Chapter 02 – Crime and Punishment

Two weeks later (A Hotel room in DC)

Harry sighed as he looked out the window of the hotel room. Harry had managed to do all his homework. After he'd woken up he had double checked his facts and spelling and to his disappointment it was perfect.

Although he was disappointed he couldn't help but grin and pat his bag. Thinking to himself it was due. To his trusty bag that Neville gave him. Since his bag held his text books along with the other books he had collected over the last year in it. He had gotten quite a few book by owl-order before he left Hogwarts on all kinds of topics and they were in his bag. He was trying to make them last by only reading at night not sure how long they would be in DC.

Harry sighed. He and Dudley where forced to share a room with only one bed. Although his Aunt and Uncle insisted his trunk stay in their closet where he couldn't use it. But back to his night time issue. Well not really an issue but he made sure to look put out by it.

Dudley insisted the bathroom light be on just in case he had to get up. Harry slept on the floor next to the bathrooms open door the light shining in his eyes. Since he was afraid what his cousin would do to him as he slept, the light wasn't an issue. Not that anyone would care if it was.

Harry had decided after his first night that he'd stayed up at night and take a nap whenever the Dursleys went out. Which they all did every day. Harry just made sure to wake before they returned.

For the last two weeks homework and his books helped the night pass by quickly and the few naps he was able to get in helped the days pass as well. He kept them short enough that he was never caught although it had been close a few times. But now with his homework complete he would have to be careful how many books he read.

Harry sighed he had hoped he was just overtired last night and missing errors. So he decided he'd check it during the day with better light after his nap if the Dursleys left today. He was thrilled when they all left. He even heard his Aunt reminding Dudley that they were meeting Vernon for Dinner and to be on time.

After his homework and books were put away he decided he had enough time to people watch for a while. Since it was barely noon and he had hours before the others were due back. People watching had become his afternoon pass time. It was something he had started at Hogwarts. People fascinated him with their different personalities and how they lived their lives. By far the most interesting person he had met so far had been Mrs. Files.

Harry smiled when he thought about meeting Mrs. Files. Hagrid after buying Hedwig took him to a lovely book store and was busy looking for a book on owls for him. Harry was overjoyed to be in a used and new bookstore for the first time. He didn't know these kind of stores existed.

Harry had quietly asked the book store owner Mrs. Files questions about her books, the store and the difference between a magic and un-magic book store. Insisting if she was busy or needed to help someone. That his questions weren't that important enough to bother her or keep her from her work.

She had been amused by him and charmed by the shy but polite little boy and thought to herself that true gentlemen were hard to come by in this day and age. Harry had blushed when she told him that.

She shushed him and told him to ask whatever he wanted he wasn't bothering her. So Harry asked about mail order.

Sensing a fellow book lover she told him about owl-order and even told him about other stores that sold used items.

Harry explain to her he wanted to start his own library but build it over time.

The older book lover had smiled and said that it sounded like a lovely idea. Then she set him up with a self-updating catalog. One that he could order anything he wanted out of it anytime he wanted. All he had to was chose a method of delivery and she'd bill his Gringotts account and as long as it remain under a certain amount.

When she told him the limit. He was a little surprised at how high it was and the amount of books he could get with it. Anything over that amount she needed a parent or guardians permission. To save money she suggest with a wink he try the used section before he bought new.

Harry had been about to ask how that was possible if looking for book for school.

But Mrs. File had patted his hand and had explained further with a twinkle in her eye. That in less looking for something specific for an assignment. That he could find just about anything but even then he might get lucky. She herself browsed the section from time to time and found all kinds of gems that she loved, a little scuffed but a worn book was a well-loved book.

Harry was very careful when he ordered to stay under the set amount he had set for himself. Just to be sure he never went over the amount Mrs. Files told him. He enjoyed himself even with that amount. And over time had gotten quite a few books that he treasured and a few just for fun or light reading.

Still he made himself not order more than twice a month as he didn't want to go crazy. Usually ordering used to keep the cost down. But often skimmed the new and bought a few books he couldn't pass up. Mrs. Files and he had gotten to be good friends over this last year. He was leery at first but after a while he had learned to trust her.

