Chapter 4 - An Un-aunt-icipated Surprise Visit

Harry and his Uncle Vernon walked side by side through the sprawling campus, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the lush green lawns. The air was warm, typical of June, with a soft breeze rustling the leaves of the oak trees that dotted the university grounds. Harry glanced up at the sky, streaked with pastel shades of pink and orange as the sun slowly began its descent. A few scattered clouds drifted lazily, painted gold by the setting sun. He felt lighter now, the weight of the day lifted as they made their way toward the parking lot.

He looked up at his uncle, who was walking with his hands in his pockets, his expression thoughtful but calm. Vernon had always been a comforting presence for Harry, more so in recent years. There was something solid about him, reliable. It made Harry feel grounded, even when the world around him felt confusing.

Harry took a deep breath, feeling the warm wind against his face, and decided to ask a question that had been on his mind for a while. Now that he was free from his classes for the day, it seemed like the perfect time to indulge his curiosity.

"Uncle Vernon," Harry began, his tone light but inquisitive, "what's the difference between a magnetar, a quark star, a strange star, and all those other types of stars? They all sound so… I dunno, magical and scientific at the same time."

Vernon, ever patient, chuckled softly. He glanced down at Harry with a warm smile. "Ah, stars, eh? Fascinating stuff, isn't it? Well, I'll do my best to explain, though some of this is quite theoretical."

They passed by a tall fountain, the sound of water cascading over the stones mixing with the distant hum of students chattering. The campus was still busy, though the rush of the day was winding down. A group of students hurried past them, their faces lit by the fading sunlight, their laughter echoing through the open space. Harry noticed how the university buildings, with their tall, arched windows and brick facades, glowed in the warm light, casting long shadows that stretched out across the paved pathways.

Vernon cleared his throat, his voice gentle as he started explaining. "Alright, let's start with neutron stars. They're what's left over when a massive star collapses after a supernova. Imagine taking something as big as the Sun and squashing it down until it's the size of a small city. That's what a neutron star is—so dense that a teaspoon of it would weigh billions of tons."

Harry's eyes widened at the thought, his mind swirling with the image of such immense weight packed into such a tiny space. "Wow," he muttered, "that's intense."

Vernon nodded, his expression serious but with a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Now, a magnetar is a special type of neutron star, but with an insanely strong magnetic field. It's like a neutron star turned up to eleven. These fields are so powerful, they could mess with electronics from hundreds of miles away. It's a bit like the magic of the universe, don't you think?"

Harry smiled at that, imagining these stars as cosmic wizards, influencing their surroundings with unseen forces.

"As for quark stars and strange stars," Vernon continued, his pace steady as they walked past rows of parked cars, "these are even more theoretical. Quark stars are thought to be made up of quarks—the smallest building blocks we know of. A quark star could be what happens when a neutron star gets even more compressed, breaking down the neutrons into quarks. Strange stars are a type of quark star that might have something called strange quarks in them. It's like the universe is squeezing everything tighter and tighter, into something more and more bizarre."

Harry looked up at his uncle, his brow furrowed slightly in thought. "So… they're even denser than neutron stars?"

"Exactly," Vernon replied, a slight breeze ruffling his hair as they reached the parking lot. The sky above them was deepening into richer shades of purple and blue now, the first stars twinkling faintly. "And then there's preon stars—they're even smaller and denser than quark stars. Some scientists think they could exist if the universe squeezes things down to preons, which are even smaller than quarks. But, mind you, we've never actually seen these. They're more like an idea, a theory."

Harry smiled as the wind picked up a little, carrying the scent of fresh-cut grass. He could hear the sound of car doors slamming in the distance and the faint hum of traffic from the nearby road. "It all sounds so… I don't know, like magic and science really do meet somewhere out there."

Vernon gave a thoughtful nod as they approached their car. "In a way, you're right, Harry. The universe is full of mysteries that are just as awe-inspiring as any spell or potion. It's a balance of the unknown and the knowable, just like life itself."

Harry's mind buzzed with the new information, and he felt a strange connection to these distant, powerful objects. His uncle's words had a comforting simplicity, but there was an underlying depth to them too. It made him feel small but also part of something much bigger, something wonderful.

