A secret to stay hidden.
Dudley Dursley loved his parents like any child should, but he more than loved them, he was devoted to them. He would do everything in his power to keep them happy.
That included keeping said power a secret.
All of his eleven years Dudley had witnessed the torture his cousin, Harry, had had to endure at the hands of Mr and Mrs Dursley. They thought they could keep Harry's secret from Dudley, but he had known all about Harry's magical powers from a young age, and knew, equally, how much his parents hated Harry for it. He couldn't imagine his life if his parents hated him as much as they hated Harry.
It was June 23rd 1991, and Dudley's eleventh birthday.
The post arrived at 9am sharp, and Dudley ran to the door to grab his birthday cards. When he saw the pile of letters on the doormat, a large lump formed in his throat.
'I knew it' he thought.
He quickly grabbed the top letter, shoved it into his pocket, and scurried into the kitchen with the rest of the post.
His mother, Petunia, could tell something was the matter.
"What's the matter, Diddykins?" she asked, concerned.
Dudley thought, and quickly replied "I don't have anywhere near enough cards!"
"Oh poor boy, but look at all of these presents dear! So many surprises for you!"
Dudley smiled and started opening his presents, putting the letter to the back of his mind.
The rest of the day past in a haze for Dudley, a visit to the zoo ended badly, and Dudley couldn't wait to get home,
When he finally got home that night, he ran straight upstairs to his room, blocked the door with a chair, and slumped on his bed.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the crumpled envelope that had arrived on his doorstep that morning.
He tore it open and read through it. It was exactly what he had been expecting, a
letter from Albus Dumbledore, offering him a place at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Dudley knew this letter would arrive today. He had overheard many conversations between his parents, moaning about Harry's magical talents, cursing his 'freak' parents and frequently hoping Harry's Hogwarts letter would never darken their door.
Little did they know, their precious little boy Dudley, shared these magical talents.
There had been many a time Dudley had made things appear, disappear or move on their own. Petunia and Vernon had witnessed several of these events, but away punished Harry, believing it was his. If only they knew! They would hate Dudley!
Dudley made sure to send his declining letter to Hogwarts the following day, and hoped to never hear from the school again. He never did.
Dudley went through his life, always hiding his powers from his loving parents. Then came the day Dudley moved out, into his own small house in the heart of the Yorkshire dale. He could use his powers more openly now, but still wished he had never been born with this burden.
Why would anybody WANT to be a freak wizard? Right?
