"Neighbours and Friends" (Arabella Figg, Dudley Dursley)

[friendshipmods]

This is the last story of the 2013 HP_friendship fest. Tomorrow we'll post the anonymous masterlist, and next Saturday we'll post the reveals, so you'll have plenty of time to catch up with stories before reveals go up. Dear friends, I give you, last but not least, Arabella and Dudley.

Author: Anonymous
Prompt/Prompt Author: Harry saving his life when the

Comments

What a superb way...

[wemyss]

... to round off a superb fest.

[jean_doe_27]

Thanks!

[therealsnape]

It may seem an unlikely pair, but you've managed to turn it into a very believable friendship. Dudley's efforts to gain Arabella's confidence are funny and believable.

How can you call a school that's being run by the murderer of its previous headmaster safe for anyone? Dudley has a very valid point here. I've always been surprised that not more parents kept their children home.

At first, Dudley was simply in awe to see the man that Arabella had been speaking so highly of, but as the evening progressed he just found the whole visit rude and inconsiderate. He was, however, saddened to hear that Harry's godfather, that handsome man from the photo he'd seen at Arabella's, had passed away. No wonder Harry had seemed so down, even if it did mean that he'd become the recipient of a large property. A great section. Dudley is right about that visit, especially since he cannot possibly see what Dumbledore means with maltreatment. And it's sad that there was so little communication between Harry and himself that never knew why Harry was sad

[jean_doe_27]

Thank you, I was really delighted to have a go at the prompt and glad you liked what I delivered.

[lash_larue]

Splendid!

A very real and realistic rendering of Dudley's point of view, and an entirely plausible friendship with Arabella. I'm sure that "Dudley Redeemed" will wish this were there.

I particularly liked Figgy's initial suspicion and Dudley's somewhat awkward approach to her. After all, he did run her over with a bicycle.

Dudley's letter brought a tear to my eye.

Kudos!
L

[jean_doe_27]

Thanks so much for the comment. I actually started the fic with the letter and took it from there. I glad I managed to touch you.

[anne_arthur]

Not a relationship I had ever thought about, but you have really brought it to life. I found myself hoping that Arabella and Dudley would meet again. An excellent story to finish the fest!

[jean_doe_27]

Thank you, I must thank the author of the prompt for the pairing, though!

[maevemist]

I have been wanting to read this story for years! A story in which Dudley wants to educate himself about the wizarding world. I always pictured it happening during their year in hiding but I like that you had him build a relationship with Arabella because you're right, they are both living on the edge of a world they can never truly be a part of, they have something in common.

I really enjoy stories where Dudley is allowed to grow up and away from the influence of his parents without damaging his relationship with them and I really like that here we get the sense of hope for a better relationship between Dudley and Harry too.

Thank you very much for sharing.

[jean_doe_27]

Thank you for the lovely comment. Credit needs to go to the 'prompter' as this is where the idea was coming from but I liked the prompt from the minute I saw it. I think Dudley deserves more than what JKR is giving him, sure, he can't be a complete monster!