The next day, McGonagall came to collect him.
"First things first, Dudley, your winnings ..."
"I don't want them," Dudley said, immediately. "Give it to Neville's family."
"Well, we'll see," Professor McGonagall said. "But I know Augusta well. I don't think she will accept. Which brings me to the main reason I wanted to see you, Augusta and Algie want a word. Don't worry—they know all of what happened. Dumbledore told them, so you won't have to go through it again."
Dudley nodded. He had been expecting this.
Neville's Great Uncle and Grandmother were waiting in McGonagall's office. Professor McGonagall left them alone.
"Dudley, I am relieved that you made it," Augusta Longbottom said extending her hand. "Albus told me what happened. I want you to know that it is not your fault."
"Not at all," Algie said. "According to Albus, You-Know-Who had it in for Neville from the start. This was inevitable."
"Did Dumbledore say why?"
"He believes its to due with Neville's parents," said Augusta. "My son and his wife were extremely talented Aurors, the best there was." she said, proudly. "Albus believes You-Know-Who targeted Neville because of them."
Dudley nodded.
"They'll be proud of Neville," Algie said. "I always knew he had it in him. It sounds like he died like a hero."
Dudley nodded again.
"Now," said Augusta. "I can't imagine how you must be feeling. I want you to know that if you ever ... ever want to talk about what happened, you can come to myself or Algie."
Algie nodded in agreement.
"We're all in this together, Dudley," said Augusta. "Algie and myself have joined the Order of the Phoenix. Our family has suffered too much at the hands of the Death Eaters."
"We're going to do our part," Algie said, gruffly. "Whatever that may be."
They spoke a bit more about Neville and Hogwarts before Dudley brought up the Triwizard Winnings.
"No," Augusta said, firmly. "They are yours."
"But I ..."
"Then, if you don't want the money, find a good use for it," Augusta said. "You can always donate it to a good cause or to someone in need."
Dudley nodded, feeling that made sense. He would donate the money. It felt wrong to keep it after what happened to Neville.
Later that day, Parvati and Lavender came to see Dudley. Dudley opened his mouth to speak, but Lavender interrupted him.
"I don't want to know how he died," she said, quickly. "I know you must not want to talk about it."
Dudley was surprised at this show of tact from Lavender, who he had always thought was a bit of a ditzy airhead.
"What I want to say is, you're going to fight him, aren't you? You-Know-Who?"
"I expect so," Dudley said. "He's got it in for me."
"Well, when you do. I am going to be alongside you." Lavender said, a fiery, determined look on her face which Dudley had never seen before.
"I know you and your friends practice spells together—Neville told me. If you do it next year, I want in. I want to know how to fight."
Dudley hadn't decided at all what was going to happen last year. It was true, in their first few years, he, Ron, Dean, Hermione and, later, Neville had been practicing various offensive spells. And this year, Lockhart had given them patronus lessons.
"Ok," he said. "Everybody should know how to fight."
Lavender smiled slightly. "The Death Eaters are going to pay," she promised.
On the night of the sorting, Dudley and his friends entered the Great Hall to see that the usual decorations were missing.
The Great Hall was normally decorated with the winning House's colors for the Leaving Feast. Tonight, however, there were black drapes on the wall behind the teachers' table. Dudley knew instantly that they were there as a mark of respect to Neville.
Professor Karkaroff's chair was empty, but, when Dudley looked over at where the Durmstrang lot where, he saw that Viktor Krum was there. He had forgotten all about him using crucio and turned to ask Hermione.
"He was under the imperius curse," said Hermione. "He stunned Fleur, then attacked you."
"So, he wasn't ..."
Hermione shook her head. "No,"
"Karkaroff is missing," said Ron. "Bagman too."
"Snape reckons Karkaroff fled, and Moody reckons Bagman was Voldemort's spy."
"That may explain it," George said.
"Explain what?" asked Ron.
"He's been avoiding us all year," said Fred. "Remember the bet we made at the World Cup? He paid us in Leprechaun gold."
"And it disappeared?" said Hermione.
"Correct. We've been trying to get gold from him all year. Now he's done a runner, I bet we'll never get it back," George looked glum at this. "We were going to use our winnings to start a joke shop."
Dudley had a sudden idea, but decided it would wait until after the feast. Dumbledore had stood up to speak.
