Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

Hello! Awesome news, I'm back from deployment again. Yay. I also hope you enjoy this chapter, I feel like it got overly emotional but I thought it was fitting. I'm still working on another story that is holding my attention so I'm not fully focused on this admittedly, but I've got the next few chapters of this one planned out I just have to actually write them.

Anyway. I hope you enjoy and thank you to everyone who has stuck with me through this story and are continuing to give their support and encouragement. It really means a lot.


Chapter Twenty-Eight

"Oh, Dudders!" The shrill voice of his mother almost made him wince if it hadn't also filled his heart with a warmth that only a mother could bring forth.

"Mum," he whispered, lurching forward off the sidewalk, barely noting the popping sound that must have signified Harry disapparating, and rushing to the front porch where his mother stood.

Petunia Dursley was just as thin, long-necked and full of sharp angles, as she had always been and Dudley loved her for all of it as he wrapped his muscled arms around her frail form. She was almost skeletal in how much weight she had lost during their time in hiding and surrounded by magic followed by taking care of his dad.

"Oh, Dudders, let me look at you. Now, you're alright? Everything is fine?" she asked fretfully, pushing him to arm's length and tracing her hands over his face, shoulders, and arms, her eyes darting over him as if to detect anything abnormal.

"I'm fine, honest, mum. More than fine actually."

Petunia looked at him with a soft warmth in her eyes. "Of course, of course. It takes more than a little fight to hurt my Diddykins. Come in, come in. Your father is napping right now and I was just about to put the roast in the oven." She said, gripping his arm and pulling him into the tiny house. "I'll put some tea on and you can tell me everything."

Dudley felt eagerness bubbling within him at the thought of actually being able to tell his mother everything that had happened in the past week. He still wasn't sure her thoughts on magic or on Harry but of his two parents, she was definitely the one he'd be able to speak openly with. She might even be able to help him fend off his fathers' inquiries.

Inside the house, he glanced around. Nothing had really changed in the week he had been gone. It was still a three bedroom, two bathroom house on a single floor with a modest kitchen and a large living room. He worried about leaving his parents all alone but maybe his aunt would be willing to move in with them? The walls were covered in a pale flower patterned wallpaper and the carpet while clean still held a dingy look that spoke of better days. The furniture was plush and comfortable, some of the only new items contained in the house.

Dragged by his mother into the kitchen, he claimed a seat at the table while he watched his mother flit about the room. She moved the large roast that for a normal family would provide leftovers for at least a day or two after but for his family, at least his family of the past it would serve just one meal. But Dudley, while still a big eater, was becoming more health conscious ever since his time in hiding when he was working out constantly he had enjoyed his more muscled appearance. He didn't wish to divulge in overeating once again and lose that. And now, with the possibility of living with Tracey he wanted to look his absolute best. Once the roast was stored in the oven, his mother filled the kettle and put it on the stove top. The stove top was already filled with a pot of boiling potatoes waiting to be mashed.

Watching her, Dudley couldn't help but compare the movements to the ones back at the manor where the residents could just flick their wands and fill the kettle and then another flick and turn it boiling. Or really, have everything taken care of by a house elf who was always eager to serve. It was remarkable and Dudley longed for the ability of magic though he knew it was futile. It didn't make him stop appreciating it any less though.

Water boiled, Petunia filled the teapot and left it on the counter while she then filled two teacups with bags in both and brought the cups over to the table. Dudley accepted his cup and poured a small bit of milk into it for his liking while his mother put two spoons of sugar in hers.

"Now, tell me. What's been happening? You said on the phone you were attacked when you were with Harry but he was having you healed?"

"Yeah...so you know how their war is over? Well, Harry won. He killed the bad guy and now their world is trying to regroup and start over. But there are some that are still treated terribly because they are the kids of the people who sided with the bad guy. So, Harry...he's inherited a lot of stuff. Like a lot of money and property from his victory. So he's using this big Manor as like a rehabilitation place for the kids who are still treated badly and helping them get back on their feet. And he's got his other friends who have suffered there too. It's pretty incredible mum."

"He sounds like Lilly," his mother whispered. "She was kind and selfless to a fault. I'm glad he didn't lose that by living with us."

