"Bournemouth Epiphany" - Part Two
Oct. 29th, 2007 11:14 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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hedwigs_bane
Super-Beta:weetziecat
Pairing: None
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2,394 (this part) -- 5,751 (total). Too long for one post.
N.B.: This is PART TWO. See PART ONE first.
Bournemouth Epiphany
(Part Two)
hedwigs_bane Super-Beta:
weetziecat Pairing: None
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2,394 (this part) -- 5,751 (total). Too long for one post.
N.B.: This is PART TWO. See PART ONE first.
(Part Two)
“Hello, Aunt Petunia, Dudley. Where’s Uncle Vernon?” Harry Potter stood at the front door of Number Four, straining his neck to see past his aunt and cousin. Dudley stood there and watched Harry walk back to the house. Surely, he had been joking about the big breakfast.
Hadn’t he?
“Vernon had to leave early for work,” Dudley’s mother said. “He’s a vice president now, you know.”
“Yes,” Harry nodded, his face a study in concealed emotions. “I’d heard something about that.”
“Please, come in,” Dudley moved aside at his mother’s prod to allow Harry into the hallway. “I thought maybe we could have some tea before we leave.”
“No, that’s all right, really,” Harry replied, seeming uncomfortable about staying longer than necessary. “My friend Ron is waiting outside, and…”
“Well, he can join us as well, can’t he?” His mother asked politely.
“Well… I suppose… if he wants…”
“Dudley, go out and ask Harry’s friend to join us, please,” his mother directed, taking hold of Harry’s upper arm and leading him into the lounge. Dudley stepped out the front door and saw a ginger-haired young man, every bit as tall as him, thought not nearly as broad, standing on the pavement in front of the house. He walked towards him, wondering just what to say.
“Yeah?” The wizard looked at him somewhat suspiciously as Dudley approached.
“We… my mother wanted to know if you’d like to come in for some tea,” Dudley answered, feeling more than a bit intimidated. He had met the boy before, as he crashed out of the blocked fireplace with three other redheads. He remembered the turmoil when his tongue began to swell and lengthen, his parents screaming and the older wizard insisting they allow him to make it right.
“Tea?” The redheaded wizard’s face broke into a sardonic smile. “You’re not serious.”
“Yeah, I am,” Dudley said, feeling it a bit of a stupid response. “I’m Dudley, by the way. Dudley Dursley.”
“Yeah, I know,” The wizard replied, taking Dudley’s outstretched hand. “I’m Ron Weasley.”
The two of them made their way up the garden path. “We met once,” Dudley offered as a conversation starter. “Well, sort of. I don’t think we actually spoke to each other.”
“I remember that,” Ron said, a note of amusement in his voice. “How’s the tongue?”
A year ago, Dudley would have recognized the insult and threatened this stranger with a sound pummeling. Now, however, he couldn’t help but laugh.
“Loads better, thanks.” He had gone three steps before he realized Ron had stopped walking. “What’s wrong?”
“N-nothing,” Ron replied. “I just didn’t think you thought that was very funny.”
“I didn’t then,” Dudley shrugged. “But it was a long time ago, and now I sort of wish someone had taken a picture.” When Ron still remained in place, Dudley asked, “Tea?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah,” Ron caught up with Dudley and they both walked into the house.
Harry sat at the dining room table, looking quite uncomfortable. Dudley waved Ron to a chair and went to see if his mother needed help in the kitchen. Before he was far enough away to miss it, he could hear Ron whisper, “What the hell did those Dementors do to your cousin?”
“Thank you, Dudley,” his mother said, handing him a tray of biscuits. He led the way back into the dining room to see Harry and Ron lean back, cutting off the whispered conversation they’d been having. Tea was poured and the tray passed around until everyone was served. They all sat, nibbled and sipped in an uncomfortable silence for several long moments.
“I want to thank you, Harry,” his mother broke the silence. “I know how hard it was for you to come back here.”
“Don’t mention it,” Harry said, sounding just a bit grim. “I told you I would let you know where their graves are.”
“Still, you could have simply sent directions with the owl. I’m sure we could have found it.” Almost as if she knew it had sounded as if she would have preferred not to see Harry again, she quickly added, “I mean to say, I hate to see you go to so much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble, really,” Harry spoke, his eyes fixed on his teacup. “I sort of wanted to go back again myself. And Ron’s never been there, either.” Finally looking up, he said, “Besides, it’s a long trip, and I didn’t think Uncle Vernon would much fancy the drive.”
“No, I doubt he would have been joining us,” Dudley’s mother said with grim humour. “Oh yes, and he didn’t appreciate the owl much, either.”
For the first time since he had entered the house, Dudley saw a small smile turn up the ends of Harry’s mouth. “Pissed him off, eh?”
“You could say that,” his mother replied with a tight smile. “I suppose you remember that vein in his temple?”
“Vividly,” Harry nodded with a smirk.
“So how are we going to get wherever it is we’re going,” Dudley blurted out, feeling a need to be part of the conversation.
