It had been a week since the wedding. Harry sat on the chair in Dudley and Chloe's hospital room. Dudley and Chloe were to be discharged from the hospital that day.
"What did Luna's letter tell you, Chloe? She seemed upset with Ginny and Hemione; she said they were being too easygoing and careless with their lives. She insists that Ron and I have a knack for getting into trouble." Harry shook his head. "In muggle terms, I am a policeman. It's our job to fight dark wizards, go on dangerous missions, and protect people!"
"I understand. Luna was upset with us, too!" Dudley said, grinning embarassedly, "For the first time, a magical person has actually admonished me for something."
"She cares about you as much as me, Ginny and Harry, Hermione and Ron, you know, Dudley!" Chloe said. "But yeah, she scolded me for being too careless. I assured her that Dudley and I would make a full recovery in no time."
"Right!" Harry said, standing up. Dudley and Chloe followed suit.
"Are you both ready? I will take you with me to work. Ginny will be collecting you and dropping you off at Hogsmeade. George says you can open the shop tomorrow." Harry said.
Dudley shrugged. "Wouldn't mind opening today itself. But collecting Chloe's parents' items will be important, and we don't know how long that will take."
Harry nodded. "Come with me."
As the trio exited the room, Chloe hung back on purpose and walked slowly so that Dudley and Harry could talk. The boys did not notice much, except for the one time Dudley turned back and asked, "Are you okay, Chloe?"
"I am, Dudley; carry on. I'll catch up with you both!" Chloe cheerfully said.
Meanwhile, Dudley was telling Harry about Malfoy.
"And after that, he did something with his wand and gave me this gash." He pointed at the gash on his cheek. "Sector-pra, or something."
"It is Sectumsempra. From Snape's Half-Blood Prince Potions Book!" Harry reminisced.
"Eh?" Dudley asked. "I didn't catch you."
"It is a dangerous curse used on enemies, Big D. Anyway, Malfoy has an additional jail sentence of 12 years now. His dad and the other death eaters have received life imprisonment." Harry said.
Even as they walked, a chocolate wrapper drifted along with the wind. Dudley caught it and said, "I'll throw it in the waste paper basket."
Someone petite and old poked Dudley in the back. He and Harry turned around. Chloe had stopped and was staring at her.
Harry was the first to react. "Mrs. Longbottom?"
Alice held out a hand as if asking for the wrapper. She pointed to herself, and a man Harry immediately pointed out as 'Mr. Longbottom'.
Dudley nodded and handed over the wrapper to her. "Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom Your names sound familiar."
"They are Alice and Frank, Neville's parents," Harry said. Dudley had heard about Neville, his parents, their connection to the prophecy and the Potters, and their fates.
"Dudley Dursley." He introduced himself, not caring whether Alice understood him. "You knew my aunt, Lily. Harry's mum."
"Of course! The Longbottoms knew the Potters." Harry said. "You really have shown good interest in finding out these things, Big D."
"I am Clodagh Gabbers." Chloe had caught up with them and finally caught her voice. Trembling slightly, she held Alice's and Frank's hands.
"You were so brave!" Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Indeed!" Dudley said with an arm around her waist, allowing her to lean into his chest, sniffling.
Harry gruffly cleared his throat. "It was Bellatrix, Rodoplhus, Rabastan, and Crouch Jr. Bellatrix is dead, and Crouch Jr. got the dementor's kiss. You and Chloe saw Rodolphus Lestrange and Rabastan Lestrange at the wedding. They were the ones dueling Molly first, and then George and Nicolette, my colleague."
Chloe nodded at Dudley's chest. Dudley, too, cleared his throat gruffly.
"Frank! Alice! You have visitors, I see?" A healer came up to them.
"Don't mind us. We will drop by some other time." Harry said. Dudley and Chloe followed suit as the Longbottoms were ushered back to their beds.
The visit to the auror office was quick. Chloe's wand was checked at the entrance before she and Dudley were let in. Harry led them to his office.
"That, there, is my desk. Have a nice day, Dudley and Chloe! I'm handing you over to Neville here." Harry said and hurried to his desk.
