The Dursley Girl

C.29 Petunia & Vernon

Winter break was not something I was particularly excited about. It would be the first Christmas that my whole family wouldn't be together, due to my parents separation. I was spending the first week of break with my mum, and the second week with my dad.
At first I was worried about things being awkward with mum, but I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived. She had given me a huge hug and I swear I almost saw tears in her eyes.

"Oh, you're wearing the ring," she had said, admiring my hand. 

"Of course," I replied. "I love it, really."

The look she gave me was pure happiness, and I'm glad we could finally be somewhat back to normal. Well, almost normal. 

Of course, she was staying with her parents which meant I spent the first week with Grandma and Grandpa so I wasn't able to talk about anything magical. I think mum was relieved, I know she's trying to accept things but maybe it's too soon to talk about it like it's normal. This probably gave her an excuse to go a little longer without hearing about Hogwarts

All in all, the first few days went great. It was now Christmas eve and I was helping mum in the kitchen making dinner. 

"This really is a lot of food just for the four of us," I say glancing around at everything we were preparing.

I notice my mum gives me a sly smile.
"We've actually invited the neighbors over. They're very good people," she says. "You've met them I'm sure, the Leery family."

I get a distant memory of playing in Grandma's yard, when i was younger, with another boy, I think Leery was his last name

"Right," I say with a smile. "I remember." I didn't really remember too much, but I just wanted mum to be happy and she seemed excited about them coming over.

"Oh, I missed seeing my girls together," Grandma says, entering the kitchen. She walks over to me and gives me a hug. "I'll never understand why your mother insisted on sending you to that boarding school."

I share a look with mum.
"Great academics," I say simply and continue chopping the carrots in front of me.

"Dudley and I just thought it was the best place for her," mum says with a forced smile.

Grandma puts her hands up in surrender.
"Sorry, sorry. It's not my place to give my input. I know you just want what's best for Lannah," she says. "Anyhow, the Leery's will be here shortly. Lannah, you should go get dressed."

I look down at what I have on and look back at Grandma.
"Well, I was just going to wear this," I admit.

Grandma chuckles softly.
"Oh, no, no. Go put on something nicer. Something cute." She shoos me out of the kitchen and I hesitantly walk up to my room as I hear Grandma and mum whisper in the kitchen. I roll my eyes and think nothing of it, those two have an unexplainable bond I don't get.

Later that evening as I'm finishing a letter to Rose, I hear the doorbell ring. I get up to go greet the Leery's, but stop for a moment in front of the mirror and look at the outfit that replaced my plain jeans and hoodie. I wasn't sure why Grandma wanted me to look nice, it's just us and the neighbors. I shrug and make my way down stairs.

"Richard, good to see you," a man says, shaking Grandpa's hand.

"Celine! You look wonderful, it's been ages since I last saw you," my mum says giving a hug to the lady.

I walk up behind my mum and give an awkward wave to them as Grandma takes their coats.

"Oh, how rude of me!" My mum exclaims, pushing me in front of her. "This is my daughter, Lannah. Jack, you remember her don't you?"

A boy stands in front of me, about my height with ginger hair and freckles. 

"Right, nice to see you again Lannah," he says, shaking my hand.

I smile back at him.

"Oh, you two had the best times playing in the park when you were younger," his mum says.

"It's too bad you lost touch," my mum adds on. "Hopefully tonight will ignite the old friendship!"

I give her a confused look but she doesn't seem to notice as we're ushered into the kitchen.

My mum tells me to sit next to Jack, and I awkwardly comply.

Dinner was delicious, but I was just trying to piece things together when Jack's mum and my mum kept mentioning how close the two of us used to be. It was so strange, I barely remembered this boy and they were acting as if we were the best of friends. 

As dessert was being eaten, the adults got into a heated discussion about politics and I tried to listen as long as I could before completely zoning out.

"Care to go on a walk?" Jack whispers to me. "We all know these political conversations never end well."

I laugh and nod at his offer.

We excuse ourselves and grab our coats before leaving the house. We walk down the street, lit by the streetlights that were making the soft snow glow below us. It was a really beautiful evening.

"So," Jack sighs. "I realized during the salads what was going on, what about you?"

I look at him quizzically.
"Sorry? What was going on?"

He chuckles and looks ahead.
"Lannah, I'm surprised you didn't realize. Our mum's are trying to set us up."

"What?" I ask with wide eyes. How did I not realize this? I'm such an idiot, that's why they kept mentioning how close we were and how we should talk more.

"Not the first time I've been through that," he admits. "My mum is really trying to get me with someone she approves of. And really, you seem nice but I've kind of got a thing for another girl," he says awkwardly.

"Oh, no, it's okay!" I assure him. "In fact, I have a boyfriend." I feel my stomach twirl. That's the first time I told anyone I had a boyfriend, referring to Scorpius.

