Tuesday 10 October 1972

Dear Lily,

Hello from the normal side of the divide! Hehe, I figured you'd get a laugh out of that. So what's new up there in the magical morass that is Hogwarts? Still enjoying your classes? Remus contacted me not too long ago and somewhat accused me of taking part with instigating a prank war between Severus and Potter/Black. I swear Lily; I had nothing to do with that. After all, what could those proud magicals possibly learn from a lowly hedge-witch like me?

All joking aside, the weather has turned absolutely delightful here. There's a definite nip in the air and a lot of my thoughts are turning towards Halloween and pumpkin spiced drinks. Do they have the concept of pumpkin spiced hot chocolate up there? Would you like me to send you a couple of recipes I've found?

Did mum tell you about the beef and pumpkin soup I made for dinner last night? It was delicious like nothing I've ever had before! I don't know what came over me but daddy's requested it more often and you know how difficult it is to get him to try new foods.

I just wanted to let you know that I'm on course to taking my OWL for History of Magic at the end of this coming term. I got to say, it's nice being able to learn at my own pace for the magical stuff. Not to rub it in but not having to wait on the slower students in a class really helps with your self-esteem and desire to push ahead to get to the more fun subjects. My theoretical classes are on par with others in my age range. Potions are a lot of fun especially when I can get mum or daddy involved. The look on daddy's face when he created a perfect example of a hangover cure was priceless! I think he purposely went out to get drunk just to try it out. (It worked by the way.)

My astronomy learning is what it is, nothing earth-shattering there though the news about the proposed American space shuttle and the current Apollo flights are really interesting. I've become a regular visitor to the Royal Astronomy Hall and Planetarium so I get top-notch help with my homework.

So what subjects will you be taking for third year? If you're anything like me, I'd recommend Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Don't hold yourself back in taking the harder classes. I've already been studying the Arithmancy subject a bit and I'm totally fascinated by it. I showed some of it to my teacher and she was impressed by how advanced it is.

I had an interesting conversation with my teacher as well. She suggested that I consider thinking about what I want to do when I grow up. I told her that I was thinking of becoming a teacher like her. That being said, I'd like to do something that bridges the gap between the two worlds with a teaching credential to fall back on.

Oh, don't tell mum or dad but there's a boy that's taken an interest in me. His name is Vernon Dursley. He's kind of cute and really athletic…

Love,

Petunia


Dear Petunia,

You were right about pranking being an excellent motivator to advance magical learning! I found this interesting charm in the library and used an elf to steal James Potter's glasses. Now, wherever he goes he cannot see in front of himself, only behind him! It's hilarious watching him trying to navigate around the room or the hallways by walking backwards.

Professor Flitwick found out about it and offered to put his glasses back to their original state but Potter declined. I think he wanted to figure it out himself. On a similar note, our 'relationship' for lack of better term has been improving. He and his friends no longer call me 'Snivellus' which is a relief.

Severus


Friday 15 December 1972

Despite having already taken an OWL exam, Petunia was nervous about taking this one. History of Magic was miles ahead in complexity with all the dates and important figures that she needed to remember versus the pathetically easy test that was Muggle Studies, which clearly showed just how out of date and out of touch the magical world was.

"Petunia Evans?"

She looked up to see the proctor waiting expectantly, "Yes, ma'am?"

The proctor motioned for her to enter the testing room. Sitting in the only desk in the room, Petunia pulled out her pen and some extra paper. The proctor handed her the test and told her she had an hour to complete as much as she could.

"On my mark…go."

Petunia flipped over the sheet and began reading and scribbling out the answers.

Questions ranged over topics covering the earliest beginnings of magic all the way up to the conflict that raged over the world during the 1940s. There were three essay questions at the end that asked for her to describe and give an opinion on the events surrounding the signing of the International Statute of Secrecy, the Werewolf Code of Conduct, and the formation of the Wizard's Council.

The time ticked by and finally the proctor cleared her throat and declared time's up.

Petunia let out an exasperated sigh of relief and handed in her test paper, "When will I get the results from this test, ma'am?"

"Barring any complications, I should have the results within the next two hours, Miss Evans."

"Thank you, ma'am." Petunia replied as she rose to leave the testing area.


