Dudley Slytherin - Chapter 4

It had been some months since the events at the park, the time passing quickly in the warm summer sun. Petunia was in the garden, ambling amongst her flowers. She'd arranged them just so, in a pattern that let one wonder on a route.

The Daffodils were her favourite, rows upon rows lining the path as they preened in the breeze.

Lovely, she thought.

At least it was, before her eyes caught sight of it.

It was coiled atop a patch of soft grass, taunting her as it waited for her boys. How it could, she'd never know.

It wasn't natural.

Her boys however were fond of it, despite her protests. And it hadn't hurt them, she supposed.

Vernon wasn't bothered either, the fact it wasn't venomous enough for him… Petunia huffed, turning away as she smothered her annoyance.

They'd be home soon as she entered back through the conservatory door, leaving it slightly open before heading into the kitchen. The kettle clicked on as she waited, her mind drifting to the old Headmaster.

He'd finally written to her, months after the events at the park, explaining a need to simply visit once again.

At a later date.

She seriously wondered whether all wizards were like this, what was the point in being so vague?

It wouldn't surprise her if he never visited, which irked her, as did her boys.

They were up to something, she was sure; and it had something to do with that snake. They'd spend hours in the garden, practically every evening, talking with the damn thing.

She'd hear the hissing from the kitchen, it's pitch and range surprisingly varied. Sometimes it was quiet, soft and hardly carry. Yet other times it was harsh and loud, making her ears grimace.

At least they had a big garden, with tall fences; Vernon hadn't wanted people snooping.

The kettle flicked, drawing her back as she poured her tea.

She would speak to them today, she had to know what they were up to.

The time passed for Petunia in soothing silence, enjoying her tea as the garden rustled in the background.

Knock Knock

She jolted, tilting forwards to settle her tea.

Knock Knock Knock Knock

She headed for the door, sighing as the knocking continued to sound.

The door opened with a whoosh.

"Boys! What have I told you about knocking?"

They glanced at one another.

"…not to?" offered Harry hopefully.

Dudley laughed. "Not to knock more than twice, then wait," he tried not to laugh again as his Mother gave him a stern look.

He glanced away, wondering if he shouldn't have dared.

It didn't take long for Petunia to break, tutting as she stepped aside.

The boys barrelled in, dropping their bags as they headed straight towards the kitchen and…

"Boys, I need you in the kitchen. We need to discuss something."

They slowed to a stop, each looking put out as they turned around.

Dudley had been ahead. "But Mum, we need to –"

"No Dudley, please sit at the table," she glanced to Harry who been edging out. "You too Harry."

They didn't disobey, heading to the kitchen chairs with disgruntled steps. Petunia followed.

Once they were settled, she got straight to the point. "What do you talk about?" the boys looked confused. "With the snake," she added, with difficulty.

She really didn't like that they could speak to it.

They looked pensive, not a good sign as Petunia hedged a guess. "Has it mentioned," she worried her lip. "Magic, by any chance?"

The boys were wide eyed, their panicked green not helping her nerve.

"I'll take that as a yes then," she breathed heavily, wanting to sigh. "I was afraid of that."

Dudley frowned, thinking it through as she knew he would… "…you knew?"

He'd spoken quietly, nor suspiciously as Petunia nodded. "Yes, I knew you too would be…"

"…wizards."

Dudley blinked, turning to Harry who looked excited.

Oh no, thought Petunia. "So it told you then, the snake," she very much wanted to run that snake over with their car, Vernon would help, no questions asked.

"Nigel," Dudley said. "His name is Nigel, weird name for a snake. I think."

Indeed, it was.

"Na-uh, Nigel's a good name. He likes it too!"

Petunia waved her hand dismissively. Harry pouted. "It doesn't matter, we need to talk about what it's said to you."

She should have stepped in sooner, but they'd been so happy and… Dumbledore said they would be fine, that they were gifted.

How could she have known the snake would tell them, how could it even know?

She'd have to tell them the truth, about her sister and Hogwarts.

"Boys, let me start from the beginning. About my sister."

