Chapter 10 – Raising the Stakes
When lunch was over, Professor Dumbledore sent the students off with Hagrid to visit Hogsmeade. Though they wanted to stay and find out more about Mrs. Dursley, the opportunity to visit the only totally wizarding settlement in Britain was just too good to pass up. When they had gone, Dumbledore met with Professor McGonagall and the Dursleys in his office to discuss the Sorting Hat's findings and what their next steps should be.
"How are you two holding up?" he asked, looking at them very concerned.
Petunia's hands were trembling, and her eyes were darting around his office nervously. "Overwhelmed, to tell the truth," she admitted. "I was looking forward to exploring my limited abilities. But now, if I'm going to be a full blooded witch —"
"We didn't expect any of this," said Vernon, as he shifted in his chair and laid his hand on Petunia's arm to reassure her. "When we came here a couple of days ago, we were only expecting to have her tested. That was all. We had no idea this would happen!"
Dumbledore seemed to be gathering his thoughts — searching for just the right thing to say. He adjusted his spectacles and looked at them with those piercing blue eyes that now seemed soft and full of wisdom.
"I think we should remember that these events were set in motion years ago, when Petunia was born. She might have gone through her entire life never knowing that she had any kind of magical ability at all. But it seems clear that she was destined to have a magical child. And that child was destined to bring her into the magical world. The same could be said for you, Vernon. You might have gone through the rest of your life never getting over your bitterness and anger for what your parents did to you. But you were destined to marry Petunia and have a magical child that would ultimately bring you in contact with the magical world, as well. I don't believe in coincidence. I think everything happens for a reason, and we are all exactly where we were meant to be — however uncomfortable it may be at the moment. We'll work through this. I have no doubt."
"So, what am I to do now?" asked a frightened Petunia, looking as though she were a lost child.
Professor McGonagall considered the situation for a moment. "You have to learn to control your magic and use it properly," she said honestly.
"Which means you need to concentrate on the more practical subjects," added Dumbledore. "Those would be Theory of Magic, Charms, Transfiguration, Defense against the Dark Arts, and Potions. I think we can dispense with the more informational subjects for now. You can always study A History of Magic, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and the rest later when you have more time. Don't you agree Professor?"
"Most certainly," she said.
Vernon twisted in his chair again and looked uncomfortable. "It sounds like Petunia will have to live here at school," he said uncertainly. "Where will that leave me? I have my job at Grunnings."
Dumbledore looked at McGonagall, who nodded, and then back at Vernon and Petunia. "She will have to enroll as a special student," he said. "And she'll be spending quite a lot of time at school each day. Now that you're a wizarding family, I already planned to have the fireplace at your home in Surrey connected to the Floo Network. I could do the same for the fireplace in your quarters at Hogwarts. That way, you could travel anywhere you want in the wizarding world at your own leisure."
"That sounds reasonable," said McGonagall.
Dumbledore paused a moment and took a deep breath, as though he were making up his mind about something extremely important. Then he continued.
"And as an added convenience, I could install a magical doorway that would directly connect your house in Surrey to your quarters at Hogwarts. Going from one to the other would be no different than walking from one room into another."
McGonagall looked fascinated. "I've heard of those, but I've never seen one. You could really do that, Albus?"
Dumbledore gave a little smile. "Most certainly," he replied. "They are still quite popular in some places where the Floo network isn't available."
Vernon shifted in his chair again. "So, you're saying we'd be living in Surrey and at Hogwarts at the same time?"
"Yes," said Dumbledore. "You could eat and sleep here at Hogwarts and go through the magical doorway in the morning to work in Surrey. Then, after work, you could take care of whatever needed doing on that end and come back through to Hogwarts for the evening."
McGonagall chose a moment when the Dursleys weren't looking and quickly pulled out her wand. She pointed it at them and gave a little flick. They froze, suspended in time. Dumbledore sat there impassive, looking at her over his half-moon spectacles and saying nothing as though this was quite common.