As they reached the car, the sky had deepened into a soft indigo, and Harry could feel the coolness of the evening air starting to settle. He smiled at his uncle, grateful for the explanation. "Thanks, Uncle Vernon. That makes a lot more sense now."

Vernon ruffled Harry's hair, grinning warmly. "Anytime, Harry. You've got quite the mind for these things. Now, let's get home before it gets too late."

Harry nodded, feeling a warmth in his chest as they got into the car, ready to head back. The stars above them seemed to twinkle a little brighter now, as if sharing in Harry's newfound understanding of the cosmos.

As Harry and Vernon got into the car, the warm June breeze followed them briefly before Vernon shut the door with a soft thud. The sky above was a mix of pale blue and soft pink, with faint streaks of lavender hinting at the approaching evening. The air smelled fresh, with the subtle scent of blooming flowers from nearby gardens. The car's engine hummed quietly as they pulled out of the parking lot, heading towards Dudley's gym.

"So, Harry," Vernon began, glancing at him with a casual smile, "how was your lab work today?"

Harry, still feeling a little energized from the day, sat back and began recounting the day's events. "It was pretty good, actually. We worked on building a virtual environment for this simulation we're running tomorrow on bees. We had to make sure the ecosystem in the sim was realistic, so we included things like flowers, trees, and even weather patterns. Tomorrow, we'll see how the bees behave in that environment, track their movement patterns, pollination habits... stuff like that."

Vernon nodded, his eyes on the road but clearly listening intently. "Sounds like you're working on quite an interdisciplinary project there, with biology and technology blending in. You know, back when I was working on simulations for astrophysics models, we'd have to account for environmental factors too, like stellar winds or magnetic fields around a star. I imagine you're doing something similar, just on a smaller scale with bees."

Harry smiled, feeling the familiar warmth of intellectual connection with his uncle. "Yeah, kind of like that! We've set up variables for temperature and flower growth rates. I guess the bees are our little stars in a way."

The car hummed along smoothly as they drove through the quiet streets of Surrey. Neat rows of houses with freshly trimmed lawns lined the road, and a soft golden glow began to settle over the neighborhood as the sun sank lower in the sky. Harry looked out the window for a moment, noticing the slight rustling of leaves in the breeze and the occasional distant sound of children playing.

Uncle Vernon, his hands firmly gripping the steering wheel, added thoughtfully, "One thing to consider, Harry, is how the bees might react to unpredictable changes in their environment. You see, in my field, we often have to account for sudden bursts of energy, like a solar flare, and it can throw off our calculations. You might want to test how the bees handle disruptions—something like a storm suddenly appearing in your sim. It could give you valuable data on their adaptability."

Harry's eyes lit up as he processed the idea. "That's a great point, Uncle Vernon! I hadn't thought about adding disruptions like that, but it could really give us more insights into their behavior. We could simulate different kinds of environmental stress—maybe heavy rain or extreme heat—and see how they respond."

Vernon gave a small, proud smile. "Exactly. In research, it's not just about the perfect conditions—it's about how your subject reacts when things go wrong. Life's unpredictable, Harry, and the same goes for simulations."

Harry nodded, his mind racing with possibilities for tomorrow's experiment. He had always admired his uncle's way of thinking, the way he could take a concept from his field and apply it to something completely different. Despite Vernon's often gruff exterior, when it came to scientific discussions, he was always deeply engaged, offering wisdom and guidance that Harry found invaluable.

As they continued down the road, the car now moving through a more bustling area near Dudley's gym, Harry glanced over at his uncle. Vernon's brow was slightly furrowed, his focus on the road ahead, but there was a calmness about him. Even when he wasn't in his element, discussing the complexities of the cosmos, he was a steady presence in Harry's life. The idea of simulation disruptions stuck with Harry, and he could already picture running different tests with the bees—perhaps even surprising his lab group with the new variable.

The wind picked up a little, rustling the trees and sending small swirls of dust and leaves across the street. The sun was now a soft amber, casting long shadows on the ground as they passed through the tree-lined avenue.

"Do you think," Harry asked after a moment, "that life's unpredictability is what makes it... interesting?"