The end," said Dumbledore, looking around at them all, "of another year."
His eyes fell on the Gryffindor table.
"There is much that I would like to say to you all tonight," said Dumbledore, "but I must first acknowledge the loss of a very fine person, who should be sitting here," he gestured toward the Gryffindors, "enjoying our feast with us. I would like you all, please, to stand, and raise your glasses, to Neville Longbottom."
They did it, all of them; the benches scraped as everyone in the Hall stood, and raised their goblets, and echoed, in one loud, low, rumbling voice, "Neville Longbottom."
Dudley caught a glimpse of Lavender through the crowd. There were tears pouring silently down her face. He looked down at the table as they all sat down again.
"Neville was a person who exemplified many of the qualities that distinguish Gryffindor house," Dumbledore continued. "He was a brave person. Chivalrous and would do anything for his friends and loved ones. He showed a level of bravery worthy of any Gryffindor when he faced down Lord Voldemort and showed him that the world is going to resist. We have dark days ahead of us. You have all seen the Daily Prophet. Lord Voldemort is back. To survive the coming darkness, you will all need to exhibit the same level of bravery, determination and defiance shown by Neville Longbottom. The only way he can be defeated is by defiance. By showing him that the wizarding world will not bow down to his will. Neville Longbottom was murdered by Lord Voldemort in cold blood. Dudley Dursley managed to escape. It is thanks to him that we have news of Lord Voldemort's return and are ready to act. For his bravery in doing what few have done, fighting and escaping Lord Voldemort, I honor him."
Dumbledore turned gravely to Dudley and raised his goblet once more. Nearly everyone in the Great Hall followed suit. They murmured his name, as they had murmured Neville's, and drank to him. But through a gap in the standing figures. Dudley saw that Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and many of the other Slytherins had remained defiantly in their seats, their goblets untouched.
Not every Slytherin was remaining seated. Dudley saw Tracey Davies, Daphne Greengrass, the Carrow twins and a short girl who looked a bit like Daphne stand and raise their goblets. Each was wearing an S.A.D badge.
When everyone had once again resumed their seats, Dumbledore continued, "The Triwizard Tournament's aim was to further and promote magical understanding. In the light of what has happened - of Lord Voldemort's return - such ties are more important than ever before."
Dumbledore looked from Madame Maxime and Hagrid, to Fleur Delacour and her fellow Beauxbatons students, to Viktor Krum and the Durmstrangs at the Slytherin table. Krum, Dudley saw, looked wary, almost frightened, as though he expected Dumbledore to say something harsh.
"Every guest in this Hall," said Dumbledore, and his eyes lingered upon the Durmstrang students, "will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again - in the light of Lord Voldemort's return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.
"It is my belief- and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken - that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder. A week ago, a student was taken from our midst.
"Remember Neville. Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort. Remember Neville Longbottom."
After the feast, Dudley hurried to catch up with Fred and George. He led them away from the others so he could speak privately.
"What's up, Dud?" George asked. "Planning something?"
"I want you to have my Triwizard winnings," Dudley said.
For the first time since he had known them, the twins were left speechless.
"Dud … it's 5,000 Galleons," George said, slowly.
"Yeah, but I don't want it—it doesn't feel right, you know, with what happened to Neville …"
Fred and George exchanged glances. "What about Neville's family …"
"They didn't want it either," Dudley said. "I offered it to Neville's gran. She said I should keep it, but … well, it feels wrong to keep it. So I want you to have it."
"Why?" asked Fred.
"You were planning to open a joke shop, weren't you?"
"Yeah, but Bagman …"
"Exactly," said Dudley. "He refused to pay you, and, well, that was all of your money."
"We can't accept it Dud," Fred said, finally. "It's too much."
"Ok," Dudley said quickly. "It's an investment."
"An investment?" George asked.
"Yeah, 5,000 galleons for 20 percent of whatever you call your business."
"Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes," Fred said. The twins exchanged a look and George nodded.
"Ten percent?" Fred asked, grinning
Dudley grinned. "15," he said.
"Deal," said George. They shook hands on it.
It was time to go home, now. Dudley was in the crowded entrance hall waiting to leave. He was with Hermione, Dean, Ron, Luna, Ginny and Cho. In the distance, Dudley could see Madame Maxime and Hagrid harnessing the giant horses which pulled the Beauxbatons Carriages.
