Athena Potter

Petunia Dursley, looked like she had swallowed a lemon. There, on her very own doorstep, sat a moses basket, that did not belong. Petunia stared at the bundle of linen and peered her pointy little nose down to inspect what the basket contained. Wrapped within the blanket, she found a baby that was not her own. This little baby was not like her own Son, who was currently crying in the kitchen while his Father attempted to feed him chocolate mousse. Vernon and Petunia Dursley, of Number Four Privet Drive, considered themselves to be a perfectly normal family and considered it a normal occurrence for a one-year old growing boy to wake up hungry at eleven o'clock, at night.

The baby nestled in the basket however, Petunia did not consider normal. On closer inspection, this baby had Rose Red hair and curiously, a fresh dark scar on its forehead. As if by magic, Petunia remembered her surroundings and quickly swooped the basket into her arms and carried the sleeping child into the living room. Petunia's emotions had shifted though disgust, curiosity, panic and now Petunia was flabbergasted, the child was not asleep, and she was not sure if it had ever been asleep. The Baby was quietly laying there, staring up to Petunia with large green eyes.

"Lilly…" Petunia barely whispered. This child could only belong to Lilly. Lilly had written Petunia letters in an attempt to keep in touch, although Petunia wasn't interested and hadn't been for a long time. Petunia's sister had changed since she was sent off the that freaky school. At first both sisters were overjoyed to discover magic was real, together they both used to play games where they were good witches battling evil monsters. When the girls played, freaky things would happen every so often, Lilly would be able to climb trees a lot faster and one time, a fire mysteriously started when Lilly attempted to "blow up" the make-believe monster. The old freaky looking woman came arrived at their house one day, and explained Lilly really was a witch and all the odd things that happened where referred to as instances of accidental magic. At first, Petunia was extremely jealous, what 12-year-old wouldn't be? All their wishes had come true, but only Lilly was able to live in a world, where unicorns were real. Petunia had to attend an all-girls secondary school, whereas, her sister was taken away to live in a Castle and learn about magic.

When Lilly returned home for Christmas, she had already learnt so much. Petunia had asked if the monsters were real too, but Lily had just laughed and explained there were loads of magical creatures, but Monsters were just make-believe.

Through the years, Lilly would mention comments about a bullying problem in the school. Petunia decided this bullying sounded like nothing compared to the girls at her own school, they were simply crawl and manipulative. The only way to survive in her school was to be just as harsh and spiteful and then the older girls would leave you alone, or at least the younger girls would.

Lily was sixteen and Petunia was seventeen when they had their first real fight. Lilly had come home from her Fifth Year much quieter than in previous years.

"What's wrong with you?" Petunia snarked at the dinner table. "Is your boyfriend no longer pulling your pigtails?" Petunia laughed as if what she has said was hilarious.

"He's not my boyfriend." Said Lilly very quietly, normal this would outrange Lilly as if someone had told her she'd grown a second head.

"Well something's happened, normally we can't shut you up about that, oh so amazing school of yours." Petunia didn't actually care, she wasn't even curious, she just wanted Lilly to know her place.

Lilly didn't say anything; her green eyes did not show the normal fire they once did. She only stared at her sister with little emotion. Lilly lowered her eyes and said, "You wouldn't understand."

This was just the opening Petunia was looking for, "I wouldn't understand?" she snapped, "Of course I wouldn't, because I'm not little magical golden girl, gem of the family who could do no wrong!"

"Petunia Evans! What has gotten into you?" her Mother quickly interrupted but Petunia wasn't finished.

"No! I have had it, how can she sit there, clearly wanting attention – attention you have hardly starved her off and then answer my question like I am somehow lesser then she is?!"

Before their Mother was able to refute that comment, Lilly desperately spoke up. "I don't think you are less than I am, that's just it, I believe we should be equal, we should-"

"But we are not the same, are we?" Petunia interrupted, "I am normal, I go to College and will soon be applying to university. I went to the end of year ball with a charming young man, whom will be meeting our parents in the coming holidays. But you, you are still at the same school you were at when you were 11. You still play dress up and carry around a wooden stick. You are nothing but a freak who goes to a school of freaks! I bet half of what you have said about that school isn't even true and it's just all in your head."

Petunia had expected the fire to return to Lilly's eyes, of course a display like this at Petunia's school's lunch halls would have resulted in the other girl stepping up the challenge and the strongest girl would be queen B. However, Lilly seemed to be submitting before Petunia had even tried.

