A/N:- Hey, you've stumbled upon my Harry Potter story-The Light in the Darkness. I'm really, really nervous about this. When you've done reading, any criticism or praise is appreciated in the reviews. This starts after Harry's first year at Hogwarts. He is therefore, eleven. I hope you enjoy it. If it's kind of speedy, please excuse my mediocre writing. Whew. Finally finished with re-reading and checking this :P
This story will contain corporal punishment in the form of spanking. If you don't like that, now is a good time to leave!
Warning for the chapter: Implied child abuse.
DISCLAIMER:- Don't own Harry Potter. If I did, I'd probably not be on this site.
The Light In The Darkness
One
Pain. The world was full of pain...It had been less than a week when Harry had come back to the Dursleys for the summer, fresh from an exciting year at Hogwarts. He had fought Voldemort, the killer of his parents, at the back of Quirrel's head. He had done magic. He had played Quidditch and had won Gryffindor the House cup. It had been the best time Harry had ever had in his life-
But now that he was back for the summer, things were looking bleak. His uncle and aunt had always been short and harsh with him, but after he had dared to go to Hogwarts even when they had wanted to 'squash the magic out of him'...well, suffice to say they were acting even worse. Every small thing he did (Which ranged from accidentally breaking a cup when Dudley tripped him to missing a corner while sweeping) got him into trouble. Uncle Vernon would grab him by the collar, make him endure a vicious and loud lecture about his uselessness and freakishness and then whip him with his belt.
At first, Harry's strategy had been to avoid everyone. But that hadn't worked. Aunt Petunia would drag him out of his room by the ear and tell him to sweep this and dust that. Harry's whole back and lower thighs were filled with welts already and he could hardly lie down without wincing in pain. Even when he bent down to sweep up a bit of dirt or pull out a weed, he would hiss out in distress.
He had just received a punishment for mouthing off and it hurt like hell. Harry tried to find comfort on his bed, but there was none. Tears stung in his eyes. He didn't understand why these things happened to him.
He had been trying to rest for the better part of two hours and he knew that he would have to get up and prepare the tea any minute now.
And just as he thought this, there was a knock at the door.
Harry groaned. He shifted to a sitting position, rubbing his sore arms, and shuffled to the door. He opened it with bleary eyes.
"It's about time you woke up you lazy brat-go downstairs at once. Tea won't serve itself." Aunt Petunia ordered. She flounced off, leaving him drooping at the door.
Sighing, Harry trudged down the stairs. It was odd that at school he was so famous and loved but when he came back to this house he was nothing more than a piece of dirt.
Harry went into the kitchen and began to set the table. He took the ginger cake out of the oven and he heated the kettle of tea.
In a while, his uncle Vernon huffed his way into the kitchen and sat down on a chair heavily. He stared nastily at Harry. "Hurry up, boy!"
Anger boiled in the pit of Harry's stomach but he didn't respond. Wearily, he took out cups and saucers and began to fill the cups with tea.
"Boy! I'm hungry here! Hurry up or I'll give you a good slapping so that you mind your manners. Freakish whelp-don't you dare try to be insolent with me!" Uncle Vernon yelled.
"I'm getting it," Harry muttered in a low voice as he took the plate of ginger cake and put it on the table. He placed a knife next to the plate and hurried to get the cups of tea.
Uncle Vernon narrowed his watery eyes at him and muttered, "None of your cheek, boy."
"I'm not cheeking," Harry insisted.
"Are you talking back to me!?" Uncle Vernon demanded.
"No, sir," Harry said, hastily. He quickly hurried to get out the forks and spoons so that he could leave.
"That's just as well. I won't have the wimpy son of two psychotic people cheeking off to me," Uncle Vernon decided.
Harry froze, a strange pounding in his ears. "My parents were not psychotic." He said, firmly.
"MIND THAT TONGUE OF YOURS BOY!" Uncle Vernon yelled.
Harry shut his mouth with a clamp.
"Your parents were freaks!" Uncle Vernon shouted. "And don't you forget it!"
