The Nights Everything In Life Chang
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you'd expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn't hold with such nonsense.
Mr. Dursley (Vernon Dursley) was the director of a firm called Grunnings, which made drills. He was a big, beefy man with hardly any neck, although he did have a very large mustache. Mrs. Dursley (Petunia Dursley {née Evans}) was thin and blonde and had nearly twice the usual amount of neck, which came in very useful as she spent so much of her time craning over garden fences, spying on the neighbours ( a habit she had grown out of). The Dursleys had a small son called Dudley, whom they would say was one of three finest boys anywhere. Yes that’s right 3. Yes they were perfectly normal… well almost. You see, Petunia's sister, Lily, had a secret. A secret that didn't exactly change their sisterhood.
Lily was a witch.
Who attended the best school for magic: Hogwarts
Which also had the best headmaster in wizard history: Albus Dumbledore
In another life, Petunia knows there would be a place where she and Lily didn’t even have a sisterhood at all. That life would be a place where she would be nothing but cruel to her.
But this is not that life.
In this life, she will admit that she had been amazed and jealous of her sister. Jealous enough to write to Dumbledore with a request to attend Hogwarts as well, only to have that hope smashed into bits due to the lack of magic in her blood.
While that did cause a temporary strain in their relationship, it did not last more than 2 days until the two sisters broke down completely with how much they missed each other. The 2 supported each other from then on out.
From then on out, Lily was adamant that Petunia knew everything that she ever learned when it came to magic. Whenever Lily would write or return for break, the two would sit in their shared bedroom, with Lily taking out her notes and books and having Petunia reading them, while also showing everything wonderful about places such as Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
Of course, she had her share of things to hate about the Wizarding world. Specifically, the only thing she hated about the wizarding world was that there were some families, who called themselves Pure blood, had to be so cruel to people like her sister, even calling her that fifthly name “Mudblood”.
Of course that never did get to her sister… But if it were her in Hogwarts, well, she may have been suspended.
When Lily finally reached her 7th year, Petunia had all the education Lily had had, except for spells (which Lily began showing to her when the time had come). She had already met James, whom she enjoyed tackling with concerns, and Lily had already met Vernon, where they both enjoyed when Lily would cast a spell to change his mustache and hairstyle.
Vernon and Petunia were proud to say they were very normal in both the magic and non magical world. They were able to get the news from the daily prophet in secret and they saw no problem with that.
Especially when a certain dark wizard named: Voldemort showed up. Yes when Voldemort began, Petunia and Vernon, while knowing they were not magic, were with the Order of the Phoenix, where they met others such as Serverus, Remus, Sirius, Hagrid and of course Alice and Frank Longbottom. (Sirius, Alice and Hagrid are their favorites! And honestly, Serverus was not a friend anymore!)
When the couple heard the prophecy, they were nothing but thrilled to know that someone in the world would put an end to Voldemort, but that happiness faded when the prophecy sank in.
There were only two boys they knew who were born in July 1980 from parents who had defied Voldemort three times and lived to tell about it.
Those parents were Lily and James Potter and Alice and Frank Longbottom.
Which meant that the two boys were Harry Potter and Nevvile Longbottom.
When that news sank in… Well Petunia screamed and fainted in Vernon’s arms.
When Lily, James, Alice and Frank went into hiding, the Dursleys made their own form of protection. Anything magical, or even related to the Potters, Longbottoms and the magic was hidden in Petunia and Vernon’s room. For as long as they could help it, Death Eaters would not get to the Potters or Longbottoms through them.
They still kept in touch… In secret of course. Lily had sent her own share of letters to Petunia, with her new nephew Harry in the pictures. Same with little neville. And she was happy to share the news of Dudley with them.
Yes… This was fine.
Despite the dangers in the world now, things were good.
And Petunia was happy and she was ready for anything!
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Of course nothing could have prepared her for when, one night, after a day of magic appearing in the world and buffleling almost everyone except her and Vernon.
That night, they didn’t sleep, staying awake to ensure that the cat in the front of their house was truly who they believed it to be. And the only indication that the people they wanted to see were outside was when all the streetlights went out.
Without waiting, the couple ran to their front door just in time to see: Dumbledore. When Dumbledore saw them he did nothing but smile. “Petunia, Vernon,” he said with a smile. The two could only nod their heads in acknowledgement. “Good evening Professor Dumbledore” Petunia replied, with Vernon looking at the cat “Amd to you as well Professor McGonnagal.” he added.
