Chapter 274: Hiding the Book of Friends
After the Final Feast, Hogwarts was completely closed for the summer. Wade and the others had all received their Exam Academic Performance results. This time, Wade had earned first place in every single subject. Hermione had done exceptionally well too, but in the practical exams, Wade had demonstrated a level of magical proficiency far beyond his peers. The professors, without a word of agreement, had unanimously awarded him extra points.
The next morning arrived—the day of the Hogwarts Express homebound journey. Students packed their belongings, and House-elves carried their trunks onto the train. As usual, everyone gathered downstairs for breakfast. The SSC members still sat at the Hufflepuff table.
"I'm really jealous of you, Harry," Padma poked at her cake with a fork, her expression glum. "You just turn a corner after stepping off the carriage and you're home. We have to endure a full day on the train."
"I'm jealous of you," Harry smiled. "I think it's fun sitting with everyone in a compartment."
He enthusiastically invited them all to visit his house during the holidays, promising this time there would be no chores to help with.
They politely declined. Most of them had travel plans for the long summer break. Harry watched them talk, his face a picture of wistful longing.
"Don't worry," Wade reassured him. "I'm sure Remus and Sirius Black will take you out somewhere. For wizards, distance isn't really an issue, and traveling abroad isn't expensive."
Harry looked both excited and anxious at the words.
Just then, a gray owl dropped a note into Harry's lap. He unfolded it, eyes widening in surprise.
"Who sent you a letter?" Hermione asked.
"Dumbledore," Harry said, rising to his feet. "He wants to see me."
The boy walked down the corridor between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, weaving past students still eating, then slipped through a small door. Wade watched him go, a quiet suspicion stirring in his chest.
...
In a small chamber lined with portraits, Dumbledore sat on a bench, his sky-blue robes adorned with swirling circles, three-horned symbols, and six-pointed stars. Harry knocked lightly on the open door and stepped inside.
"Professor Dumbledore?"
"Oh, Harry, you're here," Dumbledore said, gesturing for him to sit. Beneath his half-moon spectacles, his blue eyes were kind—almost tender, almost pitying.
Harry looked away. He felt uneasy under that gaze, as if something terrible were about to happen.
"What did you want to see me for?" Harry asked.
"I've noticed something, Harry," Dumbledore said. "A House-elf informed me that you left a note on your suitcase, telling them not to send your trunk on the train, but to leave it on the platform."
"Yes," Harry replied, confused. "I don't need to take the train. You know… Sirius Black lives in Hogsmeade."
After half a year, Harry had finally grown used to the idea of having an actual godfather. He knew, better than anyone, that Sirius Black—not Remus—was his legal guardian.
"Yes, I know," Dumbledore said, fingers steepled. "But I must tell you, Harry—you must return to the Dursleys'."
"What?!" Harry shot to his feet, voice rising in disbelief. "Why?! I hate them! They hate me! And Sirius Black is my godfather—he wants to take me in!"
"Yes," Dumbledore replied calmly. "I've spoken to both Sirius Black and Remus. They initially opposed me, just as you did. But in the end, they agreed."
Harry froze. His limbs turned cold. After a long silence, he whispered, "...Why?"
"It has to do with the magic your mother left behind," Dumbledore said. "Do you remember—last year, in the hospital wing, when I explained why Quirrell couldn't touch you?"
"Yes," Harry murmured, recalling the memory. "You said… my mother's love had protected me. It's hidden in my skin. That's why Voldemort felt unbearable pain when he touched me."
"Exactly," Dumbledore said. "She used an ancient magic to protect you when you were one year old. It protected you again when you were eleven. But this magic has conditions."
"Lily Potter's magic lives in your blood," Dumbledore continued. "The blood bond connects you to Penny Dursley. You must return to her home each year. Only then can the magical barrier remain intact."
Harry stared into Dumbledore's eyes, his heart aching with a pain he couldn't name. Was it grief for his mother's sacrifice? Or the agony of having to return to the place he thought he’d escaped?
...
When Harry returned to the Great Hall, the others were already preparing to leave. Seeing his hollow-eyed, dazed expression, Ron, who had been talking to his friends, rushed over and clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Hey, mate, what's wrong?"
He glanced at the others, uncertain.
"I have to go back to the Dursleys," Harry said, his voice flat with despair. "For at least a month..."
"What?!" Ron was even more shocked. "Is Sirius Black or Remus too busy to pick you up?"
"No... it's not about that," Harry said, glancing around at the crowded hall. He bit back the rest.
"You're the one who could jam a venomous fang into a serpent monster's eye socket!" Michael said, baffled. "What could your Muggle relatives possibly do to you?"
"Magic is forbidden during the holidays," Ron explained. "No wand use."
"But..." Michael frowned. "He didn't use magic when he killed the serpent monster, did he?"
"No," Harry sighed, the weight of it all pressing down. "But I can't exactly stab a knife into Uncle Vernon's eye either, can I?" He managed a weak chuckle, the first spark of humor in hours.
"Tell them about everything you did this year," Hermione said optimistically. "They'd be proud. It might even improve your relationship."
Harry shook his head. "They'd just think I'm threatening them. And if they hear I survived a serpent's poison without dying, they'd be furious."
"Don't worry," Wade offered. "Remember why they backed down before? The way they treated you was illegal. If they try to hurt you again, you can call the police. Anyone who fears the law is terrified of a knock at the door."
"But..." Harry hesitated. "What if Uncle Vernon takes my wand and imprisons me? Then I can't call anyone."
"Take a page from the Book of Friends," Wade said. "Tear it off early. Hide it somewhere they can't find it. If you're trapped, send a message to any one of us. We'll come for you—immediately."
(End of Chapter)
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