Did Petunia Dursley Ever Love Lily as a Sister or Was She Jealous of Her?
Alone among the characters in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, Petunia Dursley and Lily Potter share a unique bond. They are first and foremost related twin sisters. Yet, the nature of their relationship evolved over the years, leading to a complex and nuanced perspective on whether Petunia truly loved Lily as a sister or merely envied her for being magical.
The Early Years: Childhood Companionship
At the onset of the story, Petunia and Lily's relationship is typical of any sibling dynamic—full of sibling rivalry and occasional moments of genuine affection. Raised in a Muggle family, Petunia often felt left behind as Lily was the first to realize the presence of magic in their lives. Despite her initial jealousy, Petunia's love for Lily and her desire to protect her wounded sister when Lily was told about her magical abilities are telling of a deeper, sisterly affection.
The Jealousy Binds: The Turning Point
As Lily and Petunia grow older and Lily's magical talents become more apparent, so does the jealousy that festers within Petunia. This jealousy is fuelled by the fact that Lily endures a life filled with magic and adventure, while Petunia's life remains the unmagical one she always knew. Lily's acceptance at Hogwarts and the letters she shares with Petunia about her extraordinary life only deepen this animosity.
Petunia's Inner Turmoil: A Sister's Love Amidst Envy
As seen in the flashbacks to the Dursley household, Petunia's conflict is palpable. While she acknowledges Lily's courage in embracing her magical heritage, she often feels marginalized by it. Her resentment towards Lily's possessions, like Dudley's odd magical trinkets, and her disdain for Lily's magical habits, such as reading from old wizard books, are evidence of her envy. However, Petunia's ultimate decision to help Harry when Dudley punches him on Platform 9? suggests that her love for her sister remains intact, albeit deeply repressed.
The Legacy of Sibling Love and Envy
The story's conclusion further validates Petunia's complex feelings. Despite their differences, Petunia's fear for her sister's life, which ultimately leads to the unforgettable moment of Petunia taking Harry to No. 4 Privet Drive, shows that even in the depths of envy and bitterness, there remains a kernel of genuine love for her sibling.
Conclusion
While Petunia Dursley's journey is one marked by jealousy and resentment, the undercurrent of her love for her sister Lily is a poignant reminder of the complicated realities of sibling relationships. Her wish to protect and care for Lily, even if her methods and motives are flawed, emphasizes the vital nature of sibling bonds in the Harry Potter universe. Thus, the question of whether Petunia ever loved Lily as a sister or only cared about her looks and magical abilities is a fascinating exploration of love amid envy, one that adds depth and richness to the narrative of Harry Potter.