"I'm sorry, Albus," she said, "but I had to put the brakes on. We're moving awfully fast on this, aren't we? I mean — we're not talking about a simple visit here. We're talking about a commitment that could last seven years. And whatever we do will affect Dudley and Harry's life, too."
"I feel your concern, Minerva," he said. "I've had a slight change of heart." She looked at him with puzzlement on her face. "When you first returned after talking with Petunia, you expressed a concern that we had made a terrible mistake. I glossed over the whole thing, at the time, by saying it was nobody's fault. Well, I was wrong, Minerva. After seeing how they've changed since the truth came out, I'm convinced that had we handled the situation better years ago, Harry would not have suffered the way he did. And neither would they have done so. Yes, Minerva, we do bare some responsibility for the pain and anguish they suffered all those years. And it's up to us to make whatever recompense we can to improve their lives. Giving them lodgings at Hogwarts and a chance to enter the magical world doesn't seem too much of a sacrifice, considering all the good it may do."
"I'm a little concerned about this doorway, Albus," she said. "It will be a direct portal between Hogwarts and the muggle world. Do you think that's wise?"
"Not to worry, Minerva. I'll give it a password. And I can even arrange it so that only the people I specify can pass through. That should prevent any unauthorized visits by anyone other than the Dursleys, Harry, and ourselves."
"What about Petunia and Vernon? How will we explain them to the students?"
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," said Dumbledore. Then he motioned towards the Dursleys. "So, if you don't mind —"
McGonagall flicked her wand again, and the Dursleys unfroze — unaware that any time had passed.
"And it would be just like walking from one room into another?" said Vernon. "That's incredible."
McGonagall addressed Dumbledore. "Now that we've decided where they are to live while she's in school, what about her classes? We can't just stick her in with the first years. It wouldn't be good for her or them."
"She'll need private lessons, no doubt," said Dumbledore. "But I think we can make it work."
Professor McGonagall was still concerned about how they would explain the Dursleys to the students. She knew how young people that age love to speculate and what the gossip mills were like.
"I have an idea, Albus," she said. "What if we found her a job at Hogwarts in exchange for her tutoring?"
Dumbledore stroked his beard and thought. Then a gleam of inspiration brightened those perceptive blue eyes. "Hasn't Charity Burbage commented often enough that she'd like to upgrade the muggle studies department? Well, Petunia has spent her entire life as a muggle. She's highly qualified to assist in that capacity — and even teach, too."
"You did say on our first meeting that you once thought of teaching," McGonagall reminded Petunia. "This would be a great opportunity to fulfill that dream."
"So, what do you think?" asked Dumbledore. "A teaching position in exchange for your tuition?"
"I think it's an excellent idea," said Petunia. "What about you, Vernon?"
Vernon looked reluctant. "Living in two places will be difficult, but if that's what you want, Petunia, I'll make it work."
"Then it's settled," said Dumbledore. "I want to get the necessary arrangements out of the way as soon as possible. We only have one more day before the students start arriving, and Petunia will need a little time to work with Charity before classes begin. Though I dare say Charity already has her lessons planned at least a few weeks in advance."
"Well, Petunia," said McGonagall, beaming. "When you were young, you wanted to come to Hogwarts. Later, you wanted to teach. Now you can do both!"
Petunia smiled at Dumbledore and McGonagall. Then her expression became sorrowful. "There's something I've been thinking about, and I just can't seem to get it out of my mind. I know it's probably not the time to bring it up, but do you know where my sister, Lily, is buried?"
"Yes," said Dumbledore gently. "Beside the little church in Godric's Hollow. I used to live there, myself, years ago."
Petunia's eyes began to mist. "I know it's short notice and all, Professor, but I'd really like to visit her grave and see where she lived. Would that be possible before classes begin?"
Dumbledore stood up and gazed out the window, thinking. Then he turned back to Petunia. "I think we can do that tomorrow. And it might bring some healing to Harry, as well."
"Thank you, Professor," she said gratefully.
"Yes," agreed Vernon. "Thank you for all you're doing for us."
