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ficsbydeenasTitle: Dudley Dursley and the Magical Enchantress
Story Summary: Dudley wasn't expecting to find her. He fought it every step of the way and yet, once he fell under her spell and there was no going back. No matter what.
Chapter 3/9
Chapter Summary: Dudley attends his first Quidditch match with a surprise ending.
Pairing: Dudley/Katie
Rating: R
Beta:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
queenb23more
Dudley Dursley
and
the
Magical Enchantress
--Chapter Three--
Dudley's dreams over the next few weeks were full of Katie. Their snog session supplied him with much material for naughty dreams that caused him to awaken with erections that would only go away after a warm shower paired with hard and fast motions from his hand. After their date, they talked on the phone twice and exchanged a few letters, but their schedules never coincided for another date.
One Saturday morning, Dudley was pulled from his shower by a pounding on his door. Experience told him it was his parents, as they were too impatient for the door bell. With a towel clutched tightly around his waist, he made his way to the door and opened it with a scowl.
“Good morn—Dudley! Put some clothes on!” his mother shrieked, pushing passed him.
“Dudley,” his father said curtly, following his wife.
“Come in,” he said in an annoyed whisper. This behaviour was becoming rather typical of his parents. In fact, he was awoken in a similar fashion the morning after his date with Katie.
“Oh Dudley! There you are! I was so worried!” His mother flung herself at him and began crying on his shoulder.
“Mum, I told you I would call today.” He peeled his mother off his body and set her down into a chair at the table.
“I know that, Dudley, but its a quarter of eleven right now and when you hadn't called by ten, I needed to come check on you.” She continued to sniff and dab her eyes.
“Shit, Mum, I just got up!”
“Where were you last night?” she sobbed.
“I told you last night, I went out to dinner.”
“I called at nine and you weren't home and then at ten you still weren't back I almost had a fit and your father had to give me a Valium.”
“Holy crap, Mother! I'm not ten anymore. I don't have to check in with you anymore. What if I'd gone over to her place and spent the night? What if she stayed here?”
His mother gave an audible gasp and blushed. “You didn't sleep with her, did you? What are you smiling for? You did, didn't you! I think you need to get an AIDS test.”
From there, his mother's hysterics only got worse and at eleven-thirty, Dudley had to drive her home.
Dudley gave his parents an exasperated look and made his way to the bedroom. When he emerged, he was dressed in a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. In the kitchen, his mother was huddled over the range and was busy cooking eggs for him and a kettle of water was being heated for tea.
“You don't have to feed me, Mother.” He sat down at the table across from his father who was hiding behind the Saturday Times.
“Nonsense, you're skin and bones,” she chided as she sat down a plate of eggs and a steaming cup of tea in front of him.
“So what are you doing here?” He pushed the eggs around on the plate; he hated the way his mother made eggs. The tea, he could tell was notoriously weak, meaning that she was sure to be nervous about something. “What are you doing here?” he repeated.
“Well, I, your father and I wanted to talk to you about the girl you went out with a few weeks back. We need to know more about her.” She sat down nervously at the empty chair.
“Can't have you hooking up with the wrong sort of girl, now can we? Not just any bird is good enough for you,” his father answered as he turned the page, not bothering to look out from behind the paper.
“She's not just a 'bird,' Dad.” Dudley rolled his eyes and thought back to his date with Katie. He smiled as he remembered the feel of her lips and the wonderful scent of her skin.
“You haven't got that AIDS test yet, have you? Are you sure you used protection?”
“Mum! Stay out of my business!”
“Don' t talk to your mother that way, boy!” his father shouted, suddenly tossing the paper to the table. “Our family has a reputation in this county and I won't have you gallivanting around banging every bird that's willing to spread her legs!”
“I did NOT sleep with her and for the last time, it's NONE of your bloody business!” Dudley buried his face in his hands. He had much better things to do with this Saturday morning but wasn't about to tell his parents what those plans were. The phone rang and he stood up. His mother, unfortunately, was quicker than he was and answered the phone.