Vernon chuckled, the deep, hearty sound filling the car. "That's one way to put it, Harry. Life's like a research project—sometimes it goes the way you plan, and sometimes it throws you a curveball. But it's how you handle those unexpected moments that makes the difference."

Harry smiled, his thoughts wandering from tomorrow's lab to the bigger questions in life. His uncle had a way of grounding him, of making him see the world in both practical and profound ways. As the gym came into view, with its bright neon sign lighting up in the early evening sky, Harry felt a sense of calm, knowing that no matter how unpredictable things might get—whether with bees or with life—he had the steady guidance of people like his uncle to help him navigate it all.

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When they pulled into the parking lot of Dudley's gym, the sun had dipped lower, casting long golden streaks across the pavement. The gym itself was a modern building with large glass windows, allowing passersby to see inside the workout areas where people were finishing their evening routines. Harry could already spot his cousin Dudley through the window, wiping down a machine before heading to the showers.

By the time Harry and Vernon entered the gym lobby, Dudley appeared from the locker room, his damp hair slicked back from the shower. His flushed, round face had the distinct glow of someone who had just pushed through a tough workout. Though his shirt clung to his broad shoulders, he looked invigorated, a grin stretching across his face as he spotted Harry and Vernon. He wore a simple black t-shirt and athletic shorts, the dark fabric still drying in places from the shower.

"Hey, Dud!" Harry greeted him, holding out his fist. Dudley bumped it with his own, their familiar gesture of camaraderie.

"Hey, cuz," Dudley replied, his voice slightly hoarse from exertion but upbeat. "Good day?"

Harry smirked. "Not bad. Busy. You?"

Dudley rolled his eyes in mock exhaustion. "You know, just another day of being hounded by the trainer. Everyone's on about leg day." He chuckled, running a hand through his wet hair, shaking the last bit of water onto the gym's clean floor. His flushed cheeks made him look both tired and strangely content. Harry could tell that Dudley was loving every minute of it, despite his complaints.

"Leg day, huh? That explains the wobble," Harry teased, gesturing toward Dudley's slightly stiff gait.

"Ha! You should've seen me earlier. Felt like a newborn deer trying to walk," Dudley laughed, nudging Harry lightly with his elbow. They shared a grin, their laughter bouncing off the tall ceiling of the gym's lobby.

Vernon watched the exchange with a fond smile before turning to greet his son. "Keeping up the hard work, Duds?"

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Dudley nodded proudly. "Yeah, Dad. They're even talking about getting me to compete in a few amateur meets soon. Coach thinks I'm ready."

Vernon's chest puffed out slightly, and he placed a proud hand on Dudley's shoulder. "Well done, son! Knew you had it in you."

Vernon, dressed in a casual button-up shirt and slacks, glanced at Dudley, feeling a quiet sense of pride as he thought about his son. Dudley had found his own path, one very different from his own passion for science or Petunia's love for finance, but Vernon respected that. Boxing wasn't something he'd ever imagined for his son, but seeing how much it meant to Dudley, he couldn't help but feel proud. "He's found his own way," Vernon thought, smiling softly to himself.

Harry admired the dynamic between Vernon and Dudley as he watched his uncle beam with pride. It always amazed him how far his cousin had come. They might not share the same interests—Harry with his focus on science and books, and Dudley with his dedication to fitness—but there was a mutual respect between the cousins.

"So, anything exciting happened today?" Dudley asked, turning back to Harry as they started to walk out of the gym toward the car park.

Harry shrugged, hands in his pockets. "Not much. Mostly spent the day in the lab prepping for tomorrow's sim. Didn't get out much. You?"

"Same here. Just people at the gym today. Had to put up with a lot of small talk from the new guy, though," Dudley grumbled good-naturedly. "He's one of those overly chatty types. Wanted to know every little thing about my routine. I told him, 'Mate, we're here to lift weights, not talk about our life stories.'"

Harry snorted with laughter. "Bet that went down well."

Dudley grinned, shaking his head. "He got the message. People around here aren't used to shutting up when they're told."

