A/N: Suggestions for who you want to hear about next are very appreciated. Although if you dont tell me, I'll just choose who's next.


Vernon Dursley sat in his car, a black, shining, Toyota Camry, one of the newer models that he had finally been able to afford. He nervously tapped his fingers on the dashboard, as he sat there with the short man in the passenger seat. At times, Vernon would stare angrily at the man but the man just smiled and turned to look out the window. Absolutely not normal.

Dudley soon joined the pair, sliding into the car's backseat, already taking up half the space. Vernon turned in his seat to face his son, still flabbergasted at what he had done in the house. His mouth opened and closed several times, unsure of how to start, especially with someone in the car.

At first, Dudley looked expectantly, awaiting his father's rage but quickly realizing he wouldn't shout while there were guests, Dudley turned to look drearily out the window, gazing fixedly at the orange glow of the nearest street lamp. He'd certainly hear it later. Turning back to the front, Vernon grinned widely at Diggle as if nothing was wrong, who grinned back, and stared forward at the empty street. Definitely not normal.

A few minutes of uncomfortable silence later and Vernon saw his wife and the woman making their way to the car, Petunia dabbing her eyes. They slid into the backseat beside Dudley, fitting snuggly beside each other. Turning around again, but to look at his wife, worriedly he asked, "Everything all right dear?"

Sniffling, Petunia answered, "Yes, yes, I'm fine. Let's just go."

Starting the car, Vernon hunched over the steering wheel, wistfully staring at his home for more than 17 years. He saw movement in the upstairs window and did a double-take. Potter reappeared, holding the cage of that blasted bird. It was because of him that he and his family was being forced out of their home into hiding. They should have never taken him in and should have listened to Marge - put him into the orphanage. But it was too late to think about that, 17 years too late.

Sourly, Vernon pulled out of the driveway of Number 4 Privet Drive and drove down the road, turning on Mongolia Crescent, passing old Mrs. Figg's house, and driving out of the neighbourhood.


"Do you mind if I enlarge the backseat; it's a bit cramped back here," Hestia called out to Vernon as they drove down the street in awkward silence.

About to shout at her for even thinking of doing anything to his car, he reconsidered his options. Here were two of those people, with wands, wands that could potentially destroy anything. He weighed his options and then tight-lipped, he replied, "No, not at all."

Hestia pointed her wand at the space between her and Petunia, who edged closer to Dudley. "Engorgio." More of their freakish gobbledegook.

Vernon looked in his rearview mirror and saw that now each occupant was seated comfortably with much elbow room. At least they're good for something.

"Harry Potter's uncle," the voice in the front seat piped up, "what in Merlin's name are those?" he asked, pointing at the windshield wipers.

Vernon stared at the man, who looked genuinely curious. 'Merlin?!' Freaks! Who doesn't know what windshield wipers are? Opting on ignoring the question, Vernon turned his sights back on the road.

Dudley then spoke up, "Sir, they're called windshield wipers. They clear the glass of anything blocking the driver's view, like rain or snow."

"Ahh. Interesting," the man said, tapping his chin. That boy needs a serious talking to.

Petunia was on the verge of tears and Vernon heard little mutters of "Dudders" and "so polite".

Sighing, he kept driving until the man shouted out, "STOP!" Vernon slammed his foot on the brakes, jolting everyone forward. Purple-faced, he turned to the man shouting, "Great Gods! You want to give me a bloody heart attack? What was that for?"

Sheepishly, Diggle replied, "I'm sorry for the fright sir, but we are far enough for apparation. Let's get out now." He pushed out his door into the road.

"Sir," Dudley said, "we can't leave the car in the middle of the street." Indeed, several cars had stopped behind theirs, honking their horns; some were even overtaking them.

"Hmm…" Diggle mused, closing the door, "Park over there, Mr. Dursley," he said, pointed to a nearby parking lot. Vernon did as commanded, wanting to get this nightmare over..


They parked in the parking lot of a local ice cream shop. Dudley's mouth watered as they got out. "Dad, can we snip inside for a quick cone?" he asked, walking towards the building's front door.

