Remus and Severus made it to the Hospital wing they saw Madam Pomfrey hovering over Dudley tutting waving her wand and chatting with Petunia about how Dudley's weight gain started. Petunia explained How Vernon was obsessed with having his son be exactly like him forcing the boy to over eat have extra meals and sweets just to appease the abusive man. Madam Pomfrey explained how they would use a potion to target the excessive fat in Dudley's body without starving the boy and with the proper diet and exercise they would get the boy to a realistic manageable weight. Dudley's weight loss would be quick comparatively to Harry's weight gain, Madam Pomfrey then turned to Petunia and started to grill the woman on her eating Habits.
"I took less food to sneak some to Harry, Vernon caught on and forced less on me I did my best to sneak as much to Harry as I could often I wouldn't eat so he could. Most days neither of us would eat because Vernon counted everything He watched us like a Hawk He worked from home 3 day's a week so me and Harry would only eat two days a week. I did my best with what we had I'm ashamed I couldn't take better care of my nephew. " Petunia wrapped her bony arms around herself.
"You will never go without from now on dear you will have a better life trust me Remus is a good man and will see to your care all of you just relax you are now under Magical law Harry is the last Potter you will never go without. " Madam Pomfrey patted Petunia's hand.
"Good morning Lady's How are the boy's today." Remus said loudly walking forward towards the women they started a bit and turned to the men walking in the hospital wing.
"Harry needs a few more hours in Magical sleep I have healed all his broken bones and fed him muscular repair potions but I feel that he would do better in a more home like environment I will write up all care instructions I would like him home by tomorrow if that can be swung. Dudley is ready to go he needs to be put on a diet regime proper exercise I predict if he works at it he can shed the extra weight in a few months ." The Matron gave them both a pointed look.
"Wonderful we have just come from the Manor we are in luck it is set for everyone to move in. But we need to get the boy's and Petunia clothing so I came to get Petunia to go shopping today. What do you say?" Remus asked the woman.
"I'd love to but what about Dudley?" She asked.
"Actually I thought he might like to help me brew the potions he and Harry will need to take. Give him a hands on experience with magic it might also help him have some semblance of control by making something to heal and help him over come some of the trauma. But that's only if he wants to." Severus looked towards the large boy who blinked up at the Potions Master then gave a nod and looked to his mother.
"That is a wonderful Idea you could not have a better teacher Dud Severus has always had a flair for Potion's he always helped your Aunt Lily with her potions. Go on sweetie I'll be fine with Remus He wont let anyone touch me ok." Petunia patted her son's head. Dudley looked to the Werewolf studied him for a moment trying to figure something out on his own. Remus walked over to the boys bed crouched to eye level with him and just looked at the large boy.
"I know it's a bit over whelming at the moment Dudley you life has completely flipped upside down, You now have magic like your cousin something I take it your Father hated. It is gonna take time no one here blames you for your hesitation trust me I know better then most how hard it's gonna be to get over the things your Father has done. All you have to know for right now is that you will be going home tomorrow you and Harry will have everything set but we have to go shopping you will learn everything I can teach you both about your new world. So you think it will be ok for me to take your Mum with me for a few hours and If you don't want to go with Severus you have options you could come with us or we can Have one of the House Elf's take you to the Library." Remus leveled with the boy.
"Okay Sir I'm sorry I'm just afraid I lost my Dad yesterday and I don't want to leave Mum or Harry. I actually would really like to help you Severus I have always wanted to see potions being made. Mum used to share story's from Aunt Lily about magic me and Harry loved the ones about potion lessons." Dudley hung his head a bit.
"Of coarse you are welcome to join me but know I expect the best out of my students Potion's can be extremely Dangerous But I welcome students with appreciation for the subtle art of Potion Making." Severus spoke softly to the boy who tipped his head back up to look at Severus with a small smile the dour man returned.
'Well done Dudley I'm proud of you the first step is always admitting your afraid you will set a great example for Harry, and please call me Remus or if you prefer Mooney like Harry does." Remus ruffled the blond boys hair, Dudley puffed out his chest a bit pleased with himself Remus stood giving Petunia a pleased smile.
