The Domino Effect (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 04: Petunia's Contemplation

Harry, Iris, and Dudley just turned five years old and as much as Petunia tried to raise them well, she never exactly lied to them about who they were. Harry and Iris were her nephew and niece and her parents left them to her because they were "squibs". Petunia never lied to the children about the truth about magic and she made sure they understood how important it is for the three not to tell the world about its existence. She was afraid that the wizards would barge into her home if they reveal that information.

Five years ago, Petunia just gave birth to her son, Dudley. Unfortunately, the joy of having her first son was short-lived. Her husband, Vernon, got into a horrible accident at work and didn't make it. This devastated Petunia. Losing her husband while also having to deal with the fact that she was going to be a single mother. Thankfully, her husband's job provided very good life insurance and a program for widows so she was able to get some good remuneration from the accident.

A few months after his death, Petunia found her nephew and niece at her doorstep. Judging from how cold Harry and Iris were, it was obvious they were there all night! They didn't cry, so she never noticed but she was horrified that some random person just dropped children at her doorstep. Imagine her surprise to find out that they were her nephew and niece. There was a letter attached to it. It stated that Harry and Iris were both "squibs", talked about a war going on, letting them have a normal life, and needed protection.

Protection from what? Petunia doesn't understand. She knows she is a "muggle" and even if a wizard were to burst into her house, she can't exactly defend herself. Also, she was furious with Lily. Her sister didn't even bother to just knock on her door or even talk to her first. She practically saddled her with two kids without asking if she can even be able to support the children herself. She didn't even bother leaving some money or arranging for financial support at all in the letter. She has her hands full with one child, and now she has to deal with three? The worst part is she doesn't have the means to send or talk to Lily or whoever in the magical world. She can't do so (A/N: I was aware that Petunia was able to reach out to Dumbledore in the canon when she was a child but in this fanfic, her mail was ignored).

It was so inconsiderate of her. Even parents have to go through enough information and communication before even leaving the children to someone else like what is she going to do with finances now? She has enough to live off, but with three children, that is going to take a toll on her resources. Out of anger, she almost planned to shove the children at an orphanage and be done with it but for some reason, she can't do it.

Petunia and Lily haven't talked in years. She admitted that when they were younger, most of the reason was her jealousy over her sister having magic and how her parents turned most of their attention to Lily more than her. But the two went into a row after their parent's death especially after finding out that the ones who murdered them were wizards. She was so distraught and angry at Lily and started calling her names even in the middle of the funeral. She admits that what she did was wrong but ever since then the two sisters have not talked or even reached out to each other...until now apparently.

Children were a big responsibility and she is still furious over Lily's action of leaving the children in the cold night like she was letting go of some puppies. In the "muggle" world there were a lot of laws now about how to deal with and raise children. If she didn't open the door or if she wasn't at home, the children could be on the doorstep in the cold or be attacked by dogs.

Despite the struggle, Petunia decided to keep the two kids in her care.  Marjorie Dursley (Vernon's sister), thinks she is nuts. Knowing some of what happened (except for the magic part), Marjorie now has a negative opinion of Petunia's sister. "What kind of mother just leaves their children just like that?". But despite her negative view, she didn't take it out on the children. Her sister-in-law was even kind enough to help her with expenses or watch the kids when she has to work. Although Petunia is thankful, she didn't want to continue like this.