Petunia spoke up, "No Duddikins!" He cringed at the name. "We have things to do. There's no time. Come back over here and grab a trunk." Dejectedly, Dudley rejoined the group in unloading the car.

"Now, we'll go behind the building to avoid wandering eyes and begin the second part of our journey," Hestia explained.

They dragged their luggage behind them while following the witch out of sight, Vernon feeling very foolish. All this for that boy! If I ever see him again, it will be too soon.

They stopped beside the restaurant's dumpster and the witchfolk grabbed the Dursleys' hands. Without any explanation, they did a quick turn on the spot.

To the Dursleys, it was like getting into the most crowded train the underground, but ten times worse. Colours swirled by them in mysterious shapes. What seemed like minutes was actually seconds and they were deposited in a new location, falling to the floor. The wizards looked down at them since they hadn't fallen down and began brushing off their robes.

"I always feel so dirty when I apparate," Hestia said, helping up Petunia as Diggle helped up Vernon and Dudley. After dusting off themselves, the Dursleys followed their hosts down the sidewalk.


The stars twinkled above them, mocking the weary travelers, as they dragged heavy parcels behind them. Their leaders talked in hushed tones of "Umbridge" and "Magic is might".

Walking for what seemed like hours, irritated, Vernon asked, "Where are we going?"

As though just noticing they were being followed, Diggle giggled, turning to the family, "We're going to your new home. It's just two more blocks ahead."

"How long do you think it'll take to get there?" Dudley asked tiredly

"Ten, Fifteen minutes tops," Diggle replied over his shoulder.

"What of my car?" Vernon asked, tapping the man's arm.

"You want your car?" Diggle asked, slightly shocked, "We could get it to you but that would have to be tomorrow. We're much too busy tonight."

"You better keep your word," Vernon replied haughtily and the group lapsed into a hanging silence.

Passing identical two-storey houses and a few oncoming lights of vehicles, they finally stopped in front a modest Victorian styled two-storey beige townhouse. A small garage was attached to the right of the structure. Small bushes lined the driveway and under the windows of the first story. The group walked up the small flight of steps to the front door. Diggle inserted the key into the keyhole, allowed everyone inside before closing it behind him.


The entrance hall of the house led directly into the kitchen, the living room stemming off midway. The wooden floor panelling that was previously spotless was now marred by the muddy shoes of the visitors as they entered.

The kitchen floor was tiled, slight reflecting the green of the walls. Matching counters and wood cabinets covered the walls and there was a round maple table in the centre with three chairs.

Coming back out into the entrance all, the Dursleys dropped their trunks and went upstairs, leaving their guides to talk privately between themselves.

There were three rooms on the second floor, as well as a bathroom. Dudley claimed the first room on the right, which was decorated in various blues with a grey carpet. Vernon and Petunia took the orange and yellow room at the end of the hall, leaving the last room as the guest room.

Going back downstairs, the wizards look up from their spots in the living room. They hadn't sat down.

"How is it?" Hestia asked.

"It's wonderful," Petunia said. "Awesome," Dudley added. Vernon didn't say anything.

They joined their hosts in the living room, as Diggle shot a fire into the grate of the fireplace.

"Make in here nice and warm. Before I forget, was there anything I shrunk for you?" he asked, scratching his head.

"Oh," Dudley shouted, his eyes lit up, "you shrunk my game system and the TV's"

"You also shrunk the blender and toaster," Petunia added quietly.

"Get them and I'll unshrink them for you."

Running over to the trunks, Dudley dug into the pocket on the front of one and pulled the miniature items. There were the size of a small girl would use in her dollhouse. Handing them to Diggle, he sat back beside his mother, watching fascinated as the man returned each item to its original size.

"That's done," Hestia said as Diggle put back his wand. "Now we will brief you on the circumstances. As soon as we apparated, the wards on your old home broke, making Harry vulnerable to attacks. We can only hope he made it out safe."

There was a pause. Tears threaten to fall down Petunia's cheeks again. Dudley nodded. Vernon just looked annoyed.