"Think nothing of it," replied Dumbledore, smiling at both of them. "Well, to the arrangements. Professor McGonagall, why don't you take Petunia with you to the Floo Network Authority in the Department of Magical Transportation. Have the Dursley's fireplace at their home in Surrey and the one in their quarters at Hogwarts connected to the Floo Network. I'll take Vernon with me to their house in Surrey and make the necessary modifications there. And while I'm at it, I'll install the magical doorway. Well, off you go, then." Petunia and Professor McGonagall departed.
Vernon looked worried. "How are we getting back home?" he asked.
"We'll apparate," said Dumbledore. "As it happens, I'm the only one who can apparate in or out of Hogwarts. But I need to prepare you. The sensation can be quite uncomfortable the first time you experience it. Like being squeezed through a tight rubber tube. You'll feel a compression all around you and, for a few seconds, you won't be able to breath. It feels like you'll suffocate. But trust me, you won't! I've been apparating for over fifty years. I just thought I'd better warn you about the sensation. Alright — now — take my left arm — if you will. And hold on tight!"
Vernon took his arm. Then Dumbledore turned on the spot, and they vanished from his office. Several seconds later, they appeared in the Dursley's living room at number four, Privet Drive. Vernon was visibly shaken.
"That was the most horrible sensation I've ever felt!" he choked out. "I thought I was going to die!"
"It does take some getting used to," said Dumbledore calmly. "But as you can see, you didn't die, and we are here. So, this is your fireplace?" He pointed to the electric fire and boarded up wall.
"Yes," said Vernon breathlessly as he walked over and unplugged the electric fire. "We'll need to move this out of the way and tear down the boards behind it."
"Quite easy," said Dumbledore pleasantly. He waved his wand and levitated the electric fire unit off to one side. Then another wave of his wand saw the boards blocking the fireplace opening vanish.
"I think we'll need to make a small modification to enlarge the opening — so you can walk into the grate." He waved his wand a third time, and the fireplace opening was heightened sufficient to allow a person to walk into it. All the modifications were done so expertly that no one would ever guess it wasn't completed by a carpenter.
"That ought to do it," he said, pleased with his work. "Now, where should we put the magical portal?" Dumbledore looked around the room. "What about that wall over there?" He indicated a space on the wall opposite the fireplace where there weren't any obstructions.
"That would work," said Vernon.
Dumbledore pointed his wand at the wall. "Ego creo magicae ostium, Dursley quarters, Hogwarts," he said very deliberately. An old fashioned door appeared in the wall. It had a glass door knob on the left side and brass hinges on the right.
"We'll need a password," he thought aloud. "Something muggles aren't likely to say. What about 'pumpkin juice'?" he asked. Vernon nodded. He pointed his wand at the door. "Cincino verbum pumpkin juice," he stated boldly. The door shimmered and vanished.
"Well, that should do it on this end," he said. "Now, all we need to do is create the portal on a wall in your quarters at Hogwarts and connect it to this one. Shall we go?" He held out his arm to Vernon, who looked apprehensive.
"Do we have to apparate? It almost made me sick!"
"I'm afraid it's the only choice we have at the moment," said Dumbledore. "I'm terribly sorry."
Vernon reluctantly took his arm. As before, Dumbledore turned on the spot, and within seconds, they were back in his office at Hogwarts.
"I might get used to it someday," Vernon gasped. "Two centuries from now!" Dumbledore couldn't help but smile.
They walked back down to the Dursley quarters on the third floor and entered the sitting room. Dumbledore looked around.
"This wall should do," he said, indicating an unhindered stretch of wall next to the fireplace. He pointed his wand and stated clearly, "Ego creo magicae ostium number four, Privet Drive, Little Winging, Surrey."
A door appeared in the wall identical to the one he had created only a few minutes before in the Dursley's living room. Dumbledore Pointed his wand at the door, again. "Cincino verbum pumpkin juice," he stated boldly. The door shimmered and disappeared.