Jack releases a sigh of relief.
"Brilliant. There's nothing more awkward than being set up."

"It was very confusing," I agreed, laughing with him.

"So, why would your mum try that on you if you have a boyfriend, though?" He asks.

I shrug.
"I haven't really told her yet. It's new." I'm just now realizing I should probably tell her about Scorpius. I wonder how she'll take the news. 

"I see," he says. "Well, to avoid more situations like tonight it's probably best you tell her," he says with a grin.

"I suppose that's the smart thing to do."

After our walk, we returned to the house, as it was getting late. I enjoyed talking with Jack, he was really funny. I'm glad he didn't fancy me or that could have turned into more of an awkward situation than it already was. We agreed to stay in touch, as friends.

His family left shortly after we returned and mum insisted on us clearing up all the plates so Grandma and Grandpa could get to bed.

"So, did you have fun tonight?" Mum asks me, handing me a bowl for me to dry.

"Um, yeah," I say slowly.

"Jack is a nice boy isn't he?" She remarks.

"Yeah, he is. Really nice."

"Maybe you two could connect again over summer break," mum exclaims. "That would be nice."

I realize it's time I address the situation.
"Mum- sorry but, were trying to set us up?" I ask, setting down the bowl I was holding.

Mum laughs softly.
"Fine, you caught me!" She says innocently. "But you two would just be adorable, and me and his mum were talking the other day and thought it was perfect. I hope you're not upset, but it was all with good intentions."

I nodded slowly, trying to find a way to tell her about Scorpius.
"Well, I guess I just wish you asked me first," I say carefully as she continues scrubbing a plate. "Because, you know, if you had asked me I would have said no."

"But why?" She gives me a confused look. "I thought you said you had a good time?"

"I did," I assure her. "But, the idea of being set up is probably, um, inappropriate considering... " I trail off my sentence.

"Considering what?"

I sigh.
"Considering I have a boyfriend," I say, finally.

Mum pauses for a moment, and turns to face me.
"A boyfriend?"

"Yes," I smile. "He's really sweet, mum, and he's generous and kind. You'd love him, really."

She purses her lips and looks away.
"And he's from... your school?"

I furrow my eyebrows.
"Well, yeah. Obviously."

She turns the tap back on and continues washing the dishes, not saying a word.

"Mum?" I ask. "What's wrong? I didn't think I wasn't allowed to have a boyfriend."

"You're allowed Lannah, just not with him."

I take a step back in shock.
"What? You don't even know him!"

"I know enough," She insists, scrubbing the plate a little harder.

I laugh sarcastically.
"What's enough, mum? The fact that he's a wizard? Well news flash, so am I!" I exclaim in frustration.

"Shhh!" She glares at me. "If your grandparents hear-"

"Oh, because God forbid they find out I'm not normal."

"Lannah, I mean it. Be quiet."

"Is that why you wanted to set me up?" I ask. "Because you wanted me to be with someone normal?"

She doesn't say anything.

"Is that how you cope?" I continue badgering her. "Praying that one day I'll be with someone normal and maybe that means I'll be normal. Guess what mum. I like how I am and I like who I am. And I love who I'm with."

"Lannah, I just want what's best-"

"No. No you don't," I cut her off. "If you wanted what's best for me, you'd want me to be happy. Being myself makes me happy. And it would make me happy if you accepted that. You said you'd try... but you have a lot of work to do."
I turn away and walk out of the kitchen, but pause before walking upstairs. "His name is Scorpius, by the way."

****
I was beyond relieved when the second week of winter break arrived. I couldn't wait to be with dad again, someone who genuinely tries to understand and accept me. I wanted someone to talk to, about school and my friends. Clearly I couldn't do that with mum.

Grandpa dropped me off at dad's house and I said bye to him before quickly grabbing my bags from the trunk and excitedly ringing the doorbell to dad's house.

As soon as dad opened the door I felt better. He gave me a huge hug and told me he missed me.

"Come in, come in," he ushered. "It's cold!"

I step inside the house and drop my bags at the door.
"I'm so happy to be here dad," I say. "I have so much to tell you about Hog-"

"Um, Lannah," he cuts me off and looks around before whispering, "your Grandparents are here. In the living room."

I immediately feel my heart sink. Just when I thought I was able to let my guard down and talk about Hogwarts, I had to once again tip toe around it. And it was even worse with dad's parents than with mum.

When I first got my letter about Hogwarts, dad called Grandma Petunia, but she made him swear not to tell Grandpa Vernon. As I got older, I learned about the more awful things they did to Harry because he was a wizard. So I supposed it was wise that we never spoke about it with Grandma Petunia and that Grandpa Vernon never found out. But lately I've been second guessing that decision, not enjoying keeping my life a secret from my own family.

Dad leads me into the living room, and there they were, my magic hating Grandparents.

"Lannah, darling!" Grandma got up and pulled me into a hug, followed by Grandpa.