Before Petunia could raise her aggression, her Father slammed his hands on the table and halted the argument. "Petunia leave the table. This behaviour will not be tolerated in this house go to your room. I will talk to you, when I am ready." Petunia's instinct was to talk back and challenge her father, she was no longer a child and who was he to talk to her as such? But he was her Father, and this was his house. And so, she submitted.

"Yes Father". And so Petunia walked to her room and awaited the long talk she would have with her father. Her Father was a kind but hard-working soul, he explained to

Petunia that they as parents had always treated both girls equally. Both Girls, had had the opportunity to go to private school and he loved both girls very much. However, both girls had changed in ways he had not expected and in ways he could barely understand. He attempted to remind Petunia how close she was with her sister when they were younger and how protective she was over her baby sister.

Despite her Father's heartfelt chat, Petunia still struggled. The problem wasn't that she had forgotten how she and Lilly used to be, the problem is that Lilly doesn't seem to have changed since they were younger, and she had. Petunia had had to face challenges that went beyond simple bullying and meanwhile still maintain a high standard in class. Lilly just has to prefect something she could do naturally. Lilly was right, she didn't understand. Why had Lilly come home like someone had died? When she had it so easy?

That summer, the sister's barely spoke. The Mother tried to arrange day trips together, but Petunia had claimed to have prior plans with her new boyfriend's family.

The following year, was much of the same, Lilly remained at school for Christmas and briefly came home over summer, but not before Lilly decided to hold a house meeting.

The Family of four sat down around the table as Lilly appeared to be searching for courage. With a flick of her wooden stick four mugs of hot tea appeard on the table. Petunia, was in shock for a few moments. The only evidence of magic she had seen was when she was 12 years old. Petunia had truly begun to convince herself that magic wasn't real. But it wasn't long before another notion bothered her, "I thought you were not supposed to use magic outside school!" Petunia exclaimed.

Lilly quirked her eyebrow, "I thought you didn't believe in Freaky magic" Lilly questioned with a snap, however she quickly backtracked, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be snappy, I've not been sleeping properly." Her mother leaned forward to comfort her and Lilly only gave a small smile to thank her. "As you know I turned Seventeen this year, in the Wizarding World this makes me legally an adult and therefore able to use magic outside of school, as long as it doesn't reveal magic to…" Lilly paused, "others." She finally said. Petunia stayed quiet knowing this wasn't the reason Lilly had asked for this meeting. As much as she wanted to dispute the fact that the Adult Age in the Uk was eighteen, not seventeen.

"There are somethings… I haven't told you about the Wizarding World. I never lied," Said Lilly, as she gave a pointed look at Petunia, "But there were things I missed out." Lilly sighed, "I am, what is classed as a Muggle-born witch, which means I am known as a witch who did not have magical parents or grandparents." Lilly's parents frowned but did not interrupt. "If I were to have magical and non-magical grandparents, I would be considered a half-blood." A confused look appeared on Petunia's face. Lilly was trying to explain this as simply as possible. Lilly shook her head. "This detail is not so important. Witches and Wizards, who can trace their magic back generations, are known as purebloods and then, this brings me to pureblood's extremist. The extremists believe that, as their family magic is older, then they believe, that they are somehow purer and that they are far superior to us in every way. This extremist action, has led to a Civil War."

Petunia's mother wanted to speak at this point and looked like she was going to, but she stopped herself to further contemplate Lilly's words. However, Petunia wasn't as controlled and proper as her Mother.

"A Civil War? Extremist? That's insane, after the Second World War, things like that have been stopped…" Petunia momentarily stopped to think, "In Britain at least." Petunia noticed her Father pinch the bridge of this nose as if he had a sudden headache.

"In Britain, consider the Magical World its own … well, it is its own world really. How many things around this world do you not consider yourself to be an expert on? The Wizarding World has its own Society, just like other countries do."

Petunia's mother cut in, wanting to get straight the point. "How close to home is this war?" Petunia then saw something in Lilly's eyes she had not seen since she had left Petunia behind to go to a magical school. Tears.

Lilly looked at her mother and collected herself quickly, "It is… everywhere. At Hogwarts, Purebloods and some half-bloods, are being recruited to join the leader of the organisation. Some join, and others are hunted. The ones who have joined, have to prove themselves, to do that they attack Muggle-borns and Blood-traitors."

