Written for the Chutes and Ladders Challenge (Lily Potter, around her wrist) and the TV Show Episode Monthly Competition (write about sisters)
"I told you that I don't want to see you anymore," Petunia says sharply. "And I would have thought that by not replying to the last ten letters you've sent, you would have realized how serious I was."
Lily flinches at her sister's words. She knows that Petunia is still bitter. Petunia has always been so proud and stubborn. Once things break with her, they don't get repaired.
But she can't just leave it like that. War is on the horizon, and every day that passes grows more and more dangerous. Friends have already died, and she isn't disillusioned enough to think that she'll make it out alive. She would hate to leave this world knowing that her sister still holds a grudge against her.
"Did you at least read the letters?"
Petunia scoffs. "Why would I? I'm not a freak like you. Nothing you say concerns me."
Lily feels a flicker of heat in her stomach. She wants to grab Petunia and shake her. It isn't fair! She's done nothing wrong, and Petunia has no right to act this way.
But she takes a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm. Now is not the time to lash out. It would be counterproductive. "I miss you, Petunia," she says softly, tugging at the old friendship bracelet around her wrist. "We used to be best friends, remember?"
"Things change," Petunia says coldly.
"Not this. I refuse to let this change. I don't want to die knowing that you still hate me!"
Her sister's expression softens, but just for a moment. The flash of warmth fades in the blink of an eye. "Die? You've always been dramatic, haven't you?" she sneers. "If I don't make up with you, you'll die? Don't make me laugh."
"That isn't what I meant…"
Lily groans. This isn't what she'd expected. She had hoped that Petunia would come around, that there would be some common ground. But she realizes that she had been too optimistic.
"War is coming, Petunia."
"Nothing to do with me."
"Perhaps not. But everything to do with me. I just want us to be okay. Please. That's all I ask," Lily says quietly.
"If you're at war, I think it would be best to leave and not come back," Petunia says. "You've gotten yourself into this mess, and I want nothing to do with it."
"Tuney-"
"Leave! Now!"
Lily yanks the bracelet from around her wrist, tossing it at her sister's feet. "Fine. But remember I tried," she snaps before rushing off, tears stinging her eyes.
She had wanted more than anything to be a family again, to be friends. Once, Petunia had been the only friend in her life. But those days are gone now.
Lily wipes her eyes. She'd tried. She tells herself that over and over. But the words do little to ease her mind.
She hadn't tried hard enough. It's her fault that Petunia won't accept her. If only… If only…
She pauses and turns just in time to see Petunia kneel down and retrieve their old friendship bracelet. When she stands again, Lily expects her to toss it aside. Instead, she tucks it in her pocket.
Lily almost smiles. Maybe there's still hope.