St Agnes exists in a contented time-warp, with a patchwork of small fields bordered by tall hedges, just like rural England of yesteryear. Dainty shops sell bulbs and postcards, and the pretty church commemorates one of the many ships that have come to grief on the rocks and reefs. A prayer on the wall reminds us of the harsh lives of previous generations, with its bitter-sweet message: "We pray Thee Lord, not that wrecks should happen, but if they do Thou wilt guide them to the Scilly Isles for the benefit of the poor inhabitants." - The independent, on-line, uk travel.
UDUDUD
The next that Dudley knew he was in a soft comfortable bed the smell of sea and rich earth greeting his nose. He opened his eyes to see the head of his mum, laying on the coverlet beside him. He reached a hand toward her to smooth her unusually untidy hair.
Petunia sat up with a start. "Oh Dudleykins! Your awake! VERNON! VERNON! Get the doctor! Dudley is awake!"
A kind older country doctor soon was ushered in by Dudley's dad and the witch. After listening to his heart and checking his reflexes he pronounced the patient well enough to get out of bed. "You've had quite a shock young man. I don't need to tell you that you are in no shape to put added stresses on your self. But while you are here with us, with your help, I intend for you to get fit enough to celebrate the coming time when that cousin of yours defeats he-who-must-not-be-named!"
Waves of realization poured over Dudley, first this man must be a wizard, second Harry was alive!
Petunia wanted to fuss over him, but the new, more mature, more introspective Dudley wanted none of that.
In addition he wanted nothing to do with his parents predijicial beliefs. Soon he was out exploring the small island community they were living in. Dedalus and Hestia became his teachers, his confidants and his friends.
He found they were living in St. Agnes, the island appeared to be a muggle community of farms, trapped in time. Only it's inhabitants knew of it's long history, being a safe place for magical people.
Hestia had grown up here and they were at the cottage her mum and dad had left her. Her brothers were sturdy farmers who tilled the land and supplied the cottage with wholesome healthy food rich from the land.
Vernon absolutely refused to budge from the cottage. He sat day after day, week after week, month after month on the couch. Watching the satellite TV and eating himself to blimp size.
Petunia on the other had became thinner and thinner. Constantly cleaning the already spotless cottage, baking endless calorie laden sweets that, when Dudley refused them, fueled Vernon's expansion. They both absolutely refused to listen to any news of Harry or his world.
In contrast, Dudley walked the village and the lanes. Spent most of his time outside, helping the farmers and befriending the children of the island. All news, good and bad, Hestia and Dedalus shared with him, the subject of early morning cups of tea, while his folks slept.
He came to respect the two assigned to keep them safe. Hestia patiently answered all his questions and in those months spent in hiding he learned of their world and of his cousin, the aunt and uncle he had never known and of the evil that threatened not only the magical world but the muggle as well.
Hestia and Dedalus took turns returning to the mainland to attend meetings and help in anyway they could. After one such trip Dedalus returned covered in soot. Death eaters had raided and burned his home. Dudley felt his friends sorrow.
Name after name of witches and wizards killed by the evil passed their lips. As the situation got worse more and more refugees filled the town and farm houses.
Then came May 2nd. A pratonis sprang into the room announcing that Hogwarts was under attack and that Harry was there. Pops could be heard form all over the countryside as witches and wizards raced to the battle. Hestia and Dedalus joined others, chanting, their wands drawn as stronger wards were erected over the land.
Agonizing hours passed as the three of them waited for news. Then dawn and blessed relief. Harry had done it! Voldemort was dead!
Vernon demanded they return immediately but was eventually convinced that there still remained death eaters bent on revenge and Harry Potter's family would make excellent outlets for their anger.
Just after Harry's birthday they could safely return to their house. It was in shambles. Death eaters had been there looking for them and Harry. Petunia flatly refused magical help.
Before Hestia left she handed Dudley a postal box and phone number on a slip of paper, a way to keep in touch.
Keep in touch he did. Through Hestia he learned of Harry's life after the war and made the first hesitant move to reach out to him. Soon he and Harry met twice a month. Harry often brought his godson. Teddy soon had Dudley wrapped around his chubby little finger.
Vernon and Petunia angrily insisted he break off the contacts and Dudley stubbornly refused.
Dudley's now leaner more muscular build attracted a lot of attention when he joined his dad at gunning's. The years just after the war found much growth in his personal and professional life.