Thank you for all the reviews! R.A.M.P000- yes your right, I'm not a native English speaker but I'll try to improve. I do normally get one of my friends to read the chapters beforehand and they do tend to have a lot to say. As for Ugly-Duckling123- thanks for picking up on that and I'll try to pick up on it for the future. As for the rest you please review and enjoy :)
For the next week, Harry barely spoke to anyone, snapping at them over the shortest things. Hagrid was seen bringing in the Christmas trees into the hall and the hall itself was looking stunning with its decorations. Everyone was buzzing delighted that the holidays were so close leaving many to forget they were still in school.
However, the only two people who seemed to disagree with the Christmas pleasantries were Potter and Snape. Snape snapped at each and everyone one of them for the smallest things while Harry kept to himself, despising the company of others. His detention was no better because just as he had entered Snape had taken twenty-five points off Gryffindor for tardiness even though he was on time.
"Harry, what's wrong?" Hermione implored. "You've been like this since you've come back from the meeting with Professor Dumbledore and you have not told us what it was about,"
"It's nothing much, just that I have to go back to the Dursleys for Christmas holiday," he said wearily.
"Aren't you coming with me?" Ron questioned.
"I was meant to be but Dumbledore said I had to go back," he shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, he must have had his reasons," Hermione said getting up. "We need to get going or we will be late." The three of them made it in time just as the professor was letting the students in. Harry didn't have the energy to be in the defence class, so he sat at the back of the classroom barely participating.
"Well, it seems the great Harry Potter doesn't need to pay attention to my lesson," Professor Stalkerhouse snapped. Harry's head snapped up looking at the front of the class; he didn't have enough energy to deal with the teacher right now, his lack of sleep taking its toll. "Now, Mr Potter seen as though you already know what I am teaching today, I want you to come up to the front to demonstrate," Harry sighed getting up from his seat and walking to the front. All eyes were pierced on him, following every step. Harry whipped his wand out preparing for anything that would come his way. "Mr Malfoy, Mr Crabbe, Mr Weasley and Miss Granger come up, please."
Harry was now beginning to wonder what he would have to do, hoping it wouldn't be anything against his friends. "If Mr Potter has been focusing today then this should all be a breeze. However, if he is unable to follow today's instructions then, chances are that he will end up in the hospital wing. I want you four to keep casting spells at Mr Potter who will have to use the defensive shields we've been studying today to block and deflect any spells which come his way. I will also be joining you to see if Mr Potter could hold long enough, but I doubt it considering how weak he is." the Slytherins where snickering while the Gryffindors along with Harry we're beginning to seeth with rage.
Harry knew he didn't want to hurt any of his friends but the only way to end this was to put them out of their position. Raising his wand he silently placed a shield around himself waiting to be struck.
"Incednio," Crabbe screamed sending the first curse. Harry easily sent an aguamenti cancelling the fire.
"Relasho," Malfoy said which Harry easily depicted letting the shield absorb the spell and then fire back. Malfoy barely messed the spell, sending another one at his way. Harry could see the hesitance in Ron and Hermione's face, their wands constantly wavering. Nodding at them to start throwing spells at him, they both raised their wands.
"Stuperfy," Hermione quietly whimpered. Again Harry shield absorbed the spell however it didn't deflect back. He knew it wasn't the strongest she had cast considering what she had achieved in the lessons he taught. By now Malfoy and Crabbe had sent three curses simultaneously, which were absorbed by his shield. Disarming Crabbe, the foreign wand lay in his wand as he stupefied Crabbe.
"Reducto," Ron screamed with half the determination he normally showed. Doing what he had with Crabbe he disarmed both Ron and Hermione who had thrown another spell his way, this time putting them in a body bind. He knew Ron and Hermione wouldn't have normally gone as easily down but they didn't want to hurt their friend
Now focusing on Malfoy and Stalkerhouse, who he was still waiting to be attacked from, he knew he wouldn't go down as easily as the rest of them. Malfoy wasn't someone who would be allowed to be flawed. "Reducto," Malfoy threw.
"Relasho,"
"Protego," Malfoy immediately said deflecting the spell.
"Duro, stuperfy," Harry sent simultaneously.
"Expelliamus," they both said determinedly together at the same time, controlling their magic as the two jets of red light erupted from their wands though, Harry knew it wouldn't be able to go through his shield. Harry pushed his magic forward sending the wave of magic closer to Malfoy until it reached his tip, flying Malfoy's wand out of his hand, into Harry's. Freezing Malfoy he now completely focused on Stalkerhouse who was starting at him smirking.
