Chapter One: A Discussion with Dudley

Harry Potter had just finished breakfast at number four, Privet Drive and made his way back up to his room and the dog that was his godfather. Harry, with no summer homework, was even more bored than usual. He did have Snuffles for company but he was still bored. He had written a letter to Ron and Hermione since he had gotten back the previous evening and was waiting for a reply from his two best friends. He had written just the one letter because, these days, to write to one of them, was to write to the other at the same time. He had written nothing about his new feelings for Ron's' sister, Ginny, but if he knew Ron as well as he thought he did, then Hermione probably knew of his new feelings, too.

Snuffles could sense that Harry was down, but he decided to ask him when they got back to Black Cottage later this evening. Harry had also found nine envelopes waiting for him on his desk. Three of them were addressed to him, and so he read them and found that they were letters of apology from all three Dursleys. Harry had hardly spoken a word to any of them since he had been back. Petunia had been so shocked from meeting Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody and Tonks, with her shocking pink hair that she did not want to cook, so they had ordered Pizza and they asked Harry what he would like, and Harry went for a large Margarita that he shared with Snuffles and Hedwig, his faithful, snowy Owl.

Harry emitted his twelfth sigh of the morning, when there was a knock on his bedroom door.

'Come in?' said Harry, questioning the unusual knocking.

The door opened to reveal his cousin, Dudley.

'Can I please come in, Harry?'

Harry was shocked that his cousin actually used his name and he had asked so nicely.

'Um, okay,' said Harry.

Dudley moved into the room and closed the door behind him.

'I was wondering if we could talk. I know I've made your life hell and I wanted to say I'm sorry.'

Harry saw the lips move and that was the only thing his senses could confirm that it was Dudley that had spoken. Snuffles growled at Dudley as he moved to sit on Harry's bed.

'Don't mind Snuffles, he just takes my safety and well-being very "Siriusly". I read your letter, though. Did my godfather make you and your parents write them?'

Dudley did not get the pun on Sirius' name and just nodded.

'Was there something else?' asked Harry.

'I just wanted say I'm sorry for being such a prick. But, I was hoping you could explain what happened to me last summer, though.'

'What do you remember?'

'I was walking home and suddenly it got cold – really cold. Like – like –'

'All the happiness had been sucked out of you?'

'Yeah, anyway, I ran and it got worse and I heard this rattling breathing – it was horrible and I saw stuff in my mind, I saw your life, but I was living it. The way we all treated you … and then this bright light shaped like a Goat appeared and then I passed out. The next thing I know I'm back at home and some woman was telling mum and dad what had happened and she gave me some chocolate to help me. That's it.'

'Right, what you felt was the presence of Dementors. Non-magical people can't see them. They force you to relive your worst memories and the light you saw was a Patronus. They are the only defence against them. Here, I'll show you what they look like – Dementors, that is,' Harry opened his trunk and began to rifle through it until he found the book he was looking for: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander. He quickly flicked through the book and showed Dudley the picture.

'Blimey, they're ugly!' he said.

'Basically, whoever cast that Patronus saved your soul that night. The chocolate helps you to recover from being in their vicinity – I should know from having been too close to them at school in my third year,' said Harry.

'What's it like? Going to a school of magic?' asked Dudley eagerly.

'Despite all the danger from Voldemort and his followers and incompetent teachers, it's actually quite fun. I play a sport called Quidditch – a game played on broomsticks, for my House team and I've helped to win the Championship for my House twice. Lessons are alright once you get the gist of it and have learned the basics. But the best part is that I made friends with several people, but my best friends are Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. They've been through everything with me, almost literally to Hell and back. Without them, I'd probably be dead.'

'You're joking!' said Dudley shocked.

Harry shook his head and proceeded to tell his cousin all the adventures he had had with Ron and Hermione, and Dudley could not help but feel respect for his cousin and his friends increase with every story.

When Harry finished, Dudley wolf-whistled and said, 'Shit. I wish I had best friends like you do, Harry.'

'What, you don't reckon Piers Polkiss would willingly sacrifice himself in a life-size game of Wizard's Chess?' asked Harry coolly.

'No chance. He hasn't got the guts and I don't reckon he can play chess,' said Dudley.

'Well, Ron's a master. He even beat our Headmaster last summer, and let me tell you, despite his mistakes, Professor Dumbledore is a genius.'

'Wow.'

Then the front door opened and Vernon's voice echoed through the house, 'Petunia! Dudley! I'm home!'

They had been talking for so long they had not even noticed the time. Vernon was home and it was nearly time for Harry to leave. Harry began to repack his trunk as Hedwig arrived. He took the letter from her before giving her a treat and then locking her back into her cage.

'She's beautiful,' said Dudley looking at Hedwig.

'I know. She was my first companion and her name is Hedwig,' said Harry smiling at his owl, who gave a quiet but happy hoot. Harry carried his trunk downstairs and Dudley helped him with it, and then went back for Hedwig who had fallen asleep.

Vernon and Petunia were in the living room when Harry, Snuffles and Dudley walked inside.

'I take it you are going soon?' asked Petunia.

But then to the Dursleys' shock, Snuffles transformed into Sirius.

'Yes, we will be leaving in two minutes, Petunia,' was Sirius' reply to her question as Vernon spluttered on his tea. Harry saw Dudley mouth the word, 'Wow,' again.

After a short silence, Harry followed Sirius into the hallway. Sirius instructed Harry pick up Hedwig's cage as he picked up the trunk. Sirius raised his arm for Harry to take and as did, Dudley spoke again, 'See you, Harry.'

'See you, Big D,' Harry replied before Disapparating alongside Sirius.