Wonder how the Durmstrang students are getting back," said Ron. "D' you reckon they can steer that ship without Karkaroff?"
"Karkaroff did not steer," said a gruff voice. "He stayed in his cabin and let us do the vork."
Krum had come to say good-bye to Hermione. "Could I have a vord?" he asked her.
"Oh...yes...all right," said Hermione, looking slightly flustered, and following Krum through the crowd and out of sight.
"I liked Longbottom," said Krum abruptly when they returned. "He vos alvays polite to me. Alvays. Even though I vos from Durmstrang - with Karkaroff," he added, scowling.
"Have you got a new headmaster yet?" said Dudley
Krum shrugged. He held out his hand, shook Dudley's hand, and then the others. Cho looked wideeyed and starstruck. As Krum started to walk off, she gave Ron a sharp prod in the ribs.
"Can we have your autograph?" Ron said, stepping forward. Cho beamed at him.
Krum looked surprised but gratified and signed a piece of parchment for them all. Cho especially looked delighted. Dudley knew she was a huge quidditch fan.
As the carriages turned up, Dudley stared at them in disbelief. They were now being pulled by horrible, scaly, skeletal horses.
"What are these things?" he asked.
"The carriages, Dud, they take us back to the train," said Ron.
"Not the ... the horses! I've never seen them before."
Ron stared at him in a funny sort of way. "There are no horses, Dud. What are you talking about?"
Dudley frowned, looking at Ron and then at the horses.
"I see them, too," Luna said, quietly. "I've seen them since I started here."
Dudley gave the skeletal horses another look. He promised he would ask one of the teachers about them when he returned to Hogwarts. There must be a reason he and Luna could see them and the others couldn't.
They all got a compartment together in the Hogwarts Express, Cho included. Just as the train was pulling out, an owl swooped down and in through the open window. It was carrying a copy of the Daily Prophet.
"Late today," Ron grumbled. "Anything more in it?"
"Yes," Hermione said in delight. "Listen!"
"Death Eaters Arrested!
The Ministry of Magic announced yesterday that it had carried out a successful raid on the home of Walden Macnair of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and arrested Macnair on suspicion of Death Eater activity. Macnair was named by Dudley Dursley as beings one of the Death Eaters present during You-Know-Who's return. He was arrested immediately after, but the Ministry has only chosen now to release the news of his arrest.
The Aurors also raided the homes of Alexander Goyle and Tiberius Crabbe, but the pair were not at home. However, a number of dark objects were seized. Thorfin Rowle's shop in Knockturn Alley was also raided and a number of objects confiscated, but the man himself remains illusive.
Macnair wasn't the only Death Eater apprehended. Gilderoy Lockhart supervised a Dark Force Defence League raid on the home of Julian Avery II. Avery II had been working as Mr. Lockhart's publicist until being named as a Death Eater by Dudley Dursley. Lockhart summoned the DFDL to carry out a raid on Avery II's home in Kent the very next morning and apprehended him. He was handed over to the Ministry for sentencing."
"Two scumbags off the streets," Ron said, satisfied. "I bet Fudge's relieved—he finally has a win by arresting Macnair."
"He's going to step down," Cho Chang said.
They all looked at her.
"His support has been dropping loads for the past few years," she said. "With You-Know-Who back, I'm pretty sure they're going to have a Wizengamot vote on whether to keep Fudge in power or ..."
She trailed off. "Hang on, do you know how the Wizengamot works?"
"Kinda ..." said Ron, looking like he didn't understand at all.
Only Hermione nodded.
"Ok, well, the Minister for Magic is voted by the Wizengamot, and they can hold votes to remove the Minister from power. Mum told me part way through the vote, the head of the Wizengamot will offer the Minister the chance to resign if votes aren't going their way. That way, they can save face by resigning rather than being kicked out."
"How do you know all this?" Ron asked, in surprise.
"My mum is the Ministry," said Cho. "And I like politics."
"So ... the Wizengamot are going to vote?" Hermione asked.
"I expect so," replied Cho. "And from what I can tell, Fudge doesn't stand a chance. He'll be offered the chance to resign and he'll take it."
"A new Minister might be good," Hermione said. "Fudge was a disaster."
