Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Written for Stickers; Location; Privet Drive - Write about a muggle.

Word Count without AN - 571

This Story is AU.

Safe House

They were supposed to be safe.

Dudley hid in the bedroom he'd been assigned, cowering under the bed. He had no idea where his parents were, and as much as he wanted to go and find them, terror at the idea of moving from his hiding place kept him exactly where he was.

Dedalus, the wizard guarding them, had told Dudley some stories about the things Harry had got up to over the years when he was away from Privet Drive, and Dudley was even more astounded now, as he heard murmurs of made up words coming closer and closer towards him.

A scream, a womanly scream that Dudley couldn't only pray wasn't his mother, assaulted his ears and he let out a sob.

Screams and bangs, shouts and crashes, they were coming faster and faster, and Dudley was sure he could hear more voices now.

They were supposed to be safe.

This was their third home since leaving Privet Drive. Dedalus had told Dudley that the Dark Wizard terrorising the world thought that their family would draw Harry out of hiding, would make Harry come and save them. Dudley hadn't said anything to Dedalus when he'd said that, but privately, he thought that he wouldn't come, if he'd been treated the way Harry had at their home.

He'd vowed to himself that if Harry lived through the war he was fighting, he would try and make things right with his cousin.

He'd never expected it to be himself that wouldn't make it through.

They were supposed to be safe.

The door to his room banged open, and Dudley pushed further back under the bed, until he could move no further.

"Crucio!" a voice snarled.

Dudley's heart leapt when a familiar voice replied, "Not likely, you bastard. Incarcerous!"

"Cruci -"

The voice was cut off, when Harry shouted, "Diffindo, Expulso, Confringo," in rapid pattern, before he repeated, "Incarcerous!"

There was an explosion that shook the floor Dudley was lying on, but he still remained where he was, even as silence reigned.

"Harry? Harry, are you alright?"

"Fine," Harry replied. "Got one up here, don't know if he's alive."

The way Harry spoke the words put the fear of god in Dudley. He remained where he was until he saw Harry's feet nearing the bed.

"Dudley? It's safe now, you can come out."

Dudley hesitated, but eventually, he pushed himself away from the wall. As he crawled out from under the bed, his cousin helped him up to his feet.

Taking in the sight of Harry, Dudley couldn't help but feel grateful that he'd been hiding. Cuts and bruises littered the green haired boy, his clothes torn in various places and a nasty looking burn was spread up one side of his arm.

"My parents?" Dudley whispered, afraid of the answer.

"Your mum is okay," Harry confirmed. "I'm not sure about your dad, though, I'm sorry. Come on downstairs, and you can see your mum."

Harry led him down the stairs, nodding to the people who were standing around the destroyed rooms on the way to the living room. Dudley's mum was sitting on the sofa, tear stained and pale.

"Mum," he gasped out, stumbling over to her.

"Dudders, oh my boy, you're okay," she managed to get out, before she threw her hands around him, holding him close to her chest.

Dudley cried against her neck.

They were supposed to be safe.