Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 75: Human Aren't Weak
In the original series, the Muggle-borns never formed a group or sought out Harry Potter. At that time, most people still didn't believe in him. Harry wasn't exactly powerful, he was just lucky, escaping danger more often by sheer chance and the protection of others than by his own strength.
Even if he managed to defeat the Dragon, it is not magic against magic but his superior skill on flying the broom.
But Dudley was different. His feats, dueling with Professor Snape and casting advanced spells... had become legendary, even reaching the ears of the most aloof students in Slytherin House.
On top of that, he was now good-looking, tall, and confident. More importantly, he was one of the few Muggle-borns who had demonstrated real magical strength and leadership. For many, that was enough. These students sought him out not out of curiosity, but desperation. They feared for their families, worried something terrible might happen to them. And by following Dudley, they believed they had a real chance to learn how to defend their loved ones which is their family.
After Harry and the group of pure-bloods left the Room of Requirement, Dudley noticed that there is still many students who were lingering behind, some from his year, others from different years.
"You're all second-year students?" asked Dudley, scanning the group.
"No, we're first-years," one of them answered.
"We're third-years," added another.
"We're fourth-years."
"Dudley, we're your friends from fifth year," said Justin Finch-Fletchley, stepping forward.
"We're sixth-years."
"We're seventh-years," another voice chimed in.
"You're all Muggle-born, right?" Dudley asked, just to be sure.
"Yes, we are," several replied at once, nodding in unison.
"Okay," Dudley said, folding his arms. "As Muggle-borns, you must already know the power of a gun, right?"
"Of course we do," said a student from seventh year, "but... would it actually work in a magical battle?"
Instead of answering, Dudley acted. He silently cast Stupefy on a nearby training dummy. The red bolt of magic struck it square in the chest, knocking it backward with a dull thud. It stumbled, but remained mostly intact.
Then Dudley reached into his pouch and pulled out a Desert Eagle handgun. Without saying a word, he pulled the trigger. The deafening shot echoed through the room, and the bullet tore into the dummy, shattering part of its shoulder.
"As you can see they both have hurt the dummy doll, so what's the difference between these two?" Dudley asked calmly.
A few students exchanged glances. One girl raised her hand.
"Yes?" Dudley called on her.
"Both are deadly," she replied, her voice a little shaky.
"Good answer," Dudley nodded. "But is there any other difference?"
This time, Justin raised his hand. He had heard this explanation from Dudley before, when he had viewed a memory in the first day when they return to Hogwarts.
"Yes, Justin?"
"Spells take time to cast. You need to say the incantation, aim your wand properly and that gives the opponent a chance to dodge or counter. But a bullet? Once it's fired, it's too fast. It's nearly impossible to dodge."
"Excellent point," said Dudley, smiling slightly. "That's the biggest difference. Magic can be countered, blocked, or dodged if you're quick and skilled. But bullets are faster. So even if Muggles are surrounded, as long as they have a gun and know how to use it, they still have a fighting chance."
A look of realization spread across several of the students' faces. Dudley could see it clearly, so he continued.
"The best part is, pure-blood wizards and Dark Wizards look down on Muggle weapons. They think it's primitive, beneath them. That's our advantage," Dudley said, holding up the Desert Eagle for emphasis. "Before they even cast their first spell, we can aim, fire, and they're done for."
---Argus Filch---
Filch had noticed something odd lately. A group of students had been coming and going through a particular corner, always happen on weekend, looking secretive. Curious and suspicious, Filch did some investigating. It didn't take him long to discover that Dudley Dursley had been holding extra classes—training them in magic, and possibly more.
Filch nearly lost his mind. Furious at being kept in the dark, he stormed to confront Dudley.
"Dudley!" Filch barked.
"Yes, Filch?" Dudley replied, startled but composed.
"How... how dare you keep this from me?" Filch demanded. "I knew you were hiding something. I overheard students whispering, saying you've been teaching an extra class!"
Dudley raised an eyebrow. "So, what do you want, Filch?"
"Please," Filch said suddenly, his tone changing from angry to pleading. "Teach me too."
"You want me to teach you?" Dudley asked, clearly surprised.
"Yes… please teach me," Filch repeated, almost desperate.
After a short pause, Dudley replied, "Alright. You can join the class. But I'm not increasing the dosage of the potion I sell you."
That meant Filch could only attend once a week, because the potion are enough for once a week.
"But… the potion only lasts one day," Filch said, frowning.
"You can divide it," Dudley suggested. "Half on Saturday, half on Sunday. Or even smaller doses, ten minutes here and there if you want to practice just a little."
Filch went quiet. He thought about it, then slowly nodded. He would make it work.
In the following classes, students were surprised to see Filch sitting among them. But what shocked them more was his behavior.... his usual bitterness was gone. He was actually… warmer. Friendlier.
Even when naughty student accidentally dropped a Dungbomb, he didn't yell. In fact, they heard him chuckle and mutter, "Not bad" before taking out his wand and drink something before casting a scourgify.
---Dumbledore and Snape---
Meanwhile, in the Headmaster office, Snape had just finished briefing Dumbledore on the Dark Lord latest movements. However, there was one subject he had been avoiding—Dudley.
By chance, Dumbledore brought it up.
"Severus, what do you think of young Mr. Dursley?" asked Dumbledore, peering over his half-moon spectacles.
Snape curled his lip. "Him? Arrogant. Believes he's talented, just like his mother once did."
Dumbledore studied him for a moment.
"I believe he will help Harry in defeating Voldemort," the Headmaster said softly.
Snape went quiet for a moment before speaking again.
"The Dark Lord has placed him on the same target list as Harry Potter."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at the news.
Snape continued, "The boy has the audacity to provoke the Dark Lord. He sends a Patronus… mocking him. Every day."
For a brief moment, Snape thought he saw Dumbledore smirk—but it was quickly replaced by a look of calm surprise.
"You mean to say Dudley sends a Patronus every day to taunt Voldemort?" Dumbledore repeated.
"Yes. Lucius told the Dark Lord that the voice coming from the spell sounds exactly like Dudley. So they're convinced that only one person would dare to provoke him like that... Dudley Dursley, cousin of Harry Potter."
"This is troubling," Dumbledore murmured.
The room fell into silence.
"With his power, what do you think of my theory regarding him helping Harry Potter in battling Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked after a moment.
Snape, though reluctant, answered honestly. "Yes he is strong enough. In truth, I nearly lost to him in our last duel. He was only using fourth-year spells. If he continues at this rate, he might very well be the one who defeats the Dark Lord."
Author Notes: To read advanced chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 103: Reinforcement
Chapter 104: Aftermath
Chapter 105: Exposed
-patreon.com/zorojurown