Most days since he couldn't nap more than a few hours without risking being caught and punished for it. He would study his text books. That is until his favorite part of the day check in and out time. Those were his favorite times of the day watching people come and go.

He'd sit in the window and wondered where they were coming from or going to. He amused himself by making stories up with the people he saw. They had a high enough room he could see people but people rarely looked up so he wasn't seen. Which was important as he was ordered by Vernon not be seen by any guest or staff of the hotel.

Harry snapped out of his thoughts as he watched as three men got out of a car. The oldest man barked orders at the other two younger men. Harry was amused as they snapped to do as he said without question.

Harry was disappointed when they started to walk inside. He so wanted to watch them more. Sighing he looked around for someone else to watch but brightened when he saw a van pull up with two other men and the three stopped to wait for them. But sighed when the older and younger man in the van talked to and then followed the other three men inside.

Harry sighed wondering who they were. They looked like police officers. But he'd seen NCIS on the back of their windbreakers and he'd never seen or heard of any law enforcement agency called NCIS. Maybe it was an American police force. He sighed watching other people come and go.

Bored again now that he had nobody to watch Harrys thoughts wondered. They had been in DC for two weeks and the Dursleys were all out. Most days Petunia went shopping, and who knew what trouble Dudley was up to.

Harry smirked as he rested his chin on his folded arms. Little Dudders had already been up to no good not that Harry was surprised. The Hotel Manager had already spoke to his Aunt and Uncle several times about Dudley rising bill and his harassment of guest and staff.

Only to have the door slammed in his face each time. Finally he'd come back with a large bill Dudley had accumulated from different location around the hotel and another complaint about harassment of guest and staff.

Petunia and Vernon ignored the harassment comment but paid the bill saying he was just having fun while on vacation and to let him be. The Manager hadn't been happy but at least the high bill was paid.

Security and staff were now watching Dudley from the moment he left the room to the moment he returned. He had a cap on the credit the hotel would a lot him before the Dursleys had to pay. The moment he misbehaved security called his parents to retrieve him with a threat to call the police if one of his parents didn't retrieve him within an allotted time.

But if you ask Dudley they were stopping him from having any fun and embarrassing him. Harry often hoped that just one time security would call when his Aunt and Uncle were out and the police arrested the bully. But nope so far they always seemed to reach one of them.

Vernon was again at work. Harry grumbled he knew things weren't going well for Vernon. Whatever job or let's be honest here it was after all his Uncle. Whatever shady deal Vernon was here for. It wasn't working out as he planned.

Harry knew this because when he return Vernon rarely came back in anything but a bad mood. Something that never meant anything good for Harry. The few times Petunia questioned him. Vernon would tell her everything was fine and to just be patient. That the deal was taking time but if it went through they'd be set for life.

Vernon would then glared at Harry and barked orders at him to wait for him in the other room. He'd soon followed to take his frustration out on Harry by punishing him. Harry was used to, it was what Vernon always did at home. Often times when his job was stressful or Dudley got in trouble and no one believed Harry had been at fault. Of course sometimes Vernon would get it into his head that Harry needed to be taught his place. Harry fear those times most of all. When Vernon as he called it taught Harry his place. Harry usually couldn't move or even breath without being in dreadful pain for days and sometimes weeks afterwards.

Harry sighed. He couldn't be blamed here at the Hotel because the staff didn't know he was here. Harry was ordered not to leave the room period and to stay away from the doors and windows. He was also ordered to not open the door period and hide if maid service arrived.

If there was an emergency it was too bad on him, he was to do as he was told and follow orders. Basically never let anyone see him. If caught Harry was not to admit he knew them but say he broke in and an orphan with no family. Then his Uncle had grinned and said "You get caught don't expect us to come get you Boy. From then on you're on your own. I hope you enjoy the orphanage. Maybe they can beat some respect into you."

However hiding didn't mean Harry wasn't punished for everything Dudley did. Harry was accused of bewitching them from the room. And forcing the staff and hotel guest into thinking their angel of a son did what others did. Dudley took great pleasure telling them all he's blamed for because of the freak.

Harry also knew most of it was made up. As a few times he had watched from the window and seen Dudley was fine. But that night he'd been punished for staff or guess bothering Dudley.

