Frankly, Dudley was a bit short on cash at Hogwarts, but he cared more about the character of the bloke who had approached him.
Leaving aside everything else, the fact that a seventh-year Prefect was willing to apologize to a first-year was something not many people would do. This guy was a real piece of work.
Dudley made a mental note of his name: Richmond Carrow. The future head of the Carrow family, no less. He figured there might be a chance for them to work together again someday.
"You must be tired from your first day at Hogwarts. I won't keep you any longer," Carrow said kindly.
"Oh, and the Slytherin dorms have the most rooms of any house. Feel free to pick any empty one you like. I can guarantee no one will bother your rest."
"Good night to you."
Every word from Richmond Carrow hit just the right note with Dudley, and it only raised his opinion of the older student.
After a friendly farewell, Dudley headed for the Slytherin dorms. He was pleased that everything had been sorted out so smoothly. All he, Dudley Dursley, truly wanted was a quiet school life. As long as you didn't bother him, he believed he was quite easy to get along with. Mostly.
---
### The Slytherin Underworld
Once Dudley was out of earshot, the Prefect's friendly demeanor vanished. His face went hard, and he spoke to his companions in an uncharacteristically severe tone. "What happened here today stays between us. Absolutely no word of this gets out."
He knew that if the Gryffindors found out, things wouldn't end well for them.
"Otherwise, whoever leaks this story will be an enemy of Slytherin House, in the name of my family, the Carrows."
He reasoned that even if Potter wasn't a Dark wizard, he was clearly a powerful one, and this Dursley was no simple character either. It was best not to make enemies if they could help it. A true Slytherin only ever stands with the winners.
"Clean this up. This story dies here tonight."
"What about the Head of House?" one of the older Slytherins asked.
"There's no need to bother Professor Snape with a minor matter like this. We'll handle it ourselves," the Prefect replied, shooting a disgusted look at Marcus, who was still sprawled on the floor. "When this idiot wakes up, tell him that I don't want to hear about him causing any more trouble this year."
He was utterly disappointed with Marcus's performance.
"And... tell him to stop messing with Dudley Dursley, at least while I'm still at school."
His warning was almost unnecessary. The first, second, and third-years would all keep their mouths shut. No one wanted it getting out that they'd had their bottoms kicked by a first-year.
---
### A Quiet Life, and a Not-So-Quiet Girl
The Slytherin dorms, like the common room, were decorated in silver and green. At least the lights in the bedrooms were a normal color—green lighting would make it impossible to read.
Though it was still early to sleep, Dudley began unpacking his belongings. He checked his supplies and then started his grand potions project. He knew that the only way to get good at potions was to practice, practice, practice. He successfully brewed several small vials of a potion, carefully placed them in his satchel, and then picked up a book to lie on his bed and read.
Dudley didn't want to scheme, but he knew he was too weak right now. If he didn't, he would either be bullied or have to just put up with it. Neither was his style. To forge his own path, he needed to get stronger. His best secret weapon was still his Hamon training.
Starting tomorrow, he would double his training.
The next morning, many of the early risers spotted a figure on the lawn outside the castle. It was Dudley, going through his morning routine: a run, dumbbell exercises, one-finger push-ups, and a swim in the lake. Swimming was a fantastic full-body workout.
Dudley's near-perfect physique, clad only in a small vest and shorts, drew the attention of many students. He was already well-known after his appearance at the Welcoming Feast, where everyone had heard he was Harry Potter's cousin.
"Oh, my word, is he really a first-year?" one girl whispered.
"I'd believe you if you told me he was a seventh-year," another replied.
"What an amazing body."
"Do you think he could lift me?"
Many of the older female students couldn't take their eyes off Dudley. They were all in awe of his physique, and their voices carried a certain... admiring tone. If Dudley were a bit better-looking, he'd probably be getting a pile of love letters by now.
Dudley also attracted the attention of the boys, especially those from Hufflepuff.
"He's so strong."
"How does he work out like that?"
"I want a body like that, too."
The boys were mostly just envious, and many even wondered if they should start working out themselves. Of course, a few bitter students had their own remarks.
"We're wizards. What do we need a strong body for?"
When they said that, an older student would often come along, pat them on the shoulder, and say with a knowing look, "You'll understand one day."
They'd then leave a confused first-year in their wake.
Dudley, of course, was oblivious to all of this. After finishing his morning training, he was on his way back to the Slytherin common room when he ran into a familiar girl with dark circles under her eyes, hugging something to her chest: Hermione Granger.
"Didn't sleep well?" Dudley asked, a little concerned.
Hermione, seeing Dudley's wide, bell-like eyes and his perfectly fine demeanor, shot him an annoyed glare and huffed off, leaving him standing there completely baffled.
But she didn't get far. She turned around, walked back, shoved the bundle in her arms into Dudley's hands, and then turned and left again without a single word.
Dudley was more confused than ever. After Hermione was well out of sight, he looked down at what she had given him. It was a small, hand-woven bag, and judging by the rough stitching, it had to have been a gift from Hermione herself.
Inside were several identical small bottles. He pulled one out and opened the lid just a crack. The scent that wafted out immediately sobered him up. It was a healing potion, most likely Essence of Dittany.
Was she worried he might get hurt?
What a strange girl, Dudley thought, shaking his head with a little smile.
"What are you standing around for? You want to be late? We have our first class together."
He heard her voice from a short distance away, laced with impatience.
"Let me change first!" he called back.
After his first day of classes at Hogwarts, Dudley finished his evening workout and took a long, relaxing shower. Just as he was getting ready to settle in for the night, there was a knock on his bedroom door. When he opened it, no one was there. On the floor was a beautiful little leather case with a piece of parchment resting on top.
To Mr. Dursley, from the undersigned.
It was the promised compensation and small gift from Carrow.
The first layer held a pile of Galleons, just as Carrow had said. He had paid a high price for the items Dudley had broken—just a bit more than the actual cost of a wand—a price that was not too high, not too low, but just right.
The second layer held a small crystal vial, glimmering in the lamplight.
It was a bottle of Felix Felicis—Liquid Luck. A legendary and incredibly difficult potion to brew, and one that was priceless.
Dudley silently put it away in a small pouch he kept on his person.
It seemed that Richmond Carrow had gone to great lengths to make a good impression and secure his friendship.
Support me by leaving a comment, voting, and visiting myPatr-eon at ilham20
Check out another story about Hogwarts in my profile original works