Chapter Four: The Brother Never Known
Aunt Petunia made her way into the kitchen, Harry and Vernon trailing behind her. She reached the pantry and moving aside a huge can of beets, pulled out a scrap book. She turned and sat at the bar, indicating Harry should take the stool opposite. Once seated Petunia opened the scrap book, inside were newspaper clippings and photos. Petunia slid the book towards Harry and sat back.
Harry looked at the first page. This was a newspaper clipping dated some 19 years earlier. The picture was of a man and woman holding a baby. It was a birth announcement. 'Mr. And Mrs. Adam Scott Hodges announce the birth of their son Russell Evan Hodges.'
"His name is Russell Evan Hodges?"
"Yes, I think Lily and Severus had something to do with that. They wanted the babe to at least carry part of their names. Russell is called Rus - Severus - Rus. And Evan is from Lily's maiden name of Evans. I don't know how they managed that." Aunt Petunia had never spoken so openly of magic, at least not as a good thing.
Harry went back to the book. It contained clippings of school awards and athletic achievements.
"It looks like he had a pretty good life."
"He did Harry. The Hodges are good people. Adam is an architect. Serena is a full time mum."
"I don't want to mess up his life."
Uncle Vernon spoke up for the first time. "Do you think it's fair to just show up on the chap's doorstep and say, 'Hello, I'm your long lost brother, and if you please, I'm a wizard and so are you.' Might give the chap a right turn."
"I know, but Uncle Vernon, if the binding has worn off do you really want an untrained wizard running around in your world?"
"That's a fair point. Petunia tell him where to find the boy."
Aunt Petunia took a note pad and wrote down an address. She handed the paper to Harry and Harry rose to leave. Petunia took hold of his hand and Harry stopped in his tracks, as long as he could remember Aunt Petunia had never voluntarily touched him in any way.
"Harry, your parents would be proud of the young man you've grown to be, and Lily would be so ashamed of the way I've treated you. I'll not ask for forgiveness, but I am sorry we did not do better by you."
Harry was so shocked by this statement all he could do was stare at Petunia. Uncle Vernon spoke up breaking the awkward silence, "Well boy are you just going to barge in on the young man?"
"What?", Harry looked around at Uncle Vernon. "No, I think it's best if I look around first. See how things are going. I would like to talk with Rus alone, if possible. I don't want to try to convince three muggles that one of them is a wizard." Harry had a thought. "Aunt Petunia, does Rus know that he is adopted?"
"I believe he does Harry. The Hodges have openly spoken of adoption and how much it meant to them as a family."
"That makes it somewhat easier, at least I won't have to tell him that." Harry thanked Aunt Petunia for the information and made for the door. Uncle Vernon followed.
"Harry, will you let us know how it turns out? I think - well I think your Aunt Petunia would like to meet Rus if you don't mind, once things have calmed down."
Uncle Vernon was talking to Harry in a civil manner and asking him nicely to contact them again. Hell must have frozen over.
"Sure Uncle Vernon. I can do that."
Uncle Vernon looked right cheerful. He slapped Harry on the back, "Well then, off you go."
Harry walked out the door and thought that had to be the strangest conversation he'd ever had.