Since the day they got there Harry was covered head to toe in bruises from one punishment or another. They barely fed him while at home. But here in DC oddly things were slightly better. During the day he could have all the water he wanted from the bathroom faucet and the room came with a fruit basket that maid service refilled daily.

His Aunt had told him he could have the fruit and water since they were free and no one else wanted it as long as he didn't make a mess. And if his Aunt remembered she would get something cheap from the vending machine before she left for the day or give him there leftovers. It was tricky hiding for a half hour each day while maid service came in but he managed and he ate better in DC then he ever did on Privet Drive. At least he liked fruit.

A/N: Warning Brutal Violence! (Skip and go to the next chapter if it is too much. It won't ruin the story if you do. But it may cause mild confusion in some parts.)

Without warning Vernon came charging into the room. He was ranting and raving about useless idiots. Morons that couldn't follow simple instructions of how to do the simplest of things without screwing it up. And how everything was perfect but the idiot ruined everything that had been set up perfectly. As well as other profanity peppered with complaints of idiots ruining his and his family's chances at the good life filled with money and prestige.

Harry froze watching him. He knew sitting in the window was a prime position to suffer from Vernon's temper tantrum. Not only did he break the rules of staying away from the windows but the drapes were partly open and he could have been seen at any time.

Harry held his breath hoping in his rage he missed where he was sitting. He quickly and quietly closed the drapes and moved to the other side of the room. Then curled up and tried his best to make himself look as small as possible in a chair in the corner farthest away from Vernon. He pretended to be sleeping.

Figuring being caught sleeping on a chair was better than where he was. He'd get punished but he hoped for yelling and a slap or two before he went to the hotel bar. Just like he always did since they got to DC and he came back before his Aunt. He'd go have a few drinks as he waited for his Aunt to return so he could complain and rant to her about the idiots.

Harry knew he'd get worse later. Possibly the belt. However that wouldn't be as bad if he realized where he was sitting and decided a lesson was needed.

Harry didn't noticed when Vernon's beady eyes zeroed in on him and his eyes narrowed. As his mind shifted all the blame for his troubles to his favorite target and punching bag his freak nephew.

Before Harry knew what was happening he heard a shout of. "You!" Then he was picked up and thrown bodily into the wall. That was followed quickly by a swift kick to the stomach as he went to the floor.

Causing him to double over from pain coming from so many places he couldn't register what hurt most and hit his knees hard. Before Harry could recover blows started coming at him from everywhere. They were coming at him so fast and hard. That he couldn't move or catch his breath to protect himself.

For a few seconds Harry felt nothing. Then he felt rough hands manhandled him onto his feet and then he was slammed into the wall and held there by his throat. He sensed movement in front of his face and opened his eyes as much as he could. All he saw was his Uncles blurry face purple with rage. Harry numbly realized he had at some point lost his glasses.

Vernon said into his face menacingly as he held his freak nephew against the wall by his throat. Slamming him against the wall as he spoke. "This is because of you freak! My family has had nothing but bad luck since we took you in. If we had done the sensible thing and gotten rid of you when we had the chance. Then we would have been better off. Even if it meant killing you so that old bastard couldn't bring you back. Who knows how many opportunities we lost because of the bad luck you bring on us you ungrateful brat! You put some sort of freak curse on us didn't you? DIDN'T YOU?"

Harry tried to say no or shake his head. But he couldn't speak or move. His Uncle had finally lost what little sense he had.

Vernon squeezed Harry's throat harder than eased up his grip when it looked like Harry would pass out. He slapped Harry's face until he was alert. Then grabbing a fist full of hair and holding Harry's head up by his hair. So he could enjoy seeing the fear in the freaks eyes. His other hand still pinning him to the wall by his throat.

Vernon smiled evilly and said. "You're not getting off that easy Boy. You're going to for once in you pathetic freak life listen and think of someone other than yourself. Petunia and I took you in out of the goodness of our hearts knowing what useless people your parents were. Everyone that knew us. Warned us we were asking for trouble and to send you to an orphanage and not to borrow trouble. But no we ignore them and our common sense knowing it was us or an orphanage and we took you in. The pittance we get for putting up with you isn't worth it."

