Snow crunches beneath my foot as I trudge slowly home from the usually crisp winter air feels unnaturally heavy and thick, and the deserted street shows no sign of life. It's December 23rd, not far off Christmas,yet despite the happy
time of year I can't help feeling dread growing inside me as I near closer to Number 4, Privet Drive.
Unlike everything else on Privet Drive, the steps leading up the path to our house are completely clean, with not even a speck of frost or dirt showing on the orange-red bricks. I sigh heavily. Despite all the tension and drama the last few days, Mum
hasn't forgotten to keep everything clean as can be.
I reach inside of my jeans pockets, groping for my keys. I pull it out, take a deep breathe and push the key through the front door.
"Hi, Mum. I'm home," I call out into the seemingly empty house. "Hello? Dad?" I ask again, a little louder this time. Nothing.
I shrug, thinking they must be out shopping or at some urgent meeting. Dad always seems to be at some sort of meeting now days. He never tells me what they're about. Come to think of it, he doesn't tell Mum either...
I step forward through the hall after hanging up my jacket. The heating's permanently on during the winter. I'm a little unsure about what to do - Mum normally keeps me company once I'm home. I would go up to my room, but it's a complete tip after my
mates came round the other day.
I guess I can just hang out in the living room, though. I stroll through the hall towards the door to the kitchen and living room, grasping the handle, but then - wait. What's that noise? I freeze ofn the spot. I thought this place was empty..?
But no, that's definitely inside the house. It's someone talking, quietly, but firmly - harshly. My hand still clenched around the door knob, I listen again and realise with reliefit's my own parents - so they are home.
But something doesn't sound my ear to the door, I strain my ears to hear what's going on.
"I've told u a thousand times before, we're not to keep in touch with that boy. He's foul and you know it!" My dad was whispering fiercely.
"But Vernon-" My Mum starts, but she's cut off.
"Pentunia! We have kept him under this home for years and years because I let him. I went to work to pay for him. I applied for his old schools, I got us the money for an extra meal each day. You know, we wouldn't be in this
stupid mess if your filfthy sister hadn't gone running off into that foul world with that foul piece of shit and you know who could've stopped that? You could've stopped that, Petunia, but no, of course you didn't. You don't do anything
for anyone else, do you?"
A moment of silence that seems to last for eternity as I listen in horror.
"Vernon, I-" Suddenly there's a loud smack followed by a thump and a whimper. My heart stops in my chest.
More violent words are being said but my mind is heavy with fear. I turn and sprint upstairs, fumbling with my door handle, before collapsing onto my bed.
A small tear leaks out of my eye. Then another. Then another, followed by more and more as I bury myself in sorrow...
A/N: Hey again everyone :) so here's the first chapter of this latest fic, hope you enjoy. Sorry it's another gloomy one, it's just,well... my parents split up a few weeks ago and I haven't really been able to talk about it much, and I think this
is a good way of expressing myself ❤️ reviews are really appreciated, and I'll update ASAP. ~Caitlin x