Today’s enemy is tomorrow’s ally
Chapter 4
November 30, 1981: The Birth of Alexander
Alexander's birth on November 30 was a significant moment, not just for Petunia as a mother but also as a woman who had navigated the tumultuous world of MI5's Magical Intelligence Branch while juggling her responsibilities at home. The labour was gruelling—eight hours filled with the kind of physical pain and mental strain that only a mother could truly understand. Each contraction brought with it not just the pain but also the fear of what could go wrong. She had read about the risks: stress fractures, the popping of hips, the dangers of preeclampsia, and the horrors of a C-section gone awry.
As the hours dragged on, Petunia wondered if this was a mistake— If getting pregnant was a mistake, if her decision to bring another child into such a dangerous world was selfish.
But then, when the doctor offered her an epidural, she took it without hesitation, demanding all the drugs they could legally give her. John was there, supportive and attentive, but even his calming presence couldn't erase the anxieties that gnawed at her. Yet, when she finally held Alexander in her arms, all the pain, fear, and doubts melted away. He was perfect—a small, warm bundle of potential, someone she would protect with her life, just as she was sworn to protect Harry.
December 1981
The closing days of 1981 were a whirlwind of emotion and reflection for Petunia Evans Dankworth. Her son, Alexander, was just over a month old, and Harry was nearing a two-month stay with them. The house on Privet Drive, once a symbol of normalcy, filled with the sounds of two young children, their laughter and cries echoing through the halls. Yet, beneath the surface, the weight of her responsibilities pressed heavily on Petunia's shoulders.
December 15, 1981: Sirius Black's Visit
The chill of winter settled over Privet Drive, and the middle of December brought with it another challenge for Petunia. The clock chimed softly in the quiet house, marking the late hour as Sirius Black entered her home, fresh from a therapy session. His steps were heavy with the weight of memories that refused to fade. Harry and Alexander slept peacefully upstairs, unaware of the darkness surrounding the man standing in Petunia's living room.
Petunia had come to learn, memories filled with trauma, anger, and regret. He rambled about his family, his deranged cousin Bellatrix, and the decapitated heads of house elves that had once lined the walls of his ancestral home. The conversation took a darker turn when Sirius, in a moment of vulnerability, confessed to Petunia about his school days—how he and his friends had tormented Severus Snape, how they had nearly led him to his death at the hands of a werewolf.
Sirius began to talk about Severus Snape, or "Snivellus," as he derisively called him. The memories spilt out in a disjointed narrative—a prank about hanging Severus upside down, exposing him to the ridicule of their peers. Sexual assault, Petunia thought, her stomach churning. But when Sirius mentioned the Shrieking Shack, the true horror of his actions became clear.
With a casualness that made Petunia's blood run cold, Sirius recounted how he had nearly led Severus to his death at the hands of a werewolf as if it were nothing more than a schoolboy prank. The words hung in the air, heavy and oppressive, as Petunia struggled to comprehend the full scope of what he had done. Attempted murder? Attempted werewolf turning? The lines between the two blurred in her mind, but the intent was clear—Sirius had played with Severus's life as if it were a game.
Sirius's voice grew more agitated as he complained about his therapist. "They say when I'm mad, I don't think straight, that I don't consider the consequences of my actions," he muttered, frustration seeping into his tone. He spoke as if this were an injustice done to him, as if the very idea of facing the consequences was an affront.
Petunia listened, horrified. The casual way Sirius mentioned these events, as if they were harmless pranks, sent chills down her spine. Her mind raced, imagining what could have happened had Severus been her child—what she would have done if someone had tormented her son in such a way.
December 15, 1981
"Nobody deserves to be bullied or sexually assaulted, Sirius," she said, her voice firm and unwavering. "If that happened to my child, I would have killed you." Her words were blunt, almost brutal, but they conveyed the depth of her revulsion. "At the very least, you need to understand the consequences of your actions. What your friends did was wrong. What you did was wrong."
Sirius stared at her as if she were the one who had gone mad, his eyes wide with shock. But Petunia didn't waver. The weight of her own experiences pressed heavily on her, and she knew that Sirius needed to confront the darkness within him if he was to have any hope of redemption. She insisted that he continue his therapy, that he see a psychiatrist, a healer—anyone who could help him confront his demons.