Harry couldn't stand anyone talking bad of his parents. They had died for him, sacrificed their lives for him. How dare anyone call them freaks!
He looked at Uncle Vernon, indignantly. "They weren't freaks!" He cried. "They were great people and guess what-they were worth ten of you!"
In his opinion, he had hardly said anything that bad. But at once Harry realised that Uncle Vernon considered this "too far." There was a scary silence and Harry stood, fuming, staring with ferocious intensity at Uncle Vernon, feeling anger pulse through every vein of his body. His parents were NOT freaks.
"Go to your room," Uncle Vernon growled. "Now. GO! You'll be getting a good whipping for this, boy! Mark my words! GO!"
Harry stared, dread and anger churning in his stomach. Before he knew it, the cabinets behind Uncle Vernon were shaking violently and had fallen upon the floor in a heap of wood and cutlery. There was an explosive crash! The mess was awful.
Harry backed away. Did he do that?
Uncle Vernon gaped at the mess. Aunt Petunia came running into the kitchen to see what had happened. Bony hands went upwards to cover her mouth in shock. "My kitchen!"
Harry's mouth went dry. "I didn't mean to-I didn't m..."
"Go-upstairs," Uncle Vernon gritted his teeth.
Harry stared, unable to move. "But-"
"GO!" Uncle Vernon bellowed. "NOW!"
He was so dead, so dead, so dead...-
"Now, boy!" Aunt Petunia ordered.
Harry raced upstairs, utterly frightened. He should have controlled himself. Magic wasn't allowed out of school. He was going to expelled, he was going to be beaten into a pulp.
He ran in his room, locked the door and fell onto his bed, hugging his knees.
"Oh Hedwig, what am I going to do?" He mumbled. The owl hooted sternly, probably scolding him for loosing his temper like that. But he just couldn't stand anyone saying stuff like that about his parents...
He was so dead...
...
Harry looked out of the window, sullenly. It had only been ten minutes or so since his magical outburst. The evening sky was getting darker. Harry suddenly noticed that someone was walking up the street...He suddenly realized that the person was wearing robes! Deep purple robes!
He crept out of the room and went downstairs just as the doorbell rang. Aunt Petunia went to get the door. She shrieked in horror, backing away.
"Please calm down, Petunia," the person said, pleasantly. Harry had definitely heard that voice somewhere... "I have just come to meet Harry,"
"Dumbledore!" Harry cried in surprise, looking at him from the stairs. He flew down the steps and hurried up to him. "But why're you here, what's wrong? Um, sir."
Dumbledore gave him a rueful smile. "I had simply heard of your accidental magic and wanted to see if everything was alright,"
Harry froze. "S-sir? I'm not in trouble, am I?"
"Let's talk inside, Harry. Won't you invite me in, Petunia?"
"I will certainly not! Please leave at once!" Aunt Petunia was shaking. Uncle Vernon peeped out from the kitchen, a green bottle of beer in his hand. "OI!" He cried. "What're you doing in my house!?"
Dumbledore looked faintly surprised. "I simply wish to speak to your nephew, Mr Dursley. If you may let me enter?"
"ENTER!? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR-"
Dumbledore had taken out his wand and was fingering it, calmly. "Mr Dursley, I must insist that you allow me to talk to Harry. It is rather important,"
Uncle Vernon turned an ugly shade of puce when he saw the wand. He spluttered. "I-but-well, only for a moment, then-"
"Thank you," Dumbledore walked inside. Smiling at Harry, he said, "Do lead me to the living room, Harry,"
Feeling the dread deepen in his gut, Harry led Dumbledore to the sitting room. Dumbledore sat down on a sofa and waved his hand for Harry to take a seat too. Aunt Petunia hovered at the door, nervously. After biting her lip and wringing her hands, she disappeared.
There was a small silence.
"Well! Accidental magic, Harry! It gave me quite a scare." Dumbledore was smiling pleasantly, his eyes twinkling.
