Becoming Dudley Dursley: Softie #MNBHP

I don’t think you’re a waste of space.”

If Harry had not seen Dudley’s lips move, he might not have believed it. As it was, he stared at Dudley for several seconds before accepting that it must have been his cousin who had spoken; for one thing, Dudley had turned red. Harry was embarrassed and astonished himself.

“Well . . . er . . . thanks, Dudley.”

Again, Dudley appeared to grapple with thoughts too unwieldy for expression before mumbling, “You saved my life.”

“Not really,” said Harry. “It was your soul the dementor would have taken. . . .”

DH

Dudley has been the kindest cousin over the years, often he relished in participating in his parents’ bullying of Harry, but something changed after Harry saved him—albeit not right away. Dudley realized that he actually cared for this boy he’d seemed to despise all these years. Though Big D had put on a tough-guy air to this point, he doesn’t waste his only opportunity to tell Harry how he really feels.

So many times we (or at least I) try to appear tough as nails on the outside. But I’m really not. I’m really an old softie. Being tough didn’t get Dudley a loving brother, it got him a cousin who couldn’t stand him. Being tough won’t get us the loving relationships we desire, being soft—or being real with what’s inside us—will.

CHALLENGE

Be like Dudley: tell those you care about how you feel. Don’t wait until it is too late. The initial conversation may be awkward—it certainly was for Harry and Dudley—but it’ll end up being one of the best memories.

No one loves the tough-Dudley, but most of us adore softie-Dudley. Be a softie.

Next Week: Becoming Harry Potter: Trusting in Hagrid