Encounter

From the corner of his eye, Harry noticed Hagrid's approaching figure at the end of the alley. A sly smile played on Dudley's lips as he withdrew his finger, casting a knowing glance at Harry before turning to stand protectively in front of him with an unexpectedly slender frame.

Harry, dumbfounded, stared at his cousin's transformed demeanor. For a moment, he felt a twinge of foolishness, wishing he could possess Dudley's newfound wisdom.

Hagrid, panting and mindful of maintaining secrecy from "Muggles," approached the duo, expressing fatigue he wouldn't have felt if not for the magical concealment.

"I didn't expect to make low-level mistakes that I would also make," Hagrid grumbled, glaring at Dudley and expressing his disappointment.

Ignoring Dudley's stoic reaction, Hagrid turned back to cast a lingering gaze at Harry, who responded with a subtle pout.

Taking the lead, Hagrid ushered them forward, and with a sharp creak, the door of the Leaky Cauldron bar swung open abruptly.

Dudley remained unfazed, leading the way with unwavering composure. Harry followed suit, his mind occupied with Dudley's earlier words.

["Harry, you have to learn to think with your brain..."]

Reflecting on his years living with his cousin, Harry couldn't help but acknowledge the unexpected concern Dudley had shown. Despite Uncle Vernon's frequent scoldings, Dudley, his constant companion, had treated him well.

Lost in his thoughts, Harry realized that, perhaps, apart from his own parents, Cousin Dudley was the only one who genuinely cared about him.

While still young, Harry wasn't naive. Dudley's words resonated, and he pondered the disparity between his reality and the heroic image painted at Hogwarts. The hardships he endured—sleeping in the utility room, lack of food, and ridicule from classmates—weighed heavily on him. Though he never vocalized it, Harry despised being the subject of mockery and the recipient of disdainful glances.

Amidst the mental turmoil, Harry failed to notice the subtle weakening of his resolve to leave Uncle Vernon for the "wizarding world."

Unbeknownst to Harry, Dudley observed the changes in his cousin's mental state, quietly acknowledging the natural process of growth and self-discovery. He understood that Harry would navigate this period of confusion and draw his own conclusions.

Dudley never concerned himself with the merits or drawbacks of Hogwarts or the "wizarding world." Drawing from his biology studies, he considered that fragile creatures often possessed exceptional alertness, a quality that could guide them through infancy.

In the realm of Harry's life, where nothing came without a price, he had not known a comfortable home for over a decade. A sudden change occurred when a formidable figure, a "strong man," appeared before him, cloaked in an aura of "redemption."

Harry was offered "love" and "tenderness," aligning perfectly with the instinctual embrace of "motherhood." The impact of this unexpected warmth amidst life's coldness would linger like an indelible mark.

As Harry transitioned into adolescence, the first stirrings of rebellion naturally followed the contours of his heart.

The magical viruses in the biological laboratory, [Magic I Virus] and [Magic II Virus], found their origins in Harry's cells, making him the crucial prototype for exploring the wizarding world.

Reborn, Harry refused to neglect the warmth and connections forsaken in his previous life due to an obsession with academic pursuits. This new life demanded independent choices.

Upon entering the Leaky Cauldron, Dudley, Harry's companion, marveled at the stark contrast to the mundane world outside. Old chairs, hushed discussions, and black-robed figures slumbering added an air of mystique. The bar emitted an unusual odor, reminiscent of spoiled "drink."

Hagrid, their guide, cautioned against staring at wizards. Dudley, the first to step into the wizarding world, sighed with a rare emotional depth. However, an unexpected occurrence interrupted the moment—Dudley felt a tingling pain on his head, and the totoro resting there suddenly stood up.

The creature's actions alarmed Dudley, who nearly stumbled backward. Harry, in turn, received an unintentional slap from Hagrid, prompting him to hide behind Dudley. Hagrid acknowledged the child's shyness but couldn't help feeling chagrined.

As Dudley observed the scene, he sensed danger from the chinchilla on his arm. Hagrid, recognizing Professor Quirrell, attempted an introduction. Still, Quirrell's reaction was peculiar—he withdrew his hand, stammered, and then fixated on Dudley with a mix of shock and horror.

Before Quirrell could articulate his thoughts, Totoro, the seemingly harmless creature, transformed. Its black pupils turned into vertical slits, fur bristled, fangs exposed, and with a swift motion, it vanished.

A powerful spellbwas cast by Quirrell without the use of a wand.

Quirrell's face shifted from fear to gloom as he faced the unexpected consequences of the encounter with the seemingly ordinary yet extraordinary duo – Dudley and Harry.

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