"You need to understand something, Sirius," she said, her voice softening but losing none of its firmness. "Today's enemy is tomorrow's ally. If you don't come to terms with your past, you'll never be able to move forward. And I need you to be stable—not just for your sake, but for Harry's as well."
Sirius looked away, his shoulders slumping as the weight of her words settled over him. Petunia watched him closely, feeling as though she were gaining an unwanted puppy—one that had been abandoned too many times, left to fend for itself, and now needed to be housetrained. It was a responsibility she hadn't asked for but one she could not ignore.
As Sirius left her home that night, the cold air biting at his heels, Petunia knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult. But she also knew that she had taken the first step in helping him find his way back from the darkness. For Harry's sake, she would do whatever it took to ensure that Sirius became the man he needed to be.
February 1982
The therapy sessions forced Sirius to confront his traumatic upbringing in the Black family. Raised in a pure-blood supremacist environment, he struggled with the expectations placed upon him and the abuse he endured for not conforming to his family's ideals.
Through Therapy, Sirius explored the deep-seated anger and resentment he feels towards his family, particularly his mother, who disowned him but never disinherited him. He also grapples with guilt over abandoning his younger brother, Regulus, and the unresolved grief of losing him to the same dark forces he fought against.
Sirius had a stiff initial resistance and denial of his healing journey.
It was a hard thing to do for Sirius. He initially resisted therapy, viewing it as unnecessary or a sign of weakness. He even dismisses his past actions, particularly his bullying of Snape, rationalising it as a product of their school rivalry. Black's therapy journey addressed not only his traumatic upbringing and time in Azkaban but also his past actions, including the bullying of Severus Snape.
March 1982
Therapy explored Sirius's upbringing as a Black family member, where he was raised with intense pressure to conform to pure-blood supremacy and dark magic. The abuse and neglect he experienced for rejecting these ideals left deep scars, fueling his rebellious nature.
His therapist helped him understand how this environment shaped his personality, leading to his anger, defiance, and eventual estrangement from his family. This exploration also reveals how these unresolved issues contributed to his actions during school, including his treatment of Snape.
The isolation, the presence of Dementors, and the constant reliving of his worst memories left him mentally and emotionally scarred.
In Therapy, Sirius worked through the effects of this trauma, including his feelings of powerlessness and the lingering fear that he might never entirely escape the shadows of Azkaban. His therapist used techniques to help him process these memories and reduce their hold on him.
June 1982
One of the most challenging aspects for Sirius to confront is his role in bullying Severus Snape during their time at Hogwarts. Initially, he downplayed these actions, viewing them as part of the school's rivalry culture. He said that Dumbledore never said it was wrong, that no one at school said it was, and that everyone thought it was expected, or at least that is what it looked like from his perspective.
However, as therapy progresses, Sirius is guided to see the impact of his actions on Snape, recognising that what he saw as harmless fun had more profound, harmful consequences. His therapist helps him unpack the reasons behind his behaviour, which might stem from his need to assert control and rebel against the image of his family, whom he associated with Snape due to Snape's interest in dark arts.
This part of therapy involves Sirius confronting the guilt and shame associated with his treatment of Snape. This leads to a profound realisation of how his actions contributed to Snape's bitterness and eventual alignment with darker forces.
As Sirius acknowledges his past wrongs, particularly towards Snape, he begins to feel the weight of needing to make amends. This desire initially manifests as a struggle as he grapples with the fear that Snape will never forgive him and that his attempts at reconciliation might be rejected.
July 1982
It was July 1982, nearly a year since Harry had come to live with Petunia, and the year had been nothing short of tumultuous. Petunia often found herself wondering when she would stop feeling like she was the only adult in the room. Despite everything she had been through, it was the emotional immaturity of those around her that tested her patience the most.
