Gladys had never seen such an adorable baby. Bright green eyes, soft black wisps of hair. This little child had so much energy, and he was not fussy in the least. And when he showed that toothless, gaping smile at her, well, he heart just melted.
This is why it was so difficult for Gladys to understand what the Dursley's found so terrible in him. Obviously they had never said so to her face, but it was quite obvious to anyone with their ears working just how much they resented and detested their nephew.
She knew, of course, that little Harry had been left at their doorstep, and Gladys supposed that the extra burden would be upsetting, and sure, he certainly unseated their lives, and changed everything.
But was he really so bad? Petunia obviously cared nothing for him, and Vernon was worse. Gladys oft heard the tiny baby bawling, and the thick-necked man bawling right back. She listened to the babe cry and cry clear through the night, and it was obvious no one had gotten up to care for him.
What kind of family leaves their own flesh and blood crying to themselves for hours on end?
Poor Harry was going to be raised in a family that resented his very presence, begrudged his existence. Somehow, as the thought struck her, she realized she had never heard anything so heartbreaking in her life.
But at that very moment, the portly muggle woman who presently stood rocking the Boy Who Lived felt something deep inside of her. A sudden knowledge that she just could not explain, but knew it was true. This little child was going to mature, and do something important with his life. He would endure much hardship, would be in much pain. But he would over come it. This scarred, unloved baby was going to become a great man, wise and powerful, despite all the sorrow he was going to suffer. She stopped rocking him, and held him in front of her.
Yes, his lovely, deep, haunting eyes showed it. That startling and striking mark on his forehead showed it. Harry Potter, neglected baby, ostracized child, was going to grow. He would bear many burdens, undergo many tragedies encounter many trials. People would seek to do him harm, but he would prevail. He would grow, and the world would embrace him, just as surely Gladys Baker embraced him now. She was certain.
She was called from her almost trance-like stupor to the present as a rapt knocking sounded at the door.
Petunia Dursley, here to collect her nephew.
The two neighbors exchanged forced pleasantries for a few moments before Gladys handed the now-bawling babe over. She almost burst into tears upon seeing the look of utter revulsion on Mrs. Dursley's face at she awkwardly and coldly hoisted him up. Gladys wanted desperately to snatch him back, hold him close to her bosom and keep him safe, warm, and cherished. He was going to have a hard life, and needed a loving start.
This sweet, amazing little being is too good for you, Dursley. You will never understand, but this child is desperately important.
"He really is a sweet boy." She put in, just as Petunia exited the door.
"Er- right." Petunia stammered. Gladys cringed.
She stood on her porch and watched as they made their way across the lawn, and across the street.
"Take care Harry!" She chirruped brightly to their retreating backs.
Take care. I see a breathtaking and heartbreaking future for you.