Introduction

If Petunia, Harry Potter's aunt, had been a witch, the path that took might have been entirely different. Instead of a life marred by jealousy and abuse, Harry might have found a loving, supportive home. Let’s explore how this alternate reality could have unfolded.

The Sisterhood of Magic

Petunia and Lily’s relationship, often strained and overshadowed by jealousy, could have taken a very different turn if Petunia had not envied Lily’s magic. With both sisters possessing magical abilities, Petunia would have had no reason to feel inferior or envious. This change in dynamics could have fostered a deeper bond between the two sisters, leading to a healthier and more supportive environment for Harry to grow up in.

A Differing Marriage

Without the influence of Vernon, a man whose only ambition was to be “normal,” it’s likely that Petunia would have married a different man. If she had embraced her magical identity, her parents would have been more delighted in both their daughters finding their true paths. This could have led to a much more positive relationship within the family, perhaps even involving more magics in their daily lives. Petunia’s potential wizard husband might have also been involved in the magical world, opening doors to a different kind of family dynamic for Harry.

A Different Friendship with Snape

If Lily and Petunia had both been raised in the magical world, their relationship would have been different from the one described in the canon. Lily might not have been drawn to Severus Snape due to the fact that her sister could already explain everything about Hogwarts. The strained relationship that develops between Lily and Snape might not exist in this scenario, or at the very least, Petunia would have more power to protect Lily from him.

It is possible that Snape might still be interested in Lily, but their relationship would likely be less intense and less frequent. Petunia’s jealousy of Snape’s classism and appearance might only exacerbate her feelings, but she would still have a stronger bond with her sister. With this in mind, the dynamics between Lily, Snape, and Petunia would be quite different, with fewer complications and possibly a more stable friendship between the sisters.

A Positive Impact on Harry’s Life

The presence of Petunia at Hogwarts could have a significant impact on Harry’s life. Since Petunia’s home would be a magical one, she would have more reason to be supportive of Harry’s enchanting world, rather than resentful. This would mean that Harry would not face the same level of abuse and neglect that he did at the Dursley household.

Furthermore, with both Petunia and her husband being wizards, they would be more understanding of Harry’s magical interests. This scenario greatly reduces the likelihood of Harry suffering emotional, physical, or verbal abuse. Even if Petunia’s husband were still a bully, the presence of Petunia as a strong, magical character might mitigate some of his negative influence.

Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of both Lily and Petunia being witches offers a compelling exploration of how a different family dynamic could have changed the outcome of Harry’s journey. By presenting a more positive and supportive environment, this alternate reality might have led to a more fulfilling and easier childhood for Harry, which in turn could have affected his life in many positive ways.

The impact of Petunia’s magic could extend far beyond her household, influencing the way Harry interacts with the wizarding world and potentially his future relationships with others. In this revised narrative, Harry’s path to Hogwarts could have been smoother and more forgiving, setting the stage for a more hopeful and enchanted future.