Author's Note: Written for...

Appreciating the Females Challenge. Prompt: (traits) strong and independent

Pairing the Character. Character: Remus Lupin

Protest

657 words

Dumbledore had been very clear that there was no need to worry about Harry. He'd explained the position at great length, about how much safer Harry was with his aunt than with Remus. Remus wasn't as confident. Petunia was one thing, and Lily's sacrifice was hard to argue with, but Petunia wasn't alone in that house.

It was hard to forget how upset James had been after meeting Vernon Dursley for the first time, and his frustration every time after. Vernon wasn't a fan of magic, and putting Harry in the same house as the man was irresponsible and dangerous.

Remus watched Privet Drive in silent protest of Dumbledore's poor decision making; with still too much faith in his old professor to go in and demand Petunia give Harry over to him.

He perked up when the door of number four opened and Petunia poked her head outside, staring right at him. She beckoned him over with a crooked finger and he sighed, trudging across the street.

"For a spy, you're horrible at hiding," she said as she pulled him inside and slammed the door.

"Noted."

They were uncomfortably close in the tight foyer, but Petunia wasn't making any move to lead him into the house, so the two were left staring awkwardly at each other as Remus tried to think of something kind to say. Lily was dead, after all. But before he was able to come up with anything, Petunia was turning and walking away.

"Are you taking him away?" she called back to him. Remus took it as an invitation to follow.

He stood uncomfortably by the door of the living room while Petunia busied herself with pouring them tea. There was a playpen on the far side of the room, and through the mesh screen he could just make out two sleeping babies inside.

"Dumbledore advised against Harry being raised elsewhere."

"I know. He said in his letter." She pursed her lips and Remus knew she disagreed with the decision as well.

"Has he been any trouble?" he asked, wandering over to the play pen and peering inside, smiling down at his nephew.

"Only at night. He howls for Lily, wakes the whole house up." She looked pained as she said it. "Vernon's not happy."

"Will he do anything about it?" Remus asked quietly. Petunia shook her head.

"He didn't want to take him but I put my foot down. He will listen to me on occasion." Remus bit his lip. "Go on. You have something to say?"

"I just wanted … to say that I'm here. If you need help, I mean. Raising a wizard won't be easy-"

"Vernon's intolerant of magic, you know. He won't like what the boy will become. He's already suggested keeping it all from him."

Remus gaped at her. "He … can't."

She smiled sadly. "I know. Lily would throttle him, I'm sure."

"So would James." Remus sighed and sank onto the sofa beside her. "I know you don't owe me anything, Petunia, but please, for Lily's sake, don't take this away from Harry."

"I don't intend to. Vernon can go to hell if he thinks I'm letting him get away with this." She sipped her tea calmly and smiled at the look of shock on Remus' face. "You know he was only a rebound, don't you? I kept hoping you'd change your mind. I understand it was dangerous to be around me during the war and all, but that's over with now…"

"Petunia, are you trying to flirt with me?"

"It's not so much flirting as it is an invitation. You want to see Harry and I want him to see you. I have an obligation to my marriage to see how long it can last, but you and I both know it's doomed." She shrugged. "I'm not too concerned."

Remus smiled and shook his head. "I'll be around, if you ever need anything."

"And I'll be here."