"It's been too long!" Grandpa said. "Sit, sit," he pointed to the couch.
I sat with my Grandparents as dad went to make tea.

"So, dear, we've missed you! What's new?" Grandma said. She had a smile on her face, but something in her eyes warned me not to say anything that Grandpa wouldn't like.

"Well, school's good," I said hesitantly. "I'm top in nearly all my classes."

"Smart girl!" Grandpa exclaimed. "You get that from my side of the family," he winks.

I force a laugh as dad enters handing out tea.

"Lannah was just telling us about her school," Grandpa says to dad. "Top of all her classes. You raised a good girl here, Dudley!"

"Well nearly all of them-" I'm cut off by Grandma.

"Boarding school is always a good idea," she says. "The best academic programs."

I almost admire how easily she can lie in a conversation. She knows full well I'm not at a boarding school.

"Enough about academics," Grandpa says. "What about the extracurriculars? You were always into sports as a young girl."

I think about quidditch and nearly tell them I'm considered one of the best seekers Ravenclaw has ever had, but dad answers for me.

"She's gotten into dance," he says. "Something new." I'm surprised that his parents don't catch the tone he gets whenever he's lying. And dance? Why is that what he thought of?

Grandma begins talking about dance, and how she used to love watching ballets. Grandpa asks about the directors of the dance team I'm supposedly on and the Professors at my "school", and with each question my dad swiftly answers with another perfectly fabricated lie.

And I just sit there silently, as they gush over a life that's not even mine. A school I don't attend, a sport I don't do, and people I don't know. I think back to dinners at the Burrow. Where Albus and Rose would talk freely about the going ons at Hogwarts, and their parents sharing stories about their time there. That's where I felt most at home. 

I realize it isn't fair. It isn't fair that I'm supposed to pretend I'm something I'm not, and let others lie for me. It isn't right to lie to my own family.

"I don't like dance," I say quietly, interrupting something Grandma was saying.

The room goes quiet.

"What was that dear?" Grandma asks, her voice laced with a warning tone.

I look up at her.
"I don't like dancing," I repeat myself.

"Well, then why do you do it?" Grandpa asks with an awkward chuckle. 

I look at him.
"I don't."

"Um, Lannah, I don't think-" Dad starts, but I cut him off.

"I don't dance. And I don't go to some prestigious boarding school." Each word I say releases a weight off of my chest that made me feel like I was suffocating in a bubble of lies. It feels so freeing that I don't feel threatened by the looks I'm getting from Grandma and Dad.

"Lannah, stop it," Grandma says sternly, eyeing Grandpa who still looks confused.

 I feel a heat of rage come over me as I realize I've been letting other people determine what is acceptable for me to tell my own family. I stand up and reach to my back pocket, pulling out my wand and hear a series of gasps in the room.

"Grandpa, I go to Hogwarts," I say, looking him in the eye. "And I'm certain you know where and what that is. And you surely know what that means I am. I am a witch. And quite frankly, I couldn't care less what you think about that."

Grandpa's face turns red and he stands up.
"How did you let this happen Dudley!" He shouts. "After everything- that- that boy did to you!"

"If you are referring to my Uncle Harry, I suggest you leave him out of it," I snap. "You've done enough damage to him and you are in no position to do any more."

Grandpa scoffs.
"Uncle Harry? Is that what you're calling him? Tell me Lannah, did he even care about you before he found out you were a witch?" 

"He didn't even know about me!" I shout back. "Because you all lied to me for the first eleven years of my life!"

I see dad stand up and put his hand to his head in frustration.
"Lannah, why? Why did you have to say anything?"

"Because I'm sick and tired of trying to please all of you! First mum tries to- to marry me off and make me normal-"

"Marry you off? What?" Dad asks in confusion.

"And then, I realize I can't even talk to you because I can't upset Grandma and Grandpa!" I continue. "It's not fair to me. And I won't do it anymore. I'm a witch, and a damn good one at that. And I don't do bloody dance, I play quidditch and so does my wizard boyfriend who I'm sure you won't approve of."

"That's enough Lannah!" Dad exclaims.

I turn to him with my face full of disappointment.
"I thought you accepted me. But you're still embarrassed about me."

I leave the room and run upstairs, slamming my door closed and locking it. I breathe a sigh of relief and I'm unsure if I want to cry, laugh or vomit. I just yelled at my grandparents! I'm surprised they didn't drop dead right there!

I need to tell Scorpius, but I'm too jittery to sit and write a letter. It's times like these I wish Scorpius just had a phone. I could just call him and talk to him night and day without waiting on a response from an owl.

I unlock the suitcase on the foot of my bed and pull out his jean jacket that I had taken with me. I put it on over my hoodie and lay down in my bed and stare at the ceiling. I ignore the muffled noises of everyone shouting downstairs. I don't care. For the first time in a long time, I feel proud of myself. Because I finally did what needed to be done a long time ago.