“Hello, Dursley residence...No, this is Petunia Dursley...Yes, and who is this?...Who? What did you say?...How DARE you call here!...”
Just from the tone of his mother's voice, Dudley knew that it had to be Ginny on the phone. She was going to call that morning to finalize his plans with Harry and Ron.
“Mum, give me the phone!” Without waiting for her answer, he snatched the phone from her. He turned away from them and walked a few steps into the living room.
“Ginny? Sorry about her.”
“Merlin, she hasn't changed much, has she?”
Dudley snorted. “Unfortunately not. So what's the plan for today?”
“Well, I have a match.”
“Oh.” Dudley hadn't spoken with Harry in over a week, and the last time they were to go to the pub, Dudley had to cancel because he was sick. “So I guess Harry won't be missing that then, huh?”
“Nope. But didn't he tell you he wanted to take you to the match today? I swear he's as forgetful as Aunt Muriel these days.”
“Really?” He'd never seen a Quidditch match before, and from what Harry and Ron told him, it was a rather exciting game. “How am I supposed to get there? I'm a Muggle, remember?”
“Can't forget that now can we, Dudley? Actually, Harry will be stopping over and he'll Apparate the two of you to the Pitch.”
“Ap—apparate?” He'd never done that before and frankly, it frightened him.
“It'll be fine, Dudley, I promise.”
“And they'll let me in? I thought Harry said they had charms to repel us.”
“They do, but since you'll be with Harry, they'll let it slide.”
It still amazed Dudley that Harry was famous in his world, when for most of his life he was just a scrawny little git who wore his old clothes. “Okay. Fine. Just tell him to be careful and not knock over my trash bins. The neighbour wasn't too pleased last time.”
When Dudley hung up the phone, his parents looked as if they'd seen a ghost.
“What the blazes are you doing talking to those freaks?” his father asked, his face growing redder by the second.
“They're my friends. That's what you do with friends. Talk.”
“But Dudley,” began his mother, “can't you see that they're turning you against us? They cast one of their freaky spells on you, didn't they? To...to turn you into one of them.”
Dudley had to laugh openly at his mother's remark. “That's not the way it works, Mum, remember? They're born, not made...you should know that.”
“Don't remind me,” she muttered. “You need to break away from them, Dudley.”
“Are you telling who to be friends with? Don't you think I'm a little old for that?” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and dared them to say anything.
“Really, son, why would you want to spend time with them?” his father asked.
“Because they're nice and--”
Dudley was interrupted by a tapping at the window and looked over to see Lord Byron perched outside. His heart skipped a beat knowing he had a letter from Katie.
“An owl! Now you're getting owls from them? They've brainwashed you! Vernon, we need to get him to a clinic!” his mother shrieked.
“Shut up!” Dudley shouted as he let the owl in and extended his leg for Dudley. “Here, have my eggs.” He set the plate of eggs in front of the owl, who began pecking at the runny yolks.
Dudley unrolled the parchment and began reading.
Dudley--
Sorry that I haven't written in a while. Work's been busy lately, with matches to cover and deadlines to meet.
I've been thinking a lot about our date and would love to get together again soon. My schedule is rather light the next few weeks,so I could be all yours. That is, if it's okay.
I'll call you tonight as I have to work today.
<3 Katie
Of course it was okay that she wanted to see him next week. It thrilled him to no end actually. But then, he was reminded, just by looking at his parents, that it would never work out between them, and his heart sank.
“Who is that from?” his father snapped, pulling the letter from Dudley's fingers and quickly scanning it. With a huff a disgust, he ripped the letter to shreds.
“Dad! That was mine!”
“A...a witch! He was out with a witch that time, Tuney!”
She swayed visibly and clutched her chest dramatically while tears began streaming down her cheeks.
“You...you can't do this, Dudley! You mustn't see her anymore! I'll introduce you to someone in the garden club…yes, that would be much better...someone nice...and...normal...with real prospects.”
“She is nice, Mum! And she's normal, too. I'm twenty-three fucking years old, for Pete's sake! I can see whomever I want to!” Oh how he wished he could blow up his parents the way Harry blew up Marge.
