Blurred Lines DM

Summer

"Protected from the eyes of others,"

Ava's POV

Summer. What a wonderful time of the year! Free from the chains of school, able to do as you please. Playing quidditch with your friends or going to the parks... Everyone loves summer! Well, everyone except for me and Harry. In our summer, the word 'fun' doesn't exist. We may be free from school, but now we're slaves to our aunt and uncle. Scrubbing toilets, dusting shelves, mopping the patio; all we do is work. Especially now that Uncle Vernon's sister is coming to visit. They want the house in "tip-top shape," and more specifically, they want to seem as if we don't live here.

Earlier this evening, Uncle Vernon had already blessed us with a two hour long speech about how we both attended the catholic school of St Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal boys and girls. He told us to make it extra clear that we've been beaten loads of times. How lovely. After hours of cleaning, we were free to retreat into the comfort of out room, and finally, I had something to look forward too...

"Ava, did you finish your homework yet?" Harry inquired from his perch by his desk. It was littered with homework from all our classes, along with bottles of inc, quills, and parchment.

"No, but I'll start doing some tomorrow."

"You've been saying that for weeks! There's less then a month until we go back to Hogwarts!"

"Well I'm busy tonight," I muttered. "I'll start it tomorrow when our dear Auntie Marge comes to visit."

Once I'd spoken the name "Aunt Marge," Harry's bones went stiff. "Oh, come on Harry! She can't be that bad... after all how can you be worse then Petunia and Vernon?"

"No offense Ava, but you have no clue what bad is from our family. She's like both of those monsters in one! She curses our parents every chance she gets, makes us be slaves to her every desire, remarks on everything we do wrong, and has this blasted evil dog she brings with her everywhere!"

"Well, looks like it's a good thing I haven't done my homework yet," I gleamed. "Now I have an excuse not to be with her."

He just huffed and rolled his eyes. "What are you even doing tonight that's keeping you so busy?"

I glanced down at the crumpled letter in my hand from Leah.

Dear Ava,

I know you've been cooped up all summer so far, so I think it's time we have a bit of fun. I've gathered Draco and Blaise and they've agreed to meet at Little Whinging Park at 11pm tonight. Don't be late!

With all the love,

Leah

I started messing with my long red hair that I'd separated into two braids and smiled. "I'm going to see my friends! Its been an awful while since I've seen them..."

Harry raised his head from his desk in the corner and crossed his arms. "What do you mean see your friends? It's already nine. You're not going anywhere."

"I'm sorry Harry, but sadly you can't control what I do. I'm meeting them at the park at eleven."

He huffed and threw himself back in his chair. "Fine, but when you're being screamed at by Aunt Petunia for sneaking out I'm not supporting you."

"Well you won't have to because I won't be caught!"

Harry pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows before turning back around to scribble down more homework answers. For the next hour I laid in my bed and stared at the ceiling, counting each breath I took in order to not scream in joy. I was beyond thrilled to be seeing my friends again. And as much as I hate to admit it, I was especially thrilled to see Draco. Over the past month, we owled one another about once a week, filling each other in on our family drama. I told him about every small argument with the Dursley's and he told me about every time he was angry with his father — which was quite often I may add.

Yet other then slaving away to our aunt and uncle, nothing interesting has happened this summer. Yet, I have noticed some notable changes in my appearance. My hair has grown considerably longer, and to my dismay, acne is much more arduous to deal with. No matter what I try, the red speckles just keep spreading across my face. I haven't grown taller at all but my body has been developing more prominent curves, yet nothing too noticeable.

Staring at the clock ticking on my wall finally payed off once it read ten thirty. Waving goodbye to my brother, I turned the knob of our bedroom door and with a gentle touch, I pushed it open. Quieter than a mouse, I tiptoed down the hall and down the staircase, pausing when I saw Dudley knocked out on the couch.

His snores boomed through the living room and I winced, wondering why Merlin had dammed me to such a horrid family. Thankfully the staircase didn't creak and sneaking through the front door proved easier than I expected.

As I stepped through the door, the warm summer air smacked me in the face and I took a deep breath, relishing in the feeling. I hadn't been outside since the end of June, for once we'd stepped into this hell hole there was no reprieve.

I could feel the jitter in my bones as I made my way towards the park. I missed my friends so much and I missed the feeling of having a girl to be around. Now don't get me wrong, I love my brother, but something about being with other girls makes me feel less alone.

I took my time walking through the darks streets of Surrey, relishing in the feeling of being outdoors. Something about the darkness of the night made me feel so seen.

Shrouded in secrets, protected from the eyes of others and hidden from what really mattered. Being in the dark made me forget about my problems, as if they wouldn't be able to see me if I stayed here.

Hidden.

I like the feeling of being hidden, and I started pondering whether I should even go see my friends in the first place. Yet I know it's never good to close myself off from everyone I love.

I have a feeling this year will be my hardest yet, but I've grown stronger through my friendships so at least this time I wont have to be alone.