Hestia continued, "Now this house has a very strong ward on it, plus other spell for added protection. Although you are away from Harry, you are still in danger. Death Eaters might still look for you, as they know your relation to Harry, though they do not know the circumstances. They will kill you, given the chance, thinking it will affect Harry."

"But we don't…" Vernon started.

"But they don't know that." Hestia said, quieting the large man. "Death Eaters have no been known to be the brightest crayons in the box."

"Every week," Diggle picked up, "a member of the Order will come to check up on things. During weekly visits, you won't even know they're there, unless you choose to. Every month, one will come inside and talk to you, see how you're all doing. For monthly visits, you must let them in or they'll think something's wrong and break down your door and you wouldn't want that. Order members have a tendency to think rashly." He chuckled half-heartedly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"If you feel you need any wand help," Vernon scoffed when she said that but Hestia continued, "then you can ask the guard. Mrs. Dursley, there are some excellent house cleaning spells that would be helpful and Dudley and Mr. Dursley, I'm sure there may be a few that would interest you." Vernon looked away. "Any questions?"

"No," Dudley said, letting all the information sink in.

"I have a favour to ask," Petunia spoke up. Her husband and son stared at her with big eyes, Vernon's slightly bigger. "Could you put our things away for us. That would take some time and I'm feeling a bit out of sorts after this whole ordeal."

"Certainly," Hestia acquiesced, smiling at the woman.

Pointing her wand at the stairs, Hestia said muttered a quick spell. The tops of the trunks flipped open suddenly, their contents hovered above the empty cases for a moment before zooming up the stairs, presumably to their places.

"Thank you," Petunia said.

"What else can you do?" Dudley shouted excitedly, his hands clenched in fists. Vernon's eyebrows could not shoot up any further. First, he apologizes to the boy, then talks to this one and now this. The world's going to end tonight.

"Much more but there's no time tonight. Tell you what, when the guard comes every week, you can go outside and ask him to show you some magic," Hestia said to the boy. Dudley's eyes lit up at the prospect but didn't say anything.

Getting up, Diggle said, "Now we must be off. Remember our instructions." Hestia got up and followed Diggle to the door. "Good night, Mr. and Mrs. Dursleys, Dudley." And she locked the door behind her.


They sat there in silence, Dudley still excited, Petunia sniffling a bit and Vernon staring into space. Soon Vernon got up and stood directly in front of Dudley. Starting quietly, he asked, "Is something wrong with you son?"

"No Dad," Dudley answered, puzzled.

"Then why," Vernon asked, voice growing louder, "would you ask to see m-… m-… that thing? Why would you talk to them? Why would you apologize to the boy?!"

"They're not all bad Dad. And Harry practically saved us."

"He put us in danger by being born in the first place!" Vernon shouted.

"But he put us somewhere safe. He could have left us home without protection. That makes him better." Dudley retorted.

"Nothing will make him better." Vernon remained adamant.

"Vernon…" Petunia scolded her husband.

Ignoring his wife, Vernon shouted, "What of the people, and the m-word?"

"They're not all bad," Dudley answered quietly, looking down at his hands. Snapping his head back up to look at his father, he added strongly, "And MAGIC is interesting?"

"Don't say that word!" Vernon said, covering his ears. "Interesting?" He took his hands back down, clenching them into fists at his sides. "Making things zoom around and disappear is interesting?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes it is and according to the lady, there's more to it than that."

"Of course," Vernon said sarcastically, "because that woman knows every bloody thing!"

"Vernon!" Petunia shouted, interrupting him and successfully getting his attention.

"Yes dear?" he asked, looking at his wife, annoyance written clearly on his face.

"Dudley's right." It came out like a breath.

"What?!" he asked. For the third time that night, Vernon looked appalled at his family. I must be dreaming.

"Not all wizards and witches are bad. Lily wasn't bad."

"Lily? Your sister? The one who died? The one you hated? The one who left us with the boy!?"

