Summer, 1978- Petunia

The years passed. When Lily was at school, Petunia could almost believe that she was a beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Evans. But when Lily was there, Petunia was second class. A muggle could never win against a witch in a competition for their parents' affection.

The summer of Petunia's 19th year was especially hot; she was glad she had gotten a job at the ice cream parlour in the village. It was a chilly refuge from the heat outside, and the owner, Mr. Higgins, allowed her ice cream whenever she liked. It was also an opportunity to get away from Lily and her stupid, handsome wizard fiancé who persisted in hanging around to plan their stupid, glamorous wizarding wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were delighted with the marriage; Petunia thought Lily was entirely too young, but she was shushed whenever she said anything. Early marriage seemed all the rage amongst Lily's set. Apparently, one reached the age of majority at seventeen in the magical world. And didn't you know, there was a war going on!

James Potter, with his bragging and arrogance, made Petunia almost miss shabby old Severus Snape. At least he left her in peace! That week alone, Potter had thought it funny to make her house keys shrink, making her believe that she'd lost them, turned her blonde hair green for an hour and transformed her drinking glass into a gerbil. Her parents and Lily found it hilarious, but Petunia was driven to tearful frustration. She was constantly on edge at home and began counting down the days till she left for her second year at the Teacher's Training College. Not only would she be away from magic there, but she would also be able to see Vernon Dursley, a young accounting student, who took her for hot chocolate and to the cinema and seemed to enjoy her decidedly normal company.

One hot August evening, Petunia walked home slowly after work, trying to extend her time outside the house. Planning for Lily's wedding had gone into overdrive and she wanted no part of it. The house was a mess of fabric, flowers, cake and party favours and it hurt her organised heart to see such chaos. The brown and dying grass crackled unpleasantly beneath her feet as she approached the playground and noticed a forlorn figure sitting on the swings. She blinked and recognised him- Severus Snape. He had grown from a skinny boy to a slim teenager, and was, as usual, dressed in black. His hair was still overgrown, and his nose was still beaky. She remembered Lily tearfully telling their mother that she and 'Sev' had fallen out, because he'd called her some sort of magical swear. At the time, Petunia hadn't particularly cared. Now, she wondered how one went from being Severus Snape's best friend to James Potter's fiancée in just one year. Not really knowing why she did it, she sat on the empty swing next to him.

'Hello Tuney'

'Hi Sn- Severus. Haven't seen you around,'

He blinked, and she could have sworn she saw a brief glimmer of tears in his eyes.

'I suppose you're busy with the… wedding,' he mumbled, looking away.

'Not me, just mum and Lily,' Petunia rolled her eyes, 'I hate it, I hate the fuss, to be honest.'

Severus raised his eyebrows. 'Oh? I thought that would've been your thing, Tuney, weddings and frills and all that.'

'Ha!' snorted Petunia, in a most unladylike fashion, 'Only when the groom isn't a complete toe-rag like James Potter!'

Severus' usually sullen face broke into an unexpected smile, and for the first time in her life, Petunia found herself smiling back at him. The unlikely pair sat together until the sun went down, mutual in their dislike for their Lily's chosen one.

September 1st, 1978, Potter Manor- Petunia

Petunia gazed at her reflection in the ornate mirror that hung in the exquisitely decorated room that James' mother had given her to get ready in. She grudgingly admitted to herself that the muted blue gown that her sister had chosen for her was actually flattering, and matched her eyes perfectly. The diamanté hair band circled her fair hair and made her think of the fairy princesses their mother would tell them bedtime stories about. Which, she realised, probably wasn't just a story in this world. With a last look in the mirror she grumpily acknowledged that even if Lily's taste in men was questionable, her style certainly wasn't.

Petunia made her way to the hall in which the ceremony would take place. The air was choked with the scent of orange blossoms and perfume, and she felt a bit dizzy. A glance at her little sister told her that she felt the same way. Lily's green eyes shone with tears, and her hands shook as she took the bouquet from Petunia.

'Tuney… what if I'm not ready for this?' whispered Lily, looking as scared as a small child on their first day of school, 'What if I'm too young?'

Petunia took a deep breath. She and Lily had long diverged from their sisterly bond, but it was time for her to be the older sister, the guiding light. She knew she could take this opportunity to convince her sister to ditch Potter and come back home, but it wasn't the right thing to do.

'Lily, you're the bravest girl- and witch- that I know. You can do this.'

Lily smiled feebly. 'I'm the only witch you know.'

'Odd isn't it, but it still stands,' laughed Petunia, with a humour she didn't really feel, and gently guided her sister to the door.

An hour later, Lily Evans was officially Lily Potter, and the reception was in full swing. Champagne flowed, along with a myriad of other magical drinks. A large seafood buffet contained delectable oysters, broiled lobsters and shrimp cocktail, while a section for hot food allowed one to choose from delicately flavoured rice, rich, cheesy potatoes and hearty pastas. A dessert bar gave guests the choice of chocolate cake, ice cream, tarts and delicious little biscuits. A chocolate fountain, the likes of which Petunia had never seen before, bubbled cheerfully, surrounded by strawberries.

All of Lily's school friends had attended, and Petunia lost her earlier confidence, choosing instead to lurk in the corner where she couldn't hear the word 'muggle' whispered about her. She weaved through the crowd, trying to be as invisible as possible, while sipping on a drink called butterbeer. Eventually, she settled on a comfortable armchair hidden by vast drapes.

The elder Mrs Potter walked briskly past her, deep in conversation with her companion.

'…oh yes, the Potters are VERY open minded!' she overheard Mrs. Potter saying to an old woman wearing a hat topped inexplicably with a stuffed vulture, 'We're a Light family as you know, and it looks so well for the cause that our James has married a muggle born girl.'

Petunia winced. She wasn't sure what Mrs. Potter meant, but she didn't like that Lily was some sort of political statement to the Potters. She only hoped that James felt differently.

Winter, 1978- Petunia

Home was quiet again, without the bustle of the wedding preparations. Mr. and Mrs Evans were despondent without Lily around and Petunia felt inadequate. She was pleased to return to college, and to Vernon.

He was the only person who loved her for what she was- normal. When she told him about Lily's magic, she was afraid he would think her mad. But he didn't.

'Pet,' said Vernon steadily, 'If you say a thing is true, then I believe you, sweetheart.'

It was his unfailing faith in her that made her say yes when he asked her to marry him that Christmas. He proposed at a simple dinner with a modest ring. It was nothing like Lily's large Potter family heirloom ruby that James had presented to her with a flourish. But Petunia knew that Vernon had scrimped and saved his wages from his part time job to get the small diamond, and she knew that it was given with all the love in the world. They married quietly in January of the new year, with no cake, no flowers, no champagne. Only love.

AN: Thanks so much to those who took the time to review, follow and fave! I'm aiming to update weekly, so look out for chapter 3 next Sunday. Please let me know what you thought of this one! xx