“You are NOT to see that...that...FREAK anymore, if you know what's good for you.” His father was a brilliant shade of purple.
“Out,” he said calmly. “Get out of my house and don't come back until you can keep your big noses out of my business and leave my friends alone.”
“Oh, come on now, Dudley. This is ridicu--”
“NO! I've had enough of the both of you to last me two lifetimes. I've made my peace with Harry and if you can't accept that, then you can just bugger off and take a flying leap.”
He moved to open the door and before his parents could leave, Harry appeared outside, causing everyone to jump.
“Nice timing, Harry,” Dudley said sarcastically.
“They really said all that?” Harry asked after Dudley explained what had gone on with his parents.
Harry's sudden appearance at Dudley's door hastened his parents' departure, which couldn't have been soon enough for the two young men. They then settled down at the kitchen table with some coffee that Harry brought along and a bottle of Irish cream.
“Yeah, they did,” Dudley answered quietly. “Called her a freak and everything.”
“But what do you think of her?” Harry asked over the rim of his mug.
Dudley's face brightened at Harry's question. “She's funny and so easy to talk to. Did you know it was her first movie?” Harry shook his head with a smile. “I had a great time with her.”
“Good. I'm glad.” Harry looked at Dudley, who wore a bit of a dreamy look on his face. “She a good kisser?”
“Yeah,” Dudley whispered.
Harry put a hand behind his right ear. “What was that? Couldn't quite hear you, Dudley.”
“Git.” Dudley tossed a balled up napkin at Harry. “Yes, she's a great kisser,” he answered, feeling heat rise in his cheeks. They shared a laugh and added more Irish cream to their coffee.
“When are you going to see her again?”
“See, that's just it, Harry, I don't think I can.”
“Why not? You like her, don't you?”
“Yes. It's not a question of liking her or not. It's just...it's...” He couldn't say it because saying it out loud would only make it more true.
“Is it because she's a witch?” Harry's expression changed from one of amusement to one of slight irritation. “I didn't think it would matter.”
“I didn't want it to, either, but it does. It's not like I can bring her home to meet the parents. And all my other friends? What am I supposed to tell them? I can't do that to her. Or me.” Dudley took a long drink and leaned back against the chair.
“So let me get this straight,” Harry said in his interrogation voice. “There's a girl you like, have fun with, and enjoy kissing. But you can't be with her because of your close-minded parents.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Just follow your heart, Dudley.”
“It's not that simple, Harry. You don't have to worry about what your parents think.” At Harry's shocked expression, he raised his hand. “I'm sorry, but it's true. You and Ginny are from the same world, from the same place in life. As great as Katie is, I can't make her sacrifice her life for me.”
“It wouldn't have to be that way. There's plenty of Muggles who've married magical people. It's been going on for ages! Hell, one of my friend's father is a Muggle and their marriage is great. It just takes a bit of compromise.”
“Why the HELL are you bringing up marriage? I've had one date with her, Harry. One.”
Harry leaned forward on his forearms. “Personally, I think you'd be great together. I'd give it a shot if I were you.” The clock chimed the hour, and Harry jumped. “We've gotta go!”
Leaving the coffee cups on the table, they stepped out the door and once Dudley locked it, Harry Disapparated with Dudley hanging onto his cousin and his eyes squeezed tight. Dudley felt sick to his stomach and he travelled through the air, clinging to Harry. Once he felt solid ground under his feet, he opened his eyes and was amazed at the sight of the Quidditch pitch in front of him.
“Holy shit!” Dudley exclaimed, his jaw wide open.
“No time for gawking, Big D.” Harry pulled Dudley toward the entrance on their left and up the stairs. Dudley struggled to keep up with Harry and by the time they reached their box seats, Dudley was out of breath.
“Harry! Dudley! I was beginning to think you got lost or something,” Ron bellowed from one of the seats. Harry and Ron slapped each other on the back and Dudley shook Ron's hand. “Come on you two...I'm three Butterbeers ahead of you already!”