“We?” Harry fixed him with a look.
“Yeah,” Dudley said, looking at his mother. “Didn’t you tell him I wanted to go?”
“I’m sorry, Dudley,” his mother said contritely. “I didn’t think to put it in the note. Would it be all right if Dudley came along, Harry?”
“Why?” Harry asked, looking suspiciously at his cousin.
“Cause I don’t think Mum should be alone when… well, you know.”
“She won’t be,” Ron chimed in. “We’ll both be with her.”
“No, no, it’s all right,” Harry said, no longer looking suspicious as much as curious. “There’s no reason we can’t take one more. I just didn’t expect…”
“I know,” Dudley said, surprised to hear himself say it aloud. Now that he had, and everyone was looking at him, he felt an explanation was in order. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about things, though. I’d like to think I’ve changed.”
“Well, you sure look more fit than you used to,” Harry looked appraisingly at him. “Looks like Bournemouth agreed with you.”
“Actually, I loved it there,” Dudley said easily. “The beach was wicked, and I ran everyday. Thanks for sending us there.”
“It really wasn’t my choice,” Harry shrugged, “but I’m glad you liked it. I’ll pass on your thanks, though.”
“We really didn’t get to hear much about what you were doing while we were there,” Dudley said. “What was it like fighting Voldemort?” Dudley sat back at the look of shock this question received from both Harry and Ron. “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong? I really don’t understand what…”
“No, it’s fine,” Harry looked as if Dudley had just sprouted antennae. “I just didn’t think you were interested in… well, any of that.”
“I told you, a lot changed,” Dudley shrugged in turn. “Hestia told me a lot about what was going on, and she taught me a lot about wizards and stuff.” He watched Harry and Ron turn towards each other in amazement. “Yeah, I know. Weird, huh?”
“Seriously weird,” Ron said quietly.
“As a matter of fact,” Dudley said, suddenly recognizing an opportunity, “I was wondering if you and I could have a talk, Harry. In private?”
“Uh,” Harry stared, his mouth hanging open, and Ron eyed Dudley suspiciously again. “Yeah, I guess…”
“We could go out into the back garden,” Dudley said, standing. “Is that all right, Mum?”
“Y-yes, Dudley, that’s… fine,” his mother nodded slowly, looking almost as shocked as Harry.
Dudley led the way out through the French doors into the garden, Harry following in his wake. He closed the doors and they walked to the pair of concrete benches beneath the arbor. From the look on his face, Dudley knew he had Harry’s complete and undivided attention.
“Listen, Harry… mate,” Dudley didn’t let Harry’s raised eyebrows deter him. “I wanted to say… to say… I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Harry replied, but Dudley knew it was just an automatic response.
“For the way I treated you when you lived here,” Dudley said calmly. He had been rehearsing this speech for the past two days, and wanted to be sure he said everything he’d wanted to say. “I don’t know how you ever put up with me without putting some sort of curse on me.”
“Wasn’t easy,” Harry snorted. “But really, Dudley, it’s not that important. I’m willing to forget it, all right?”
“I’m not,” Dudley replied. “At least not until I say it all.” He could see Harry growing uncomfortable again, but he knew he’d never forgive himself if he didn’t take advantage of the moment, not sure if he’d ever see Harry again. “I was a right prick, and I never once thought about how it must have been for you. I was a spoiled bully, and I took every opportunity to try to make you feel like you were nothing. I just never knew you were so… so…”
“Famous?” Harry asked with a smirk. “Believe me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
“No, not famous,” Dudley shook his head. “So important. Why didn’t you ever tell me about Voldemort and those Death Eaters and all that, before that night we were attacked?”
“Dud-leeey,” Harry drew out his name with a reprimanding tone. “I wasn’t allowed to talk about any of that stuff in this house. Besides, you wouldn’t have believed me anyway. You’d have run to tell your parents I was puffing myself up and talking about magic, and I’d have spent a week locked in the cupboard.”
“Fair point,” Dudley conceded. “Still, I wish I had known. Maybe I wouldn’t have been such a prat.”
“Maybe,” Harry said jovially while getting to his feet. “But it’s all water under the bridge now, Dudley. Don’t worry about it, yeah?”
“Wait!” Dudley called out as Harry turned back towards the house. “Just one more minute, all right?” The curious expression Harry had worn before crept back onto his face, but he slowly sat back down. “Thank you,” Dudley said, trying to force a smile onto his face. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to say. Thank you for saving my life when those Dementors attacked me.”
“Well, it was my fault they were there,” Harry shrugged. “Couldn’t very well let them suck out your soul.”
“But it wasn’t your fault,” Dudley wouldn’t let Harry play down the events. “It was that woman, Umbridge. She sent them here to get you kicked out of school.”
“Blimey, Dudley, Hestia really did fill you in, eh?” Harry looked surprised but pleased.
“Yeah,” Dudley nodded. “She could be the president of the Harry Potter fan club, for sure.” He laughed at his own joke. “But after everything she told me, I think I might want to join, too.”
