When Dudley entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next day, the first thing they saw was Draco Malfoy. As Luna was walking past the Slytherin table he did a ridiculous swooning fit amidst peals of laughter.
"What's he got to be cocky about?" Dudley said, heading to the Gryffindor table.
"His dad escaped, so he's probably pleased about that," Dean said, wisely. "That's probably got him in a good mood. Do you think he knows where he's hiding?"
"Probably," Ron said, as they sat down. "I know the Ministry have raided Malfoy Manor twice, so he's not hiding there."
"What's he started picking on Luna for anyway?" Dudley asked.
"She's different," Dean replied. "And always alone. Malfoy's a worm."
"Yeah, well he won't be picking on anybody for long," Fred said, joining in the conversation.
They all looked at him.
"Think about it. The whole school know it was his dad's fault Slytherin's monster started attacking everyone. Do you think people are just going to let that slide? He might be laughing it up now, but he won't be for long."
Dudley looked at Ron. They hadn't thought of that.
"There are a lot of people angry at him and his loser father," George said, spooning some beans into his mouth. "Slytherin's monster attacked a Hufflepuff too, remember?"
"And it was a Ravenclaw who ended up possessed," Fred finished. "Nope, this isn't going to be a happy year for Malfoy. I give it, what do you reckon, George, the end of the day before he cops his first beating?"
"Lunchtime," George said. "A galleon on it?"
"Loser does the others homework."
"Done."
The twins shook hands and grinned.
"George will win," Dudley said, grinning. "I'll make sure of it."
"It doesn't count if you go and pound him!" Fred warned.
"Nah, not that. Wait and see." Dudley winked.
Hermione, meanwhile, was examining her new schedule.
"Ooh, good, we're starting some new subjects today," she said happily.
"Hermione," said Ron, frowning as he looked over her shoulder, "they've messed up your timetable. Look - they've got you down for about ten subjects a day. There isn't enough time."
"I'll manage. I've fixed it all with Professor McGonagall."
"But look," said Ron, laughing, "see this morning? Nine o'clock, Divination. And underneath, nine o'clock, Muggle Studies. And -" Ron leaned closer to the timetable, disbelieving, "look - underneath that, Arithmancy, nine o'clock. I mean, I know you're good, Hermione, but no one's that good. How're you supposed to be in three classes at once?"
"Don't be silly," said Hermione shortly. "Of course I won't be in three classes at once."
"Well then -"
"Pass the marmalade," said Hermione.
"But -"
"Oh, Ron, what's it to you if my timetable's a bit full?" Hermione snapped. "I told you, I've fixed it all with Professor McGonagall."
Dudley leapt to his feet as some of the tables started to empty.
"Where are you going?" Ron asked.
"Operation Get Malfoy a Beating," Dudley replied. "Coming?"
Ron shook his head, too busy eating. Dean however followed Dudley out of the hall, just behind the Slytherins. Suddenly, Dudley barged through the crowd and planted himself in Malfoy's path.
"Get out of the way you fat oaf!" Malfoy snarled.
"Everyone take a look," Dudley said loudly, a number of faces looked their way. There were a number of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students present too.
"Remember, it was this worm's father who released Slytherin's monster. Remember last year: students attacked, having to be herded to classes, quidditch cancelled—all thanks to Malfoy and his scumbag father."
Malfoy's fists were clenched and his face was red.
"The whole school knows what scum your family is Malfoy. Now your daddy's on the run …"
"Being chased by Dementors …" Dean said. He hated Malfoy for calling him a mudblood all the time.
"… Probably crying as he cowers under a bush."
There were some laughs from the crowd.
"What do you think will get him first? The Dementors or the Aurors?" said Dean.
"Dementors,"
"I think the Aurors. Five galleons?"
"Make it 10."
Dudley and Dean shook hands and the crowd laughed again.
Malfoy was looking livid—his eyes wide, his face red, his fist clenched. Beside him, Crabbe and Goyle looked unsure of what to do.
"What are you going to do, Malfoy? Hex me? Send a massive snake after me again?" Dudley taunted. "I've always known you and your family were trash—it's why I beat you up the last two years."
The crowd of students laughed again. Someone called "Get him again, Dudley!"
Malfoy looked like he might burst into tears. He wasn't used to being in a situation like this—being taunted. Surrounded by a crowd of people who all hated him and found amusement in him being tormented.
Dudley, however, was in his element. The school's dislike of Malfoy and what his family had done, plus the respect Dudley had for his actions in the past two years meant the others in the school seemed perfectly happy to join in mocking Malfoy.
"It's why I sent him to Azkaban … or would have done, if he didn't get a few Death Eater mates to spring him loose."
"I give … give it a week until he's behind bars," Neville said, a little nervously and turning red.
Dudley laughed appreciatively and gave Neville a clump on the back.
"I'll get you," Malfoy snarled and stormed off, pushing his way through the crowd. A burly 6th year stuck out his foot, tripping Malfoy and sending him crashing to the ground.
His face red, Malfoy clambered to his feet and ran down the corridor as the gathered crowd laughed.