Petunia's Contemplation

Harry, Iris, and Dudley just turned five years old and as much as Petunia tried to raise them well, she never exactly lied to them about who they were. Harry and Iris were her nephew and niece and her parents left them to her because they were "squibs". Petunia never lied to the children about the truth about magic and she made sure they understood how important it is for the three not to tell the world about its existence. She was afraid that the wizards would barge into her home if they reveal that information.

Five years ago, Petunia just gave birth to her son, Dudley. Unfortunately, the joy of having her first son was short-lived. Her husband, Vernon, got into a horrible accident at work and didn't make it. This devastated Petunia. Losing her husband while also having to deal with the fact that she was going to be a single mother. Thankfully, her husband's job provided very good life insurance and a program for widows so she was able to get some good remuneration from the accident.

A few months after his death, Petunia found her nephew and niece at her doorstep. Judging from how cold Harry and Iris were, it was obvious they were there all night! They didn't cry, so she never noticed but she was horrified that some random person just dropped children at her doorstep. Imagine her surprise to find out that they were her nephew and niece. There was a letter attached to it. It stated that Harry and Iris were both "squibs", talked about a war going on, letting them have a normal life, and needed protection.

Protection from what? Petunia doesn't understand. She knows she is a "muggle" and even if a wizard were to burst into her house, she can't exactly defend herself. Also, she was furious with Lily. Her sister didn't even bother to just knock on her door or even talk to her first. She practically saddled her with two kids without asking if she can even be able to support the children herself. She didn't even bother leaving some money or arranging for financial support at all in the letter. She has her hands full with one child, and now she has to deal with three? The worst part is she doesn't have the means to send or talk to Lily or whoever in the magical world. She can't do so (A/N: I was aware that Petunia was able to reach out to Dumbledore in the canon when she was a child but in this fanfic, her mail was ignored).

It was so inconsiderate of her. Even parents have to go through enough information and communication before even leaving the children to someone else like what is she going to do with finances now? She has enough to live off, but with three children, that is going to take a toll on her resources. Out of anger, she almost planned to shove the children at an orphanage and be done with it but for some reason, she can't do it.

Petunia and Lily haven't talked in years. She admitted that when they were younger, most of the reason was her jealousy over her sister having magic and how her parents turned most of their attention to Lily more than her. But the two went into a row after their parent's death especially after finding out that the ones who murdered them were wizards. She was so distraught and angry at Lily and started calling her names even in the middle of the funeral. She admits that what she did was wrong but ever since then the two sisters have not talked or even reached out to each other...until now apparently.

Children were a big responsibility and she is still furious over Lily's action of leaving the children in the cold night like she was letting go of some puppies. In the "muggle" world there were a lot of laws now about how to deal with and raise children. If she didn't open the door or if she wasn't at home, the children could be on the doorstep in the cold or be attacked by dogs.

Despite the struggle, Petunia decided to keep the two kids in her care. Marjorie Dursley (Vernon's sister), thinks she is nuts. Knowing some of what happened (except for the magic part), Marjorie now has a negative opinion of Petunia's sister. "What kind of mother just leaves their children just like that?". But despite her negative view, she didn't take it out on the children. Her sister-in-law was even kind enough to help her with expenses or watch the kids when she has to work. Although Petunia is thankful, she didn't want to continue like this.

Petunia studied biology and even took a master's in college and did her masters when she was married to Vernon. She took part-time jobs in the beginning since she hasn't exactly worked since she married. Vernon and Petunia have agreed long ago on her becoming a housewife with Vernon working. But with Vernon's death, that plan is derailed. Now she decided she is going to use this to take advantage of the new opportunity.

A local pharmaceutical company is hiring scientists and even provides opportunities for Petunia to take a Ph.D. through their program. However, the position is an ex-pat one. This means she will have to work in another country for the next few years which is where they are now, in Portland, Oregon where Petunia is taking microbiology in the local university while working as one of their researchers.

In the beginning, Petunia wasn't sure about taking the opportunity. She thought to wait out the possibility that Lily and her husband were to come back and pick up the children. This is because the two were showing magic ever since they arrive and it was a struggle to have them control the magic at that age as Petunia is ill equip to even teach the children the right control. The number of times hair colors change in the day care or Harry's disappearances have her almost dying of shock. She has had phone calls from teachers claiming Harry has been climbing at the roofs. But the two never reach out and if she waits too long she would lose out in this opportunity so she packed up the children and moved.

Living in America wasn't difficult as Petuniathought. Although her accent made it obvious where she is, her colleagues andher new American friends were decent to her. Portland City was a very nice place, ironically has a lot of ports and water bodies. The boys, Dudley and Harry enjoyed the bridges and Iris like the forests more.

Dudley grew up to be a very active little boy who likes to play - a lot. He and Iris, who is the spitting image of her sister (minus the scar and the two different colored eyes), were always seen running around the house or the backyard. The two children knows not to venture anywhere outside even at their backyard without an adult present or where Petunia couldn't see them. She has heard of many abduction of children in the past and she was terrified of leaving them alone. Harry was more subdued and like to stay inside and read (he was already reading in advance levels despite his age which made Petunia a little proud though she wish the boy be more of a kid a little longer) and sometimes help Petunia with the baking and the cooking. Iris and Dudley were to impatient to be able to do the baking or cooking with her and they were bound to result in disaster more.

The children were at a tricky age. They talk a lot, their coordination needs some improvement, incredibly curious and were at the age were they are developing some of their early interests, feelings and social interaction with other children. It was not easy to care for three young toddlers by herself and while the daycare has helped Petunia to have some time, but she has to make sure Harry and Iris were not in an emotional state to burst any magic. She already heard rumors from the staff on how they believe their daycare is haunted because things keep flying or dissappearing. Only Petunia believed that it was accidental magic.

Petunia glanced at the backyard from the kitchen window. Ever since Iris almost found herself in the forest, she has installed a fence around the house so the kids can freely go outside and without fear they dissappear from the house. Dudley and Iris were laughing on the seesaw. She did wonder if there is a magical community or even school in America. If she stays here a little longer, then she might have to consider the possibility of the children going to a foreign school even if it is a magic school.

Petunia was distracted from her train of thought when she heard someone at the door. It was the weekend and the research team she is a part of is waiting on the approval of their completed project after the testing of the new drug so she has more time now.

"Yes" Petuina asked when she opened the door. She was surprised to find Harry thereaccompanied by an adult male whom Petunia recognizes as their neighbor.

"Harry!" Petunia grabbed the little boy from the man. She didn't even realized the boy was outside. He was so quiet that it was hard to often find him but he always stay indoors. "Why were you outside? What did I tell you about going outside without telling anybody."

"Sorry, Aunty Petunia." The boy apologized.

"I am so sorry." Petunia apologized to the man. "Thank you for returning him to me."

"It's alright." The man smiled.

"Would you like some tea? I am Petunia Dursley by the way."

"I'm Augustus Blake, Ms. Dursley. But I would also like to talk to you about your children."

"Why is something wrong?"

"Ma'am. I'm from the MACUSA. The magical congress of the United States of America."

Petunia smile dropped. "What?"