" Okay then Dudley I'm gonna go with Remus now I expect you to be on your best behavior for Severus." She sent her son a look he smiled at his mother.
"Yes Mum I promises to listen to Severus and do as he says." The large boy hopped up from his hospital bed and joined the dark robed man who ushered him out of the Hospital wing. Remus offered Petunia his arm she gave him a small smile and took his arm. He led her down the flights of stairs out the large door and onto the grounds the walk was quick Petunia made small comments on how large the castle and grounds were Remus just laughed saying she'll not have to stay there long. They finally made their way past the gates Remus paused a moment.
"I'm gonna Apperate us Now would you allow me to place my hand around your waist the closer you are the easier the ride is on you?" Remus asked Petunia looked up at him a eyebrow raised she nodded letting her hand fall from his arm and taking a step closer to him. Remus wrapped his arm around her and set his hand lightly on her hip, Her cheeks gave a faint pink tint as he drew her to him he spin on his foot and popped them away without any further talk. They landed in Diagon Alley right next to the barrier between the Alley and Tom's pub.
"We need to go talk to the Goblins before we go shopping should not take to long." Remus said as he dropped his arm and took a step back from Petunia and offering her his arm once again the Ally looked to have it's usual hustle and bustle. Not commenting or looking at him her cheeks still pink Petunia took his arm, the short walk to the bank he led her to the closest teller.
"I need to set up a AtoCard on the Potter Stewardship account. Also if possible to have a extra Thousand Galleons for this month Heir Potter and his family have been left with only the clothes on their backs. " He addressed the goblin pulling the letter from the bank Manager and holding out the paper .
" I will need to get verification on the extra thousand and will need a drop of blood to verify you are indeed the Werewolf Mr. Lupin." The goblin snarled turned to an attendant snarled something in Gobbledygook the attend and scampered away . Remus simply raised an eyebrow waiting a long wicked knife was produced the goblin turned with in hand a wide bestial smile on his ugly face. Remus gave him a wicked grin back and held out a finger it was promptly pricked and the dotted on a sheet of parchment. The parchment blazed red then black and scrawling lettering His name Remus John Lupin appeared on the sheet the goblin sneered and turned around just as the attendant returned with a familiar goblin.
"Ah welcome Mr. Lupin I have heard your request and wish to know more." The new goblin asked.
"Griphook finally a competent Goblin, Yes as of yesterday Heir Potter was under the power of a gutless abusive Muggle posing as the boy's Family. He was liberated when the boys Aunt placed herself in harms way to defend Heir Potter from the man. In haste we removed Heir Potter, his Aunt, and his cousin we did not linger based on how the three were all dressed they were not worth any time to gather things that had been given to them by said abusive man." Remus spoke softly and steady.
"I see Have a nice day Mr. Lupin." Was all the goblin said in return He handed a black card (it looked exactly like a credit card Petunia mused) to Remus.
"And you Griphook look for my owl next week I will want to meet about the account's then, I need a little Muggle cash for transport out of the account." Remus said the goblin teller grumbled touching the card with a long instrument and handing Remus a small stack of muggle money. Turning away placing the card and cash in his pocket he led Petunia out the bank.
"What on earth was all that?" Petunia gasped.
"That was the Goblins they are fierce mean and horrid creatures but they are damn good warriors and bankers. They hate wizards above all we are the worst of the worst to them." Remus said lightly.
" What about your request?" She asked puzzled.
"Griphook is not your typical Goblin he was appointed Manager by James's Father just before he passed Griphook works hard and is loyal he also has a soft spot for Women and children. He also secretly liked James I've met him a few times liked to rib him over Lily. He gave us the extra funds knowing him probably gave us more then I asked for we can check once we get a moment. Lets get the boys a bag for their lessons here Wizard Bags are better quality and will be a good investment they will last well into their Hogwarts years. But First a stop to Garrick got to have some training wands for the boys . " Remus said with a grin and led her to Olivander's He stopped just short of the shop staying out of the way pulled the card from his pocket touched the small silver B etched on it the card changed color to pure white and the number 8,000 in black bold type was left.
