Dudley's Proposal to Chloe
Chloe had visited the Ministry of Magic to acquire a portkey for Dudley and herself to visit Elm St. Edmund on the morning of the 24th of December, and the same portkey to Godric's Hollow 24 hours later. They'd be apparating back with Harry and Ginny.
The portkey would be her father's prized pocket watch that she had taken back from the thugs, Crabbe and Goyle.
She watched with satisfaction as the Ministry official enchanted the beloved watch with incantations, like "Portus!"
"This can be used only twice—for Elm St. Edmund and Godric's Hollow on the said dates. It is for the use of Mr. Dursley and yourself. Any further uses should be reported to the Ministry of Magic." The stern official told Chloe, handing over the watch. Chloe nodded.
Even as Chloe returned, she saw Dudley coming out of the Floo.
"You'd been to Diagon Alley? What's up?" She asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
Pink in the face, Dudley shrugged, "Nothing. George and I were discussing the products and demands in this area."
"Is everything okay?" Chloe approached him. He hastily clutched his coat pocket and released it as though realizing something. There was a slight bump in his pocket.
"Everything is fine, Chloe!" Dudley said and hurried to the shop. Shaking her head, Chloe made her way to the Quill Shop to start her work. Soon, she forgot about Dudley's sudden visit to Diagon Alley in her absence or his sudden strange behavior.
As early as five in the morning on the day of the visit to Elm St. Edmund, Chloe looked up from Dudley's chest and shook him awake.
Dudley awoke, rubbing his eyes and yawning.
"Come, Dudley!" Chloe pulled his arm excitedly. She quickly stifled a yawn and ran to take a shower.
Dudley chuckled. By the time he had prepared coffee, Chloe had bounced into the kitchen.
They had coffee in excited silence, and Dudley went to take a shower while Chloe prepared some toast and butter. She decided to keep it light because she knew what portkeys were. It was Dudley's first time on one. He had only ever side-along apparated with Harry and used Floo Powder before.
Elm St. Edmund was a remote and relatively unknown village with a dying population, abandoned huts, and plenty of nature. It was a serene and hidden gem that still boasted of an innocence unmarked by wars, conflicts, violence, racism, and crime.
Youthful laughter adorned the village until as recently as before Chloe turned eleven and left for Hogwarts. Quaint cottages adorned with timeworn thatched roofs and walls of weathered stone now lay abandoned or crumbled down.
The church and the marketplace were the only places people met and socialized. You could take a tour of the entire village between breakfast and afternoon tea time, since there wasn't anything attracting tourists apart from nature. A jungle leading northwest bordered the village.
There was no television, no fancy cars, no fancy apartments or houses, no shining indoors, no video games, only one radio for the entire village, and dirt and grime adorned many places.
Chloe and Dudley arrived at the village center as the cock crowed. A centuries-old oak tree smiled warmly at the visitors. It stood tall and majestic, its branches forming a natural canopy. This was the village square, where the panchayat was held. Villagers would gather here under the shade as trials for justice were held, judgments were given, tales of yore were shared, and people sipped tea brewed from herbs they grew on their own farms.
The air was crisp with the scent of pine and wildflowers. The soothing sounds of birds and rustling leaves; for Dudley, replaced the urban symphony of traffic and sirens; and for Chloe, they brought back memories of a life she had known before she ever knew of Hogwarts, the magical world, or death eaters.
Dudley rubbed his backside, wincing in pain. Then, he closed his eyes, enjoying the fresh air. Stretching his arms wide, he inhaled deeply and stretched wide. Chloe, in contrast, burst into tears, sinking her head deep into his chest. Dudley quickly exhaled and held her tenderly.
"Shall-shall we please visit the village cemetery first, Dudley?" Chloe's sobs were muffled.
His heart aching for her, Dudley nodded. His chin touched her hair, letting her know that he had non-verbally agreed.
With an arm around her waist, Dudley walked forward. The two of them did not utter a single word. Whenever Chloe turned, Dudley silently turned, and this way, the couple reached the graveyard. Dudley took out some flowers.
"Where did you get these flowers from?" Chloe asked in surprise.
Blushing pink, Dudley shrugged. He respectfully placed the flowers at the graves of Chloe's parents.
"Jane Gabbers, March 1959–June 1997." Chloe read slowly.
"Alistair Gabbers, October 1959–June 1997." Chloe finished, leaning into Dudley's shoulder and shaking with emotion.
Dudley cleared his throat and tried to be strong for Chloe. The couple stood amidst Chloe's quiet sobs as the sun continued rising up the horizon.
