I can't even tell you just how much I loved this story. I'm a sucker for good Petunia and Vernon fic, because I feel like there's so much more to them that what we know from canon. And you gave us such a plausible scenario! It's heartbreaking to watch Petunia, who gives up everything to stay home and take care of her ailing mother, be dismissed and so unappreciated. It makes sense that she would long for someone to ground her, take her away from it all, to make her feel special. And I can totally see the draw of Vernon-- his sweetness, his strong sense of personal responsibility and what a "good young man" should do to help others, his old-fashioned properness and respect, his devotion and commitment to the things and people he cares about. I mean, he's clearly got weaknesses as well, which will become even more pronounced later on, but I love that you made him someone I can genuinely understand Petunia falling in love with. He's perfect for her. And their decision to pretend magic doesn't exist is so spot on. Is it for the best? Clearly not. But oh so believable.
And you showed us WHY it's so frustrating too especially with that hospital scene. Petunia watches over her mum, goes with the ambulance, sits by her bedside for probably DAYS. Lily shows up for two minutes, gives an overwrought emotional display (which is not to say she wasn't hurting, but you'd think she'd stick around a bit longer), and (with no regard for consequence and la-la-la I can do whatever I want to) fills the entire room with flowers. Then leaves. And I can only imagine that if Mrs Evans woke up she wouldn't notice Petunia's steadfast caretaking but coo about the pretty magical flowers. *facepalm*
The ending with the talk about future Dudley is perfect. It shows just why they'd treat him how they did and how genuinely good their intentions were. It's so understandable that Petunia would be blinded by her love for her child and obsessed with giving him all the attention, devotion, and affection that she felt she never got. So much powerful food-for-thought in such simple words-- amazing piece of writing.
Oh, did I mention that I loved this? :D:D:D Because, seriously ...