"See here the B stands for balance available in Galleons so roughly enough to furnish your new home with everything you need hell you could probably buy an empty shop with this amount. This will get us everything we need and more I have to set up a brand new household this is a good amount to start with we normally wont get this much but Griphook can be reasoned with from time to time especially when it comes to the boys. I will have the card in a safe place from the boys but make it so it is accessible to you the bonus of the wizard world is that it functions on magazine order and owl delivery some are even next day or same day with a house elf pick up we will have every order book available for the manor I will show you how to use them." Remus explained opening the door of Olivander's for Petunia she looked a little stunned but walked in the store, laughing he followed her.
Remus rushed through interacting with the creepy silver eyed man two training wands and holsters were promptly wrapped and set to go. The pair made their way out of the shop and into Wiseacre's Petunia took in the magical instruments with fascination and excitement, they quickly picked two dragon hide messenger style bags simple but big enough for the 6 year old's to use for studies. Remus also found a larger bag with featherlight charms and expansion charms on it for the Potter ledgers when he needed to carry them, He put the new bag to use shrinking and stowing the wands and boy's bags. He led Petunia into the Leaky Cauldron and out to muggle London where she hailed a cab and directed the cab to Oxford Street to shop the department stores. Once the cab stopped Remus paid the man that drove, Petunia just gave him a look he laughed.
"Lily taught me the muggle money thing , she wanted us to be able to count out and not get ripped off. She said we needed to be able to look after our self's in the muggle world. She even showed me how to get temp jobs in the muggle world a useful skill for me as my condition makes me an undesirable employee in the Wizarding world. If not for her forethought I'd had likely starved by now, Come on lead the way whatever we need to get lets get it done I want to make a stop at the stationary store Lily told me they charge less for it and have those pen things she used to use. They were better for writing then quills." Remus smiled at Petunia she nodded showing him to the first store that catered to children's clothing.
"Actually they make something called a fountain pen it's quite like a quill but instead of dipping the ink it's inside it they are much easier to use. I think we should make this as quick as possible. I am a bit hungry if we could grab some lunch before we go into the adult section that would help they have a food court area or along the road restaurants." Petunia asked grabbing shirts for the boys she didn't seem to want anything over the top everything she grabbed was simple colors he gave a grin knowingly. She was aiming for simple things that could be donated once the boy's either outgrew them or got smaller as the case.
"Yes sounds good where ever you like I say get done and well eat." Remus let her take charge and do the shopping she was quick and efficient shirts, shorts, pants, two jackets each, Shoes, socks, underwear, two hats, even an outfit for exercise for both of the boys she lugged the pile to the counter where the attendant started scanning the items.
"That should give the boys a good start we don't want to much or well have to get rid of a lot when they are well enough." Petunia smiled as the counter lady worked. To her credit the girl worked quick and placed everything in large shopping bags. Remus slid the AtoCard once the girl was done and asked for payment the card dinged the receipt slip was handed over Remus stowed the card and receipt in his bag grabbed the bags and followed Petunia out to the street. He ducked into a ally and discreetly shrunk the bags and stowed them in his bag and rejoined Petunia who was choosing a restaurant.
"Wow having a Wizard around is handy I could get use to it." She smiled at the man softly .
"You should get use to it I'm At your service Milady. " Remus grinned wickedly bowing slightly . Petunia giggled like a school girl blushing madly, the pretty sound made Remus beam and Mooney growled softly content that Petunia seemed free and at ease with him.
Petunia led him in to a nice restaurant not high class but still nicer then he was use to, He was use to eating in places like the Leakey Cauldron or The Three Broomsticks or worse then that. But He followed the hostess and pulled back Petunia's chair for her she sat and allowed him to push her chair in. They sat down and enjoyed the quiet restaurant they talked about James and Lily, Remus shared Hogwarts story's with her and she told Remus about growing up with Lily how they fell out over Lily being a witch and Petunia's jealousy.
" Lily was always perfect , Beautiful, smart, I just wanted to be special like her I was young and had nothing . But we eventually started talking again she really understood why I was upset. I still miss her I hope to be half the person she was.." Petunia sipped her Drink as Remus finished his meal.