And so, the story began, about how her sister had been a Witch. About Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and flying brooms. Harry had known who his Mother was. Petunia's sister Lily.

But not how she'd died

Petunia couldn't tell him, not yet; he was too young.

He hadn't asked either, much to her relief.

It was Dudley that had all the questions, he was completely transfixed at the thought of spells and Hogwarts.

She could see that it all made sense now, as if the few bits he'd discovered already had found their meaning.

That ruddy snake.

"Nigel was right," muttered Dudley, looking sideways at Harry. "We'll need to see it Harry, what Nigel said."

Harry looked unsure as Petunia scrutinised them. Surprised they could simply switch between languages… Harry nibbled the corner of his mouth. "I don't know Dud…"

Petunia wanted to demand to know what they were saying, it very rude.

Yet, she didn't.

That was what unsettled her, had since she first heard their hissing. It felt threatening, innately so; as if its very nature carried such menace.

Dumbledore had looked worried, now that she recalled him. He was shocked, perhaps even scared… her stomach squirmed.

Vernon arrived shortly after, all talk of Magic put to a stop as he bustled inside.

It was best not to spring these sorts of things on him, especially after a long day.

Break

Harry woke with a start, inhaling deeply as the covers clung to him.

He'd been dreaming again, the memories clinging as he tried to settle himself. They always felt odd, these dreams. Dreams of things he felt ought to be real, since they certainly felt it as he recalled devouring a rat.

Was he a snake?

No, yet he'd sworn he had been in the dream.

He shook his head, sitting up as he released the covers.

Harry was nine now, Dudley too. His cousin a little older, just a few months between them.

It had been a fun few years, four to be exact since they'd discovered Nigel and their shared future.

Wizards.

Who'd have thought?

It still surprised Harry to think of it. Yet, it shouldn't, since there was no doubt they'd be attending Hogwarts.

Harry moved within his covers, wondering what Nigel was doing now, late at night. Dudley would know, he always seemed to know where Nigel was.

Dudley made a noise, hissing about missing lunch. Harry smiled.

He was an odd one, his cousin, at least to most. The teachers at school called him eccentric, at least amongst themselves.

Harry had seen it within the eyes of his teacher, frowning at Dudley who was ignoring her lesson.

He'd been caught up on something they'd discussed with Nigel, sitting next to Harry, still as a statue, lost in thought.

Dudley had a knack for learning.

As did Harry, if with a little less enthusiasm. Harry much preferred people, was more inclined to spend time with them than with books – or Nigel.

They'd always be close though as Dudley lurched, making a noise as he startled awake.

Harry watched silently, letting him collect himself.

Dudley turned to Harry, as if knowing he was awake. "Harry," he mumbled, twisting his body round. "You okay?"

Harry nodded, the action somehow visible in the dark of their room. "Yeah Dud, just a bad dream."

His cousin hummed, flexing his shoulders. "What were you this time?"

It had been a regular theme of Harry's dreams, he'd be a creature of some sorts. "A snake, who'd have guessed," they chuckled, who indeed.

Dudley cupped his hand, letting it rest in his lap as Harry flicked his eyes away.

A warm light, blinked softly to life.

One of Dudley's tricks, they were wizards after all. "Nice, how long did it take?"

Harry had observed how long it took Dudley to conjure light, it had once been several seconds of effort.

Yet now it was quick, within a second. Dudley was always improving. "About a second, seems to be the limit."

Harry agreed, the reduction had begun to stagnate recently.

Harry had tried himself, wanting to copy Dudley's success. Yet, it just wasn't that easy. Harry could feel something happen, feel a warmth in his hand but he, just wasn't able.

Dudley had really tried to teach him, like before, but to no avail.

Harry didn't mind though, he'd shown him the mind reading thing. That was much more useful, he'd just bring a torch if he needed light. Much better than the unfocused ball Dudley held, it certainly made it difficult to look at things without being dazzled.

He was working on that of course, Dudley as unrelenting as ever when it came to Magic.

Now that the room was lit, Dudley looked to the clock sitting neatly atop the bedside table, a small set of wooden drawers that Petunia had picked.

