Perfect Lily

Lily.

Looks.

Grades.

Friends.

Lily, perfect Lily.

Magic.

Lily, perfect Lily, the witch.

James Potter.

Not that I care about him.

The one good thing that ever happened to me in my life.

I thought.

I wanted a sister. I was seven when she was born. I can remember that.

A sister. To play with. To talk to. A little sister.

Then she was born.

Perfect little Lily.

Perfect little Lily who I had to look after when mum went back to work.

Lucky me.

I hated her.

"Petunia, come look what Lily's done! Isn't it wonderful?"

I hated her.

I hated her more when she started at school.

Perfect Lily with perfect friends and perfect grades.

"Petunia, you will not pass secondary school if you continue to get grades like this. How could you get only fifty-five percent on this test?"

"I don't know, mum."

"Lily got ninety-eight percent on her school report, and she's only ten. I do not want to see grades like this again. Do you understand?"

"Yes, mum."

Dear Miss Lily Evans, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry...

"Petunia, look, I'm a witch!"

"Oh, are you."

Dear Petunia, I am enjoying it here at Hogwarts. I've been Sorted into Gryffindor, which everyone says is the best House. Everyone is very nice, except James Potter and his friends. They're horrible and they tease and play pranks on everyone. They haven't done anything to me yet, though. I met several girls on the train, so I'm not that disappointed I had to leave my friends back there. I help them in classes. I am getting very good grades...

"Oh, yeah, you're Lily's sister - what's your name again?"

"Petunia, I'm a Prefect!"

"Petunia, will you marry me?"

"Oh - all right, Vernon."

"Can I be a bridesmaid, Petunia?"

"Oh, of course."

"I'm Head Girl! Oh, no ... James is Head Boy."

"James and I are getting married."

"I thought you hated him?"

"I used to. He isn't that bad, though. And I'm in love with him - I'm sure I am."

I married Vernon because we'd been friends - well, perhaps more - for the last seven years and there was no one else I would - could - marry. I was never in love with anyone.

Dear Lily, I have had a son and named him Dudley. Signed, Petunia.

Dear Petunia, James and I are very happy and we've had a son. His name is Harry James Potter. Please write longer letters, I want to know what you're doing. It is very dangerous here because of Voldemort. You must watch yourself. Dumbledore has told us to...

Dear Petunia, I am very sorry but our parents were killed by Death Eaters. Please write more often...

Dear Petunia, James and I have to go into hiding. I will still get your letters if you would please write...

Petunia and Vernon Dursley, I am sorry to tell you that Lily and James Potter have been killed by a Dark wizard. I am leaving their son Harry in your care...

Harry.

Her son.

My sister, perfect Lily.

And me, given whatever is left after she is finished.