Chapter Text
Petunia knew that she wasn't the best sister, in-fact she was pretty horrible. Her jealousy towards Lilly was something she wished she could take back, she wished she could apologize to her little sister. Maybe that's why when she saw the bruises on her nephews cheek and arms as he slept in the cupboard under the stairs, she wrote a letter to her sister's oldest friend. She wasn't able to apologize to her sister, so maybe she could make it up by making sure her son had a good life.
The dark haired woman looked at the letter that Dumbledore had left in little Harry's blanket before sneering. What he was asking her to do, she couldn't stomach even if Vernon was more than happy to. She thought about what Lilly would do if she and her husband had died and left Dudley to her. Her overly kind sister would raise her son as her own, while telling him about all the good and leaving out the bad. Petunia nodded before going to a window, glancing at an owl which always seemed to linger around the house. She didn't know why, but she was reminded to Lily whenever she saw it. "Take this to Severus Snape." Petunia pleaded, the owl nudged her hand before taking the letter into it's beak and flying away.
A tapping on the window caught the attention of the Malfoy family and Severus Snape who had come over to see Draco as well as spend time with his best friends. Lucius opened the window letting the screeching Owl swoop in, perching itself on the Potion Master's shoulder dropping a letter on the mans lap, nipping at his ear, snatching a biscuit that was on the table before leaving again. "Who's it from? I don't recognize the Owl." Narcissa said, Severus looked at the letter before his eyes widened. "Lilly's sister."
Severus,
I know I'm the last person you wish to hear from and I understand. I was horrible to both you and Lilly and that's why I write this. Lilly's son, Harry, has been left in my care, but I fear for his safety. I don't know why he was left to me, I know Lilly would have been raised somewhere that would help him flourish. Somewhere his magic could be understood and developed. I can never apologize to Lilly, and I never expect you to accept one, but please, for Lilly. Harry is not safe here, at only two Vernon has painted his skin and I am not strong enough to help him. I don't think I would write this, but those eyes that look up at me in tears, all I see is Lilly. I understand your reservations, he does look like his father, but that is where the comparisons end. So, if you think you could set aside your hatred for both me and James, for an innocent child, meet me at Spinner's End in a weeks time at three P.M. if only to meet him. I am bringing something that was with Harry when I found him, and I warn you, it is not pleasant. I beg you.
Petunia
"Sev?" Lucius called out, placing a hand on the mans shoulder, the dark haired man remained quiet, but handed the blonde the letter, listening as he swore. "What do I do? It's the Potter spawn." Severus spat out, the name leaving a foul taste in his mouth. "You know better than anyone, Severus, the child is not the parent." Narcissa said softly reaching over to grab the youngers hand. Narcissa and Lucius were the first after Lily that he told about what happened at home. They spent time recognizing his triggers and helping him overcome it, and he was stronger because of it. If he were to leave a child, Potter's, no, Lilly's child in a home like his, he wouldn't be any better than his father or his bullies.
"Beside's Draco has been asking us for a sibling. This will get him off our backs." Narcissa smacked her husbands arm while Severus rolled his eyes fondly. "Of course." Severus drawled with a smirk.
Severus wasn't sure what he expected when he met Harry, he half expected it to be a practical joke. He expected the 'Saviour' to be spoiled and obnoxious, yet here the boy was. In clothes multiple sizes too large, clutching a ratty blanket as he hid behind the tall womens legs. Even though he was mostly hidden, the Potion Master could see the discoloration that littered the small boys body. Emerald green eyes peered up at him, half in fear and half in curiosity. Severus was never one that cared when people feared him, yet when Harry looked at him, his heart twisted. "Petunia." His voice was sharp enough to cut through steel, preventing any non-sense. Petunia glanced at her nephew, before digging out the letter that he held that fateful night.
Mr. and Mrs. Dursley,
This is Harry James Potter. Son of James and Lilly Potter. I regret to inform you that they have been killed and as his only living relatives, I leave him in your care. Harry has a destiny, prophesied before he was born, he is the one who is to save the magical world, but there is more that I am saddened to say. He must die to achieve this. I fear that should he know, he will stray from the path I have laid out for him. I ask that you discipline him, keep him ignorant, anything to make him submissive. Assure that he knows how to obey without questioning. Do as you must, I only request that he stays alive, even to the bare minimum. I assure you that you will be compensated for your services as long as needed. I wish not to threaten you, but for the greater good, he must be how I need him.
Albus Dumbledore
Severus read the letter once, then twice, and a third time. The words never changed, he wished that the letter was forged, but he knew the mans writing, he has seen it since his first year at Hogwarts. "He isn't safe." Petunia whispered, her voice cracking, catching the toddlers attention. "Auntie okay?" His voice was soft and he patted the woman's leg, unsure on how to comfort her, but not wanting to see the kind woman upset. "Harry right?" Severus asked, he kept his voice gentle, the one he only used when speaking to Draco. "I'm Severus, I Knew your mum." The identical eyes that were once Lilly's lit up in awe. "Sevvie know Hawwy mummy?" The toddler tilted his head to the side, eyes filled with wonder. The black haired male looked at Petunia, she was looking down at Harry in worry and love before glancing at the man she's known since childhood, who nodded softly.
"Harry. You remember how I told you that I was taking you to someone who may be able to help you?" The black haired woman said, Harry's face twisted before nodding, glancing at the wizard again. Harry was only two but he never got the privilege of hoping or wanting some, yet right now the young boy could only be filled with hope that he was going away. "Severus was very good friends with your mom and he's gonna take care of you." For once in her life the older Evans sister didn't care about getting dirty as she kneeled down and wrapped her arms around her nephew. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you." Petunia said lifting Harry's bangs and placing a kiss on top of his scar. "Hawwy happy because of auntie." Harry promised kissing her cheek before he was let go. "I'm glad."
Severus let them have their moment, scooping Harry into his arms when he waddled over to him, the boy yawning as he nuzzled into the man's neck. "Sleep little one. You've had a long day." Harry kept his grip on his blanket tight before slowly falling asleep. Petunia waited until Severus apparated away before letting her tears fall. She felt around her pockets for her keys before pulling out a cloth. It was messily torn, the same pale blue as Harry's blanket. H.J.P. Petunia smiled softly clutching the cloth before leaving Spinner's End.