“Butterbeer? That's all you could bring? You're a bloody lightweight, Weasley,” Dudley joked. He and Ron, while the same height, were much different in build. Ron was lean with long limbs whereas Dudley was solid and somewhat bulky. They were constantly trying to see who could drink whom under the table, but up until this point, neither of them were successful.
With a hearty laugh, both Harry and Dudley took their seats next to Ron. Still amazed by the size of the stadium, Dudley leaned forward and became a bit dizzy and swayed a bit.
“Whoa there, mate,” Harry said, pulling Dudley back from the edge. “Not a good idea to do that your first time.”
Dudley sat back and took a deep breath, nodding as he clutched the bottle of Butterbeer that Ron had placed in his hand, closing his eyes and allowing his equilibrium to return.
“Uh-oh, Harry, here comes the press. Time to put on your happy face.”
Harry swore under his breath and Dudley turned to find a group of about eight people walking up the stairs toward their box. Dudley was anxious to see how Harry handled the press.
“Mr. Potter, so nice to see you again,” purred a burly man with hair more violently red than Ron's and wearing a kilt that was flapping in the breeze. Dudley had to look away. “Angus McFadden of Quidditch Illustrated, if you remember.” He held out his hand to Harry and the two of them shook hands.
“Nice to see you again was well, Angus.” Harry smiled, obviously pleased to see the man. “Thank you for the article you did on my wife.”
“Ah, that's right! You married a few months ago,” McFadden remarked. “Want to introduce you to my protégé. She's an ace reporter and has a keen eye for Quidditch.”
Dudley looked over as McFadden stepped aside and his jaw dropped when he saw her.
“Dudley! I didn't know you'd be here!” shouted Katie as she hurled herself into his waiting arms.
All of his thoughts escaped him as he held her, revelling in the warmth of her hair and the smell of her perfume. They began exchanging kisses and Dudley didn't realize exactly how much he missed her.
Dudley also didn't realize that Harry and McFadden held each other's gaze with a smile. He also missed Ron handing over five Galleons to Harry and barely containing his laughter.
Story Summary: Dudley wasn't expecting to find her. He fought it every step of the way and yet, once he fell under her spell and there was no going back. No matter what.
Chapter 3/9
Chapter Summary: Dudley attends his first Quidditch match with a surprise ending.
Pairing: Dudley/Katie
Rating: R
Beta:
queenb23moreand
the
Magical Enchantress
Dudley's dreams over the next few weeks were full of Katie. Their snog session supplied him with much material for naughty dreams that caused him to awaken with erections that would only go away after a warm shower paired with hard and fast motions from his hand. After their date, they talked on the phone twice and exchanged a few letters, but their schedules never coincided for another date.
One Saturday morning, Dudley was pulled from his shower by a pounding on his door. Experience told him it was his parents, as they were too impatient for the door bell. With a towel clutched tightly around his waist, he made his way to the door and opened it with a scowl.
“Good morn—Dudley! Put some clothes on!” his mother shrieked, pushing passed him.
“Dudley,” his father said curtly, following his wife.
“Come in,” he said in an annoyed whisper. This behaviour was becoming rather typical of his parents. In fact, he was awoken in a similar fashion the morning after his date with Katie.
“Oh Dudley! There you are! I was so worried!” His mother flung herself at him and began crying on his shoulder.
“Mum, I told you I would call today.” He peeled his mother off his body and set her down into a chair at the table.
“I know that, Dudley, but its a quarter of eleven right now and when you hadn't called by ten, I needed to come check on you.” She continued to sniff and dab her eyes.
“Shit, Mum, I just got up!”
“Where were you last night?” she sobbed.
“I told you last night, I went out to dinner.”
“I called at nine and you weren't home and then at ten you still weren't back I almost had a fit and your father had to give me a Valium.”
“Holy crap, Mother! I'm not ten anymore. I don't have to check in with you anymore. What if I'd gone over to her place and spent the night? What if she stayed here?”