Petunia anxiously waited in the Ministry's cafeteria sipping on a lukewarm cup of tea. Her eyes gazed around the room taking in the myriad of witches and wizards of different ranks and job titles going about their daily business. It amused her to think about their reactions if they knew that she was there as a second year student waiting on the results for a History OWL test. It made her grin even more when you took into consideration that she wasn't even a full witch! All of their bigotry about needing a certain level of magical ability or the right blood status flew right out the proverbial window when presented with someone like her outperforming fifth year students.

Finally, her name was called out on the public address system to report to the DoME. She practically ran down the hallway and skidded to a stop outside the door. The proctor smirked at Petunia's enthusiasm and handed over the results.

Passing Grades: (O) Outstanding, (EE) Exceeds Expectations, (A) Acceptable

Fail Grades: (P) Poor, (D) Dreadful, (T) Troll

On this day of 15 December 1972, the Department of Magical Education certifies that Petunia Evans has completed an OWL in History of Magic with the following grade of: (O) Outstanding.

Letting out a squeal of delight, Petunia jumped up and down and nearly gave the proctor a hug before thanking her over and over again. She quickly grabbed her belongings and raced out to the Atrium's Floo to get home to show her parents.


Dear Lily,

Well, you don't have to worry about not revealing to mum and dad that there's a boy that likes me. Vernon was with me when mum came to pick me up after school and introduced himself all gentlemanly-like. Mum's impressed but I think daddy's holding out just on some sort of daddy-esque pride. It's all very silly…

Anyways, I just finished my History of Magic OWL and I got an Outstanding on it! That's two classes I don't need to worry about when I get to fifth year. It's a shame that the school won't let you take the test while there with the other fifth and seventh years, though maybe you could take it while you're here on winter break?

I got a good prank you could pull on Sirius Black. With his self-imagined charm, you could claim that he managed to 'charm' all the birds to follow him. In reality, it's a pheromone-based potion that you can spike his shampoo or soap with. It's designed to attract carrion birds like crows and vultures (Hehe). I'm enclosing the recipe here.

Tuni


Monday 1 January 1973

The Evans family was relaxing on the morning of the first day of the New Year. No one had any plans to do anything so it was just mutually decided it to be a lazy day. Marigold looked up from her knitting to observe her family and smiled to herself at how peaceful and happy they all were. She spotted Petunia reading an advanced runes textbook while a compendium lay open on the table next to her. In her eldest daughter's hands was an open journal in which she was scribbling in and wore a pensive look on her face.

"Something on your mind, Petunia?"

Petunia looked up from her journal with a moue of puzzlement, "Hmm? Um…no? I'm just trying to solve this vexing problem I've been having with connecting two items together and having it transfer information from one to another over long distances."

Harry snorted in amusement from behind his newspaper.

Marigold switched her attention from Petunia to Harry, "What's so funny?"

Harry moved the top edge of his paper down and gestured to his eldest with his chin, "Just the way she described her problem. Petunia? You do realize that what you described is probably pretty close to what the first radio and television makers experienced?"

Petunia's eyes widened in shock and she let out a loud gasp, "Oh, my god! I completely forgot about that! I don't need to try to come up with anything new, I just need to copy and translate what they did into runes and charms! Oooh!" She said the last with a happy squeal as she jumped up out of her chair and raced upstairs to her room.

Marigold looked bemused as she glanced between Harry and Lily, "Does anyone else know what she's been working on?"

Lily nodded as she worked on a crossword puzzle, "Yeah, she's been working on creating a communications mirror to allow us to talk to and see each other even when I'm at school. If I recall correctly, she even managed to get the boys in my House interested."

Harry's eyebrow rose, "Boys?"

Lily merely grunted, "You remember me writing about that boy who is constantly trying to 'woo' me?" Harry nodded uncertainly, "well, he and his friends have been working on creating their own version."

Petunia came thumping down the stairs like a rampaging herd of elephants and dropped back down in her chair.

"How far along are they in comparison to your sister?" Marigold asked.

Lily leaned over to look at what Petunia had been writing, "I'd say that Petunia is farther along on the audio part so far. I really have no idea about what stage the boys are at yet since they like to keep their projects secret though I do know they are working on it judging by the amount of notes I've seen scattered across the study tables at school and the whispers that I've heard between them when they think I'm not paying attention."

