It had finally come to a head on the long anxiety filled day in May. The waiting for news was the worst, at last, as the sun rose, word came that Voldemort had been defeated by Harry. The victory had come at a horrible price, so many dead. But Dudley's heart had lightened, he still had a chance to see Harry, to appologize and try to make things right.

Of course Vernon had wanted to return to privet drive immediately, it had taken some talking to convince him that death eaters still roamed free and they must bide a bit longer in their sanctuary. As it was fall was well upon the land before they returned home.

Petunia clucked and scrubbed the house from top to bottom, Vernon had squeezed into an old suit and returned to work, and Dudley had begun a job on the loading dock at Grunnings.

Hestia kept in touch and through her he heard all the news of Harry, after a bit he worked up the courage to contact his cousin, that's when he met Teddy and fell under the baby's spell.

His Da never did refer to the time they had been in hiding again, and pretended he never had a nephew that had lived with them. His mum, with a large bit of Dudley laying on the guilt, did attend Harry and Ginny's wedding.

Dudley and Harry became friends and Teddy became truly Dudley's nephew in all but blood. Unfortunately Dudley chose poorly when it came to a wife and suffered for it.

But never, as long as he lived, did he ever hide from the truth. His eyes remained open until closed in anticipation of the next great adventure. Waiting for him in his happy place was the Aunt he had never met.

AN it looks as if this plot bunny has run its course. If you would like to read more about Dudley, Teddy and Harry try my Uncle Dudley and/or Teddy.