"Privately, mum agrees," Cho said. "She doens't like Fudge—never has. From what she said over Christmas, she's going to support Madame Bones."
"Who else is running?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know—I expect the Ministry will announce it when Fudge resigns."
Cho Chang, it turned out, was correct. At Hermione's urging Dudley took out a subscription to the Daily Prophet. Two days later, while relaxing in his bedroom at the Dursley's, an owl arrived carrying a copy of the Prophet.
FUDGE RESIGNS
Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge announced that he was resigning last night. Fudge's resignation comes in the wake of the return of You-Know-Who, an event which capped off a disasterous reign for the Minister—a reign which saw attempted robberies, Azkaban breakouts and more. Fudge said in a statement that he had "taken the wizarding world as far as he could" and that "it was time to hand the broom over to somebody else."
For now, Madame Bones, head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement has stepped in as the interim Minister for Magic and immediately announced a defensive plan against You-Know-Who.
"We are at a time of great uncertainty," Madame Bones said in a press conference. "And we need to safeguard each and every innocent person. For that purpose, we have stationed a team of Aurors at key locations including Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Saint Mungo's Hospital to deter Death Eater attacks. Additionally, the Ministry will be implementing a Neighborhood Watch scheme in all areas with large wizarding populations including Godric's Hollow, Ottery St. Catchpole, Hogsmeade and more. These Neighborhood Watch schemes will be supervised by a specialized Captain—a member of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol. Volunteers interested must contact the Ministry."
As well as the resignation of Cornelius Fudge, Dudley had a another surprise upon his return to the Dursleys. He was sitting outside in the sun when a familiar looking wizard clumped towards him. Despite the bowler hat pulled down over his face, there was no mistaking him.
"Professor Moody?" Dudley said, wondering what in the world he was doing here.
"Dudley," Moody growled. "I'm your new next door neighbor."
Noticing the puzzled look on Dudley's face, Moody explained.
"Dumbledore wants you protected," Moody said. "I got the job—I'm to be your new next door neighbor and keep an eye on you and your family."
Now that Moody had mentioned it, Dudley suddenly realized that he was in danger. Voldemort was bound to go after him.
"Took a day or so to get it sorted," Moody growled. "Now, we're going to talk your protection. You are being watched—not just by me, but Arabella Figg."
"Mrs. Figg is a witch!" Dudley exclaimed.
"Squib," Moody grunted. "Also, other Order members will be dropping in to monitor you. You won't see them, but they'll be there. Now, I won't tell you to stay at home. But take your wand everywhere. Constant vigilance, Dudley. You'll be joining the Weasleys soon?"
Dudley nodded.
"Until then, stay cautious. Be careful. When you do go out, you'll be followed by an Order member—but that's no reason to let your guard down."
"Ok," Dudley promised.
The next day, another copy of the Daily Prophet arrived. This one, declaring itself to be an election special.
ELECTION SPECIAL! MEET THE PROSPECTIVE NEW MINISTERS
In light of the resignation of Cornelius Fudge a number of prominent witches and wizards have put their names forward for the role. The Wizengamot will vote on these in a series of run-offs during the summer and it is expected that the potential Ministers will spend the next coming weeks campaigning. Some of the names to look out for include
Madame Amelia Bones
Madame Bones has led a long and distinguished career in the Ministry. She is the current interim Minister and has made her intentions known by placing Aurors on patrol in many key locations and instigating a Neighborhood Watch scheme. She is extremely experienced and previously served as the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Many pundits expect Madame Bones to be one of the favorites to take over from Fudge, though her critics accuse her of being reactive rather than proactive.
Rufus Scrimgeour
Rufus Scrimgeour has led the Auror Department for many years and has experience in combating dark forces. A highly-skilled wizard, he led the recent raid to capture the Death Eater Walden Macnair and previously led the capture of Lucius Malfoy. In a statement after declaring his interest in becoming Minister, Scrimgeour stated he was prepared to "take the fight to You-Know-Who and would not rest until he was brought to justice." He also highlighted his plan to reintroduce a duelling club at Hogwarts to train the next generation of witches and wizards in self-defence.