Sirius Black, recently released from Azkaban and slowly adjusting to life outside the prison, was a bundle of raw nerves and repressed anger. He had resisted therapy from the beginning, seeing it as a sign of weakness. The idea of baring his soul to a stranger, of confronting the horrors he had endured and the mistakes he had made, was terrifying to him. He dismissed his past actions, particularly his bullying of Severus Snape, as nothing more than schoolboy rivalry. To Sirius, those were moments of bravado, not cruelty. But as the months passed, the therapist worked tirelessly to break down those walls, helping Sirius see the truth—that his actions had left lasting scars on both Snape and himself.
The therapy sessions were gruelling, often leaving Sirius more agitated than before. They became a battleground, a place where Sirius confronted the demons of his past and was forced to relive the choices that had led him to Azkaban. Slowly, agonisingly, he began to come to terms with the damage he had caused, not just to Snape but to himself and those he claimed to care about.
July 1982
Severus's Dangerous Gambit
But Severus Snape was not one to let old wounds heal easily. The fragile alliance that had formed between him and Sirius was one built on necessity, not trust. Still bitter and resentful from years of torment, Severus could not let go of the past. He was frustrated by Sirius's stubbornness and his refusal to acknowledge the pain he had inflicted. Severus's own scars, both physical and emotional, were a constant reminder of the years of bullying and humiliation he had endured at Hogwarts.
By July 1982, Severus had reached his breaking point. In a misguided and reckless attempt to force Sirius to understand the pain he had caused, Severus concocted a hallucinogenic potion, one that would make Sirius relive Snape's experiences at school—the bullying, the humiliation, the fear. Severus believed that if Sirius could see the world through his eyes, even for a moment, it might break through the wall of denial and bravado that Sirius had built around himself.
The results were catastrophic. Far more potent than Severus had anticipated, the potion plunged Sirius into a nightmarish hallucination. He was no longer the confident, reckless young man of his school days. Instead, he became a terrified, isolated boy, reliving every moment of cruelty he had inflicted upon Severus. The hallucinations were vivid and unrelenting, dragging Sirius deeper into a pit of despair and self-loathing.
July 1982
Petunia's Intervention
When Petunia found Sirius, he was in a state of near hysteria, thrashing and screaming, completely lost in the hallucination. Severus stood nearby, his face a mask of grim satisfaction, but even he seemed taken aback by the intensity of Sirius's reaction. At that moment, Petunia realised just how far Severus had gone, how deeply he had been hurt, and how dangerous it was to let these old wounds fester.
Stepping between the two men, Petunia took charge. She administered a counter-potion to bring Sirius back to reality, her hands steady despite the chaos around her. When Sirius finally came to, he was trembling, tears streaming down his face as he looked at Severus with a mixture of anger, fear, and a newfound understanding of the pain he had caused.
But the damage had been done. The fragile alliance between Sirius and Severus had shattered, and Petunia once again had to pick up the pieces. She scolded Severus for his recklessness, reminding him their mission was to protect Harry, not destroy each other. She also comforted Sirius, urging him to continue with his therapy and not let this setback undo his progress.
That night, as Petunia sat alone in the quiet of her home, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was the only one who truly understood the gravity of their situation. The magical world was dangerous, full of people with agendas, traumas, and vendettas. They needed to be united, not divided by old grudges and unresolved pain to protect Harry and her family.
For Sirius, the experience was a turning point. The hallucinations had forced him to confront a truth he had been avoiding for years—that his actions had caused actual harm and that he could not continue to dismiss them as youthful folly. It was a painful realisation that ultimately pushed him further down the path of healing.
For Severus, the incident reminded him of the darkness that still lingered within him, the anger and bitterness that time had not quelled. But it also made him realise that if he truly wanted to honour Lily's memory, he needed to put aside his hatred for Sirius and focus on the task at hand—protecting Harry.
And for Petunia, it was a reaffirmation of her role as the adult in the room, the one who had to keep them all focused on what mattered. The road ahead was long and fraught with danger. Still, as she looked at Harry and her little Alexander, sleeping peacefully in their cribs, she knew she would do whatever it took to keep them safe, even if it meant playing peacemaker between two of the most stubborn men she had ever known.
Earlier in the year, Petunia had suggested to Sirius that he might want to meet with his cousin Narcissa. They were family. They had agreed to go to family therapy earlier that year.
