AN: Obligatory disclaimer that I do not own Harry Potter

This is a Remus/Petunia fic set long before Remus even meets Tonks. I have nothing against her character but she will probably not show up in this fic.

I haven't written seriously for years, so I'm really rusty, but I got this idea and I just couldn't get it out of my head. This is also the first proper fanfiction I've written, so please bear with me here.

Hope you enjoy!

Warning: This story will contain some swearing, mention of sexual assault and a whole lot of fluff. And probably some Dumbledork-bashing.

Chapter 1

Remus Lupin shivered as he made his way through the snowy woods from where he had apparated. The charms on his muggle coat and boots were barely enough to keep him warm and dry in the deep snow, and he longed for a warm fire and cup of hot chocolate to warm his worn bones. As he made it out of the clearing he spotted his designation down the hill taking a deep relieved breath, that soon turned sour.

The charming cottage at the bottom of the hill that had previously belonged to him mother's family had been empty for years. While he knew his parents had considered selling it Remus had hoped it would be empty. He really needed a place where he could hide out while he recovered from last night's full moon. Perhaps recover the box of keepsakes he'd hid under a loose plank in one of the bedrooms before he left on his mission from Albus. However the thin column of smoke emerging from the chimney and the small car parked in the driveway quickly dashed his hopes.

He sighed as he weighed his options, he didn't want anyone to know he was back in England yet. He'd left the country soon after the funeral, Sirius' betrayal and the death of his closest friends had been just too much for him. Dumbledore promised him that Harry was safe, which had been enough for him at the time. But he couldn't fight the instincts of his wolf, and now every part of him urged to find the last living member of his pack. His little cub. Harry.

But first he needed to go down to the cottage. Harry would be six years now, and the box he'd stashed away contained several things he wished to give to him. Like photos he'd kept from school and a few things he'd salvaged from the remains of the house in Godric's Hollow. Finding his Gryffindor Courage, he started his descent down the hill.

He could hear children playing in the distance as he closed in on the hut, and the enticing scent of cookies tickled his nose in a way few things besides chocolate did. The irritation he had felt earlier was washed away. It was, on second thought, nice to see the cottage he spent so many childhood summers in once again having life. He could tell it had gotten a new coat of paint and looked more well-kept that ever. He hesitated, briefly, before knocking on the door.

Petunia Dursley, had been furious when she'd found an abandoned child on her doorstep early in the morning. Her fury was the only thing that kept her from breaking down when reading the letter and learning that her younger sister had been murdered. She swore to care for the child as her own, her beloved Dudley being only amonth older than his cousin.

She wasn't surprised when Vernon insisted he get rid of the "freak", he hated everything that didn't fit inside his narrow idea of what was "normal". For once in her marriage, she stood up to him, Harry was staying or she would leave with Dudley. She figured he'd come around eventually, but when she returned from a doctor's appointment with Dudley a few months later, she found Harry locked in the cupboard under the stairs. The toddler had cried himself hoarse and clung to her like he was scared she would disappear.

When Vernon eventually returned, he'd just puffed his chest, told her that she couldn't expect him to bring the kid with her to an important business meeting(he'd gone to an all-you-can-eat buffet with a coworker). He also told her that the kid had been just fine the last times he did it, and that they should just make the cupboard his permanent room. After all, a freak like it didn't deserve to be treated like a human.

She packed their bags the following morning, and left with her children while he was at work. She got a divorce soon after, when Vernon was arrested after trying to drag her and Dudley out of the motel where she was staying with the kids. They had several witnesses that saw him hit her when she resisted. When the police arrived, Vernon had resisted arrest which was added to his growing list of charges. She testified in his court case, and never saw him again.

She used the divorce settlement to purchase a small cottage with two bedrooms, it had been on the market for awhile and the owners didn't mind selling it for less than the original asking price. A little bit of tender love and care, and the family finally had a place to call their own. Harry, free from the looming threat of his former uncle blossomed from a shy toddler to the playful and carefree child she wanted him and Dudley to be.

Now, 4 years later, everything was going well in the Evans household. She had a small greenhouse where she grew plants and herbs, even some rare ones that Lily had taught her to care for. They weren't much use outside of potions, but it was a nice way to remember her sister. In the nearby village she gained a reputation as the woman you called when you needed help with your plants. Her children were like brothers and she made just enough money to make ends meet through the sale of her plants and a few odd jobs here and there.

And if she felt a bit lonely, and missed the company of a man every once in awhile, who cared? She had enough on her hands. And she could hardly date a muggle, now that Harry showed more and more accidental magic. Not that many showed an interest in a single mother with two children.

Recently she'd picked up baking, trying several recipes to her children's delight. The newest batch was just out of the oven, and hot cocoa was on the stove. She was just about to call her kids inside for a quick snack, when there came a knock on the door.

Well then! That was chapter 1. It was a bit long, but gotta establish the setting. Next chapter will be a bit more exciting! I'll try to have it up tomorrow! :)

Hope you enjoyed it! If not, oh well. Everyone has a different taste, thanks for giving me a chance!