He knew it would be unwise to make the first move considering how powerful Stalkerhouse and with all the experience he had so he waited, keeping his shield up.
"The chosen boy seems to thinks he doesn't have to follow rules and follow the instructions I set." Harry's eyes began filling with resentment, his occlumency shields slightly blurring "I said to use the shields I taught today, not ones you seemed to have acquired... from darker acquaintances. Tell me, Mr Potter have you planned on joining... the Dark Lord's grounds now. To avenge for Muggles that treat you like dirt. I heard your mother was a filthy Mudblood," multiple gasps could be heard mainly from the Gryffindors.
It had taken Harry everything to clench his jaw but now he was so close to sending a Sectumsempra at Stalkerhouse even though he knew it was almost as bad as an unforgivable. He should have not said anything about his mother. However, what raised Harry's eyebrows the most through the anger was what he had called Voldemort. The dark lord. Only his precious deaths called him that. Was Stalkerhouse a Death Eater? Harry had seen his left forearm multiple times and knew there wasn't anything there; no magic seemed to be concealing anything. Then why had the Professor called Voldemort that particular name?
Stalkerhouse noticed the increasing rage in the boy's face, his smirk widening even further. Knowing this was the lowest he would most likely get the boy, he finally sent his curse.
"CONSAUCIO!" he shouted but Harry had his shield up. Instead of inflicting any harm to Harry, the shield absorbed the magic sending a yellow light all around his defence. The spell backfired, three times as powerful as Stalkerhouse had sent it, quickly making Stalkerhouse cast his strongest protection shield. However, Harry's anger had only made things dominant, effectively breaking through his shield and sending Stalkerhouse to the wall with a loud thud. When Harry walked up to him, he was surprised he had still remained consciousness though now it seemed wounds were inflicted all over him and Harry didn't know whether that was due to the spell or him flying back.
Harry pulled the professors left sleeve up, running his hand through to see if he could feel anything, When he was certain there was nothing there, he stood back eyeing the professor.
"You should watch what you say about me and my mother. Never attempt to insult my parents again." He turned back heading to where the frozen bodies where reviving them until they were all standing on their feet. The class was stood in awe, everyone too shocked to say anything or to even move a muscle.
Professor Stalkerhouse stood up, eyeing each and everyone one of them until he said,
"Class dismissed. Seventy-five points to be taken from Gryffindor," Harry picked his bag up sweeping out of the classroom before anyone could call after him. Everyone still recovering from what they had witnessed slowly emptied the classroom, leaving the teacher by himself.
Stalkerhouse waved the wand over himself, sorting his appearance out before heading out of the classroom, to the direction of the headmaster's office.
Harry sprinted in anger to his dormitory, flinging his bag onto his bed before running a hand through his hair. This was all too much for him.
Most of the Gryffindors who were in the lesson came in behind all cheering at Harry. Neville, along with Ron and Hermione came up to Harry, placing a hand on his shoulder, which he slightly flinched.
"Are you okay Harry?" Neville worriedly asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine now," he said.
"Mate, we heard from the rest of them what happened. He deserved it, we're all backing you up." Harry just remained silent, now putting up his occlumency shields which he had lacked in that lesson, though he was solely exhausted.
"There's not much now that can happen anyways. We might as well head to lunch," When Harry entered the hall he noticed Stalkerhouse looking fine without all the woundings inflicted on him. He seemed raged, though Dumbledore had his cheery smile his eyes twinkling in their usual manner. He looked over to see Snape who was slightly smirking, prodding his food and Professor McGonagall who had a storm line on her face.
The hall now had a Christmasy breeze in the air, everyone chatting in a Christmas spirit. Harry sat down piling food onto his place knowing he didn't have very many meals left to eat until he went back to the Dursley's
tomorrow.
Going to his dormitory, he began packing his trunk, throwing everything in. There weren't enough healing potions for him, he knew and no bruise salve so he would be able to cover and heal the pain he would likely have been inflicted on, in these three coming days. Putting everything away, he pulled out his photo book once everyone was asleep, keeping his eyes onto the happy pictures of his parents, Sirius and everyone else he loved.
The morning was a quiet affair for Harry even though everyone was excited to be going back home. Harry made the most of eating his breakfast, leaving Ron and Hermione to give concerning glances at him even though they didn't know what was wrong.
When he brought his trunk down to be sent onto the train, he made sure his album was on top of everything, as to make it easily accessible. He didn't know whether he would have his trunk or not with him while he was with the Dursley's, but he wanted something he could connect with if things got out of hand.
