Author's Note: Written for:

Musical Chairs – Revolving Prompts Challenge. Prompt: AU in which Harry is raised by Aunt Petunia and Uncle Sirius

Amateur Divination Game Challenge. Prompt: someone lying to protect a friend

Open Category Competition 2. Category: Fanon

Little White Lies

chapter one

Petunia stared down at the letter in her hands, trying to keep from screaming and waking the other occupants of the house. She eyed the baby sleeping on her couch and bit her lip.

The war was over. She should have been out celebrating with the rest of the Britain, but instead she felt like her world was crumbling. Her sister was dead and she knew what that meant.

Dumbledore had assured her that they were going to find Sirius Black. They would send him straight to Azkaban – they wouldn't understand. They wouldn't listen.

She hastily scribbled a reply to the headmaster and stuffed it in her pocket as she heard movement on the stairs. The next moment Sirius was poking his head through the door.

"Pet? It's five-thirty, why aren't you in bed?"

She shushed him roughly and pulled him back into the hall.

"Keep your voice down," she ordered, putting on her shoes.

"What's going on? Was that Harry on the couch?"

Petunia weighed her options. She couldn't lie to him – not completely.

"Dumbledore wrote," she started slowly. "Lily and James are gone. You-Know-Who … he's destroyed."

"What? I don't-"

"I'll explain when I get back," she promised, pulling on a jacket over her pajamas.

"Where are you going?"

"We're not exactly equipped to care for a toddler, in case you haven't noticed. Very rude of Dumbledore not to bring any supplies with him. I'm just running out to the store to pick up a few essentials. Shouldn't be too long. Watch Harry." She gave him a quick peck on the lips and headed for the door.

"Petunia, no." He grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him. "I have to go. I need to … James…" He stopped himself, releasing her arm and sinking to the floor. He leaned against the door to the cupboard under the stairs, staring at the ground.

Petunia mentally berated herself for her apparent insensitivity. She'd been so focused on her own grief and the need to protect Sirius that she hadn't considered that he'd lost a brother as much as she'd lost a sister.

She knelt down in front of him, cupping his face in her hands and forcing him to look at her.

"I need you to stay here with Harry. I know you're upset and angry – I am as well – but Harry needs us more than anything right now."

"Peter," he whispered, his voice breaking. Petunia shushed him.

"Dumbledore already knows about him. I don't know how. It's not your job to find him, Sirius." She stayed just long enough to hear Sirius promise to remain at home with Harry.

Of course, Dumbledore didn't really know about Peter – not yet. She'd explained it all and more in the letter she clutched tightly in her hand. Sirius would be angry with her for her deception, but he'd understand eventually. She had to keep him out of jail, and this was the only way she knew how.

A/N:

I kind of almost want to turn this into a multi-chap, but I don't have the time.

Review?

Updated: July 1st. Yes, a new chapter is coming! :)