By mid-morning, Chloe looked up at Dudley, her voice carrying a slight tremble. "Thank you, Dudley!"
Dudley shook his head and said, "Don't." He put a finger on her lip. She nodded tenderly.
Without withdrawing his arm, Dudley led Chloe out of the cemetery. As they took a leisurely stroll through the village, Chloe stopped in front of a bakery.
There was nothing spectacular about the bakery, which was why Dudley had not spared it a second glance. But Chloe looked at it with a mixture of sadness and nostalgia.
"I used to buy cakes and sweets here before Hogwarts. I haven't been to this bakery since I was eleven. The last time I came to this bakery was a day before my new term in 1992. That was my first year at Hogwarts." Chloe said, and suddenly chuckled. "The year Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley arrived to Hogwarts in a Flying Ford Anglia! I even remember the car model!"
"Wow!" Dudley chuckled. "I'll ask Harry about his flying car adventures!"
"Have you not come to this bakery?" Chloe asked once she had finished giggling.
"No, this place was long destroyed and vacated when Hestia Jones and Dedalus Diggle brought me and my parents here during the war." Dudley explained. Chloe nodded sadly in understanding.
"What places in the village did you explore? How did you spend almost an entire year here?" Chloe turned to Dudley.
"Exercise; worry about Harry; listen to Mum give worried statements about Harry's whereabouts; watch Mum and Dad doing various stuff that involved constantly worrying about jobs and school and quarreling; and find out news about Harry, Ron, and Hermione, like the times they raided the Ministry, looted the bank, and escaped on the back of a dragon." Dudley reminisced.
The couple continued walking along the picturesque countryside.
"What would you do when you got bored, Dudley?" Chloe asked.
"The older folk were polite, no doubt. But they and my parents kept some distance. I don't know why. Two or three times, some of their grandkids arrived from various cities. On those days, I would have company. We would play cricket, swim in the river, and simply walk around. But they never stayed for more than a week, so it was back to being on my own." Dudley shrugged.
"You've been to the river?" Chloe's eyes sparkled. "I challenge you for a swim!"
Dudley chuckled. "And our swim clothes? Besides, it's December now."
It was Chloe's turn to chuckle. With a wave of her wand, swimming clothes dropped into Dudley's hands.
"You're welcome!" Chloe smirked, collected her swim clothes, stowed her wand, and strutted along to the river.
"Hey! Wait for me!" Dudley ran after her. "It is cheating if you start before me!"
Chloe led Dudley to her favorite spot by the river. The water flowed serenely, with no care for human beings and their petty squabbles. Chloe and Dudley kept their day clothes and bags on a bench and dove into the water together.
Despite it being winter, Dudley felt as though he was swimming on a hot summer day. He instantly knew it was Chloe's magic.
"Can you do magic in this muggle village?" Dudley asked.
"Of course!" Chloe said.
"Harry got into trouble for..." Dudley started.
"That was before graduating from Hogwarts. And Harry still escaped with little to no consequences. After Hogwarts, we can use magic and are thoroughly responsible for any use of magic on our part." Chloe explained.
"The first one to reach that bridge wins!" Chloe suddenly declared, and the couple swam across the river as the flora and fauna around them watched with interest.
When Chloe shook the water out of her eyes, Dudley stood grinning and said, "I win."
"No, I came first!" Chloe said.
Dudley shook his head. "A second after me."
"I have always been faster than everyone around here! It's obviously I who came first!" Chloe said.
Dudley blew a raspberry. In mock fury, Chloe splashed water on him and said, "Cheater cheater!"
Dudley began splashing water on her too. "Doesn't change the fact I won!"
"Eh!" Chloe splashed harder. Dudley grabbed her close. "I'd like to see you try!"
Chloe giggled. "Well, I won!"
"Yeah? Prove it!" Dudley said, intently gazing into her eyes. He slowly titled her and met her lips. She returned the kiss and melted into his embrace. The chill of the water and the warmth of each other made them giggle louder. The wind blew softly, as though approving with a smile.
A while later, Dudley got up from the water and lent a hand to Chloe. She took it gratefully. Dudley wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close as they walked back to the bench. When they reached, Chloe lifted her cheek from Dudley's heart and took her wand from the clothes.
Trembling with cold, she shut her eyes with focus and opened her eyes, casting a warming spell on Dudley, who immediately felt warm and dry as if he had never gone for a swim.
"Feeling better, dear?" Chloe asked.
"Yes, but you're cold." Dudley said in concern, but Chloe had already flicked her wand on herself and said with a grin, "I am warm and dry."