Not sure what to really say to that, Dudley continued. "Well, there are apparently some who aren't happy with Harry winning and so have sought out to ambush him. It's happened twice now. The first was when I was visiting him. He was walking me to the bus when they showed up and Harry went and fought them in this alley. I couldn't just leave him, Mum. Not after everything."

"Oh my brave boy," she said reaching out to grab at his hand.

"Well, Harry was fighting them off. It was five to one. And I was able to punch out one and Harry had taken two down. But the last two got us. They cursed us. Mum, it hurt so bad," Dudley whispered, his voice cracking. "It was like everything in me was on fire." His mother's hand tightened around his and her face was tight. "Well, Harry was being cursed too but somehow he was able to hit his attacker and then get mine and then he grabbed me and apparated away. You know that thing they do when they disappear on the spot? Well, he did that and took us to his property. But apparently something went wrong and I got...I think they called it splinched? Like a part of me got left behind…" Petunia made a whimpering noise and Dudley worried his hand might break. "Apparently it's not that uncommon. One of Harry's friends, remember that redhead family? Well one of them got badly splinched last year too. Well...one of the girls there, Padma, she is wanting to be a Healer, their doctor types. And so she fixed me up. And they gave me these potions that were modified for muggles to make me all better. I've been great for a couple of days now but Padma wanted to be absolutely certain everything was fine."

"Oh my darling boy," his mother sighed, cupping his cheek, her eyes glassy and filled with worry. "Staying with them was for the best, I suppose. Our doctors wouldn't have been able to help properly. I just wish you hadn't suffered."

"It's all in the past now though. I'm better and all healed up. And...mum...I….." Dudley took a deep breath. "I want to stay there." Petunia sat stiffly, her hands dropping to curl tightly around her teacup. "They have the extra room. And I'm actually helping them. The one bloke, Draco, he's the potions' guy. He wants to make potions muggle friendly for the families with muggle relatives and well he needs a muggle to test them on. And this other one, Blaise, he is making technology compatible with magic. It was his phone that I used to call you. I'm helping him make a television next. It's really cool actually. And then Greg and...and Tracey," Dudley fought the blush at this cheeks but knew it was futile, "they are creating a magical orphanage, and well they are renovating an old building and I offered my help. You know how I like constructing stuff. Well, they agreed to let me help design it and work with the goblin builders." Dudley held his breath as he surveyed his mother. Her face was a mask and she stared at her tea so that he couldn't see her eyes. "And, I'm able to hang with Harry...I actually like my cousin. Who'd have thought after all the years of us living together and me bullying him?" he asked with a bitter chuckle. He fell silent again and took a sip of his tea to occupy his mouth. "Mum?" he whispered, finally unable to take it.

Petunia finally lifted her gaze and he saw a few tears leaking down. "I'm proud of you, Dudley. I know I've said it before but I really am so proud of you. My wonderful baby boy."

"Mum?"

She stood and went to the stove and prepared a pan for the gravy to heat up in and a small pot for some vegetables to be steamed. "I can't stop you for living with them and helping them and continuing your life," she finally said as her hand faltered on the mashing utensil for the potatoes. "You are your own man. A man I am proud to call my son." Tears were starting to pick up speed across her cheeks and Dudley wasn't sure how to react.

"What's wrong, mum?" He hesitantly stood from his chair and took a few steps closer to her as she started to mash the potatoes. He had never seen his mother cry. Ever. In all of his life. He had seen her doting and loving and snide and bitter but never sad. Never crying.

"I love you, Dudley," she said not turning to face him but gripping the masher tightly.

"I love you, too…?"

"I'm going to miss you."

"What? I'm not going anywhere."

"Yes, you are," she gave a watery smile, finally turning to face him. "How can I compete? I couldn't compete against magic when I was a girl and I lost my sister to it. And I can't compete against it now. So now I lose my son. An entire life is laying out at your feet, a far better life than anything that could be offered here. A life of friends and love and a future. You say it now, that you will come back. She did too. But over time that will be less and less." Dudley was at her side now and reaching out a hand, which Petunia clutched at sniffing. "Magic is otherworldly and incredible. I am not." It was said as fact, not as though she was fishing for a compliment or hoping for a contradiction but as though it was the irreversible fact that she had accepted long ago. "You will do amazing things because you are my amazing son. And I love you."

