Chapter -19 I will protect my family.

Chapter 19:

It was hard to tell if that letter really belonged to Dudley anymore, especially since he couldn't just ask the sender. Given Dudley's current situation, that was definitely out of the question.

"Get out of here!" 

After tearing the letters to shreds, Vernon tried to keep his cool, but the way he was yanking at his beard showed he was anything but calm inside.

"We're leaving in five minutes! Pack some clothes, and no arguing!" 

His face was more serious than Dudley had ever seen, and it made him feel uneasy.

"I won't let my family get caught up in those ridiculous things!" 

Before long, the Dursleys piled into their new car. Vernon drove with his head down, not saying a word, while Petunia whispered prayers under her breath. Dudley could hear her repeating, "Get rid of them, get rid of them," which made the car feel heavy with tension.

Dudley couldn't help but think how this was just like the story he'd heard before, where the whole family had to "hide." 

But honestly, he didn't get why the Dursleys were so determined to bring Harry along. If they really disliked him that much, why not just leave him at home? They should have known that the letter was meant for Harry, not for the Dursleys.

Yet, here they were, bringing Harry along anyway.

The car ride felt endless, and by the time they reached a hotel in the suburbs of a big city, it had been a whole day.

Compared to how slowly Muggles drove, wizards had it way easier with their Apparition, Floo Powder, or Portkeys.

Bright and early the next morning, a mountain of letters awaited the Dursleys at the hotel.

Dudley could see his dad was on the verge of losing it.

At the same time, Dudley felt a bit frustrated with the wizards. For eleven years, they had just left him on the doorstep, claiming they felt sorry for him, but no one had ever really looked after him during that time.

Now that he was old enough for school and the wizarding world needed him, they thought a letter would just whisk him away? Without even asking his guardians?

What did they think the Dursleys were? 

What did they think of Harry? 

Just come when called and leave when dismissed? 

Couldn't they send someone to have a proper chat? 

Was it fun to mess with Muggles? 

Was this how high-and-mighty wizards acted? 

Wasn't that a bit too much? 

"I found the perfect place!" 

Vernon burst into the hotel room, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. 

The spot he found was a remote reef in the sea, with a rundown two-story house that looked like an old lighthouse. 

Of course, there was no electricity, and cooking had to be done over a fire. As night fell, the Dursleys went to bed early, exhausted from days of fear and anxiety.

A delicious smell wafted from the kitchen, and soon a few simple dishes, along with a bowl of longevity noodles, were set in front of Harry.

"Happy birthday, Harry." 

Dudley said with a hint of regret, "With what we have here, this is all I could manage for now. I promise I'll make it up to you with a proper gift when we get back." 

As he spoke, he revealed a simple birthday cake made from flour and eggs, with no frosting or even honey on top.

But Harry was genuinely happy; Dudley had never forgotten his birthday over the years.

"Thanks, Dudley." 

He slurped the noodles with a big smile on his face.

Before long, the bowl of noodles was empty, and most of the cake was gone.

Suddenly, Harry said, "Dudley, if they're just after me, then let them take me."

"Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon have been through so much; I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me." 

Even though Harry hadn't seen the letter, he had a feeling it was all about him.

Dudley gave him a reassuring pat on the head. "Don't worry, as long as you don't want to go, no one can take you away." 

During this time, Dudley's frustration with the wizards had only grown.

A spark of golden flame flickered at Dudley's fingertips.

He had his Ripple Energy Technique ready, and in the pouch at his waist, various potions were neatly organized.

Dudley wasn't a fan of violence, but he didn't shy away from it either.

After a while, feeling sleepy, Harry wrapped himself in a blanket and lay down. Dudley sat cross-legged on the floor, conserving his energy and getting ready for whatever might come next.

With a unique breathing rhythm, he channeled his energy, feeling the golden arcs of electricity flow through him.

He wasn't sure how long he had been in that state when he heard a creaking sound from outside.

But since they were by the reef, that kind of noise was pretty normal, so he didn't think much of it.

Dudley slowly opened his eyes, his focus sharp as he watched the door.

He sensed someone was about to come in.

"Boom!" 

A huge force slammed against the door, shaking the whole little house; Harry jolted awake, sitting up in his blanket, eyes wide with fear.

Vernon, still in his pajamas and holding a shotgun, rushed downstairs, with Petunia following closely behind, looking worried.

Then, with a deafening crash, the door flew off its hinges, sending dust flying everywhere.

At the doorway stood a giant, towering several inches above the door frame; Dudley guessed he was at least ten feet tall. His face was mostly hidden by wild hair and a thick beard, but his bright eyes shone through.

The giant awkwardly bent down to squeeze into the room, casually picking up the door panel and putting it back in place.

"Can I get a cup of hot tea? Milk is fine too; this place is really out of the way." 

The giant seemed completely at ease, plopping down on the sofa, making it creak under his weight.

"Ah ha, there you are, Harry!" 

The giant pointed at a startled Harry and let out a booming laugh.

"The last time I saw you, you were just a little one." 

He held up his thumb and index finger, mimicking a painful loss of an old friend.

"Wow, you really look like your dad, but your eyes are just like your mom's." 

"You know my parents?" 

Before Harry could finish his question, he heard Vernon's frantic shout.

"I want you to leave immediately, sir!" 

"You're trespassing!" 

With that, he aimed the dark muzzle of the gun at the giant.

"Dursley, you big fool, that thing won't work on me." 

The giant casually snatched the gun from Vernon's hand, bending it effortlessly until it was a twisted mess, like it was made of rubber.

"What are you going to do?" 

Vernon spread his arms wide, shielding Petunia, Harry, and Dudley behind him like a protective hen.

"I will protect my family."

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