The Tale of the Three Sisters (A Lily and Petunia fanfic) (Book 2)

Chapter 2: Petunia's Departure

Petunia Dursley lay in her hospital bed. She was complaining earlier that day to Dudley, whom she had come to live with after her husband died a few years ago. Her complaints consisted of chest pains. Then while eating a small dinner of vegetable soup, she collapsed out of her seat, and to Dudley's horror, was clutching her heart. SIngle handed and strong, Dudley carried his mother into his car and drove her to the hospital half a mile away.

Once his mother was placed in the doctor's careful and safe hands, Dudley called his two children, Dudley Junior and Maxine to come and say goodbye as the doctor expressed his doubts that Petunia would make it. Dudley's wife, Martha was on her way from her work at the shoe factory. But there was still one person left to contact, but he wasn't sure if that person wanted to be present.

Harry was never overjoyed to see either Dudley nor Petunia. Dudley apologised several times in discomfort, which Harry accepted with no hesitation, but it didn't mean their times together weren't awkward. Petunia never apologised. Her bitterness had completely took over her mind and she couldn't bring herself to do so, not even after Vernon's death. Dudley asked her to on more than one occasion, but to no avail.

Dudley continued to discuss in his head whether or not Harry's presence at Petunia's deathbed was a good idea. Eventually, he decided Harry at least deserved to know. He phoned Harry. Harry gave it to him, but neither believed he would ever use it.

"Hello?" came Harry's voice.

"It's Dudley." said Dudley worriedly and sadly, due to his mother's imminent death.

"Dudley?" Harry was surprised his cousin was ringing and past eight o clock and not during the day.

"Yeah, Harry...there's an emergency."

"What is it?" asked Harry, "Are there Dark Wizards around?"

"No," said Dudley, though now fearful that a wizard put a curse in his mother's soup, "Mum's dying."

Harry was silent for a moment before asking, "Where are you both?"

Dudley replied, "Corn Street Hospital."

"I'll be right there. Meet me by the entrance." Harry put down the receiver and Dudley went outside, telling his two children, who had just arrived that he was looking out for someone.

Harry himself had told Ginny and their daughter, Lily who had come round for a cup of tea, that he had to see Dudley and that he would explain things later. Then he Disapparated, with the words, Corn Street Hospital, firm in his mind.

He arrived with a pop at the car park and saw a car just about to pull in. Hoping they hadn't noticed, Harry went to meet Dudley. He found him waiting impatiently by the front door.

Harry approached and shook Dudley's hand. "How is she?" he asked.

"The doctor says she likely won't last the next hour." sniffed Dudley.

"I'm sorry, Big D." said Harry kindly.

Just then, a woman approached. It was the driver of the car that arrived just as Harry had, and Dudley embraced her. It was Martha Dursley. She was rather skinny and bony, quite like Petunia, but far more attractive and a little less neck.

"I'm so sorry, Dudley." she sighed, "Where are the kids?"

"Inside with her." replied Dudley, whom now had tears forming in his eyes, "I was waiting for you and my cousin, Harry here."

Harry shook hands with Martha. The two had met before, but only on very brief occasions, as Martha was always so busy at work, and they didn't really know each other. No one other than Petunia and Dudley knew of Harry's magical lineage, and all three agreed it was better that way.