Earlier in 1982
After Sirius's release from Azkaban and as tensions rise in the magical world, Petunia, who was working to gather allies and heal rifts, suggests that Sirius and Narcissa participate in family therapy. The goal was to address unresolved issues and align against the more significant threat of Voldemort.
Both Sirius and Narcissa are initially reluctant. Sirius harbours deep resentment towards his family, particularly those who aligned themselves with Voldemort, while Narcissa feels disdain for Sirius's perceived betrayal of their pure-blood legacy and family.
Sirius rebelled against his family's ideology, leading to his estrangement, while Narcissa conformed to survive, marrying into the Malfoy family and maintaining the pure-blood lineage. These differing paths create tension in the therapy sessions, as Sirius views Narcissa's choices as a betrayal of their shared suffering. At the same time, Narcissa sees Sirius's rebellion as reckless and dangerous—a disregard for the family.
In Therapy, Sirius expresses his resentment towards Narcissa and the rest of the family for their complicity in pure-blood supremacy. He reveals his loneliness and anger after being disowned and how he struggled with guilt over leaving his brother, Regulus, behind.
July 1982
Weaving Alliances
July 1982 marked a pivotal moment in Petunia's life as she carefully manoeuvred through the intricate web of alliances she had been forced to weave. The past year had been a whirlwind of unexpected developments, each more complex than the last. Navigating her uneasy alliance with Lucius Malfoy was one thing, but dealing with Sirius Black, who was slowly coming into his role as Lord Black, added another layer of complexity to her already overburdened life. Petunia was acutely aware that the success of her mission depended on fostering relationships in the magical world that could benefit Harry in the long run. And now, she saw an opportunity to strengthen the ties between her family and the Malfoys.
Harry's second birthday was approaching, and Petunia was determined to make it a significant event for him and their future. The idea of Harry and Draco forming a friendship lingered in her mind for some time. She knew such a bond could be incredibly advantageous for both boys as they grew up, especially in a world as divided and dangerous as the one they would inevitably have to navigate. A connection between the two most powerful pure-blood families—the Malfoys and the Blacks—could be instrumental in shaping the future of the magical world.
July 1982
The Decision to Meet Narcissa
Petunia had already been in contact with Narcissa Malfoy through letters, but they had never met in person. Narcissa was an enigma to Petunia, a woman of grace and poise yet fiercely protective of her family. Clearly, Narcissa was the glue that held the Malfoy family together, and Petunia knew that if she wanted to solidify an alliance with Lucius, she would need Narcissa on her side.
The decision to meet Narcissa in person came after months of delicate negotiations and shared understandings. Earlier that year, Petunia had convinced Sirius to attend family therapy sessions, knowing that the Black family's dysfunction could not be mended without professional help. The therapy had been difficult for Sirius, but it had also opened the door to healing some of the old wounds between him and his cousins, particularly Narcissa. Petunia saw this as a critical first step in bringing their families closer together.
Sirius had reluctantly agreed that it was time to introduce Harry to his magical relatives. Despite his deep-seated mistrust of Lucius Malfoy, he couldn't deny the value of Harry having connections within the magical community. Sirius knew that Harry would need allies, especially with his unique heritage and the dark forces still lurking in the shadows. Petunia, ever the pragmatist, saw the potential benefits of this connection but also knew it had to be handled delicately.
July 1982
The First Meeting
Petunia carefully planned the meeting with Narcissa. She chose a neutral location, a picturesque estate in the English countryside, far from the prying eyes of both the magical and Muggle worlds. The estate was secluded, surrounded by tall hedges and sprawling gardens, providing the perfect setting for an intimate gathering. Petunia wanted the meeting to be about family and about creating bonds that would last a lifetime, and she knew that an informal setting would help ease the tension.
When the day arrived, Petunia was dressed modestly yet elegantly, something that would convey respect without appearing ostentatious. She was nervous, but her years of training in MI5 had taught her how to mask her emotions. She needed to make a good impression on Narcissa, not just for Harry's sake but for the alliance she hoped to build between their families.
