AN: Somebody catch that plot bunny quickly! It just bit me.

Disclaimer: Despite years (and more years) of schooling, I still don't own anything except my cat. She would probably say even that wasn't true. Sue someone else.

It's not difficult to hate a baby. His coos and smiles actually made it easier. Such a perfect baby, with thick black hair and her sister's beautiful green eyes. Of course Lily would have such a baby.

"Oh dear, just look at that smile!" It was Mrs. Olberson. She came over about once a week for tea and to play with the babies, whether Petunia wanted her to or not.

"Why, he's just the happiest baby I believe I've ever seen!"

"Dudley is very content too and he looks much more angelic sleeping than Harry does."

"Certainly dear, never meant to slight your handsome boy!" Mrs. Olberson attempted to pinch Dudley's cheek while still holding Harry. Dudley tried to bite her finger.

"Feisty little man! But isn't it remarkable how dissimilar they look? One would never guess they are cousins."

"Yes, well unlike Harry, Dudley is quite a beautiful little boy."

Mrs. Olberson gave Petunia a long look.

"Did you and your sister look much a like? Oh, I'm sorry, that's probably painful for me to mention. I'm sure you miss her terribly."

"I'm afraid I have some rather pressing things I must attend to now, Mrs. Olberson. Would you mind seeing yourself out?"

"I really am terribly sorry. You're right, I'll be going. There, there Harry, see you later. Of course, you too, Dudley."

The door clicked softly behind her. That woman was denser than a brick. Really though, she wasn't the only one. Before Harry had come to burden them all with his presence, neighbors had fawned over Dudley. He was so pink and plump and with blond hair and blue eyes he almost looked like one of those little cherub angels.

However, Dudley simply didn't compare to Harry. Harry was remarkable in ways that it pained Petunia to admit even in her head. Visitors tried to hide their preference for Lily's boy, but it was obvious. Harry with his bright green eyes and his happy little laugh drew all the attention from her own poor, watery-eyed little boy.

It was just like growing up with Lily. Petunia had tried so hard to distance herself from her disgustingly fascinating, perfect sister. Petunia had built her own life, were she was the good, normal one and where no one would compare her to Lilly and find her lacking. Still, Lily had found a way to ruin that, even from the grave. Now her perfectly normal, wonderful little boy would grow up with Lily's son. Dudley would always be compared to Harry.

Harry was fusing. Probably because Dudley was pushing him. Good. Better that Dudley force Harry away early. If Harry was going to be a freak like Lily was, then her own son would have nothing to do with it. Her own boy just knew that already. Dudley wouldn't let his cousin's magick interfere with him being exuberantly, obviously, wonderfully normal.

Petunia gently picked Dudley up from the couch. He gurgled. Harry squirmed behind him.

"Mama!"

It was Harry. Probably his first word. He looked pleased with himself and held his arms out to her. Petunia looked at Dudley who looked at Harry with a plump, furrowed brow.

Dudley had never spoken.

Petunia left Harry there, her own, precious son in her arms.

AN: Thanks for reading!