They both laughed, and for a moment, the conversation was light and easy, the sound of their voices mixing with the distant hum of traffic and the chirping of birds settling down for the evening. Though their worlds were different, there was an understanding between them—neither was particularly interested in the other's day-to-day, but they appreciated each other's company. It was enough to share a joke, exchange a few words, and enjoy the quiet moments between the busyness of their lives.

As they reached the car, the warm June air was still pleasant, a soft breeze stirring the trees that lined the parking lot. The fading light gave the streets a soft glow, and Harry could hear the faint buzz of conversation from a nearby café. It was peaceful, and Harry found himself grateful for these small, ordinary moments with his family. Dudley might not understand Harry's fascination with simulations and research, just as Harry couldn't fully grasp Dudley's passion for weightlifting, but that didn't matter. They had built something stronger between them over the years—a bond forged by time, shared experiences, and the ability to laugh together.

As they stood by the car, Vernon opened the trunk to toss Dudley's gym bag inside. Dudley leaned against the car door, wiping his still-damp hair with a towel, his face bright despite the exhaustion etched into his features. In the fading light, with the gym in the background and the sky turning from pale blue to shades of orange and pink, a cool breeze swept through the area, carrying with it the sounds of the city settling into the evening.

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As they pulled up to No. 4 Privet Drive, the familiar suburban street bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, Harry felt the usual warmth of home wash over him. The house stood tall and tidy, its brick exterior casting long shadows across the neat lawn, just as he remembered it from every evening. Vernon parked the car, and they all got out, the cool June breeze ruffling Harry's hair. As they approached the front door, it swung open, and there stood Petunia, dressed in a casual yet professional ensemble—a fitted blouse and black trousers. Her hair, tied in a loose bun, gave her a relaxed but busy look.

"Well, it's about time!" Petunia quipped with a playful grin, wiping her hands on a tea towel. "All day I've been typing away, writing code, and still, I have to be the one to get dinner ready! Can you believe it?" Her tone was sharp but affectionate, her smile betraying any real irritation.

Harry smirked, and Vernon chuckled under his breath as they stepped inside. "You've been slaving away all day, have you?" Vernon teased, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We'll make it up to you, love."

Petunia laughed softly, her blue eyes softening as she glanced at her husband and son. "Yeah, yeah. Get freshened up, and you can all help set the table before I collapse," she said with mock exasperation.

Harry headed upstairs to quickly wash up in the bathroom. The warm water was refreshing against his face as he scrubbed away the day's grime from the university lab. He changed into something more comfortable—a plain gray t-shirt and jeans—before heading back down. By the time he reached the dining room, the house was filled with the familiar clinks and clatters of dinner preparation.

The dining table was set with neat placemats and cutlery, with glasses already placed for water. The aroma of a home-cooked meal wafted through the air—roast chicken with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a few dishes that hinted at the Dursleys' growing fondness for international flavors. Harry noticed a tray of lasagna, which was clearly Dudley's favorite, and a bowl of Caesar salad, probably added to balance the hearty portions. It was a blend of traditional English dinner with a touch of Italian and American comfort food, all homemade and smelling divine.

Vernon, now in his house slippers and a soft cardigan over his shirt, was helping Petunia bring dishes to the table. She worked efficiently, placing the food in the center while joking under her breath. "I swear, one of these days, I'll hire someone to code for me while I cook for you lot."

Harry grabbed the salad bowl and placed it on the table, smiling at the playful banter between his aunt and uncle. It was comforting—this rhythm of home life, something predictable amidst the busyness of his research work. He glanced at Dudley, who was sitting at the table, looking content after his workout, scrolling through his phone but clearly present.

Once they were all seated, the familiar chatter began. Vernon, his face lit up with pride, recounted how well Dudley was doing in his training, even talking about the amateur meets Dudley's coach had mentioned earlier. Petunia, now relaxed, chimed in with her own stories about her workday, typing lines of code and dealing with a difficult client.

"Honestly, you'd think clients would understand by now that you can't just change an entire project's scope two days before a deadline," she sighed, though the edge in her voice was softened by the satisfaction of having her family around her.

Harry listened, feeling a sense of comfort in the normality of it all. He looked out the window, the evening sky now painted in soft hues of pink and purple, the breeze gently swaying the trees in the quiet neighborhood. The low hum of the street lights flickering on added to the cozy atmosphere inside the house.