The journey on the train was awkward with Harry again being distant while Ron and Hermione sat with each other. The scenery was more grey than ever, the rain tapping hard against the window. Finally, after turning his head away from the window Ron called Harry's name.
"Harry, there's something we need to tell you," He sat up attentively waiting for hi! to continue. "I don't want you to get offended or anything as we'll all always be best friends and all but me and Hermione we're officially dating," Harry looked at both who there drenched in red, grinning at them.
"Well it's about time," Ron and Hermione balled their eyes out freezing.
"So your not angry or mad that your two best friends are dating each other?"
"Hermione, I've seen the way you look at him, it was only a matter of time before you two got... more into each other," by now Hermione was embarrassed with redness covering her expression, while Harry just kept grinning like a fool. If he was honest with himself, he was happy they were finally together because he knew it was coming but also it was a way to distract them and keep their attention away from him. "So Hermione... is Ron a good kisser?" Ron ducked his face down while Hermione hit his head with the magazine she had in hand. She came up to him whispering in his ear,
"So when can I ask Ginny about how you kiss?" Harry's face blushed red, looking up shooting daggers at her. "I've noticed how you look at her; so when are you going to ask her out?" Harry didn't reply looking back at the window. He knew he liked her but didn't know whether it would be the right thing to ask her out when he would only be with her for a little while.
The train stopped at king's cross station with Harry hesitantly getting off onto the platform. From saw the redheads stood in the corner, with Ron running up to Mr and Mrs Weasley along with Ginny. Ron signalled him to come over and with Hermione now gone he looked around once to make sure his relatives weren't there before he came over.
Walking over he was pulled into a fierce hug by Mrs Weasly before he could say anything.
"Harry, how are you? I couldn't believe it when Dumbledore made other plans for you. I'll make sure you can least come to visit us at Christmas. You're far too skinny; have you not been eating enough?" Harry pulled out of the hug slightly smiling at her.
"I'm sure Dumbledore had his reasons and besides it will be up to Dumbledore if I can visit for Christmas." he chose not to comment on the last part of questions wanted her to no to address his scrawny body. "I best get going, I'm sure the Dursleys are waiting for me. See you around," he ended giving a hug to Mrs Weasley, Ginny and Ron. Walking away he stood on the far side of the platform, trying to conceal himself. He didn't even know if the Dursley's we're going to pick him, considering he hadn't said anything to them.
When most students had dissipated away with their parents, Harry saw the lump of his uncle walking over, bitterness written on his face. He pulled his trunk over to where his uncle stopped, his stocky face filled with red.
"Hi," Harry said trying to sound respectful.
"Get into the car!" Vernon hissed. Harry sighed carrying his trunk to the car until he picked it up to put it in the passenger's seat next to where he sat. He was glad her he'd left Hegwid in school, knowing she would find him once he left his relatives house. Vernon slammed his own door, starting the car, making it roar. He began driving, the silence thickening in the air.
"When we get back, all your things are going to be locked in the cupboard. You better put everything there otherwise I will burn it all and will do everything you are told to do for the three days that we will keep you!" he sternly poised.
"Yes uncle Vernon," he early replied. Silently opening trunk to pull out anything that came on top, his photo album appeared. Opening it, he went to his parent's wedding photos jealously eyeing the happiness they radiated. Sirius had his arm around James and Remus while mum was wrapped around with James. It was the only few pictures he had with his, godfather, Remus and parents all exhilarated together, Carefully taking the picture out of the album, he placed the album back into the trunk, running a hand over the cover.
The remainder of the trip back was depressing. Instead of snow, rain pounded dangerously on all the surfaces it touched, creating a gloomy shadow over the sky. Harry sat his hand enveloped around the picture in his pocket. Recognising the symmetrical houses now, he knew they we close by.
The car slowed down, in the parkway leaving Dursley to slam the door as he got out. Harry struggled to take his trunk out as Dursley opened the door, not caring about him. Bringing in the truck he headed towards his old bedroom. He lay his trunk down above the old mattress while Dursley hovered over him, glooming at him.
"Well boy, is everything in there?"
"Yes sir," he whispered.
"Show me where your thing is," he opened his trunk showing where his wand rested with his books, invisibility cloak and clothes were. Standing back he let his uncle look, who slammed the door behind him.
"I want you up before Petunia comes!"
