Petunia's Letters to Vernon: Images and text Versions
Dear Vernon,
I suspect this letter will catch you in unawares and I dread your reaction. I called Grunnings—fully intending to explain—but Mary told me you had stepped out and I couldn’t find it in myself to call back again.
I have gone to visit my sister.
It isn’t like that; you know I wouldn’t run to my sister if I thought we had any marital problems. I am quite happy at home, though I do wish you took fewer business trips. Instead, Lily appears to have found a bit of trouble. Nothing too dangerous, mind, but she was traveling with her husband (you know, that awful James fellow) and wrote me to explain that they were currently having trouble getting out of New York. She didn’t request my help but she is my sister, Vernon, and I couldn’t just leave her there. New York is dangerous. I couldn’t just leave here there, Vernon, even for the sea.
I took the rest of my waitress money. I know we were going to use that at the sea this year but I don’t know when I’ll be able to get back and I wanted to be prepared.
It is no help being angry, Vernon. I am already on a plane and will be traveling for nearly twenty-four hours. Then I will be picked up at the airport by a friend. I will call you in two days and I hope, my dearest, that you will have been able to forgive me for running off so quickly and for ruining our vacation.
Much Love,
Petunia
P.S.
The Fish will not follow you and should not appear in the bathtub while I am away.
Dearest Vernon,
My sister appears to be living in some sort of magical commune. I am quite alright. There are other mug—none magical people around and the rude comments have been kept at a minimum. I have only felt as though the freaks have been threatening me very rarely, which is generally a surprise. In fact, I may be detecting a little fear—which is ridiculous. I am hardly going to shoot them while on vacation, attempting to sort through the mess that my sister has gotten herself in.
Do you remember Severus? That boy who lived down the street who was friends with Lily? He is apparently in New York as well, but he refuses to catch up. I can’t say I’m terribly surprised. As you well know, people are never the same after they go to that school and graduating does not convert them to previous manners.
I know you must still be cross with me, but I wish you wouldn’t be. While I cannot deny that the travel hasn’t been horrible: it is work. I did not leave for gladding about. While here I simply aim to make workable relationships until I can extract my sister and return home.
Speaking of which, I met a lovely woman with a number of children the other day. We did not get off on the best foot, I’m afraid, but a woman who mothers five children cannot be all bad. I am certain that we may be able to achieve a comfortable relationship—if only during the times we share the kitchen.
Do you still want children, Vernon?
You may not believe it as it has been a week and I’m still not home, but I miss you so much Vernon. I wish you could show me this city. I know you aren’t much for dancing but there are plays—Anthony and Cleopatra is being shown—and I’m sure there are other things that would interest you.
I will be home as soon as possible. Until then I wish you would write me about your day. How many meals do you have left? I can ask Lauren from down the street to make an extra plate for you if you are almost out.
Much Love,
Petunia
[Ooc: This Letter was never sent. It was crumpled and tossed in the trash.]
Vernon,
I have done something stupid. Not once—twice. I knew better. It’s my own fault. My own bloody fault. I thought things could be different with these people but who am I joking? If I had confided in you, Vernon, I think you would have told me straight away how ridiculous I was being. I just let all of this go to my head. All these silly journal things.
How stupid. I lead the way, didn’t I? Probably lead the way right to what would make me think of them as the same. Theatre and younger sisters and stupid, silly little things. Something just gets twisted on the inside when people go to those schools—they never come out the same and it’s just wrong. I wouldn’t care or be here but it’s my sister, Vernon, and I thought I could give a few of them a chance. It only took a little kindness and I took it like I hadn’t known it—and that is why I was inexcusably stupid. I would blame my pregnancy but you don’t know about that, do you? Because I keep messing up telling you, that’s why. And now I’m trapped in this house with only my sister to trust and you’re half the world away.
The first time was bad enough. The second I should have seen coming a mile away. That awful boy had been cruel enough to Lily in school but I thought he might have grown up. I even invited him to our wedding without having Lily ask—not that you know that.
I hope to never see him again. He invited me to lunch. I thought he was finally going to stop treating me like a leper. Instead, it was a darling afternoon out where he told me he was in a group that would like to kill or torture people like me. People like us. Who does that, Vernon? Not the boy I used to know.
I can’t trust any of them—the few I thought were my friends would rather people like us die and the rest think I’m a nutter. There’s nothing nutter about trying to make sure your sister is safe, Vernon. There’s nothing nutter about wanting her safe and not believing that her friends are doing a good job when she’s already been bloody kidnapped once.
This week has been simply dreadful, Vernon, and I can’t even send you this letter.
I miss you. I’m tired and I’m alone and I miss you.