"No, mum, no," Dudley insisted, terror-stricken at what she was saying. "That's not going to happen. I swear it." Dudley gripped both of his mothers' hands within his own and looked pleadingly into her face. Her blonde hair and blue eyes, two things that he inherited from her. "You're my mother. You're my mother and I am always going to need you in my life. Just because I live with my cousin and his friends and work on projects with them, doesn't mean I will forget you. Even if I live with magic for the rest of my life, you gave me life." Dudley blinked when he felt water forming at his eyelids. He had not been expecting such an emotional outburst when he arrived. "You are my mother and I will always need you. You are going to be there when I graduate from school. You are going to be there to meet the girls I date, whether they be magic or not. You are going to be at my wedding. You are going to be there to see your grandkids. You are going to be in my life, no matter what I end up doing." He wrapped his frail mother in a hug then and felt her stifle a sob on his shoulder. "Magic may be otherworldly and incredible. But so are you."

Dudley held his mother while she cried and their tea got cold and the food on the stove top threatened to burn or boil over. She clutched at him and he got the feeling that she was crying for more than just him. Yes, she must be feeling relieved that he was so adamant about not leaving her. But he also got the sense that she was crying over the other she had lost. The sister whose wedding she hadn't attended. The sister who had wished to remain close but had been pushed away preemptively. The sister who had a child that she hadn't treated well out of grief and spite. The sister that she had lost without ever knowing.

Slowly, the tears stopped and Petunia pulled back. Her face red and splotchy and nose red. But Dudley didn't care. She turned back to mashing the potatoes while he gathered their cold tea and dumped them and started a fresh pot, allowing his mother a moment to compose herself. Seemingly satisfied with the potatoes, she turned to kiss his cheek before wordlessly ushering him to return to the table. He saw her face was still slightly puffy but returning to normal and so he allowed himself to be shooed away while she continued working with the food.

The kettle whistled signifying it was done but before they could start on their new tea, Dudley heard movement in the bedroom and knew his father was waking up. His mother must have heard the same because she immediately turned and rushed to the room. "Oh, Vernon!" He heard her gushing. "You'll never guess, Dudley's here."

"Dudley?"

"Yes, remember he was coming over on Sunday and he arrived just an hour ago."

"Splendid!" His fathers booming voice seemed to shake the small house. Dudley remained seated at the kitchen table, uncertain of what to do as he listened to his mother help his father out of bed and out of the room. It had only been a week but his mind must have shrunk the image of his father in his memories because he had forgotten how large the man actually was. The room seemed smaller with his father standing in it. When he was a child he had always envisioned his father as larger than life and so great and imposing and grand. Seeing him now didn't stir quite those same feelings of adoration and hero worship, no matter how much he still loved the man. As his parents entered the kitchen, Dudley stood and embraced his father, his arms not quite reaching each other. "Dudley! It's so good to see you," his father cried.

"It's good to see you too, dad. But I was only gone a week or so," he joked.

"Of course, you're right. You must tell your mother and me all that happened. You were in the city and camping?"

At this Petunia separated herself to continue preparing dinner. She checked on the roast and then started leveling out the mashed potatoes and gravy onto plates. Two of the plates got steamed vegetables, the third remained just potatoes and gravy. As she started to pull the roast from the oven, Dudley returned to his seat at the table while his father claimed his.

"Yeah, well we started off camping. Me and some of the guys. Well while we were there we ran into this other group of blokes about my age. They live in the city and we got talking and they were saying how they were starting up this new business. Dad, you won't believe it, they asked if I was interested."

"Of course they would! Any businessman worth their salt knows a good investment when they see it and you're a Dursley for Christ-sake."

"Right, so I went with them back to the city. And checked it out. And well, I think I'll be staying up there."

"Really? Well, that's marvelous. Tell me, what is this business? What will you be doing?"

"Well, that's the thing. It's a start-up business and it's designed for helping kids. And well, I'll be more in charge of construction and the engineering of the homes and things that they want to build."

"A couple of bleeding hearts, eh?" Vernon asked frowning disapprovingly.