"How did you know, sir?" Harry stared at his feet, trying to steady his voice. "About my magic, I mean."
"I have Ministry leanings," Dumbledore said, simply. "No, Harry, don't look so worried-you are not in trouble. It is called 'accidental magic' for a reason,"
Harry sighed in relief. "Oh."
"But when I heard about it I was surprised by the nature of it. That was quite a powerful severing charm, Harry. The Ministry traced the magic and notified me of it. I offered to give the warning letter to you," Dumbledore took out an official-looking white envelope from his pocket. "I must ask...What provoked it, Harry?"
Harry gulped, not trusting himself to speak. "I'm really sorry-" he lowered his voice to a shaky whisper. "It's just that...Uncle Vernon was insulting my parents."
There a short pause. "That is understandable, Harry." Dumbledore said, kindly. "But please be more careful next time."
They talked a little more and then Dumbledore stood up. Harry stood too, now disappointed that the Headmaster was leaving.
Dumbledore reached out his hand to shake his before leaving, and suddenly Harry's sleeve went up. There was huge red welt on Harry's arm.
"What is this?" Dumbledore looked taken aback.
Harry paled. "N-nothing, sir,"
"Harry, how did you get this bruise?"
Harry gulped. It had been one of the results of Uncle Vernon's punishments. "Accident," he mumbled, not meeting the Headmaster's eyes.
Dumbledore stared at him with fierce intensity. "Are you sure of that?"
His penetrating gaze and firm voice couldn't bring Harry to lie.
After a long, reluctant pause, Harry gabbled: "It-it was my fault. I was being rude-I deserved it. And it's nothing, honestly. It doesn't even hurt anymore-"
"Did your uncle do this, Harry?" Dumbledore cut through his rambling with a cold, quiet voice.
Harry looked miserable. "Yes, sir," he whispered, shamefully. Tears were stinging in his eyes and his nose had just smarted painfully.
"How many more bruises like this are there?"
"Not many more," Harry lied.
Dumbledore didn't look convinced. He looked rather dangerous, actually. "I had always thought," he said slowly. "That living with your relatives was difficult, but tolerable, Harry."
"It...It is,"
"Are your aunt or uncle abusing you?"
"A-abuse? I don't think so, sir,"
Dumbledore stared at him for a moment, as if making a decision. Then he took out his wand and tapped it on Harry's arm earnestly. Suddenly Harry's shirt was semi-transparent. Harry yelped. "Professor!"
Welts covered his back and there was a bleeding scratch just under the back of his neck. Another tap and the shirt was opaque again. Dumbledore looked shocked. "Harry, my boy, how did all of that happen?"
Harry had jumped back several inches. He was looking terrified. "I'm sorry, sir, I'm sorry! It's all my fault. I mouthed off to him this morning-"
Dumbledore took a step forward. A fire gleamed in his eyes. "I wish to speak to your uncle,"
"No, no, please. You don't understand," Harry begged.
But Dumbledore was walking firmly out of the room. Harry remained behind, shivering and shaking. Nonono, he was in so much trouble! He wasn't supposed to tell!
Tears stung in his eyes again and he felt like sobbing.
...
Dumbledore returned after a very long while. "Harry, pack up at once. All of your things, please. You will not remain here a second longer," He said.
Harry couldn't believe his ears. "Sir?"
"I'd like you to bring everything you own and come with me, Harry. I'm afraid I won't stand such behavior towards you."
Harry stared at Dumbledore numbly for a second. Then he nodded hastily and went upstairs to get his stuff.
After a short while, Harry stood at the foot of the stairs, holding a heavy trunk, Hedwig's cage and his broomstick. There were goosebumps all over his arms and he couldn't stop shivering from the shock. Was he actually leaving? ...forever?
He could see his Uncle Vernon staring in shock from the kitchen, looking shaken and gobsmacked. Aunt Petunia's eyes were red.
Dumbledore looked fierce and angry. He wordlessly motioned for Harry to follow him. Harry glanced back once at his aunt and uncle and hurriedly followed the old man.
