Evening, Number 4 Privet Drive.
Harry Potter felt this was the worst birthday he'd ever had. He stood numbly outside the living room, watching that huge cake smash right into the guest's head.
"Dobby is doing this for Harry Potter's good! Harry Potter should not go to school this year... there will be great danger!"
The house-elf Dobby, who had rushed over shouting about "friendship and bonds", left this warning before disappearing with a pop.
After a day of labour that earned him only two pieces of bread and some cheese for dinner, Harry could already foresee his dark and miserable future. He might be locked up by the Dursleys for his entire life, starving to death in his bedroom.
And today was his birthday.
Harry bit his lip tightly, not letting himself show weakness. His nails dug into his flesh as he prepared for Uncle Vernon's storm of fury.
"You... you maniac!" Uncle Vernon stood up like a brown bear, his cheeks purple with embarrassment and anger. "Get back to your room right..."
"BANG!"
A loud crash from the front door interrupted Vernon's outburst, making poor Mrs. Mason scream.
"Good evening, everyone."
Upon hearing that clear and distinctive voice, Harry's eyes first widened in disbelief, then gradually lit up. His previously crushed spirits began to expand again as Harry slowly turned to look.
There at the front door stood a familiar figure. Elegant black curls with a hint of rebelliousness, a porcelain doll-like refined and handsome pale face, and a pair of deep, tranquil cobalt-blue eyes.
It was Ethan Vincent! He had come to save him!
Instantly, tears that Harry had held back for so long nearly burst forth.
Ethan carried a gold-topped walking cane and walked over as naturally as if he were in his own home. The door behind him hung askew on its frame like it had been slapped by a strong man.
Ethan walked up to Harry. Seeing his tense features and reddened eyes, he patted Harry's shoulder comfortingly: "No need to be so emotional, my child."
Harry stared at him: "..."
Two seconds later, he couldn't help but burst into laughter, tears turning to joy. Grinning widely with all his teeth showing, he looked at Ethan foolishly, as if his IQ had suddenly dropped to negative numbers.
Just then... "Who... who are you?! Get out of my house!"
Uncle Vernon's gruff voice rang out. With guests present (though they were already terrified), Uncle Vernon couldn't pull out his shotgun. But this was just a child.
So he angrily walked over, using his massive frame to grab Ethan's shoulder and lean in close: "I know who you are... one of Harry's wi-wizard friends, right?"
Vernon shuddered as he spoke, as if just saying the word would make bugs crawl all over him.
"I don't care what your purpose is... get out of here right now! I will never let you take Harry! My house is not for entertaining your kind of disgusting frea..."
Vernon's voice suddenly stopped. His gaze fell on the business card Ethan held up. It bore writing he couldn't understand. Yet it seemed as if golden mountains were crushing down on him. Immeasurable wealth emanated from it, instantly overwhelming Dursley!
Dursley couldn't help but remove his hand from Ethan's shoulder and take two steps back. Not just him... everyone present froze, staring numbly at that business card.
Even with half her face still covered in cake, Mrs. Mason instinctively showed a fawning smile.
This card from the old goblin could release a terrifying monetary pressure. Ethan called it "Golden Experience".
"I suppose that's sufficient for introductions." Ethan looked at Dursley's shocked expression and put away the card with satisfaction.
"You... you... who exactly are you?!"
Dursley stared wide-eyed, panting heavily. How could that freak possibly know such a powerful person?! This was impossible!
Ethan said simply: "Me? I'm just a painter with modest aspirations."
Ethan extended his hand with an innocent smile: "Shall we get acquainted?"
Dursley was extremely suspicious. However, under the monetary pressure from before, his tall frame unconsciously hunched over. He subconsciously followed Ethan's words and grasped his hand.
He didn't notice Harry's expression of wanting to speak but stopping himself.
The next second, horrible red welts began crawling up his arm, forming a grinning face.
Uncle Vernon's eyes widened: "!" He stared at that scarlet grinning face, his beady little eyes widening instantly in his purple, swollen face. Then he let out a terrified scream!
"AHHHHHHH!"
A moment later, Harry stood under the cool night sky with all his belongings, feeling like everything that had just happened was a dream! He could hardly believe he had actually got out so "smoothly"!
Ha! Uncle Vernon's terrified expression... Harry felt he could remember it for the rest of his life! Too bad he couldn't photograph it.
Harry thought gleefully. And all this miraculous turn of events was thanks to his somewhat strange friend, Ethan Vincent.
Harry was also a bit worried: "Ethan, you used magic just now... will you be okay?"
Ethan blinked and said mischievously: "I merely displayed my artwork. Without using a wand, how could it be called spellcasting?"
"Phew, that's good then."
With his only worry relieved, Harry squinted as the refreshing wind brushed his face, feeling incredibly comfortable. He couldn't help but sigh: "The moonlight is truly beautiful tonight..."
Turning his head, he saw Ethan in a battle-ready stance.
Harry asked confused: "What are you doing?"
Ethan replied seriously: "Thinking of ways to blow up the moon."
Harry stared at him: "..." Okay then.
Harry said awkwardly but sincerely: "Thank you for rescuing me from that hell, Ethan..."
Upon hearing this, Ethan snorted dismissively: "Hell? Seems you haven't seen the good stuff."
Harry thought desperately: "..." Please stop saying scary things.
Ethan continued cheerfully: "Hermione and Ron were both very worried about you. Oh, and this is your birthday present. Happy birthday, Harry."
Ethan pulled out a paper box tied with a red ribbon from his coat.
Harry was delighted: "Wow! Thank you, Ethan! Can I open it... hm? It seems... empty inside?"
Harry looked puzzledly at the completely empty box, wondering: Could this be "The Emperor's New Gift"? Only smart people can see it?
Ethan peered in and made an "oops" sound. Pointing to a large hole in the side of the box, he said: "It ran away. It was still there when we entered your house."
Harry looked at what appeared to be a cut made by a saw blade and swallowed nervously. He asked with a forced smile: "This... this gift is harmless, right?"
Ethan curved his lips in a smile that said everything without words.
Just then... "AHHHHH!"
"What is that?! There are spiders! Ahhh gurgle..."
The house behind them suddenly erupted in commotion and screaming!
Meeting Harry's increasingly terrified gaze, Ethan raised his arms and smiled kindly: "Happy birthday, Harry!"
Wonderful. It seemed he had given the club's first member a very memorable birthday indeed. Congratulations all around.