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David looked rather surprised. "Err... What sort of question is that?"

Harry shifted. "It's real." he pulled out his wand and showed how he could change the costume to his real clothes with it.

David gaped. "Well I never," he muttered, "I suppose that's what all the flashes of light and stuff meant. Was it was a group of bad...?"

"Wizards." Harry supplied.

David sighed. "You're a good wizard." Harry nodded. "Your friends are good wizards."

Harry nodded again. David frowned. "Am I a wizard with a faulty memory or somethin'? Is that why you seem familiar but I can't place you? And why those…spells or whatever..." He trailed away.

Harry bit his lip. "Not quite." he said. The next part was going to be difficult. "...David, what were the exact words you remember from your decision not to go back unless my m- uh, Lily told you?"

David frowned. "Let's see. We argued. Details are fuzzy. Something to do with safety. But I just – it's not a memory. It's a feeling. Something stops me from questioning the feeling too deeply or going against it. Is that some magic spell or something?"

Harry sighed. "I think so. Sounds like a Compulsion Charm." he answered, then paused for a moment before going on. "David, whatever it was, I'm saying that it's over. You can come home now David."

At this David gasped and put a hand to his head. After a moment he spoke. "Those were the words! The magic words or whatever. I remember... Goodness. Oh Lily..."

Harry waited. "After her wedding," David explained, "she made me come here. She was the one that convinced me to go. I was the one who wanted to stay. She just mixed it up. There'd been a lot of attacks and stuff happening to 'Muggles' and she didn't want to lose me as well as her mother."

At this, Harry could not help a flash of pain being seen on his face. David saw. "What is it?" he asked, "Hang on... You look like her husband. But – goodness!" he gasped. "We have the same eyes. Like hers."

Harry smiled. "So I've been told." he paused, then delivered the second major bombshell. "I'm Lily Evans' son. My father was – is – James Potter."

David stared. "There's the familiarity." he muttered, "You're... You're my grandson."

Harry nodded. Then David asked the question. "Why are you delivering the message and not her and why now?"

And now for the third. Harry took a deep breath and began.

He told David everything. From being orphaned to being left with a jealous Petunia to his famous name. David was deeply saddened by the first ("Lily... Lily's gone?" he whispered. Harry nodded painfully), shocked by the second ("Pet's a goose! Honestly...") and sympathetic to the third. ("Heh, that's a lot to handle. Famous for something you don't like, but everyone else does.") Harry told of his Hogwarts years and what had happened (thankfully in brief, though his grandfather was persistent). David was stunned and proud.

During this, Harry mentioned how many of his mentors and friends had been killed off by Riddle. David was saddened and angry. "To have lost so many at such a young age... That Riddle or whatever the name is deserves his Dark tag." Then he went on memory, listing friends and was upset to learn her closest girl friends were no longer around, particularly Alice – "Oh darn it! She was such a sweet lady...such good friends with Lily..."

But he was pleased to discover Remus was one of those all right. "Until her sixth year Christmas holidays he was the only one of that group of your dad's she could stand." he remembered. "How's he doing?"

Harry told him and he smiled. "And you're godfather, eh? That's good to hear."

They talked for a long time. David told Harry a couple of stories from when Lily was a teenager. Then Harry saw his friends a little distance away. "Well, Grandpa," he said, "Are you ready to come home?"

David smiled. "Oh, yes." he said, "That I am, Harry. That I am."

The next few days were spent helping the Grangers and David get things sorted. Mr and Mrs Granger were not budging on the going back issue. Harry also detected some tension about the whole situation between the pair and Hermione, which was unfortunate. They'd had a blow-up, before the Death Eater wannabes had come, on the outing and the attack had soured things further. David, on the other hand, was rock-solid in his desire to go back, which made Harry very happy.

In between packing up and discussing things, Harry and Ron studied for the exams. David was very interested. "Magical exams, eh?" he said, watching as Harry reviewed Charms theory. "I remember Lily getting stressed over those."

Harry grinned. "They're not called 'Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests' for nothing." he said. This was how a typical day in the past week had gone. Harry would help David sort things out in the morning, then study after lunch. The study sessions would often happen with David 'floating' nearby. If Harry happened to mention something out loud, David would often have a memory of Lily, Lily's friends and occasionally James to go with it. Harry was able to associate the spell or task with David's memory, which helped. Also, Harry told David stories of how he'd learnt some of the spells, which refreshed his memory. Though he didn't think he'd ever really forget the spells he'd learnt because of the Tournament...or during his other adventures.