"It's almost six o'clock, should we get up?" asked Dudley, he rather liked to sleep, as did Harry when he wasn't dreaming.

"Yeah, may as well. We can study downstairs."

They nodded, heading out. They'd done it before. Waking early when Harry had dreams, Dudley practicing his light thing.

Harry liked to practice too. "Stop prodding Harry, you won't get in," stated Dudley annoyedly, turning back to an amused Harry as they descended the stairs.

"Maybe, but it's good practice, right?"

Dudley could hardly argue with that, knowing he'd said the exact same thing when trying to read Harry's mind.

It was a game they played, each trying to find the other's number.

The score was in Harry's favour, the Master was now the Apprentice.

"Dips on the Shreddies."

Harry scowled, entering the kitchen with a sulk as Dudley retrieved their bowls.

Dudley was a little funny about food, very… possessive.

He'd get quite upset if the shops didn't have his favourites in stock, Petunia even once had to shout at him to stop hissing in the supermarket.

That had been embarrassing, they'd only been six at the time.

They filled their bowls with cereal, pouring the milk carefully before digging in. They'd found some Orange Juice too, very nice.

Dudley flicked the TV on.

The news was a sad place, Harry didn't want to work there.

"She looks funny," said Dudley.

Harry looked from his bowl, following Dudley's eyes to the women pointing at a map of England.

"Her nose looks odd, like that singer."

"Yeahhhh, that's it. They must know each other."

The news rattled on as they finished breakfast, each setting the bowls to dry after washing them.

Petunia wouldn't have her boys making a mess, not in her kitchen.

It was just past six when they settled in for some study, the kitchen table already littered with papers and notes.

They were avid, yet didn't include any magical texts. They couldn't, Petunia was adamant they not visit the alley until a Professor showed them the way.

Understandable, yet still a disappointment for the boys.

Undeterred, they instead decided to learn on their own, following the structure and methodologies found in muggle books.

It was brilliant, they'd learned all sorts of things about magic. Like how it seemed to know what they wanted, protected them like when Dudley fell from that tree so many years before.

They had since established that yes, Dudley could, in a limited fashion, fly.

Flout, was more accurate. For a dozen seconds or so. Dudley couldn't really manoeuvre himself either and would tire quickly before having to descend.

They still thought it was awesome, yet Harry as before, just didn't have the knack for it.

Dudley's magic was much more utilitarian than Harry's, matching his mindset. Everything had a use to Dudley, a purpose which reflected in his magic.

He needed to fly, then he would try and eventually float.

He wanted light, then he'd think and work until he had light.

Harry just wasn't inclined, not in the same way. Harry much preferred people and interactions, he was so good at mind reading because he genuinely wanted to know more about people.

Dudley… not so much.

Harry was also very charming, able to smile and joke with anyone. Dudley had a difficult time judging things, sometimes speaking out of turn and upsetting people.

He was rarely unkind, just slightly ignorant of how other people worked.

Something else that differed about the boys was Harry's hair, which grew back, repeatedly.

With vigour.

Dudley had laughed so much when his Mother just couldn't seem to keep it short.

Harry liked it longer, it covered his scar.

Dudley's was like any other, his straight blonde hair easily abiding Petunia's efforts. It wasn't just that either, as Harry had managed to change his face slightly, much to Petunia's horror.

They were making animal faces and while Dudley's were merely amateur, Harry's had been top-class.

He'd actually grown a snout, a little hair too before his panic washed it away.

Harry practiced it, a little reluctantly at first, before he'd found a way to improve his senses.

Amazing, Dudley had no chance of that. Harry said he'd thought about smelling like a dog could, only to vomit as the various smells overwhelmed him.

Good times, as they set to work, looking over their notes with interest.

Dudley was experimenting with, as he called it, the Magic Hands.

Harry wasn't convinced, Dudley even said he could feel things around him. Like he could sense Magic, feel its nature and presence… Harry watched on as Dudley gestured to the remote, dodging quickly as it whipped towards his head.

That happened a lot, this was their third remote as Dudley slipped from his chair, stubborn as he raised his hand.

