Settling In


Dudley and Chloe

"I am Sheldon from a village of my same name in Devonshire." A short and lean man shook hands with Dudley.

"Dudley Dursley. And this is my girlfriend, Clodagh Gabbers." Dudley introduced.

"Hullo." Chloe said.

"Hello, charming lady! You both look good together!" Sheldon said. "The house is all yours!"

"Uncle? How many times do I tell you not to be so easygoing?" A sudden hoarse voice erupted from behind him. It was a girl, slightly taller than Sheldon.

"Oh, this is Lynn, my delightful niece! The baby my sister had out of wedlock, but then she married him." Sheldon said jovially.

"That's enough, uncle." Lynn sternly said.

She walked imperiously up to Dudley and thrusted a finger to his chest. "Now, young man, here are the rules! My kind old uncle would let anyone walk over him if we let that be. But as long as I am here, that won't happen. Without ANY EXCUSES, here's the rules! We want the rent ON TIME! The place should be kept tidy at ALL TIMES! No loud music, no loud bangs, and certainly NO PARTIES! The last tenant we had almost blasted the house in a party he threw here! And we had to renovate it by spending a fortune! Half of my uncle's retirement savings! That's why I moved in here - to assist my uncle! You hear me?"

Dudley gulped and nodded.

"Dear, once you go to Hogwarts..." Sheldon began but his niece cut him short, "I am not a student, uncle! I am the new Transfiguration professor since Professor McGonagall is the headmistress!"

"Shouldn't you be living at Hogwarts in the professors quarters?" Chloe asked.

"I stay at Hogwarts or with my uncle - that's my business. I believe I have told you what your business is! Here is the key!" She thrust the key into Chloe's hand.

"Nice to meet you. Hufflepuff here." Chloe tried to initiate conversation.

The girl looked at her, "Gryffindor! Graduated Hogwarts in 1990! I know George Weasley - am renting it to you lot because he recommended you!"

"If I may ask, how many members are there in your family?" Dudley asked.

"Ah! Young chap trying to make friends! Of course, there's my sister, Ann. You've met Lynn, of course. Ann has a younger daughter, Polly! She never went to Hogwarts, as her dad took her to the States after the divorce. She studies at Ilvermony. She had sent an owl to Ann and Lynn to join them during the war, but my son-in-law recently died, so Polly will anyway be relocating here shortly." Sheldon said excitedly.

"Uncle, do you have to share all our personal details like that?" Lynn said exasperatedly, "No wonder people take you for granted. Your last two tenants haven't paid at least two months of rent and you've just let them go!"

"Don't worry, we will pay the rent regularly." Dudley said.

"You better do!" Lynn growled.

"Now, now, easy on the kids." Sheldon said.

"Kids?" Lynn laughed, "Right, kids, go to your dorm! NOW! Or else ten points from Hufflepuff and...?" She looked questioningly at Dudley.

"I never attended Hogwarts either. Am a muggle." Dudley said.

"Did you know, Lynn dear. He is HARRY POTTER'S COUSIN!" Sheldon suddenly shouted as though just remembering. Lynn rolled her eyes, "Sure!"

"Oh, you don't believe me? Ask him! Potter was here a short while ago! I saw him and George's sister!" Sheldon seemed to be recollecting something.

"Listen, you don't have to see us at Harry's relatives or anything." Dudley said.

"Aww! Always the modest one - just like Potter!" Sheldon said!

"Is it true?" Lynn sighed.

"If it helps, yes?" Chloe said.

"If it helps, Hufflepuff won the House Cup last year." Lynn seemed to have calmed down.

"Really?" Chloe was excited.

"You don't have friends from your House?" Lynn asked.

"Luna Lovegood was my first friend at Hogwarts. Never ventured out in Hufflepuff or Gryffindor. Certainly not Slytherin." Chloe shivered.

"Look, I understand the war has affected all of us. But I think it's high time we give up our differences and work on treating everyone equally." Lynn sighed.

"I'm a muggleborn." Chloe said.

"A muggleborn and a muggle." Lynn smiled for the first time since she has turned up. "You look good."

"Oh, thanks!" Chloe blushed.

"I am Half Blood. My uncle here is the pureblood. Descended from the 'Black' family." Lynn said.

"I see you're now comfortable talking to them." Sheldon came with hot tea and crisps.

"Was your name always Sheldon?" Dudley asked. "Harry told me that your names are blackened out. You're related to Sirius Black, aren't you?"

