Ch17- Altering Dreams

Ch17- Altering Dreams

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Over the next few days, Harry initiated conversations with Aunt Petunia, carefully steering them towards their shared past. Each story Petunia recounted was like a thread, weaving a tapestry of memories, both painful and precious. Harry listened intently, his mind working overtime, manipulating the flow of the conversation to create a narrative that resonated with her deeply buried emotions. The process was like nurturing a delicate plant, providing just enough water and sunlight to coax it to life without overwhelming it.

Petunia, often reluctant at first, found herself drawn into the past, reliving the excitement and hope of her childhood. As she shared stories of her and Lily, her voice would waver, caught between nostalgia and pain. Harry noticed a change in her, a softening, as if a part of her that had been long buried was slowly being resurrected.

Yet, it was a fragile balance. Whenever the conversation veered too close to the magical world, Petunia would retreat, her old defenses rising like walls. Harry knew he had to tread carefully, gently guiding her without pushing too hard. It was a mental dance, requiring precision and empathy.

Nigel's voice, always a presence in Harry's mind, offered guidance laced with his characteristic sarcasm. "Master Harry, you're playing a game of emotional chess. Each move must be deliberate, each word a carefully chosen piece. And remember, the goal is not checkmate, but understanding."

Harry took Nigel's advice to heart, using his newfound skills in Occlumency to gauge Petunia's reactions and adjust his approach accordingly. He became adept at reading the subtle cues in her voice, her expressions, learning when to press on and when to pull back.

"Remember, Master Harry, you're not just shaping her perception of the past," Nigel reminded him. "You're reshaping her understanding of the present, and by extension, her view of you."

As the days passed, Harry's efforts began to bear fruit. Petunia started to open up more, her stories becoming less guarded, more reflective. She spoke of Lily's first display of magic, her own mix of awe and envy, and the widening rift that grew as they aged.

Yet, the true breakthrough came unexpectedly one evening. As Harry and Petunia sat in the dimly lit living room, a rare thunderstorm raging outside, Petunia's voice took on a wistful tone. "I remember the day Lily got her Hogwarts letter," she said, her eyes distant. "I was so jealous. I wanted to be special too."

Harry, sensing the pivotal moment, replied softly, "You are special, Aunt Petunia. You always have been. Just in different ways."

Petunia looked at him, her eyes searching his face. "Do you really believe that, Harry?"

"I do," Harry said sincerely, his heart aching with the weight of the moment. "You've had to be strong in ways Mom never did. You've had to face a world without magic, and that takes a different kind of courage."

Petunia's eyes filled with tears, and for the first time, Harry saw a glimpse of the vulnerability she had hidden for so long. "I was always afraid," she admitted, her voice breaking. "Afraid of being left behind, of being forgotten."

Harry reached out, taking her hand in his. "You were never forgotten, Aunt Petunia. Not by Mom, not by me. We're family, and that means something."

As Petunia recounted her memories, Harry's mind was already churning with plans. The revelation of her emotions, her fears, and her long-suppressed envy of the magical world presented him with an opportunity. He realized that to leverage this situation, he needed to craft a strategy that would align with Petunia's newfound openness while furthering his own goals.

"It's time to work on my skills," Harry thought to himself. "I need to visit Diagon Alley with Aunt Petunia. I need to gather tools for Potions. I can't get a wand or a broom before starting Hogwarts, but I can still prepare." He was aware that he only had a few months before Hogwarts, and every moment counted.

As Harry pondered his next steps, a series of notifications from Nigel blared in his mind, taking the form of quest-style missions. The notifications read:Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

Quest: Magical Bonding

Objective: Convince Aunt Petunia to accompany you to Diagon Alley.

Rewards: 30 points. Unlocks Technology System Virtual Potion Crafting Room.

Strategy: Use empathy and newfound understanding to appeal to her curiosity about the magical world.

Mission: Subtle Persuasion

Quest: Gradually introduce the idea of the magical world to Aunt Petunia in a positive light.

Rewards: 40 points. Increases Aunt Petunia's openness to magic.

Strategy: Share stories of Lily's magical experiences, emphasizing the wonder and beauty of magic.

Objective: Study and understand basic Herbology, including the handling of Devil's Snare, Venomous Tentacula, and other magical plants, and learn the Lumos Solem Spell.

Reward: 3 points for mastery of each plant and spell.

Strategy: Research each plant's properties and handling techniques, and practice casting the Lumos Solem Spell.

Quest: Astronomy Basics

Objective: Study the basics of Astronomy, including the use of telescopes, understanding moon and star charts, and learning the names and movements of stars and planets.

Reward: 3 points for thorough knowledge.

Strategy: Engage in nightly observations and study astronomical charts for a comprehensive understanding.

Nigel's voice, ever-present in Harry's mind, commented, "Normally, these quests would appear when you started Hogwarts, Master Harry, but you've managed to alter your fate. Your proactive approach has unlocked early access to this crucial knowledge."

Harry realized the importance of these missions. Each one was not just a learning opportunity but a chance to build his magical foundation before entering Hogwarts. He was determined to earn as many points as possible, knowing that each point represented a step closer to becoming a skilled wizard.

But as Harry planned his next steps, he remembered the challenge of convincing Aunt Petunia to visit Diagon Alley. It was a mission that required finesse and understanding. He had to make her resonate with the idea, to see the magical world not as a source of pain and exclusion but as a bridge to reconnect with her lost past.

"Petunia dismisses the subject, as it's a sore subject for her," Harry mused. "I need to approach this carefully, using empathy and the shared history of our family."

Nigel's voice chimed in, "Indeed, Master Harry. Your task is to weave a narrative that connects her emotions with your objectives. Use your newfound skills in manipulation wisely. Remember, it's not about forcing her to see things your way, but guiding her to a mutual understanding."

Harry knew he had his work cut out for him. Convincing Aunt Petunia to step into a world she had long feared and resented was no small feat. But he was ready to employ his best tactics, using empathy and understanding as his primary tools.

As Harry contemplated his approach, he also realized the importance of mastering Occlumency and Legilimency. Protecting his thoughts and intentions from others, especially in the wizarding world, would be crucial.

"Master Harry," Nigel advised, "Occlumency and Legilimency are not just skills but necessities in the world you're about to enter. Mastering them will not only protect you but give you an edge."

Harry nodded, understanding the gravity of Nigel's words. The journey ahead was fraught with challenges, but he felt more prepared than ever. With Nigel's guidance, his own determination, and the quests ahead, Harry Potter was ready to take on the wizarding world, one mission at a time.

Harry sorted all the quests in his mind, then started to plan how to convince his aunt, Petunia. He knew that Petunia had probably visited Diagon Alley when Lily first got her letter, maybe a couple of times later, but as she grew up, the more she realized that world would never be hers. After Dumbledore's letter, she had lost all hope and never been there again.

"I need to awaken that excitement within her," Harry thought, determined. Nigel, who had been observing Harry's thought process, stood by like a proud rooster watching his chick.

"I need to alter her dreams. That is my best bet," Harry concluded. He began to envision a strategy to reignite the spark of magic in his aunt's heart, hoping it would lead her back to the world she had once turned her back on.

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