I am Harry Potter's Cousin, Big D

To be honest, Dudley was quite short on money now that he was at Hogwarts, but he cared more about the character of the person he was dealing with. The fact that a seventh-year Prefect, clearly of high standing, was willing to apologize to a first-year was a sign of a maturity and political savvy that few people possessed. He was someone significant. Dudley committed the name to memory: Richmond Carrow, the destined future head of the Carrow family. Perhaps there would be opportunities to cooperate in the future.

"You must be a bit tired after your first day at Hogwarts," Carrow said, his voice smooth and gracious. "I won't bother you any longer." He paused, adding, "Oh, and the Slytherin rooms are the most numerous among the four houses. You can choose any unoccupied bedroom for yourself. I guarantee no one will disturb your rest."

"Good night."

Every word Richmond Carrow spoke resonated with Dudley, further elevating his estimation of the young man. Amidst their warm and friendly farewells, Dudley walked towards the Slytherin dormitory area. It was good to have resolved the matter so smoothly. All he wanted was to live a peaceful school life. As long as no one provoked him, Dudley considered himself quite easy to talk to. Well, probably.

After Dudley left, the Prefect's face immediately hardened. He turned to his companions, his tone unprecedentedly stern. "What happened today must not get out, except among ourselves. Especially if Gryffindor finds out; things definitely wouldn't end well." He let the threat hang in the air. "Otherwise, no matter who it is, they will be an enemy of Slytherin, in the name of my Carrow family."

Even if Potter wasn't a dark wizard, he was definitely powerful, and this Dursley was no simple person either. It was best to avoid offending them if possible. Slytherin only stood with the victors.

"Clean this place up," he commanded. "What happened today is not to be spread."

"What about the Head of House..." one of the other seniors began.

"There's no need to trouble Professor Snape with such a small matter," Carrow cut him off. "We can handle it ourselves." He then looked at the unconscious form of Marcus Flint with disgust. "When this idiot wakes up, tell him I don't want to hear about him causing any more trouble this year." He was already extremely disappointed with Marcus's performance. "Also... don't provoke Dudley Dursley again. At least, not before I graduate."

He didn't really need to say it. The first, second, and third-year Slytherins would collectively keep this secret. No one wanted the story of them getting spanked by a first-year to spread.

The Slytherin dormitories, like the common room, were decorated in shades of green and silver, but fortunately, the lights were a normal color. If they had also been green, it would have been impossible to read.

Though he claimed he was going to sleep, it was still early. Dudley first arranged the items in his suitcase, then began his grand plan for potion-making. Potions required a great deal of practice. Aside from electrical products, his Muggle-made laboratory equipment worked just fine. After successfully brewing a few bottles of potions and carefully placing them in his satchel, he lay on his bed and began to read.

He didn't want to scheme so much, but he felt he was too weak right now. Without a strategy, he would either be bullied or have to endure being bullied. Neither was his style. To forge iron, one must first be strong. The most important thing was to increase his own strength. His most powerful trump card at the moment was the Ripple. Starting tomorrow, his training would be doubled.

Early the next morning, many early-rising students discovered a lithe figure on the lawn outside the castle. Morning runs, dumbbell exercises, one-finger push-ups, and swimming. Swimming was the best, as it allowed every muscle in the body to be fully exercised.

Wearing a small vest and shorts, Dudley's almost perfect inverted-triangle physique attracted the attention of many young wizards. His extraordinary build and his identity as Harry Potter's cousin had already made him a subject of curiosity.

"Oh my goodness, is he really a first-year?"

"With that build, I'd believe you if you said he was a seventh-year."

"What a great physique."

"He could probably lift me."

Many of the older female students couldn't look away, their admiration mixed with a different, more appreciative meaning. If Dudley were also handsome, he would probably be inundated with love letters. He also attracted the attention of many male students, especially those from Hufflepuff.

"He's so strong."

"I wonder how he exercises."

"I want a body like that too."

Among them, there was more envy, and some even considered starting their own exercise routines. Of course, there were also those with a sour tone. "We're wizards. What do we need such a strong body for?" At this, an older student would often sit beside them, pat them on the shoulder, and say earnestly, "You'll understand later."

Dudley, however, was unaware of all this. After finishing his morning workout, he was on his way back to the Slytherin dungeons when he encountered Hermione. She had two dark circles under her eyes and was carrying something.

"Didn't sleep well?" Dudley asked with concern.

Seeing his wide, innocent eyes, Hermione glared at him angrily, turned around in a huff, and stormed off, leaving him standing there puzzled. She didn't get far, however, before she quietly came back, shoved the item she was carrying into his hands, and left again without a word.

Dudley was even more confused. After she was gone, he remembered to check what she had given him. It was a small, hand-knitted pouch. Judging by the rough workmanship, it was definitely made by Hermione herself. Inside were several identical small bottles. He opened one, and the faint, fragrant scent of Essence of Dittany wafted out. Its purpose was healing.

Was she worried about me getting hurt? he thought, a smile touching his lips. What an indirect little girl.

"What are you standing there for?" he heard her dissatisfied voice call from a short distance away. "Do you want to be late? We have our first class together."

"Let me just change my clothes!" he called back happily.

After his first full day of classes, an evening workout, and a nice shower, Dudley was just about to rest when there was a knock on his bedroom door. When he opened it, there was no one there, only a small, exquisite leather case on the floor with a parchment letter on top.

'To Mr. Dursley.'

This was the promised compensation. The first layer was Galleons. Just as Carrow had said, he had purchased the wands at a high price of ten Galleons each, a price slightly higher than their actual value but not so much as to be suspicious. It was just right.

The second layer held a small crystal bottle, which lay quietly on a bed of velvet. It emitted a beautiful, golden luster under the light.

Felix Felicis. A magical potion that could increase one's luck. It was incredibly precious and difficult to brew, a priceless commodity.

Dudley quietly put the items away in his close-fitting satchel. It seemed that Richmond Carrow had gone to great lengths to befriend him.

(End of Chapter)

***

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