By the time the tenth of June arrived they were ready. The Grangers had convinced Hermione and were staying in Australia for now, but David used a ticket to come back with them. The return plane flight was as uneventful but as exciting as the trip there.

From the airport they headed straight for Blossom House and slept like logs.

The following day, Ron knuckled down to studying. But before Harry could do that, he had another job to do. With David, he would be visiting the Dursleys. Harry wanted to talk to Dudley – and Petunia, really – about their actions the last time they'd seen each other. And David wasn't above having a few words to them all as well.

So that day, after a hearty breakfast they set out. Number 4, Privet Drive had been checked over and declared safe and Hestia had told them the safe house was in Chorley. So off they went.

As they walked through the street Harry looked around. The Muggles were going about their daily lives very, well, normally. It was hard to imagine that just over a month ago their peace was being threatened. Though they probably hadn't known it.

As Harry thought about this, he heard a familiar voice. "... So anyway, I told him..."

Harry turned. Dudley had just walked straight past them. He hadn't noticed them because he was talking to a young rather nice-looking girl. She was laughing at what he had said. And they were holding hands!

Harry nudged David. "That's Dudley," he muttered.

David smiled. "Should we, ah, follow at a distance?"

Harry nodded. They walked casually behind them, keeping a few hundred metres between themselves and Dudley.

After about five minutes, the girl said goodbye (with a kiss!) to Dudley at her gate. Dudley walked for another block or so before letting himself through the gate of a redbrick house. Up the small path he went and let himself into the house. Harry and David waited a few minutes then crossed the street, went through the gate and up to the front door. After a moment's hesitation and a glance at David, Harry knocked.

After waiting for a minute or two, they heard footsteps. A blurred face appeared in the glass before the door opened cautiously. Then Petunia Dursley froze.

Her mouth dropped open in shock and her eyes widened as she stared at both of them. After a long pause Harry broke the silence. "Hi Aunt Petunia. Sorry. I guess I should have called or something. Can we come in?"

Petunia nodded dumbly. They stepped over the threshold and Petunia directed them to a lounge room where they stood awkwardly. She kept glancing between the two. Finally David spoke. "A bit tongue-tied, Pet?" she started. He continued, "Not even a hello for your dear old dad, eh?"

Petunia gasped. "You – you can't be. She... Lily said she'd be the only one who could..."

David shrugged. "But I am."

Petunia stared at him for a moment, then ran forward and they embraced as father and daughter for the first time in years.

Harry was suddenly struck by something. This, of course, would be another reason that Petunia had resented Lily (and by extension Harry); she had taken their father away from her when they had only lost their mother a year prior and hadn't been able to turn him back.

"How?" Petunia whispered.
David grinned. "Harry visited Australia," he explained, "and met me during a downpour."

Petunia turned to look at Harry. Really look at him, for the first time in years. She swallowed. "Thank you, Harry." she whispered, then put a hand to her face, which was rapidly colouring. A flicker of something grew in her eyes. Was it shame?

Finally, she spoke. "I believe... I have, well, something of an apology to make. An explanation."

Harry blinked. He hadn't been expecting that. David raised his eyebrows. "I'll say," he muttered. Petunia sighed, pulling away from her father.

She began to speak, then was interrupted by Dudley. "Mum?" he stood staring in the doorway. He saw Harry and David and gaped. "H-hi, Harry. Err..." he paused to frown at David. "Mum..."

Petunia stammered, "Dudley... Meet – your grandfather. David Evans."

Dudley's expression cleared. "Knew I'd seen your photo somewhere." he muttered, then blushed. "Um... Sometimes I'd be invited to talk to you on the phone but I never wanted to." he gave a sheepish shrug, as though not knowing what else to say. "Sorry?"

Harry blinked. Dudley saying sorry? The year had certainly changed him! Petunia cleared her throat. "Perhaps to make up for that you could take your grandpa into the kitchen/ dining-room area for a little bit? A chat?"

Dudley sighed. Petunia said gently, "Dud, I know you wanted to talk to Harry, but could I just say my piece first?"

After a moment, Dudley relented and took David out. Then it was just Petunia and Harry. Petunia offered him a seat, which he took. She sighed. "Where to begin." she muttered.

Harry smiled slightly. "The beginning is usually a good place." he suggested.

