3 Time Flies

Dudley's gaze swept across the room, and the idea of having a "wizard" like Harry Potter next to him filled him with excitement. In his previous life, his knowledge system was deeply rooted in the study of biology, and it provided a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary processes of various organisms on Earth. Humans, orangutans, pigs, and corn all shared common genetic ancestry. They were part of the intricate web of life that had evolved over tens of millions of years, leading to the familiar world of the 21st century.

Yet, his work in biology also taught him that academic achievements demanded an investment of time. To build a body of evidence and achieve significant results, researchers had to dedicate themselves to years of painstaking work. Even then, there was no guarantee of success, as missteps could lead to decades of effort going to waste.

But now, things were different. Dudley, who was once immersed in the world of genetics, paleontology, and biological research, was not isolated from the world. He had heard of the Harry Potter books and movies, but he preferred the intricate beauty of cell proliferation to magical tales. While the plot and details of the wizarding world were a bit hazy to him, he couldn't deny the undeniable evidence unfolding before his eyes: the peculiar behavior of the streetlights and the arrival of Harry Potter meant that magic was real.

The thought of becoming a "wizard" stirred a deep curiosity within him. What if he could become part of this magical world? Would it bring about a profound transformation? These questions were the instinctive reactions of a biologist yearning to explore the unknown realms of knowledge.

However, Dudley's idealistic aspirations collided with the practical reality of his physical weakness. Delving into the study of "wizards" seemed like a distant dream compared to the immediate need for rest.

.....

Meanwhile, back in the room, Petunia was excitedly showing off Dudley to her husband, Vernon.

"Vernon, look at our child! He's so energetic today, and he seems to have taken a liking to Harry. Just look at the joy in our lovely child's eyes."

Vernon's initially annoyed expression softened as he gazed at Dudley. His eyes filled with tenderness and love as he responded:

"It's only natural. As a Dursley, he's blessed with excellent genes. I'll provide him with the best education, buy him the finest gifts, and ensure he has a colorful childhood."

As for Harry, Vernon continued after a deep sigh, "I should call the orphanage. I believe the Little Whinging Drop-In Center will take good care of him."

Petunia's face underwent a sudden transformation, and she clenched her teeth as she said:

"Honey, maybe... Maybe my sister is truly gone. That letter might be real, and there might actually be a 'Dark Lord' in this world."

Vernon, who was about to get angry, could see the sincerity in Petunia's eyes and chose to suppress his frustration. Petunia cast a glance at Harry beside Dudley and elaborated:

"Before we got married, I told you about my sister's... unusual abilities. She could conjure things out of thin air."

But before she could continue, Vernon slammed his hand on the table:

"Well, my dear, I understand. After all, Harry is your sister's only child. I agree to have him stay with us and raise him until he's eighteen. But you must promise not to talk about these strange wizarding things in my presence. It's all absurd in my opinion. Wizards are nothing more than circus clowns performing tricks. Let's not waste our precious time on such nonsense in our home."

And so, the complex dynamic between the Dursley family, Dudley, and the magical world was set in motion.

.....

In the summer of 1987, in the quaint Little Whiggin District of Surrey County, a small figure began to make its presence felt on Banyou Road, right in front of No. 4 Privet Road. June mornings in Surrey were far from cool; the relentless summer heat had firmly settled in.

The figure sported a pair of high-end sneakers, imported sports shorts, and a snug black short-sleeved shirt. It was none other than Dudley, and he glanced down at his wristwatch, which read six-thirty in the morning. This early-hour ritual was a daily necessity for him.

Ever since he had taken his first steps three years ago, Dudley had been consciously dedicating himself to building lower body strength, developing muscle groups, and honing his body's ability to bear weight and endure. His biological studies had enlightened him about the profound impact of genetics on different species.

For example, he knew that humans and orangutans, despite sharing common ancestors, had vastly different genetic sequences. In zoos, orangutans often led sedentary lives, were fed generously, and as a result, boasted muscle content far surpassing that of ordinary humans. Humans, on the other hand, had a propensity to store fat unless they actively controlled their diet and engaged in regular exercise. The key lay in adapting to the surrounding environment by stimulating the body's internal genes.

Currently, Dudley could perform twenty push-ups and sixty sit-ups, his muscles chiseled and well-defined. Given the limitations of available equipment, self-discipline had become his most potent tool for altering his genetic predispositions.

As his steps came to a halt, Dudley noticed a young boy, slightly shorter than him, emerging from a nearby house, carrying a plastic bag.

"Morning, Harry! Did dad assign you the garbage duty again?" Dudley inquired with a grin.

Harry replied, a shy smile on his face, "Yep, Uncle Vernon says folks who don't work don't deserve breakfast. So, if I don't work, I won't get to eat!"

Dudley chuckled and reached for the bag, knowing that Harry's small frame seemed like it might be blown away by a strong gust of wind.

"Dudley, you don't have to worry about it," Harry assured him, "If Uncle Vernon sees you helping me then he'll scold you."

Harry's determined expression made Dudley relent, and he returned home, leaving Harry to complete his chore.

It had been over six years since Harry had been living with the Dursleys, but his aunt and uncle seemed to harbor a deep-seated bias against him. Dudley had often contemplated whether Harry might be better off in an orphanage than enduring the cold welcome of their household.

After all, an orphanage provided a bed, whereas at the Dursleys, Harry was relegated to the cupboard under the stairs. However, Dudley was too young to challenge his parents' attitude toward Harry.

For now, it seemed that, despite their unfavorable attitude, Harry was at least getting his basic necessities met.