"I'm going to limit access to just you, Petunia, Dudley, and Harry. Professor McGonagall and I will, of course, have access in case we're needed. Alright, then, step up to the wall and say the password. The door should appear. Open it, and you'll be looking into your living room at number four, Privet Drive. You won't be able to pass through until I assign you access. So place your hand against the invisible barrier, and I'll verify you to the portal."
Vernon walked up to the wall. "Pumpkin juice," he said. To his amazement, the door magically appeared. He turned the knob and opened it. Incredibly, he was looking into his house in Surrey. He put his hand out, and it touched something solid, yet invisible. Dumbledore pointed his wand at the barrier and said, "Et Transuntes!" Suddenly, there was no invisible barrier at all, and Vernon stepped through the doorway into his own living room in Surrey.
"This is amazing!" he said, astounded.
"Yes," said Dumbledore. "We can see and talk to each other. You in Surrey and me at Hogwarts. Why don't you step across the threshold with one foot in each room?" Vernon did as he was instructed.
"I can't feel anything," he said. "Are my feet really 500 miles apart?"
"They are indeed," said Dumbledore.
When Professor McGonagall and Petunia returned, half an hour later, they found Dumbledore and Vernon in the Dursley quarters talking pleasantly.
"How did it go, Minerva?" asked Dumbledore.
"Both fireplaces are connected," she said. "The one here is called 'Dursley Quarters, Hogwarts' and the one in Surrey is called 'Dursley Home, Surrey'. Did you install the magical doorway?"
"I did," he said. "And I need to verify the two of you to the portal. The password is 'Pumpkin Juice'. It's on that wall to the right of the fireplace."
McGonagall walked up to the wall. "Pumpkin Juice," she announced. The magical door appeared. She opened it and found herself staring into the Dursley's living room in Surrey.
"This is incredible, Albus! Where did you learn how to do this?"
"It's a useful little spell I picked up years ago," he said modestly. "Now, place your hand against the invisible barrier, and I'll verify you."
She did as Dumbledore instructed, and he verified her to the portal. Then she stepped across the threshold with one foot in each room. "Are my feet really —"
"Yes, they are," he said, smiling.
"I've always wanted to do that!" she exclaimed, giggling like a school girl.
Dumbledore was amused by her childishness. "Well, now you have, Minerva," he replied. Then he verified Petunia to the portal, as well.
McGonagall composed herself and looked thoughtfully at the Dursleys. "We're going to need some rules concerning this doorway."
"What do you mean?" asked Petunia.
"Well, there's a reason we insist that all students live at Hogwarts during the school year. Part of their magical education is learning how to live in the magical world. I don't think it would be good for Harry and Dudley to be able to travel to the muggle world in Surrey any time they wanted. I think it might be better if we insist that they only use the portal with their headmaster or head of house's permission. Besides, none of the other students can go home any time they want."
"You're probably right," said Vernon. "When I was a student at Smeltings, they had the same rule."
"Then, it's agreed," she said.
"Well, everything is set up here," said Dumbledore. "We'll get you some Floo powder so you can use the Floo network whenever you want. And tomorrow, Petunia, we'll visit Godric's Hollow."
The ceiling in the Great Hall showed a clear August sky tinged with orange and gold light from the sunset. Dinner that evening was quite delicious, but no one hardly noticed. They had so much to discuss. The adults had already gathered when Hagrid and his party came bouncing in. The looks on their faces said they'd had a really good time in Hogsmeade. They all took their seats and began filling their plates.
"So, how was your trip?" asked Petunia as she drank in the exuberant looks on their faces.
Dudley, who loved all kinds of sweets, was the first to reply. "It was fantastic, mum! You should see Honeydukes! There's hundreds of kinds of chocolate!"
His mother looked at him suspiciously. "I hope you didn't spoil your dinner?"
"We didn't have enough money between us to spoil anything," replied Harry, as he cut up his chops. "We had just enough to sample a few items, that's all."
Ron looked slightly disagreeable. "Hagrid wouldn't have let us, even if we had money."
"What else did you see?" asked Vernon, serving himself a bowl of soup.