So Petunia began. "I'd known for a while, before Lily got her Hogwarts letter, that she was...different. It unsettled me. Especially since I couldn't do it. We'd always been so close, able to do everything together. We were only two years apart after all. When she got the letter, I became bitter and jealous of what she had that I didn't. I couldn't accept that she would leave me behind like that — I was the big sister after all." she closed her eyes for a moment. "I was just – so stupid! She – she'd always been the prettier one, the smarter one. I just wanted to be like her for a change!"

Harry raised his eyebrows. Petunia continued, "More than that... Like I said, we'd always done everything together. We'd been so close... It felt like her abilities spoilt that."

Harry remarked, "But surely that didn't happen until, what, summer of second year? She wouldn't have had magical friends until then..."

Harry knew this wasn't true. He just wanted Petunia's side of the story and how else to get it than to lead her a bit?

Petunia laughed bitterly. "Oh no, Harry, it started when she was nine. A local boy-" she scowled, "a miller's son to boot, he was – was -"

"Magical." Harry supplied. She nodded and went on, "-was that too. He told her about it after she flew from the playground swing and landed unharmed...for the fifth time. Then it started. Only he could answer her questions. I hate that boy." she paused. "Snape, his name was."

Harry sighed slightly. "He's dead. Killed by Voldemort. It's a...long story where he's concerned."

Petunia frowned. An odd expression crossed her face before she said, "Oh. Well... It felt like he was stealing my place. We just grew apart. Then Mum died and a year later Dad was sent away. I approved of Lily's choice, but later I was so mad at her. She told no-one! Except for maybe your father. And she swore me to secrecy, as well."

Petunia closed her eyes briefly. "And then... We hadn't spoken in months. The last contact I had was a birthday card with a slightly tacky beading set. She did like them. Then that day there were those odd reports of - of owls and shooting stars and Vernon saw 'funny-looking' people in town. I woke up the next morning to find you on my doorstep. Accompanying you was a letter from that Headmaster, Dumbledore. A letter! I know I gave the impression – quite firmly – that no-one from your world was to have much to do with me, but really! You'd think my sister's d-death-" Petunia broke off, choked by tears.

Harry sighed. "I can't begin to fully understand Dumbledore. Never will be able to." he sighed. "There have been more than a few mistakes made by him where I'm concerned. But he did try to do what was best…"

Petunia humphed. "I-I'm sorry, Harry. All the bitterness...the anger...everything got dumped on you when you came. You were...a reminder of what had happened. And how I couldn't protect her. But when I looked at you...her eyes... I knew I had to take you in." she sighed.

Harry nodded. "What was the deal with the – cupboard?"

Petunia flinched. "When you arrived, you screamed if the scar was touched. You screamed when I tried to put you in the second bedroom. In any bedroom I tried it was the same. It got to the stage so that you did some accidental stuff and prevented me from going into one carrying you... Harry. Harry, are you all right?"

Harry was remembering all too clearly his mother's death scene from Voldemort's memories. He shook himself. "Sorry. Just...well..." he coughed. "On my travels this year I found out how... Mum and Dad died."

Petunia gulped. After a moment she whispered, "Oh. How?"

"Dad died first. In the hallway. Mum ran with me up to my bedroom. She held me in her arms until he entered, before turning and putting me in the cot."

"Then enacted Love's Sacrifice and saved your life, according to Dumbledore." Petunia finished shakily. Harry nodded. She said, "Well, the only place you would settle down was in that cupboard." she sighed. "I know I've treated you wrongly in the past Harry. I suppose… I was terrified of what – m-m-magic had done to Lily. I blamed that world, and – all she'd met there for her death. I hoped that you wouldn't show any of – that. But you did. So we tried to suppress it. And, and, I didn't want my Dudders disadvantaged because he was normal and you were not." She glanced towards the door of the room, where David and Dudley's muffled voices could be heard, then went on, "I didn't want what happened to me to happen to Dudley. Vernon…dislikes anything unnatural, anything that doesn't fit the norm. We encouraged each other, I suppose. At the very least, I put my foot down about one thing – your abilities did not mean physical….punishment, except in the form of chores." Her face set firmly. "After all, even behind closed doors, that's not normal. It lowers us to the level of working-class."

Harry blinked. "Snape, you mean." He said, with a touch of humour, "That's where you got the notion. Well, I hate to break it to you, Petunia, but child abuse comes in the form of shouting at me when I did the smallest thing wrong, or just for the hell of it. In the form of neglect and overwork. Like only letting me have scraps while Dudley stuffed himself – though come to think of it, spoiling him to the point you did is borderline neglect as well. And abuse comes in the form of imprisonment, too. Like putting bars on windows. And in refusing to even pretend you loved me. Abuse is more than just physical – it can be emotional and verbal, too."

