Chapter 1 - Her Arrival
It was the 29th of December. It had happened hours ago. Harry was still in a state of shock, sitting in Professor Dumbledore's office. He had just been given the news. His aunt, Petunia, would be arriving at Hogwarts any minute now. On the surface, he looked blank, devoid of emotion. But on the inside, Harry had never felt such sea of emotions ever before. Not when he heard his mum's screaming from the dementors. Not when Cedric died. Not even when they got Sirius. And in his mind, there was only one thought floating. It was all his fault. He was why it had happened. How was he ever going to face his aunt?
Professor Dumbledore had just stepped out of his office, when Professor McGonagall, stark white and shaking, stepped into him.
'Severus just told me. Is it true, Albus?'
'Yes,' he said simply.
'How has he taken it? Perhaps I should go up and see him... He shouldn't be alone at such a time,' said Minerva McGonagall, even as she felt herself go weak in the knees.
Looking down at floor, Professor Dumbledore replied silently, 'I was just with him. He needs to be by himself till his aunt gets here. But I assure you, Minerva, you'll see him soon. But till then, I want you to go and wait for Petunia Dursley by the Gryffindor fires. Arthur and Nymphadora are bringing her in.'
'Petunia at Hogwarts...?' asked Professor McGonagall in a shocked whisper.
'Yes. I do not consider it safe for her to be alone at Little Whinging anymore. I had Professor Everard speak to Madam Hopkirk about the breach of the Statute of Secrecy and sent Fawkes to the office of the International Confederation of Warlocks with a letter explaining the situation. I have to go see the Order about it now. Please lead Petunia straight to Harry when she gets here.'
Minerva McGonagall watched Professor Dumbledore step out of the corridor before she proceeded to the Gryffindor common room. As the portrait of the Fat Lady lurched open, she saw an old woman step out of the fireplace. As soon she looked up, the woman spoke in Nymphadora Tonks' voice. 'Evening, Professor. Arthur Weasley is bringing her now.'
As soon as Tonks stepped aside, a woman stepped out of the fireplace. Even though she was standing right besides the fireplace, she looked as if she was covered by a shadow. As she stepped forward, Professor McGonagall saw that it was Petunia Dursley. Her face showed she had cried a lot recently, but now, she looked as if she was in a daze. Looking at her helpless form, Minerva McGonagall felt tears stinging in her own eyes as she realized what this woman had been through. 'Petunia,' she said in a choked whisper and hugged her. 'I am Harry's transfigurations teacher, Professor McGonagall. I also taught your sister when she was here. Do you remember me? We met once when your sister was here.'
When she received no sign of recognition or even awareness from Petunia, she said in a kind voice, 'Come now, maybe you ought to be with Harry at such a time.' 'I'll be right with you, Arthur. Just need to take her to Harry.' she added to Mr. Weasley who had wearily stepped out of the fire.
As Petunia was being led to Harry by Professor McGonagall, she seemed to be taking no note of her surroundings. It seemed as if she wasn't even aware of herself. When they approached the gargoyles that formed the entrance to the principal's office, McGonagall gave the password and directed Petunia in. 'Up the staircase and through the door. You'll find Harry already in there.'
Without a word or a sign, Petunia stepped into the staircase and went up and through the door.
Walking up the staircase, Petunia became aware of herself for the first time since being rescued from the ruins of her house. She realized what had happened.
Dudley and Vernon Dursley had been killed and Harry was the only one she had left now.