"Sure, Harry," Dudley said.
"Hello, Mr. Dursley. Miss Gabbers. Do come with me." Neville said it in his usual professional manner.
"Sure, Mr. Longbottom!" Dudley said. "Come, Chloe."
Chloe nodded, looking nervous.
"So, Gabbers. You, of course, found this pocket watch and this bracelet on the day of the attack. Is that correct?" Neville said.
Chloe nodded.
"We found this bag with a gold necklace and some muffle money in it. Do you identify any of this?" Neville asked.
With shaking hands, Chloe ran her fingers alongside the red and yellow bag, tenderly opened it, and held the necklace close to her bosom. Sobs erupted from her throat, and she tearfully nodded at Neville, "A-All m-mine."
Dudley's arm gripped her firmly as she swiped at her eyes.
"Cool, would you like to sit down and have a glass of water first?" Neville asked sympathetically.
Chloe shook her head. "It is okay. I want to go home."
Dudley pulled her close. Chloe wept into his chest. "The bag belonged to my parents. The gold ring was my aunt's. She was my mother's older sister. That ring is passed down from generation to generation. My parents have left me some money, Dudley. We can convert them into galleons and deposit them in our account."
Dudley rubbed her back silently, not feeling the need to speak. For a while, the room was filled with Chloe's muffled sobs, after which Chloe pulled back slowly.
"Okay, Chloe, I need your signature here and your confirmation that you have collected these items." Neville stood up from his desk and said, "Thank you for your cooperation."
Chloe and Dudley found Ginny waiting when they turned after signing the parchment.
"Ginny!" Chloe smiled through her tears. "We were thinking of you!"
"I know, Chloe!" Ginny smiled warmly, as did Dudley. "Shall we go?"
"Certainly!" Dudley said. "See you, Neville!"
"Bye, Neville! Thanks for everything!" Chloe said.
"No problem at all!" Neville warmly smiled.
Ginny simply waved cheerfully at Neville, who nodded back with a smile.
"Here we are!" Ginny said cheerfully.
"Thanks, Ginny!" Chloe hugged her friend warmly.
Returning the hug, Ginny patted Chloe's back.
"Let me take this inside." Dudley took the bag to his and Chloe's house.
"The wedding was fun, Ginny!" Chloe chuckled.
"Before or after all the drama?" Ginny taunted.
"Let's see. How about after?" Chloe laughed. Ginny shook her head with a laugh. The two girls went into the house.
"I will be at the shop. It's already been a few days." Dudley said.
"Is George forcing you to do anything?" Ginny asked.
"Most certainly not! It's just that I feel in control when I am at work. It's when everything fits into place!" Dudley smiled.
"In our muggle terms, you'd be called a workaholic, Dudley!" Chloe stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Come home soon!"
Dudley wrapped his arms around her waist, allowing her to rest her forehead against his chest. "I will!"
When Chloe and Dudley pulled back, Dudley thanked Ginny and left.
"Okay, Chloe. Are you sure you don't need anything else?" Ginny asked. Chloe smiled weakly and Ginny left with a nod of satisfaction.
The transition into November was smooth. Dudley and Chloe had returned to their respective jobs and daily routines. Chloe would go to work and come on her own, without the need for Dudley to come every time. As always, Dudley made coffee and tea and cooked dinner, while Chloe cooked breakfast and lunch. While Dudley handled the dishes, Chloe washed their clothes. While Dudley watered their garden and tended to the flowers, Chloe cleaned the shop after business hours. Chloe brought him snacks and helped him rearrange the shelves.
At night and during holidays, the two would snuggle into each other's arms and sleep tight. A day after Dudley and Chloe returned from St. Mungo's, they had been to Gringotts to convert Chloe's muggle money into Galleons and Sickles, which they deposited into their bank account.
The Quidditch season had begun, and Ginny had become really busy with practice. Even on days Harry, Ron, or Hermione were available, Ginny wasn't, owing to practice. Gwenog Jones, the captain of the HolyHead Harpies, was particularly strict about training schedules.