Petunia flinched at every sentence, then nodded. "I denied it to myself for years. But….I am…beginning to understand, now, after this year." she said, "The lady – Hestia – who was with us during 'isolation' – our name for the situation – opened my eyes to a lot. Dudley...has been much better at trying to change than me... I—I couldn't even say sorry until it was too late... Or so I thought. Harry, I... When we were leaving..." she took a shaky breath. "I wanted to wish you luck and a part wanted to admit that my loathing of you and your world was born out of jealousy, but years of pretending that 'normal' was best proved too much... But now...will you let me...start over?"

Harry stared at her, and sighed. For a long moment, he paused in thought. Then he spoke. "For the sake of Dudley, and for David, I will try. Though really, it's too little too late. You should have started, at the very least, when I got my Hogwarts letter."

Petunia winced. "I deserve that." She clasped his hand then stood up suddenly. "Hold on a moment. I have to get something."

She walked away quickly and Harry heard her rummaging in another room. He sighed. While what Petunia had said did not excuse her actions, it did explain them somewhat. And if Petunia was willing to change and "start over"…time would tell how successful she would be.

Petunia returned with a plain brown shoebox. She opened the shoebox and held it out to Harry. "Take it. The things inside here are essentially yours."

Harry took it and stared. "My Muggle school photos!" he yelped. His first year's photos had been torn up by Vernon because Harry had made the mistake of showing him them. Every year after that, he'd hidden them in his schoolbag, intending to hide them in his cupboard somewhere. But Petunia had always sent him off to do chores and when he'd come back they were gone. He'd always assumed they'd ended up in the rubbish bin.

There were several other school-things and such she had also saved. The next surprise revealed a photo album of the Evans family.

Harry stared at her for a moment. "Thanks." he croaked, "Thanks a lot."

Petunia nodded and led him to the dining-room. Dudley was telling David something. Both looked up at the footsteps. "Ah, switchover time is it?" David asked. They laughed.

David went with Petunia and Harry sat down next to Dudley. "So, how's it going, Big D?" he asked.

Dudley smiled sheepishly. "All right really. You?"

Harry smiled. "Do you want the long story or the short story?" he joked and both boys laughed. Harry said, "So who was that young miss I saw with you earlier?"

Dudley blinked. "You were following us?"

"At a distance. How else were we supposed to find your house?"

"Err-" Dudley glanced at Harry's wand in its holster.
Harry smiled. "True. But you walked past at just the right moment." he said, "You're avoiding my earlier question. Who was that girl?"

Dudley flushed. "Err... We met when I was jogging around here. I didn't have any equipment and wanted to keep to the program."

For the next half hour or so, they talked about this, that and the other. Harry discovered Dudley had changed, after all. He apologised profusely to Harry for what he'd done in their childhood and half their teen years. "That Demender or whatever really shook me up. Showed me how stupid I'd been — literally."

Harry waited, but Dudley said nothing else.

As Petunia and David re-entered (both frowning) and Petunia asked tightly if they were staying for lunch, a car pulled in outside. They all glanced at each other. "It could be just Dedalus, back for another driving lesson," Dudley suggested.

But it was Vernon. He walked in the door, humming out of tune. He busied himself in the bedroom then walked into the kitchen. His eyes fell on Harry. "YOU!" he roared.

Petunia shouted, "Vernon, stop!"

He turned to her. "I invited Harry over for a chat this morning. With my father."

Vernon froze. "Ah. Pleasure to see you..."

"David," David supplied stiffly. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Vernon nodded. "Are you staying for lunch?" he ignored Harry.

David glanced towards Harry who made a shooing motion with his hands.

"It's all right. I have to get going. Vernon, I just wanted to say Number 4 Privet Drive is ready to be occupied again if you want to."

Vernon glared at Harry. "Hmph. If its fine now I don't see why we had to leave in the..."

"You wouldn't be saying that if you'd seen the house a month ago." Harry stated coldly, then turned to David. "I'll come by to pick you up later if you like?"

David nodded. They arranged things then Harry headed for Blossom House. It had certainly been an interesting morning.

Hooray! It's done! Please review.
I changed Harry's response to Petunia as I realised he was way too soft on her.