"I am so sorry, Harry," Dumbledore said, when they had stepped out of the house. "If I had only known sooner what kind of-"
"It's nothing, sir, honestly," Harry tried to explain. "I'm used to it. It's not really that big a deal, I promise," He was trying to calm Dumbledore down but he was actually relieved inside.
Dumbledore's eyes flashed. "Despicable," he said with a sigh, after a short pause. "Intolerable. The son of James and Lily...How I could let you get beaten for no apparent reason..." He took a deep breath. "I trust you don't know what Apparation is, Harry?"
"No, sir," Harry said, truthfully.
"I fear you may be too young," Dumbledore sighed. "But I suppose if you hold on tight, it will not be too unpleasant. Do take hold of my arm, Harry."
Harry obeyed, confused. Dumbledore smiled ruefully. "Brace yourself now.", and suddenly there was a crack. The ground seemed to swirl before him. Harry had to bite his lip hard from yelling aloud. It was like some crazy roller coaster ride-only it was going way too fast.
Before Harry knew it, he had fallen to the ground and the air was suddenly different from Privet Drive's dull, unmoving atmosphere. Harry gasped for breath as he recovered from the shock.
"Are you alright?" Dumbledore asked, concernedly.
"Yes, sir." Harry got up, wearily. And then he caught his breath again. They were facing the Hogwarts castle!
"I lifted the enchantments so that we could apparate inside the grounds. What you just witnessed was side-Apparation, Harry. Come now. Once we are in my office, we will discuss a few things."
Harry obeyed and they went into the castle, heading for the Headmaster's office.
...
Once they had reached, Harry was offered several lemon drops and given the letter from the Ministry. It was from Madam Mafilda Hopkins, stating that magic in front of the non-magical population (Muggles) was against the law and that this was his first warning to be more careful. Then Dumbledore wanted to know everything about what the Dursleys had done to him and he interrogated Harry about any more abuse.
Harry gave the Headmaster vague information about his punishments and how he had had them since he had been eight or so.
Dumbledore had been outraged, repeatedly stating how Harry shouldn't have gone through all of that and that he apologised for not helping out sooner.
"The blood wards business is another matter, however," Dumbledore looked tired and weary. "But I suppose nothing can be done about that at the present. Your well-being is of much more importance at the moment. I will think of something, however-Your safety is my prime concern. For now, please report to the Hospital Wing where Madam Pomfrey will tend to your wounds."
"I'm fine, really-" Harry felt like a baby, but Dumbledore was firm. When Harry left for the Hospital Wing (Madam Pomfrey was still there?) reluctantly, Dumbledore made a very important fire-call to Professor Snape.
"Severus, please report to my office immediately. I am sorry for this sudden summons. But it is an urgent matter and I request your help,"
Professor Snape promised that he would be right there.
...
Severus Snape had never looked forward to going home for the summer. Well, he did enjoy the break from the frustrating students and all the work, but his house was dull and had a lonesome air around it. He and Dumbledore had had important business to work on and that was why he was a week late for going back home. He usually visited Hogwarts now and then in the summer anyway, to assist Dumbledore's various needs. All the other teachers had left, though, and it had been quite a surprise when he had gotten the sudden fire-call from the Headmaster.
"I will be right there," Snape had muttered, wondering what on earth had occurred this time. He walked through the corridors, towards Dumbledore's office, very irritable.
Soon he was seated in front of the old man, who looked rather pensive.
"Yes, Dumbledore. What is it this time?" Snape asked in a bored voice.
"Harry just had a burst of accidental magic, Severus," Dumbledore said.
"Really?" Snape looked unconcerned.
"When I went to his house to give him the letter from the Ministry, and check up on him, I saw something very disturbing,"
"Did you?"
"Yes, I did. And it was a welt, Severus. The boy was covered in bruises! I have taken him away from his relatives for now and he is in the Hospital Wing, getting cured by Poppy. It was quite concerning-"
Snape straightened, finally giving his whole attention to the matter. The Potter boy was beaten? Snape had thought that he was quite spoilt at home.
