You really had me going there. For a few heart-stopping moments, I thought it was Narcissa. Then that last line hit me and I had to go back and re-orient myself, and what I came up with was...freaky. Completely, totally, mind-blowingly freaky. But utterly brilliant. (By the way, I first took notice of this story because my name is Justine. Shh. It's a secret. Well, of course it's a secret, otherwise I wouldn't use a penname, would I?)

WOW! I agree with others, I had your character pegged as Narcissa, but how brilliant that it is Petunia! I went back and reread it from that perspective, just to see how it changed things. I think it makes perfect sense that she would feel this way and that she turned a back on her talents at some point. I can just see her, ruining her manicure by gardening, sickened by the thought of having to take up her wand again. But she would, to be sure, to protect Dudley! Excellent!!

This was really great! I also thought this was about Mrs. Malfoy and I never saw it coming! Really wonderful.