"Yes that Lily," Petunia said, getting to her feet, looking directly into her husband's eyes. He towered over her but only a few inches. She gave him an icy glare but he wouldn't back down, not when he was so infuriated with his family's strange behaviour.

"She was not bad," Petunia continued, "I am ashamed to say this but I was jealous of her. She had something I didn't, something marvelous, a gift and I pushed her away. I pushed away my best friend." Plopping back into her seat, sobs racked Petunia's bony frame. "I pushed away a chance to truly know my sister for who she was and labeled her a freak. Now she's dead."

Dudley edged towards his mother, patting her back soothingly. The only sounds filling the room were Petunia's wails. Vernon's eyes switch from his son to his wife, not knowing what to do. Instead, he went to the kitchen.


The shelves and cabinets were fully stocked and Vernon took out 3 mugs. He filled the kettle with water and set on the heated stovetop. Staying at the counter, he listened to his despairing wife in the other room and waited for the water to boil. Finally, he poured out the mugs and put in the teabags. Setting them on a tray, he carried them out to the living room and placed them on the coffee table. He gingerly handed one to Petunia.

As she sipped it, he said, "Petunia, I don't know what to say to make you feel better but I can say that what is done is done. There's no way to go back and change these things and we just have to live with it."

Sniffling, a small smile graced her lips, "I know, but the fact is I had a chance and instead I shunned her. And then another chance came along and I was too blind to see it. I treated her son like dirt."

"Shush," Vernon said as fresh tears rolled down her face. "We can still fix this one. He's still here."

"But for how long?" Petunia looked into his eyes, pleading for the answer. "You heard about that Voldie thing. That's the same person who killed Lily. You really think Harry can run from him?"

Vernon was at a lost for words.

"Of course he can Mum," Dudley picked up, "Harry's strong. He's a great wizard."

"How do you know, Dudders?" Petunia asked tearfully.

Slightly cringing, he replied, "Two years ago, I heard Harry sleep-talking, talking of great, terrible things. At the time, I thought it was just some weird freaky wizard stuff but now I know. He talked of almost saving this one bloke, Cedric. It sounded like he had to go through a lot of horrible things but in the end, Cedric died. Harry wouldn't want that to happen to anyone else. Don't worry for him."

"How can I not worry for him when I know nothing about him. He could have died tonight for all we know," she sobbed into her hands.

"Don't think like that," Dudley said, patting her again. "Tell you what, when the guard comes here tomorrow, we can ask him. I'm sure he'll know Harry."

Vernon and Dudley picked up their now lukewarm tea and sipped, talking little.

"I'm getting tired. Let's all go to bed. We can talk more in the morning and Vernon can set up the telly." Petunia said, getting up.

Picking up everyone's teacups, Vernon put them in the kitchen sink, as Petunia and Dudley went upstairs. He soon followed after, got ready for bed and lay down beside his wife, soon falling asleep. His last thought was Today was really stressful.


The next day dawned bright. None of the Dursleys slept well, each having a lot on their minds. They went to the kitchen and had a good breakfast, while Vernon read the paper. Then they went into the living room. Vernon set up the television and he and Petunia were watching BBC while Dudley went outside to wait for the guard.

After a while, Dudley returned, followed by a tired looking man. Scars marred his prominent features and grey flecked his hair. But he looked genuinely happy as he smiled at the home's inhabitants.

Petunia gasped, standing up, "I know you," she said, pointing at the visitor.

The man replied, "I'm sorry but I can not say the same for you."

"You were one of Lily's friends. I saw in one of her pictures but I must say you have aged since then."

"Oh," Remus replied, extending his hand, "then let me formally introduce myself, I'm Remus Lupin."

"Hello, would you like some tea?" Petunia offered, being a good housewife.

"Thank you Mrs. Dursley." Remus sat down in the living room with Dudley. Vernon had wordlessly disappeared upstairs. Petunia made the tea and carried out to Remus.

"Here you are Mr. Lupin," Petunia said, placing the tray onto the coffee table.

"Please, call me Remus," he smiled at the kind woman, picking up his cup.