It did not take long for that Cat to transform into the woman they all knew. The tall, stern-looking witch with her black hair drawn into her usual tight bun. “Good evening you three” she replied.
Before long, she turned to the two muggles. “Now I assume you’ve both heard and seen the events happening today?” she asked with Vernon nodding, “Yes I saw some wizards out on work today…” he replied, remembering how he had noticed all the wizards, especially the one that had hugged him today. “Honestly I couldn’t believe what he was telling me, and quite frankly… I wanted to come back in time for any news… I didn’t want to believe everything they said without having the proof from the daily prophet or you. Now when I saw you this morning, I - we both knew something had happened”. He said. Honestly, he knew that neighbours had been confused, but he didn’t want to cause any revealing magic problem in society today, so once he had been told, he rushed home and told Petunia.
Now they both knew that what that wizard told Vernon would need proof. They could no longer trust anyone in the wizarding world unless they knew them.
They knew Dumbledore and McGonagall. If the news was true, then they would know from them.
A nod from Dumbledore’s head was the only thing that caused Petunia to start sobbing and to fall to the ground. But a sudden thought came to her mind which caused her to get up. “And…” she asked. The silence was too… well silent. One look at her husband and she knew he had noticed as well. There was more to tell.
Professor McGonagall did not hesitate, only stopping once to take her handkerchief and wipe a few stray tears.”Yes… Now I don’t know the full story. You do” she said briskly looking at Dumbledore before continuing. “People are saying that he tried to kill the Potter's son, Harry. But -- he couldn't. He couldn't kill that little boy. No one knows why, or how, but they're saying that when he couldn't kill Harry Potter, Voldemort's power somehow broke -- and that's why he's gone.”
Dumbledore nodded glumly.
And now Petunia and Vernon could only look at each other in shock of what they had heard. It had to be impossible, but with Dumbledore’s nod… they now knew that everything they had heard had been true.. Tonight was a time to celebrate for all.. But for them, it was a time they lost two of their dearest friends. Two very important members of their families.
But Vernon still could not wrap his head around it. “But… how?” he asked slowly. Professor McGonnagall could only shake her head. "After all he's done... all the people he's killed... he couldn't kill a little boy? It's just astounding... of all the things to stop him... but how in the name of heaven did Harry survive?" she asked. And quite frankly Petunia and Vernon wanted that answer as well.
"We can only guess," said Dumbledore. "We may never know." he ended. That… was not the answer any of them wanted… but it was the answer that they, along with the rest of the wizarding world would have to swallow. They may never get a real answer at all.
But tonight… Voldemort was gone.
Harry was alive
That was the only true thing that people knew now. They would have to keep guessing until an answer satisfied their curiosity.
But Petunia was not satisfied, so she turned to Dumbledore with one question in mind. “What about Harry?” she asked, knowing that she and Vernon had a right to know as well. Rather than answering, Dumbledore gave a great sniff as he took a golden watch from his pocket and examined it.
It was a very odd watch. It had twelve hands but no numbers; instead, little planets were moving around the edge. It must have made sense to Dumbledore, though, because he put it back in his pocket and said, "Hagrid's late. I suppose it was he who told you I'd be here, by the way?" he asked McGonagall. "Yes," Professor McGonagall replied. "And I don't suppose you're going to tell me why you're here, of all places?".
Vernon and Petunia could only think of one answer, and it could only baffle them. “You’ve come to give Harry to us?” he asked. Petunia looked shell shocked. Dumbledore only nodded and McGonagall only smiled.
Petunia was not in the mood for this type of attitude. She proceeded to say “Dumbledore… You may be a genius… But At this point I think I’ve earned the right to ask: HAVE YOU GONE MAD!” she finished with a shriek before continuing. “WHAT KIND OF FUTURE DO YOU WANT THAT SWEET CHILD TO LIVE IN. WIZARDS IN THIS CITY WILL BAFFLE HIM! NO ONE NORMAL WILL UNDERSTAND HIM. HE’LL BE FAMOUS - A LEGEND. I FOR ONE WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF TODAY WOULD BE KNOWN AS HARRY POTTER DAY IN THE FUTURE. THERE WILL BE BOOKS IN DIAGON ALLEY WRITTEN ABOUT HARRY! EVERY CHILD IN YOUR WORLD WILL KNOW HIS NAME! AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO–” she never got a chance to finish her rant as Vernon, in an effort to calm her down and avoid waking their neighbors, covered her mouth with his hand, silencing her.
