This is a short story, and true to the books, just from a different perspective. I'm still working on it, but feel free to R&R. Constructive criticism is much appreciated! As always, characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 1 Surprising Sadness

Petunia Dursley sat in her kitchen at Number 4, Privet Drive. She had recovered from the shock of the morning, and had grown accustomed to the air of anger and frustration that had appeared in their home due to her nephew's arrival. She held a letter from the man named Dumbledore, who, contrary to her previous experience with wizards, she was unable to distrust. She fingered the letter and read the shining emerald ink carefully, hoping it would read differently this time. The parchment had been worn from it's many readings, but Petunia secretly hoped it would reveal something other than what was there. However, it still read, "… regrettably, I must be the one to inform you that your sister, Lily, and her husband have been murdered by Lord Voldemort. If it will offer any comfort, you should know your sister was a great asset to the wizarding community and a virtuous woman who fought for her son. This, of course, brings me to Harry…" Petunia stopped reading. There was little more she cared to read.

The wrinkled parchment fell from Petunia's ghostly white hand, slowly floating to the floor. She followed the descent with her sharp eyes, seeming to look beyond the letter. A wail from upstairs awoke her from her thoughts, and she stood to go console little Dudley.

"Dear…" Vernon stood in the doorway of the nursery as Petunia rocked the bundle of blankets that was Dudley, "You're better off without them, look what they've left us, that… child." He said gruffly. Petunia stared at her son, not acknowledging Vernon. Vernon rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sighed deeply, watching as she put Dudley in his crib and stroked his soft blond hair. Vernon shrugged and left the room. Petunia heard the creak of the floorboards as Vernon went to bed. She left Dudley's crib side and moved to the makeshift bed in which her nephew lay.

Harry slept silently, but awoke as Petunia ran her finger along the fresh, lightning-shaped cut on his forehead. He stared at her with luminous eyes. Petunia's anxious face softened as she watched Harry, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. She broke her gaze defiantly, denying her grief."Dangerous, useless waste… should have known…" Petunia trailed off, quietly heading to bed, unaware that she was followed by a pair of green eyes. The same green eyes she had always known.