The Domino Effect (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

CHAPTER 16: Inkerman Terrace

Inkerman Terrace, Allen Street, August 2001.

This is a very nice townhouse painted white to match the aesthetics of their neighborhood and is situated in central London. The high ceilings, large windows, ample wardrobe space, large kitchen, and four bedrooms were just perfect for Petunia in her opinion. It is within the city, it is convenient, and although expensive, she thinks it is perfect for their new start. She still missed Surrey since it was the first house she and her husband bought to start a family but it is their new start in this world. Inkerman Terrace has been their home for almost a year since they got back to the U.K.

The house has a small garden behind it where she planted a lot of herbs, spices, and her favorite flowers. She has the main bedroom on the first floor, her office in the basement which also connects to the gardens, and the children's rooms on the second floor. Dudley and Harry used to share a room when they were very young but when the MACUSA intervened, they have to stop doing that. It was too dangerous for Dudley because of the event that Harry might have accidental magic and hurt his cousin. Augustus and Ignatius were kind enough to ward their place heavily for their protection, especially in the children's rooms.

Petunia despite her acceptance of Harry and Iris' magic, is still uncomfortable about the idea of magic – especially one that is cast on her or in their home but she understands the purpose of the wards. They were there for their protection and most of all, they ensure no wizard and witch will just pop in here without their permission. Even when Augustus and Ignatius visit, they have to use the door like regular people. This way she won't get a heart attack if someone were to suddenly appear in her home. (She didn't know that she was warded as well and because of her negative reaction to magic on her, Augustus did not inform her of those wards).

Coming back to the U.K. was a struggle. The company wanted her to return to deal with a project of theirs back in headquarters and her ex-pat contract has expired so she and the children have to return. However, the children do miss the United States and she can't blame them. They grew up there and have their social circle of friends they have to leave. Granted, Petunia was just glad that the three were able to shift back and forth between British and American accents. The first time the children spoke "American" always sound so wrong in her ears (sometimes they do it to tease her).

Harry, Iris, and Dudley all grew up healthy and she was happy about it. She did send Harry and Iris to a therapist regarding their abandonment issues after they finally realized about their parents. She was more worried about Harry and his seemingly unusual reaction toward his parents. It worried Petunia thinking that this would impact his mental health severely. Iris was more forgiving but is waiting on her brother more on what to do regarding their parents. Augustus was kind enough to want them to reach out to their parents but the two refused. The adults (including their therapist who happens to be a squib) know not to force it until they are ready.

Dudley has been accepted to Smeltings. It was the same school where his father graduated as well. Dudley was unhappy that he had to attend school alone without his cousins. He was used to having them in the same school or even in the same classes. He was already aware that they will be sent to a magical school which is also a boarding school. That means his mother will be alone in the house for most of the year since all three will stay at school except during summers, holidays, and breaks.

Dudley is a large and muscular boy who enjoyed sports a lot. His favorite has always been boxing and football (A/N: Not American Football, regular football). Thanks to his mother, he is also doing well in class and was in the honors or special classes with his cousins. He does enjoy the occasional popular interests like recently he enjoyed watching star wars. The only thing missing he has is a lightsaber. Though they did fashion some sticks and colored them with neon paint and play in the backyard.