"Yes sir," Vernon walked back out, standing in the garden, giving Harry a chance to quickly skim to the kitchen. The kitchen was kept as usual with the countertops sparkling and all the dishes clean. Harry walked around to the corner, following where a box was sat on the work surface, looking into it. There were old clothes at the bottom with stacks of various papers at the top, however, what intrigued Harry the most was few photos that sat on top.
There were a ginger girl and a pale boy with silky black hair running down by his ears holding hands with each other being what looked like a park. They both looked like they were ten or eleven. The girl's eyes were slightly towards the boy, a large grin on her face, while the boy had a shy smile on his face.
The other picture was of two baby boys laying side by side each other in the same onesie, both asleep. They both looked content and peaceful in their slumber. Hearing someone put the key into the door, Harry bailed upstairs with the pictures in hand. Just as he was about to close the door, he heard Aunt Petunia with Vernon come in.
"You came quicker than I expected,"
"Yes, I've sent the boy to his bed for the rest of the evening," Vernon informed his wife.
"He will make dinner for us in an hour. Our amazing little Dudders is out with his friends, he'll be famished by the time he is back." By now the two of them had taken their conversation to the living room, leaving Harry to hear nothing else. He closed the door, looking back at the photos.
He was sure that was his mother with her luscious ginger hair run in down her back and the emerald green eyes that flashed just like his. However, he couldn't notice the boy; he seemed familiar but Harry couldn't put his finger on who exactly it looked like.
Looking at the other picture of the two babies it looked like him and Dudley who were side by side. Where the two of them like this when they were little? Did Aunt petunia love him enough to but him new clothes and treat him the same way as Dudley? Could have had the chance of a life without pain and negligence; a life with love?
Taking the picture of his family out of his pocket, he stared at the three photos, losing track of time. While two where muggle photos and the third one was from a wizarding camera, they all radiated peace, happiness and love. All the things Harry wanted and desired.
"Boy, get down make dinner for us now," Aunt Petunia snarled bringing him out of his thoughts. He carefully placed the pictures under his rusty mattress, racing down to the kitchen to make dinner.
He surveyed aunt Petunia, noticing nothing much had changed apart from the resentment in her eyes which was more prominent than ever. What had he done now to make her feel like this towards him?
"Get a move on," she snapped pulling Harry out of his thoughts. Heading over the fridge he opened it to be what he would be able to make. Taking out the chicken he placed it onto the board, pulling the vegetables out. As he was peeling the carrots, Aunt Petunia walked out of the kitchen her nose hung high.
As he was stood over the stove Almost done, the house door opened. Dudley walked into the kitchen slightly jumping, not expecting Harry to be back.
"Harry, I didn't know you were coming over for the Christmas holiday. You never have before." Dudley said as Harry put the spoon down into the pan.
"I'm only here for a couple of days and then there are other plans," he replied not knowing what to say to Duddley in this awkward situation.
"How come you-"
"Boy, dinner better be ready in ten minutes!" Vernon bellowed. Dudley gave a sympathetic look, his eyes saddened.
"Yes, uncle Vernon." Harry echoed. "Well I best get this ready," Harry turned back to the stove mixing the mixture again. Dudley headed for his parents, leaving Hary to finish off.
"Oh, my sweet Dudykins. You're back. How about staying over the Polkier's for a couple of days?"
"That would be great," Dudley replied with enthusiasm. Little did Harry know that Aunt Petunia had convinced Vernon to send their little boy to stay away from the freak.
Harry walked into the living from for the first time, adoring the tall Christmas tree that rested in the corner of the room, with over fifty packages surrounding it. Stockings were hung up with tinsel illuminating the room. It was slightly more than the Christmases he normally witnessed locked in the cupboard now there being much more presents.
Getting the table ready and all the dishes around the table, he called the Dursleys over announcing dinner was over. The three walked into the room, their faces missing positive sensitivity. They all sat down behind to serve themselves as Harry stood on the side, hidden in the shadows, waiting for any comments.
"It could have had more salt," Aunt Petunia said, her face scrunched is though she had just tasted a lemon.
"Boy, you ruined a perfectly good meal again. Do it again and I'll place your hand on the stove again. I want you to clean the dishes once were done and then you're to head to room without food," Dursley demanded between his bites. Harry had expected nothing less; he was still lucky not to encounter Vernons more specific punishments like he usually did.
