The Three Patronuses

Chapter 4

They landed at Number 4 Privet drive a second later. Lily scowled at the sight of the house. It was too perfect, the identical houses and lawns lined up in a symmetric row. It was the perfect place for Lily's sister. She hated it.

"Maybe having a kid changed her," James suggested. Lily looked at him, raising her eyebrows.

"Petunia has hated magic ever since Albus said she couldn't go to Hogwarts. I doubt a kid would change that," Lily shook her head, "but for Harry's sake, I hope she has."

Lily led the other three up to the door, knocking on it with a shaking fist. Who would open the door? As much as she wanted to see him, Lily hoped it wouldn't be Harry. She wanted a more formal introduction, not suddenly appearing on his doorstep

Shouting could be heard from inside, along with a few bangs. Maybe someone tripped and few? A door slammed, and then the front door opened revealing Vernon Dursely. 14 years hadn't done much for his figure. He had allowed his mustache to grow out, as well as developed 4 more chins. At the sight of the 4 wizards, his eyes widened, and his face turned a violent shade of red.

"Pe-Pe- Petunia?!" He shouted, "Those- those magic folk are here!" Lily rolled her eyes, though the words caused more worry to stir in her heart. Those magic folk? She had one living under her roof! She felt James tense beside her and didn't have to look to know that Sirius and Remus were both just as put off by the statement as she was.

"What do you freaks want?" Petunia hissed through her teeth. Dudley, or so Lily assumed, waddled behind her. Lily flinched at the familiar insult. Petunia hadn't changed a bit. Lily only hoped that she had been kinder to her nephew then she had to her sister. "L-Lily? J-James? You're supposed to be dead!"

James slipped his hand into Lily's and squeezed it in encouragement. "Can we come in?" Lily asked, "We'll explain everything then." Petunia complied after glancing behind her and receiving a nod of approval from Vernon.

"Who are these people?" Vernon demanded. His voice was strong and powerful, something Lily might have respected if the situation were different.

"Vernon, darling, it's my sister and her husband and their-"

"What are they doing here?!" He shouted. "You guys are supposed to be dead! That Volda- thingy killed you! That's why we had to take in your stubborn little brat!" James stepped in front of Lily, dropping her hand to stand in front of Vernon

"Don't you dare insult my son," James's voice was sharp and low. He took a step closer to Vernon. "It would do you well to tell us where my son is before I show you just what us freaks can do." A small smile crept up Lily's face at the threat. She squeezed James's hand.

Vernon's face grew a darker shade of red, turning almost purple, and nodded. "I'll be glad to get rid of that spoiled brat. You can have the boy if you can find him, but I won't be taking that boy under my roof again." Lily nearly growled at how he referred to Harry. Boy? Spoiled brat? How the hell had her son been raised for the past 14 years?

"Get out of my sight, Dursley." Her voice was tight as she tried to rein in her emotions. The sooner they found Harry, the sooner they could leave this place.

"Ok, Sirius, Remus, you check upstairs because he is probably up there waiting in his room and will respond to seeing you better. James and I will check downstairs just in case."

It was like the old days when they would go on Order missions together. Splitting up but remaining in pairs. Its how they got their best work done, and it felt good to get back in the rhythm of it.

The group nodded and split into their respective groups. Remus and Sirius tromped upstairs, while Lily and James checked the downstairs. Vernon had taken Petunia and Dudley on a car ride, or so it seemed as the house was deserted.