Chapter 224 – Unexpected Visitor
Unconsciously, the sky grew dark.
A gentle breeze rustled the neat hedges along Privet Drive, and the street was silent and spotless beneath the twilight. Streetlamps flickered on one by one, casting their glow over the bronze number 4 on the Dursleys' front door.
Just when Uncle Vernon was about to explode from impatience, the minute hand of the clock pointed to twelve. Almost at the same instant, the streetlight outside the window went out.
The sudden darkness shattered the tense atmosphere like a lightning bolt. Uncle Vernon froze, pretending nothing had happened as he set the pie in his hand back onto the dining table.
At that moment, a tall figure wearing a long cloak walked up the Dursleys' garden path. The doorbell rang.
"Ah, I know this one—doorbells use electricity, right? I'll get it!" said Mr. Weasley happily.
A deep voice replied, "Good evening, Arthur."
"D–Dumbledore!"
"Professor!"
"Headmaster!"
"It's another wizard!"
Everyone froze. Standing at the door was a tall, thin man with silver-white hair and beard reaching his waist. He wore half-moon glasses perched on his crooked nose, a black traveling cloak, and a pointed hat.
"Sirius, I trust you haven't forgotten what I said. Where are Petunia and Dudley?" Dumbledore asked in his usual calm and friendly tone.
"They went to my sister's house. Is there a problem?" Uncle Vernon asked stiffly, emboldened slightly by Dumbledore's polite manner.
"Dursley—"
"You Muggle!" Sirius and Lucius Malfoy snapped almost in unison.
"Sirius. Lucius." Dumbledore's gentle rebuke silenced them both.
"Fortunately," Harry thought to himself with relief, "otherwise they would've said something truly unpleasant."
"Hey! At least one of you wizards is polite. This is my home," Uncle Vernon said gruffly, though his confidence faltered under Dumbledore's quiet but overwhelming presence.
"Professor, what did you say to Sirius?" Harry asked suddenly, sensing this strange tension might connect to what Dumbledore had told his godfather earlier.
"I'll be glad to explain. But I don't think it's wise to linger on the doorstep." Dumbledore stepped gracefully across the threshold, closing the door behind him.
"It has been a long time since I last came here," he said, glancing at Uncle Vernon over his half-moon glasses. "I must admit, your agapanthus is in fine bloom."
Vernon Dursley said nothing, though his eyes darted nervously. At last, he blurted out: "Aha! You're that wizard from before—you're the one who dumped this brat on our doorstep!"
"I suppose you could put it that way," Dumbledore replied mildly, raising a hand to keep Sirius from exploding.
"How lively. Arthur, Lucius—though I don't quite understand why you're running about with Sirius—letting Harry leave his relatives is unwise," Dumbledore said gravely.
"Dumbledore, I—"
"We were—" Mr. Weasley and Lucius Malfoy both started anxiously, only to stop under Dumbledore's raised hand.
"You're their leader, right?" Uncle Vernon cut in sharply. "I want to report that this Sirius fellow threatened us with his freakish tricks!"
Sirius bristled, but Dumbledore's calm voice carried over him.
"Dursley, while I am relieved Harry hasn't suffered the same indulgence you gave Dudley, you still failed in your duty. I left Harry here ten years ago with a letter explaining his parents' deaths and asking you to care for him as your own. Instead, you gave him neglect and cruelty."
Dumbledore's eyes softened. "Even so, I can understand Sirius's anger. He is, after all, Harry's godfather. And despite your failings, you did provide Harry a place under your roof. That allowed the protective magic woven from his mother's bloodline to remain in force."
"Protective magic?" Harry repeated softly.
"Indeed. Harry's presence here guards not only him but also you, Dursleys. The protection lasts so long as he can call this house home."
Uncle Vernon scowled, his face turning purple. "So that's it, is it? We take this boy in, and in return we get freak attacks? If keeping him here puts my family at risk—I've had enough! Get out!"
"I don't think so," Dumbledore replied calmly. "Harry staying here protects you. The danger will be greatest if he leaves—because then, the protective magic will vanish entirely."
"I don't care! I'm done with this nonsense. You freaks can have the living room. I'm going upstairs."
Uncle Vernon shot Harry a glare before stomping heavily up the staircase.
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