Harry Threatens Dudley with Fake Spells

PAGES: 8-9

Dudley Dursley approaches Harry in the garden, mocking him for not receiving any birthday cards and accusing him of having no friends at Hogwarts. In retaliation, Harry pretends to threaten Dudley with a spell. Dudley panics and runs to his mother, calling for help. Although Harry does not actually use magic, he enjoys frightening Dudley, but this results in further punishment from Petunia Dursley.

Harry jumped to his feet just as a jeering voice floated across the lawn.

“I know what day it is,” sang Dudley, waddling toward him.

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The huge eyes blinked and vanished.

“What?” said Harry, not taking his eyes off the spot where they had been.

“I know what day it is,” Dudley repeated, coming right up to him.

“Well done,” said Harry. “So you’ve finally learned the days of the week.”

“Today’s your birthday,” sneered Dudley. “How come you haven’t got any cards? Haven’t you even got friends at that freak place?”

“Better not let your mum hear you talking about my school,” said Harry coolly.

Dudley hitched up his trousers, which were slipping down his fat bottom.

“Why’re you staring at the hedge?” he said suspiciously.

“I’m trying to decide what would be the best spell to set it on fire,” said Harry.

Dudley stumbled backward at once, a look of panic on his fat face.

“You c-can’t—Dad told you you’re not to do m-magic—he said he’ll chuck you out of the house—and you haven’t got anywhere else to go—you haven’t got any friends to take you—”

“Jiggery pokery!” said Harry in a fierce voice. “Hocus pocus—squiggly wiggly—”

“MUUUUUUM!” howled Dudley, tripping over his feet as he dashed back toward the house. “MUUUUM! He’s doing you know what!”