13 Parent's Determination

Dudley's POV:

During this past week, everyone has been acting weird. I don't know if it's the trip that I am going on but Pa and Ma are acting like this is the last time they will see me in a while. As for Harry, sometimes he looks at me with determined eyes as if saying I will take care of everyone.

It's been getting on my nerves because I'll only be gone for a few weeks at most. 'A few weeks is not a long time so why are they acting like that' I think of these as I head out of the house to clear my mind by walking around the neighborhood.

While I was walking, I see the old beggar that I give pounds to every time I pass by. I decide to donate this time too because he is not the only beggar, I donate to and I like helping out. As I drop the money in the bowl, he suddenly asks, "Why do you always give money to us beggars?"

I stand there for a while pondering on his question, then I reply, "I kinda feel a connection to people who do not have money."

I scratch my head and I continue "I think in my past life, I was a beggar or something so I feel the urge to give to the less fortunate. I also feel like it would help repay a debt I have with someone. Though I do not know who, I know it's weird, right"

The old beggar shakes his head indicating no, " This is not the first time I have heard of this. I heard that people believe that gut feelings are reminiscent of past life behaviors or regrets. I have also seen people do stuff they are not expected to do or know things that nobody has thought them. I have even done some myself" he sighs

'Holy quackleberry, I can't believe that worked'

"Why do you mention a past life?" the old man asks

'Old man, mind your business. Let me do my charity work. Stop making me think of all of the reasons why I give to the less fortunate'

"Don't know, sometimes I feel myself reminiscing on a life I never had." I answered while looking at the blue sky above pondering on what to say next.

I then face him and say "I'm also a huge believer of the existence of past lives. Since I feel like giving something every time I see someone who is less fortunate, I believe either I was one or I knew someone who was one but I could not help them."

'Since I am the living embodiment of it, there's no way I would not believe in it. But then again, I don't give everything I have, I know the value money holds in society. '

The old man studies my face for a while saying nothing. He suddenly nods and slowly reaches for something in his pocket. I back away slightly, putting myself in a running mentality in case he pulls out something that will harm me. I watch as he pulls out a bracelet that emits a silver sheen when light reflects on it. He beacons me to come closer. As I step forward hesitantly, I ask,

"Old man, you are not going to pull a knife on me, are you?"

'What, his hand was not all the way out. I only assumed it is a bracelet because it almost looks like a circle on the half way point'

His face turns black and he suddenly yells, "brat come closer and give me your hand"

"Old man, this is even more suspicious now. Nobody will buy me and my meat does not taste good" I answer while getting closer to him

His face gets even blacker and he yells"Who, who wants your meat! Do I look like someone who sells children" he heaves after saying that

I nod and say, "Well, you are old, grouchy, and you look like you someone who seriously need some..."

The old man face start switching colors and he rudely interrupts me "Enough, get over here or I will show you how to respect your elders"

'I never imagined someone's face could switch colors like that'

I hesitantly approach even closer to him and put my left arm forward. He grips my arm and he place the bracelet on there. 'I was right, it is a bracelet' is the thought going through my mind while he is doing that. After he finishes, he says,

"This bracelet is a gift from all the beggars in the neighborhood that you have helped or donated to."

I stare at the bracelet pondering on what to say. After a while, I say,

"Old man, are you sure you are not some secret expert who is using this as an excuse to give me some treasure that contains your inheritance?" Dudley says in a questioning tone

The old man stands up in vigor not appropriate for his age and says "see if I give something to you ever again hmpf." he turns around and storms off. As he is walking, I wave at him and say "thanks old man, by the way if this turns out to be some secret treasure, I'm not giving it back."

He stumbles and I say, "hahaha, I'm joking" he storms off even faster. As he disappears from my range of vision. I smile softly and say

"Thank you"

After the meeting with the old beggar, I walk around a little more with my mind clearer than before I met him. I head home a few minutes after walking around the neighborhood. As I head home, I remember Lily's case,

'Bollocks, I have not gone to the attic to find Lily's suitcase yet. I can't believe I almost forgot because of how everyone is treating me recently.' I sigh as I approach the parkway of the house with these thought in mind.

When I stepped into the house, I see Petunia and Vernon putting decorations around the house. As I see them moving things around, I think,

'Ok, I'm now certain the reason why everyone is behaving weirdly is because of the trip.' Even then, I wanted confirmation so I ask,

"Ma Pa, what are the decorations for, I don't remember any celebrations this early"

They both stop what they are doing and turn around. They look at each other and Vernon answers

"It's for you tyke"

"Eh, why!!" I exclaimed mildly surprised

"Well you are going on a trip so we thought we should give you a farewell meal before you go"

"Isn't this expensive and it's not like I will be gone for long. I think it will be at least a few months." They pause, and look at me

"...Do you not know?" Vernon asks after a while. I nod

"Honey, you will be go..gone for at le...least th...three years" Petunia answers with cracks in her voice.

"WAIT! THREE YEARS! WHY?" I exclaim surprised at the revelation. They nodded and Petunia continued,

"Son, one of the conditions we had to agree when signing the contract was that, when you display your conviction or goal to your teachers, they can decide whether to take you on a trip to temper you or continue teaching you at the house. Additionally, we can't interfere with your training."

"...Why would you take on a condition like that?" Dudley asked after a while of silence.

Petunia and Vernon look at each other conflicted on whether they should let me go or they should break the contract. Finally, with a sign, Vernon answers in a coarse tone,

"It's because we want the best for you."

'Also, we don't have to pay for the trip you are going on' Vernon thinks of this as he is responding to Dudley

At this moment, I am shocked numb. Because the Dursleys have managed to surprise me with their words. I feel touched by what they did. I look at them in the eyes and say,

"Thanks, Ma, Pa"

They nod their head as I approach them for a hug. After we break up, Petunia says, "go upstairs and clean yourself. It's almost time for dinner,"

"Yes Ma" I answer

I head upstairs to go prepare myself for dinner. As I head up, I think

'Though the Dursleys treat a certain boy who lived badly, they really love their son, huh. But then again, which parent does not the best for their child. Even if it requires sacrifices they would still do their best. I glad I met the Dursleys as my new parents in this life'