Petunia didn't even glance up, "Then how do you know if they are working on it? It could be ordinary school work."

Lily chuckled, "Because they quickly gather up and try to hide the papers whenever someone comes too close. They wouldn't do that just for school work."


Later that evening, a burst of static sounds erupted from Petunia's room and a loud yelp of happiness was heard. The door was flung open and Petunia thundered down the stairs and into the living room where her parents were listening to the evening news.

"Mum! Dad! I've done it!" Petunia crowed victoriously.

"Done what dear?" Marigold asked curiously.

"I've finally figured out the audio component to the communications mirror. I have the other unit in my room. Here's this one, wait until I call you. It'll vibrate when the call connects. To answer, you just say my first name." She said all this in a rush before racing back upstairs.

Harry just shook his head in amusement at his eldest's antics. Just then the mirror in his hands vibrated.

"Petunia."

The mirror appeared to get a less reflective sheen to it and Petunia's voice could be heard as if she were standing right in front of them.

"Daddy? I told you it works! How well can you hear me? Do you notice any distortions?"

"Everything seems to be working well, Tuni. I can hear you just fine. I don't hear any distortions."

There was another squeal of joy before they heard the thumping of Petunia's feet as she ran down the stairs.

"Good job, honey. We're proud of you." Marigold congratulated, "Just out of curiosity, how do you turn them off when you're done talking?"

Petunia pointed to a round button at the base of the mirror, "You just press and release that once. It disengages the connection."

Harry did so and handed back the mirror then asked her what the next step was.

Taking a calming breath to settle her nerves, "I need to integrate the visual components next. I'm hoping to get it done by my birthday but in the meantime, I really need to get the results and testing down for this part."

The next morning, Petunia demonstrated the mirrors to Lily who also congratulated her on her success. As she was handling it, Lily commented on how Petunia would need to find or make a protective casing for the mirror to keep it from getting damaged unless she was planning on keeping it at home.

"Another thing for a later date is to shrink the size of the mirror so it's the size of a compact."

Petunia nodded silently as she ate her breakfast. In her mind's eye, she was already designing new prospects for the device.

Just then the phone rang. Jumping up to answer it, Lily poked her head back into the kitchen and announced that it was Vernon on the line for 'the most beautiful girl in the world.' Blushing madly, Petunia yanked the phone away from her smirking sister.

"Hello, Vernon. What's up?"

Vernon's deep voice sent chills up her spine, "Happy New Year, Pet. Got anything planned for today or would you like to spend the afternoon with me?"

Glancing back at her mother who was slyly grinning behind her teacup and gestured that they didn't have anything planned, Petunia replied, "Nope, nothing planned here. Should we meet somewhere or did you want to stop by here first?"

Vernon smoothly replied that he'd be picking her up and for her to wear something nice. After she hung up, Petunia sighed dreamily and leaned up against the wall. She was drawn out of her reverie by the tinkling laughter coming from her sister.

"Well, if Tuni is done being silly, I'm going to be in my room working on my homework from Professor Slughorn. Say hi to Vernon for me, eh?"


All too soon, Lily was heading back towards Hogwarts while Petunia went back to high school and the parents went back to their jobs. Letters were written back and forth between Petunia and Severus in their mutual ongoing prank war with the Marauders. Petunia sent a couple of vials of a potion designed to change a boy's voice into a high soprano for an entire day. Another vial was sent a week later that caused the victim's teeth to vibrate.

Severus humorously proposed marriage in his last letter back to Petunia as he related how the Marauders and his other 'test subjects' responded to the potions.

Dear Petunia,

I never thought I'd be having so much fun with these prank potions or just having fun in general. You know what my home life is like and unfortunately, this translates over to school life as well. I do like the opportunities I gain from having the Potion's professor be my Head of House but the rest of it is not…as well appreciated. There are constant plots within plots to gain a 'one-upmanship' over the other members of Slytherin House. It's tiring and frustrating!

There are times where I wish I could've gotten Sorted into Ravenclaw House! There at least, I'd have ready access to the second largest library in the school and not have to be constantly looking over my shoulder. I've asked about getting a re-Sort but Professor Slughorn says that it's not possible (at least to his knowledge.) I've tried looking in the School Charter but there apparently has never been a precedence for a re-Sort.

