Chloe - Reuniting with Dudley
Dudley missed his uniform from Smeltings Academy. Specifically his straw boater hat. But his new uniform did not have a hat. Perhaps a good thing was that he was allowed to wear the grey tailcoat he wore for Smeltings. His orange Smeltings uniform was now replaced with a dark blue uniform. And he wasn't carrying any stick like last time. His routine since September consisted of wearing his uniform, attending classes, playing baseball and boxing at his school, doing homework in the evenings, and getting adequate food and sleep. A vast majority of his peers were either dating or had just broken up. They would ask him and tease him about various girls, but Dudley would laugh and brush it aside.
He did, in fact, like a girl. But she was a witch and was a friend of Harry's friend. And Dudley had told her about his past, so there was no way she would like him back. He was sure of that.
But all of that was between September and January. While February usually meant half the portions were finished, and tests were getting harder and more frequent, February marked the entrance of Chloe into Dudley's life again, much to his delight.
"It's such a pleasure to see you!" He exclaimed as he dropped his bag and ran towards the bus stop from where Chloe was running towards him.
"It's really a pleasure to see you!" Chloe's voice was muffled by Dudley's coat collar.
"Come with me! I just finished my day! I live at school, but my house is not far from here!" Dudley offered as he picked up his bag from where he had dropped it.
Petunia was the first to see them arrive.
"Vernon! Dudley is here! And look who else is here!" She screeched.
"Dudley? And...?" Vernon paused.
"Chloe! I'm so happy to see you, Mr. and Mrs. Dursley!" Chloe said happily. "Luna's at Hogwarts. I don't wish to continue my Hogwarts education. I was alone at home. So, I thought of coming over."
"Not to worry, Dear. Come on in!" Petunia smiled. The grin on Dudley's face and his youthful features reminded Petunia of a younger Vernon when she had just moved from Cokeworth to London! He had begun looking much more like his father as he grew up. Since Petunia and Vernon never saw Dudley frequently these days owing to Dudley's revision schedules, etc., the difference was more noticeable than before.
"Maybe I disturbed you." Chloe looked guilty at supper.
"No, I usually don't take time off. But it's okay now. I too need a break." Dudley shrugged.
"Yes, you have taken time away from all that revision. You should get some fresh air, Dudders!" Vernon said jovially.
"Why don't you show her around, Dudders?" Petunia cooed.
With a grateful nod at his parents, Dudley offered. "Let's hang out by the park, shall we?"
Chloe agreed as she ate her Steak and Kidney Pie. The conversation drifted to Mrs. Next Door's secret affair with her boss and Petunia speaking about how Mr. Next Door was planning to catch them in the act. While Vernon dully nodded, Dudley kept stealing glances at Chloe, who was pink in the face as she gulped down larger amounts of food than she normally would.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the tranquil meadow. Dudley and Chloe sat side by side on a weathered wooden bench, the gentle breeze ruffling their hair. They watched as fireflies began to emerge, their soft glow illuminating the dusk.
Chloe's fingers brushed against Dudley's as they reached for a shared blanket. Their hands lingered for a brief moment before they settled comfortably, side by side. A comfortable silence enveloped them as they gazed at the stars beginning to twinkle in the darkening sky. Chloe's eyes sparkled with recognition, and her head tilted slightly, her cheek resting against Dudley's shoulder. His arm found its way around her as a profound indication of keeping her safe. To Chloe, Dudley's voice faded into a murmur, his words becoming background to the beauty of the setting sun. To Dudley, the presence of Chloe's head on his shoulder made him giddy with joy, excitement, and love for Chloe.
As the daylight faded away, Dudley stood and offered his hand to Chloe, who took it gracefully. As they stood, their eyes met each other's. The air around them seemed charged with an electric energy, and as their eyes closed, their lips brushed against each other!
This made Chloe and Dudley forget about the world. All they cared about at the moment was the presence of each other in their arms! Chloe's eyes watered, as she nestled herself against Dudley's chest. His heartbeat, steady and reassuring, echoed in her ears as she sniffled into his chest. Dudley's arms encircled her and kept her close, as though shielding her from the cruel world of Death Eaters and racism. Dudley's fingers brushed through Chloe's hair, each touch a whisper of tenderness. Their hearts beat in harmony as Dudley's lips brushed against the top of Chloe's head—a gentle, wordless gesture of affection.
"I-I should go now," Dudley said after an eternity yet barely a moment later. "I am lagging behind in my revision now."
"P-Please, don't go." Chloe's voice quivered.
"I won't go anywhere. Just school. And it's nearby. We can meet anytime!" Dudley held her by the shoulders.
"I came all the way to meet you." Chloe looked down at his shoes. They needed polishing.
"I know." Dudley's voice sent a chill down her spine. "We can still meet often! You need your rest. You yourself admitted to having traveled so far!"
"I am fine..." Chloe lied, but her tired face gave away everything. Dudley smiled and cupped her face in his hands. As she leaned into his touch, Dudley left. And Chloe could hear Dudley cheerfully greet his mother goodbye. In a moment, she would hear Petunia call out her name. As Chloe walked towards the direction of the voices carrying across the breeze, she finally heard Petunia calling out to her, "Chloe, dear!"