"I get it James was vibrant and alive while I was scared and sometimes I wish it Had been Me and not them He had everything ahead of him unlike me, He had Harry, Lily , He had love and a family everything in the world to live for. He gave me the world comfort and acceptance he became a Animagus so that I would not be lonely on the full moon nights, I will do what I can to live up to him for Harry and Dudley." Remus said finally vowing with his whole being. He handed the waitress the black card paying for their meal they sat waiting for its return they had both hit a bit if Melancholy. The card was quickly returned Remus placed his bag back over his shoulder pulling Petunia's chair out for her and following her out of the store .
She led them to another clothing store where she outfitted herself with a new wardrobe she even got herself some lovely new shoes. And then she got to dress Remus she chose two rather nice dress shirts pants and shoes for meetings and more casual everyday shirts pants and shoes even a few concert shirts like Sirius used to ware. She tried to get him a nice leather jacket but he put his foot down that it was impractical and didn't suit him he allowed 2 trench coats one in grey and one in black. They hustled to pay for their haul he pulled her into the stationary shop quickly bought leather bound ledgers and several fountain pens and refill ink in several colors and some plain writing paper and envelops for correspondence. Petunia seemed happy with herself as they ducked into a alley shrunk their booty for transportation. He had her step closer he took her waist again and had her touch the Portkey ring he said the activation and they spun away from muggle London to the manor. They landed on the cut lawn Petunia gaped at the house she stepped towards it in amazement.
"Welcome home Miss Evans.' Remus grinned grabbed her hand and pulled her to the he flung it open summoning Fauna as he did she popped into the room in front of them startling Petunia who jumped and scrambled behind Remus grabbing his shirt in fear. He smiled at her trust in that he would see her safe.
"It's ok Petunia this is Fauna she is the House elf of the Potter family she is here to care for us. Don't hesitate to ask her for anything she will show you were everything is. First pick a outfit for you and the boy's to come home in tomorrow pack them in one of the bags. " Remus addressed Petunia pulling out and un-shrinking everything he pulled out an outfit for himself and a pair of his new shoes stuck them in his bag.
"Once Petunia is done Fauna please show Petunia to her room and the boy's rooms and bring up the bags , I'll take the things for the office up and get them settled I'll meet you back here to go back to Hogwarts." He turned and left Petunia in Fauna's capable hands. Petunia watched after him in confusion once they got to the manor he seemed more reserved and unsure.
"What on earth." She said aloud not expecting the tiny house elf to answer her.
" Poor Master Remus has had a hard life missus he is uncomfortable staying in a wizard dwelling he feels as if he is not belonging . He is good man good Wizard but his curse weighs heavy Missus. Be easy on him Missus take time see how good a man he being." Fauna said and snapped her fingers the bags disappeared and she walked to the stairs. Petunia followed after her thinking hard about everything she had seen over the last two days from Remus.
The little house elf had a point he seemed a good man he had placed himself between her and Vernon without question, He insisted on carrying Harry his tenderness at seeing the boy overflowed from the man, He spoke in soft deep tone eased Harry and Dudley steered her son towards a better path without her asking him to, He had dedicated himself not only to Harry but to Her and Dudley, He spoke up to Dumbledore on her behalf , He went out of his way to ease her into the Wizarding world and give her information on him that could tarnish his reputation, Even making sure to see to clothing for her and the boy's first he also insisted on sale items for himself over full price things, His wolf had even spoken to her something he had said never happens.
The little elf had directed her first to her bedroom sparingly furnished where they made quick work of everything for her to find then across the hall to the two large adjoining rooms again furnished sparingly but comfortable Fauna was the key to making everything quick. The boy's would be able to decorate and make the room's truly theirs. When finished Fauna took her to two rooms down another hall from the bedroom's they were close enough to be practical.
"This be play room Master Remus asked for Master Harry and Master Dudley, They has Master James's old toy's for now. Master Remus also requested a room for you so Fauna put it here for you across from the play room to keep boys safe. Master Remus also wishes it to be used for anything that you wish Missus if it pleases you Fauna will get anything for the room. Room has simple sofa and big chairs for you even a few tables for things to be set on. The study room is two doors down from Play room and Master Remus's office is at end of this Hall." Fauna said allowing her to peek into the simple sitting room a room just for her to do as she wished. Then the house elf hustled her away and back to the entryway Remus was just behind them he seemed pleased that they were waiting for him.
