What if...

A Stroak of Bad Luck

Running as fast as he could, Dudley left the public park in the dust. He sprinted hastily, sloppily and carelessly down Privet Drive.

The night itself seemed to be closing in on Dudley, surrounding him, trapping him from every angle. It chased him relentlessly, moving far faster than the boy himself.

Dudley was getting closer to Number 4, the landmark he viewed as his salvation from his terrifyingly unseeable pursuer. Once he was inside, he was safe.

The shadows didn't seem to agree as they warped and twisted ever closer to him, nipping at his heels and sending cold shivers down his spine.

Despite there being no visible obstacles, Dudley tripped, fear spiking in his heart as he fell down not two metres away from his front door. He scrambled desperately on the concrete paving, trying to pick his incredible weight up. Sadly, he wasn't strong enough and the shadows merged into two figures that Dudley could very barely make out in the haze of tears that clouded his vision.

They closed in on him too fast for him to react and Dudley felt true fear as he found himself surrounded by the shadows, unable to make anything out through the dark blanket.

He felt all of his remaining happiness, his joy, his hope leave him while the shadows seemed to enjoy feasting on his emotions. He almost decided just to close his eyes and let himself go.

Then, the moment before he gave up, a small light appeared in his peripheral vision. He instantly felt hope as the light grew bigger and bigger.

Dudley felt his consciousness leave him just as the light tore through the shadows.

______________________________

Two hours earlier...

"Could you remind me why we're here again, darling?"

Hermione asked Harry this question as they stood outside an italian restaurant, a black banner advertising a special meat lovers pizza that was making Harry feel extremely hungry. It didn't help that Hermione was there too.

"First, I love the way you say darling. Second, please never say that in front of Draco. Third, we're here, 'Mione, because Luigi's Pizzeria makes the best pizza in Surrey." Harry answered her.

"But it's so close to your home. Are you sure you're okay?" Hermione quickly checked on him, holding his face in her hands and looking right into his eyes.

"I'm going to be honest, Ron Weasley could be standing behind me and I'd still say yes." Harry chuckled nervously. She really did have the most spectacular brown eyes. He loved the way they sparkled in the setting sunlight.

"You're projecting your thoughts again." Hermione wore a smirk on her face.

"Oh, sorry." Harry said sheepishly.

"Don't be, it's cute." Hermione kissed his cheek. "Mm." She kissed him again. "Mwah." And again.

"I love you so much." Harry said with a blush. Hermione giggled, enjoying that she had gotten him in such a way.

"I love you too, sweet pea." Hermione pecked his lips gently.

"Are you just testing out nicknames for me now?" Harry guessed.

"Maybe I am, honey." Hermione pecked him once again on the same spot.

"Are you also trying not to make out with me right now?" Harry grinned.

"Of course I am." Hermione rolled her eyes with a positively lovestruck expression that would have most people who knew her shocked out of their minds. "Don't ask silly questions. Now are we going to eat or not?"