"Mr. Lupin, could you show me some magic?" Dudley asked, ecstatic.

Shock etched on his face, Remus' jaw dropped. Didn't Harry tell me his relatives hated magic? But then he remembered his conversation with Hestia. Putting down his cup he said, "Sure, Dudley"

He withdrew his wand from the folds of his traveling cloak and performed some magic for the boy, making sparks of numerous colours shoot from the end, calling out his Patronus to trot around the room, levitating the furniture and many other things. Needless to say, the Dursleys were in awestruck.

"Can Harry do that?" Dudley asked excitedly.

Turning to the boy, stowing away his wand, he said, "He most certainly can my boy, and much more. He's quite advanced for his age."

"Do you think he can win?" Petunia didn't have to say what. Remus knew.

He looked solemn as he hesitated, choosing his words carefully. Then he began, "I think… he has very strong fighting chance… He knows much more than he should and sadly, has seen so much. But in the war, no can really say. Voldemort's been training for at least 30 years. He has… the experience, which Harry does not. But that won't mean Harry won't go without a fight." Chuckling, he added, "Who's to say, he might just get lucky."

Putting down his tea, he got up and said, "Thank you Mrs. Dursley, but I must return to my post. It was nice talking with you."

Walking to the door, Petunia called out, "Remus, do you think it would be possible to send Harry a letter?"

Smiling, he said, "I can send him your best wishes when I get back to the headquarters. Next week, I'll give him your letter. Have it ready then. Tell Mr. Dursley his car's outside"

Smiling graciously in return, Petunia said, "Thank you Remus. Good day."

"Good day Petunia." And he left.


The next week, Remus came again and Dudley got to see more magic. He told them about Harry. Although a bit weirded out by their wishes, Remus told them he thanks them and hopes for the best. Petunia handed him her letter:

Dear Harry,

For 17 years, we have acted terribly towards you. I know that words can never take back what we have put you through but I would like to fix as much as possible.

Since you went to Hogwarts, I wanted to tell everything about Lily, the Lily I knew.

I was envious of her powers, of her gift. I'd get so upset when she left every year. During it I'd miss her so much but when she came back, so did the animosity. She was beaming with delight and telling our parents everything she had learnt each year. And every year, I just sat there, called her a freak and stared out the window.

I was so envious of her; I stopped talking to her all her life. I didn't even go to her wedding! I regret all of it now and wish I could take it back but I know that is impossible. I missed a wonderful opportunity.

Then you came along. It was like God was sending me message, saying Don't screw this one up! But I did and made everything horrible.

I have seen the error of my ways and would like to make amends, both Dudley and me. Vernon is not so…trusting but he is sorry as well.

Please give us a chance Harry.

Love,

Petunia and Dudley and Vernon


On Remus' next visit, he gave them some terrible news: The Burrow, where Harry and his friends were staying, was attacked earlier in the week. For a few days, the Order had no idea where Harry was but they found out his was hiding in his godfather's home. Harry had decided to go on a mission to defeat Voldemort, along with his friends. They denied his request to join them and Remus flared up a bit, but he managed to deliver his letter. He also told them that he would send his next letter by owl but they should not send another to him. They accepted this and looked forward to Harry's letter. Remus also let slip that his wife had a baby. Petunia congratulated him on his fatherhood but she couldn't understand the sadness he harboured behind those smiling eyes.


A few days later, a tawny owl flew in through the open living room and landed on the coffee table, leg outstretched. Gingerly taking off the letter, Dudley read it out to his mother:

Dear Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley,

I appreciate what you have done and am happy for enlightening me on the situation between you and my mum.

I have read your letter and would also like to make amends. According to Hermione, it's the right thing to do. I'm not so certain but I'm willing to give it a try. If you got the courage to send that, I can certainly say something back.

If the circumstances were different, I'd meet you in person to talk but that is not a possibility. I would tell you of my adventures, share my experiences, but I can't.

I am about to embark on a very dangerous mission. From your letter, it seems like you're both worried for my safety. Don't be. I've been through a lot. I can handle myself. I'll wing it. Heh. But do not send a return letter. That could cause problems. I'll send you a letter when it's all over.