"The post office is really cool, Dad," said Dudley through a mouthful of potatoes. "There's every kind of owl you can imagine. And in all sizes!" He knew his father didn't particularly like owls. That's why he mentioned it. "And we saw the Shrieking Shack, too!"
"What's that?" asked Petunia, looking up from her meatloaf. "It sounds dreadful."
"It's the most severely haunted house in Britain," explained Hermione sarcastically, as she glared at the boys. "Or that's what they say, anyway. I don't really believe it." The other three glared back at her. It was obvious they had this discussion before.
"So what happened after we left?" Harry asked offhandedly. He wasn't expecting earth shaking news. He was glad for his aunt, of course, but he didn't think getting her full magical abilities would change much of anything.
"Funny you should ask," said Dumbledore, putting down his knife and fork and staring at Harry and Dudley. "That's exactly what we need to talk to the two of you about."
They looked at him seriously. He had their undivided attention now.
"We had planned to give your mother a few hours of tutoring each week to help her explore her limited magical abilities. But now that she's going to be a full witch, a few hours of tutoring each week won't be nearly enough. She's going to have to start at the beginning and go through the program — just like any other student."
Dudley looked excited. "What? You mean she's going to be a first year like me?"
"She's going to be a first year, yes," said McGonagall. "But she won't be in the same classes you're in, of course. She'll get private tutoring. Since she's an adult, she'll concentrate on the classes that deal with the practical application of magic. I expect she'll study Charms, Transfiguration, Defense against the Dark Arts, Theory of Magic, and maybe Potions."
"That's really weird," said Dudley incredulously. "My mum, a student!"
"Why not any of the other classes?" asked Hermione, who was interested in absolutely everything under the sun.
"She's going to need the remaining time to teach," said Dumbledore.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, their knives and forks suspended in mid-air, and looked from Dumbledore to Petunia and back several times. All their mouths were half open in surprise. Then Dumbledore explained.
"In exchange for her tuition, she's going to be taking on a teaching post in muggle studies."
Harry looked at his aunt in amazement. "You're going to be a teacher at Hogwarts?"
"Yes," she said. "And I hope a good one!"
"I'm sure you will," said Dumbledore, smiling.
"So, if mum's a student and a teacher, where are we going to live?" asked Dudley.
Dumbledore looked pleased he'd figured it out so quickly. "Ah! That's the crux of the matter," he said. "With the classes she'll be taking and teaching, your mom will need to live here at school. Your dad will be living here most of the time, too. But he'll also be working in the muggle world. So, here's what we've decided. I've had the fireplace in your parent's quarters at Hogwarts and the one in your house on Privet Drive connected to the Floo network. That way, your parents can travel wherever they want in the magical world. I've also installed a magical doorway between your parent's quarters at Hogwarts and your house on Privet Drive."
"A magical doorway?" asked Dudley. "How does it work?"
McGonagall explained. "You just walk up to the wall and say the password. The door will appear. Then you open it and walk through — just like you're walking into another room."
Harry's mouth fell open. "That sounds cool! Just think, Dudley. We can go back home whenever we want to watch movies and play video games!"
"Before you get too excited, Mr. Potter," cautioned McGonagall, "that portal is for your aunt and uncle to use."
Harry and Dudley looked defeated. Dumbledore cleared his throat. "The point is, you two are not to leave school without my permission or Professor McGonagall's permission. Is that clear?"
"But it's our house!" complained Dudley. His mother gave him a warning look.
"Yes, I know," said McGonagall. "But I don't want the two of you wandering off into the muggle world while school is in session. You need to concentrate on your studies. Besides, none of the other students can go home any time they please. It just wouldn't be fair."
Dumbledore looked at them with those penetrating blue eyes that seemed to look right through you. "No one can go through the portal unless I verify them," he warned. "And I'm not going to verify you unless you agree to abide by the rules."
Harry and Dudley's faces drooped in disappointment. "Alright, Professor," they said together.
"Good!" said Dumbledore. "There's something else I haven't mentioned. Tomorrow I'm taking Petunia to visit her sister's grave in Godric's Hollow. Harry, if you'd like to come along, you're more than welcome to do so. It might help you to see where your parents lived and died."