"Come on…"

Harry couldn't see the remote, and nor could Dudley as it sat somewhere behind the kitchen counter.

Something rattled, hitting a wooden panel as Dudley remained rigid, moving his arm upwards.

It was floating, at little wobbly but it was, Dudley was straining now as it finally landed in his other hand.

He was breathing heavily, he'd done it. It would always amaze Harry, even if Dudley didn't think it was enough as the morning wore on.

Vernon woke soon after, leaving his wife to enjoy her rest. She'd been stressed of late, something he'd hope would ease once the boys settled.

Into what, was another matter.

He was still unsure about Dudley going to Hogwarts, it was so far away. They wouldn't see him enough, would miss him as he grew to a man.

Not to mention how dangerous all this magic business seemed to be, Petunia having mentioned Dragons.

Outrageous.

So yes, Vernon still had his doubts. Even still as he entered the kitchen, only to find Dudley once again floating his TV remote.

He'd told him not to do that. "Morning boys," he said, shooting Dudley a look. "Dudley, use something else. I don't want to replace another remote."

"Sorry Dad."

Dudley let the remote settle on the table, feeling his arms ache from all the gesturing he'd done.

That was one of his goals too, to reduce the arm movement required.

It was all on his list, along with helping his Dad lose some weight. "Cereal for breakfast, Dad?"

Vernon hummed as he swirled his coffee, slightly peeved at his son's encouraging tone. He could decide his own breakfast, thank you very much.

But, being an indulging father. "Yes Dudley, Cereal it is."

He sighed at seeing Dudley's pleased look, he wasn't that big. Dudley was exaggerating his weight because he was concerned, heart disease was a killer amongst muggles.

Muggles.

He was a muggle, proud of it too. Yet Dudley wasn't. It pained him to know they were so different.

At least he had Vernon's build, strong and thick. He'd be tall like Petunia too, call it father's intuition.

Dudley had laid a bowl out for Vernon too, even left the low sugar cereal just by it.

Vernon poured himself a bowl, joining them at the table.

He perused their notes, often helping them with spelling and theories.

Vernon was intelligent, as were his boys.

Harry smiled at him, showing him a set of notes he'd written. "What do you think Uncle?"

Vernon glanced at the page, smiling back as he finished his mouthful. "Very good Harry, your method in testing the," he read quickly. Harry looked sheepish. "Animorphic abilities is solid, have you improved?"

Vernon was sure if he'd been a younger man, he'd have had nightmares after seeing Harry's animal faces.

It was honestly horrific, from a muggle's point of few. Like he'd been genetically modified by an evil scientist.

Luckily, Harry didn't seem to mind it, and his research into animal incorporation was interesting.

Vernon read another page, smiling. "You can see in the dark now? Amazing!"

Harry smile was blinding. "Yeah! We tested it a few nights ago, I used a Crow's feather," he turned to Dudley. "Dudley suggested it, since the faces I made before were just impressions of the animals I thought of!"

Vernon nodded, it made perfect sense. For Harry to properly mimic an animal, he needed to have come into contact with it. Otherwise it was simply an impression of whatever Harry could think of, like the initial bear face he'd made. His dog nose actually enhanced his sense of smell after Harry met one the same day at the park. Now he could do it whenever.

Vernon wondered if Harry might actually be able to turn into an animal, but didn't voice it. He didn't want Harry to get stuck as a Crow.

Dudley had other plans though. "We think that Harry might be able to transform entirely into the animals too."

Harry seemed to agree, but was a little sceptical. "At least, it's a possibility."

Vernon liked Harry's cautious nature, particularly when it came to magic. Not that Dudley wasn't careful, he just seemed to have a healthy appetite for risk.

Carefully calculated risk, he was proud of them.

The door opened as Petunia strode in, she had her dressing gown on. "Morning Petunia, did you sleep well?"

Petunia smiled at Vernon, he always checked to see how she was. "Yes love, much better now. I think the wine wasn't helping."

