Vernon took his parenting classes. And the department of child welfare decided that he may be a suitable guardian, if he proves he was willing to do the work. They considered his ex-wife, but after she said she only wanted Dudley, red flags were raised. They didn't want to separate the boys from family, but they would if they had to.
Vernon did get to have Harry and Dudley back. He gave Petunia the house. He still loves her, and the divorce broke his heart, but he will not have both boys being treated unfairly. He tolerated it long enough. He would even let her see Dudley if the social worker allowed, but orders were strict, no contact with Petunia from either boy.
He wished he could do more, but he won't risk either kid. He knew Petunia was able to get back on her feet and even sat aside some money to let her go to college if she wanted.
Vernon looked at Harry and Dudley, both at healthy weights. "Boys, we need to have a talk. Sit in the kitchen." Both boys sat down, Dudley wasn't hitting Harry. Good. "Harry, I'm sorry, I never should have treated you the way I did." Harry was wondering what was going on, Aunt Marge was niceish to him, but now Uncle Vernon, is this a dream? "You never deserved that. I know my actions are inexcusable and I don't expect you to accept or even believe my apology, though I feel I should explain my actions." Vernon mused over how to explain this to an eight year old, "You are a wizard, Harry." Seeing Harry's shocked expression he continued, "Yes, I lied, magic is real. Your mom was murdered by an evil man. I thought I was protecting you by stamping your magic out. I see now, that was wrong and you are you. You will be treated fairly from now on.
No more forgotten birthdays, being called a freak, sleeping in a cupboard, no more hand-me-downs."
Vernon felt bad when Harry was hesitant to go in the room he was taken to. "Go on, Harry." Harry shuddered at his name being called, and did he brace himself to be hit? Vernon now knew why the boys social worker said Harry would be hesitant to accept any kindness from him. What had he done?
Harry went into the room. "It's bare, but we can go shopping for clothes and toys for you later." Vernon looked at his taped up glasses, "And new glasses. It's about time for you to see the eye doctor." "Thank you Uncle Vernon." "You can just call me uncle if you want." "Yes Uncle Ver- Uncle." Harry braced himself again. What is he supposed to do with this fidgety child?
Uncle Vernon was upset at Dudley's constant tantrums, every time he asked Harry if he liked a toy. "Why can't I have one, he's a freak! It's not fair!" "Harry, stay here for a minute. Do not go with anyone." Vernon demanded when he pulled Dudley's ear, taking him to a private spot.
"That is enough! You have clothes and toys of your own. Harry doesn't. And you will stop calling him a freak, or you will be grounded for a week." Is that a reasonable timeframe to ground somebody? Was he being too harsh, he doesn't know what is appropriate here. He'd normally spank Dudley, but he didn't want to get in the habit and risk hitting Harry in anger. Who knows how far both boys would regress seeing that. He had to emulate how he wanted Dudley to act and he taught Dudley this was appropriate. "But dad! He is one!" "You're grounded for a week. That means no electronics and no going outside our house and no friends over." Dudley started crying when led back to his other boy.
"Do you like the airplane, Harry?" "It's expensive, Uncle Ver- Uncle." Vernon put his hands on Harry's shoulders, "Harry would you prefer to call me uncle or Uncle Vernon?" "Uncle Vernon, if that's okay with you?" "Of course. And don't worry about the price. I have the money, and you are not a burden. I'm so sorry." Vernon grabbed the plane despite both Harry's and Dudley's protests.
Vernon learned quickly Harry wouldn't ask for anything so he had to be vigilant about if Harry was looking at a toy. He was a little reluctant about the fantasy books, but had decided today is Harry's day and he had to show him that, not tell him.
Harry tried on a multitude of clothes. "Thank you Uncle Vernon." Harry braced himself again.
Vernon learned quickly that Harry's mannerism wasn't going to be the only thing he had to undo when he caught Dudley destroying Harry's plane. "Dudley Dursley! What do you think you're doing?" "He doesn't deserve toys." "You will pay for that toy!" Vernon's face was purple again to Dudley's shock, "It's coming out of your allowance until your cousin is paid back!" "It's not fair! I want mom!" Dudley started crying.