Disclaimer: I own nothing, just playing with HP world in my mind, no money gained.
AN: Trigger warnings for this chapter; none so far ;)
I had to re-upload chapters one and three as I had Doug's age wrong. No other changes.
Chapter Four – Family LifeIt was an early June evening as Petunia sat at her kitchen table thinking back over the last few days. Douglas had just celebrated his sixth birthday on June fifth. It had been a very quiet, low-key birthday with only one present from her and Jamie. The last five had been very different. Doug had been happy with the present, friends and a cake. She was so very proud of her son accepting this new life. Next is the first anniversary of Vernon's death, June 21st. Then it is Jamie's birthday, July 31st, school starting after that and then the anniversary of Jamie's arrival in my life. Petunia had fully intended on talking to Jamie about her arrival that cold November morning, but life just got in the way. Time to fess up; I really don't want to talk to her about this. I must though. We have to move forward.
Yesterday had been a busy day what with the optometrist appointments for the children, grocery shopping and travelling by bus everywhere. I really wish I could have kept the car. Shortly after they had moved into their new house Petunia had sold the car. She just couldn't justify the expense; insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Oh, she knew she was deliberately avoiding thinking about the results from the optometrist for Jamie. After school had sent a note home requesting she get Jamie eyes checked, she had known what the result would be – Jamie needed glasses. I could just get a cheap or free pair from the bin, but Jamie has been so used to second-hand. Not that second-hand was wrong; it was wise to use the resources available to save money. I just don't want to do that to her. It's bad enough that I've already missed her last birthday as she was in the child services system.
Petunia felt her face flush again recalling how they had told her that Jamie needed to be checked yearly and possibly her glasses prescription might change yearly for the next five or so years. She had barely been able to stammer out a reply that she would let them know her decision soon regarding the glasses.
What thin corner can I trim away to find the money to get Jamie a decent pair of glasses that will be just right for her. Maybe, I could make my own dish soap, laundry soap or hand lotion…but I would still need the initial ingredients to make them. It would pay in the long run but not short term, as needed. Well, I don't need tea, I can drink hot water. That will also cut down on milk and sugar. With a tired sigh and a final glance at the plaque hanging in the living room, Petunia gathered her papers and headed upstairs to check on the children before bed.
Doug was fast asleep, his hands clasping a football magazine from the library. Petunia carefully eased it out of his hands and placed it on his bedside table. The community centre was having a free summer football activity. It would be perfect for Doug; exercise, time with friends and keeping him busy for the summer. I could check the second-hand store to see if they have any cleats. That should be the only expense. Maybe I can talk to the coaches and see if they will send out a flyer requested used cleats to be dropped off for other children to use. We can always drop any extras at the second-hand shop. With a tender smile and kiss on Doug's forehead, Petunia left to check on Jamie.
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Jamie had been worrying all last night and today. She had gone to bed but had been so restless she had finally decided to go downstairs to talk to her Mum. Hesitating at the bottom of the stairs, Jamie had watched her Mum looking at the bank book, noticing the frown lines creasing her face and hearing the small sigh. Slowly and silently Jamie had crept back upstairs into bed.
Why am I such a bother? Mum has done so much to make me happy and I am still a problem. Jamie knew her Mum was worried over buying her glasses. I don't care about new glasses, just bin ones would be fine. I just want to be able to see the alphabet on the board at school.
She recalled how the optometrist had pushed for new ones, "For the first time use, it is very important to have proper fitting glasses. You do want her to still look pretty with glasses don't you?" Old cow, how could she talk to her Mum that way? Mum is always doing her best for me. I'm so happy now. I wish I could just make it go away, fix it so that I don't need glasses... Mum said I could do anything with magic…maybe, I could change my eyes…heal them. Yes, I must try – no, not try – I will fix my eyes, magic can do anything. Jamie closed her eyes and soothed her breathing and calmed her mind. Concentrating very hard on her eyes and how they should be, she willed her magic to do as she wished.
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Petunia walked down the carpeted hall and opened the door to Jamie's room. Stepping quietly over to her daughter, she gently smoothed Jamie's hair from her face, smiled and kissed the sleeping girl on her forehead. In a better frame of mind, thankful for her children, Petunia left for her own much needed sleep. She had just entered the upstairs bathroom and turned on the water to prepare for bed when a soft glowing light encased her daughter's body and started to burn brighter and brighter. Soft whimpering filled the air as the small body started to convulse.
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Oh, I hurt. What's wrong with me? Why can't I move? Am I tied down?! Why can't I open my eyes? Wait, what is on my eyes? What's happened to me?!
With a gasp, Jamie tried to reach her hand up to take the thing off her eyes. She couldn't, her whole arm trembled with weakness "Mum?!"
"Hold still dear. It's ok. Relax, Mum is here. Everything will be okay." Her Mum's words sounded wrong. They sounded scared. "Let's take this damp cloth off of your eyes. There that's done. Now slowly open your eyes. If the light is too bright close your eyes and we'll try again in a bit." Jamie felt her Mum's hand softly encasing her own. With barely a fluttering of her eyelids, Jamie let out a large exhale and tried again to open her eyes. It was bright with the early morning sun diffused through the curtains. Slowly her eyes adjusted until she opened them wide and looked at her Mum.
