Chapter 31: Gifts of Protection and Care

After returning from Flamel's residence, Harry felt an unusual warmth settle in his chest. The time he had spent learning was invaluable, but there was something comforting about being home with his family. The bustling yet familiar atmosphere of the Dursley household, now far more welcoming than before, made him appreciate the bonds he had built over the years.

At dinner, as plates clinked and the scent of roast chicken filled the air, Harry watched his aunt and cousin chat about their day. Dudley had recently taken an interest in computers, while Petunia had taken up gardening more seriously now that they had an elf helping with housework. Even with the occasional bickering, there was an ease in their conversations—something that had once been unthinkable in his earlier years.

After finishing his meal, Harry decided it was time to present his latest creation. He pulled out a small wooden box and set it on the table.

"I made something for you both," he said, opening the lid to reveal two identical golden emblems, each shaped like a soaring phoenix.

Dudley leaned in, eyes wide. "Whoa, they look awesome! What do they do?"

Petunia, ever more reserved, studied the emblem with a curious but wary expression. "Harry, is this... magic?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, but it's subtle and safe. These emblems are designed to promote healing. If you get a small injury, they'll accelerate the healing process automatically. They're not instant, but they'll help a lot."

Dudley picked up his emblem excitedly. "So, if I get a cut or a bruise, this will fix it?"

"Exactly. It'll also help with fatigue if you wear it regularly," Harry explained. "It works by passively channeling energy into your body. I tested one myself, and it's completely harmless."

Petunia hesitated, fingers lightly tracing the phoenix's engraved wings. There was something about the emblem that felt... warm. Almost comforting. A part of her, deep down, still held a lingering distrust of magic, but this—this wasn't some dangerous, unknown force. This was her nephew, doing something thoughtful.

Finally, she sighed and offered a small, reluctant smile. "You've been working hard on these, haven't you?"

Harry nodded. "I wanted to do something for you both. You're my family, after all."

Petunia blinked, clearly taken aback. Dudley, on the other hand, was already fastening the emblem onto his shirt. "This is seriously cool," he said with a grin. "Thanks, Harry."

For a moment, the three of them sat in silence, a rare but meaningful moment of understanding. The past couldn't be erased, and some wounds might never fully heal, but this—this was a step forward.

As the night continued, Harry listened to his family's conversations, enjoying the simple pleasure of their company. For all his thirst for knowledge, his desire to grow stronger, moments like these reminded him why he sought power in the first place.

"Not just for myself," he thought, watching as his aunt absentmindedly touched the emblem, a thoughtful look on her face. "But to protect the people I care about."