Sheldon nodded. "I have no use for that name. I call myself Sheldon. My sister and I are both outcasts - she for marrying Donald, and I for sticking up for my sister like any decent brother would!"

"The Blacks were Slytherin. The Malfoys were Slytherin. Even Voldemort!" Dudley said.

The effect was instantaneous! Sheldon's freckles grew pale and he jumped half a foot in the air despite his age.

"Uncle, Vold..." Lynn began.

"NO!" Sheldon screamed. "It will take a while, as you should understand. But give this old man some space!" He shuddered.

Lynn hugged her uncle, "I am sorry, uncle!"

"It's quite all right, dear. I'll go inside." Sheldon went in.

When Lynn turned around, Dudley and Chloe were shocked to see tears in Lynn's eyes.

"My mother and sister are dead too! I have lied to my uncle because he wouldn't be able to take it! My family was murdered by Death Eaters during the 1994 World Cup!"

"M-Mine too!" Chloe began to sob. Dudley put an arm around Chloe, "Hey, it's ok. I am here."

"Lucky you!" Lynn told Chloe. "I have an aging uncle with a memory problem to take care. Obviously, I have to be the stronger one here! I'm sorry if I came off as rude and condensing."

Chloe rushed forward and hugged Lynn, "No problem!"

"I take it that Mrs. Ann also changed her name after the blackout happened?" Dudley asked.

Crying with Chloe, Lynn nodded at Dudley.

"So, the whole divorce thing...?" Dudley asked.

"Half truth." Lynn admitted. "There were frequent quarrels and everything. Might have gone till divorce if they had lived. Or might not have. We'll never know!"

"There, there!" She pulled back from Chloe. "You and Dudley seem to be nice people. And you're related to the Weasleys and the Potters. We can definitely trust you. Without me ranting till now, even!"

"No, no, you just did what you felt was right!" Dudley said. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you!" Lynn said.

As the day approached noon, Clodagh Gabbers and Dudley Dursley stood in the dimly lit living room, their suitcases still by the door. They were finally starting a new journey - their shared journey together.

Chloe's eyes shimmered with tears as she glanced around the room. She turned to Dudley, her voice trembling. "I can't believe it's finally happening, Dudley!"

Dudley wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "We have to and we will move forward. We'll make this our own."

Chloe nodded into Dudley, her tears staining his shirt. "I just...I wish Mum and Dad were here to see this."

Dudley brushed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "They will be watching over you from wherever they are! I bet they're with Harry's parents - probably playing golf. together! My dad does that with his colleagues and old friends when they meet! We'll call my parents here to visit often. Harry and Ginny would also be happy to frequent!" He smiled, trying to lift her spirits.

Chloe looked up from his chest and managed a watery smile. "You're right, Dudley. We have a bright future ahead of us! Although I don't think witches and wizards know of golf. Harry's dad was a pureblood, right?"

"Yes." Dudley said, holding her shoulders.

"Cool! And he fought for equality! He and Harry's Mum are amazing!" Chloe smiled.

"So true! And I wish I had known them - or Harry! I thank you for making me connect with Harry."

"Don't thank me, silly. You can show the same gratitude to me via actions. For example, you can start by setting up things here." She smiled at him.

"Once I get something special from you!" Dudley leaned in. He almost kissed her when she suddenly said, "Bedroom!"

"You want to take this to the bedroom?" Dudley said excitedly.

"No, silly." Chloe laughed. "We have to arrange the bedroom!" And she hopped away leaving Dudley groaning.

The house was modest yet spacious. Immediately at the entrance was the living room. It was the entrance to the rest of the house. To the left of the hall was the stairs leading to the upper floor. Dudley climbed the stairs to find Chloe in their room.

"I love this place!" She ran up to him, "I can't wait to decorate this room!"

"Sure," Dudley put an arm around her briefly. Chloe ran out, back downstairs. Dudley entered the next room. It was smaller than the first room. And adjacent to this small room was a slightly smaller room that had the label, "Guest Room". The window there overlooked Sheldon's backyard. Lynn seemed to be giving her uncle some tablets as he drank water.

Dudley went down. Opposite the stairs was the kitchen. Chloe seemed excited and was opening the various cabinets.

"You know cooking?" She asked him.

"Umm? I guess, bacon?" Dudley thought hard.

Chloe groaned, "You know, cooking isn't for ladies alone! This will be your cooking-class!"

