A Taste of Magic

Chapter 29: 29th Course - A Good Day

Petunia's eyes popped open when she opened the door and saw the man standing there. He was dressed in a very nicely cut suit of plum purple, a fashionable outfit in an unfashionable color. Eyes twinkled brightly behind moon-shaped glasses and he smiled genially. "Petunia, it has been some time. Nice to see you."

"You!" Petunia nearly shrieked, stopping herself at the last moment in an attempt to avoid drawing attention.

Dumbledore's smile remained genial. "Me," he agreed. "I must say, your flowers seem to be flourishing. Not an easy thing to do with such temperamental plants."

"What are you doing here?" she hissed, looking up and down the street, hoping that no one was peering out of the windows at the man and his flamboyantly colored clothes.

"Picking up Harry for the day," Dumbledore said. "Surely he told you?"

"He did but he didn't say why," Petunia gritted out.

"Most likely because I did not tell him why exactly. If anything, I would think you would know."

"Why would I know?" she asked, genuinely confused.

Dumbledore's smile faded slightly, becoming sad and bitter. "Hmm. Perhaps you will remember when we return." His smile bloomed when Harry came to the door. "Ah Harry, good to see you."

"Hello Sir." Harry grinned. "Nice suit."

"Thank you! As you know, I adore brighter and richer colors and I must admit, a well made suit is just as impressive as fitted robes. Are you ready?"

"Wait, how long will you be out again?" Petunia asked.

"Do not worry," Dumbledore said, "I will bring Harry back this evening."

"I wasn't worried about that," she snapped. "What are we supposed to eat?"

"I already made lunch and dinner. You just have to pop it into the oven and it'll be done," Harry said quietly.

"Oh, alright then," she said, no longer concerned.

Dumbledore gave her a cool look before he shook his head. "Come along then Harry, let's not waste the day." He nodded slightly to Petunia and walked down the lane with Harry and continued down the street beside him.

"Where are we going Sir?" Harry asked, seemingly happy at this change in his daily routine.

"To Diagon Alley," Dumbledore said warmly. "I am taking you to a restaurant to celebrate the day. It is a very nice magical restaurant and I know you have not had the opportunity to experience a meal in the Magical World before."

"Thank you, Sir! What are we celebrating?"

Dumbledore stopped and stared at Harry. "Please tell me you are kidding," he said seriously. "It is your birthday, is it not?"

"Oh!" Harry flushed. "Uh, yeah, it is."

"Harry," Dumbledore said sorrowfully.

"No one ever made a fuss about it before," Harry said quietly, sheepishly. "I sort of forgot. The only exciting thing that happened before was my letter first year."