A/N: This is a work of fiction using the characters from Harry Potter that are trademarked by J.K. Rowling.
Laurel Potter sat by the window in the small, stuffy kitchen of Number 4, Privet Drive. She diligently peeled potatoes for dinner while the buns baked in the oven. The Dursleys had left her with a pile of chores, insisting that she earn her keep despite being only nine years old. She glanced outside and watched the birds fly freely in the sky. She felt a pang of envy at their freedom and wished that she could fly through the air.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, the living room, Dudley Dursley was surrounded by heaps of presents. It was his birthday and his parents showered him with more gifts than Laurel could count. He tore open the boxes with glee, tossed the wrapping paper carelessly around the room and demanded more and more from his doting parents.
Aunt Petunia bustled into the kitchen and eyed Laurel's progress with a sneer, "Hurry up with those potatoes, girl. We can't have dinner late just because you're daydreaming again."
"Yes, Aunt Petunia," Laurel murmured, her voice barely audible, her cheeks stained a blush pink.
The loud, thundering footsteps announced the arrival of Uncle Vernon, who was in high spirits due to Dudley's birthday celebrations, "Girl, make sure not to bother the guests. We're expecting important people tonight," he instructed Laurel curtly before heading back to the living room.
As Laurel continued her chores, she couldn't help but overhear the laughter and excitement that came from Dudley's direction. Her stomach churned with resentment, but she knew better than to voice her feelings toward her spoiled cousin. She had learned at an early age that any sign of discontent only led to more punishment.
Hours passed with Laurel stuck in the Kitchen staring at the beige walls, the beige cabinets that were combined with a lovely being countertop. Finally, the Durley's' guests and dinner could begin. Laurel quietly served dinner, careful not to make eye contact with anyone. Dudley sat at the head of the table, a spot usually reserved for Vernon, and he indulged in every dish oblivious to Laurel's resentment.
Feeling a mixture of exhaustion and desolation, Laurel retreated to the sink after dinner. She climbed onto a stool with a heavy heart. She scrubbed the dishes mechanically, lost in thought of a life beyond the confines of the Dursleys house.
All she wanted now was to lie down in her bed, but she knew her Aunt and Uncle would be displeased if there was a speck of dirt in the kitchen once the party was done.
After she finished the cleaning and put the leftovers in the fridge, Laurel took a seat on the stool and spent the rest of the time staring out the window ignoring the sounds of the party on the other side of the door.
Word Count: 467
Challenges/Prompts:
Scamander's Case – Blush Pink / Spoiled
Candy Cane Daily Writing Challenge – Colour: Beige
December Writing Club: Travel Guide – 10. Word: Heart