Oh my, thank you! This is such a rich, wonderful story! It's so long, and it never feels long, it's just right! This is a marvelous Petunia with so much more than we're ever given in canon. I've always wanted more and regretted that we didn't get her story. Here she's so confused and flustered but strong enough when she's given the chance. But it's work, it's effort and being off balance and making changes and trying. And her wistfulness at what was lost, her regrets and remorse that she finally separates from the tangle of bitterness and jealousies, it's so very human.
And Augusta! She's so not a woman to get in front of when she's got a plan. :D
And how much do I love that Dudley was an ass to begin with but comes 'round once he's had a chance to think about it? He's just right. :D
Also? The cameo of Snape's portrait = ♥. :)
And then Percy. Oh Percy! Even in canon he's rather given the short stick, and here he's just lovely. He's so clearly a Weasley, even though he's still a bit more prim and proper than the rest of them. And that restraint is just what Petunia needs to feel safe and grounded in the madness that is the Wizarding world and after the illusion of safety that was her marriage to Vernon. And Percy while older and wiser and sadder, is still so capable of joy, not just experiencing joy but sharing it with her. It's a generosity I would hope of him, and he delivered with a delicacy and gentleness that was a real balm from the moment he appeared.
Thank you for this lovely, lovely story, mystery author! I don't regret Pince/Binns with such a story in its place. :)