Out of the Past, Into the Future (a Harry Potter fanfic)

12 - All is Lost

Chapter Twelve - All is Lost

Tuesday, 2nd of November 1981

4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging

“Aaaaaaaaaaaghhhhhhhhh!"

The shriek of Mrs Petunia Dursley mingled with the wails of the baby boy, wrapped in a bundle of blankets, left on a doorstep, and jolted awake from a peaceful slumber.

“Petunia! What's going on?"

Wordlessly, Petunia pointed to the infant on the doorstep. Her fingers were trembling.

“What the bloody-"

Petunia did not answer, she merely stood, shaking, in the doorframe.

“Well we can't just leave it there. Pick it up, maybe there'll be a note. Then we'll call the police."

Petunia Dursley picked up her nephew - she didn't know it was him yet, but she had her suspicions - and carried him at arm's length into the living room.

The baby was crying now, properly crying.

“SHUT UP!" Vernon yelled at him, but that only made it worse. Petunia pursed her lips and picked up the tot. “Shhh," she muttered, rocking baby Harry whilst holding him at arm's length. That seemed to work, he certainly calmed down. Suddenly, Petunia gasped.

“Vernon! There's a letter!"

Vernon pulled the note from the blankets and waved it open with one hand. He held it between them, so they could both read it, and Petunia placed the baby down on the chair beside her so she could read it properly.

Dear Mrs Dursley,

I'm very sorry to burden you with this responsibility, but it is with very great reason that I do so. I am very sorry to say that your sister, Lily Potter, and her husband James were murdered on the night of the 31st of October. I'm sorry you have to hear the news this way, but I don't think that you and your sister were exceptionally close, so I doubt you would have heard it by other means.

A wizard widely feared in the wizarding community, known by the name of Lord Voldemort, murdered them. He attempted to kill your nephew, Harry, but failed, vanishing in the process and leaving Harry with the scar as you have probably noticed on his forehead. However, I do believe that he will come back, and at that point, Harry will not be safe.

That is why I have come to you. The reason Harry is still alive is because his mother died to save him. Her blood protection lies in his veins. And as you share Lily Potter's blood, this is where he will be best protected. Until he turns seventeen, he will call your house home. I trust him in your care, please look after him as though he is your son.

You may not want him, you may try to get rid of him - I do hope this is not the case - but remember what you said to me all those years ago, Petunia, in your letter. You wanted to be involved in my world in some way - if there is anything I can do, were your exact words - and here is your chance. Look after Harry like a son - I will provide a small payment for your help each month - and he will help the wizarding world out. You will be doing us all the biggest favour - the thing you wanted to do all those years ago. You also should not shy away from telling him about his past.

Harry should go to the local primary school, but he will be going to Hogwarts when he is old enough, that is to say, when he turns eleven years old. You'll receive a letter then to tell you the details.

Another letter will be with you shortly to tell you about Lily and James' funeral, as you will undoubtedly wish to come. I am not aware of any other family that Lily has, but if there is anyone in particular that you think should be there, who is not of the wizarding community, I would very much appreciate if you could let them know.