This took a while, but I got it done! Hope you like! Please review! PleasePleasePlease! And thanks to those who have added it to their alerts and favorites! i didn't imagine this to get so much love!
Harry was in the greenhouse, watering and re-potting the many plants, just as his uncle instructed. But there was a problem.
He was covered in fertilizer- the bag had somehow torn down the middle when he became frustrated he couldn't carry it across where his uncle wanted it. He now was trying to get it all back in the bag, pressing the torn edges together, feebly hoping they'll somehow join together again, but he knew they wouldn't. He searched for something big enough to hold all the dirt, but found nothing but small flowerpots, unable to hold even a tenth of the mess. He was sure to have a whipping tonight, and at least a month in his cupboard.
He sat by the pile, leaning against a huge pot holding a large bush with lovely red and yellow marigolds. He would cry, if he hadn't sweated all his tears dry. He was very tired and very thirsty. The last drink he had was a small sip he snuck from the bathroom faucet, early this morning, but it was dark outside now. Close to eight o'clock at night, and it was still eighty degrees out.
Harry tried to get to his feet, but his body seemed to weigh heavier than usual, like he was made of rock, but if his uncle found him out here dozing, he would kill him.
He rose and started walking toward the door. By the time he made it outside, the room was spinning around him, and he had fallen flat twice, his glasses snapping.
He blinked, and found himself on the ground. Sitting up, he thought, I was heading in the house, and was dizzy. I made it outside, and now… I'm on the ground? Did I fall? Pass out? He had no idea what happened, and it worried him that he didn't. He ran to the house.
Harry woke the next morning, sore and sleepy. His uncle had whipped him with his belt and made him go outside and clean up all the dirt and throw it in a garbage bag. He was out well into the night.
The cuts in his back stung, and he was positive they were, or soon will be, infected, because he was only allowed showers on Sundays, and it was Tuesday.
He went to the kitchen and pulled out the cleaning material from beneath the sink. His hands were red and raw from the chemicals and weeding he did every Wednesday for his aunt.
Today he had laundry, dusting, dishes, and cleaning Dudley's toy room.
He went to the laundry room and did as usual, pouring the soap and starting the machine, and he dare not mix the colours and whites. He learned that one red sock equals pink underwear and a week in his cupboard (besides chores, of course).
While the machine ran, he dusted the living room and kitchen. He made sure to get in every crevasse, no matter how small. He checked everything twice, making sure he got all the dust.
He than went and finished the clothes, putting them on their owners beds. He was very careful not to get any dirt from his arms on them.
He finished his chores all before his uncle got back from work, Dudley's toy room taking the longest.
Vernon sat at the kitchen table while Petunia set dinner in front of him. While they ate, he said, "So, is Dudley starting school this year?"
Harry looked at Dudley, who screwed up his face. "No!" He screamed. Flecks of food flew everywhere, and Harry sensed a tantrum.
"Duddy, you have to," Petunia told him nicely, trying to calm him. He was, after all, six years old, while most start at five.
"Auntie, can I go, too?" Harry asked. He's always wanted to go to school so he would have time away from 'home' and maybe even make friends.
"You? You're not smart enough to go to school! Besides, you have too many chores," Vernon said.
"Dear…" Petunia pointed at Vernon's plate. He had been cutting his meat, but it was already cut now just grinding on the plate. He set down his utensils and gave Harry a terrible look, as if it was his fault.
"Please? I'll do extra chores after I get back, and I won't complain one bit. I won't be a little freak, I swear! I'll keep my mouth shut and do just as told, I won't talk to anybody else or anything!" Harry exclaimed. He didn't want to go to school- he needed to.
Vernon glanced at Petunia, who glanced back. They seemed to have a conversation through their eyes.
"Well, I suppose so… But," Vernon said, "If you put even one toe out of line, it's an extra long whipping and no food!" He warned, waving a very large, beefy finger in Harry's face. Harry didn't care- he was going to school!