Chapter 16: A Peek into the Magical World

The morning air was crisp as Harry sat at the small dining table, absentmindedly stirring his tea. Across from him, Dudley was watching him with an odd mix of curiosity and impatience.

Timmy, their newly revealed Potter family elf, had just explained that they could visit Gringotts, the wizarding bank, to access Lily Potter's vault.

"Aunt Petunia agreed, but Dudley…" Harry thought, observing his cousin.

Dudley still had trouble accepting that magic was real. Even after seeing Timmy appear out of thin air, he had clung to his usual skepticism, dismissing it as "some weird trick." But when Timmy vanished and reappeared with a plate of toast, Dudley had nearly fallen off his chair.

Now, he was interested—but hesitant.

"Alright," Harry said, putting his cup down. "I want to visit Gringotts today. But you have to promise something."

Dudley frowned. "What?"

"You can't tell anyone about this. No teachers, no friends, not even your dad if he ever comes back."

Dudley shifted uncomfortably, but eventually, he nodded.

"Fine. But I get to see everything. No sneaking around."

Harry smirked. "Agreed."

**The Journey to Gringotts**

Timmy brought them to the backyard and grabbed both their hands. With a sharp crack, the world spun around them. Dudley let out a yelp as they landed in a dimly lit alleyway.

They were in Diagon Alley.

Dudley's eyes went wide as he took in the cobbled streets, the strange shops, and the oddly dressed people. A wizard in deep purple robes walked past them, carrying a cage with a tiny, shrieking creature inside. Further ahead, a floating sign outside a shop read:

"Madam Primpernelle's – Disguises for the Discerning Witch!"

Dudley stared in disbelief. "This place is—"

"Magic," Harry finished, smirking.

Timmy tugged at Harry's sleeve. "Master Harry, we must go to the bank first."

At the end of the street, looming over the alley, stood Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

**Inside the Bank**

The goblins were as sharp and unfriendly as Harry had expected. They barely spared a glance at Dudley, who stuck close to him, suddenly nervous.

At the teller's desk, Harry handed over his mother's key—which Timmy had retrieved from its hidden place in the house. The goblin inspected it and nodded.

"Vault 394. Follow me."

They were led to a small mine cart, which took them deep underground. Dudley gripped the side of the cart as they sped through the tunnels, his face pale.

"This is insane!" he shouted over the rushing wind.

Harry laughed. "It's normal here."

Finally, they arrived at Lily Potter's vault. The goblin unlocked the door, and inside—

Stacks of gold and silver coins lined the shelves, but what caught Harry's eye were the books.

A small leather-bound journal with Lily's initials.

Several old potions books, some with Lily's neat handwriting in the margins.

A box labeled "Personal Belongings" containing letters, photographs, and a delicate locket.

Harry picked up the journal, flipping through the first few pages. It contained notes on potions, spell theories, and even a few personal entries.

"Mum left this behind…"

For the first time in his life, Harry felt like he was truly connected to her.

Dudley, meanwhile, had grabbed a single gold coin and was inspecting it like it might explode.

"This is real? You're rich?"

Harry shrugged. "I have enough."

After collecting a small pouch of money and the books, they left the vault.

**A Taste of Magic**

Back in Diagon Alley, Harry led Dudley toward a shop filled with sweets. The sign above read:

"Sugarplum's Sweets – Enchanting Treats for Every Occasion!"

Inside, colorful candies floated in glass jars, chocolate frogs hopped in their boxes, and tiny pastries sparkled with golden dust.

Dudley was speechless.

Harry bought a small selection of magical snacks for Dudley and Petunia, choosing things that wouldn't cause any unexpected magical effects.

Dudley took a cautious bite of a butter toffee—and his eyes lit up.

"This… this is the best thing I've ever had."

Harry smirked. "Told you magic isn't so bad."

As they left the shop, Dudley was still chewing, looking deep in thought.

For the first time, it wasn't fear or jealousy on his face. It was curiosity.

Reflections

As they returned home, Harry carefully hid the books in his room. Tonight, he would begin reading his mother's notes.

Dudley, meanwhile, was still processing everything.

Eventually, he looked at Harry and asked, "So… what else can magic do?"

Harry simply smiled.

"Stick around, and you'll see."