To say she was terrified was an understatement. Not only that, but she felt betrayed. Hadn't they taken Harry in, put clothes on his back, and gave him a place to stay? They had been taking care of him for four years, and right away, Harry told some strangers that they abused him. He'd let himself be seen.

"I'm sure you have nothing to worry about Petunia," Marge said from the kitchen table, where she was drinking a glass of wine.

They were back home, and she was anxiously cleaning though the house was already immaculate. She'd wiped the same spot on the counter many times without realizing it. She was lost in her thoughts, and she needed to keep herself busy. What was going to happen to them? How would Vernon react when he found out that Harry was gone.

"Judging the look of those people, they are low lives just as Harry's parents were," she continued. "They look as if they have more children than they can afford. No doubt they keep spitting out children so that they can live off the system."

Petunia gave her a small nod, pretending to agree with her. However, Marge didn't understand these people. She didn't know the truth about Harry's background. What worried her the most was that maybe they were being spied on. Why was it that it was a family of Lily's kind that had found Harry, and not ordinary people? It seemed too much of a coincidence to her.

"If they knew that boy, maybe they'll take him off your hands," Marge went on. "They weren't willing to give him back. It might be the best thing that could have happened to you. People like that have no credibility, and I will back you up if they try to accuse you or Vernon of anything."

"Maybe you're right," Petunia said without much conviction.

"I know I am," Marge responded. "They are losers, and so is that boy. You did what you had to for him Petunia. He was never grateful for the care you gave him. He was a disobedient brat from the day he arrived from the way Vernon tells it. Look at how fast he was willing to sell you out today. I'm surprised he never told anyone at school what was happening."

She was surprised as well. His teacher from the year before sent home a letter at least once a week asking what was wrong with Harry. Their teacher this year wanted them to schedule a meeting about him. Apparently, he acted suspiciously at school. He'd actually apologized to the teacher for being such a burden, which had earned him a good spanking. As far as she knew, Harry had never said anything at school about it, however. So what had changed today?

"You've always been too kind. I've been telling Vernon that for years," Marge added. "You two are excellent people. It wasn't your fault that you ended up with a bad egg. The child deserved every beating he ever got. Those people will probably find that out soon enough. The best thing that could have happened was if he'd died with his loser parents. Instead, he burdened two of the best people I know, and he'll continue to burden anyone else who cares for him."

Petunia sighed. "Let's not talk about it anymore Marge," she said. "Why don't you join Dudley in the living-room. He's watching his children's shows. I need to keep my mind off things. I'm just going to get dinner ready. Vernon will be home soon."

Marge stood up and drained her glass of wine. She walked over to place her glass in the sink; she clapped a massive hand on Petunia's bony shoulder.

"It's going to be fine, Petunia," she said before stalking off.

Once she was gone, Petunia closed her eyes hoping so much that she was right. She didn't know if it was that easy though. That Dumbledore man wanted Harry to stay with them for a reason. It was where he was apparently safe. Allowing him to stay with them meant it kept Harry alive from the dangerous people in that world. She'd never wanted him, but she'd reluctantly kept him for her late sister. She didn't like how Lily turned out, but the two of them had good years when they were younger. She also knew their deceased parents would be upset if she'd turned the boy away. So he'd stayed.

Later that evening, Vernon was furious once he found out what had happened. They didn't break the news until after they'd all eaten dinner, and Dudley was about ready for bed. It wasn't unusual for Harry not to be at the table, so he hadn't questioned it.

In all the years they'd been married, he never yelled at her. She'd never seen him fight with his sister, and yet he was angry with the pair of them. He began shouting at them both about how stupid they were for leaving Harry outside where he was seen.

"Petunia," Marge said in a calm, but angry voice. "I would like to talk to my brother alone please."

"I'll just put Dudders to bed then," Petunia said.

She was more than happy to escape. She took Dudley by the hand, and rushed up the steps with him protesting that she was pulling on him too hard.

"I'm sorry dear," she said once they were at the top of the steps.

"What's wrong mummy?" Dudley asked.

"Nothing Dudder's," she responded. "I'm just excited to read to you from one of your new books."

