(Harry)

When the Inspector came in, I moved closer to Tony.

Inspector Lestrade asked me for my name: Harriet Potter, l found out when I was called for roll at school. My age: I didn't know, but I was starting Year Three in September. Where did I live: Number four, Privet Drive. Who did I live with: Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and Dudley.

He asked about punishments. I explained that my chores ranged from cooking meals to weeding the garden. Sometimes, if I touched Dudley's toys or burnt breakfast, I would receive a beating from Vernon. If I missed a spot while cleaning or didn't do enough chores, Petunia would smack me or hit me with a pan. Or I would be sent to my cupboard without food.

I knew what he was doing, working his way up to asking how and why I was hurt. I knew but didn't care. Tony had an arm around my shoulder and calmed me when my hysteria threatened to overtake me.

Finally Lestrade asked about my injuries. My voice slipped out of the monotone I had for the previous questions, my pitch rising with every word.

"Vernon came home angry. He yelled about being sacked. I was hiding in the cupboard. He pulled me out and backhanded me. My glasses fell off." I shivered but recovered when Tony patted my back.

"He blamed everything on me - he's right, I am bad luck." I went monotone again. Tony started to rub circles on my back.

"He stopped after punching me for a while. But he reached for his belt. I thought he was... I thought he was going to..." 'Rape me' hung in the air unspoken. I couldn't stop shivering.

"So I ran. I think I was near the playground when I ran into Tony."

Inspector Lestrade turned to Tony. "So you are…?" His eyebrows shot up when he realized to whom he was talking to, "Mr. Stark!" Tony smirked. The tension left his fingers, which had curled into a fist during my interrogation.

"How do you know Harriet, Mr. Stark?" Lestrade asked.

Tony recounted our meeting and added that he had personally fired Uncle Vernon just before meeting me. I was surprised but I didn't hold his omission against him.

Inspector Lestrade turned back to me, "I believe we can lock up Mr. Dursley for good, and potentially Mrs. Dursley as well. However this means we will have to send you, and your cousin Dudley to an orphanage as wards of the State until we can find another relative or home to put you in." He led me to the Social Worker at the door.

I went with him without question, but I missed the comfort of Tony.