"That is...tragic," Snape attempted to sneer, but something very much like worry glinted in his eyes. "But why have you called me?"
"I would like you to help me with the matter."
"How?" Snape narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"I would like you to take care of Harry for the summer until I find a permanent home for him to stay, or convince his relatives, or something of the sort," Dumbledore said. "He has no home at the moment and cannot stay with me. I am far too busy-don't look at me like that, Severus! It's only for the summer. How long can that be? And you gave me your word that-"
"You ask too much of me, old man!" Snape bellowed. "I had agreed to protect him, but I never agreed to letting him live with me! He is his father all over again-arrogant and full of himself. I refuse to-"
"Harry is abused, Severus. He has been treated horribly."
"Why can't you ask someone else?" Snape demanded.
"It's only a short, temporary arrangement, Severus. I don't want to trouble anyone. Besides, who else is there?"
"The...the Weasleys," Snape thought.
"I am sure you know about their financial issues and how busy they are at the moment."
"I cannot stand him, Dumbledore and nor will he be able to stay very happily with me. It will be an intolerable situation-"
"You gave me your word, Severus," Dumbledore said, simply. "You say that Harry is just like his father. But what about his mother? He is Lily's son and you keep forgetting that."
There was a pause where Snape gave Dumbledore a murderous look. After the cold silence, Severus growled: "Suppose I am willing...Suppose I am willing...I trust that you will let me discipline him and treat him how I see fit."
It was Dumbledore's turn to look suspicious. "For example?"
"If he steps out of line-which I don't doubt he sooner or later will-I will deal with him as I please, and you will not stand in my way. I will have my own rules and he will obey them."
"I don't want you to hurt-" Dumbledore began.
"I doubt it will hurt him in the long run,"
Dumbledore sighed. "Very well, Severus. You have my consent. But please remember that Harry has been hurt enough already,"
Snape had no reply to this. He merely glowered.
"He is currently in the Hospital Wing. Why don't you go meet him and explain to him the situation?"
Snape sneered. "I have a feeling you will do a better job at that, Dumbledore,"
"Go meet him all the same, Severus. And please tell him that I'd like to talk to him."
...
Harry had mixed feelings about Madam Pomfrey. She was pleasant and meant well and all, but sometimes she was awfully fussy.
Madam Pomfrey had been shocked when she had seen his bruises, and had demanded to know what had happened. She fed him various potions and had fussed and fussed-telling him to relax, offering him many soothing potions. Harry had felt rather annoyed.
Harry, now, sulked on a bed, while Madam Pomfrey went off somewhere to get a clean cloth. His bottom lip kept sticking out and he felt embarrassed with all the proceedings. He sat still, bored.
It was only when a low voice reached his ears, did he flinch violently and turn his head wildly to look at the door: "Well, well, well. Relaxing, Potter?"
Harry caught his breath for the third time that day. Standing in the doorway, to his shock, was Snape! He jumped off the bed at once. "P-professor?"
"Sit down, Potter." Snape said, irritably. The man looked rather bitter and unpleasant, Harry noted, still standing. What was he doing here, still at school?
"So. Is the poor Potter in pain?" Snape sneered. He couldn't see anything wrong with the boy. No pain on his face, nothing. Either he had been healed completely or he had just been putting up a fuss. Snape preferred the latter.
Harry's blood boiled. He bit his lip from retorting.
"The Headmaster would like to see you," Snape informed him silkily.
"Madam Pomfrey-" Harry began.
"I will notify her. Come now," Snape interrupted him. He scanned Harry critically. Had he seriously been covered with bruises? Dumbledore had been probably exaggerating...as usual.
Harry gave him what seemed very much like an insolent glare and then stomped out of the room.
Snape, after taking to Madam Pomfrey, led him to Dumbledore's office. After a scoffed password of "Acid Pops,", they went inside the room.
"Please sit," Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling.
