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Chapter 356: Number 12, Grimmauld Place
Chapter 356: Number 12, Grimmauld Place
"As for why Harry encountered such an incident, Petunia, as his aunt, you should have some idea."
Sherlock's gaze turned to Petunia, and Vernon and Dudley instinctively followed his lead, their eyes also shifting to her.
Petunia looked bewildered. Before she could speak, Sherlock continued.
"The person who killed your sister has returned, and the entire Wizarding World is aware of this. The Dementors that just attacked him are likely connected to that person."
Petunia's pupils constricted slightly, and her pale lips uttered a name that most wizards dare not speak aloud.
"You mean Voldemort?"
Vernon and Dudley showed no particular fear at the name. As Muggles, Voldemort's influence was limited to the Wizarding World and did not pose a significant threat to them.
At this point, Vernon took over the conversation, his eyes fixed on Sherlock.
"You mean the murderer who killed Petunia's sister and her family has returned and is now planning to target Harry again?"
This was the simplest and most understandable explanation, and Sherlock nodded lightly.
"Yes, that's correct."
Vernon's face turned cold. He straightened his back, standing protectively in front of Dudley and Petunia, facing Sherlock directly.
"Then take the boy away! We've raised him for over a decade; we've done our part. I don't want my family to be hurt any longer!"
Dudley and Petunia gaped at Vernon, seemingly unable to find their words.
Sherlock looked at him calmly, without a hint of disdain or contempt, and continued to nod.
"One of my purposes for coming here is to take him away. As the father of this family, it's your duty to protect your loved ones. Besides, you've never really liked him. Raising him to this age, regardless of the process, is enough."
"Additionally, Dumbledore asked me to convey his thanks to you."
Just as Sherlock finished speaking, an owl glided through the window, dropping a letter onto Sherlock's lap before flying back out.
Sherlock didn't even touch the letter, merely glancing at the seal on the envelope. He snapped his fingers, and the letter floated out the window. Outside, a burst of flames consumed the letter, reducing it to ashes. This sight made the Dursleys shudder in unison.
Harry, carrying his belongings, descended the stairs and poked his head out to ask.
"Can we leave now, Professor?"
Sherlock looked at the now silent Dursleys and gestured to Harry.
"Thank them, Harry."
Harry, without any hesitation or resentment towards the Dursleys, stood beside Sherlock, placed his luggage on the ground, and bowed deeply.
"Thank you for your care over the years. I know you don't like me, so I'll try my best not to appear in front of you again."
After Harry finished his thanks, Sherlock turned around, and Harry's luggage lifted gently into the air, following him.
"Let's go."
Harry, holding Hedwig's cage, followed with a light step as they walked out of the Dursleys' house.
It was already ten o'clock, and the number of pedestrians on Privet Drive had dwindled. Apart from Harry and Sherlock, there was hardly anyone else around.
"Are we going to your place now, Professor?" Harry's voice was clearly excited.
Sherlock rolled his eyes.
"First, we'll go to my place. You've already brought your broomstick, and I need to get mine. We're going to ride the broomsticks to a place where you can stay."
Harry blinked.
"Can't we use Apparition or Floo Powder?"
"That place is new to me too, so I can't Apparate there directly with you. As for Floo Powder, it's constantly monitored by the Ministry of Magic. Even though Scrimgeour is the new Minister, not all the officials there are trustworthy."
After explaining to Harry, they arrived at Sherlock's place.
Silke had just finished washing the dinner dishes and was holding a remote, flipping through channels as Sherlock had taught her, looking for a show she could watch.
"Good evening, Professor Silke."
Harry greeted her like a well-behaved child. Silke looked at him, smiled faintly, and nodded.
Sherlock took his broomstick from behind the door, which he always kept ready at home, and said seriously to Silke.
"I'm taking him to Dumbledore. I might not be back tonight, so be careful when you're alone. It's a special time right now."
Silke smiled warmly.
"I will be. You be careful out there too."
Sherlock nodded, smiling back, and then led Harry out of the house.
"Come on, Harry. Your flying skills are better than mine, but we still need to be cautious in the air. I'll cast a Disillusionment Charm on both of us."
As Sherlock cast the charm on Harry, several owls flew toward them, dropping several letters like bombers before flying away.
But Sherlock didn't even glance at the letters on the ground and immediately urged Harry to take off.
Harry, already mounting his broomstick, quickly glanced at the envelopes. They were addressed to Sherlock and bore the seal of the Ministry of Magic.
While Harry was lost in thought, Sherlock led them into the sky.
It was cold up there, but Harry had already put on several thick coats over his clothes, so his body didn't feel too cold, despite the cold wind slapping his face.
Sherlock led the way, flying toward London. They took several detours to avoid Muggles, and it took them nearly half an hour to reach their destination.
This was a small square in London, surrounded by houses with grim, unwelcoming facades. Some windows were broken, and in the dim light of the streetlamps, they cast a pale, eerie glow.
Sherlock took out the second letter he had received that day, turned it over, and handed it to Harry.
"Memorize the address, but don't say it out loud. Keep it in your mind."
Harry unfolded the parchment and, under the dim streetlight, read the words.
"The Order of the Phoenix headquarters is located at 12 Grimmauld Place, London."
(End of Chapter)
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