FIC. "The Past that Haunts Us" by masteroftrouble, Gen, PG

[dudley_mod]

Title: The Past that Haunts Us
Author/Artist: masteroftrouble
Prompt: #57 submitted by janejenajeny: Under all that brawn is a whole lot of brain. Write me a story where Dudley grows up to become some sort of intellectual. A professor, writer, doctor, scientist, etc.
Pairing, or gen: Gen, Dudley & James, past Dudley/unnamed female magical character
Rating: PG (there are

Comments

[katmarajade]

This is just wonderful! I very much enjoyed this. I like that we get a Dudley who hasn't quite managed redemption yet. I appreciate that he made some major errors in judgment, hurt people he loves out of fear and ignorance, and how he wrestles with that. He's no hero but he's believable and even sympathetic in parts.

The part with Dudley at the cemetery really hit me hard. His anger, frustration, sorrow, and mourning all pouring out at once. That missed opportunity to make things right with Harry I'm sure ate at both of them.

I hope that Dudley follows through and becomes the man he seems to be becoming at the end here. His daughters deserve a father but I wouldn't blame them if they didn't trust him for a long time after all he's put them through.

Great story! Love persistent squib James too.

[masteroftrouble]

Thank you very much. :) I do love a Dudley that's right in the middle of redemption - one that is right on the line and can tip either way. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story!

[lash_larue]

Sweet, screaming Jesus.

My damn nose is running. This is an enormously powerful and affecting story.

Thank you.
L

[masteroftrouble]

Ahh, no nose running! Have a tissue. <3<3

I'm glad you liked it!

[songquake]

Oh, Dudley. I hope that you can one day be the man Harry died thinking you were, too.

I love how much of a stunted bastard Dudley is in this one, how much he just can't cope, and his shame and not coping make him be awful. I mean, I think it's really true to how a lot of us live, and so, so plausible.

And the writing is stellar. I think this might be among your best work, actually. It's a phenomenal story. So ouchy!

*cuddles Dudley*
*cuddles Delilah*
*cuddles masteroftrouble*

[masteroftrouble]

Blushing author here! Ohmygosh thank you so much. This was written during a time when I was very not confident in myself, so hearing that was absolutely amazing. <3<3<3 I'm so glad you liked it!

[daisymaeevans]

This is a very realistic portrayal of the messy, conflicted fears, wants and needs that someone raised in Dudley's environment would face. Absolutely stunning - thanks for sharing

[masteroftrouble]

I'm so glad you liked it. :) Thank yous~

[wwmrsweasleydo]

You already know how much I love this story. I'm getting all emotional again re-reading it. There's so much in it which feels really important. James is a brilliant character, the way he wears Dudley down until he can make the stubborn, sealed-off old bastard listen. Great stuff!

[masteroftrouble]

You! Gah, I forgot to thank you like crazy in my notes, I am so so sorry!! Best beta ever. :) I didn't change it as much as I wanted to, so I'm glad it still turned out okay. :) Thank you!!!