## 274: Hiding the Book of Friends
After the end-of-term feast, Hogwarts was officially on holiday.
Wade and the others had all seen their exam results.
This time, Wade had come first in every subject.
Hermione had also performed very well, but in the practical exams, Wade had displayed a level far beyond his peers, and the professors had unanimously given him extra points.
The next morning was the day to return home on the Hogwarts Express.
The students packed their belongings, and the House-elves would transport the trunks to the train. Everyone went downstairs for breakfast at the usual time, just like on a normal school day.
The SSC group was still sitting at the Hufflepuff table.
"I really envy you, Harry," Padma said, poking at the cake on her plate with a bitter expression. "You just turn a corner after getting off the carriage and you're home. We still have to ride the train all day."
"I envy you too," Harry said with a smile. "I think it's quite fun to sit in a compartment with everyone."
He enthusiastically invited everyone to visit his home again during the holidays, promising that this time they definitely wouldn't need to help with chores.
Everyone politely declined.
For the long summer holiday, almost everyone had plans to travel and vacation.
Harry watched them discuss, looking incredibly envious and pathetic.
"Don't worry, I bet Remus and Sirius will definitely take you out too," Wade comforted him. "For Wizards, distance is no problem at all, and traveling abroad isn't expensive."
Hearing this, Harry felt both anticipation and a bit of unease.
As they spoke, a grey Owl delivered a note to Harry. He unfolded it and froze.
"Who's that letter from?" Hermione asked.
"Dumbledore," Harry said, standing up with the note. "He needs to see me about something."
The boy walked through the passage between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, past the backs of many students eating, and then through a small door.
Wade watched him leave, vaguely guessing what was happening.
...
In a small room adorned with many portraits, Dumbledore sat on a bench. His lake-blue Robes were patterned with many circles, triangles, and hexagrams.
Harry knocked on the open door and walked in.
"Professor Dumbledore?"
"Oh, Harry, you're here."
Dumbledore gestured for him to sit down. Behind his half-moon spectacles, his blue eyes looked at Harry kindly.
It was a gentleness bordering on pity.
Harry averted his gaze. He instinctively felt uncomfortable with such a look, as if something bad was about to happen.
"Professor, why did you want to see me?" Harry asked.
"I noticed something, Harry."
Dumbledore said, "The House-elves told me you left a note on your trunk, asking them not to put your trunk on the train, but to leave it on the platform instead?"
"Yes," Harry said blankly. "I don't need to take the train, you know... Sirius's house is in Hogsmeade."
After half a year, Harry had finally gotten used to the fact that he had a godfather, and he also knew that Sirius, rather than Remus, was his legal guardian.
"Yes, I know."
Dumbledore interlaced his fingers and said softly, "But I have to tell you, Harry—you need to go back to the Dursleys'."
"What?!"
Harry immediately stood up, unable to control himself as he shouted at the Headmaster. "Why?! I hate them, and they hate me! And... and Sirius is my godfather! He's willing to take me in!"
"Yes, that's why I've spoken with Sirius and Remus as well," Dumbledore said. "They objected at first, just like you, but in the end, they agreed with me."
Harry froze, his hands and feet starting to feel cold. After a long time, he quietly asked, "...Why?"
"It has to do with the magic your mother left behind," Dumbledore said. "I think you remember—what I told you last year in the hospital wing, when you asked me why Quirrell couldn't touch you?"
"Yes," Harry murmured, recalling the scene. "You said... my mother's powerful love left me with a charm... it's hidden in my skin... that's why Voldemort felt unbearable pain when he touched me..."
"Yes, your mother used a very ancient magic to protect you when you were one year old, and it protected you again when you were eleven. But the continuation of this magic has conditions."
Dumbledore said, "Lily's magic remains in the bloodline, and the blood connection links you and Petunia Dursley. You need to return to where she lives for a period each year, so that the magical barrier can remain in place."
Harry stared blankly into Dumbledore's eyes, his heart aching.
He couldn't tell if the pain was because of his mother's sacrifice, or because he had to return to a place he thought he had escaped.
...
When Harry returned to the Great Hall, looking utterly distraught, everyone was already preparing to depart.
Seeing him look so lost, Ron, who had been talking to his dorm mates, became worried and came over to put an arm around Harry's shoulder.
"Hey, mate, what's wrong?"
He said, looking at the others with suspicion.
"I have to go back to the Dursleys'..." Despair was visible on Harry's face. "For at least a month..."
"What?" Ron was even more shocked than he was. "Are Sirius and Remus too busy to pick you up?"
"No... it's not about that... it's because..."
Harry glanced at the many students around him, holding back the rest of his words.
"You're the one who can stick a Basilisk's fang into its eye socket!" Michael asked, puzzled. "What can your Muggle relatives do to you?"
"We're not allowed to use magic during the holidays," Ron explained.
"But..." Michael was confused. "He didn't use magic when he defeated the Basilisk either!"
"But I can't exactly stick a dinner knife into Uncle Vernon's eye, can I?"
Harry said helplessly. His mood had already hit rock bottom, but Michael's words almost made him laugh.
"Tell them what you did this year; they'll certainly be proud of you, won't they?" Hermione said optimistically. "It might even help improve your relationship."
Harry shook his head. "They'll just think I'm threatening them and throw a tantrum. If they hear that even snake venom couldn't kill me, they'll probably be even angrier..."
"Don't worry, remember why they backed down before?"
Wade also offered advice. "The way the Dursleys treat you is illegal. If they abuse you again, you can call the police. People like that are most afraid of the police showing up at their door."
"But..." Harry was a little worried. "What if Uncle Vernon takes my Wand and locks me up? Then I won't be able to call the police."
"Tear a page from the Book of Friends in advance and hide it somewhere it won't be found."
Wade said, "If you really get locked up, send a message to any of us, and we'll come to rescue you immediately."
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