[a/n]Vukk mentioned sticking it to the ceiling, which reminded me of doing a couple where the cabinet shrunk, for little DEs; and they sent it into Black Lake for drowned ones.

[a/n]magitech points out Harry not knowing the effect of HBP's Sectumsempra. Well, a tooth whitening charm doesn't seem a likely inference as it had [For Enemies] scribbled next to it. Though he fired it in the heat of battle, the effect on Draco seemed a shock in the movie.

[a/n]ReignVS noted I duplicate posted SoHDD#245 as DoHDD#65

Harry Does Different

Auntie Tuney

Vernon Dursley was a powerful, strapping man. Never mind a hint of a second chin, or a minor equatorial bulge. He deserved a bit of a sweet tooth after his Smeltings football career. Not a lot of goals, but that wasn't a fullback's job. Speaking of jobs, he had every reason to be proud. Taking full advantage of the start his father gave him at Grunnings PLC he left the production end and got into administration. The fireplace at #4 Privet already had its shelf reserved for the many awards he saw coming. Though, speaking of pride, last night was cause for even greater pride. The birthday of his joy; the toddler name for his beloved Uncle and Godfather. The event had been perfect, with even the boy acting the perfect tyke. Admiring his 5 Years Service trophy as he removed the white gloves he wore when polishing, he summed up his joy with "And no freaks to ruin the - - -" **dingdong** "YOU?"

"Good morning brother dear." The impeccably dressed man offered in a half-mocking tone "And you'll see me and the missus even arrived in a respectable conveyance. Even by your standards. Don't have much need, but Ministry demands we …bobbies, you'd say… know how to drive."

Vernon grunted **hmpf** "Barely." Fighting to hide his awe at the finest car on the block. "Well? What do you want?"

"Easy James. Nothing to worry about here." The redheaded woman bounced her sleeping baby in one arm while touching her husband's shoulder "Now, Vernon, be reasonable. We honored your disinvite to last night's party, but let's have a bit of a moment to let the kids get acquainted."

James quipped "Of course, we could just air all family business on the stoop. Eh Vernon?"

"Very well!" the unwilling host snapped, simultaneously stepping aside and waving an impatient hand. He called out "Petunia! Your side is here!"

It was enough to disturb the baby in the visiting woman's arms. Although he did not cry, he merely gurgled happily and looked around. Very intelligent, he managed a curious "Ma?"

"Harry, say hello to your Uncle Vernon." She turned her baby about.

He managed a babyish "UncVa"

"Well hello." Vernon grumbled, and sighed in relief as his wife arrived. Although not intended to be his choice of wife, the short relationship led to pregnancy [hence marriage] He was pleased no end when she glared at the visitors.

Petunia Dursley curled an arm, while offering a worshipful gaze, in her husband's. she addressed the couple coolly "Potter. Lilith. Do something for you?"

"Thank you, dear sister, for inviting us to your lovely home." James was perfectly charming, knowing fully it would irk his brother-in-law "Wanted to offer congratulations on your Dudley's special day. Really a failure on both our parts our little cousins haven't met sooner."

Vernon sounded like he ate something unpleasant "Indeed."

"And, of course, have Harry give Dudley a present. Get them off to a good start." Added Lily, not showing any outward reaction to the angry use of her full name. "Harry, this is Auntie Petunia."

The baby giggled "Atuney!"

"Clever little lad." The hostess gritted it out.

James beamed "I think he speaks very well for a 9-month-old." Pinching his son's cheek.

"Well, as long as you keep your You-Know-Whats in your pockets I don't suppose a short visit would be so bad." Vernon offered begrudgingly. He didn't quite stomp off "Playpen's in the living room."

Abcij

"Bah-bee!" it was the reaction of both boys as soon as they saw each other. The boy in the playpen pulled himself to his feet by the netting, while the other twisted in his mother's arms.

James bounced on his toes "Looks like the kids know best. Smarter than us adults. Eh, Tuney?" after the flippant remark addressed his wife "Don't fight it Lils. They're meant to be together."

"Dud!" the playpen's resident declared to the visitor who answered "Ha-eee"

Lily lowered her son and urged him with a pat on the bottom "The gift, Harry, don't forget the gift for Dudley."

"Bir-day Dud." Said the toddler handing over a bag his mother had given to him earlier.

Dudley knew exactly what to do with one of those, ripping it apart. A stuffed animal came out. The birthday boy studied it briefly, scratched his head with it, then held it up to the adults and asked "Micky?" He's a Disney fan.

"-urmta-" declared Harry confidently.

James chuckled "Whatever he wants to call it, of course." Then laughed some more "I'll spare you the details, but my friends and I have …symbols… call them. Wolf. Dog. Deer. And …umm… a mouse. That's why this one is a light brown instead of black, like your car tune character." Here he didn't notice his wife's sigh "We asked if Harry wanted to give Dudley a birthday present and that is what he picked up."

"I certainly would not approve of a rat." Vernon did not even realize he hit the mark with that comment. He acknowledged the gift with a nod and "Thank you."

Dudley copied his father saying "Dank-oo" to his younger cousin. He threw a chew-toy out of the playpen in favor of the new present. Though just a minute later, emitted a gurgled awed "Oooooo!"

"You can't DO THAT here!" hissed Petunia accusingly. The purple star of hard plastic floated back into the boys' midst as the adults looked on.

Lily gave her husband a restraining look then placatingly to her sister "It's something that happens with kids. There's no harm, Petunia. Remember when Severus explained that, to both of us?"

"Nasty boy!" exclaimed Petunia "Never liked him."

James couldn't help himself "Why Tuney! I think you just became my favorite sister-in-law! Hahaha! Wish I'd known you hated Snivilus! Hehe!"

"Snivvy! Snivily! Snivvy! Snivily! Snivvy! Snivily! Snivvy! Snivily! Snivvy! Snivily!" for no reason whatsoever, the toddlers had taken up the chant. Add to it the youthful energy, they were simultaneously wrestling all over each other.

Lily didn't quite know how to feel about her childhood friend, never mind later events, being abused by her estranged sister and husband who never liked each other. Ultimately, the redheaded witch settled for concentrating on suppressing the blood rushing to her cheeks.

The adults delighted in the boys' play. The pair seeming to develop their own language. In a visit that could have ended in minutes, the rift in the Evans clan began to heal. The hosts even welcomed the Potters to dinner. While much went well, you can't just wipe away years of animosity in hours. Nor could the matter of the Dark Lord threatening world peace be ignored.

"It does look like we should wrap things up." Said James, hours into the visit, waving at the playpen with a smile. He bent over and lifted his son, gently.

The boy, nevertheless, stirred and mumbled "Duddy?"

"Hry go'ome?" the Dursley boy began pulling himself up with the netting "Dank-u for Umrtail." He yawned deeply, fell back into his playpen, cuddled up to his new stuffed toy and was asleep before the adults left the room.

The men shook hands at the door. A beefy one engulfing his, James said "Best time we've had together in …well… ever. Thank you, Vernon."

"It did go well." The host acknowledged with an almost good-natured grumble. "Good night, James."

The Evans sisters were a bit more demonstrative, hugging briefly "It was good. Nice to have my sister back." Said Petunia.

"Ni-nigh Tuney." Little Harry was much more awake than his cousin due to all the movement.

"It doesn't all go away in a night." The redhead's tone was not as harsh as the words "That said, it would be good for the boys to see more of each other. We'll keep in touch, but hope to see you at Harry's birthday party.