Vernon nodded, quite agreeing as he finished his bowl. He had to get ready for work, he needed to be out early today. "I am off early today, going to visit a new supplier in London," Vernon hated London, in all honesty. But it's where his job took him, so he'd go; at least if he went early he'd miss most of the rush. "I'll be back early too, around 16:00 I think."

Petunia smiled, hugging him as he passed. The boys looked away. "I'll see you later then, be careful in London."

She worried for Vernon, he didn't like London – it stressed him.

The boys helped in that area, she was glad. They had common interests, learning being the main one. Vernon had also been the one to suggest language lessons, the boys would do well learning French or Spanish.

"Morning boys, have you been up long?"

They shook their heads. "Only an hour or so," offered Dudley, reading through his notes. "We wanted a head start before school."

Petunia nodded, fixing her own breakfast as she thought of just that. They'd be ten in a few months, she dreaded their eleventh birthday.

It made her sad, thinking they'd be away most of the year.

The things they'd get up to, as she ate quickly. They'd need to get ready for school as Petunia ushered them out, their usual routine finished quickly as they gathered their things. She'd offered to walk with them to school, but they'd always insist on going alone.

They left in a bustle, the door closing as they the sky began to weep. It was the summer again, it shouldn't be raining.

Break

Dudley and Harry ran through the rain, heading for the park and the woods beyond. They'd still make it to school, no problems. But they had to see Nigel, he said to meet them in the park.

It was time to see what Nigel had spoken of, about a place they needed to see.

They'd pondered about how they'd get there, ever since they were six. Nigel was oddly obscure about the details, odd since he'd told them of it in the first place.

He'd been excited, when they'd first met. Admitting he should have waited to tell them, they were too young to visit.

But now, they could.

Their feet crunched as they traversed the forest, the small twigs and sticks littering the soft ground announcing their presence. "So, what do you think it is, this thing Nigel wants to show us," asked Harry, following Dudley as he bulldozed a path.

It had been windy the night before, a fact Dudley disliked as he hopped over a branch. "Well, I don't know really," he'd wondered, the both of them trying to understand what Nigel wouldn't explain. "It must be something magical, that's a given. Probably related to our talking to snakes thing, but maybe just magic in general."

Harry agreed, lingering on something Dudley seemed to be ignoring.

"Dud?"

Dudley stepped on a twig.

"Yeah?"

Harry worried his lip. "Do you think it's safe? That Nigel…"

He didn't need to explain, Dudley could feel that Harry was anxious. His magic agitated, bubbling almost.

Dudley could sense many things, including Nigel up ahead. Nigel had magic too, unlike the other snakes he'd encountered.

He had since the day they'd met him.

Dudley didn't feel any hostility from Nigel, his magic calm and… accommodating.

Perhaps they really were his Masters. Good to know. "I think it's safe Harry," he said, heading towards Nigel. "But if it's not, we'll figure it out."

He felt Harry nod, glad Dudley was sure.

"I hope."

Harry sighed, almost laughing as Dudley chuckled too.

They found Nigel in a clearing, yet no sunshine was to be found.

"Masters…" hissed Nigel, coming up to Dudley. "You came, thank you."

Dudley glanced at Harry. "Of course, Nigel. It's good to see you."

Nigel dipped his head, hissing happily as Dudley pressed on. "Where are we going? Is it far?"

They theorised that wherever they were going, they'd need some kind of magical transportation to get there.

And they were right, as Nigel seemed to materialise something within his coils.

"A Portkey?" hissed Dudley, recalling when Nigel had explained them.

Harry moved closer. "It looks old," he said, leaning down for a closer look. "Dud, look. Its symbol."

Dudley broke from his musings, following Harry's gaze towards a symbol on the key's handle.

A snake, old and purest of green.

Nigel was pleased.

"Yes, masters. It is a Portkey… come. Come and see."

Harry was excited, he'd never travelled by Portkey. His earlier reservations gone.

Nigel was their friend.

Dudley nodded, leaning down. Nigel had explained how Portkey's worked, how each would need to touch a piece of it to travel.

He pinched a corner, Harry too as Nigel rested on the other.

Nigel hissed, long and flowing.

Swoosh

And they were gone.