The next morning, McGonagall appeared before breakfast escorting Ginny and Neville. Every present applauded as the two entered. The Weasley twins and Ron rushed over to hug Ginny. Percy did too, all sense of decorum lost as he joined the group hug with his family.

Hermione went over to hug Neville who looked unsure of himself and awkward. When she led him over to join them, Dudley gave him a clump on the back. "Glad you're better, Nev," he said.

Neville looked surprised but pleased.

"Do you remember anything of it?" Dean asked, eagerly.

Hermione looked disapproving of the question but Neville answered. "Just eyes—a pair of horrible, horrible eyes reflected in the display case." He shuddered and would say no more.

Ginny didn't speak about the experience at all, at least to her brothers, but after she prized herself away from them, she left the common room and Dudley suspected that she had gone to seek out Luna.

The last few days before the end of term were quite relaxed. Some of the teachers, such as Flitwick, went easy on them. As did Lockhart, letting them play games in the class while he sat at his desk writing. Snape, of course, kept them working even on the very last day.

After their final Defense against the Dark Arts class, Dudley and his friends hung back.

"So, this is your last lesson," Dudley said, a little awkwardly.

Lockhart grinned. "Don't worry, I'm sure your next teacher will be adequate enough to be able to follow in my footsteps. Not much left for him to teach you, eh? I've given you a thorough grounding on some of the worst beasts and monsters stalking the planet."

Ron looked skeptical but he didn't comment.

"You've started writing your new book" Hermione asked, looking at the parchment.

"Just the opening chapter, about Dumbledore coming to see me and begging for me to train his students. After last year's debacle, who can blame him wanting an experienced hand to steady the ship?"

"Now, Dudley, remember our arrangement. A reporter will appear at your house this summer to speak about the year's events. A charming witch called Rita Skeeter—reported very favorably on me in the past. She'll probably ask you some details, get your side of things and so on."

"I look forward to it," Dudley said, and he did. He quite enjoyed being in the limelight. He had gotten a small taste of it in the early parts of term when he carried a reputation for defeating Quirrell. Now that he had helped save the school from Slytherin's monster, his reputation was bound to skyrocket.

"I'll stay in touch," Lockhart promised. "Next year remember—I'll teach you all about memory charms. I know enough to write several books on the subject." He winked and shook hands with each of them.

"A memento," he said, suddenly, rummaging in his desk. He pulled out a bunch of photos and scrawled an autograph and message on each one.

"To Dudley, remember who guided you during your first steps on the rocky road to fame and fortune. Your friend, Gilderoy."

"To Hermione, the smartest witch to attend Hogwarts (other than yours truly). Your friend, Gilderoy."

"To Dean, always a pleasure! Your friend, Gilderoy."

"To Neville, it is a shame I didn't get the chance to teach you for long! Take care, your friend, Gilderoy!"

"To Ray, if you ever need extra dueling practice, you know who to turn to. You have a lot of potential! Your friend, Gilderoy."

"He thinks I'm called Ray?" Ron growled as they headed back to Gryffindor tower. They all laughed.

The journey back to London was largely uneventful. Dudley sat with Ron and Dean playing gobstones and exploding snap. Neville and Hermione sat together, both quietly but comfortably reading. Dudley saw Ginny and Luna getting into a compartment together. It seemed they were going to remain friends, despite what had happened.

On a trip to the toilet, Dudley bumped into—literally—tiny Colin Creevey. The small boy let out a squeak of fright that nearly made Dudley laugh. He hadn't had a close encounter with Creevey for months—not since he had started tormenting him as Colin had always kept his distance. Plus, Dudley had often had other things on his mind that year.

Dudley considered giving Colin's ear's a flick, but merely pushed past him and went to the bathroom. After doing his business, he didn't flush (it amused him that someone would lift up the toilet seat and see his mess) and left. Outside, much to Dudley's delight was Theodore Nott—another old victim who he hadn't seen much of this year. Dudley only shared one class—potions—with Nott and the rest of the time, the stringy Slytherin tended to keep out of the way.

"Alright, Notty?" Dudley winked.

Theodore took a step back, his hands moving to his wand, his face furious.

Dudley laughed and ignored him. As he pushed past, he half-glanced over his shoulder. Nott had visibly relaxed.

As quick as a flash, Dudley spun around and fired his favorite spell.

"Locomotor mortis!"

Nott fell against the floor, his wand spilling out of his hand.

"For old time's sake," Dudley laughed. It felt good to be tormenting Nott again. Nobody seemed to have heard the commotion, so Dudley walked over.

"Give your mate, Malfoy a message—I owe him for what his dad tried to do to me. Payback's coming, Notty."

He clamped a meaty fist over Nott's mouth and forced him into the train's toilet. With his legs still stuck together, Nott's struggles were in vain.

Laughing as he was reminded of what he used to do at his muggle school, Dudley easily forced the skinny Theodore Nott's head inside the toilet as the other boy squirmed and flailed.

After a few seconds, Dudley stepped back and Theodore pushed himself away from the bowl. He was breathing heavily, his hair mussed. His eyes livid.

"Tell Malfoy I said hi."

Dudley winked and went back to join his friends.