"Oh," Dudley replied.

They went into his bedroom where she helped him change, and then he crawled into bed. She shut Dudley's door, but she could hear Vernon and Marge shouting at each other. It was almost scary to listen to each of their voices trying to drown the other out.

"Mummy, is Harry gone forever?" Dudley asked when she went to sit on the edge of his bed.

She opened one of his new books called The Very Busy Spider.

"I don't know sweetums, I think so," she told him.

"I never got to say goodbye," Dudley said. "I want to say goodbye."

"I thought you didn't like your cousin," Petunia said with surprise.

Considering how much the boys fought, and how much Dudley complained about Harry getting his old things, she thought her son would be happy that the boy was no longer with them.

"Sometimes I like him. Sometimes I don't," Dudley said. "I want to say goodbye if he isn't coming back."

"I'll say goodbye for you," Petunia reassured him.

"Okay," Dudley answered and then when he snuggled down under the blankets, she began to read to him.

When she went downstairs later, it was to find Marge drinking some wine at the kitchen table, and Vernon pacing. The moment she entered, he turned to her. He walked over and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry," he said when he pulled back. "I shouldn't have shouted at you or Marge."

Petunia glanced at Marge who nodded. So she'd stuck up for her. She knew Vernon and his sister were close, and she also knew that Marge liked her, but it was a bit of a surprise that she would stick up for her over her brother.

"So what now?" Vernon asked. "Are they going to be coming here? I can't believe the brat let himself be seen. If he is returned here, I am giving him a beating he'll remember forever. He won't be able to sit down for a year."

"That's what I said," Marge said with a nod of approval. "This is all that boy's fault. If they return him, don't listen to them if they ask you not to hurt him. The boy needs a good long beating. He betrayed the two of you, and Dudley as well. You'll have to let him know that this isn't acceptable. He'll learn to be grateful to you someday. I'll help if need be."

Just as she said this, there was a loud knock on the door. They all stared at each other. The knocking became more persistent the longer they waited.

"You don't think it's them?" Vernon asked.

"I don't know," Petunia said.

Resigning herself to the inevitable, she left the kitchen and headed down the hallway to open the front door. When she opened it, she found the man with red hair from earlier and a long-bearded fellow. She gasped as she took in his unusual appearance. He was wearing purple robes, and a purple pointed hat.

"Good evening Petunia, we are here to discuss Harry Potter," the man said. "I am Albus Dumbledore, and this is Arthur Weasley, the man who is looking into adopting your nephew."

And without waiting for an invitation, Albus Dumbledore stepped over the threshold with Arthur in tow. Ignoring her quiet protests, Arthur walked past her, and straight to the cupboard under the stairs. Harry had told them where he slept! The man opened the cupboard door and peered inside.

"I came to see if there is anything I could take with me back to Harry," Arthur said standing up straight. "But there is nothing in there for me to take back. He doesn't have any toys or anything else that will comfort him."

"Good riddance to him!"

Petunia glanced over at the kitchen door to see that it was Marge who had spoken. She and Vernon were standing in the doorway staring out at them, both looked furious. At a moment like this, it was so easy to see the similarities between the two. They indeed did look like brother and sister. Both their faces had the trademark purple glow when they were angry.

"The boy was insolent the moment we took him in," Vernon said. "He didn't deserve to have toys. You have him back, so now you can go."

"I wish to talk to you about the treatment of Harry while he resided here," Albus said to him. "And you will listen."

Vernon tried to protest this, but Albus held up a hand. Even Marge was lost for words, which was rare. Petunia knew it wouldn't be easy. She'd known it the moment she'd seen that woman holding Harry.

"So, why don't we go into your sitting room and have a chat," Albus continued.

"Can you tell Harry I said goodbye."

Jumping, they all turned to see Dudley standing on the stairs, clutching the railing. He'd fallen asleep before she'd finished the book. The knocking must have woken him. How long had he been there?

"Dudley, go on back up to bed," Petunia told her son.

"Will you tell him, sir?" Dudley persisted.

"I will," Arthur replied. "When I go home, I will let Harry know what you said."

