Vernon Dursley was sitting morosely in a comfortable armchair, and beside him on the couch were lounging his wife and son. The atmosphere was not quite relaxed, and the air of festivity that usually hung around the family was diminished this year. Dedalus had left them for the night, and Hestia was in the other room. Dudley, who had almost settled into this new style of life, was the only one in his small family that did not look with disdain at the magical objects that were left around the house. Petunia seemed to be focused on the wizarding paper that was laying on the side table.
Perhaps it was his experience with the Dementors two years ago that had changed his horrid attitude toward most things wizard or just his attitude toward his cousin. Maybe it was the fact that same cousin was now fighting evil when the rest of his world seemed to be running away in terror. But Dudley could not help but feel mildly curious about it all, rather than frightened. It amused him to see the moving pictures in the paper, even if the words read grim news.
It was a downsized Christmas this year. Their little squat tree in the corner did nothing to rival the massive one that had regularly been a feature at Privet Drive, and the gifts given were not nearly as opulent as the ones to which he was accustomed.
Dudley sat on the couch, staring at the things that were new to him, and it didn't seem to him anymore that they needed the huge decorations or presents.