Time passed as Allen studied diligently. During this period, he devoted himself to researching Occlumency. Although he had no sparring partner, he was able to practice with focus every day.
After taking the Magic Potential Growth Potion, Allen's magical power grew at an unbelievable rate, with no risk whatsoever of magical outbursts.
Of course, balancing work and rest was important. While training hard, occasionally appreciating the wonders of the world was also delightful. When Allen suggested inviting Harry Potter over to play, the entire family unanimously agreed. To welcome Harry, Mrs. Harris even carried out a thorough cleaning and sent Daisy out to buy a great deal of ingredients.
"That child has really had it hard. Everyone only remembers that he defeated that Dark Lord, but living under someone else's roof must have been awful." Mrs. Harris sighed as she waved her wand and removed a stain from the wall.
That was indeed true. Because of the series of disturbances caused by his acceptance letter, Harry's relationship with his aunt's family had fallen to freezing point—they completely ignored him. Coupled with Harry's curiosity about the magical world, aside from when Allen came to see him, Harry spent most of his time in his room studying his school textbooks. Under Allen's influence and guided by his own interest, Harry had become extremely diligent.
Just as Harry was reading intently, a majestic, powerful owl flew in through the window. Harry sprang up from his bed and hurried to the desk. Edward the owl had already proudly extended his left leg. Harry unfolded the parchment and saw written on it:
Dear Harry:
Tomorrow morning at ten, I'll come pick you up and bring you to my house. My family is eagerly looking forward to your arrival.
Allen Harris
Harry immediately sat down at the desk, dipped his pen in ink, and wrote back to Allen, saying that he too was looking forward to the next day's visit.
Early the next morning, Harry packed his belongings neatly and waited in eager anticipation. He wondered how Allen would come to pick him up and hoped it would be in some normal way, such as by public bus.
The hands of the clock ticked forward second by second. Harry could not help clutching Allen's letter tightly. Uncle Vernon adjusted his tie, looked himself over in the mirror, and shot Harry a glance. "Harry, are you sure someone's coming to pick you up at ten?" Before Harry could react, he seemed to regret asking and quickly added, "We're going to Aunt Marge's. I hope your freakish friends arrive on time!"
Harry wanted to retort that Allen was not a freak—you were. But for the freedom that was nearly within his grasp, Harry held back.
At last, the clock struck ten, and the doorbell rang at the same moment. Without waiting for Uncle Vernon to speak, Harry rushed to the door in a few swift strides and yanked it open. Allen Harris stood there, smiling at him. Mr. Harris stood outside holding two boxes of black tea, politely nodding to Uncle Vernon.
Uncle Vernon narrowed his little eyes and looked Mr. Harris up and down. In an instant, a warm smile spread across his face.
The reason was not hard to guess. Behind Mr. Harris, the large Mercedes emblem on the car gleamed brightly in the sunlight, and even the most demanding person could find no fault with Mr. Harris's impeccable attire.
Uncle Vernon enthusiastically invited Mr. Harris inside. Allen winked at Harry. After all their interactions, Allen naturally understood Uncle Vernon's character. Respect the clothes before respecting the person—there was nothing surprising about that. Most people were like that. But Allen absolutely did not want his father to be looked down upon, and Mr. Harris did not want to make things difficult for Harry.
Harry and Allen thudded upstairs, then thudded back down again, moving as fast as a tornado. Harry carried Hedwig's cage, while Allen took care of all the other bags and luggage by himself. His immense strength left Harry dumbfounded. Allen had no choice but to hurry; the Muggle questions and answers he had drilled into Mr. Harris probably would not hold up much longer.
Even after Allen's car had driven away, Uncle Vernon was still waving nonstop. No wonder Allen was so outstanding—growing up in an elite family, he was bound to succeed as well. Vernon firmly believed that someone with such refined manners could not possibly be a wizard.
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