"Thank you," Dudley said, and without another word, he made his way back upstairs.

Petunia wondered why it was suddenly so important to her son to say goodbye? She watched him go before she turned to Marge.

"Marge, would be kind enough to sit with him while we talk?" She asked. "I'd rather he not come back down. He received a lot of new books for Christmas this year, so you can choose one to read to him."

She glanced at Vernon hoping he'd get the message because Marge didn't know their secret.

"Yes, Marge if you could so please," Vernon added cottoning on.

"If you need me-" she began.

"We'll be fine," Vernon assured her.

Petunia nervously led the wizards into the sitting room. What was going to happen to them?

"I get to sleep in a bed? I actually get to sleep in a bed?" Harry asked excitedly as he stared at the bed in disbelief.

He'd spent the day playing with the Weasley children, and though they'd been kind to him when they first found him, he was still surprised they liked him. All of them wanted to play with him, and none of them asked him questions about his home life. Percy, one of the older brothers, had actually let him sit on his lap while he read him a book! The only time someone read to him was at school, which he enjoyed, but he'd always wanted someone to cuddle him while they read to him. Percy, though he wasn't much bigger than him had done that. Later, Molly had done the same.

Now she had brought him up to what was Ron's room, and there was now an additional bed. They'd been up there earlier, but only Ron had a bed. Now there were two!

"Of course," Ron responded. "Where else would you sleep?"

"On the floor," Harry answered. "I'm supposed to sleep in a cupboard," and then he turned to Molly who was observing him from the bedroom door. "If you want, you can put me in the cupboard under the stairs. I don't have to sleep in a bed."

Though he really wanted to sleep in the bed. She'd said it was just a cot earlier, but it would be so much more comfortable than the floor.

"No Harry, I would like you to sleep in the bed. You'll share this room with Ron," Molly told him.

"How come you slept in a cupboard?" Ron asked with wide eyes. "Mummy, why did he have to sleep in a cupboard?"

"I'm a bad boy and a burden," Harry answered. "I have to sleep in the cupboard. I don't deserve a bed, and I should be grateful for the clothes put on my back. I should be happy that I'm given a home at all. I should have been left at an orphanage, or I should have died with my loser parents."

"Mummy?" Ron asked with uncertainty.

"Harry, none of that is true," Molly said coming into the room.

She let out a sigh.

"Listen, I would like the two of you to get into your beds, and I will read you a story. We'll talk more tomorrow," Molly said.

"I'm sorry," Harry said.

He could sense that he'd upset not only Molly but Ron as well. Ron looked close to tears.

"You have nothing to be sorry for dear," she said. "Now, please both of you climb into bed. We'll read a story, and then you can go to sleep and dream about the story."

It sounded good to Harry. Whenever he had dreams, it was usually about his aunt or uncle, or a strange green light. They were very rarely pleasant for him. So he climbed into the cot. Molly came over, and for the first time in memory, he was tucked into bed.

"Thank you for helping me today," Harry said. "No one has ever cared about me before. Even if you don't let me stay here, I'll never forget you."

"Harry, we are going to do everything we can to allow you to stay here," Molly told him as she kissed his forehead. "We are going to see if we can adopt you."

"What is adopt?" Harry asked.

He hoped it was as good as it sounded.

"It means we are going to see if we can let you stay here," Molly said. "We would like to keep you, but there are some things we need to do first. Some people have to say if it's okay or not."

"My aunt and uncle?" Harry asked.

"No, they will no longer have a say," she responded. "There are people who have to see if we are good a family for you."

"But you are," Harry said. "You helped me, and you're nice to me. If it's okay, I would like to stay with you."

Ron who had been quiet until that moment spoke up.

"Me too! I want a brother my own age," he said. "I only have Ginny. The twins don't play with me, and I don't like the games Ginny sometimes plays. I want a new brother. Let me have a new brother please, mummy."

"We'll try," Molly answered. "I can't promise either of you anything except that I will do my best."

"So you can't promise that I won't go back?" Harry asked.

She'd promised that earlier.

