Petunia's initial reaction had the same panic gripping his heart once more. Oh goodness, he had gone and ruined this- them- whatever they were. What had he said to upset her so? Or had his thoughts revealed the extent of his feelings and she just didn't want to hurt him? The thought caused Caradoc's heart to jump to his throat before he was swallowing the lump down in an attempt to comfort her. "I'm sorry- I didn't mean-" he began before she started to speak and he fell silent.
Lock her nephew in a cupboard? Caradoc had never heard such awful things before. It didn't make sense and Caradoc's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you-" he tried, shaking his head before deciding to address what he could. "Everyone does not like Lily better." Caradoc insisted softly, "People just don't know you as well. I've seen you be kind to plenty of people, Petunia. Even in an environment as uncertain as this, you are still kind and courteous to those you encounter. There is something to be said for that. Everyone is allowed to have their moments, but they don't outweigh or overshadow the good things. Maybe you treat me nice because I return that same respect to you. If someone doesn't treat you as you ought to be treated, they don't deserve the same courtesy and that should not be held against you." he insisted softly, the hand not cupping her cheek settling on her shoulder in a reassuring touch. "I don't know any of that other stuff, about your nephew, I just know what I see here and now. I see you Petunia. I see all the good you have in you. I think you're just ... wonderful." he said softly, hoping to stop her from crying. Seeing her upset physically hurt him, a pain blossoming in his chest as he tried to make it better. "Please believe me, Tunes. Please don't beat yourself up. Please don't cry. You're wonderful. I think you're wonderful. I'm so glad you;re here and that I got to meet you and have you in my life, yeah? I'm so grateful for that, so please don't cry. I hate to see you cry." he kept the same soft tone as he spoke, head ducking down in an attempt to meet her gaze as he gave her shoulder a squeeze.