Chapter 1: Dudley Demented

Harry sat on the swing in the playground, staring at the grass at his feet. The summer holidays were miserable. The Dursleys were as usual horrible, and Harry felt cut off from the wizarding world. No news about Voldemort’s return reached him, and his frustration grew daily.

He sighed deeply, trying to ignore the heat and the buzzing of flies. Suddenly, Dudley and his gang appeared.

Dudley: “Look who it is! Sitting all alone, are you, Potter? Missing your freaky friends?”

Harry: “Shut up, Dudley. Just leave me alone.”

Dudley: “Or what? Going to curse me with your little stick? Oh wait—you can’t do magic outside school, can you?”

Harry stood up sharply, his temper went up. He gripped his wand inside his pocket, but before he could speak, the sky darkened suddenly. A chill swept through the air, and Dudley’s gang ran away, leaving him and Harry alone.

Dudley: “What’s going on? What’s happening?”

Harry: “Shut up! Stay still!”

The temperature went down, and Harry’s scar got painful. Out of the shadows, two Dementors emerged, flying silently toward them.

Harry: “Expecto Patronum!”

A silver stag burst from Harry’s wand and went at the Dementors. One fled immediately, but the other came closer, its hands reaching toward Dudley.

Dudley: “Harry! Do something! Help me!”

Harry: “Expecto Patronum!”

The Patronus went forward again, driving the second Dementor away. Dudley collapsed, trembling and gasping for breath.

Harry knelt beside him, checking if he was all right.

Harry: “Dudley! Can you hear me? You’re safe now.”

Dudley stared at him, his eyes wide with fear.

Dudley: “What... what was that? What did you do to me?”

Harry: “I saved your life, you idiot! Those things—they’re called Dementors. They suck the happiness out of you.”

Suddenly, Mrs. Figg, their elderly neighbor, appeared, walking quickly toward them.

Mrs. Figg: “Don’t put that wand away, boy! We’re not safe yet.”

Harry blinked in shock.

Harry: “You—what? You know about magic?”

Mrs. Figg: “No time to explain! We need to get you both inside—now!”

Harry helped Dudley to his feet, and the three of them hurried away, leaving the deserted playground behind.