She could see everything! Each line on her Mother's face, the darkness under each eye, the fear in those eyes and the trembling lips trying to stay firm, to calm me. Looking past her Mum, Jamie saw her room. She could clearly see through the open door into the hall. Why do I see bits of violet and gold in the hall carpet? It's like a rich brown? Wasn't it just brown? "What happened to me Mum?"
"You did something to yourself last night with your magic. Your body has changed, it's healed and you've grown several inches. All the scars are gone but the one on your forehead. How are you feeling? What did you do?"
Jamie glanced down at her blankets and clenched her hands "Mum, I…I just didn't want you to buy me glasses. It's too much. I just wanted to fix my eyes, but I guess I did more than that. Please don't be angry."
Petunia sighed and picking up her daughters hands softly stroked them. "Honey, as your Mum it's my job to look after you and see to your needs. You should have talked to me about your concerns. You fixed yourself but I don't know the consequences on your magic. What you did was dangerous. We should have talked about this before you tried it. Jamie you must be careful before you do things, thinking of all the things that can happen and finding other ways to achieve the same end result. We could have gone to the magical community and found information to safely fix your eyes and body. I don't want to lose you when I just got you back."
Tears filled both their eyes and Jamie whispered, "I'm sorry Mum."Slowly a smirk lighted up Jamie's face. "I did it though, Mum. My eyes are fixed. You won't need to buy me glasses."
"Well, what's done is done. Just lay still while I fix you some breakfast. Milk toast would be best I think." As Petunia got up and started to walk out of the bedroom, she paused and stated, "Oh yes, and you are to stay in bed for a few days and are grounded for two weeks young lady."
With a soft smile at her Mum's retreating back, Jamie let out a deep breath. Mum is always here for me, she loves me, no matter what.
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It took three weeks before Jamie was able to be up and about the neighbourhood. At first she just laid on her bed, napping quite a bit. Slowly her body strengthened and she was able to be downstairs. Doug was a big help getting her up and down those stairs. It was an achievement to just be able to sit outside in the back yard.
Petunia was guiltily glad Jamie was not going to attend Vernon's first death anniversary. Sally would be staying with Jamie that afternoon while Petunia and Douglas visited the urn interned at the cemetery. How would I have been able to say anything good about him to Jamie? It's going to be hard enough with Douglas, who he was a father to. At least I can mention that he provided for us and wanted the best for us. At first Petunia hadn't wanted to even acknowledge Vernon's death, but Sally had said it was important for Doug to know good things about his father so that he wouldn't think badly about himself. It was a great life lesson about how wrong decisions have a long lasting ripple effect on yourself and others around you.
Needless to say, Jamie missed the ending of her school year. It wasn't too much of a loss, as Doug brought home and returned anything that needed doing. It was great they were in the same class together.
Everything was a bit of an adjustment for Jamie as she was now slightly taller, her appetite had increased, and her eyesight was altered significantly. Petunia was very thankful Jamie was completely healed from the cruelty she had previously inflicted on her. Long term childhood malnutrition caused long-term health problems and even possibly death, if not caught in time. Petunia was anxiously hoping Jamie had not damaged her magic permanently. If only she would show a bit of magic….Shaking her head and with a wry smile she thought, a year ago I would have never wished for Jamie to do any magic. I would have been pleased if she had lost it completely. I am so glad I have changed. Even though it's hard sometimes, I have never been happier.
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The next day, Petunia was outside weeding the plants when she heard a squeak coming from the walkie-talkie then, "Ow, ow, ow…"
"Mum! Doug's been hurt!"
Running out of the gate and down the street she saw two bikes on the ground with Jamie kneeling beside Doug, who was laying on his side. "Jamie, Doug are you ok?" After quickly examining Doug she carefully lifted him up and set off for home, while Jamie followed closely behind. Jamie opened the back door and Petunia set Doug in a chair at the kitchen table. Doug was red faced and biting his bottom lip trying not to cry. He was unsuccessful. His left leg was stretched in front of him, the outside covered in blood from his knee down to his trainers. Jamie had tears in her eyes as she mopped up the blood which was slowly dripping onto the floor.
Grabbing the medical kit and a clean dish towel Petunia quietly instructed Jamie to get a large bowl of distilled water. "We need to wash his wound very carefully and see if anything is imbedded in it. Doug, you will be ok. Tell me what happened?"
After getting the water Jamie watched Petunia gently cleanse the leg. With a few hisses and tears during the cleaning, Doug told the story. They had just been out for a bike ride to the park, when suddenly a small dog ran straight towards Doug. Swerving to avoid the animal and trying not to cause his sister to bump into him from behind, Doug lost control of his bike and ended up falling onto his left leg and scrapping his leg as he slid for a bit. His left shoulder was a bit bruised up as well considering how hard he had landed on it. His shirt was torn up a bit on his left arm but there was very little damage to the skin underneath. He was very thankful his Mum insisted on them always wearing a helmet, as he would have injured his head as well from the fall.