While she was a bit miffed at Vernon, she knew he had thought the same thing. Harry had a place in the wizarding world before. But now it was a bigger place. If Harry grew up in the wizarding world… He would be given a true chance to know his parents, his place at Hogwarts, while also learning the name of the man that had betrayed his parents… That Sirius Black!
Other than that… if Harry grew up in this world… well he would be an outcast if any magic happened.Petunia had seen her sister become an outcast before her own eyes. She did not want Harry to have that life.
Vernon also had his fair share of seeing James being treated like trash due to his own lack of muggle knowledge. If Harry was left with them, he would know normal muggle things, but be a stranger to a world celebrating him right now. He did not want Harry to become overwhelmed with a life that would be waiting for him.
Despite Petunia’s outburst, neither Dumbledore nor McGonagall seemed fazed. "Exactly my dear Petunia," said Dumbledore, looking very seriously over the top of his half-moon glasses. "It would be enough to turn any boy's head. Famous before he can walk and talk! Famous for something he won't even remember! Can’t you both see how much better off he'll be, growing up away from all that until he's ready to take it?" he said.
As much as Petunia and Vernon hated to admit it. Dumbledore was a genius and he was right. But… Would they be up for the challenge? Professor McGonagall seemed to see their doubts. “You two shouldn’t be worried. I’ve watched you both all day. You’re very good parents and that lovely son of yours Dudlley will grow to a fine gentleman. If you both took Harry in… That wouldn’t change.” She said,
That was the only form of comfort they needed. When the husband and wife turned to each other, they knew they were ready. “Where is he?” she asked. Dumbledore quickly took a bundle from his cloak. “Here. Hagrid retrieved him from that home. But he gave him to me instead. I’m afraid Hagrid, already heartbroken by Lily and James, feared that seeing you two would cause him to break down completely, but I’ll have you know that they both bonded on the way to me”. Dumbledore said.
Petunia and Vernon completely understood Hagrid. Even if they didn’t, they knew how despite his size, how soft hearted their friend was. Vernon smiled at Dumbledore, while handing the baby to Petunia. “Be sure to tell him everything is alright here,” he said before Petunia removed the hood of the blanket on the boy’s head.
Inside the blanket was their nephew… with a new, fresh scar on his forehead, shaped like a bolt of lightning. "Is that where -?" whispered Professor McGonagall. "Yes," said Dumbledore. "He'll have that scar forever.” he finished. Petunia was not so sure if Harry should want something to remember a horrible night. "Couldn't you do something about it, Dumbledore?" she asked. But he turned to her with that dim witted smile and a shake of his head again. "Even if I could, I wouldn't. Scars can come in handy. I have one myself above my left knee that is a perfect map of the London Underground.” he replied.
This was the typical Dumbledore behavior they all should have been expecting. But Once more Dumbledore turned to the Dursley couple. “Now you should both go inside. Anymore and the child will get sick” he said swiftly, before turning to Professor McGonagall. " I Shall see you soon, I expect, Professor McGonagall." said Dumbledore, nodding to her. Professor McGonagall blew her nose in reply.
Knowing the two would leave soon, the couple looked at them both.” We’ll do everything we can” said Petunia, with Vernon nodding.
Yes, they would do everything they can.
With a nod, Professor McGonagall soon left, with Dumbledore, but not before the wise wizard turned back and murmured “Good luck Harry” before leaving. With that the couple returned inside their home, with their new bundle of joy with them.
Once inside, they both heard the rousing of the baby in Petunia’s arms and soon heard Dudley’s cries for food. Vernon could only think of one thing to say. “Now what?” he asked, making Petunia laugh. While her husband was intelligent in both normal and magic sides, when it came to babies, he was hopeless. Petunia on the other hand was not. “Get Dudley and a pair of his spare pajamas. I’ll set him in that old cradle and prepare some milk.” she said.
With that being said they got their task done and fed the two babies, looking in wonder of how much Harry looked like James, while having Lily's eyes.
Yes… They would do their best here in raising these two boys. One who would be extraordinary without even knowing yet. He couldn't know that at this very moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and saying in hushed voices: "To Harry Potter -- the boy who lived!"
