Budgeting and Birthday Parties
When Chloe went into the kitchen the next morning, she saw Dudley with a grin. There was toast and coffee ready on the table.
"Breakfast!" He cheerfully said.
Chloe stared. "Just toast?"
"Well, we have cheese!" Dudley said, his arms wide open.
Chloe snuggled into him, her voice muffled. "Why?"
"We will be implementing different ways to save more money. If we cut back on a lot of things, we could use the same money for the wedding! So that Harry and Ginny don't end up paying for everything. And we shouldn't expect Mum and Dad to pay for everything, either. We're working adults, aren't we?" Dudley kissed the top of her crisp brown hair. Chloe nodded.
That day onwards, Dudley and Chloe cut down on most of their expenses, paying only for rent and basic foods like dairy products, bread, and eggs.
When Friday evening came, the two of them used Floo Powder to get to No. 12, Grimmauld Place. Ron and Hermione were the first to greet them.
"Dudley! Chloe!" Ron said. "I heard you're getting married! Congratulations!"
"It's so good to see you both, Chloe! Dudley!" Hermione said.
"Thanks!" Dudley and Chloe blushed.
"Well, we go shopping early tomorrow morning. A girls trip!" Hermione patted Chloe's back.
"Yay!" Chloe squealed.
"We are no less! We will do a boys trip! We will also go shopping, but maybe not so early in the morning." Ron said.
"Fine by me." Dudley said, grinning.
"Who is it?" A voice came in. She stopped by the door, her eyes landing on Dudley and Chloe.
"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley! Welcome!" Andromeda Tonks said.
"Actually, Mrs. Tonks. We are getting married in April. As of now, we aren't married yet." Dudley clarified.
"So, why did you not tell me at Percy's wedding?" Andromeda frowned.
"I meant to! But by then, Chloe has gone somewhere, and death eaters attacked." Dudley said.
"I SAW CRABBE AND GOYLE THERE! What was I supposed to do—pretend I never saw death eaters hiding and plotting an attack?" Chloe said.
"No one blames you, Chloe." Dudley said.
Chloe sighed, "I did not have the time to tell anyone. The death eaters were moving too fast. Not even you had the time to clarify to Mrs. Tonks that you and I aren't yet married, Dudley."
"I know." Dudley put an arm around her waist.
Andromeda nodded. "Harry and Ginny are also getting married in April."
"Yes, it is a dual wedding!" Ron said.
"Really? I'm happy for you all, then." Andromeda nodded. "Perhaps, then, these two will cease the suspense and tie the knot soon!"
Ron and Hermione went pink.
"Umm, I need to check that Cooper case report!" Ron coughed and left.
"NOT WITH KREACHER! I will make sure house elves are not treated with disdain." Hermione declared and left, her cheeks red from blushing.
"Oh, dear!" Andromeda shook her head with a chuckle.
"Harry, come quick! Chloe and Dudley have come!" Ginny said she would be coming into the living room soon after.
Harry came in with Teddy sleeping contentedly against his chest and sat down. "Take it easy, Gin. Let them sit down."
Chloe pulled Dudley down onto a sofa excitedly.
Ginny brought her head down to Harry's shoulder.
"Why don't you all sleep for now? You've got a long day tomorrow." Andromeda smiled.
"Yes, Andromeda. Have you taken your tablets?" Harry asked. Andromeda nodded.
"Cool! We will put Teddy to sleep after feeding him." Ginny said, snuggling closer to Harry.
"I can't wait to go!" Chloe said it with excitement.
"Tomorrow. First thing!" Ginny grinned.
Chloe, Ginny, and Hermione purchased a few clothes after leaving early in the morning on Saturday. They enjoyed lunch at a muggle restaurant in London and continued shopping until evening, when they returned.
Dudley, Harry, and Ron left late in the morning, watched an action movie in a theater, had a late lunch at a muggle bar, purchased a few clothes, and returned in the evening after a day well spent.
After supper, Chloe and Dudley took their purchases and returned to Hogsmeade via Floo Network.
It was finally the new year. All around them, Chloe and Dudley heard laughter, merry-making, screams of glee, and people loudly wishing one another for the turn of the millennia. It was the year 2000, after all!
While fireworks and celebrations erupted all over the place, Chloe and Dudley Dursley sat in their small and cozy bedroom. Chloe lowered her head into Dudley's chest with a sniffle. Dudley sat up and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Privet Drive!" She shakily said.
"It's true. You and I will be moving there in a few years. We will be married. I'll help Mum and Dad with the renovations." Dudley said.
"It is so far away from here!" Chloe's voice broke, dampening Dudley's shirt.
"Living in our own space is better than renting a house, Chloe. Besides, the house will be a mixture of muggle and magic. There will be a floo network. There will also be electricity." Dudley pulled her closer.
Chloe nodded, her voice muffled. "I know, but it's just... it's going to be so different there. No magic, no wands, no owls. It's like a different world."
Dudley gently stroked her back, his fingers tracing soothing patterns. "It will be just like before you went to Hogwarts, but with magic! We can always visit the wizarding world whenever we want."