Vernon paused to slam Harry against the wall and slapped him awake again. When he noticed Harry's eyes had closed and was close to passing out again. He screamed in Harry's face loosened his grip on the freaks throat. "Pay attention Freak!"

Harry's eyes snapped open as he fought to stay awake.

Vernon said glaring as he said menacingly inches from Harry's face spitting in his face as he spoke. "We both knew you could turnout like your worthless freak parents. So I tried to help you better yourself by giving you discipline and setting strict rules. Rules that not even you with your limited intelligence couldn't screw up. But you still made a mess of things didn't you boy. Everything you touch, you end up destroying just like your useless parents. Yet we still gave you chance after chance to prove your worth and you gave us nothing but misery. Yet even as we suffered we still gave you a place to call home, a bed, food, and how do you repay us? By cursing me and my family! Well now I've had it. I'm going to teach you a lesson and put you in your rightful place once and for all freak! If you survive freak and that is a big if BOY. Things will be a lot different once we get home. You will move back into the cupboard and do what you are told when you are told. You won't eat, use the loo or sleep without my permission and you can forget about returning to that freak school of yours. The only way you'll be returning to them is in a pine box. Do you understand me?"

Harry not able to help himself shook his head even though he could feel his hair being pulled out and his voice hoarse as he did. But still as loud as he could he said. "I didn't do anything Uncle Vernon! I swear!"

Vernon punch him again in the stomach and when he fell. Vernon took his belt off and bellowed. "Liar! From now on if you don't do it when I say so. I will teach you a lesson like this one. As stupid as you are. You better start hoping you don't survive this lesson or get use to pain boy."

Harry whimpered and cried out when the blows came too quick to move away or stop them. He weakly struggled to protect what he could. As the belt hit him all over his body and head his Uncle not caring what he hit.

Finished with the belt Vernon threw it aside and wrapped his thick meaty hands around Harry's neck again. Forcing Harry to stand on shaky legs and grab Vernon arms. Once Harry was standing Vernon slammed Harry's head and back against the wall. Trying to stop him as he tried to remove his hands from around his neck.

Vernon smirked into Harry's face as he squeezed the breath out of him. He then would release when the freaks eyes would start to close. Finally getting bored with it. He let go. Letting the freak fall to the floor. Not wanting the freak to pass out before he learned his lesson.

Vernon then began using his feet to kick the freak as hard as he could where ever was closes to him. Laughing as the freak tried to get his breath back and move away from the blows. He wasn't letting the freak off just because he didn't want him to pass out. He meant for this lesson to stick in the little freaks mind. The lesson: Don't cross him or he'd pay for it.

Vernon realized the freaks breathing was better now or at least to the point he wouldn't pass out. So he pulled the freak back up by his hair and continued the lesson but was angered further when the freak wouldn't stay up and kept falling over. Vernon just knew the little freak was doing it on purpose to aggravate him.

Harry fell to the floor gasping again. Each time he fell he tried to stay down and pull much needed air into his lungs. His vision was blurred by tears at least he hoped it was only tears. He was afraid to waste the strength he had to check knowing he would need it to survive this.

Harry was terrified knew he was fighting for his life that Vernon meant to kill him this time. So he started to weakly dodge what he could and was trying to think of a way to escape. But he was too busy trying to stay alive to really think of a plan other than fall and protect what he could. He was hit harder each time he was pulled up and Vernon kicked him every time he fell to the floor. Only to be pulled back up by his hair or whatever Vernon could grab and slammed back into the wall and start hitting him again for his effort.

Harry was about to pass out and could barely stand even with being held up at this point. When he found himself pinned to the wall by his throat again and held there as he felt more blows land. He distantly felt something break and then heard Vernon yell at him to beg for his worthless freakish life.

Harry tried to talk, although at this point he wasn't sure what he was trying to say. If he was trying to beg him to stop or to have mercy and just kill him. He could possibly have been trying to scream for help. He just wasn't sure things were going dark and fuzzy.

Just when his vision started fading again and going dark for what he hoped at this point was for good. He heard a massive bang and loud noises among shouting.

Violence over. (Start reading again in the next chapter.)