"You..?" Petunia's mother was in tears now "You're just children." She whispered to herself more than the rest for the family.

However, Lilly responded. "Recruiting seems to have increased the last few years, it was much more behind the scenes. I was called a Mudblood, it means dirty blood, the blood extremists didn't like that, I seemed to be just as powerful, if not more so than some of them and I have always been a target. But this year is when the killing started to increase… many of my friends have lost their parents, many people in my year have lost someone. We are…Safer at the school then elsewhere. The school has protections."

"But you said there have been attacks at the school?" Petunia's mother asked.

"Are we safe?" Petunia asked at the same time.

"Headmaster Dumbledore has expelled a lot of the Students who have been quick to attack, but the more cunning have been left behind. We think they have been ordered to stay, so that they can spy on the school. They can't do anything that would risk being expelled, as it would upset their leader." Lilly explained.

"That, does not make me feel better. You will not return." Their Mother ordered, looking to her husband for support.

"I'm afraid you can't stop me," Lilly almost pleaded.

"You live under our roof!" Their Mother desperately said. And so, Lilly disappeared and reappeared to the other side of the table. Making Petunia and her Mother scream.

"Then I'll leave, I can stay at a friend's house for Summer and then I'll be back at Hogwarts in September." Petunia had never seen Lilly stand up to their Mother, she was always respectful and never had any reason to argue. Lilly was serious about this War and despite Petunia having grown apart from Lilly, she could see through the strong stance Lilly was portraying. She could see Lilly was petrified.

Petunia's Father was a man of few words, but he could hold the attention of a room with the tone of his voice alone. "Lilly…" he warned.

"Daddy, I don't want to leave, but it might actually be a better idea then I first thought. Tuney…" Lilly had not called her that in years, "Nobody is safe, this war is growing and fast, at the moment, the blood extremists have been targeting blood traders which means death is coming quick. And the deaths have resulted in some joining his side, out of fear that they or their families will be next. They aren't as focused on the Muggle-born families. I am going to put some very strong blood protections on this house, as long as you're here you'll be safe. When you are out of the house, I've got a voice activated device that will bring you back here. Just try not to use them in front of others," Lilly started to rummage through her bag and she pulled out some simple necklaces.

"Those are ghastly!" Petunia exclaimed, before she could stop herself. She wasn't stupid, she wanted protection but honestly, she had a standard to up hold. Lilly simply rolled her eyes. And passed her the necklace.

"You can hide it under your clothes," she said as she passed the same bits of metal to her Mother and Father. "Just hold it in your hand and say "Home", it'll only work for each of you."

Her Father spoke again, "But you don't think we'll need them?"

Lilly hesitated, "No but, it would make me feel better." And that was enough for her Father who slipped the necklace around his neck and under his clothes.

"I am going to stay with friends, the less I am around the less attention there is on you." Lilly stated.

Her Mother wasn't as so accepting, "But we hardly see you as it is." Evan's Woman did not whine. Petunia thought, until now.

"I'll visit, when I can." Petunia strongly suspected that was a lie. And therefore, she asked the only logical question.

"How should we contact you should we require it?" Petunia asked, a little too formally.

"Try not to contact me unless I contact you." Petunia's Mother Started Whimpering. "Hold your neckless and say "Lilly", but only in an emergency." Lilly added. Petunia could only wonder what would warrant an emergency.

After Lilly had her emotional goodbye with her parents she turned to her sister. "Tuney, I'm so sorry, I don't know what happened with us, I have been so distracted with the Wizarding World. I wanted to tell you last year, but … it doesn't matter now. Just… I love you Tuney and I will always have." Lilly moved closer to Petunia expecting to be comforted. However, Petunia only stared at her Sister. How had things between them become so distant. It hasn't happened over night, it was a slow poison that had entered Petunia's mind. She understood it started with jealousy and bitterness. Petunia knew they had both been in different environments and changed beyond recognition, but Lilly was still her sister. Wasn't she? Lilly lived in a completely different world. It was in that moment that Petunia decided where she would stand with her sister.

"You're not my sister." The words were so simple and yet sent a cold ripple throughout the room.

Their Father had never sounded so forbidding, "Petunia…". Their Mother was openly crying.

"Because of you my family is at risk, Muggle-born in that world, dirty blood? In this world you're a freak."

