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Would Petunia and Lily Have Remained Friends Without Snapes Involvement?

June 01, 2025Literature4384
Would Petunia and Lily Have Remained Friends Without Snapes Involvemen

Would Petunia and Lily Have Remained Friends Without Snape's Involvement?

The question often arises whether Petunia and Lily would have remained friends if Severus Snape had not introduced Petunia to the magical world. While it’s tempting to blame external factors, the truth lies more deeply within the dynamics of their relationship.

The Influence of External Factors vs. Intrinsic Personal Traits

Severus Snape, as a neutral party in the magical world, facilitated the introduction of Petunia and Lily. However, the core issue of their relationship was far more complex than simply the magical influence. As Snape himself stated, Lily being a Muggle-born meant that someone from Hogwarts would have eventually explained the situation to Petunia. The only difference Snape made was that Petunia’s parents might have been surprised, but Petunia herself was largely unaffected.

Addressing the Blame on the Magical World

It’s crucial to recognize that Petunia’s unhappiness was not a result of anything the magical world did. Her unhappiness stemmed from envy and bitterness, emotions that she created within herself. The fact that Snape was friends with Lily was not the cause of the conflict, and neither was Lily’s refusal to squelch her talents to please her sister. The parents’ refusal to demonize Lily was also irrelevant; the issue lay with Petunia herself.

Background and Initial Relationship Dynamics

Besides Snape’s involvement, Lily was enthusiastic about Hogwarts even before he introduced her to Petunia's family. Her name was on the list, and her interest in magic was evident. However, Petunia's jealousy and insecurity were already present. As an adult, Petunia eavesdropped on neighbors and boasted about her achievements, regardless of relevance.

Given their differences, it’s almost a certainty that Petunia would have eventually hated Lily due to her natural competitive nature. Lily's physical beauty, vivid red hair, and unique green eyes contrasted starkly with Petunia's perceived shortcomings. Additionally, Lily's bravery and lack of judgment made her stand tall against even those like Snape, further fueling Petunia's jealousy.

Observation of Lily's Early Magical Abilities

Even in their early years, Lily's magical abilities were evident. During a friendly game of swing on the playground, Lily demonstrated wandless magic. Snape observed their interactions, unsure of their relationship. Petunia’s reaction was one of both envy and a desire for control:

“Lily don’t do it!” shrieked the elder of the two. “But the girl had let go of the swing at the very height of its arc and flown into the air… And Mummy said you weren’t allowed, Lily!” “But I’m fine,” said Lily still giggling. “Tuney, look at this. Watch what I can do.”

Petunia, though fearful, advanced with curiosity. Lily showed her the flower she had picked, which opened and closed like a bizarre many-lipped oyster. Petunia’s reaction was mixed, with longing visible in her voice: “Stop it!” and “It’s not right.”

Despite Lily’s attempt to adhere to Petunia’s wishes, her magical nature proved difficult to fully suppress. Petunia, with her envious nature, would always find reasons to envy and dislike Lily, regardless of whether she was a Muggle or another witch.

Conclusion

Petunia's personality and competitive nature made her feel perpetually dissatisfied, no matter the circumstances. The relationship between Petunia and Lily was shaped by a complex interplay of personal traits rather than external factors. The introduction of the magical world, while significant, was just the catalyst for a pre-existing dynamic. Understanding this sheds light on the deeper roots of their relationship and the inevitable outcome of their dynamic.