"Really?' Dudley wondered. It was true. The same evening, Dudley learnt how to make a simple salad. He held it proudly in the air, "Yippee!"

The living room strangely led to the bathroom, which was below the stairs and adjacent to the kitchen. Dudley gave a bark-like laughter. It looked too similar to one cupboard-under-the-stairs from his childhood. He had been a horrible kid.

"But, you are grown up now! You are my man!" Chloe said from behind him.

"How'd you know?" Dudley asked.

"Like this." Chloe stood on her toes and kissed him. Dudley's arms went around her they stepped out of the bathroom.

"What say we really take this to the bedroom?" Dudley said against her lips. Chloe buried her head in his chest.

"Well?" Dudley asked, and she nodded against him. The bags lay forgotten by the couch. All that mattered was the front door was locked and the couple had privacy.


Harry and Ginny

Once again, the muggles living in Houses Eleven and Thirteen paid no heed as Number Twelve seemed to materialize out of nowhere.

Carrying their combined luggage, now minimized and packed in a tiny purse, Ginny walked in. She couldn't help but shiver.

"You okay?" Harry asked as he walked in after her.

Ginny sniffled, "Yes!"

"I know this is hard for you. Believe me, it's hard for me as well!" Harry said.

"The moving out part or the moving in part?" Ginny turned around.

"Well, both. I never wanted this house. Too many memories of Sirius. The fact that he died because of me..." Harry started.

"Shh!" Ginny put her finger on his lips. "Not you."

"Well, not Professor Snape either. I was too immature back then, and blamed him." Harry shrugged.

"Well, not him, not Kreacher, not Professor Dumbledore. Let's just call it 'fate'. Sometimes, life gives you lemons, Harry. You just have to throw them at Umbridge!" Ginny said.

Harry cleared his throat, his mouth curving slightly. "This house is mine now anyway. I thought before we moved in, some changes ought to be made."

"Uh, huh?" Ginny encouraged him to continue.

"Go there." Harry pointed. "I want you to see Teddy's room."

"That's Sirius' room, isn't it?" Ginny asked.

"Well, Teddy inherits it. I'm not taking that room." Harry said.

When Ginny and Harry walked in, Ginny could see a large, lifelike painting across the room.

"Yeah, go in." Harry prodded from behind.

Ginny realized she saw a majestic stag by the window sill. "Prongs?"

"Prongs!" Harry confirmed. He looked at Ginny lovingly - grateful that she remembered.

Prongs seemed to be looking intently at the side of another window, where a large, shaggy, black dog stood, wagging his tail.

"Padfoot?" Ginny's voice broke.

"Y-Yes!" Harry was biting his lips.

And at the very center of the room, the sun seemed to be setting, or rising, giving a bubblegum pink color right above a handsome-looking werewolf.

"Moony!" Ginny said at the same time Harry did, and looked at him, tears running down their faces.

"It's lovely!" Ginny said.

"Thanks, Teddy's Godmother!" Harry said.

"Teddy will love this. Did you hire Dean Thomas to make this art?" Ginny seemed deep in thought. "I have seen this particular style too many times to miss!"

The tears in Harry's eyes suddenly grew distant, the environment turned awkward and cold. Clearing his throat, Harry looked away, "Maybe!"

His hands had gone into his pockets, and his shoulders slightly slumped.

"Ooh, jealous?" Ginny said.

When Harry didn't respond, Ginny went to him. Standing on her toes, she brought her lips against his. "You know I love you, don't you?"

Enjoying the kiss, Harry took her in his arms, "I love you, Ginny!"

"Good, let's explore the rest of the house and see what else you've done!" Ginny said, leaning against his shoulder. Harry grinned.


Ron and Hermione

The Train moved rapidly from London to Oxford. Ron sat by the window, Hermione's father next to him. Opposite them, the mother and daughter sat comfortably.

Age had caught up with the Grangers, and the entire war, memory alterations, and moving out of the country, had all taken a toll on them. They looked a decade older than they actually were. And were rightfully pissed, although they showed it in a very subtle manner. No one could guess it - except Hermione, and from experience of dealing with many people including but not limited to Hermione, Ron.

Nathan Granger had insisted Ron take the window side. Nathan preferred the aisle. Emily Granger too sat on the aisle, having grown tired of being at the window throughout most of her travels as a dentist. Nathan was the partner who was more comfortable staying in a secure place.

"Nathan? Emily? Maybe we should talk?" Ron tried breaking the silence.