And with that Lilly did the least brave thing she had ever done. She disappeared.

OOO

Petunia's life moved on from that day, at only 18 Petunia became engaged to a young businessman called, Vernon Dursley. She didn't contact her sister however she believed her parents had passed on the news somehow. Her parents still loved her regardless of her words, however she believed they were only so interested in her life, due to the lack of appearance of the second daughter.

Petunia rarely regretted her action of that day, until a year later when that day became redundant. Petunia had only been married one month and three days when a police officer showed up at her door. Not wishing the neighbours to see, she rushed the older gentlemen in and offered him a cup of tea. "No thank you." Once they were seated the Policeman went on. "This news is going to come as a bit of a shock…" And that news did, Petunia sat listening to the man's voice, something about a "gas explosion", "very quick". Once the man left Petunia walked to her bedroom and picked up the music box next to her bed. Inside was a silver necklace, the one her sister had given her. Petunia had only worn the necklace for about a month but as she started to spend more time alone with Vernon she has become used to leaving it at home.

Petunia held the necklace in her shaking hand and whispered her sister's name. It felt like time had stopped for Petunia as she waited for her sister to arrive. Only moments later, Lilly Evans, a young woman with rosy red hair, appeared in her bedroom and with a wooden stick in hand.

"Tuney? Petunia…" Lilly quickly corrected herself. Only for a moment, once she saw the pale disposition of her sister. "Tuney what is it?" Lilly asked, more frantically.

"They are gone." Were the only words Petunia uttered before she collapsed on the floor. Lilly only just caught her in her arms and lowered her down to the floor carefully. Petunia found her eyes spring open which seemed to be a moment later. Lilly looked considerably paler and fuzzier than before.

Lilly was stroking her head in an attempt to calm her, as if she was waking up, from only a bad nightmare. "Tuney?" Lilly whispered, her eyes were searching Petunia for answers. Petunia sat up but didn't move away from Lilly.

"There was a gas leak, an explosion and Mother and Father…." Lilly's eyes became wide in realisation, realisation of so many things.

"No…." Petunia, had never considered grief before, they'd never had any pets and any grandparents had either passed when she was very young or passed before she was born. The feeling she was feeling now was not one she could consider because it didn't feel of anything, she felt completely numb. Only simply seeing her sister, because that is what she was, her litter sister and their parents were dead.

"Tuney!" It was only then, she realised that Lilly was trying to get her attention, her eyes focused on her sister's eyes again, those vibrant green eyes. "Are you sure they said gas leak?!". What? Petunia wondered. Why would that be important?

"They are dead Lilly." Petunia stated as if Lilly hadn't understood.

Lilly took a deep breath and regained her composer. "Yes Petunia," Lilly said softly. "I just need to understand. It could be important." Lilly spoke as if she was speaking to an over emotional child.

Petunia blink twice, slowly as it dawned on her. "It was you" It wasn't a question. "Your lot. Your freaks!" Petunia shrilled voice carried through the quiet halls of her marital home. All regard for her neighbours forgotten.

"Tuney, listen to me." Still continuing the patronizing tone.

"Get out! I should have never have called you! Get out!" Petunia started to wave her arms, as if she was shooing the seagulls away from her beach towel.

Lilly backed away, raising her wooden stick. "Petrificus Totalus," was all Petunia heard, before she fell to the ground stiff as a board. "I'm sorry Tuney, I really am. It's just, I can't let the same happen to you. Think Lilly…." Petunia was getting more and more angry, as Lilly paced the room, muttering to herself. "Ok, first things first, I need to place protective wards on this house. I'm also going to place blood wards, which is only frowned upon not illegal," Lilly was clearly thinking out loud at this point. "I'll come back to do that. You won't know I'm here. I'm going to find out what I can, maybe it was just a gas leak, I don't know Tuney." Lilly knelt down besides Petunia. "I won't let this happen again, I'll keep a close eye on you and your husband. But you won't know I am there. I'm so sorry, you've had to go through this. I'm sorry, Tuney, I am so sorry…finite." And quick as a flash, Lilly disappeared.

Petunia Dursley, never saw her Sister again.

Petunia received four letters. The first Lilly wrote was to confirm the protections and again apologise for the effect she has had on her life. Her next letter mentioned she that she was newly married, not long after the death of their parents. Something about "life was too short". Despite the circumstances, Petunia could not hold back the pang of smugness when she read the name potter. That boy that she didn't stop talking about for three years who bullied and tormented her. Petunia quickly disregarded any emotions and quickly returned to her breakfast.