The steady rhythm of Dudley's heartbeat echoed in Chloe's ears as she looked up at him. "When did Vernon and Petunia inform you?"
"Just a while ago! They wish to present us with the land. I recommended we build it in such a way that it is both muggle and magical." Dudley smiled warmly.
Chloe nodded, her smile returning. She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on Dudley's lips. "I love you," she whispered.
Dudley's eyes sparkled with affection as he whispered back, "I love you too, Chloe. Always."
Chloe and Dudley continued to cut back on non-essential expenses, opting for homemade meals. They also started working overtime at work to boost their wedding fund.
Simultaneously, Dudley joined hands with Vernon and Petunia as they continued renovating Privet Drive for the future. It was a busy start to the year, but Dudley and Chloe were determined to make the most of it, both financially and for their home.
Harry and Ginny had become busier than ever. The few times they exchanged owls, Harry or Ginny mentioned that Hermione and Ron were busy at the Ministry of Magic in their respective jobs. Ron and Hermione also seemed as determined as ever to move into their flat near Ottery St. Catchpole.
Luna had replied with enthusiasm. She informed Ginny and Chloe that she would certainly be joining them, but it would be some time in March. She also mentioned that she would have to leave for South America soon after the wedding.
On Valentine's Day, Dudley sadly looked down at Chloe in his arms. They sat on the bed, legs stretched out.
"I want to do something for you." He said.
Chloe shook her head. "You are already doing it. By working overtime, saving for the wedding, getting Privet Drive renovated, and making wedding arrangements!"
"Thanks, Chloe! It's all for our future!" Dudley said.
"I've never asked anything of you, Dudley! Just your love and presence!" Chloe nestled herself against his chest.
During the Hogsmeade weekend, Dudley sold twice as many goods by convincing the students that a little extra joke products would be cool. Chloe, too, worked overtime, selling many more quills to students that visited the quill shop. This ensured that Dudley and Chloe received bonuses.
Time went by swiftly, and soon it was Ron's birthday. Dudley and Chloe went to the Burrow for Ron's birthday party. All the Weasleys were there.
Having arrived early that morning from Romania for Ron's birthday, Charlie sat with Fleur and Bill, chatting with them. He'd return to Romania in the evening and come for George's birthday in April, during which he would stay for a dual wedding.
Audrey and Percy had eyes for no one else. George chuckled and got up from the couch when they sat there. George, Ron, and Harry were discussing Quidditch, specifically Ginny's rigorous training.
Andromeda called George to him, 'What does Angelina say? I'd have thought you both would announce something, given that Percy recently got married."
George blushed, 'It will take a while, Andromeda. She wants to focus on her job at Quidditch Quality Supplies. she has been promoted as the manager, you see?"
"So, what about you?" Andromeda asked.
"Well, if I make major decisions now, I'll have to cut Dudley Dursley's salary. He is excited about his wedding and is working overtime just to save more money. I can't be so heartless. Instead, I plan to focus on business for now. I've proposed already and she said yes!" George said. Andromeda patted his back with a warm smile.
Hermione and Ginny sat holding "Witch's Weekly" and giggling at Rita Skeeter's article about Hermione being Harry's secret girlfriend.
"She never stops this disgusting habit, does she?" Hermione shook her head with a laugh.
"Believe me, Hermione. Rita Skeeter is why people think Harry and I have twins! Why else would people see Harry or me with Teddy and assume his redheaded form is the twin brother of his black-haired self?" Ginny shook her head, giggling.
Molly saw everyone's cheerful faces and smiled with tears in her eyes. "I am so happy to see everybody like this! I can't believe it's been so long since Fred..."
Arthur walked up to her, and she buried herself in his chest.
"It will be fine, Mrs. Weasley." Chloe entered the kitchen with Dudley, and said. Molly pulled back and gave a weak smile.
"Mr. Weasley. There is always something good to look forward to." Dudley consoled the older man.
"Thanks, dear!" Arthur said it gruffly, his eyes still red.
"Dudley and Chloe, you haven't been to our new house, right?" Ron patted Dudley's back softly as Dudley and Chloe went into the living room. "You should come by."
"That's right!" Hermione added.
"Oh, we would love to!" Chloe said that and extended a hand for Dudley to take.
The four of them had a pleasant walk across the charming countryside. Before they knew it, a humble and independent flat that overlooked the lake towered over them.
"This way upstairs." Hermione said, opening the door and letting the visitors in. "We felt we should have the stairs leading upstairs near the main entrance."
The first thing they saw at the top was a cozy and warm living room complete with a Floo Network and a television set.
Chloe leaned into Dudley's shoulder. "This is so neat!"
"Indeed!" Dudley had his arm around her.
"Thank you!" Hermione said it cheerfully. "The balcony there is Ron's favorite! Always sits there reading my novels. He isn't much of a reader, but he reads my books!"
"Oh, so sweet!" Chloe said.
"There he is!" Hermione said.
"I thought you were coming in. Anyway, this is the kitchen. I love experimenting on new dishes so I can enjoy a variety of dishes with Hermione." Ron said.