I do want to warn you about openly associating with me. There are members of my House who wouldn't look kindly on…someone like you… practicing magic. Speaking of which, I've heard from Lily that you've achieved your OWLs? How is that possible? You started the same time she and I did! That's what, three years ahead of schedule?

Anyhow, the results from the prank potions you sent are hilarious! After seeing the results, I hereby wish to marry you. Just think of the chaos we could create! I especially like that tooth-vibrating potion. It makes the victim…er, test subject…effectively unable to speak a spell until it either wears off or is given the antidote. Our medi-witch, Madam Pomfrey comes across as a stern healer but you can see the humorous glint in her eyes as she sees the results when Potter and his gang are given a taste of their own medicine!

I mentioned this in a prior letter but it bears repeating but when it comes to James and his gang, they aren't all that angry and vindictive in their retaliation towards me. All three do know that I'm the one who has been targeting them but the retaliations seem almost…friendly and good-natured. I'm actually finding myself looking forward to seeing and experiencing what else they come up with.

I can't explain it any better than that.

Severus


Dear Severus,

It's good to hear that the potions are doing their intended jobs and that you're having fun with them. Just make sure that you don't intentionally or unintentionally target Lily. Not only would you have to face her wrath, you'd have to face mine.

It's a shame about the living and social situations within your own House. I asked around the Department of Magical Education and to their knowledge, there is no procedure to re-Sort a student. It seems strange and rather counter-productive. What if a student needed to get re-Sorted for safety? I don't know the answer to your dilemma just that if things get to be that bad, go to Lily and ask for Sanctuary within Gryffindor House. If Potter and his friends or anyone else try to give you grief, calmly explain the situation to them. I have to believe that they could overlook a Slytherin sleeping on the couch for a couple of nights while the problem is solved. It's not like you're asking to permanently move into their dorms, right?

At the very least, go to the Deputy Headmistress and file a formal complaint. The better you document your grievances, the better and easier it will be to prosecute the offenders.

You really want to marry me or are you just being silly? I should point out that I already have a boyfriend here in the muggle world and we're happy together. You get to visit the village there right? Take Lily out on a date and forget your troubles for the day. If any of your housemates give you grief, ignore them and be proud of the fact that you have a date and they don't. I say that you should sneeringly point this fact out and make them feel shamed into being alone. (Ask Lily for help with the wording, she's good at guilt tripping.)

In regards to James not being so vindictive, it could be something as simple as he's enjoying the little challenges you throw at him and see this as a friendly competition of sorts. I've read that Gryffindors are the sports nuts and physical sorts whereas the Slytherins are more cerebral in nature. This little back and forth you have going is probably just viewed as a game to him. Ask him sometime about his thoughts on it. If I'm right, this might be a good thing between your two Houses.

Oh, as for your question about getting my OWLs done so fast? Yup, you're writing to the youngest OWL recipient for Muggle Studies and History of Magic! This is one of the benefits of studying at my own speed rather than having to wait on the slower members of a structured class. Yes, I know what you're thinking. Muggle Studies? Why would I take that since I live within the muggle world? Well, it's required if I want to have a career as a Muggle Liaison Officer. I have some plans that are in the works. You see, I want to be able to bridge the gap between our two worlds. The current MLO office is staffed by purebloods and while they do try, it's terribly mismanaged and unable to handle the flow of stupidity that comes from magicals trying (and failing) to blend in with the muggles. I want to be able to rise within the ranks to be the Head of the department and institute new rules on how to operate.

I also look forward to completing the rest of my OWLs by May!

Wish me luck,

Petunia


Wednesday 14 February 1973

Vernon was sitting with Petunia in the school cafeteria discussing with her their options for celebrating Valentine's Day.

"I do have something in mind but I'm worried on how'd you take it. First off, what's your view of magic?"

Vernon looked at her quizzically, "Magic? Really? Like card tricks and rings?"

Petunia shook her head negatively, "No, as in wands and flying brooms. Potions and spells sort of magic."

Vernon's face said that he was merely humoring her so she quietly pulled out her wand and caused his book bag to rise up off the table a bit. The look of shock and puzzlement grew over his face as he tried to explain to himself what just occurred.

Finally he turned to her, "Okay, I'm stumped. What did you do?"

