26 – Dance

When the babysitter calls in sick, Petunia is disappointed. She hasn't been out to dance since before she gave birth to Dudley.

But Remus tells her not to worry, and now the room is dark except for a few candles, the music coming from the record player soft and slow. His arms are firmly around her, her head on his shoulder, and it doesn't matter so much that this is only her living room, and that she cooked dinner herself instead of eating out.

For the first time in years, she feels more like a woman than just a mother.

.-.-.-.

27 – Apprehension

Dudley likes Remus, and Harry does too, and it's obvious that Mum is in love with him. It's yucky to see them kiss, but since they're doing it, she is much happier, and that, in turn, makes Dudley happy.

Despite that, he can't help worrying. Mum and Dad loved each other as well, but Dad still left them. Remus seems to be different, but Dudley wishes he could know for sure. He doesn't want Mum to get hurt, or Harry.

Only when he lies safely in bed, shortly before falling asleep, he can admit that he's scared also for himself.

.-.-.-.

28 - Flashback

Harry is backed into a corner of the kitchen, shrieking hysterically. Whenever Petunia tries touching him, he starts thrashing as if his life were at stake, and she has no doubt that in his mind, it is.

From the corner of her eye, she can see Remus lead a crying Dudley outside, but all she can think of is Harry, staring in terror at Remus's raised wand. Raised because after months of Dudley begging, she had given in and allowed Remus to show him some magic. Raised just like another wand eight years ago – a wand Harry has never forgotten.

.-.-.-.

29 - Disillusionment

Dudley always loved books that involved magic, and he used to wish it was real.

Now, learning that Harry's parents were murdered by a wizard, and that Harry could be a normal boy if it weren't for magic, Dudley doesn't think anymore that it's so great. He can't imagine that he'll ever forget how scared Harry was at the sight of a wand.

It's strange – he never thought about how it would feel if the things in his books happened to real people, let alone himself. Now he knows, and he wishes he didn't. He wishes there was no magic.

.-.-.-.

30 - Warning

Petunia stares at the woman sitting at the table with her in shock, forgetting the tea and cake in front of her, and he smell of cats that is permeating the room.

"It won't matter to Dumbledore that he is handicapped," Mrs. Figg goes on. "In a year, when Harry is eleven, he'll take him and try to prepare him for fighting. I wasn't sure why I never told him Harry wasn't normal, but now I think I finally know."

She reaches over the table, gripping Petunia's hand tightly.

"Leave. Take your family and leave before it is too late."