"Good you have the boy's bag of clothes for tomorrow. We will be back tomorrow Fauna, Come on Petunia lets get back to the boys." He held out his hand for her to take she hesitated only slightly she was confused and hadn't processed everything. She let him take her hand and pull her from the house drew her towards him and she was hurtled away from the beautiful manor. She stumbled upon landing at the gates of Hogwarts she about fell but was quickly swept up and pressed against Remus, She started feeling his hard shoulder under her hand lean muscle flexed under her fingers. His solid frame keeping her up right was a promise of everything to come, a promise of his stability and safety for her and the boy's she pulled away muttering a quiet shy Thank you.
She had never felt this way about a man before Her heart was pounding she had thought she loved Vernon but he had manipulated their Relationship for his gain he wanted her to believe he would lay the world at her feet. She had given into and married into a abusive restrictive hostage situation, once Lily had understood she had tried to help Petunia but the day they were to be moving Petunia and Dudley , Harry was left on Petunia's doorstep. Remus was the opposite of Vernon in every way it had thrown her perception quite off she had a lot of things to process maybe the Madam was right she needed help. She would speak to the Healer once Remus left her alone for the night, She was dropped off at the Hospital wing Remus only stopped long enough to check on Harry and see that he was still sleeping he left the hospital wing with little fanfare. She was left alone with the Matron and began to try and talk to the woman.
"Madam Pomfrey I have had a long hard think today you were right there is a lot I don't know how to process because of my abusive husband I want to know these things I am Feeling can you recommend someone for me." Petunia asked worried about what the woman would say.
"There are actually two women I could refer you to One Andromeda Tonks she is distantly related to Harry she is a mind healer and would willingly take you, And Molly Weasley She has 7 children mostly boys they would be good companions for Harry and Dudley Molly can help you run a wizard household she has also been married to Arthur for 30 some years I believe. She would make a good friend for you Remus is acquainted with them it would take minimal effort to get him to reacquaint with them. You need more then just a mind Healer Petunia I would like to put you on the same weight gain regime as Harry, Fortunately Remus wont need the same he should be up to his prime weight after a few weeks You and Harry though will need the extra help for a few months. Harry perhaps more because he has newly healed and needs to build up stamina. Remus will be told to lead the boys in healthy exercise man needs the bonding time with the boys It should also be helpful for him he wont hurt as much after Full Moon's." The Matron said to Petunia thoughtfully.
" That would be nice to know another mom And speaking of full moon what can I do to help him on those nights?" Petunia asked raising a eyebrow at the Matron .
"Honey there is nothing you can do on full moon He will need care after I will provide you detailed instructions and potions for treatment. You will have to be extremely careful when treating him you must understand this he will probably not be able to do anything on full moon nights and very little the day of. Hopefully his wolf will be appeased with running free and not inflict many wounds on himself . Severus will be providing the only means of control Remus will have on those nights don't fret he may even help you the next two full moon's to help you understand what you need to do. " The matron warned producing a quill and paper on which she wrote on.
"There must be something." Petunia was mad at the witch for her response.
"All you can do is be there in the morning and take care of him he will not be able to do much he will mostly sleep during the day. Remus will be highly grateful the man has had little care since Lily and James died he will also be embarrassed to have caused you worry over him. Give him time he has his demons just as you have yours, But the man needs is love just like you I think this is good for both of you. The boys need a man like Remus for all his faults on himself he will go above and beyond for them he will expect good grades and respectful manners, and he will love them as his own with how your son has reacted to him I have 20 Galleons on him asking for Remus to become his blood Father in 6 months." The matron sighed.
"Will Harry ever get over what my ex did to him?" Petunia asked softly.
"He will need a mind healer to someone who can sympathize with him one who deals in abusive cases in all forms including sexual. But before that he needs his body to be strong and a chance to be a boy for once. He may never get over what was done to him but I do believe that he will come to terms with it, You did everything you could to give him love and protected him when you could hardly protect yourself. It will not be easy dear for you either he after all assaulted you first did he not? " The matron asked.
