Title: Question
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Petunia/James
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 409
Summary: Petunia asks a burning question.
Notes:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: September Event - (object) rucksack/bag
Weekly Pairing Drabbles Competition: Pairing Used - Petunia/James
The Petunia Challenge
365 Days of Drabbles Challenge: Prompt Used - rumors
Petunia watched as James packed his bag. By the sounds coming from Lily's room, she was getting ready to leave as well.
"So, can I ask you a question?"
James looked up, his brown eyes dim with sadness. "Anything."
"Why?"
James eyebrows furrowed. "Why what?"
Petunia looked down at her light green dress and nervously played with the fabric. "Why me? I heard rumors that many pure-bloods don't like muggle-borns, never mind muggles. So, why me?"
James left his bag and came to sit next to her on the bed. He took her hand and lightly brushed his thumb over her palm. "It's true that a lot of pure-bloods don't like muggles or muggle-borns, but I've never been one of them. I don't completely understand muggles, but I'm not prejudice about them, and I hope Lily will help me understand muggles, so I can understand you better."
"But why me? I remember Lily complaining about you not leaving her alone."
James nodded. "I didn't. I thought I wanted her because she was pretty and was hard to get. I've always liked a challenge. My reasons for wanting her were shallow and embarrassing. I came all the way to her house to woo her, and then I met you. You're pretty and smart. You're honest and you make me laugh. When I see you, I want you to be proud of me. I want to be a better wizard, a better person, for you. That's why I choose you. I wouldn't be who I was today; I wouldn't be actual friends with your sister, if it wasn't for your shining light."
Petunia had tears in her eyes, but she refused to allow them to fall. "And it's because of you that I actually have a relationship with my sister, and not one that's based on jealousy and resentment. I still wish I had magic, though."
James leaned forward and claimed her lips in a light kiss that made her head fuzzy. "Magic isn't everything," he stated when he pulled back.
"I know," Petunia agreed, leaning closer to him for another kiss, one that he was happy to give.
"I'll miss you," he whispered after he reluctantly pulled back.
"Write to me?" she asked.
"Every week."
And with that, James quickly finished packing his bag and after a last lingering look at Petunia, he left to meet Lily at the front door. It was time for their last year at Hogwarts.