Once the dirt, gravel and extra blood had been gently removed Jamie pleaded, "Mum, can I try to heal Doug? I'll be really careful."
Searching her daughter's eyes, Petunia paused and carefully answered, "Are you sure you are up for it? I haven't noticed you doing any magic for a few weeks now. Perhaps we should just take Doug to hospital."
"I promise I'm fine and I will be careful. I just want to try."
"Okay honey."
Jamie gently laid her hands on either side of the deep wound and believed that she could heal her brother. She visualized his flesh knitted back together and no scar. With a gasp Doug watched his wound heal. A few minutes later, you would never have guessed the accident had ever happened, except for Doug's blood covered sock and trainer. "Wow, thanks sis!"
"Mum, I'm fine. Could I try to heal his shoulder too?"
"Yes, I think you could try. You'll need to make sure to think of his bones, tendons, flesh, and his bruise too. He jarred his shoulder pretty hard when he landed on it." Petunia was trying to remain calm and not cry with joy seeing Jamie do magic again. She really wanted to do a happy dance; Jamie had her magic and her son was being healed.
Doug rotated his shoulder and praised his sister for her help. While Petunia tidied up the supplies she announced that she was making banana loaf as a special treat and while it was baking she would check that his bike was okay. Jamie blanched, "The bikes! I forgot our bikes!"
As the children were about to race out the door Petunia called, "Hold it you two! Get back here. Doug, we need a bandage round that leg. We can't let anyone know you've been healed by magic." Doug sheepishly came back and sat in his chair again.
"There all done, off you go." Petunia laughed to see Jamie and Doug run out the back door again. Another crisis averted due to magic.
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The next morning, after Doug had left to practice football, Petunia sat down with Jamie in the living room. "Jamie, we need to have a little talk about your mum and dad."
Jamie sat on the couch silently watching and intensely listening to every movement and word Petunia said. Reaching for a small box before her on the coffee table, Petunia opened it and continued. "This is all that you had with you when you were dropped off. See this is your Birth Certificate. It's quite fancy and beautiful. This is the blanket you were wrapped in. I think this is the crest of your father's family as it is also on this locket you were wearing." Slowly each item was presented to Jamie. She touched each one with hesitant fingers. The blanket was a bright red, as soft as butterfly wings, with a golden lion facing a silver griffin, both upright with mouths wide open. Two silver long swords were crossed between the two animals. There was some kind of writing around the crest, maybe Latin. The locket was small and golden. It could not be opened.
"I don't know why your birth certificate states your name as Harry. I don't understand why my sister would have named you that, when you are obviously a girl. I do know that your parents were magical just like you. They were killed when you were 15 months old on October 31st by a very bad wizard. Thankfully you survived and the bad wizard died. I would tell you about your parents but I never met your father. I can tell you about Lily from when she lived at home. Unfortunately, I don't know much about Lily's time at Hogwarts. Hogwarts is a school where they teach witches and wizards how to perform magic. When Lily was eleven and received her letter to attend Hogwarts, we went to Diagon Alley to get her supplies. Diagon Alley is in the magical world and you will see many strange and wonderful things and people. Tomorrow, we will go to there and hopefully find some answers. One last thing was with you, a letter from Albus Dumbledore, the Head Master of Hogwarts, but I destroyed it. I regret my actions but I can't do anything about it now."
"Please tell me about my mum." Jamie was looking at Petunia with hope in her eyes.
"Everyone loved her and she was so pretty, just like you." smiled Petunia as she gathered the little girl onto her lap. Petunia proceeded to tell Jamie about Lily, how she was just a bit spoilt and yet loyal; slow to get angry but when she did watch out because she took forever to forgive; how she was smart but helped others with their lessons; how she appeared so innocent that no one could believe she pulled pranks, Petunia usually took the fall and was punished for them. Petunia tried to be as objective as possible and yet truthful with Lily's character. "I still love Lily so very much; she will always be my little sister. I wish she hadn't died, but I am so very proud I am allowed to raise you. You can talk to me about any of this anytime Jamie."
"Mum, can I wear the locket and take this to my room?" Jamie asked with a tired voice.
Petunia smiled at Jamie, gave her a gentle hug and reached for the locket. "Of course you can. Just be very careful with the locket, it's an heirloom. Don't wear it when you are running about or playing outside. When Doug comes home we'll have lunch, so go ahead and take your things to your room. I'll keep your birth certificate in a safe place for you."
Jamie got up and carefully picked up her blanket. "Thanks Mum." Walking slowly up the stairs to her room, Jamie could hardly think. Her thoughts were all jumbled about her birth mum and magic. I'm tired. Jamie kicked off her slippers, laid down on the bed and cuddled with her blanket. Slowly her eyes drifted closed and soon she was fast asleep.