J.K. Rowling considered a very different ending for Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter series and it would have been much more fitting.

J.K. Rowling could have given Dudley Dursley a more satisfying ending by including him in the epilogue of the final Harry Potter installment, but she decided against the idea. The character, played by Harry Melling, appeared in five of the eight films based on the popular book series. Here's what the initial plans were for the youngest Dursley, and how they could have made his transformation more significant

Dudley was the extremely spoiled son of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. When Harry moved in with the family, Dudley emerged as a cruel bully, treating his cousin as if he was beneath him. Their relationship became more strained when Harry's connection to the wizarding world was unearthed. It wasn't until Harry saved Dudley from the Dementors that his cousin had a change of heart.

Prior to the final showdown against Lord Voldemort, Dudley and his parents were sent away and put under the protection of the Order of the Phoenix. Dudley shared his gratitude toward Harry in his own way, being the only member of the Dursley family to do so. This moment was presented through a deleted scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part One, as Dudley shook Harry's hand before parting ways. The Dursley family was not seen again, but Dudley almost had a key appearance in the tale's final scene. Rowling toyed with the idea of showing Dudley in the epilogue that takes place 19 years after the defeat of Voldemort. Even more interesting was the fact that Dudley would have been at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters with a magical child. However, Rowling then decided that wizarding genes wouldn't have survived through Vernon's stubborn DNA.

The Original Plan Gave Dudley A Better Redemption Story

Following the end of the Harry Potter series, Rowling provided insight into Dudley's later life. She revealed that Harry and Dudley were on better terms as they got older. Dudley went on to get married and have two children, albeit muggles, but he made it a point to keep in touch with his cousin. The two would also get together from time to time and their children would play together. Dudley was even mentioned in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child when he sent Harry his old baby blanket. It was clear that Rowling made an effort in redeeming Dudley for his terrible behavior in his past, but featuring him in the epilogue would have more fittingly explained how much the character had changed.

Dudley was finally starting to accept Harry and the presence of the wizarding world. Having a child in that community who he loved and supported would've better represented Dudley's character development. The epilogue could have also given viewers the opportunity to see Harry reunite with Dudley rather than imagine what happened to their relationship years later. Of course, envisioning Vernon and Petunia as the grandparents to a young witch or wizard would have been equally as satisfying to Harry - as well as fans of the Harry Potter franchise.

Next: Every Harry Potter Actor In Game Of Thrones