As they ate, there was laughter and shared moments. Vernon occasionally passed Dudley the mashed potatoes, while Petunia made sure everyone had enough lasagna. Harry found himself appreciating these small moments more and more, the easy camaraderie that came with being part of this family. Sure, they all had their own passions—Vernon with his astrophysics, Petunia with her coding, Dudley with his boxing, and Harry with his research—but at the end of the day, these shared dinners were where everything felt connected.

As the meal continued, Harry felt grateful for these simple pleasures. The clinking of cutlery against plates, the soft murmur of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter from Dudley or a witty remark from Petunia—it was all a part of the life he had grown to love.

Just as they were settling into the comfort of their evening meal, the steady clinking of forks and knives was interrupted by a firm knock at the door. Everyone froze for a moment, exchanging glances of mild surprise. Petunia furrowed her brow, her fork pausing mid-air. "Were we expecting anyone?"

Harry shook his head, as did Vernon and Dudley.

"I'll get it," Vernon said, pushing his chair back with a slight creak and heading towards the door. As he opened it, a familiar face greeted him, instantly breaking into a smile.

"Marge!" Vernon exclaimed warmly, stepping aside to let his sister in. She was dressed practically, in a tailored green jacket and hiking boots, with a sturdy leather satchel slung over one shoulder. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her cheeks were slightly flushed from the evening air. Marge looked every bit the dedicated biologist she was, and though she was carrying a small package, her sharp eyes still held that glint of someone constantly observing the natural world around her.

"Marge!" Petunia chimed in from the dining room, already standing up with a welcoming grin. "How lovely to see you!"

"Hello, everyone," Marge greeted with a warm smile, stepping into the cozy warmth of the house. "Sorry for dropping by unannounced. I was in the area for my research and thought I'd surprise you all. Brought apple pies," she added with a proud little smile, holding up the package in her hand.

Dudley's eyes lit up, and Harry couldn't help but grin as well. "Aunt Marge's famous apple pies?" Dudley said, already pushing his chair back to greet her. "Best surprise we've had all week!"

The air in the house immediately shifted from surprised confusion to cheerful warmth as Marge joined them at the dining table. She looked healthy and bright, though there was always that tired edge to her features that came with someone who spent long hours in the field, deeply engrossed in her work.

"How have you been, Marge?" Vernon asked, clapping a hand on his sister's shoulder as she set the pies down on the counter. "Still busy with those birds, I imagine?"

"Oh, yes," she replied, pulling out a chair to join them. "I've been traveling all over for my research. Right now, I'm focusing on migratory and evolutionary behavior in swallows—it's fascinating. I've been tracking their movements and observing how climate shifts are affecting their patterns. You wouldn't believe some of the things we're discovering."

Harry listened intently as Marge spoke. He had always liked her calm, thoughtful demeanor. Though he didn't share her passion for biology, he found her work interesting, especially the way she talked about it with such dedication. Marge had a way of making scientific discoveries sound like the most exciting adventures.

Petunia handed Marge a plate, her smile warm. "We're so glad you could join us, Marge. I know how busy you are with your research. You must be exhausted."

Marge waved it off with a smile. "Oh, you know me. I love what I do. Besides, I'm lucky this particular study has brought me near town. Thought I'd pop by and see my favorite people."

There were smiles all around the table as they welcomed her into their evening routine. The room was filled with the sound of chatter and laughter again as they continued their dinner.

"How's the fieldwork going?" Vernon asked, passing her a bowl of mashed potatoes. "Any new findings recently?"

Marge's eyes lit up. "Oh, absolutely! You wouldn't believe it, Vernon. We've been observing some fascinating shifts in migratory routes, especially with the younger birds. They seem to be adapting quicker than we expected, and it's likely connected to the changes in weather patterns. Evolution at work, right before our eyes!"

Harry caught Dudley's eye and smiled. Though he wasn't deeply into the world of biology, Marge's enthusiasm was contagious. The two cousins shared a grin, enjoying the familial warmth and the easy flow of conversation.