"Anything interesting dear?" Vernon Dursley, spared a glance from his newspaper, to check on his wife.

"Not at all." Petunia answered.

The third letter arrived Christmas 1980, Lilly had felt the need to tell Petunia that she was a few months pregnant. What Lilly did not know was Petunia was already four months pregnant. This was the closest Petunia had felt to emotion regarding her sister since they last spoke. Of course, Petunia's momentarily laps in emotion she later put down to her delicate state. Petunia disregard the letter.

And the final letter, was written to tell Petunia about her new niece. Petunia tried not to read it, she really did. But Petunia would never forget the niece's name.

Athena Potter.

OOO

Petunia held Athena in her arms. She was only broken out of her trance due to her Husband calling her from the Kitchen. "Petunia! Love?" as Vernon called her, he peered his head around the corner and looked into the living room. Petunia could see Vernon's eyes pull towards the bundle in her arms. "What? Is that?" he asked narrowing his eyes.

"This is my niece" she answered, not trusting her voice. Her son was still wining in the kitchen, clearly upset that his chocolate mousse had disappeared.

"What niece? You don't have a niece. Is your sister here?" He walked into the hallway expecting to find an adult that this child belonged to. As he walked back into the living room, he spotted the basket and inspected its contents. "What's this?" In Vernon's hands was a letter. Petunia wasn't sure how she had missed that. She silently and carefully handed the baby over to Vernon. Instinctively Vernon received the baby, his facial expression grew in bewilderment, as he stared into the emerald eyes of the child.

Petunia took the letter which was addressed to her. Despite every strange thing that she had experienced in her life, the contents of the letter shocked her.

Dear Petunia Dursley née Evans,

I am writing to inform you of devastating news, your sister, Lilly Potter and her husband James Potter have sadly passed away this evening. I apologise to write you like this and understand this must come as a shock.

I am unaware how much of our world you are aware of, but I'm sorry to tell you, there has been a War in the Wizarding World which has seen much devastation. Your Sister played a crucial part in the War and she has contributed to the fall, of one of the Darkest Wizards of this century.

The circumstances of the war have left your niece alone in the magical world and as a result guardianship of Athena Potter has fallen to you. For legal information, including guardianship payment, please see the attached letter.

I feel l must warn you, although the Wizarding War has been deemed as over, the Potter Family still has enemies who may seek vengeance. Lilly previously confined in me the protections she has placed on your home and your family. The blood protection she has used is expected to hold, however since her passing the protection may weaken with time. However, this protection can be combined with the protection she has placed on her daughter. Together as a family your protection will grow until Athena comes of age on her Seventeenth birthday.

Athena turned one years old on 31st July 1981 and just before her 11th birthday she will receive an invite to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

I wish your family all the best for the future and I thank you for your hospitality.

Yours Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster

Order of Merlin First Class

Petunia slowly lowered the letter and hesitantly looked towards her niece.

"Well?" Vernon grunted, "What the bloody hell is going on?"

Petunia contemplated the words, what was going on, indeed? Her sister was dead? And nobody else was able to take care of the child? That seemed unreasonable. Did she want to take care of the child? She swore she didn't want anything to do with her sister and her freakiness. Was this child like Lilly? She certainly looked like her. Was it even natural for a child to be this quiet? Even now the child lay there still just staring at them.

Petunia also had to explain this freaky world to her husband and she wasn't sure if he would believe him. He was a very old-fashioned young man. Despite Petunia being accepted in to university, Vernon insisted she stay at home ready for the children they both wanted. As Petunia has considered herself to be without a family, she could not wait to start her own. Although Petunia did not expect to have two one-year old in their house so soon.

Her sister had not only disappeared from her life, but was now dead and for the same reason as her parents. Magic had taken so much away from her. And in that moment Petunia decided the world was not going to take her niece away from her as well. Only, instead of swearing to protect the child, she would raise the child and then let her go away to the freaky school. This baby girl would have a roof over her head until then. Petunia believed her sister would not ask anymore of her, knowing she has lost so much already.

Petunia could not let the child go to an Orphanage as Petunia feared desperately for her own Son and Husband. This protection the letter talked about had to stay.

Petunia was going to have to have a very long talk with her Husband, how was he ever going to believe that magic was real?