Hard Decision

"This group of salesmen always seems to be out to profit at the expense of children and women!" Vernon's expression soured as he vented his frustration. While he himself was a businessman, he couldn't help but feel upset that his son was ensnared in such schemes.

Dudley, attempting to shift the focus of the conversation, introduced the new addition to the family. "Father, this is a new member of our family. You can call it 'Totoro' in the future," he said casually, emphasizing the importance of not causing any trouble.

Petunia, was somewhat surprised by the introduction. "Well, that's fine, my lovely son. If you want to call it Totoro, then Totoro it is," she said with a warm smile, preparing to approach the new pet.

However, Petunia, noticed something peculiar in the folded letter Dudley was holding. She suddenly paused in her tracks, her fingers trembling as she pointed at the letter. "Honey, can you tell me where this thing came from?" she asked with a hint of concern in her voice.

Dudley raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his mother's unexpected reaction. He had deliberately placed the "Hogwarts" acceptance letter at the top to gauge his family's knowledge of the wizarding world.

Nonchalantly, Dudley handed the Hogwarts letter to Petunia and replied, "I haven't had time to read this letter. I just picked it up from the mailbox when I got home. What's wrong?"

Petunia stepped forward, seemingly casually taking the Hogwarts envelope from Dudley's hand. Her voice was flat as she examined the Hogwarts emblem on the back. "Dudley's letter was sent to me by a friend. If similar letters arrive in the future, don't open them yourself. Just let me know, and I'll handle it," she said, her tone carrying an unusual weight.

She then knelt down to meet Dudley's gaze and spoke with a serious expression. "This letter is my mother's personal possession. If anything similar arrives in the future, don't open it yourself."

Dudley sensed the underlying tension in Penny's voice but played it off, assuring her, "Okay, Mom, I won't."

Before the conversation could continue, Vernon, as the head of the family, intervened. "Alright, you two, let's not dwell on this for now. Dudley, since you're back, we should sit down and discuss which junior high school you plan to attend in a few months."

The importance of this discussion was not lost on Vernon, as the issue of education was a significant turning point in the family's history. However, his words came to an abrupt halt, and he appeared to have something else on his mind.

Dudley furrowed his brow, wondering if this had to do with his unfinished wizard cell observation diary and his plan to explore the magic of the wizarding world with Harry. He hesitated to reveal his magical intentions to Vernon, fearing his father's reaction.

"Before we decide on my junior high school, maybe we should think about Harry first. I believe he should attend the same junior high school as me," Dudley suggested casually, hoping to steer the conversation away from his magical aspirations.

"The cost of six years of elementary school already feels like a burden, and junior high school is a whole different ball game at almost twelve years old. Let him take a year off, allow him to assist Petunia with housework full-time, and when he turns eighteen, he can set off independently from our Dursley family..." Vernon contemplated aloud as he shot a stern look in the direction of the utility room.

However, Penny's sudden movement caught him off guard, interrupting his train of thought. She nonchalantly extended an envelope with the Hogwarts emblem on the back.

Vernon's voice came to an abrupt halt. In Dudley's line of sight, his father's usual authoritative demeanor seemed to vanish, and his hefty frame shook involuntarily.

"Of all times for this to arrive! Why now?" Vernon muttered to himself.

At that moment, Vernon noticed that Dudley was still within earshot, and his facial expression underwent an abrupt transformation.

"Dudley, please head back inside the house for a moment. I need to have a private discussion with your mother."

Dudley grinned knowingly and didn't press the issue further. It was clear to him that his parents, Penny and Vernon, were privy to some unusual information.

As Dudley turned to leave the living room, he hadn't gone far when he caught snippets of Penny and Vernon's hushed conversation, their voices trembling slightly.

"Magic... School... Younger sister... Deception..."

....

Half an hour later, Penny spoke with a hint of uncertainty:

"Vernon, do you really think we can put a stop to it? I lost my sister to them and I don't want to loose her only son." Petunia's voice was strained:

"Penny, don't worry. This family has me. They may have taken your sister away from you but they will not be able to take her son. After all, we are Harry's sole guardians, and he can't go anywhere without our consent, including Hogwarts, even if there are indeed wizards. They can't openly flout the laws of London. You have to trust me!"

.....

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