As Petunia arrived at the estate with Harry in her arms, she was greeted by a vision of sophistication. Narcissa Malfoy was every bit as regal as her reputation suggested. Dressed in a tailored, flowing robe of deep emerald green, her platinum blonde hair perfectly coiffed, Narcissa exuded an air of calm authority. Yet, beneath the surface, Petunia could sense the watchfulness in her eyes, the careful assessment of every detail.
Narcissa's eyes softened as they fell on Harry, who was peering up at her with wide, curious eyes. She smiled, a small, genuine smile that surprised Petunia. It was a smile that spoke of shared understanding, of a mother's love and the recognition of the importance of the children before them.
July 1982
"Lady Malfoy," Petunia said, extending a hand, careful to use the formal title as a sign of respect.
"Please, call me Narcissa," she replied, taking Petunia's hand firmly yet gently. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Dankworth."
"Petunia," she corrected with a slight smile. "Thank you for agreeing to this meeting. I believe it's important for our boys to know each other."
Narcissa nodded, her gaze shifting to Draco, who stood shyly behind her. "Indeed. Family is everything, after all."
July 1982
The Bonding of Two Families
The initial moments were tense, filled with polite conversation and guarded exchanges. But as the afternoon wore on, the barriers began to crumble. Narcissa and Petunia found common ground in their shared desire to protect their children and ensure they had the best possible future. Narcissa spoke of Draco's early signs of magical ability and the pride and concern that came with it. Petunia listened intently, sharing her experiences with Harry and the challenges of raising a child destined for a world so different from the one she had known.
The boys, too, began to warm to each other. Draco, initially reserved, was soon chasing Harry around the garden, their laughter echoing through the estate. Watching them play together, Petunia felt a sense of relief. Perhaps this could work. Harry could have a friend, an ally, someone who understood the complexities of their world.
Narcissa was initially reluctant to let Harry and Draco have regular playdates. However, as a mother, she understood the importance of protecting a child. Petunia's appeal to Narcissa's sense of motherhood, particularly her love for Draco, convinced her to at least consider helping Harry. After all, Today's enemy is tomorrow's ally.
As the afternoon drew to a close, Narcissa extended an invitation to Petunia and Harry to visit Malfoy Manor. It was a significant gesture, one that Petunia knew was not made lightly. The Malfoys were notoriously private, and to be invited into their home was a sign of trust.
"I would like that very much," Petunia replied, recognising the importance of this moment. She knew that this was the beginning of a new chapter, one where Harry and Draco could grow up together, not just as friends, but as allies in a world that would demand much from them.
July 1982
A Strategic Victory
As Petunia left the estate that day, she felt a sense of accomplishment. The meeting with Narcissa had gone better than she could have hoped. It was not just a social call; it was the laying of a foundation, the first step in building a network of alliances that would protect Harry in the years to come. Narcissa had proven to be a formidable ally, someone who understood the stakes as clearly as Petunia did.
But Petunia also knew that this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be long and fraught with challenges. The magical world was full of dangers, and the alliances she was building were as fragile as they were necessary. Yet, as she looked at Harry asleep in his car seat, Petunia knew she would do whatever it took to ensure his safety and happiness, even if it meant forging unlikely friendships and navigating treacherous political waters.
July 30 1982
Harry's birthday was being hosted at the Black family house, 12 Grimmauld Place, a neutral gathering location arranged by Sirius to demonstrate goodwill and that he was taking his therapy sessions seriously. Lucius accepted going to Harry's birthday to assess Harry's potential.
In Petunia's opinion, the four months it took to make that place safe and acceptable was horrifying, along with taking down the house-elf's decapitated heads and giving them a proper burial, finding a suspicious neckless that Kreacher would not let go until they all promise to destroy.
Petunia had to go to her colleagues at the Magical Intelligence branch to help finally destroy the object with Fiendfyre at an undisclosed location, where she was told that the object she asked to depose off was a Horcrux. That was one conversation Petunia would not forget any time soon. They were unsure who the Horcrux belonged to, only that it had a distinct snake on the necklace. Sirius told her it could have belonged to several possible family members, but he was unsure who it might belong to.