Petunia gently explained how with a certain wave of the wand and a specific incantation, she was able to get his book bag to rise up. She showed him her wand and explained briefly the concept of magic. The look of worry on her face was evident as he glanced over at her.

"What's wrong, Petunia?"

"I'm worried that you'd break up with me because of this ability I have and think me barmy."

Vernon gave her a relaxed smirk and gently kissed her on the cheek, "You shouldn't worry about that. I'm puzzled about what you've done but so far, I haven't seen anything that should concern me. Is your idea of what we should do together for Valentine's Day something magical because I'm all for it. It looks interesting."

With an audible sigh of relief, Petunia began to outline what she had in mind.

"I was thinking that the two of us spend the day together at my parents' house this coming Saturday where I can show you just what it is that I've been learning. You know how good you are in chemistry class? I think you'd be a natural in potion making."

Vernon grinned slightly, "Any chance of being able to ride a broom?"

Petunia blushed slightly before shaking her head, "Not in my area, no. Too many non-magicals live there. There are laws governing what is and what is not allowed in certain areas but I think there might be a way if I can speak with my Ministry contact."

"There's a Ministry for magicals?"

Petunia nodded and offered to give him a better understanding of the magical world when they got done with school for the day. Vernon agreed wholeheartedly.

"Should I take notes, Professor Evans?" he teased lightly as Petunia playfully slapped his arm blushing madly.


When they met up at the Evans' house early on the Saturday after Valentine's Day, Petunia thought it'd be fun to greet him at the door wearing her witch's robes. Vernon took one look at her and laughed before nodding appreciatively at her appearance.

"Very nice, Petunia. If I were to get a set as well, would that be what I'd wear?"

Petunia chortled in amusement, "Heavens no! This is what girls wear. Wizarding robes are cut differently." She looked at him in askance, "Would you really want to wear wizarding robes?"

Vernon shrugged, "Why not? It looks comfortable enough."

Petunia grinned, "Then perhaps a day in our shopping district is just the thing to kickstart our celebrations? Let me get my purse and I'll take you via the floo. You'll love the floo…"

Petunia showed and explained the Floo Network to Vernon before tossing in a handful of powder, taking his arm and leading the two of them through the fire. When they arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, Vernon stumbled upon exiting but managed to stay somewhat upright.

Grumbling at his apparent clumsiness, he was soothed by the knowledge that he wasn't the first or the only one to stumble upon exiting.

Leading him towards the back door and into the courtyard, Petunia demonstrated how to open the portal. Vernon's eyes grew wide as the bricks began moving and the gap widened.

Turning to face her boyfriend, Petunia spoke grandly, "Vernon? Welcome to Diagon Alley!"


Vernon's eyes and head were on a constant swivel as he tried to take in the sights at once. Shops and stalls full of merchandise that he'd never heard of or only read about in the history books. He spotted a shop that sold various household goods, a shop that sold flying brooms and other sports equipment and the bookstore. His nose caught the scent of a nearby food kiosk selling sweets and bubbling concoctions to drink. Everywhere he looked, there was something new and exciting!

"How are you holding up?" Petunia asked him in a bit of worry, as Vernon seemed to be a bit overwhelmed.

Letting out a bit of a sigh, "It's a bit much to take in all at once but I think I'm doing fine. It's not at all what I expected. It's clean and rather well organized. I keep picturing the dank and dirty marketplaces of the medieval times you see in the history books."

Nodding in understanding Petunia led him over to a teashop, "I think before we go any further, let's just stop and have a cup of tea. I'll explain anything else that you have questions on."


After a spot of tea and a bunch of questions answered that had been flying through his mind, Vernon allowed himself to be led towards Gringott's Bank. He got his first taste of another species when he laid eyes on the Goblin guards outside the door. Petunia explained who they were, what kind of people they were and what their modern job was. Hearing that they were bankers piqued his interest and while Petunia was in line to exchange some pounds to Galleons, he stepped up to another teller and asked if he had any literature on what sort of services the bank offered to prospective clients.

