A Step Towards Healing
”What happens when people open their hearts? They get better.” Haruki Murakami
Listening to Petunia tell her story about how she had found Harry on the doorstep in the cold, how she found out about her sister’s death through a letter, how abusive Vernon was towards herself and Harry, and worse yet how her own son’s behavior worried her, was hard.
Hearing how Vernon used to tear her down emotionally when no one was listening, would force her to do things in fear of her own life was downright horrible. But hearing how her own son used to torture animals and then haphazardly try to hide it, wouldn’t care one bit when he was caught doing something wrong, and the look she described he would get upon his face when he was told “no” was downright frightening.
It was no wonder Harry had apparated in a panic yesterday. Harry had been forced to face evil both in and out of his own home. Now it was time to do something about it. Remembering what Petunia has said about migraines, he couldn’t help but feel even more disgusted as he realized she may have been compelled in some way throughout all of this.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Severus stated, “One of the first things we need to do is get to Gringotts. They can test what was cast on you and Harry and we can figure out his inheritance from there. I have a feeling Dumbledore’s manipulations doesn’t stop with just leaving Harry at your door. We also need to check for their wills, Lily wouldn’t have went into hiding afraid for her life without a plan in place for her child. Then we find an acceptable place for you and Harry to live, and we will ward the place and go from there. We also need to figure out how to get your son tested and possibly placed in a locked ward before he really harms someone.”
Petunia couldn’t help it, finally getting everything out felt like a giant weight had been lifted off her shoulders, she let out a sob.
Knowing that a tremendous amount of guilt had to be tearing her apart, Severus stood and sat next to Petunia, hesitating slightly, wrapped his arms around her and let her have time to compose herself.
Making a check list in his head of what needed to be done and the best way to get it done without letting anyone in on what they were doing was like choreographing a ballet. Coming to the realization that it would have to take place in the evening when he wouldn’t be missed, Severus stated, “We will go tonight, after my classes and supper. No one will notice I am gone. I will come and we will port key to the secret entrance of the bank. We will get this sorted out.”
Knowing Severus had to leave, Petunia gathered herself together, smiling shyly, “Thanks Sev, it means a lot that you’re willing to help. Before you leave say good bye to Harry or we will have a melt down on our hands. Excuse me, I am going to the washroom and splash some water on my face.” She gave Severus’ hand a squeeze and walked away while Severus went to say good bye to Harry.
Summer sat quietly in her chair. Having listened to Petunia tell her story brought up several traumas from her own past. Summer’s home life wasn’t easy, especially since she was a par-maj. She was thrown out of her family home in the end and sent to an orphanage. It was there the Honeys found her and took her in as their own.
Shaking her head as if to clear the memories, Summer vowed to herself that she would do whatever it took to make sure Petunia and Harry were safe.
Petunia came back in the room just as Summer was grabbing a notepad and a pen. Sitting down they both gave each other a comforting smile. Summer started, “I know it seems like a lot to do, but let’s start a list and begin somewhat of a plan, that way we aren’t completely floundering once Severus comes back shall we?”