A Slytherin Story

11. Diagon Alley and The Hogwarts Express

"Ah, it seems this wand has found its wizard," he said, confirming that the wand had chosen Dudley. "Ten and three-quarter inches, cedar, with a dragon heartstring core. A most intriguing combination."

Dudley accepted the wand, and as he held it, he could feel a connection, a sense of belonging, that he had never experienced before. Lyra gave him a congratulatory hug, whispering, "You did it, Dudley! Your wand chose you."

With his wand in hand and the support of his cousin Lyra, Dudley was now fully equipped for his journey into the magical world of Hogwarts. As they left Ollivanders, the two cousins shared an unspoken bond and a shared excitement for the adventures that lay ahead at the magical school.

With Dudley's wand in hand, the next  and last item on the list for his preparation for Hogwarts was his school robes. The Dursleys and Lyra ventured to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions in Diagon Alley. Dudley was measured for his robes, and Madam Malkin's staff was busy tailoring them to fit perfectly.

As Dudley stood for measurements, Lyra, who was not starting Hogwarts for another three years, began to grow a bit restless. She had heard about the magic of the Wizarding World and wanted to explore more of Diagon Alley. Petunia and Vernon decided to stay with Dudley during this important part of his preparation, but Rebekah, always ready for a new adventure, offered to accompany Lyra to a nearby book store.

The two of them strolled through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere and window shopping at various magical stores. Finally, they arrived at Flourish and Blotts, the famous bookstore for all things magical.

Lyra's eyes lit up at the sight of countless spellbooks, potion guides, and magical histories. She eagerly browsed the shelves, occasionally consulting with Rebekah about her selections. The bookstore had a calming aura that felt like a second home for Lyra, and she could hardly contain her excitement as she picked out a stack of books to take home.

Meanwhile, back at Madam Malkin's, Dudley had struck up a conversation with a fellow student who was also shopping for his first year at Hogwarts. The friendly boy introduced himself as Cedric Diggory, and the two of them quickly found common ground.

Dudley and Cedric shared stories and their expectations for Hogwarts, creating an instant camaraderie. Dudley was grateful for this new friendship, as it eased some of the apprehension he had about starting a new school. Cedric was not just a fellow student but a kind and easy-going companion who put Dudley at ease.

As they continued to chat and await the completion of Dudley's robes, Dudley and Cedric realized they had even more in common than they initially thought. They found themselves discussing their interests, hobbies, and even a shared fondness for Quidditch.

The visit to Madam Malkin's became more enjoyable as the boys bonded, sharing their hopes and dreams for the upcoming school year. Cedric was genuinely excited about meeting a new friend in Dudley and looked forward to more adventures at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, Lyra and Rebekah returned with a trove of books, ready to share their own adventures with the family.

The Dursley household had become even more immersed in the magical world, with Dudley making a new friend and Lyra delving into her magical studies, all while building precious memories in Diagon Alley.

As the Dursley family and Rebekah made their way back home from Diagon Alley, Dudley and Lyra couldn't contain their excitement. They both chattered animatedly, recounting every detail of their eventful day to Petunia and Rebekah, while Vernon focused on the road.

Dudley was beaming with pride as he described the selection of his wand and the fitting of his Hogwarts robes. "Cedric is a really cool guy," Dudley said, his face filled with enthusiasm. "We talked about Quidditch, and he's going to show me how to play once we get to Hogwarts!"

Lyra, meanwhile, was practically bubbling with excitement as she shared her experience at the bookstore. "Rebekah helped me pick out some amazing books about magical creatures and spellcasting," she said. "I can't wait to learn everything I can before I go to Hogwarts!"

Petunia and Rebekah listened with genuine interest, their eyes filled with warmth as they absorbed the stories of Dudley and Lyra's adventures. The magical world had become an integral part of their lives, and they were delighted to see the children's enthusiasm and the blossoming friendships that came with it.

Rebekah added her own insights and advice, encouraging both Dudley and Lyra to embrace their new experiences and cherish the magical journey that lay ahead. She had taken on the role of a mentor and protector, guiding them through the intricacies of the Wizarding World.

As they neared home, the Dursleys were filled with a sense of contentment, knowing that their family had expanded to include Dudley's new friend, Cedric, and that Lyra was eagerly preparing for her own magical journey in a few years. The shared experiences of the day had brought them all closer together, and the excitement and anticipation of what lay ahead in the world of magic made their home a place of wonder and warmth.

TIMESKIP IN HONOR OF HEDWIG

A few days passed, and the time had come for Dudley to depart for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Dursley family, along with Lyra, made their way to King's Cross Station to see him off. The excitement in the air was palpable as they reached Platform 9¾.

Dudley was about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, but leaving his family, even for a brief time, was bittersweet. As he prepared to board the Hogwarts Express, Lyra couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she tightly embraced her older brother.

"Dudley," she whispered, her voice quivering, "I'm going to miss you so much. You better write to me every other day, and don't forget to tell me everything about Hogwarts."

Dudley, moved by his sister's words, hugged her just as tightly. "I promise, Lyra," he said, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "I'll write to you as often as I can, and I'll tell you all about Hogwarts. You'll be there with me in spirit, and I'll be back before you know it."

The family shared a heartfelt moment, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the train station. Dudley knew that Hogwarts was where he belonged, but he also knew that his family and Lyra would always be an important part of his life. With one final hug and a reassuring smile, he boarded the Hogwarts Express, ready to embrace the magical journey that awaited him. The train's whistle blew, and with a wave to his family and Lyra, he was off to begin his first year at Hogwarts.

As the Hogwarts Express pulled away from Platform 9¾, taking Dudley on the next leg of his journey into the magical world, the Dursley family, including Lyra, stood on the platform watching the train until it disappeared from view. With heavy hearts, they made their way back home, their house now feeling a bit emptier without Dudley.

The journey back home was a quiet one, filled with a mixture of emotions. Lyra, who had grown so close to Dudley, felt a profound sense of longing, knowing that she wouldn't see her brother for quite some time. She couldn't help but think of all the adventures he'd have at Hogwarts and the stories he'd share when he returned.

Petunia and Vernon, too, were experiencing a sense of emptiness. Dudley had always been a big part of their lives, and his absence was keenly felt. However, they also knew that this was an important chapter in Dudley's life, and they were proud of the young man he was becoming.

Rebekah, as a mentor and guardian to the Dursley family, offered her support and comfort during the ride back. She knew that the separation would be challenging, but she assured them that Dudley was in good hands at Hogwarts and would have a fantastic time.

The Dursleys and Lyra returned to their home, carrying with them the memories of their magical adventures and the promise of letters and updates from Dudley. They would eagerly await his news, knowing that their family bond was strong and that the distance couldn't diminish the love and connections that tied them together.