His mother gave an audible gasp and blushed. “You didn't sleep with her, did you? What are you smiling for? You did, didn't you! I think you need to get an AIDS test.”
From there, his mother's hysterics only got worse and at eleven-thirty, Dudley had to drive her home.
Dudley gave his parents an exasperated look and made his way to the bedroom. When he emerged, he was dressed in a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. In the kitchen, his mother was huddled over the range and was busy cooking eggs for him and a kettle of water was being heated for tea.
“You don't have to feed me, Mother.” He sat down at the table across from his father who was hiding behind the Saturday Times.
“Nonsense, you're skin and bones,” she chided as she sat down a plate of eggs and a steaming cup of tea in front of him.
“So what are you doing here?” He pushed the eggs around on the plate; he hated the way his mother made eggs. The tea, he could tell was notoriously weak, meaning that she was sure to be nervous about something. “What are you doing here?” he repeated.
“Well, I, your father and I wanted to talk to you about the girl you went out with a few weeks back. We need to know more about her.” She sat down nervously at the empty chair.
“Can't have you hooking up with the wrong sort of girl, now can we? Not just any bird is good enough for you,” his father answered as he turned the page, not bothering to look out from behind the paper.
“She's not just a 'bird,' Dad.” Dudley rolled his eyes and thought back to his date with Katie. He smiled as he remembered the feel of her lips and the wonderful scent of her skin.
“You haven't got that AIDS test yet, have you? Are you sure you used protection?”
“Mum! Stay out of my business!”
“Don' t talk to your mother that way, boy!” his father shouted, suddenly tossing the paper to the table. “Our family has a reputation in this county and I won't have you gallivanting around banging every bird that's willing to spread her legs!”
“I did NOT sleep with her and for the last time, it's NONE of your bloody business!” Dudley buried his face in his hands. He had much better things to do with this Saturday morning but wasn't about to tell his parents what those plans were. The phone rang and he stood up. His mother, unfortunately, was quicker than he was and answered the phone.
“Hello, Dursley residence...No, this is Petunia Dursley...Yes, and who is this?...Who? What did you say?...How DARE you call here!...”
Just from the tone of his mother's voice, Dudley knew that it had to be Ginny on the phone. She was going to call that morning to finalize his plans with Harry and Ron.
“Mum, give me the phone!” Without waiting for her answer, he snatched the phone from her. He turned away from them and walked a few steps into the living room.
“Ginny? Sorry about her.”
“Merlin, she hasn't changed much, has she?”
Dudley snorted. “Unfortunately not. So what's the plan for today?”
“Well, I have a match.”
“Oh.” Dudley hadn't spoken with Harry in over a week, and the last time they were to go to the pub, Dudley had to cancel because he was sick. “So I guess Harry won't be missing that then, huh?”
“Nope. But didn't he tell you he wanted to take you to the match today? I swear he's as forgetful as Aunt Muriel these days.”
“Really?” He'd never seen a Quidditch match before, and from what Harry and Ron told him, it was a rather exciting game. “How am I supposed to get there? I'm a Muggle, remember?”
“Can't forget that now can we, Dudley? Actually, Harry will be stopping over and he'll Apparate the two of you to the Pitch.”
“Ap—apparate?” He'd never done that before and frankly, it frightened him.
“It'll be fine, Dudley, I promise.”
“And they'll let me in? I thought Harry said they had charms to repel us.”
“They do, but since you'll be with Harry, they'll let it slide.”
It still amazed Dudley that Harry was famous in his world, when for most of his life he was just a scrawny little git who wore his old clothes. “Okay. Fine. Just tell him to be careful and not knock over my trash bins. The neighbour wasn't too pleased last time.”
When Dudley hung up the phone, his parents looked as if they'd seen a ghost.
“What the blazes are you doing talking to those freaks?” his father asked, his face growing redder by the second.
“They're my friends. That's what you do with friends. Talk.”
“But Dudley,” began his mother, “can't you see that they're turning you against us? They cast one of their freaky spells on you, didn't they? To...to turn you into one of them.”
