Petunia and Lily Evans grew up in the industrial town of Cokeworth, nestled in a modest yet cozy home on a quiet street. Their mother, Violet, was a kind and attentive stay-at-home parent, while their father, Henry, worked tirelessly as a manager at the local factory to provide for their middle-class family. Life was simple, normal, and filled with the everyday joys of childhood.
From an early age, it was evident that Lily was a bright and curious child. Her fiery red hair and sparkling green eyes drew attention wherever she went. Even as a baby, strange things happened around her. Toys would levitate into her tiny hands, and objects would inexplicably disappear only to be found clutched in her little fingers moments later. While their parents couldn't explain these odd occurrences, they chose to brush them off as coincidences or the antics of an unusually clever child.
Petunia, on the other hand, often felt like the shadow to Lily's brilliance. Born as Lily's twin, she had dull blonde hair and a long neck that drew unkind comparisons. She was quiet and observant, always yearning for something more, yet unsure of her place in the world. It was on the night of her second birthday that her life changed forever.
Petunia stirred awake, her small body tucked under a quilt. The moonlight streamed through the window, casting silvery beams across the room she shared with Lily. As she turned in her bed, a soft, melodic voice echoed in her mind.
[System Activated: Welcome, Petunia Evans.]
Petunia froze, her heart pounding. "Who… who are you?" she whispered, glancing at Lily's peacefully sleeping form.
[I am the System, here to guide you toward greatness. Complete missions to earn rewards and unlock your potential. Your first mission: Meditate to awaken your magic. Do you accept?]
Magic. The word sent a shiver down her spine. She had no idea what it meant, but the promise of something extraordinary tugged at her heart.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I accept."
The next morning, Petunia began her journey. The System's guidance was clear: she needed to find a quiet place, sit still, and focus inward. Though she didn't fully understand the purpose, she obeyed. Meditation, the System explained, was the key to connecting with the magical energy within her. By calming her mind and focusing her thoughts, she could sense the flow of magic, an innate force that every witch and wizard possessed.
For two years, Petunia practiced daily. At first, it was frustrating. Her mind wandered, and she felt nothing. But slowly, she began to notice a faint warmth in her chest, like a flickering candle. Over time, the warmth grew stronger, spreading through her limbs. The System encouraged her to visualize this energy, shaping it into waves of light that coursed through her body. Her concentration improved, and with it, her sense of self.
When the mission was complete, the System spoke again.
[Mission Complete: Meditation. Reward: Beauty Enhancement Pill.]
Petunia hesitated as a small, shimmering pill materialized in her hand. The System explained that the pill would enhance her appearance, subtly improving her natural features to their most ideal form. It would create a level of beauty that felt extraordinary yet plausible enough to avoid suspicion from others. With a deep breath, she swallowed it.
The changes were immediate and transformative. Her dull blonde hair became vibrant and wavy, catching the light like spun gold. Her blue eyes sparkled with new intensity, and her facial features gained a balanced, symmetrical elegance. The long neck she had always hated now appeared graceful and regal. When her parents saw her, they were struck not with suspicion but with awe at how their little girl seemed to bloom overnight.
"Petunia, you've grown into such a pretty young lady," Violet said, brushing her daughter's golden locks. "It's amazing how much you've started to resemble your grandmother at your age."
Neighbors began to take notice, showering her with compliments and small gifts. Petunia, for the first time, felt seen. Yet, beneath the newfound attention, a part of her remained uneasy. She couldn't shake the feeling that her beauty set her apart, making her question whether her parents' pride and her neighbors' admiration were truly genuine.
As the years passed, the System's missions became more challenging. It encouraged her to practice wandless magic, a rare and difficult skill.
[Focus on your will," the System instructed. "Magic is the extension of intent. Visualize what you desire, and let your energy shape the world.]
Petunia discovered that with enough focus, she could make flowers bloom and even lift objects with a flick of her fingers. She and Lily spent hours in their mother's garden, tending to the plants. But while Lily's joy was rooted in simple curiosity, Petunia knew her efforts served a greater purpose. The System sometimes rewarded her with Galleons for completing tasks, a magical currency she stashed away for the future.
At the age of ten, the System presented her with a new mission.
[Mission: Befriend Severus Snape. Objective: Assist him and earn his trust. Reward: Magical Skill Enhancement.]
Petunia sat on her bed, thinking. She knew Severus. He was the quiet, pale boy who lived on Spinner's End, not far from her family's house. She had seen him a few times, skulking in the shadows of the neighborhood, his dark eyes always watching and analyzing. There was something mysterious about him, something that intrigued her even as it made others avoid him.
"Severus Snape," she murmured, the name rolling off her tongue.
Petunia's opportunity came one cloudy afternoon when she wandered alone into the park. Lily had chosen to stay behind, engrossed in a book, leaving Petunia with her thoughts. As she strolled through the overgrown paths, she spotted a boy sitting beneath a gnarled tree. His greasy black hair hung over his face as he fiddled with a tattered book, his expression a mix of boredom and sadness.
"Hi," Petunia said hesitantly, stepping closer.
Severus looked up sharply, his dark eyes narrowing. "What do you want?"
Petunia hesitated but felt the System's nudge urging her forward. "You're different, aren't you?" she said softly, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.
He tensed, his gaze turning suspicious. "What do you mean?"
"You can do things," she continued, her tone careful. "Things other people can't."
Severus's eyes widened for a brief moment before narrowing again. "How would you know that?"
Petunia smiled faintly and raised her hand. With a flick of her fingers, a small flower blossomed from the ground beside her. Severus's mouth fell open, his suspicion giving way to wonder.
For a long moment, neither spoke. Then, Severus closed his book and stood. "Show me how you did that," he demanded, his voice tinged with curiosity and excitement.
Petunia nodded. "I will, but only if you teach me what you know."
A fragile bond began to form in the shade of that gnarled tree. Petunia's efforts to befriend Severus were genuine, but they were also guided by the System's purpose.