“All right, that’s it!” Harry said, standing again. “We’re getting you to a hospital!”
“Don’t, Harry,” Dudley groaned a bit, feeling offended. “I’m being serious.”
“I know, Duds,” Harry said contritely. “I just wasn’t expecting it, that’s all. Guess I’m not sure what to say.”
“Just say you forgive me,” Dudley pleaded. “Or, at least that you’ll try.”
“I think I can do that,” Harry said, reaching out his hand. Dudley stood and took it, and then, on an impulse, he pulled Harry into a massive hug. “Bloody hell, Dudley!” Harry said in a somewhat smothered voice. “I can only take so many shocks a day, mate!”
“Sorry,” Dudley said embarrassed, releasing Harry. “I just… I just wanted you to know that I think you’re sort of brilliant, and that I’m sorry I—”
“That’s enough of that, already,” Harry smiled sincerely. “I forgive you, all right?” He looked back towards the house. The bright sunlight shining on the windows obscured the view inside. “I just hope Ron wasn’t watching that. He’ll take the piss out of me for a month!”
“Want me to hug him, too?” Dudley smirked.
“Couldn’t hurt,” Harry flashed a wicked grin. “Might make a mess if his head explodes, though.”
“Wouldn’t want that,” Dudley snorted. “Mum still hates a messy house.”
“What about your Mum?” Harry asked suddenly. “Are she and Uncle Vernon..?” He seemed unable to find the right words.
“I’m not sure,” Dudley presumed on Harry’s question. “I sort of have a feeling they might not be together much longer.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Harry said with sincerity.
“I’m not,” Dudley shook his head. “I don’t think Mum’s been very happy for a long time. I think she’d do better without Dad.”
“What would you do?” Harry asked.
“Well, I’ll be nineteen in another week,” Dudley reasoned. “I’d probably stay with Mum until I found a job and a place of my own.”
“A job? What kind of job?”
“Not sure,” Dudley shrugged. “I was never the best student. Probably end up dishing curry.”
“Maybe you could get a job at a health club,” Harry suggested. “You really do look fit.”
“Hey, that’s not bad,” Dudley said excitedly, having never considered such an idea. “Get scrawny gits like you in and make men out of them.”
“Watch that,” Harry warned . “I’m allowed to do magic anywhere now.”
“I’ll be careful,” Dudley said in feigned fear. “Listen, Harry, after today, will we ever see each other again?”
“I honestly never thought about it,” Harry said, his face giving clear evidence of the truth of his words. “Never thought any of you really wanted me around.”
“I do,” Dudley said slowly enough to give emphasis to his words. “I hope we can stay in touch. I know so much about your world now that I’d like to be able to see more of it, too.”
“I’m sure we can manage that,” Harry smiled. “That is, if you don’t mind the occasional owl flying through your window.”
“Not a problem,” Dudley smiled back. “So, how are we getting to wherever it is we’re going?” Dudley repeated the question that had led to this reconciliation.
“Portkey,” Harry answered.
“What’s a Portkey?”
“Ooooh, Dudley,” Harry looked at Dudley with his hands on his hips. “Apparently, Hestia Jones didn’t teach you everything. Well, don’t worry about it, you’ll find out soon enough. Let’s go collect your Mum and Ron, and we can be on our way. I just hope you didn’t have a big breakfast.”
Hadn’t he?
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Date: 2007-10-29 06:06 pm (UTC)I really liked the bit of Dudley that we saw in DH and I think you carried that part of the plot on really well.
xxx
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Date: 2007-10-29 06:20 pm (UTC)And YEA you for reading at
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Date: 2007-10-29 06:25 pm (UTC)xxx
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Date: 2007-10-29 06:28 pm (UTC)Besides, she was too in love with Voldie-corpse to ever want to be redeemed...
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Date: 2007-10-29 06:51 pm (UTC)xxx
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Date: 2007-10-30 02:21 am (UTC)Needs a bit more, doesn't it?
Love to see Petunia chasing Vernon out of house with a frying pan.
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Date: 2007-10-30 02:27 am (UTC)LOL. That's sounds like a good idea. Maybe you should write it though!
Actually, I thought maybe Dudley could become George's new favorite target for his pranks...
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Date: 2007-10-31 01:25 am (UTC)*is so excited and touched to have one of my all time favorite stories on my community!!!*
Thanks so much Hedwig, for everything!
*HUGE HUGS*
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Date: 2007-10-31 02:11 am (UTC)Actually, this one was written after DH came out. In fact, I would have never gotten the idea on my home for the Dursleys to have been in hiding under the watchful eyes of wizards and witches on my own. Stole that from JK. Still, the other piece when Harry and Petunia kind of reconcile was long before DH, and this one sort of refers to that a bit, so I guess it's a coin toss, really.
But thank you and thank you! *hugs back*
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Date: 2007-10-31 02:12 am (UTC)Jump on YIM, Tina, Kim and I are on:)
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Date: 2007-11-08 02:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-11-08 03:55 am (UTC)