"Of course, Dear!" Nathan said rather roughly. Hermione sniffled.

"Nathan!" Emily said pointedly. "He did not start the war - you know what I mean."

"Yes, and you can show your anger on me. But please, not on Ron." Hermione looked towards her parents.

Nathan grunted and took out a novel he had been reading. But, Ron wouldn't give up.

Having grown up in a huge family where fights were an everyday affair, noises were common, and people usually fogot and forgave grudges quickly, Ron was eager to talk.

"Which novel are you reading, Nathan?"

Emily and Nathan had insisted that Ron call them by name. To Ron, this was an improvement. They'd soon be comfortable with them. Hermione, however, would sniffle and hastily wipe away a tear. It needed more than that to show that Nathan and Emily were, indeed, comfortable with them, and Hermione knew it.

"A Clash of Kings. From 'The Song of Ice and Fire'." Nathan grunted. "By George Martin."

"An absolute delight!" Ron looked excited. And with a grin, he added, "George - that's my brother's name too."

Nathan grunted. Trying to keep things civil and engaging, Emily smiled a little too warmly at Ron.

"Of course, dear. We can't wait to meet your family!"

"But not until we set up our house at Oxford!" Nathan grunted over the book.

"Right." Hermione said. Sighing, Ron looked at Hermione, "You all right, Mione?"

"Why don't you both take a walk, dears?" Emily suggested. "At your age, in the places we stayed at, Nathan and I have never left a single place unexplored!"

"Yes!" Hermione stood and walked away.

"You don't have to go anywhere. You did not alter our memories, nor tell her that she could go put herself in mortal danger without worrying if we would feel a thing if anything happened to her!" Nathan told Ron.

Ron looked from Nathan to Emily, who had tears in her eyes as she avoided Ron's eyes.

"Umm.. I have to powder my nose." Ron stood up and went.

"Of course, keep powdering it." Nathan rolled his eyes. Ron ignored the comment and exited the compartment. The empty compartment diagonal to theirs was occupied and Ron knew who was there. As he approached, he could hear sharp intakes of breath.

Slowly opening the door, he poked his head in.

"W-Who's there?" A shrill, bossy voice demanded.

"Just me." Ron opened the door fully.

"Oh!" Hermione stowed her wand back in her skirt. Her eyes were red-rimmed.

"You aren't telling me you were going to use magic in front of muggles." Ron said as he shut the door.

"I am an adult witch, Ron. I can perfectly defend myself. There was a frigging war! I can alter memories too, as you can see!" She pointed in the direction of her parents compartment and looked away, sniffling.

Ron slowly walked up to her, "Hey it's going to be all right."

"Apparently, I'm supposed to wait until I'm a parent! Why don't they understand my sacrifice?" Hermione demanded furiously.

"I know Emily said that to you when we boarded the train, but they're hurt." Ron began.

"AND SO ARE YOU AND ME, RON!" Hermione burst into tears. She brought her face to her hands and her shoulders shook violently.

Ron rushed to her side, taking her into his arms.

"Where did I go wrong, Ron? Am I an ungrateful daughter?" her sobs were muffled by his shirt.

"No, you're the best daughter they could have." Ron said. "You looked after their safety. And look at what happened to Mr. and Mrs. Gabbers! Chloe couldn't keep them safe - she never had the chance."

"What if something happened, like Chloe's parents?" Hermione sobbed.

"Nothing happened, and that's all that matters!" Ron firmly said.

"Nothing did not happen, Ron." Hermione wiped her eyes, breaking away from him. "So much happened! My parents should be glad they're not as unlucky as the wizards and muggles alike that were hunted down by that madman and his madmen-followers!"

"Arguing with them over this isn't going to make things any better, Hermione. We should give them some time and space. They're furious and upset. Once that comes down, they will think with a clear mind." Ron assured her, holding her shoulders.

"I don't hate them. Ron. I just wish they knew how lucky they were that they were out of harm's way! And I'm not boasting, or claiming I did anything great! I am not Harry Potter!" Hermione shook her head.

"I know, and nor am I!" Ron wiped the remnants of her tears. "Let's go, then?"

"Give me a moment!" Hermione stood on her toes and captured Ron's lips in a passionate snog.

"Take all the time you want!" Ron muttered against her lips.

"I love you, Ron!"

"Love you, Hermione!"

It was late afternoon, so it wouldn't matter if it was a while before they returned to the Grangers compartment.