Harry and Ron, too, became busy with paperwork and other Auror duties. Dudley would sometimes see Harry, Ron or Neville standing outside in the cold, patrolling Hogsmeade at night. He would call them inside and insist that they have a warm meal or a hot drink, which they'd gratefully take. Chloe never once complained about having sudden guests at home. The days went by in bliss as everybody recovered from their injuries.
Dudley and Chloe were sitting at the kitchen table one crisp November morning, sipping their tea for a change instead of coffee, and enjoying a rare moment of quiet. The weather had grown colder than before, and it wouldn't be long before it started snowing.
Dudley glanced out the window at the golden leaves falling from the trees and said, "You know, Chloe, I received an owl from Harry early this morning. Harry and Ginny are planning a trip to Godric's Hollow for Christmas. They've invited us to join them."
Chloe set her teacup down and looked thoughtful. "Godric's Hollow... That's where it all began, isn't it? Where Harry's parents lived, and Voldemort changed everything?"
Dudley chuckled.
"What?" Chloe asked.
"You are one of the few who call Voldemort by name. The only other people I have frequently heard taking his name aloud are Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione." Dudley said.
"Right," Chloe said.
"Maybe that is why I love you! You are strong and bold. You are kind and helpful. What's not admirable about you?" Dudley said.
Chloe blushed. "Oh, stop flattering me."
Changing the subject, Chloe said thoughtfully, "Godric's Hollow sure has a charm!"
Dudley nodded. "Yes, it's a special place for Harry and for the wizarding world. They visit every year to pay their respects to my aunt and uncle."
Chloe hesitated for a moment before speaking softly, "Dudley, before we go to Godric's Hollow, there's something I'd like to do. I want to visit Elm St. Edmund, my village, just for a day or two."
Dudley turned to her, his expression warm and understanding. "Chloe, I think that's a wonderful idea. Elm St. Edmund is a part of your history, just like Godric's Hollow is a part of Harry's. We can make the trip before Christmas. It'll be a nice way to reconnect with your roots."
Chloe smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. "Thank you, Dudley. It's just that I've been away from there for so long, and I miss it, especially during the holidays. I want to see the village, visit the places I remember." A sob escaped her throat.
Dudley reached across the table to gently hold her hand. "I'd love to revisit the place where you grew up. This time, with you. I'm eager to meet your old relatives and friends. Let's first go to Elm St. Edmund and then head to Godric's Hollow for Christmas."
Chloe's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she snuggled into Dudley's chest. "Thank you, Dudley. You always understand."
Dudley smiled back at her. "Well, we're in this together, Chloe. Elm St. Edmund it is, then. followed by Godric's Hollow. I have never been there. Only Mom went there briefly for Aunt Lily's and Uncle James' funerals. Dad says Mom left early in the morning and was back by night."
"You've never gone there? Petunia and Vernon never speak about them." Chloe asked in surprise, looking up at him. Dudley shook his head sadly.
"That's too bad! Dudley, you should connect with Harry and ask him about the place. You and I live near the Shrieking Shack, a place that's so important to Harry's dad, his godfather, and Teddy's dad! If anything, we should know more about Harry's past and background." Chloe said.
"I am a disappointment, am I not?" Dudley sighed.
"Hell no!" Chloe rubbed his back comfortingly. "You are doing a good job, Dudley!"
"Not without you, Chloe. I don't think any of this would have happened if you weren't in my life." Dudley said as he turned to face her.
"Dudley!" Chloe stood up and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. "I am always here with you. Do you understand?"
Dudley nodded against her.
"Thank you for understanding me, Chloe. For giving me a second chance. Perhaps Dumbledore is right, after all." Dudley sniffled.
"Course he is!" Chloe chuckled. "His famous words include 'Nitwit, oddment, blubber, and tweak' and I never understood what that was all about!"
"Doesn't nitwit mean a daft person?" Dudley asked. Chloe nodded. "Blubber means more fat. Oddment means a portion of cut-off fabric, and tweak means to slightly adjust something."
"And Professor Dumbledore's point?" Dudley asked.
Chloe giggled and shrugged. She felt Dudley relax into her embrace and firmly him in her arms.