The Goblin teller brought out the requested brochures and gave Vernon a brief run-down of what they contained. For his part, Vernon asked about interest rates, Certificates of Deposits, security of the vaults, if stockbrokering was handled through the bank or if there were separate offices to handle that. The longer they spoke; it became clear to the teller that this was no ordinary human. Vernon had impressed the teller to the point where he was being offered discount rates to transfer his muggle accounts to their bank, something that was rarely if ever offered. The teller's mood and behavior towards Vernon even changed drastically. At the beginning of the conversation, it was clear that the Goblin was annoyed at being interrupted from his work but as they delved deeper into the financial questions, the teller began to smile happily and more often.

Finally, Petunia was done and sidled up alongside her boyfriend. A quick glance at her and Vernon ended their discussion with a promise to stop by soon to set up a vault and account. As they were descending the steps in front of the bank, Petunia turned to him and asked what it was that happened back inside.

Vernon huffed happily, "I think I impressed that…man? Being? Whatever…I think I impressed him with my knowledge of banking and a desire to make sure that I'm financially secure in life. I just wish that my current bank was this aggressive in making me money."

Petunia just smiled as she led him towards the clothiers.


Vernon Dursley was having a red-letter day in his opinion. He was spending it with, in his opinion, the most beautiful girl in the world, Petunia Evans. That the two of them were currently working their way through a hidden magical shopping district made not one jot of distinction for him! He had first traveled through a magical fireplace, spent a bit of time discussing future financial security with creatures known as Goblins then it was off to a clothing store where he was measured and fitted for his very first pair of wizarding robes. He was surprised at the quality and cut of the material, thinking that the history books had it wrong or at least uninformed; in reality, this Madam Malkin's had a wide variety of fabrics and styles.

When they stepped out of the store carrying their muggle clothes in a shopping bag, Petunia led him off to the bookstore to pick up some background reading material and a couple of new potion making tutorials. There were obvious differences between this bookstore and one he could find out in the rest of London but he was too entranced to care. Petunia waved to the bookstore owner before leading him off to the stacks.

Their next stop was to the apothecary to pick up some supplies for their potion making lessons later in the day. The sights and smells of some of the ingredients were different or in some cases strong enough to turn his stomach but he held it together for Petunia's sake. Finally, their last stop was at the store that sold brooms, Quality Quidditch Supplies.

The bell tinkled as they walked in, the scents of polished wood and leather permeated the air. The shopkeeper looked up from his reading and smiled at the approaching pair.

"Greetings and welcome to Quality Quidditch Supplies! How might I help you?"

"Thank you sir, we were looking at potentially renting a couple of brooms and needed to know if there was a secure area nearby to take them up?"

The shopkeeper shook his head and said that broom rentals weren't done in this store but there was the sister store in Hogsmeade that rented by the hour.

"Thank you sir, what would the floo address be for Hogsmeade?"

"You'd want the Three Broomsticks, miss."


When they got back into the Leaky Cauldron, Petunia inquired him if he wanted to go for a broom ride or to head back home to work on the potions and see some of her other work. He replied that he was curious to ride a broom and that it was too beautiful a day to be indoors. So Petunia threw in a handful of powder, called out for the Three Broomsticks and led Vernon on another ride through the Floo Network.

This time, he was prepared for the exit and therefore didn't stumble. Grinning happily, he was led towards the broom rental shop down the street from the pub. Petunia pointed out some of the other sights within the small village before pointing out the castle where Lily was currently residing and learning.

Frowning as he looked at the castle, he turned to Petunia, "Um, Pet? That castle looks like a moldy ruin. Are you sure that's where your sister is?"

Petunia stared at him curiously before it dawned on her that he was running afoul of the muggle-repelling wards.

Snorting in amusement, "Silly me. I forgot that you wouldn't be able to see the castle because of the security features that protect it. Unfortunately, I don't know of a way to negate that so you can see it properly."

Vernon shrugged and waved it off as not important, "It doesn't matter right now. I'm with you and as long as I can see you, I'm happy."

Giggling, she continued to lead him to the rental shop.


When Vernon finally arrived back at his parents' house at the end of the day, he truly could not believe what he had experienced. He got to take part in his very first broom ride, get period specific clothing, interact with other magical people and creatures and most amazing of all, witness magic performed as commonly as he would turn on a light switch!

His mother stopped by his room to see how her son was and was drawn in on a recollection too strange to be believed.

"They didn't do anything to you when it was discovered you didn't have this…magic?"