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It’s been a year since Harry woke up to see two strange adults and one boy hsi age, but things were going well. The two agreed it would be best to not change Harry’s last name even after legally adopting him. While Vernon’s sister Marge had her hatred for the boy, they did not. They had cleaned up a spare cradle and placed it in Dudley’s room, while both she and Vernon believed it best if they got a triple bunk bed for when the boys were older, using the middle punk for toys or a friend coming over.
Other than that reservation, things were going well, everyone saw that Dud;ey and Harry would be like brothers and they had their share of favorite toys. But even that…. Life is like a dream now.
Now it is the night before Harry turns one, and she is busy preparing the cake when a knock is at the door. Both she and Vernon don’t know what to expect… Nothing from the daily prophet says anything is coming, but without a second thought Vernon begins to quiet Harry and Dudley down while Petunia answers the door. (What? If it’s someone bad she knows how to punch!)
But she doesn’t see trouble.
What she does see… Makes her scream.
But she then covers her mouth, grabs what she saw and quickly enters the house.
In her arms, is a baby in a bundle and a letter.
As soon as Vernon sees this he quickly guesses the same thing she did: Dumbledore!
Opening the bundle she gets the surprise of her life. “Neville?” she quickly questions, though she knows the sleeping baby won’t answer her. But when Vernon quickly joins her side, they both know it truly is Neville Longbottom without a doubt. Vernon can’t help but chuckle at Neville. “Look at that… looks more like his mother… except for the eyes of his father…” he finishes with a whisper.
That’s the exact opposite of Harry, with the body of his father and the eyes of his mother. Almost as if these two were destined to meet.
Without a second thought she opens the letter and inside she finds an explanation… and the second worst news of her life.
Alice and Frank… are gone.
Well, not like Harry.
But now… thanks to that Bellatrix Lestrange… and that Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange and a fourth that is currently unknown…
Alice and Frank won’t be able to take care of their son because they are either unable to wake up… or awake and unable to recognise their own son.
When Vernon reads that part of the letter he cannot help but curse. “Bloody Hell, don’t those Death Eaters know that they will need to face Azkaban” he says, though he knows the answer. No, those Death Eaters don’t care for as long as they can be motivated to find their master. Nothing will stop them.
And that is nothing to compare when the truth sinks in on them. Harry and Neville are more alike than they had first realized.
For starters: They are both the sons of parents who became the victims of 2 of the Three Unforgivable Curses (With Neville’s parents suffering from a fate worse than death, something both Vernon and Petunia agree on).
But on the other hand, they both resemble their parents, are now orphans and, while harry will be famous for being “The Boy Who Lives”,they will both be remembered as the sons of the strongest witches and wizards in the wizarding world.
Petunia skims through the letter as to why them? Again? When she finds the answer she is once more filled with relief. “Well I had better tell you darling, if we were to leave him at an address where Dumbledore would wait… Neville would have been sent to his Grandmother.” she replies briskly. Vernon only pauses for a second before replying. “Well then it’s a good thing Dumbledore thought of us then!” he said.
And it is.
They’ve had the pleasant (or rather unpleasant) meeting of Augusta Longbottom.
And so has Dumbledore.
Frankly they both know that if Neville went to live with that woman, he would be forced to face the honor of being the son of his parents.
And if that wasn’t one thing, Being raised in that life by a woman who would demand so much from him…
Neville may grow up to be a gentleman.
But his home life... would not be safe.
By safe, she means that Neville will have so many expectations placed on him by that grandmother of his, he may not even have time to feel any real love from that women.
And Petunia and Vernon will not allow that!
With that in mind, they do not hesitate to adopt Neville as well, also keeping his last name, much to the anger of Marge, who wrote a scatching letter expressing her own anger, telling them they were getting set up for two waste of spaces and blah, blah, blah.
But that did not stop then.
Soon the third part of the bunk bed was ready for a new boy.
Harry, Neville and Dudley keep playing with their toys, with Neville taking the preference to a toy plant.
Soon Petunia is making 3 cakes for the 3 boys on their birthdays, while Vernon begins to prepare on signing them up for school, they’ll be going to the same school until Harry and Neville’s letters come in.
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With the love of three boys in the house, The Dursleys are ready to say that they are a perfectly normal family, with perfectly normal people and perfectly well versed in their own stories of magic from the wizarding world.