The sun was setting over the cottage where the Order of the Phoenix was holding its meeting. Lily had insisted on her coming along. For what Petunia did not know, she had not been allowed at the meeting itself as she was not a member. Still, Petunia was glad to be there. She found herself thinking more often about Peter than she cared to admit. She was eager to see Peter again. She had not expected him to have come here at all. As he had stopped fighting for the order weeks ago.

As the meeting wrapped up, the order members left the dining room. They went and joined Petunia in the living room. Petunia found herself standing awkwardly in a corner. She noticed Peter's father, Martin Pettigrew. He was a tall and imposing figure with a stern yet kind expression. He was making his way toward her. Petunia knew little of Martin. She only knew he was a Gryffindor through and through, and his reputation as a top Auror preceded him.

"Petunia Evans, isn't it?" Martin said with a warm smile, extending his hand.

"Yes, that's right," Petunia replied, shaking his hand. She noticed Peter standing a few feet away, looking slightly nervous. As she met Peter's eyes, she felt her stomach flip.

"I've heard quite a bit about you," Martin continued, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Peter speaks highly of you."

Petunia glanced at Peter, who turned a shade of pink and looked away. "That's very kind of him," she said, feeling a flutter in her chest.

Martin leaned in slightly, his tone becoming more serious. "Peter's mother, Peter, and his three sisters are in hiding. They're under the Fidelius Charm for their protection. I'm their Secret Keeper. It's a heavy responsibility, but necessary with the way things are going."

Petunia nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see. It must be difficult for all of you."

"It is," Martin admitted, his gaze steady. "But family comes first. Always. That's why I'm curious about you, Miss Evans. Peter's quite fond of you, and I want to make sure anyone he cares about is someone we can trust."

Petunia felt her cheeks flush. "I assure you, Mr. Pettigrew, I would never do anything to harm Peter or his family. He's... well, he's important to me too."

Martin's expression softened. "I'm glad to hear that. Peter could use someone like you in his life. I was sorry to hear what happened a few weeks ago to you and your parents. That must have been tough on you." Martin then gently grabbed Petunia's shoulder, bringing her closer to him. Next, he whispered an adress in her ear: "Old bridge road 12, Saltshire."

Before Petunia could respond, Martin turned to Peter, who had been listening intently. "I'll be off now, son. Remember what I said about vigilance?"

"Yes, Dad," Peter replied, his voice small.

Martin gave a final nod to Petunia before striding out of the cottage. Peter approached her, looking both relieved and embarrassed. "I'm sorry about that," he mumbled. "Dad can be a bit... intense."

Petunia smiled, touching his arm gently. "It's alright, Peter. He cares about you, and I understand his concern."

Peter took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Actually, there's something I'd like to show you. Would you like to come with me to meet my family? They often hold music nights, and I thought you might enjoy it."

Petunia's eyes lit up with happiness. "I would love that." She then notices she is still touching Peter's arm.

Peter led her through a series of winding paths. It was sunny, and there was a slight breeze. "Remember the address dad told you?" Peter asked, as he had suddenly stopped. Petunia nodded. She gasped when, instead of dangerous quicksand, she suddenly saw a small cottage. As they stepped inside, Petunia was greeted by the soft sound of music playing in the background.

"Everyone, this is Petunia," Peter announced, his voice more confident now. "Petunia, meet my mother, Martha, and my sisters, Alice, Sarah, and Emma."

Martha Pettigrew approached Petunia and embraced her warmly. "It's so lovely to meet you, dear. Peter has told us so much about you."

Petunia felt a rush of warmth and belonging. "It's wonderful to meet all of you too."

The evening unfolded with laughter and music. The Pettigrew family welcomed Petunia into their fold as if she had always been a part of it. They played various instruments, sang songs, and even danced around the living room. Petunia found herself joining in, feeling a sense of joy and connection she hadn't experienced in a long time.

Peter, who usually seemed so meek, was in his element here. He played the guitar with surprising skill and sang harmonies with his sisters. Petunia watched him with newfound admiration, realizing that maybe she was falling for him.

As the night drew to a close, Peter walked Petunia back to the main road. The moonlight bathed them in a soft glow, and they walked in comfortable silence for a while.

"Thank you for tonight, Peter," Petunia said softly. "I had a wonderful time with you."

Peter smiled, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "I'm glad you did. I was worried you might find it all a bit... strange."

"Not at all," Petunia replied. "It was perfect."

They paused, standing close to each other. Petunia could feel her heart racing, and she wondered if Peter felt the same.

"Petunia, I... I really care about you," Peter confessed, his voice trembling slightly. "I don't know what the future holds, but I want to get to know you better."

Petunia's heart swelled with emotion. "I care for you too, Peter."

"Can I give you a kiss before I apparate you home?" Peter asked hopefully.

Petunia felt her body tingle nervously. She imagined kissing Peter would feel quite good, as just a shared look could already make her heart skip a beat and her stomach flip. She felt her cheeks heat up at the thought.

"I mean," Peter stumbled nervously. "I apologize if I offended you or made you uncomfortable. If you like me just as friends, I respect that and-"

"N-no," Petunia interrupted Peter. She had never before interrupted someone. "You can kiss me if you want."