"I brought these pies from a little bakery I stumbled upon in the village. Thought you'd all enjoy them after dinner," Marge added, gesturing to the apple pies she had brought, their sweet aroma already tempting the senses.

"Oh, you spoil us," Petunia said with a grateful smile, placing her hand over Marge's in a warm gesture of thanks.

Vernon, beaming, sat back in his chair, watching as his family gathered around the table with his sister. His mind wandered briefly to how lucky they were—his son thriving in his boxing, his wife finding her own passion in coding, and now, Marge continuing her incredible work. Though Dudley didn't share his passion for science, Vernon couldn't be prouder of the man he was becoming, and tonight, the family felt closer than ever.

The evening continued, filled with more smiles, stories, and the occasional clink of plates as the Dursleys enjoyed the familiar, comforting ritual of dinner together—now with Marge's delightful pies as the perfect finishing touch.

As the dinner was winding down, and the plates were nearly cleared, another knock echoed through the house, cutting through the warmth and familiarity of the moment. The Dursleys exchanged bewildered looks. It was late—too late for a casual visitor.

Petunia, still in her comfortable navy blouse and slacks from her day working at home, stood slowly, wiping her hands on a napkin. "Now who could that be?" she muttered, her voice tense. She headed toward the door, her steps cautious. Seeing the late hour, she peered through the door's peephole.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Severus Snape stood there, his dark cloak blending into the shadows of the evening, his face barely visible in the dim light of the porch. His sharp, pale features hadn't changed much over the years. His expression, as always, was unreadable.

The sight of him pulled Petunia back in time, a flood of memories rushing over her like an unexpected wave. August 1991.

Lily had just turned 15 in February that year, her bright green eyes always full of wonder and life. She'd spent the summer making a new friend, one who had, for the first time, shifted some of that attention away from Petunia.

Petunia had been jealous—of course she had. Lily was always the shining star, the talented, magical one who drew everyone's admiration. Before Severus, Lily had been her little sister, her partner in mischief, her closest friend. But that summer, everything had changed.

The new friend was Severus Snape, a boy from the neighborhood. Gloomy, lanky, and with a perpetual scowl, Severus had seemed an odd choice for her vivacious sister. Petunia hadn't liked him from the start. He was… dodgy, always lurking around corners, watching people too closely, as if he were studying them, looking for something hidden beneath the surface.

But Lily had insisted on bringing him around, and gradually, the three of them spent time together. Petunia, though initially reluctant, had begun to accept his presence—if only because it meant still being part of her sister's life. She had grown used to Severus's quiet, brooding nature and despite herself, she had seen the way his eyes lit up around Lily.

Then there was that event.

Petunia blinked, the memory snapping back into the present, her hand still gripping the doorknob. She hadn't thought of those days in years, but seeing Severus now brought it all flooding back. It was all so vivid—the hurt, the confusion, the insurmountable metaphysical distance that had grown between her and Lily after that day.

She hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest as the weight of those memories pressed down on her. Why was he here? After all these years?

"Who is it?" Vernon called from the dining room, his voice laced with concern as he stood halfway from his chair, sensing the tension in the air.

Petunia didn't answer right away, instead taking a deep breath before finally opening the door.

"Severus," she said, her voice cold, but steady, though a storm of emotions swirled inside her. "What are you doing here?"

Snape, dressed in his long, dark robes, nodded slightly in acknowledgment. His face, as always, was hard to read, but there was something different about him—something more urgent, more intense.

"I need to speak with you, Petunia," he said quietly, his voice smooth yet filled with unspoken weight. "It's important."

From behind Petunia, Harry, Dudley, and Vernon watched the strange visitor with curiosity and suspicion. Harry, especially, couldn't tear his eyes away from Snape, though he had no idea why this man seemed to stir something deep within him—something that felt important, though unspoken.

Petunia's lips thinned, and for a brief moment, she seemed on the verge of closing the door. But instead, she stepped aside, gesturing for Snape to come in.

"Fine," she said, her tone clipped. "But make it quick."

As Severus stepped into the warm light of the house, the room grew heavier, and everyone felt the unspoken history between the two. This was more than an unexpected guest—it was the return of something long buried.