"And you're doing amazing, my love!" Hermione kissed his cheek and leaned into him.
Over the top of Hermione's bushy, brown hair, Ron said with a grin, "The bedrooms are on the other side. Three, actually. One for Hermione and me. One for Hermione's parents or Harry and Ginny when they come over. We haven't thought of anything for the third."
Hermione's neck grew red. "Okay, I'll be downstairs if you need anything. There is a home office in case Ron and I need to get some work done."
Ron began showing the rooms and the kitchen to Dudley and Chloe. "Hermione isn't very particular about food or cooking. But she still relishes everything I make!"
"We get it, mate!" Dudley grinned. "Why don't you both tie the knot already?"
Ron's ears grew red, and he coughed. "Well, you two are getting married along with Harry and Ginny now. Hermione and I'd like to help with the wedding preparations for now."
"A likely story!" Chloe giggled.
Ron clutched the back of his head, grinning. "Well, I am busy with Auror duties. Hermione has just started at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It will take a while, you know."
"Chloe and I understand." Dudley nodded cheerfully.
"Thanks! And, oh, the terrace is upstairs." Ron led the way up the stairs.
The terrace was lovely. There were pots of plants, a dedicated place for drying clothes, and the lake looked spectacular. nearby. Dudley and Chloe breathed deeply.
"Chloe! Dudley!" It was Ginny Weasley on her new Firebolt. She zoomed towards them.
"Ginny?" Chloe said.
"It's just a minute from the Burrow to Ron's new house on a broomstick!" Ginny said. "Hurry up, Ron! We are planning a game of Quidditch in ten minutes exactly."
Ron looked delighted. "Of course, wait for me!"
"You go, Ron. We will come." Dudley said. He knew how much the Weasleys loved Quidditch. The day after Percy's wedding and the death eater attack, Harry had told Dudley about Draco Malfoy, and it was at that time that Dudley had heard about each Weasley's Quidditch abilities and interests. Later, even Chloe confirmed this to Dudley by saying that she had witnessed many Weasleys, like Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny, playing Quidditch for the Gryffindor team during her time at Hogwarts.
"Hermione is downstairs, okay? Should you need anything?" Ron said.
"Close the terrace door, Ron. We will also come down." Dudley said.
And so the trio went down the stairs, and Ron left.
"Give me a moment. We will go." Hermione told him and Chloe as Ron left.
Chloe wrapped her arms around Dudley's middle. "This house is so cozy, dear!"
Dudley's hand gently ran up and down her back, and she nodded. "I know! Privet Drive will be something similar."
The couple broke apart when Hermione loudly shut the door to the home office and said, "Okay, let's go, then?"
"Yes! Your house is so amazing, Hermione!" Chloe jumped and clapped. "Dudley and I loved it!"
"Thanks, guys!" Hermione warmly smiled.
The trio went back to the Burrow in time to see Harry Potter launch the quaffle, the bludgers, and the golden snitch into the air.
Chloe was invited to play Quidditch for the first time. Initially hesitating, she quickly overcame her reluctance and played one of the beaters for Charlie's team. After the game and a sumptuous meal that night after Ron cut the cake, Dudley and Chloe would head home.
Chloe and Dudley stood hand in hand, gazing at the unassuming houses on Privet Drive. It was two days after Ron's birthday party, and Chloe had insisted that Dudley show her around.
The neighborhood was quiet, with neatly trimmed hedges and identical rows of homes that seemed to stretch on endlessly.
"It's so ordinary," Chloe remarked, her keen eyes scanning the cookie-cutter houses. She glanced at Dudley, who wore a nostalgic smile.
"Yeah, this is where I grew up," Dudley replied, his voice tinged with memories. "It feels strange coming back here after the war, my final year of school, and you and me being together for almost eleven months now."
As they walked down the sidewalk, Chloe noticed the meticulously manicured lawns and the absence of any signs of magic or wizardry. It was a stark contrast to the magical world she had become accustomed to.
"That is No. 4, Privet Drive." Dudley pointed out.
"It's hard to believe that this is where you and Harry used to live," Chloe mused, her fingers interlocked with Dudley's.
"It is strange that the savior of the wizarding world was a nobody when he lived here. Being here feels like another lifetime! Why didn't I meet you sooner, Chloe?" Dudley held her shoulders and gazed at her brown eyes.
Looking into his blue eyes, Chloe shook her head. "I wish I had met you sooner, Dudley. But I'm glad I still met you whenever we did!"
"Chloe, we've come a long way together, and I wouldn't change a thing." Dudley pulled her close.
"Dudley, I feel so lucky to have you in my life! Sometimes, I still can't believe how much my life has changed and how much love I've found with you." Chloe said into his chest.
Dudley tightened his embrace. "I'm the lucky one, Chloe. You mean everything to me." Chloe smiled and looked up.
"Once the house is ready, we can look around." Dudley pointed toward the house.
Chloe took a step forward. "I can't wait for the day we will have our own house, Dudley!"
Dudley squeezed her hand gently. She leaned into him, locking her lips with his as the warm, orange light of the setting sun showered its blessings.