"We are going to do our best to prevent that," Molly said. "Right now, my husband and a man by the name of Albus Dumbledore is working on that. They are going to see what they can do to help you."

"Good, cause I don't want to go back," Harry said.

He was no longer sore. Molly had done something with a stick to make him feel better. Not even his foot hurt anymore. It looked like magic. A lot of the things in this home seemed like magic, but he felt too scared to ask her if it was. The kids here had toys that he'd never seen before, and a lot of things cleaned themselves, like the dishes. He'd seen the laundry folding itself too. He liked it here!

"Now, how about a bedtime story?" Molly asked.

"Can we hear Babbity Rabbity and her Cackling Stump?" Ron asked.

"Please," Harry echoed though he'd never heard of the story before.

He was just happy that just like Dudley, he was being read a bedtime story.

The next day, when Harry woke up, he found himself in a strange place. For a moment, he forgot where he was. It all came back to him in an instant. Aunt Marge and Aunt Petunia had left him in the alleyway, and then the nice family found him. He pinched himself to see if it had all been a dream. That was what they did on the telly, but no, he was still awake and in the small messy room.

He looked around the room. His eyes fell on Ron's bed, which was empty. He continued to scan the room until he saw the presents sitting at the end of his bed. There were six of them altogether, and they had Christmas wrappings on them. As he stared at them, wondering where they had come from, Molly walked in.

"So it's true," she said softly. "There are presents here, and they are for you."

"But where did they come from?" Harry asked with astonishment.

"I think they are your six presents from Christmas morning, Harry," Molly answered. "You said that your uncle told you they vanished, and Ron told me that there were six presents for you. It's the only explanation I can think of. You should open them."

Was it true? Had his presents somehow ended up here? Harry didn't dare be too excited. He'd been disappointed in the gift department before. He got out from under the covers and crawled to the end of the bed. He slowly reached for one, and then just as slowly, he unwrapped it. The first one contained a battered old copy of the book they'd been read to the night before. It was called The Tales of Beedle the Bard, which included Babbity Rabbity and her Cackling Stump.

He glanced at Molly with surprise before he moved onto the next gift. By the time he was done, he had some old stuffed animals that moved around, more books, a board game he couldn't identify, and clothes.

He was very intrigued by all of this. He wondered why the gifts appeared here, and he wondered if it had to do with his thoughts the previous night.

"Molly, are you magical?" Harry finally asked.

He held his breath waiting for her to scold him.

"Yes, and so are you," Molly replied.

"But… are you sure? My aunt and uncle won't like that. They don't like magic or pretend," Harry told her.

"You are magical, but your aunt and uncle aren't. You've likely done it in the past when you lost control of your emotions. A lot of underage witches and wizards do," she explained.

Harry remembered doing weird things, certain things that set his aunt and uncle off. Could that be why they were so mean to him then? There were so many times when his uncle would hurt him a lot for doing something against nature. His aunt had called him a freak a few times. Yesterday hadn't been the first time. She'd called Molly's family freaks too, so she knew.

"Molly, did my aunt and uncle hurt me 'cause of that?" he asked.

"I don't know honey," she answered. "I wish I knew why they did."

"They didn't like when I did weird stuff," Harry told her. "It always made them angry. They didn't even like if we watched magic on the telly. Do you think that's why my presents left? Cause they're magical and my aunt and uncle didn't like it?"

Uncle Vernon had said that the gifts had vanished after all. He was glad that they'd come here instead of his cupboard. He'd never see them again. Likely his aunt and uncle would throw them out. He wondered if they'd already cleaned his cupboard out.

"I think that could very well be," Molly said. "But as you can see, Father Christmas didn't forget you after all. I think he must have made sure you'd get your gifts later."

"Maybe he helped you find me then," Harry replied.

Molly smiled at him and then walked over to hug him.

"I was just thinking the same thing," she said. "Now, why don't we have breakfast. Everyone is waiting for you."

Harry nodded and quickly hurried out of bed. When they reached the door, he turned to smile at his gifts. They had found him, just like the Weasley's had. He was where he belonged. He just hoped he'd be allowed to stay.