Dudley's friends

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 156944

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "steve_savicki" <SteveSavicki at ...> wrote:

> Okay, I thought Dudley had a 2nd buddy, but I was rereading 
>SS, and saw only the name Piers Polkiss. Wasn't there a second 
>friend to Dudley?

Geoff:
There is certainly evidence in both PS and OOTP that Dudley 
had a number of friends and some are definitely named in the 
latter book...

'On the other hand, he'd got into terrible trouble for being 
found on the roof of the school kitchens. Dudley's gang had 
been chasing him as usual when, as much to Harry's surprise 
as anyone else's, there he was sitting on the chimney.'
(PS "The Vanishing Glass" p.23 UK edition)

'The figure in front was unmistakeably his cousin, Dudley 
Dursley, wending his way home, accompanied by his faithful 
gang.'
(OOTP "Dudley Demented" p.15 UK edition)

'He walked quickly, so that halfway along Magnolia Road Dudley's 
gang came into view again; they were saying their farewells at the 
entrance to Magnolia Crescent. Harry stepped into the shade of a
 large lilac tree and waited.
"... squealed like a pig, didn't he?" Malcolm was saying, to guffaws 
from the others.
"Nice right hook, Big D," said Piers.
"Same time tomorrow?" said Dudley.
"Round at my place, my parents will be out," said Gordon.
"See you then," said Dudley.'
(OOTP "Dudley Demented" p.16-17 UK edition)

'"You haven't got the guts to take me on without that thing, have 
you?" Dudley snarled.
"Whereas you just need four mates behind you before you can 
beat up a ten year old."'
(OOTP "Dudley Demented" p.18 UK edition)