11 - Conclusions
That day, when Dudley asks his mother why the others are always teasing Harry, she tells him it's because Harry is different, and they think they're better than him.
Dudley doesn't know about better, but he sure knows that Harry is much nicer than most other children. So why would it matter that Harry can't talk, that he still needs nappies, or that he can't tie his shoes like Dudley?
He comes to the conclusion that people who think such things are stupid. His mother usually doesn't like him saying that about others, but when he tells her, she smiles.
.-.-.-.
12 - Worries
Dudley is seven, and he is worried. Dad told him something when he'd been with him today, and he doesn't know what to think about it. He hasn't told Mum yet, because he's scared of what she might answer. After he goes to bed, he lies awake, thinking.
Dad said it was Harry who made him leave. Dudley can't imagine how he could have done that, but if it's true, he can't like Harry any more, can he? He doesn't want that to happen, and he doesn't know what to do.
Finally, late at night, Dudley cries himself to sleep.
.-.-.-.
13 - Truth
Petunia always hoped she'd never have to do this, but Dudley's question leaves her no choice.
"He's like Piers," she tries to explain. "He doesn't like Harry because he's different. That's why he left. Harry didn't do anything." It wouldn't do to tell anything but the truth.
"You're wrong," an upset Dudley insists. "Dad is an adult! Adults aren't so stupid!"
She doesn't know what to answer, and it's painful to watch unwilling realisation spread over Dudley's face. He is too young for this.
Dudley doesn't contradict anymore, and while she holds her crying son, Petunia silently curses his father.
.-.-.-.
14 - Consequences
"I want to go home."
Those are the last words Dudley has spoken to his father, and now the silence in the car is deafening.
Vernon has never hit his son before. But today, it happened. It happened, because despite all admonishments, Dudley wouldn't stop talking about how Vernon lied to him. About how there's nothing wrong with Harry. About how it was all Vernon's fault.
"I want to go home," Dudley said, eyes brimming with tears, the red fingerprints on his cheek slowly fading away.
Vernon is scared of losing his son. And this time, it's entirely his fault.
.-.-.-.
15 - Comfort
Late at night, Dudley hears Harry crying. He wonders if he should wake Mum, but then he goes over and crawls under the blanket next to his cousin. He tells him that he needn't be scared, then shifts and kisses his cheek. Dad said big boys don't kiss, but he lied about other things, too.
Harry is silent now, and Dudley sighs and closes his eyes. He hasn't been sleeping well lately, but when Harry snuggles close, smelling familiar of nappies and cream, he feels comforted. Harry wouldn't lie to him.
Within a few minutes, both boys are deeply asleep.