"Yeah, a bit, but you know how everyone is all about helping the kids and feeling good about themselves and what not. So they've already got some kids to help and they are getting funding and everything."

"Hmm…" Vernon grunted. "Soft-hearted rot. Are you sure you'll be getting paid?"

"Positive," Dudley chuckled though he really doubted he would. He considered the room and board he got at Harry's house payment enough. "They are getting funding and two of them come from money that they are using to fund this as well."

"Come from money, do they?" Vernon asked obviously getting interested.

"Yeah, Greg and Tracey, the two who are in charge come from old money."

"And you've met these two?"

"Yeah, they are both really great people. I'll actually be living with them and a few others because they have some extra space."

"Living with the bosses?" Vernon frowned.

"Well, technically yes, but they aren't like that. It's a start-up and while they do have money they are putting most of it to the company. It's smart really, just living with roommates and carpool is easier since everyone works at the same place," Dudley pointed out.

Vernon narrowed his eyes. "You know how the kids are these days, Vernon," Petunia chimed in as she brought the plates over. Vernon grunted as he accepted his plate brimming over with meat, gravy, and potatoes.

"Thanks, mum," Dudley said softly as he accepted his plate. Still loaded but a bit more evenly dispersed with some steamed broccoli. She gave a nod as she took her seat. Her plate was clearly visible around her mediocre helping of food.

"Too right, Petunia," his father agreed, nodding his head. "Suppose, getting room and board works as part of the payment."

"Yeah, it will allow me to save up and all that. Allow me to get through school later. And I'm hoping that this construction work will get me some good scholarships for school too."

"Thinking ahead, good lad. Taught you well," Vernon boasted before he started to load his fork. "Now, you mentioned these Tracey and Greg, characters. The bosses, what money do they come from."

"Well Greg, he was an only kid and his parents recently passed away and so he has found himself with some money and property too. It's actually his old property that we will be renovating first. Tracey, she wants to turn it into an orphanage. And well, she had a brother but he and her parents were in the war and passed away."

"She!" Vernon spluttered. "You're letting a bloody woman be your boss?"

"Yes, she. Tracey is an incredible woman. She is kind and compassionate and smart," Dudley defended hotly. "She has a great vision for the company and I'm proud to work alongside her."

His mother was staring at him with a soft look and knowing eyes while his father huffed and had a few more bites of potato. Luckily that was all his father said on the matter and the conversation fell into normal topics such as the idiocy of the people nowadays and who had upset his dad and who his father couldn't stand.

It was surreal to an extent. The ease at which everything felt and how it reminded him so strongly of his childhood during the dinners when he was home from school when Harry was off at Hogwarts and the family was pretending he didn't exist.. Dudley could almost pretend that nothing had changed. That everything was the same. But he knew it was foolish to think so. Everything had changed. They weren't at Privet Drive anymore. Dudley liked magic now and was choosing to live with it. He was lying to his father and his mother knew the truth. He glanced at his mother as she nibbled her vegetables and listened attentively to what her husband said, simpering and twittering at the right moments.

The family of three sat around the table long after dessert had been served and eaten. The chatter was lighthearted and was mainly his father telling stories of work. Finally, his mother began clearing the table and loading the dishwasher and his father shuffled over to the living room and soon the TV was blaring. Dudley winced, he recalled when he had been obsessed with television and had hardly held a conversation for being so absorbed with it. But, he followed his mother into the living room and claimed a seat while his father and mother sat on the couch.

Two hours later, he blinked and saw his mother helping his father to bed. His father was calling a good night to him and he responded in kind though he was still in a bit of a daze. If asked, Dudley wouldn't have been able to say what had been on the television at all. He had zoned out completely, lost in thought of the manor and its residents and his plans for the orphanage.

Twenty minutes later, his mother was returning to the living room. "Would you like some more tea?" Nodding, he followed her back to the kitchen and watched as she prepared the tea kettle once again. Once it was ready she rejoined him at the table. "Now, tell me more. You mentioned Tracey. Tell me about her."

