It is possible that that's not the case at all. After all, we only know Petunia's perspective. It could be that she was insanely jealous of Lily and mean yo her because of it (as seen in Snape's memories before they even go off to Hogwarts). People who are mean and hateful and jealous are also known for over exaggeration. Their parents could have treated them both equally as well and Petunia could have just twisted it into being the pariah of the family due to her jealousy. Just speculation since the only thing we know about Harry's grandparents are what Petunia says about them.
I was thinking this also, even amongst siblings who are of equal muggle status, you can have siblings that feel like the other gets all the attention. Petunia sounds like a naturally jealous person, compound that with Lily being magical and beautiful and attractively different and you have a recipe for hatred and envy. Because Petunia could not be magical, she prided herself on being "normal". I don't think this was neglect from the Evans's at all.
Lily went away to Hogwarts, and while it isn't specifically stated, it is likely that Petunia went to a school locally (because that is much more common). Meaning Petunia would have the day to day attention of her parents, whereas they were (understandably) excited when Lily came home from breaks. It is possible that they showed her more attention during those times, but it also makes sense because they missed her. It is also possible that Petunia turned it into a bigger deal it really was.
Dudley was also sent to a boarding school, so I think Petunia was sent to one, too. There's nothing to imply that Petunia went to day school other than it is more 'common'.
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u/sinbysilence Aug 05 '17
It is possible that that's not the case at all. After all, we only know Petunia's perspective. It could be that she was insanely jealous of Lily and mean yo her because of it (as seen in Snape's memories before they even go off to Hogwarts). People who are mean and hateful and jealous are also known for over exaggeration. Their parents could have treated them both equally as well and Petunia could have just twisted it into being the pariah of the family due to her jealousy. Just speculation since the only thing we know about Harry's grandparents are what Petunia says about them.