Harry looked profoundly sad. "Yes sir, I'd like that," he said dolefully.
"Good," said Dumbledore, who turned and looked at Professor McGonagall. "Would you do us the honor of joining us Minerva? Side along apparition would be considerably easier if there's two of us — one for each of them?"
Professor McGonagall, who hadn't been back to Godric's Hollow since James and Lily's deaths, looked a bit uncomfortable. "I'd be happy to join you, Albus," she said, somewhat reluctantly. When her eyes met Dumbledore's, she saw a sadness there that she, herself, shared.
"What about me?" asked Vernon.
Petunia gave him a desperate look. "Please, Vernon, this is something I need to do on my own."
"Harry will be going," he argued.
"But Lily was Harry's mother!" she insisted.
"Well, alright, dear. If that's the way you want it."
"That's the way I need it, Vernon," she assured him.
"What about the others?" asked Professor McGonagall, indicating Ron, Dudley, and Hermione.
"I have a suggestion," said Vernon. "I still have to go to London and drive the car back home. Why don't they come with me?"
"Please, Professor?" begged Ron. "My parents wouldn't mind."
"Nor mine," said Hermione.
Dumbledore considered them for a moment. "Well, alright!" You two can go with Mr. Dursley and Dudley. If we get started early enough, we can all meet back here for lunch."
And with that decision made, they all tucked in properly to a delicious dinner.
After dinner, Dumbledore took Harry and Dudley up to the Dursley quarters to verify them to the portal. They were both amazed that they could see right into the Dursley's living room. After they were verified, they walked through into number four, Privet Drive, looked around for a few seconds, and then returned to the Dursley quarters at Hogwarts.
Dumbledore looked at them sternly. "You're free to use the portal until classes begin on the second of September. After that, I want you here at Hogwarts unless you have specific permission from myself or Professor McGonagall."
"Don't worry, Professor," said Vernon. "They'll mind, won't you boys?"
"Yes, sir," they replied in unison.
"Fine," he said. "Then I'll bid you all good evening!" And he departed.
Petunia looked at the boys lovingly. "How are you two coping? Everything alright?"
"We're fine, mum," said Dudley. "I really like this place. Except for the nightmares. I didn't think I'd like it, but I do."
"You'll like it even better once everyone's here and you start making friends," said Harry.
"And what about you, Harry," she asked. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm OK, Aunt Petunia," he said uncomfortably. "It's a little strange, though. I mean — you a student and a teacher and Uncle Vernon living here at Hogwarts! It's like something from a weird science fiction movie. No offense, Uncle," he added as an afterthought.
"None taken, my boy! I feel the same way," he said. "I was mean and nasty for so long this new life seems like an alien world. But I like it. I like it a lot. Better than when I was yelling and upset all the time." He looked at Dudley. "I am a bit concerned about those nightmares, though, Dudders."
Harry saw the concern in his uncle's eyes and wanted to help. "Don't worry about Dudley," he told his uncle. "I'll look after him."
Uncle Vernon actually smiled at him. "So many new things to get used to," Harry thought to himself. He almost pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. But if it was a dream, it was a good one. He just hoped there wasn't something lurking in the shadows to mess it up.
Aunt Petunia was watching him thoughtfully. "I'm a little worried Harry," she began while looking at him in as motherly a way as she had ever done. "Are you alright about visiting your parent's graves tomorrow? You don't have to come if it's too difficult for you. I just feel like I have to do it. I can't quite explain it. Lily was my sister, and I loved her no matter what you heard me say all these years. I don't really need to see where she's buried, but something strange is telling me to do it. Does that make any sense?"
"It does," said Harry. "I feel the same way. I need to see where I lived for the first year of my life. And I need to know where my mom and dad are resting."
"I wish I could go," said Dudley.
"Me, too," added Vernon.
"No, I don't think so." It was Harry who objected this time. "This is something Aunt Petunia and I need to do on our own. We appreciate your wanting to help us, but it's really private — if you know what I mean?" His aunt smiled at him warmly.
