A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts-Chapter 610: Dinner - (1)

Harry was taken aback.

Aunt Petunia never had a pleasant expression toward him, and he was used to that. What surprised him was something else: she was standing at his bedroom door today, and it seemed like she had intentionally waited there. He hadn't expected that. After a few seconds, he realized how ungraceful his current actions were—he was stretching, yawning halfway through, rubbing his dry eyes, glasses pushed up on his forehead, and his whole body twisted uncomfortably.

Aunt Petunia's lips pressed tightly together, forcing a smile.

"We have guests."

"Should I pretend I'm not at home?" Harry asked, contemplating if he could escape through the window and go to Sirius for some food.

"It's someone you know!" She lowered her voice, hands twisted together, knuckles turning white.

Harry was surprised. He was about to protest—how could that be possible? But faint sounds of conversation were indeed coming from downstairs. Who could it be? He guessed randomly; maybe Mr. Bagshot? Did he get the job?

Harry stepped downstairs—Aunt Petunia reached out desperately, lips moving to form words: hair… But Harry had already disappeared. The sounds downstairs became clearer. One of them was Uncle Vernon, and the other—

"Grunnings Drilling Company? Yes, I know… I worked at Neil's company, not for long, just as a junior supervisor… Ah, you're a supervisor too? What a coincidence…"

"Professor Snape!?" Harry exclaimed in disbelief.

He rubbed his eyes, suspecting he was dreaming. Professor Snape, Uncle Vernon, and Dudley sat at the dining table, chatting amiably—well, as long as Uncle Vernon didn't explode, and Dudley didn't shrink into the nearest corner, the atmosphere seemed quite harmonious from Harry's perspective.

"Oh, Harry?" Felix looked over, suppressing a chuckle. "Your hair—"

Harry touched his own head, knowing it must be in a mess since he hadn't bothered grooming recently. His untidy appearance was now witnessed by the professor, making him feel a bit embarrassed as he attempted to straighten it.

"I have a comb here if you need it—"

"Yes!" Harry exclaimed, walking over and sitting next to Professor Snape. He stared as the professor took out a comb from his neat coat pocket—did professors always carry such things? But when he noticed the professor handing him the comb with his left hand, he burst into laughter.

Such secrets were not meant for outsiders.

So, Uncle Vernon and Dudley, with their identical small eyes, stared at Felix's hands, holding a green gemstone ring and a comb.

Aunt Petunia appeared, with one more person than usual. Harry guessed none of them had the courage to sit next to Professor Snape, so she squeezed between her husband and son, looking like a layer of spinach between two thick slices of bread.

Dinner was not extravagant.

Simple dishes, especially when compared to the conspicuously refined glass bottles on the table, seemed even more plain. Harry even noticed a hint of awkwardness on Aunt Petunia's face, which surprised him. He couldn't fathom what magic the professor had used.

"The food seems insufficient. If you don't mind, I can use magic—"

"No!" Aunt Petunia screamed excitedly, and Uncle Vernon's thick neck swelled visibly. Harry knew the professor's words touched on the Dursleys' taboo; they didn't want to hear any magical terms. So, it was strange to see the professor, calm and smiling, not panicking.

"Really? But I thought he was looking forward to it." Felix said.

Harry immediately turned to his cousin Dudley. From those eager eyes, he knew the reason. Professor Snape was not repulsive to Dudley, or rather, not frightening...

The comic book had played a crucial role.

When the meal was finished, Felix snapped his fingers again, and this time, desserts appeared. No need for questions; Dudley was the first to pounce. When everything was over, Felix waved his hand, and everything disappeared.

"Speak up," Vernon said, teeth picking at something, slumped on the sofa, speaking harshly, "What's your conspiracy?"

"Conspiracy?" Felix asked with a smile.

The room suddenly fell silent, as if everyone realized that this visit wouldn't conclude in an amicable atmosphere. Harry perked up his ears, Dudley held a plate of trifle cake, and even Aunt Petunia, who had been pretending to be busy in the kitchen, appeared at the doorway.

"Right," Vernon said in a gruff voice. "I've been thinking during dinner, don't think you can fool me or soften me up with a meal... I'm telling you, it's impossible! But you're a bit smarter than that idiot I've met before—"

"Hagrid is not an idiot!" Harry snapped.

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