Harry Potter stared morosely at the pile of paperwork that teetered precariously on his desk. Despite, or perhaps because of Hermione's best efforts, it was the part of the job he hated the most, and the one thing that had almost made him refuse promotion to Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Sighing heavily he picked up the top bundle, the first page of which turned out to be a report from the Obliviator Squad detailing that morning's call out. Harry knew the rough details; a Muggleborn had produced her first piece of accidental magic in spectacular style. Apparently panicking over being late for school she had managed to Apparate across a busy main road. Harry amused himself for a moment by imaging how torn Hermione would have been if he'd had to write out a warning for that one. His amusement quickly faded when he read the name of the would-be lawbreaker:

Amanda Dursley, age 8

Harry nearly dropped the parchment in shock. Dursley? Surely this couldn't be Dudley's daughter? He didn't even know what had happened to Dudley after the final battle, beyond the fact that he, along with his Aunt and Uncle had returned to Privet Drive after it had been checked over to make sure it was safe. How common a surname was Dursley anyway? Fieldwork meant he still spent large amounts of time in the Muggle world and he had never come across anyone else by that name. Harry quickly rifled through the other pages until he found the report from the Muggle Liaison Office. His mood soured further as he scanned a note attached to top of the page and found it confirmed his worst fears.

Harry, something a bit odd with this one. When the parents arrived the first thing the dad asked was if you had sent us. Mentioned you specifically by name. He asked if we would pass on the attached letter, but he said he would understand if you didn't read it?

Marie Tycke, Muggle Liaison Office

Harry stared at the innocuous looking envelope that presumably contained the letter in question. Unlike the parchment that the Ministry stubbornly continued to use, it was clearly Muggle stationary. He was torn between opening it, and simply setting it on fire and banishing the ashes. As he considered what to do his gaze fell on the photo that occupied the one clear spot on the desk. Ginny and the children waved happily at him, and Harry made his decision. Whatever his feelings about Dudley there was someone else to consider. He used his wand to slit the envelope open, extracted the letter, and settled back to read.

Harry,

If you are reading this, then thank you. I wouldn't have blamed you if you had thrown it straight in the bin. I guess you've heard what happened. Ironic eh? I don't know what to do, Harry. I don't know anything about how to raise a magical child - only how not to. I'm terrified of doing something wrong and making something else happen. I watched a bunch of school kids have their minds wiped today. I don't want to have to see that again. I know we didn't part on good terms and I've got no right to ask this, but I could really use your advice.

There's a normal, sorry, non-magic coffee shop a few doors up from that pub of yours, The Leaking Cauldron? I'll be stopping there after work for a few nights, if you're able to meet me.

Dudley

XXXXXX

Ginny snorted in disgust as she put the letter down. "At least he had the sense to correct that 'normal'," she remarked acidly, "Otherwise I'd say tell him to bugger off! I'm still tempted to. He made your childhood a complete misery, and now he asks you for help?"

"I know," Harry sighed. "Part of me just wants to leave him to it. Merlin knows I don't owe him anything. But…"

Ginny twisted her head, allowing her to study her husband's face his as he stared off into space. They were snuggled together on a large squashy sofa in the drawing room of Grimmauld Place, and even in the dim lamplight she could see the conflicted expression on his face.

"But?" she prompted.

"But he's right," Harry scowled. "He doesn't have any idea how to handle a magical child. Vernon and Petunia mistreated me at every opportunity, punished me for every little thing I did that could even remotely be considered magic." He gave Ginny a haunted look. "I can't risk allowing someone else to be treated like that."

"Then meet with him," Ginny said, firmly. "If you don't, it'll just keep eating at you. And if you have any concerns about his daughter's welfare? Well, that's why Hermione still can't get the Forced Adoption Act taken off the books. It was created for a reason". Harry considered her words for a few minutes, then gave her a crooked grin.

"I thought you said we were stopping at three kids?" he teased.

"And hopefully that'll still be the case" Ginny said primly, "But if it comes to it? I'll back you all the way, Harry. I'm not letting another child go through what you did." She leaned over to kiss him, and then whispered in his ear "But whatever happens, make sure you smack him on the nose before you leave!"