Ch11- Subtle Manipulation
discord.gg/q5KWmtQARF
Join my Discord!
After Harry's successful mission to Diagon Alley, with Nigel's guidance, Harry worked diligently to navigate his life at the Dursleys while subtly introducing the idea of magic to Aunt Petunia. Their dynamic was delicate, a careful balance of respect and strategy, as Harry tried to soften her stance before the arrival of his Hogwarts Acceptance Letter.
As Harry and Nigel discussed their next steps in the kitchen, where Harry meticulously prepared breakfast, Nigel's regular wit surfaced. "Master Harry, while your culinary skills are admirable, remember that our true goal is to season Aunt Petunia's perception of magic, not just her eggs."
Harry, taking the advice to heart, planned to approach Aunt Petunia with a thoughtful gesture. He decided to prepare her favorite tea, setting it down with a gentle, "Here's your tea, Aunt Petunia." She looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes. Harry knew that small acts of kindness could slowly change her views.
Nigel chimed in, "Ah, the subtle art of persuasion. Sometimes a well-brewed cup of tea can do more than a thousand words, especially if the words are about magic."
Later, as Harry worked in the garden, he tried to casually bring up a topic that would pique Petunia's interest without raising suspicion. "Aunt Petunia, did you know there are plants that are said to have magical properties? I read about it in one of Dudley's books. Quite fascinating."
Petunia's response was immediate and sharp. "There is no such thing as magic, boy!" Her voice was harsh, cutting through the air like a knife. Harry knew he had to tread carefully now, or he might never get another chance to broach such a topic with her.
Quickly thinking on his feet, Harry replied, "Of course, Aunt Petunia. I just meant it's interesting how people used to believe in such things. It's all just stories and imagination, isn't it?"
Nigel's voice, a blend of amusement and strategy, whispered in Harry's mind. "Well, well, Master Harry, dodging the bludgers with the grace of a Seeker. Redirect, deflect, and keep the snitch in sight."
Harry's response seemed to slightly ease Petunia's demeanor. She glanced at him, her eyes still suspicious but not as cold as before. "Yes, just stories. Don't fill your head with such nonsense."
Later, in his room, Harry discussed his approach with Nigel. "I think I was too direct, Nigel. I need to be more subtle."
Nigel agreed, his tone laced with a hint of mischief. "Subtlety is the key, Master Harry. We must introduce the concept of magic as one would introduce a cat to water - with great care and from a safe distance."
Harry chuckled, appreciating Nigel's analogy. "I'll keep that in mind."
Harry pondered his next move, considering a more academic approach. "I should bring a school project about witch hunts," he mused aloud. "I could address her female side, and how women were oppressed, and her yearning to become a witch, as you put it. If what you said is true, and she always wanted to become a witch, she will relate to the subject."
Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's mind, "Careful, Master Harry, tread lightly. Your aunt's skepticism is a formidable barrier. You must approach this with the subtlety of a chess master, anticipating her moves and countering them with finesse."
Acknowledging Nigel's advice, Harry replied, "Of course, Aunt Petunia. It's just interesting to see how much society has changed. How things once feared are now understood differently."
Over the following days, Harry continued this delicate dance, weaving a narrative that subtly challenged Petunia's views without directly confronting them. He talked about the evolution of science and how many things once considered magical were now understood as natural phenomena.
"Aunt Petunia, did you know that people once believed thunderstorms were signs of angry gods?" Harry would say, and then smoothly transition to discussing how scientific understanding had dispelled such myths.
Nigel's presence was a constant source of guidance and reassurance. "You're planting the seeds of doubt, Master Harry. With time and patience, they may yet take root."
However, the real breakthrough came unexpectedly one evening. As Harry was helping Petunia with dinner, he casually mentioned a documentary he had watched about ancient civilizations and their belief systems.
"It's fascinating how every culture has its own explanation for the mysteries of the world," Harry mused. "It makes you wonder what truths we might be missing today, doesn't it?"
Petunia, who had been chopping vegetables, paused and looked at Harry. For a moment, there was a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes, quickly masked by her usual stern facade.
Nigel's voice was triumphant yet cautious. "Ah, Master Harry, you've caught her interest. This is a pivotal moment. Proceed with care."
Encouraged, Harry continued, "It's all about perspective, isn't it? What one person sees as magic, another might see as just another part of the world to be understood."
For the first time, Petunia seemed to genuinely consider Harry's words. She didn't respond, but the seed of thought was planted.
That night, as Harry lay in his bed, Nigel's voice was filled with satisfaction. "You've done well today, Master Harry. The hardest barriers to break are those within the mind. But remember, this is just the beginning. Changing a person's beliefs is a journey, not a single step."
To Read up to 50 advance Chapters (25 for each novel) and suppot me...
/thefanficgod1
Please drop a comment and like the chapter!