Notice: I do not own Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling does. P.S. I REALLY appreciate reviews and opinions...they will help me to know what to do with the characters!
The Woes of Petunia Dursley
Chapter 1: A Surprising Discovery
"Do we have to go?"
It was a question that Harry had expected to hear-it was always asked whenever he and his family went to visit his only blood relatives, the Dursleys.
"Yes James. But we're only seeing Cousin Dudley and his family this time."
His three children did not look at all appeased at this. Harry grinned at his wife and then turned back to his kids.
"C'mon, the new baby will be there!" He said encouragingly. Lily's interest seemed to be sparked, but James let out a groan and rolled his eyes. "Bet it looks like a big pink beach ball."
Albus sniggered at this, and Lily looked slightly put down.
"Now James, don't you dare go saying things like that when we get to the house!" warned Ginny.
"Yes, I hope you all will try your best to behave yourselves this time," Harry addressed his kids, but stared meaningfully at James. The last time he had taken his kids to visit the Dursleys, James had let loose a decoy detonator during a lull in the conversation at dinner.
"Okay, I'll try," he muttered dejectedly, as Albus and Lily nodded silently.
"Good." said Ginny as she picked up her Christmas cookies.
"Alright, everybody in the car then." said Harry, and they all stepped outside in the cold night air and got into the car that the ministry had provided.
As Harry drove along in a slight snowfall (thank goodness for Ginny and her water resistant spell for the windshield) he couldn't help thinking about Dudley and how he had changed over the years.
About the same time that Voldemort had been defeated, Dudley had had enough of his job working for his father at Grunnings. Without many options, he had decided to join the British army. He had barely made it through training, but had gone on to serve in the conflict in Iraq. He had come back more in shape then Harry had ever seen him (but still huge in his frame) and a little rough around the edges. Now he was working at a small supermarket where he had met his wife Carol, a dull but sweet woman whom Harry and Ginny both liked. When Harry had seen him last, Dudley and Carol had just announced to the whole family that Carol was pregnant. Aunt Petunia was elated and had practically attacked Carol with congratulations and questions. Uncle Vernon was also pleased and declared that he was sure his son's child would turn out better than "his lot," as he glanced at Harry and his children. At this, James shouted "HEY!" and Harry had to force him from jumping out of his chair. Needless to say, Harry was glad that his aunt and uncle weren't coming tonight. It was only at Dudley's urging that they would come under the same roof as Harry anyway. Harry appreciated the effort, but rather wished his cousin would invite them for separate visits. They seemed to despise him as much as ever.
So it was with hope for a better visit this time around that Harry pulled the car into the driveway of Dudley and Carol's condominium. They were greeted warmly by Dudley and Carol as the led the Potters into their home. Carol told them that the baby, Nicole Petunia Dursley, was sleeping at the moment. "We named her after our mothers—Nicole for my mum and Petunia for Dudley's."
Lily, disappointed by the lack of the baby's appearance, asked where she was. "Can I at least look at her? I promise I won't wake her."
Carol led Lily and Ginny into the little bedroom and open the door slightly. It seemed that the baby was either a light sleeper or could sense their presence for she suddenly opened her eyes wide and began to babble softly at them.
"Are we awake then, my little Nikki?" cooed Carol. "Come and meet your cousins then!"
They spent the evening visiting and Ginny, Carol, Dudley and Harry took turns holding the baby. Ginny and Lily were delighted to find that Nikki couldn't get enough of them. When Dudley held her, she watched them like a hawk and tried to go to them. Harry couldn't help but notice that Dudley looked rather apprehensive and concerned whenever it was his turn to hold the baby. He supposed he must still be getting used to being a father.
As the evening wore on, it seemed that James and Albus got into about everything in the house, finally settling in to watching TV. Harry supposed it was just as well—anything to keep them out of trouble was a welcome distraction.
Then, when Ginny and Carol were in a heated discussion about baby milestones and Lily was playing peek-a-boo with Nikki, Dudley came over to Harry. "Can I have a word?" he asked. Harry saw the same look of worry etched in his cousin's face. "Sure."
They stepped out to the dining room. Harry wondered if Dudley was about to ask him parenting advice. Slightly amused, he said, "What is it Dud?"
"It's Nikki." he whispered. "There's something-well-odd about her."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Look Dud, she seems perfectly alright to me-"
"No, no you don't understand!" Dudley muttered, glancing toward the living room. "Listen, I haven't told the wife yet, but something happened the other day when she was out. Naturally I was left home with Nikki. I was playing with her with her rattle. She didn't seem to like it—in fact I'm not sure she ever did—but when I handed it to her a strange thing happened." Dudley moved in closer to Harry. "She threw it and it—well—flew, literally FLEW into the next room." He looked expectantly at Harry.
"Well I guess if she didn't like it…" Harry started. "Maybe she has a good throwing arm?"
But Dudley was shaking his head. "No—this was—different. It was," he hesitated. "It was magic. I'm sure of it. Remember that time that you flew up on the roof Harry? It was just like that, only with the rattle!"
Harry was looking at Dudley, stunned. He wasn't sure what surprised him more—that Dudley had remember the incident that had happened so long ago or the fact that he was claiming that his daughter was a witch.
"No." said Harry. "It—it couldn't be." He now realized why Dudley had been so apprehensive before when holding Nikki. He was still somewhat frightened by magic.
Both Dudley and Carol were the epitome of the typical muggle family—it couldn't be that their daughter was a witch. Could it?
So? What do you think? This is my first fanfic. Also...what do YOU think should happen when Petunia finds out? And what House should Nikki be in? Slytherin? Hufflepuff? My inclinations are towards Hufflepuff because neither parent seems smart enough to be in Ravenclaw, nor brave enough to be in Gryffindor. Your opinions are appreciated! Thanks! ~Ginnygirl87
