension hung heavy in the room, with Harry clutching the crumpled "Hogwarts Acceptance Letter," and Vernon wearing an expression of steely determination.

.....

Dudley, standing at the foot of the stairs, shook his head in exasperation. He couldn't help but think that Vernon was failing miserably in the art of child-rearing.

It had to be said that adolescents in their teenage years often had heads as stubborn as iron, and it was clear that Harry was approaching the breaking point.

Quickly, Dudley made his way to Harry's side and gently patted his cousin's shoulder. Harry looked at him in surprise and spoke cautiously, "Dudley... Cousin Dudley?"

He couldn't fathom why Dudley, who had always been quiet, had suddenly appeared beside him.

Seeing Harry's puzzled expression, Dudley smiled gently and spoke in a hushed tone, "Harry, trust me. If neither my father nor mother want you to read that letter, there's probably something important in it that you're better off not knowing. Besides, it might not even be addressed to you."

Harry was about to argue, but Dudley leaned in close and whispered, "Harry, don't worry. Leave this matter to me, and I'll discreetly give you the 'letter' that's meant for you later on, just like before when we were all fast asleep."

Harry gazed at Dudley, his heart wavering, and he remembered how Dudley had quietly slipped him bread and beef jerky in the middle of the night. His apprehensions began to ease.

"Alright, cousin, I'll trust your judgment."

Harry reluctantly tossed the envelope onto the dining table and trudged back to the cupboard under the stairs with a dejected expression.

Vernon let out a sigh of relief, muttering to himself, "Whew... Thankfully, the kid didn't see the letter's contents; otherwise, it would have been a disaster. Dudley, as an older brother, you need to discipline Harry more. It's not a good thing to be so headstrong."

Vernon picked up the Hogwarts envelope and tossed it into the roaring flames of the fireplace nearby. He watched as the envelope was consumed by the flames, turning to ashes.

"Hmph, what a load of nonsense, this magic trick. It still has to obediently turn to ashes in the face of fire," Vernon grumbled as he stared into the flames, his thoughts drifting into the realm of his own concerns.

.....

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