Dudley had to laugh openly at his mother's remark. “That's not the way it works, Mum, remember? They're born, not made...you should know that.”
“Don't remind me,” she muttered. “You need to break away from them, Dudley.”
“Are you telling who to be friends with? Don't you think I'm a little old for that?” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and dared them to say anything.
“Really, son, why would you want to spend time with them?” his father asked.
“Because they're nice and--”
Dudley was interrupted by a tapping at the window and looked over to see Lord Byron perched outside. His heart skipped a beat knowing he had a letter from Katie.
“An owl! Now you're getting owls from them? They've brainwashed you! Vernon, we need to get him to a clinic!” his mother shrieked.
“Shut up!” Dudley shouted as he let the owl in and extended his leg for Dudley. “Here, have my eggs.” He set the plate of eggs in front of the owl, who began pecking at the runny yolks.
Dudley unrolled the parchment and began reading.
Dudley--
Sorry that I haven't written in a while. Work's been busy lately, with matches to cover and deadlines to meet.
I've been thinking a lot about our date and would love to get together again soon. My schedule is rather light the next few weeks,so I could be all yours. That is, if it's okay.
I'll call you tonight as I have to work today.
<3 Katie
Of course it was okay that she wanted to see him next week. It thrilled him to no end actually. But then, he was reminded, just by looking at his parents, that it would never work out between them, and his heart sank.
“Who is that from?” his father snapped, pulling the letter from Dudley's fingers and quickly scanning it. With a huff a disgust, he ripped the letter to shreds.
“Dad! That was mine!”
“A...a witch! He was out with a witch that time, Tuney!”
She swayed visibly and clutched her chest dramatically while tears began streaming down her cheeks.
“You...you can't do this, Dudley! You mustn't see her anymore! I'll introduce you to someone in the garden club…yes, that would be much better...someone nice...and...normal...with real prospects.”
“She is nice, Mum! And she's normal, too. I'm twenty-three fucking years old, for Pete's sake! I can see whomever I want to!” Oh how he wished he could blow up his parents the way Harry blew up Marge.
“You are NOT to see that...that...FREAK anymore, if you know what's good for you.” His father was a brilliant shade of purple.
“Out,” he said calmly. “Get out of my house and don't come back until you can keep your big noses out of my business and leave my friends alone.”
“Oh, come on now, Dudley. This is ridicu--”
“NO! I've had enough of the both of you to last me two lifetimes. I've made my peace with Harry and if you can't accept that, then you can just bugger off and take a flying leap.”
He moved to open the door and before his parents could leave, Harry appeared outside, causing everyone to jump.
“Nice timing, Harry,” Dudley said sarcastically.
“They really said all that?” Harry asked after Dudley explained what had gone on with his parents.
Harry's sudden appearance at Dudley's door hastened his parents' departure, which couldn't have been soon enough for the two young men. They then settled down at the kitchen table with some coffee that Harry brought along and a bottle of Irish cream.
“Yeah, they did,” Dudley answered quietly. “Called her a freak and everything.”
“But what do you think of her?” Harry asked over the rim of his mug.
Dudley's face brightened at Harry's question. “She's funny and so easy to talk to. Did you know it was her first movie?” Harry shook his head with a smile. “I had a great time with her.”
“Good. I'm glad.” Harry looked at Dudley, who wore a bit of a dreamy look on his face. “She a good kisser?”
“Yeah,” Dudley whispered.
Harry put a hand behind his right ear. “What was that? Couldn't quite hear you, Dudley.”
“Git.” Dudley tossed a balled up napkin at Harry. “Yes, she's a great kisser,” he answered, feeling heat rise in his cheeks. They shared a laugh and added more Irish cream to their coffee.
“When are you going to see her again?”
“See, that's just it, Harry, I don't think I can.”
“Why not? You like her, don't you?”
“Yes. It's not a question of liking her or not. It's just...it's...” He couldn't say it because saying it out loud would only make it more true.
“Is it because she's a witch?” Harry's expression changed from one of amusement to one of slight irritation. “I didn't think it would matter.”
