Lily's anticipated arrival for her first summer break from Hogwarts filled the Evans household with excitement. Petunia's mother, wanting to make it a special occasion, took a leave from work to prepare a grand feast to welcome Lily home. To Petunia's surprise, she was also enrolled in the task of helping with the preparations.
Both Mum and Dad eagerly went to the train station to receive Lily as she returned home from Hogwarts. Petunia, however, couldn't bring herself to share in their enthusiasm. As Lily stepped off the train, a radiant smile adorned her face, and she rushed into their parents' embrace, their joy palpable.
Petunia stood at a distance, her arms folded across her chest, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. She watched as Lily recounted her magical experiences, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Their parents listened intently, hanging onto every word, their expressions filled with pride and delight.
A pang of longing tugged at Petunia's heart. She couldn't help but wonder if her parents would ever be that happy simply because of her existence. Would they ever be captivated by her stories, her achievements, or find pride in her pursuits? Or would she forever remain in Lily's shadow, an afterthought in their eyes?
As the conversation between Lily and their parents continued, Petunia retreated into her thoughts. She contemplated the differences between them, the vast gap that magic had created. Lily's tales of enchantment and adventure were met with genuine fascination and support, while Petunia's mundane experiences seemed to pale in comparison.
At that moment, a seed of resentment took root within Petunia's heart. She yearned to be seen, to be celebrated for who she was, rather than constantly overshadowed by her magical sister. The weight of her unfulfilled desires pressed upon her, casting a shadow over the fleeting happiness that filled the room.
Being in the constant presence of Lily, Petunia felt a growing weariness with her younger sister, Lily, and her incessant chatter. The constant stream of words and stories had become overwhelming, and Petunia yearned for a respite from it all. She craved a moment of solitude, away from the noise and chaos of their shared home.
The weight of her responsibilities as the eldest sister seemed to press upon her shoulders. She was expected to be the responsible one, to set an example for Lily. But sometimes, it felt like an invisible barrier separated them as if their worlds were meant to be kept apart. "Will I ever have a moment to myself?" Petunia wondered, her frustration simmering within.
In an attempt to find some peace and quiet, Petunia decided to escape to the nearby library. It was her refuge, a sanctuary where she could momentarily disconnect from the demands of family life. As she walked through the library doors, she muttered to herself, "Finally, some peace."
But as she reached the magazine section, disappointment washed over her. The magazines she had hoped to read were already taken, leaving her with the echoes of Lily's voice bouncing in her mind. "Just my luck," Petunia sighed, feeling the weight of her desire for solitude intensify.
Caught between the longing for tranquility and the persistent noise of her sister's presence, Petunia stood at the entrance of the library, her thoughts in turmoil. "Maybe I can find something else to occupy my mind," she murmured to herself, determined to salvage the remnants of her fleeting escape.
Her gaze wandered over the rows of books, searching for something that could capture her interest. That's when her eyes fell upon a peculiar, old tome that seemed to beckon her closer. "What's this?" she whispered, her curiosity piqued. It's ancient appearance and unusual symbols on the cover intrigued her. "This looks interesting," Petunia whispered to herself, her curiosity now fully awakened.
Carefully, she plucked the book from its resting place and cradled it in her hands. Its weight and texture hinted at its age as if it held secrets from a long-forgotten era. Petunia traced her fingers along the edges of the book.
She hesitated for a moment, uncertain of what lay within its pages. The text was written in a language she couldn't recognize, symbols that seemed to dance across the weathered parchment. Undeterred by the unfamiliarity, she gingerly opened the book, the pages were filled with intricate illustrations and cryptic writings, their meaning lost to her. Yet, something about the book's contents resonated deep within her, as if it held secrets waiting to be unraveled.
As Petunia delved deeper into the book, her finger brushed against a razor-sharp edge, causing a small cut. A drop of crimson blood fell onto the pages, merging with the ancient ink. Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through her body, like a tingling sensation.
In that fleeting moment, Petunia's surroundings blurred, and the library faded into obscurity. Overwhelmed by a wave of dizziness, she stumbled and found herself collapsing in a corner of the library, the book slipping from her grasp. The world around her spun as darkness closed in, leaving her unconscious.