Harry

Petunia was both overjoyed that he was willing to listen but still worried for him, but she knew she couldn't write back. So she stayed at home, voicing her worries to her family.


Adjusting to their new home was getting along fine. Vernon got a job in the executive department of a construction firm in town and Dudley enrolled in the nearby training while taking a part-time at the grocery store two streets over.

Weeks dragged on into months, with their visits from Remus. Sometimes, Petunia would ask Remus to help clean the house, to which he gladly obliged. Dudley would also ask for odd things, like changing his room colour or something else.

Every month, his wife would come for the inspection, to visit with her son because Remus was incapacitated. Nymphadora Tonks was an odd witch with the power to change her appearances at will. She passed this gift onto her son, Teddy. Their preferences differed as Tonks would usually have pink hair but her son seemed to like turquoise.

Nymphadora, or as she preferred Tonks, would inform Petunia on some of the Orders progress as they gushed over Teddy. It seemed that the final battle was fast approaching.

Vernon would mysteriously disappear during every visit but Petunia would relay the important parts of the conversation later. Sometimes, Dudley would stay for the visits if he wasn't busy with school or his part-time job. No Death Eaters attacked the house. It seemed that they weren't focused on Harry Potter's stupid muggle relatives.


Then one day, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hestia and Dedalus showed up on Petunia's doorstep unexpectedly. Dudley was out with his friends and Vernon was upstairs, so Petunia opened the door. Welcoming them inside, she asked why they were here.

"Harry has won," Kingsley said deeply.

Overjoyed, Petunia clapped her hands and jumped up and down, unaware of the happy tears streaming down her cheeks.

"But we also have some bad news," Hestia said, looking down. Sitting back down, Petunia dreaded her next words. "Remus and Tonks died in battle."

Petunia mouth opened in a small 'o', They were her two best friends, actually her only friends in the wizarding world. After a few good sobs, she managed to say, "What will happen to Teddy?"

"He will be taken care of by his grandmother, Andromeda"

A watery smile appeared on Petunia face. Tonks had often mentioned her mum a few times.

"That's good," Petunia nodded.

"We just came to keep you updated. Harry said he'll send you a letter soon and you can ask him everything in return," Kingsley said, getting up, his group heading to the door.

"We'll be going," Hestia ended.

They left the woman on her couch, having a good cry for the loss of two dear friends and the son they left behind.


Harry did send Petunia a letter and many after. Over the years, Dudley and Petunia looked forward to his messages, each writing their own words of endearment. Sometimes even Vernon would send a word or two. He was not one to get emotional. Harry was now their only tie to the magical world, as they no longer needed a guard. The missed their bit of weekly magic and looked forward to every letter sent.

Times were changing and people were aging. Dudley now had a long time girlfriend named Sarah, and Vernon was now a high ranking official in the construction firm. In his letters, Harry would mention his girlfriend, Ginny, who was the sister of his best friend, Ron, who was currently dating his other best friend, Hermione. Sometimes he'd send pictures. They looked so happy and Petunia would also send pictures of the Dursleys' adventures in return.

One specific letter was very important. Dudley and Petunia were sitting at the dining table, about to read Harry's letter but taking it slow. They felt this one would hold great news. Petunia read the letter aloud:

Hey Aunt Petunia and Dudley,

How are things? Things are great here. Hermione and Ron are getting closer, I think he's about to pop the question. Wouldn't that be something? Hilarious to watch actually. He's fretting about it in our room right now.

I'm writing this to tell you, I'M GETTING MARRIED! It took so much not to say that first. Well, I asked Ginny a few days ago and she said yes. We're getting married in two months. Her mum wants it as soon as possible. It'll be at her house, where I'm staying at now. Closer to the time, I'll send you a formal invitation.

Hope you can be there. You would be staying in my house, #12 Grimmauld Place.

Love.

Harry

Tears rolled out of Petunia's eyes. She looked over at Dudley, putting down the letter and said five words, "Our little Harry's growing up."