Introduction

One of the intriguing what-if questions in the Harry Potter universe is the possibility of Petunia Dursley --- Lily's sister and the cousin of the future Harry Potter --- going to Hogwarts instead of Lily. This hypothetical scenario offers a unique lens through which to explore how the dynamics and relationships in the Harry Potter world might change. Let's delve into the implications of such a scenario.

Lucy as a Muggle and Hogwarts

Petunia is a Muggle, and as such, she would not have perceived the enchantments of Hogwarts differently from a typical non-magical human. However, if the magical enchantment was lifted, she would have seen what every other witch or wizard sees: a majestic and enchanted castle. Despite the visual splendor, she would not be allowed to attend Hogwarts due to her Muggle background.

Even if the enchantment was somehow managed, Petunia would still face significant barriers. Sorting would not allow her to be placed in a house, given her Muggle status. This would cause immense embarrassment and shame, further deepening the already strained relationship between her and Lily. Furthermore, if she had somehow managed to participate in a year's worth of classes without performing magic, she would likely be expelled for not meeting the required standards. The experience might intensify her jealousy of Lily, exacerbating the sibling rivalry and emotional distance.

Age Dynamics and Hogwarts

An additional layer of complexity arises from Petunia's age. She is older than Lily, and if she were magically inclined, she would already be at Hogwarts by the time Lily starts her first year. Alternatively, if she tried to join Lily, she would be placed in the first year, which would be embarrassing and humiliating for her.

Conclusively, Petunia's magical eligibility would be non-existent. She would not be allowed to attend Hogwarts at all, despite her Muggle facade.

Hogwarts and the Sibling Bond

Now, let's explore the scenario where Petunia is magically inclined and can attend Hogwarts instead of Lily. In this case, she would likely be assigned to Hufflepuff, a house that values hard work, loyalty, and fairness. This decision differs from the more daring or cunning choices of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

Being in a different year and in a different house would provide Petunia and Lily with a balance of separation and connection. This separation could act as a form of self-discovery and personal growth for Petunia, allowing her to develop a more nuanced understanding of her magical abilities and her place in the world.

Moreover, the bond created through their mutual magical experiences would likely strengthen their relationship. Instead of envying Lily, Petunia would share in the wonder and excitement of existence as a witch or wizard. This newfound shared experience could erase the jealousy and resentment that have previously held them apart. They might still face minor arguments, but the core of Petunia's hatred towards Lily would no longer be present.

Consequences and Beyond

The implications of this scenario extend beyond just the siblings' relationship. If Petunia were to join the Order of the Phoenix alongside Lily, it is possible that she would become the Potters' secret keeper. This role could potentially save their lives, as she would have the knowledge of their whereabouts and could inform Voldemort, thus undermining the Death Eaters' efforts to locate the Potters.

In the aftermath of Sirius Black's death and the Potters' passing, Harry would be taken to live with the Dursleys. Given that Petunia would not resent magic and the wizarding world, she would provide Harry with a more balanced and nurturing environment. This would not only ease Harry's transition into his new family but also ensure that he is raised with less fear and more support. This nurturing environment could significantly influence Harry's mental health and decision-making, potentially guiding him towards more rational and healthy choices.

Conclusion: The hypothetical scenario of Petunia attending Hogwarts instead of Lily would unchain a series of positive outcomes. It would heal the sibling rift, increase their bonding over their shared magical experiences, and provide a nurturing environment for Harry. Utilizing this scenario, we can better understand the profound impact of magic on individual lives and the wider wizarding world.