Dudley wished he wasn't blushing but under his mothers' eager gaze he couldn't stop it. "She's a friend. Just a friend. She and Greg are living at the manor with Harry and she helped nurse me back to health with Padma and she's….she's just amazing mum. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and she's so nice and sweet…" he trailed off with a sigh.

His mother smiled at him. "I'm looking forward to meeting this girl of yours."

"She's not mine, mum. Just a friend. And I'm helping with the orphanage."

"Of course," his mother said, hiding her smile behind her cup. "Now, tell me about the others. Tell me...tell me about Harry."

Dudley sighed and stared into the amber liquid in his cup. "Harry's….Harry's not OK, mum. They've all been damaged by the war. It's obvious. I mean Padma was attacked by a werewolf and has scars all over and one of the girls, Hannah, she doesn't talk, like at all. But Harry...he's the worst." Dudley looked up at his mother and struggled to continue. "I see glimpses of him, every now and then of how he used to be. I mean we never saw the real him but I saw flashes and stuff. But now he's tense and doesn't smile or laugh anymore. I know he drinks himself to sleep every night and he's drinking throughout the day too. But Tracey and this other guy, Draco the potion bloke, they drink at night too but I don't think it's as bad. I don't know what to do for him."

The mother and son were silent for a moment, lost in thought and drinking their teas. "Just be there for him, sweetheart," Petunia finally said. "Be there for him and be strong for him. He hasn't had a good life and we didn't help matters. I know you listened to what those wizard guards told you about what he did at school. And last year must have been dreadful. So just be there. Help him when you can. Tracey as well. I'm sure she is struggling just as much."

Dudley nodded, wishing there was something more he could do. But at the same time, he didn't feel like he was the right person to do the helping. What had he done to be worthy of that honor? He had probably caused a lot of the stress that Harry was plagued with. "He's got himself a girl now too. Well...they aren't really together, but it's pretty obvious that they should be," Dudley smirked to himself. "Her name is Daphne and she is starting a magical school for before Hogwarts. So kids know each other beforehand and the muggle raised can learn what's happening."

Dudley then began telling his mother about all of them. The teenagers and the two women who were there too, though one didn't actually live there. He admitted that he wasn't quite sure what the deal was with them but apparently they were estranged sisters who were rebuilding. And then Teddy, who was actually Harry's godson. His mother was a rapt audience and asked the appropriate questions and they spoke for another three hours.

"Harry is coming to get me in the morning," Dudley finally said. "He said he'd be here around nine."

Petunia nodded and began clearing up their cups that had been refilled and drained multiple times. "I'll make sure Vernon is distracted but I would like to speak to him."

Dudley just nodded and hoped Harry would be OK with that. "Good night, mum."

"Goodnight, sweetheart. I'm so glad you were able to visit," she said, giving him another kiss on the cheek.

"Of course. And I'll be making sure to come over for dinner once or twice a month. I promise."

His mother gave another smile before they parted ways and she slipped into the room that his father slept in and he went to his own. It was almost midnight now and the shadows stretched ominously when he flicked on the light to get ready. It was smaller than the one at the manor but he didn't really care much about that. He was struck by how distant it all seemed. This wasn't his home anymore. His home was at the manor with Harry and Tracey and Greg; his home was with the other misfits who were finding their place.

The next morning, Dudley woke with the sun streaming through his windows he had forgotten to cover with curtains last night. Groaning slightly, he pushed himself up and heard his mother in the kitchen and the sound of the television on once again which meant that his father was also awake and watching the morning news.

Hopping in the shower and then getting dressed, he packed a bag with anything he thought he might need at the manor but left some stuff for when he came home to visit. Stepping into the living room which was right outside his door he nodded to his father and feeling guilty for pretty much hiding his entire life from him now, he took a seat beside him and listened to his father happily discuss his opinions of the news stories. He contributed a bit and agreed with how ludicrous people these days were and how no one had common sense or decency.

Breakfast consisted of conversation much the same. When Dudley mentioned that he would be picked up around nine, his father said how he wanted to meet with these business colleagues of his. Feeling panicked, Dudley glanced at his mum who didn't look at all concerned. "But Vernon, dear, you were needed at the neighbors this morning."

His father grunted and his brow furrowed. "What?"

