Chapter 53.
"What do you want?"
Malfoy instinctively used respectful language when addressing Dudley.
Realizing Dudley was not someone to be trifled with, Malfoy decided to back off.
Dudley had met many individuals like Malfoy in his time at St. George's Primary School—spoiled brats indulged by their families.
If you give them an inch, they'll take a mile; the best approach was to handle the situation decisively.
Dudley had earned a rather infamous reputation at St. George's Academy, and being violent was only part of the solution.
"What do you think I want?"
Dudley placed a hand gently on Malfoy's shoulder, brushing against him as if shaking off dust, with two fingers resting firmly on the shoulder and arm joint.
*Crack.*
A barely noticeable sound of bones cracking reached Dudley's ears.
Malfoy's heart sank as he realized his right arm hung awkwardly from his shoulder, limp and unresponsive, no matter how hard he tried to move it.
A sharp pain shot through his arm; Malfoy, who was used to being pampered, had never felt anything like it before, and tears began to flow.
Just as he was about to scream, he felt Dudley's hand tighten around his neck, causing him to swallow his words.
Malfoy didn't dare to breathe, terrified that his neck might end up like his arm.
Even he, lacking any real skill, could tell what this meant.
That hand, charged with magical power, held his very life in its grip.
Then, Dudley's hand hovered just above Malfoy's forehead, less than two centimeters away.
For the first time, Dudley let his disdain for Malfoy show; he seemed to transform into an ominous spirit from the shadows. Malfoy felt the chilling reality of how close he was to death; he knew that even the slightest movement could lead to his demise.
It was a shock that echoed deep within; Malfoy found it hard to breathe.
No, this wasn't mere unease; he was genuinely on the brink of suffocation.
"Please."
Malfoy's pale face flushed as he struggled for air.
'Dark magic, he must have used dark magic on me, I'm going to die.'
He panicked internally, remembering his father's stern advice to avoid antagonizing Harry Potter unless he could be sure that Harry and his friends were just ordinary people.
The belief that Harry was a dark wizard or that a powerful dark figure lurked among his companions circulated widely among pureblood families.
Unlike those who were convinced Harry himself was dark, this group speculated that he was innocent, but surely had a dark wizard in his circle.
After all, the defeat of the Dark Lord was a result that only a more powerful dark wizard could explain.
Malfoy never imagined that Harry's cousin, Dudley Dursley, would turn out to be that dark wizard.
Malfoy hadn't seen any wand, nor had he heard any incantations, yet he was experiencing effects akin to a silent spell his father had mentioned.
It was a sign of someone with exceptional magical prowess.
Dudley wasn't just a dark wizard; he was a highly skilled one.
In truth, Dudley had only shown a fraction of his malice; the struggle to breathe was also tied to Malfoy's own panic. High-stress emotions can lead to physical symptoms like muscle tension and spasms, known as emotional spasms or stress responses.
In simpler terms, it was just Malfoy being too tense, causing his body to tighten up.
As for the arm issue, it was simply a dislocated joint, something Dudley found easy to manage.
Unfortunately, Malfoy didn't understand any of this.
In the wizarding world, any strange event triggers thoughts of magic.
He lacked education on such matters.
"I appreciate useful people; they're quite appealing."
"So, you'll be my follower from now on. Any objections?"
At this moment, Malfoy felt he couldn't refuse and nodded vigorously like a chick pecking at food.
"No, There's none."
With Malfoy's agreement, Dudley's malice faded a little, easing the tension for Malfoy, allowing him to breathe a bit better.
Dudley carefully grasped Malfoy's right hand and lifted it gently.
With a tone full of meaning, he told Malfoy, "Looks like we have an understanding. Let's make sure to get along well from now on."
"Remember, opportunities are limited; you've used up your chances already."
As Dudley's intensity lessened, Malfoy felt as if he was turning into a puddle of soft clay, with the suffocating sensation melting away.
His arm returned to normal, no longer feeling like a limp mass. At that moment, he felt as if he had been granted a reprieve. Emotional spasms typically pass quickly; once tension fades, they disappear naturally. So, Malfoy was back to normal now.
'It's truly dark magic!'
'He really is a powerful dark wizard!' Malfoy thought to himself, though Dudley couldn't read minds; otherwise, he would probably tell Malfoy he was overthinking things.
Even though there was a hint of fear, there was also a spark of excitement beneath it. After being intimidated by Dudley, Malfoy might just develop some admiration for him.
In essence, it was admiration for strength. Many say this is a common trait among Slytherins.
In reality, which house—Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff—doesn't admire strength? It's just human nature.
"By the way, Professor Snape mentioned that your physical condition is lacking, and I agree, so I plan to bring you along for my workouts." Dudley spoke decisively; it was not a discussion but more of an announcement.
"From Monday to Friday, I expect you at 7 AM sharp. Don't be late." While Dudley's morning workouts started even earlier, he set this time for Malfoy.
This plan wasn't originally Dudley's; it was advised by Snape, who simply noted that Dudley was strong and casually compared Malfoy.
Malfoy now wouldn't dare refuse; he felt compelled to agree to whatever Dudley said.
"Let's work on that annoying attitude of yours; remember what I wrote above."
"Run while shouting it out." Dudley handed Malfoy a piece of paper with a few short lines on it. After taking care of everything, Dudley stood up and headed for the door, planning to visit Hagrid's hut with Harry and the others later that afternoon.
After today, Malfoy would certainly think twice before bothering him again, becoming quite obedient. To be fair, Malfoy wasn't all bad; he just needed some guidance to refine that Slytherin edge of his.
Tl/N: If you want to read more [upto Ten chapters] while supporting me, you can join me on patreon.com/EmptyThoughts ;Thanks.
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Note : Guys, some power stones will be really helpful.
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Upcoming chapters :-
54. Hagrid's cooking, it's not that bad.
55. The real use of spoon.
56. The five oaths of Malfoy.