Birthday Surprises Chapter Sixteen
Usual disclaimer: Not mine, don't sue. Please. Wish it were mine though. Ah, if only… Lolly, xxx.
To everyone who has reviewed, thank you. I love reading what you think. Hope you like the next chapter.
"Aunt Petunia?" Harry whispered. His Aunt hurried over to him, looking anxious.
"Harry. I wanted to say before you left - I never knew he was that bad. I swear….."
"I know. Just do me a favour, yeah?"
"I…..what is it?"
"Make sure that Dudley doesn't turn into another Vernon."
"Ok. Harry, what did you do to Vernon earlier?"
"It's a restraining spell - he can't hurt anyone anymore." He said. His Aunt's eyes widened and she automatically put her hand over her cheek. Then she threw her arms around Harry and hugged him.
"Thank you." She whispered, tears in her eyes.
"No problem - I've left something for you in my room. I have to go now. If you need anything….."
"Look after yourself. And those babies too." His Aunt said.
"I will. I'll come and visit if I fulfil the prophecy, ok?"
"You do that. Goodbye, Harry."
"Bye Aunt Petunia." Harry kissed her cheek lightly - the cheek that he had seen the bruise on, underneath all the makeup.
His Aunt Petunia walked Harry to the front door, tears falling down her face. She would miss her nephew, even if she hadn't been a very good Aunt to him. He gave her a hug before walking over to the car. He felt a little sorry that he was leaving her there, but at least he had made sure that he could no longer hurt her. Remus gave him a questioning look as they all piled into the car. Harry waved to his Aunt as they pulled away. "Harry, it wasn't just you, was it?" Remus asked quietly.
"No." Harry replied with a sigh. "But luckily he had a little more mercy with her."
"That man has no mercy." Remus replied angrily.
"No. He doesn't. But the spell will work for her too."
"Dudley?"
"Oh, he wouldn't dream of it." Harry laughed mirthlessly. Remus' eyes were sad and full of regret.
"Still, it's best you're away from it." He sighed.
"Yeah." Harry agreed, watching as his Aunt went back indoors.
Petunia was shaking when she went back into the house - she was alone now, with only Dudley and Vernon. One of who was a monster, and one of whom was quickly turning into his father's creation. She quickly and silently went up to her nephew's room, and found a neatly wrapped present on the desk. She opened it to find two pictures - one of Lily at her graduation, and one of Harry with the triplets. She also found a note from Harry, explaining that the spell would stop his Uncle touching her when he wished her harm. She cried in gratitude, watching the pictures as they moved. She stood them on the desk, before leaving. She would have to see to Vernon.