As Chloe made her way forward, she noticed Dudley checking into his pockets nervously. He seemed to find whatever it was and blinked with relief.
"What is it?" Chloe asked.
"Nothing!" Dudley said it a little too loudly and ran over to her. "We should get something to eat!"
"Yes, one small roadside cafe is right here." Chloe pointed at a distance. "There may be a few others, too."
Dudley held out his arm and said, "So, let's go!"
Chloe put her hand around his arm and snuggled into him, giggling. The couple made their way ahead.
With their bellies full of bacon sandwiches, strawberry crumble, and strong black tea, the couple made their way forward and stopped by a demolished house.
"Oh, dear." Dudley said. "This is the house Dedalus Diddle and Hestia Jones arranged for our hiding during the war. I spent almost a full year here eating, sleeping, exercising, and even studying sometimes."
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Chloe said it sadly. "The death eaters did this?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. I'm glad none were hurt as far as my knowledge is concerned." Dudley shrugged. Chloe pressed her cheek against his shoulder and tightened her hold of his arm.
Dudley shook his head. "Let's just go." Chloe nodded against his shoulder. The duo walked slowly in silence, taking in the surroundings.
Suddenly, Chloe stopped and let out a sob. Concerned, Dudley looked down. "Are you okay?"
Chloe wiped her eyes. "Yeah, no problem. That used to be my house." She pointed at the ruins of a house.
"Oh, no!" Dudley said.
Chloe shook her head. "Death eaters did this after... that! I couldn't even see them one last time!"
Dudley turned to let her bury her face in his chest, weeping softly. Dudley held her tenderly, and her voice shook and sounded muffled: "Mum" and "Dad".
Chloe gained control of her emotions soon and looked up. "Let's just go."
It was Dudley's turn to nod and say, "Give me a moment."
As Chloe stood, Dudley went into the ruins and came out. There really was nothing left. The couple walked back to the river and the same bench.
Late afternoon was creeping in. A drowsy silence enveloped the village, occasionally disturbed by Chloe's sniffles against Dudley's shoulder as they sat on the bench.
When Chloe opened her eyes, she saw that the sun was setting. She was no longer nestled on Dudley's shoulder. Instead, she was leaning against the headboard.
"Dudley?" She looked around and saw him turn around nervously. "What's wrong, Dudley?"
Dudley had begun trembling slightly. Worried, Chloe instantly put a hand on his forehead. He took her hand away from his forehead gently and took a few deep breaths.
Chloe was worried. She cupped his face in her palms and said, "Listen, I know the war and the death eater atrocities were too much."
"Chloe!" Dudley began and cleared his throat. He took out a small, velvety box from his breast pocket.
Chloe, you've brought so much happiness and light into my life. From the moment I met you, everything changed for the better. All the way back when I first worked at George's shop in Diagon Alley! You've shown me what it means to love and be loved. You were the ray of hope when all seemed lost, especially between Harry and me. I can't imagine my life without you in it. I want to spend every day by your side, sharing both the joys and challenges that life brings. Chloe, will you make me the happiest person in the world and marry me?
It was so sudden and out of the blue. Taken aback, her wide eyes filled with tears that rolled down her cheeks. The setting sun looked a million times brighter and blurred, as if crying with joy! Chloe's watery brown eyes stared at Dudley with love and gratitude.
"Dudley, you've made me the happiest person in the world just by asking. Of course, I'll marry you!"
Her voice was filled with emotion. She stood on her toes and gave Dudley a warm, heartfelt kiss. Grinning, Dudley took out an emerald ring with gold edges and inserted it into her finger. She looked at the ring with genuine admiration and put her arms around his neck, sniffling with joy. His arms went around her and held her close as she nestled herself against him. The stars winked at the young couple.
With a flick of her wand, Chloe created a temporary shelter.
"Repello Muggletum! Salvio Hexia! Protego Totalum! Muffliato!" Chloe whispered and entered in after Dudley.
Dudley sat comfortably. Chloe went into his arms and the duo shared a tender kiss. Chloe wrapped her arms around Dudley's neck and he wrapped his arms around Chloe's waist. The two of them continued snogging as they lay down on the mat. Their bags seemed to giggle, and Chloe's father seemed to watch over them protectively through the pocket-watch. The night was young and love was in the air!
As soon as dawn was nearing, Chloe lifted her head from Dudley's chest and shook him awake.
"We should leave for Godric's Hollow." She reminded him and he nodded.
They took a quick dip in the river, packed everything, and took out the pocket-watch, just in time to leave to Godric's Hollow.