A couple days later Harry went to see Kristen Sims. He liked knowing he had someone who was like a relative but didn't have to hide from the law.

"So, Harry," she asked. "Is Petunia still a tight-assed old broad?"

"You don't like her either?"

"Heck no, when I was a kid, she would pull my pigtails!"

Harry laughed, "She's still a nasty grouch and her son Dudley is even worse."

"She actually had sex with someone!!" Kristen said in surprise. "Oh now I got a bad thought in my head. I'll have to have Dumbledore erase my memory now."

Harry laughed again then became serious. "She is very mean sometimes."

Kristen looked at Harry and suddenly became serious as well, "Harry, let me tell you something about Petunia. She was always jealous of your mom. Not just because she was a witch but because your mom was pretty and popular and the favorite of her parents. Petunia always felt inferior to your mother and as kids she always tormented her, but deep down Petunia loved her sister."

"I don't know...." Harry started.

"Harry, I was at your parents funeral and so was your aunt. She cried more than anyone. Her biggest regret was that she could've been nice to your mother, now she has to live with that forever. She'll never be able to apologize for being jealous."

"But why is she so mean to me?" Harry wondered.

"It's hard to explain. What Petunia feels is a combination of guilt, resentment and paranoia. She resents you because your mom died and yet you lived. You are a constant reminder of the sister she treated unfairly. In a way you are sort of a punishment for her cruelty towards Lily. Also did you ever wonder why she didn't want you becoming a wizard?"

"She said it was silly and abnormal," Harry said.

"No, Harry," Kristen said. "You don't seem to understand. Being a witch was what killed your mom. Petunia thought if she could prevent you from being a wizard, she could save you from your mother's fate. In a way she was thinking she could make up for Lily's death. I know she could be nicer to you, but on the other hand, she's given you a home, plenty to eat and a place to sleep. If she truly hated you, she could've left you to die the night you were left at her doorstep. Deep, down inside, she loves you. I just want you to think about next time you think Petunia is cruel towards you."

And Harry would think about that next time.