Chapter 5 – REDEMPTION
When they had reached the castle Hermione had gained quite a lead on the others. She did not wait for them but hurried up the stairs on her way to the library. Ron suggested they drop off the brooms in the common room before meeting Hermione in the library.
Dudley followed Harry and Ron as the made for the Gryffindor common room. On reaching the portrait of the fat lady, Harry explained about the password as Ron gave it, 'firebolt' and the portrait opened to admit them.
'This is where you stay Harry?' Dudley said as he looked around the room.
'Yes, this is the common room of my school house, come upstairs and I will show you were we sleep.' Harry told his cousin.
'You've got some nice big beds here Harry. Oh you can see the lake from the window too. In fact, I always thought that everything would be awful here but its not is it.' Dudley said wistfully.
'Yes, I like it here. But I am sure your school Smeltings is good too.' Harry replied.
'Its … its Ok. I guess but I won't be going back there …' Dudley said hesitantly.
'Why not?' Harry enquired.
Dudley's expression was downcast as he told them 'I got expelled.'
'Expelled! How?' Harry asked in his surprise.
'For bullying the younger boys, their parents complained until the school had to make an example.' Dudley close to tears said.
Harry didn't know what to say to his cousin. Certainly Harry knew of his cousin's bullying of him in past years. In the end all Harry could say was 'Oh!'
Ron had listened to it all but had not commented until in the uncomfortable silence that followed between the other two, he suggested that the get to the library. So in a sullen silence they walked back out of the Gryffindor Tower and made for the library.
But as they neared the library they were intercepted by the unwelcomed arrival of Malfoy and his two ever-present bodyguards Crabbe and Goyle. Malfoy's eyes burned maliciously. 'Harry Potter and his Muggle cousin. I would be ashamed of showing I had family like that, Potter.'
Harry was about to say something back when his cousin beat him to it saying 'Harry, who is this short little git?'
Malfoy found being insulted by a muggle more than he could stand and with a gesture at his two companions was set to attack but Dudley stepped forward and wrapping his two arms suddenly around both Crabbe and Goyle allowed himself to fall forward. Being the size of a small killer whale had its benefits. When Dudley stood back up, he left Crabbe and Goyle on the floor completely flattened, winded and possible with a few broken ribs to boot. Malfoy now alone and outnumbered turned and ran.
Ron was immensely impressed and told Dudley so as they stepped over Crabbe and Goyle. 'Thanks,' Dudley replied 'it is kind of nice being on the other side for once.'
Waiting for them surrounded by what looked like half the books of the library, Hermione was about to say something when Professor McGonagall entered.
The four of you are required in the Headmasters office now please. Quickly! Quickly!' She hurried them out of the library and along the corridor to the Gargoyle. Uttering the password Professor McGonagall opened the entrance and they were soon all at the Headmasters office door.