Petunia Dursley harbored deep-seated resentment towards her sister, Lily Potter, primarily due to intense jealousy over Lily's magical abilities and the attention it garnered.
Petunia's animosity stemmed from feeling perpetually overshadowed by her magical sister. This long-standing envy fueled her desire to distance herself from the magical world and anyone associated with it.
Core Reasons for Petunia's Dislike
- Intense Jealousy of Magical Abilities: Petunia was incredibly envious of Lily's inherent magical talent. While Lily was accepted into Hogwarts and embraced her magical heritage, Petunia was left behind, unable to access that world. This disparity created a profound sense of inadequacy and resentment in Petunia.
- Feeling Constantly Overshadowed: Lily's magical nature often placed her at the center of attention, something Petunia seemingly resented. Petunia disliked feeling secondary or less important compared to her sister, whose unique abilities often made her stand out. This feeling of being overshadowed persisted throughout their lives, contributing to the strained relationship.
- Desire for a "Normal" Life: Petunia deliberately chose a non-magical, seemingly ordinary life, marrying Vernon Dursley. Her preference for normalcy clashed with Lily's magical existence, reinforcing her desire to separate herself from anything extraordinary or magical. This deeply rooted desire to be "normal" fueled her disdain for Lily's world.
Manifestation of Her Resentment
The extent of Petunia's resentment was evident in her actions, even during significant life events. For instance, when Petunia married Vernon, she specifically chose not to have Lily as a bridesmaid. This decision underscored her weariness of being overshadowed by Lily, even on a day that was meant to be hers alone. This act highlighted Petunia's strong desire to assert her own identity separate from Lily's overshadowing presence.
In essence, Petunia's hatred for Lily was a complex mix of envy, a feeling of being inadequate, and a profound wish to lead a perfectly ordinary life free from the "freakishness" of magic that her sister embodied.
