The Complex Feelings of Petunia Dursley Towards Harry Potter and His Parents

Throughout the works of J.K. Rowling, particularly in the Harry Potter series, Petunia Dursley's relationship with her sister Lily and her sister's husband James, as well as her son Harry, displays a complex web of emotions, driven primarily by intense jealousy and resentment.

Lily and Petunia's Tangled Relationship

Petunia and Lily, despite once being the best of friends, developed a deeply personal and complex dynamic

Lily

Lily Dursley, a talented witch, overshadowed her non-magical sister Petunia from a young age. Their relationship soured when Petunia realized she could never replicate the magical talents of her sister. This led to a buildup of envy and resentment, transforming what was once a close bond into one of hatred. Petunia's jealousy reached such a degree that she even engaged in name-calling and, in a significant moment, wrote a letter to Albus Dumbledore requesting to join Hogwarts despite being non-magical. This act showed how deeply she was envious of Lily's status as a witch, embedding a lasting resentment in her heart.

Petunia's Relationship with James Potter

James Potter, the husband of Lily Dursley, was not a person that Petunia had any personal feelings for. Her hatred for him was rooted in two primary reasons:

Their Relationship with Lily: Petunia felt deeply resentful and jealous that her sister had married James and was now a part of the magical world, a world that Petunia could never belong to authentically. This Resentment: Her hatred was impersonal and based on her belief that he representing something that she could never be a part of.

Petunia's Attitude Towards Harry Potter

When it comes to Harry Potter, the son of Lily and James, Petunia's feelings are mixed. She did not cultivate strong feelings for him, nor did she hate him entirely. Her actions toward Harry were more rooted in a sense of duty rather than personal affection.

Initial Actions

Instead of taking in Harry when he was dropped at her doorstep as a baby, Petunia initially did not provide him with a proper home. She threw him around and mistreated him because of the constant reminders of the wrongs she had committed, as well as the magical world he represented. However, keeping Lily's son alive was the very least she could do, and so, she fulfilled this obligation despite not seeing him as a proper family member.

Old Age Efforts

In the book 'Cursed Child', petunia sent Harry an item of significance, the baby blanket he was wrapped in when he was dropped off at her doorstep. This small act was her effort to see Harry not just as Lily's son but as a separate individual, indicating a shift in her emotions as she neared the end of her life.

Conclusion

Through Petunia Dursley's relationships with her sister Lily, her sister's husband James, and her nephew Harry, we see how her experiences and emotions evolved over the years, driven by jealousy and resentment. These relationships are intricate and multifaceted, providing readers with a richer understanding of the characters and the world they inhabit.