Vernon walked over and put a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "Of course we do," he said. "We're just concerned about you — and your aunt."
"We'll be fine, Vernon," said Petunia. "Besides, we'll be with Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall. What could go wrong?"
Harry was thinking the exact same thing when Jabbery apparated into the room. He looked at Dudley with his large saucer like eyes and flapped his bat-like ears. "Madam Pomfrey says you are to go to the hospital wing, Master Dursley."
"Mum, can't I sleep in my own bed tonight?" Dudley whined. "I'll be alright. Harry and Ron will be there?"
"Jabbery," said Petunia kindly. "Please go ask Madam Pomfrey if Dudley can take his medicine but sleep in his own bed tonight?"
"Yes, Madam Dursley," said Jabbery. And he dis-apparated.
"Madam Pomfrey is really strict," said Harry. "How much you wanna bet she says 'no'?"
In a few minutes, another crack announced that Jabbery was back with Madam Pomfrey's answer. "She says 'alright', if you meet her in Gryffindor tower so she can make sure you take your potion."
"Thanks, Jabbery," said Harry.
"You are most welcome, Master Potter," said the elf. And he departed.
"Come on, Dudley. We better get back to Gryffindor tower." And they bade their family good night.
When they entered the Gryffindor common room, Madam Pomfrey was already there waiting for them. "Now, you drink all of this and go straight to bed," she ordered.
Dudley did as he was told and immediately began to yawn. He tried to stand up but was a little unsteady on his feet. "I'll help him," volunteered Harry, who put Dudley's arm around his neck and hoisted him out of his chair. He helped Dudley to the stairs, and they began to climb up to their dorm room.
"I'd feel a lot better if that boy was in the hospital wing where I could keep an eye on him!" she thought aloud.
"Don't worry, Madam Pomfrey," said Ron. "We'll look after him."
"Yes?" she said. "And just who's going to look after you, Mr. Weasley?" Then she left the common room and a disgruntled Ron went up to bed, too.
The sleeping draft Madam Pomfrey gave Dudley should have promoted deep, dreamless sleep. But it didn't stop him from sleep walking. Ron woke suddenly in the middle of the night to find Dudley standing over Harry's bed with his wand in his hand. He was pointing it at Harry.
"What's going on?" Ron asked sleepily, yawning and stretching. Then the full impact of what he was seeing hit him. "Dudley, what are you doing?" he asked. Dudley did not respond. "Dudley!" he shouted. Then he called, "Harry wake up!" Harry stirred as Ron quickly walked over to Dudley and tugged the wand out of his hand. Dudley was stiff as a board and motionless, deep in sleep, and not responding to anything that was going on around him.
"What's up, Ron," asked Harry, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What's going on?"
"I woke up and found Dudley standing over your bed with his wand pointed at you," said Ron, holding up Dudley's wand.
"What was he doing?" asked Harry as he climbed out of bed.
"Don't know," answered Ron. "I called him several times, but he wouldn't wake up."
Harry shook Dudley by the shoulders. "Dudley! Wake up! Wake up Dudley!" he shouted.
Dudley blinked his eyes and shook his head. Then he yawned and stretched. "What's everybody doing?" he asked sleepily. "Why are we standing here?"
"I woke up and found you standing over Harry with your wand pointed at him," explained Ron.
"Just what were you trying to do?" said Harry, looking at Dudley accusingly.
"I don't know!" Dudley said as he looked around the room nervously. "I must have been sleep walking again."
"Were you dreaming?" asked Harry.
"Don't know," said Dudley. "I might have been. I just can't remember."
"Can't you remember anything?" said Ron.
"Maybe —" he said. "What does Avada Kedavra mean?"
Ron went weak in the knees. He almost lost his balance and had to grab onto the bedpost to keep from keeling over onto the floor. His eyes were as big as galleons and his face was as white as chalk.
"What is it, Ron?" asked Harry, frightened by Ron's reaction. "What does it mean?"
"It's the killing curse, Harry — Dudley just tried to kill you!"