"Yes, dear. Remember that one couple, the ones that just moved in? You spoke with them last week about Grunings and the man seemed interested and wanted to talk more with you. He stopped by yesterday when you were napping and invited you over this morning. I'm so sorry I forgot to tell you last night."

"It's alright, Pet. The excitement of Dudley coming home was probably too much for you."

"And it's alright if you don't meet them today, dad," Dudley chimed in. "Besides I don't know who is actually showing up but I'll make sure to invite them all over for dinner one weekend and you can meet them all then."

Vernon seemed to be debating this and finally nodded. "Right. It will be easier to talk business over dinner than in the street. Right you are, Dudley."

Dudley smiled at his father who was now happily bustling into the bedroom to get ready to go talk to the neighbors. Dudley momentarily felt guilty for these unknown neighbors who were unknowing participants in keeping his father oblivious.

It was an hour later that his father was now gone and about ten minutes later the doorbell was being run. Dudley and his mother stiffened and Petunia nodded at him. Nervously, Dudley reached the front door and opened it to reveal his cousin, looking very much like a nervous wreck and trying to hide it.

"Dudley," Harry said, his tone betraying his hesitancy and nerves.

"Harry, come on in. Dad is out right now," Dudley said, stepping aside and opening the door wider. Harry looked like stepping in the house was the last thing he wanted to do but did step inside. Dudley closed the door and turned to see Harry and his mother standing on opposite sides of the living room staring at each other. "Mum, it's Harry," Dudley said nervously.

"Hello, Harry," his mother said softly.

"Aunt Petunia," Harry replied stiffly.

"She knows, Harry. Everything. I told her everything and she is OK with it," Dudley rushed on, stepping further into the room and finding himself between the two of them.

Harry didn't look convinced and after a quick glance at him went back to looking at Petunia. "He's right," Petunia insisted, taking a few jerky steps forward. "I understand what's happening. And I know it doesn't mean much but I do wish to say that...that I'm sorry. For the horrible treatment that you received under our care. Nothing I say can ever make it better and any excuses I give about being jealous and spiteful over my sister, while true, won't make it better either. So I'm sorry but I don't ask for your forgiveness in turn." Harry and Dudley stood still as they watched the woman before them stumble through her apology while trying to keep her head high. "I also want to thank you. You saved my Dudley. You saved him and took care of him and healed him and are offering him a place in your home when you have no reason to. But thank you."

There was silence for a few minutes and Dudley could not read Harry's face, it was like a stone and his eyes were haunted. "Your welcome," Harry finally said. "I'm glad to have Dudley living in the manor with us. He is a worthy and welcomed addition." Harry fell silent again but Dudley could tell he wasn't done yet. "You are right. I'm not sure I can give my forgiveness over how my childhood went. But it is in the past and I can tell that you are repentant. Dudley and I are working to overcome our past and form an amicable relationship. I don't see why we can't do the same." Petunia gasped softly as hope rose in her eyes. "I'm not saying it won't be hard and again I can't forgive you. But I do accept your apology and I think civility is the most that we can reach in terms of a relationship. But I'm willing to try."

"Yes," Petunia breathed, walking the rest of the steps to where Harry still stood stiffly. "Yes, I would love that. And I completely understand. Giving me this chance is more than I deserve and you again have my thanks for it." Harry nodded jerkily and swallowed hard before holding out his hand. Petunia glanced at it and gave a small smile before taking it. Harry shook it like he was signing his fate with the devil before dropping it quickly. "You are so like your mother," Petunia breathed after a few moments. "You have her kindness and I know that she would be proud of you and everything that you are doing with your friends." Harry gruffly cleared his throat and nodded again. "Anyway, you two best be going now. I'm not sure how long Vernon will be gone for."

Harry quickly stepped back to the door and Dudley followed with his mother. The three walked in silence to the first alley where Harry turned into. Petunia followed them and then gave Dudley another hug and kiss. "Be safe, both of you," she told them, stepping away as Dudley continued to where Harry stood.

"We will," Dudley promised her. "I'll call you daily and I'll see you again soon. I love you," he promised, grabbing Harry's outstretched arm.

"I love you too, Dudders."

And then the compressing, nauseating darkness overtook his senses and his mother was gone.