To say that Petunia's life changed would be a lie.

For a while, she would look at the boy with his lightning bolt scar and think of his mother. If Harry was crying while Petunia looked at him she would get resentful and if he smiled she would feel guilty.

And then Petunia would see Dud, and Ursa, and her heart would do a —a thing. Where it would soften, and she couldn’t bring herself to regret dragging her ass across the pond.

Really, though, Petunia knew not much would change. Charles wasn’t interested in Dudley more than a passing fad, and Ursula would take care of both boys better than Petunia ever could. So it was fine.

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Until Dud cried the first time Petunia held Harry.

Harry had been crying for his mom, and Petunia was overcome with guilt —and so she shushed him while gently bouncing him on her hip. Dudley, who was mere feet away, awoke to his mother caring for another.

And he screamed.

And then the toys around the three of them flew around the room.

Petunia calmly sat Harry down, her face blank. When she picked up Dud, Petunia watched how the toys settled down. As she held her son tight to her chest, Petunia tried not to cry. She tried so hard.

It didn’t work.

Dudley had a new destiny all his own.

Petunia had never hated magic more.

God damnit, Petunia thought to herself. She’d have to study even more now.

And like that, time passed.