Harry looked uncomfortably at Snape. He really didn't get the man. Snape had definitely saved his life last term, but he hated him. The way the man looked at him-a gaze full of hatred-was enough to tell him that. Harry sat but Snape remained standing.
"Harry, as you know, for now you are not staying with your relatives," Dumbledore began. "So as a...temporary place for the summer, I have requested Professor Snape to let you stay with him for a few weeks."
Harry gaped. "W-whaa?" This wasn't happening, it wasn't! He wasn't going to spend the summer with his least-favourite Professor, was he?
Snape was grimacing as if this hadn't been his choice.
"But-but sir..." Harry pleaded, trying to make Dumbledore understand.
"Yes, Harry?" Dumbledore looked stern.
"I-it's..." Harry hoped he'd get it. He hates me, he hates me. Snape hates me!
"Yes?" Dumbledore prompted.
Harry couldn't exactly say that. Especially with Snape standing right behind him! He could just imagine Snape's reaction if he told Dumbledore that. His uncle's beatings would be a mercy.
Harry looked downcast, worrying his bottom lip. "N-nothing, sir."
"Well then, Harry, it's settled!" Dumbledore beamed. "Severus, please take Harry with you. I will visit sometime later to check if things are alright!"
Snape snorted softly, incredulous and annoyed. Thoroughly displeased with everything of course! Harry thought angrily.
The man swept towards the door but Harry lingered. This was his last chance.
"Professor-" Harry hissed. "Sn-Professor Snape doesn't...he doesn't like me,"
"Nonsense," Dumbledore said, brightly. "Professor Snape may be strict but I'm sure he does not dislike you."
Harry had no answer to this and the dismissal in Dumbledore's voice was so strong that he could not ignore it.
Harry had no choice but to follow Snape out of the office, resigned to his fate.
...
Harry couldn't stop worrying. Snape led him through the castle, making snide comments now and then. By the time they had reached his quarters, Harry had to suppress the urge to make a run for it.
Snape opened the door of his quarters with an irritated face and moved aside to let Harry pass.
"We will be leaving tomorrow," Snape snapped. "For now, you will remain here and not make a noise."
"Yes, sir," Harry glared.
"I'm just as thrilled about this as you are," Snape said, dryly. "The Headmaster seems to think that this is a perfect arrangement. I assure you that I had no word in it," He paused for dramatics. "I have...work to do. There's a spare room in the corridor," Snape waved his hand around, carelessly. "Rest. I'm sure you've had quite enough excitement for today,"
Harry tried not to pout. Things were looking awful already. He could see a wall clock behind Snape's head and it was a little more than eight o' clock. Two hours since tea.
"Yes, sir," Harry said, glumly.
Snape went inside the spare room before letting Harry in. He gestured for Harry to come inside after he came out. "I've transfigured a bed for you, Potter." Snape said, smoothly. "Get inside,"
Harry shot him a dirty look before obeying.
"I suppose you're hungry too," Snape drawled, his sneer never wavering. "Would the famous Potter like something to eat?"
Harry glared at Snape, about to tell him he didn't. But then he felt weak. He was kind of hungry...But he didn't want to give Snape another reason to sneer about.
"No, sir," Harry said, coolly. "Thanks though,"
Snape flushed slightly, looking at Harry with a look of loathing. "None of your insolent cheek, Potter." He snarled. He slammed the door, leaving a slightly triumphant Harry behind. But the smirk was wiped off Harry's face after Snape left.
He looked around the room, imagining everything Snape would put him through. This would be a hell of a summer. As Harry tried not to cry (he was too old for that!), the sky darkened outside, as could be seen from the window on the right, and the stars shone, the only source of light in all of the darkness.
Ending Notes:- I hope you guys liked it so far. If it's too rushed and slightly OOC or AU, please don't get disheartened. I'm going to do my best. The next chapter will be up fairly soon. The first few chapters of a new story always come quick-that's when the inspiration is bursting. Please review! They make my lonely author heart happy. Hehe.