“I didn't want it to, either, but it does. It's not like I can bring her home to meet the parents. And all my other friends? What am I supposed to tell them? I can't do that to her. Or me.” Dudley took a long drink and leaned back against the chair.
“So let me get this straight,” Harry said in his interrogation voice. “There's a girl you like, have fun with, and enjoy kissing. But you can't be with her because of your close-minded parents.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Just follow your heart, Dudley.”
“It's not that simple, Harry. You don't have to worry about what your parents think.” At Harry's shocked expression, he raised his hand. “I'm sorry, but it's true. You and Ginny are from the same world, from the same place in life. As great as Katie is, I can't make her sacrifice her life for me.”
“It wouldn't have to be that way. There's plenty of Muggles who've married magical people. It's been going on for ages! Hell, one of my friend's father is a Muggle and their marriage is great. It just takes a bit of compromise.”
“Why the HELL are you bringing up marriage? I've had one date with her, Harry. One.”
Harry leaned forward on his forearms. “Personally, I think you'd be great together. I'd give it a shot if I were you.” The clock chimed the hour, and Harry jumped. “We've gotta go!”
Leaving the coffee cups on the table, they stepped out the door and once Dudley locked it, Harry Disapparated with Dudley hanging onto his cousin and his eyes squeezed tight. Dudley felt sick to his stomach and he travelled through the air, clinging to Harry. Once he felt solid ground under his feet, he opened his eyes and was amazed at the sight of the Quidditch pitch in front of him.
“Holy shit!” Dudley exclaimed, his jaw wide open.
“No time for gawking, Big D.” Harry pulled Dudley toward the entrance on their left and up the stairs. Dudley struggled to keep up with Harry and by the time they reached their box seats, Dudley was out of breath.
“Harry! Dudley! I was beginning to think you got lost or something,” Ron bellowed from one of the seats. Harry and Ron slapped each other on the back and Dudley shook Ron's hand. “Come on you two...I'm three Butterbeers ahead of you already!”
“Butterbeer? That's all you could bring? You're a bloody lightweight, Weasley,” Dudley joked. He and Ron, while the same height, were much different in build. Ron was lean with long limbs whereas Dudley was solid and somewhat bulky. They were constantly trying to see who could drink whom under the table, but up until this point, neither of them were successful.
With a hearty laugh, both Harry and Dudley took their seats next to Ron. Still amazed by the size of the stadium, Dudley leaned forward and became a bit dizzy and swayed a bit.
“Whoa there, mate,” Harry said, pulling Dudley back from the edge. “Not a good idea to do that your first time.”
Dudley sat back and took a deep breath, nodding as he clutched the bottle of Butterbeer that Ron had placed in his hand, closing his eyes and allowing his equilibrium to return.
“Uh-oh, Harry, here comes the press. Time to put on your happy face.”
Harry swore under his breath and Dudley turned to find a group of about eight people walking up the stairs toward their box. Dudley was anxious to see how Harry handled the press.
“Mr. Potter, so nice to see you again,” purred a burly man with hair more violently red than Ron's and wearing a kilt that was flapping in the breeze. Dudley had to look away. “Angus McFadden of Quidditch Illustrated, if you remember.” He held out his hand to Harry and the two of them shook hands.
“Nice to see you again was well, Angus.” Harry smiled, obviously pleased to see the man. “Thank you for the article you did on my wife.”
“Ah, that's right! You married a few months ago,” McFadden remarked. “Want to introduce you to my protégé. She's an ace reporter and has a keen eye for Quidditch.”
Dudley looked over as McFadden stepped aside and his jaw dropped when he saw her.
“Dudley! I didn't know you'd be here!” shouted Katie as she hurled herself into his waiting arms.
All of his thoughts escaped him as he held her, revelling in the warmth of her hair and the smell of her perfume. They began exchanging kisses and Dudley didn't realize exactly how much he missed her.
Dudley also didn't realize that Harry and McFadden held each other's gaze with a smile. He also missed Ron handing over five Galleons to Harry and barely containing his laughter.
