Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter!

A/N: Part of a challenge.

If You Dare: 945: Drifting Away

Are You Crazy Enough?: 151: (color) Bronze

Which is also why I'll never be able to defeat my uncle. The thought came unbidden into my head, but I didn't let it go. I know it's true. I know that I will always be everything he's ever called me. Worthless, hopeless, stupid.

I try to twist into a more comfortable position, but only cause myself more pain. I clench my teeth as I slowly move onto my side and bring my knees up to my chest a little.

"I'M GOING TO KILL HIM!" I hear from downstairs. I can't help but cry and mutter, "Please! Please, no..."

And I'm not surprised to feel Uncle Vernon's huge, meaty hand grab my legs, using the other to slap me over and over with his belt. I plead at him to stop, but he doesn't. He never gives in to my begging and never slows until I finally pass out from the pain.

The following morning, I wake up to Aunt Petunia prodding me in the side, sending a tremendous amount of pain through my chest that I'm left gasping for air. "Time to get up, boy," she says before untying my hands and exiting the room. Merlin, I am so sore.

I limp from the room and make hash browns and pancakes for Dudley. After setting them on the table though, Dudley elbows me so sharply that I lose my balance and crash to the floor with a cry of pain. Uncle Vernon is there in a flash and yanks me up by my hair saying, "Get started on your chores you good-for-nothing child!"

Without a sound, I start taking out the garbage when I hear my uncle call, "We're going out today. You'd better have the chores on the table finished when we get back, or else..." The threat left hanging sent shivers down my spine. Sure enough, when I check the table there is an ominous list of impossible chores awaiting my doing. I sigh.

Nearly halfway through the day, when I'm cleaning my aunt and uncle's room I find something on the dresser that catches my eye. I go to take a closer look and notice a bronze key. Why is there a key on their dresser and what's it for?

I continue to stare at the key when it dawns on me. What if the key unlocks the cupboard with all his stuff from Hogwarts?! I hastily grab the key and put it in my pocket to check if my suspicions are true later.

I keep working on my chores but feel a bit lighter now that I have the key. It felt as though I might even be able to escape. I'll be able to see Ron and Hermione and...

I suddenly realize that I don't want to see them. I don't want anyone to know what a freak I am and how I can't defend myself against my uncle. I don't want anyone to see all my scars and think I'm helpless.

I'm so caught up in the two sides of me arguing about what to do, that I don't hear the Dursely's return. I only notice them when I hear Uncle Vernon roar from upstairs, "WHERE IS MY KEY?!"

Yeah, it's a bit short and it's late, but I'm working on it. Please review. Also, the world and characters aren't mine. They belong to J.K. Rowling. And just so everyone knows, I don't have any intention of ending this anytime soon. Therefore, you can expect many chapters to come! Will update soon!