Dolores Umbridge
Dolores Umbridge is a witch who values law and order above anything else. It is these attributes which many think make her the perfect strong and stable hand to guide the Ministry during these times. However, she has spent her entire Ministry career working under Fudge and many critics fear that may negatively impact her chances of becoming the Minister. Umbridge has laid out her visions for the Ministry already, laying out her plans for for Containment Camps for Werewolves stating "Werewolves are Lord Voldemort's natural allies. We need to capture and contain them, at least until he is brought to justice" and swearing to introduce the death penalty for captured Death Eaters. She also laid out plans to bring Hogwarts directly under Ministry control, saying it is in the best interests of the students during these dark times.
Corban Yaxley
Corban Yaxley has worked under Madame Bones for many years in a number of roles for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He is a duelling master, having once reached the semi-finals of the world duelling championships. Tough and determined, Yaxley has promised to restructure the Auror department, better enabling its members to take the fight to You-Know-Who by freeing them up from office duties and getting them on the streets. He says that Madame Bones is an excellent head of department and that the Ministry would be better served with her supervising the Department for Magical Law Enforcement while he steps up to become the Minister.
Arthur Weasley
A surprise entrant, Arthur Weasley has seen his stock in the Ministry skyrocket ever since he led a successful raid against a shop in Knockturn Alley. He followed this up by diligently tracking down the House Elf Dobby, persuading him to give evidence in the trial of Lucius Malfoy. Arthur Weasley has a lot of close friends within the Ministry and is a popular wizard, but some say that his lack of senior experience goes against him. Weasley said that "wizards can't afford to forget their neighbors—wizard and muggle alike" and that he would "extend the wand of friendship and ask for help from foreign Ministries in defeating You-Know-Who."
Gethesmane Pickle
Gethesmane Pickle serves as the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Though she had decades of Ministry experience, critics say that her current role doesn't carry the skills or experience needed to carry out the fight against You-Know-Who. Nonetheless, Madame Pickle insists that she is the right witch for the job, stating intends to streamline the ministry and delegate various tasks in the defence of Britain to those more suitable. "The Ministry needs organization and guidance," Pickle said in a statement. "Which is what I will provide."
Gilderoy Lockhart
A surprise entrant, Gilderoy Lockhart declared his decision to run for the position of Minister for Magic last night. Mr. Lockhart is a famous author who has dedicated his life to combating the dark arts and aims to bring that experience to the role. A few years ago, he served as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts, during his time there he saved a number of students from Salazar Slytherin's giant serpent—which he details in his best-selling book Boarding with Basilisks. Mr. Lockhart has also worked as an honorary member of the Dark Force Defence League. He personally led the capture of Abaddon Nott and organized the arrest of Julian Avery II. Additionally, it is thanks to the actions of Mr. Lockhart that the world was alerted to the return of You-Know-Who when he saved Dudley Dursley from the clutches of the Dark Lord. "I am the only candidate to have fought the Dark Lord one-on-one." Lockhart said, referring to his rescue of Dursley, wherein Lockhart forced You-Know-Who back with stunning spells. "He won't wish to tangle with me again. I can assure you."
Note from the Author
There are two epilogues to come. One from Dumbledore, one from Voldemort which will set up events for the next book. Book 5 is going to be titled Dudley Dursley and the Wizarding War and is going to differ greatly from The Order of the Phoenix because the Order of the Phoenix relies heavily on a connection to Voldemort that Dudley didn't have.
It is going to go back and forth between Dudley's goings on at school and high-school drama, Ministry of Magic politics and Dumbledore's own attempts at stopping Voldemort. As evidenced by this chapter, there is going to be a new Minister for Magic. Which means, we are going to get a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I don't want to rehash Harry's battle with Umbridge, so I'm going to have a new person take charge. It's going to be someone from the original books, and I hope you all enjoy my choice. If anyone wants a spoiler about who it is, just ask and I'll send a pm ;)
I also hope to dive into the Slytherins a bit more in Book 5. Slytherins Against Death Eaters will get their own occasional chapters and interludes. As will the Hex Girls. I also plan to do some interludes of other characters including Cho Chang and, have a nice little subplot for Millicent Bulstrode!
Now, if anyone has a Hogwarts student who you'd like to see appear in interludes let me know! I quite enjoy fleshing out characters who didn't get much "screentime" in the original books.
Hope you enjoy Wizarding War! And two epilogues to come for GoF.