"We were married I was led to believe that it was expected of me to please my husband at his whim. I never believed Vernon violated me." Petunia said.
"Did he ever ask you if you wanted it?" Was all the Matron asked.
"No but again I was told it was my duty." Petunia said.
"Then honey you were Violated against your will He had no right to demand sex from you ever! How did you feel during sex with him." The matron said as lightly as she could.
" It felt wrong dirty, he hurt me a lot during said if I was better it would not hurt so he would hit me across the face even choke me when I could not satisfy him I was led to believe that it was my fault for not being good enough." Petunia deadpanned unsure.
"Dear that is Rape and physical abuse perhaps even assault. Petunia no women should have been treated as such. While pain during sex is usual for your first time but every time is not. Did you have complications during pregnancy?" She said softly to the woman who was now shaking but was cut off by a fuming Werewolf in her face.
"Do not hurt her." was all that was said Remus had stepped into the Matron's face.
"Remus stop she was helping me she told me that Vernon has not only abused me but has also assaulted and Raped me every time he wanted sex." Petunia begged Remus turned toward her visibly upset.
"He what?" Was spoken softly Remus's eyes turned red in fury.
"She helped me see I need someone to talk to. I just want to get better Remus I just want to move on with my life." Petunia grabbed his arm and leaned into his shoulder. She had never had someone tell her out right that what Vernon was doing had been Rape Lily had implied it but never said out right. Tears were wiped from her face and she was gathered up flush to Remus and carried . The springs of the hospital bed creaked as Remus sat down with Petunia crying into his shoulder he propped himself on the head board and let her cry into him. Dudley stepped into the hospital wing with Severus right after him, the boy's face ashen as he watched his mother come apart. He rushed over sat at Remus's feet on the bed and held his mother's hand he looked up at the man holding his mother tenderly.
"What Happened to my Mum?" He asked.
" She has finally broke down and faced what your father did to her and you boy's. She is going to be seeing someone from now on to help her deal with these memory's It is something you and Harry Should also do. But for now you boy's will come home with me and heal become the boy's you were meant to be your Mum has me to help see to her health." Remus told the boy gently Dudley nodded sadly looking longingly at the man who held his mother.
"Remus I know you are upset and want to protect them But I need to know how badly Vernon hurt Petunia. Can I take her into my office to finish our chat?" The Matron asked the Werewolf softly.
"I will come with you." Petunia pulled out of his strong arms joining the Matron who led her away from the men. The Matron shut them inside cast charms for privacy.
"Now dear can you tell me did you have complications during Pregnancy?" The Matron asked softer then she had before.
"I had two miscarriages before Dudley, at the time I believed it was my fault, Vernon was enraged after the first calling me a lazy bitch and how I should be faltered to have him show me how a real man serves his wife. He told me I was not doing my duty as a wife providing a child for him, After the second one he seemed to lay on the verbal abuse more and less of the physical and I ended up Pregnant not long after the second. This time Vernon left me alone during pregnancy and I was able to bring Dudley to full term. But delivery was hard they almost had to take me into Theater, But I gave birth and the Dr did a pelvic said I had a lot of scar tissue and may never have any more children." Petunia sobbed.
"May I cast a diagnosis it is pain free but will tell me everything. When was your last cycle?" The matron asked.
"Yes go ahead, I have not had a complete cycle since then I always bleed here and there but nothing more then a few drops." Petunia consented waiting as the Matron's wand passed over her midsection looking grim.
"Well dear I am surprised its not worse, I can have Severus brew a potion that will fix your scarring and return your body's functions. That way you can have a normal life again and perhaps have another child eventually." The matron smiled softly at the woman.
"Thank you Madam I would like that. You will help me contact the mind healer and Mrs. Weasley?" Petunia smiled softly.
"Of coarse Dear I will have the letters sent off at the end of the day. You should invest in a house owl or two Remus will show you how they work." Petunia was shooed out of the office. Once again Remus was sat with Dudley speaking in low soft tones to her boy she could not allow herself to let her boys down she would not let her sister down she would protect her family best she could. She would learn to do something she would grow and learn everything about her new world she was apart of the magical world now she would no longer turn away from the reality.