"Nope. They were pleasant and acted like ordinary folk. Granted, there were a few people who did look down their nose at Petunia and I but you get that anywhere."

"What sort of place is this Alley? Clean or dodgy?"

"Clean, brightly lit and festive. Not at all like the history books or stories of the medieval period would lead you to believe. Even their school subjects aren't too different from the modern stuff we learn. It's just labeled in the medieval terms."

"Such as?"

"Well, Potions is their version of chemistry. Charms is their physics, transfiguration is their engineering. It's all very interesting and could be possibly something I might want to check out later on. Petunia raves about some of the subjects as being far more interesting than their modern counterparts."

His mother tilted her head in apparent question and surprise, "How interesting?"

"Well, for example they have a method of near instantaneous travel between two fixed points using a specialized powder. It's thrown into a fireplace and you can go to anywhere hooked up to this 'Floo Network.'"

The look of surprise on his mother's face was amusing, "Any chance of an ordinary person being able to travel this way?"

Vernon shrugged, "I'd have to check with Petunia."

His mother smiled at her son and his adventure. She was glad he had found a kindred spirit in Petunia.


Friday 9 March 1973

Petunia was worried sick about Maya. She hadn't seen her best friend all day and no one was answering their floo or the telephone. Finally, she cornered her mother and convinced her to drive out to the Richards' home so she could hopefully find out what happened. When they pulled up to the house, Petunia's fears grew, as there were police cars and an ambulance sitting out front with the lights flashing.

She quickly got out of the car once it stopped and dashed up as far as she could before being told to get behind the police tape. She yelled out Maya's name and was relieved to see her friend poke her head around the side of the open ambulance door and wave to her. Pointing out her friend to the nearest officer, she was escorted up to the Richards.

Tearfully wrapping her arms around her best friend, she worriedly asked what happened.

Maya leaned in and quietly replied, "We were attacked by Death Eaters. We're okay, just some bruises and scrapes but mom and dad are rattled."

"Did they do anything other than bang you around? Did you lose anything?"

Susan Richards slid over to speak with Petunia and Marigold who had just arrived, "They didn't take anything but they did set fire to the house. Fortunately for us, there are fire-suppression charms built into the wards. The police are treating this as a home invasion assault."

Marigold offered the support of the Evans' family and a place to stay to which Tobias accepted.

"I appreciate that, Marigold. To tell the truth, I don't know how much longer we will be staying in Britain. If this keeps up, we may just move to one of the colonies."

The Richards were allowed back into their house to collect some of their clothes and personal belongings before being driven back to the Evans' home.

That evening, the talk was about the events and threats that Tobias and his family had been receiving from the Death Eaters.

"I don't understand their hostility to be honest. There are so many items that are used on a daily basis that are manufactured or can only be found in the non-magical world. To harass my family and me because we openly do business here is just ludicrous!"

Harry asked him what their future plans were.

"If things don't clear up? I feel then we'll be moving out of Britain. I have a lead for an open position in the United States."


Two weeks later, Petunia received a letter in the mail from Severus. In it, she learned that her hunch about James Potter's attitude towards the prank war between him and Severus was spot on and the two boys had reached an agreement to not be so nasty towards each other either in their pranks or during their interactions in school. He mentioned that Lily had even sent up sparklers and confetti as a joke that hailed their agreement as it might lead to a lasting peace.

Meanwhile, she had not been idle in creating new pranking items. Using some rather advanced charms and runes, she created a necklace that would cause the wearer uncontrollable flatulence. Another thing she created was a potion that would change a person's voice to be that of a whiny baby.

Remus wrote to her and accused her of perpetuating a war when peace was on the verge of breaking out. She wrote back and asked him if he were the victim…'test subject'… in question. Her response was from Lily stating that Remus had gotten the pranked necklace while Peter Pettigrew, another of James' crew, had been subjected to the potion.

'I frankly can't tell the difference between Peter's pranked voice to that of his regular voice. They both sound the same to me.' Lily had jokingly written.


Dear Petunia,

Do you happen to have a copy of the potions book titled, 'Muggle Medicines of the 1800s?' I could've sworn you mentioned it in your collection from one of your other letters. I think I hit upon a solution to ease the pain of transformations for those suffering from conditions like lycanthropy. My biggest problem is I don't know anyone who has this problem.

Any ideas?

Severus