Waiting until they were finished, he picked up their plates wondering who else had to go through what he had to endure. Ron didn't ever get treated this way and Hermione never explained, her parents treating her in such away. Hoping these three days would go quicker he opened the tap, soaking the dishes and scrubbing them. He didn't know whether it would be Dumbledore or Snape who he would be residing with for the rest of the Christmas but though it would still be better than this; at least Snape wouldn't be allowed to physically hurt him and if it was Dumbledore it might just turn out to be an amazing holiday.
The dishes are done, he sent himself up, taking the photos back out of their hiding place and reflecting on the pictures. He wished he could have had what they had. He wished they were alive, He wished it could have been different. He wished.
With that, Harry drifted off to sleep, his screams silenced by the endless charm he had placed.
Harry jolted awake when a bang came from his door, calling for his presence.
"Up boy, up. Get started on breakfast," Harry groaned, still tired. Getting up, he got ready for the day, rushing downstairs he took the eggs and bread out. Looking over at the clock, it read half-past six. He noticed the box full of all things no longer was in the kitchen and Harry wondered what his aunt ha done with it because there were a few more pictures he would have liked to look at.
Just before his uncle had to leave, the three Dursleys we're sat around their table while Harry stood hidden in the corner waiting for his next instructions. Again he was denied food as his stomach began to rumble even though he didn't feel much hungry himself.
Vernon stood up, kissing his wife on the cheek and taking his folder off the table. Heading to Harry's direction he shoved a long piece of Harry's paper into his face.
"I except these all to be done otherwise you will be punished!" Harry gave a curt nod before glimpsing at the list. The list went on and on only achievable if you continually went by for the next two or three days without pausing. There was cleaning the shed, bathroom and beds. Painting the fences even though the weather didn't seem much good. Washing the carpet and then vacuuming it. Rearranging all the spices in the drawer, deep cleaning the living room, dusting the full house, doing the laundry and ironing the clothes and also making dinner.
"I'll be going now, honey. Dudley, enjoy the visit to your friends," Vernon said hugging him. Harry knew he best get a start off if he would want to even have a chance of attempting to finish the list. Taking the dishes, he began washing them as Dudley went off to pack his bag and Aunt Petunia threw dirt at him before walking off.
Harry stood outside the house with the paint in hand shivering. Even though he had applied his warmest clothing, still the cold touched his asking giving him goosebumps. Harry was thankful he clouds only shadowed the sky and there was no raining otherwise there would have been no point in this.
By now lunch was over, leaving Harry to extravagantly whiff the strong smells of the food as he organised the spices. It seemed his body had noticed all the food around him but he couldn't steal any of the food, knowing his aunt would find out. He didn't have long left as he would need to make dinner, leaving him to only complete one more chore beforehand.
He couldn't leave the family hungry, even though that's what they were good at doing to him. Taking the ironing board out he iron all the clothes there were before beginning to prepare for dinner.
Dudley had gone off to stay at Polkiers so Harry knew he would be out of his way but his uncle and aunt would still be a problem for him. Even though he only had two mouths to feed today, he recalled himself to not mess up hoping his punishment would go worse. He knew he wasn't getting away with it today as he hadn't finished his chores but it would have been impossible with his uncle coming home in had an hour. He looked on the bright side, thinking the first official day was almost over. Only two more days to go.
Once the pasta sauce began sizzling hard turned the gas off checking on the pasta. He set the table up just as Vernon walked into the house.
"Honey I'm home," he said sweetly. Going upstairs he got changed keeping away from Harry at the moment. Harry covered the food making sure to keep it warm until Aunt Petunia walked in hatred filled in her eyes.
"You haven't finished all the chores, have you?" she taunted. "Watch when Vernon finds out," Harry already knew what was coming soon but what he couldn't understand was why aunt Petunia was acting in such a way. What had he done to make her hate him? She had never been like this before to him. There was the occasional snide comment she would slip in or hit him but never the amount of hatred she portrayed now. Vernon came bouncing down the stairs going straight for the food. The couple sat down and began serving themselves once Harry hid himself in the shadows.
"Boy, did you complete all the chores on the list?" Harry knew it was best to answer rather remain ignorant of his questions.
"No uncle Vernon," Uncle Vernon began turning red his face puffing up.
"Get upstairs now!" he yelled "I will come and give you your punishment," Harry paled slightly even though he had expected this walking upstairs.
Closing the door behind him he took out the three pictures inspecting the snapshot of the happy faces before he would have to suffer in pain. Thudding came from stairs and Harry threw the photos under his mattress before Vernon could enter the room scurrying to the far end of the room.
"Boy go get my belt from my draw,"
"No uncle Vernon, please. I'll be good, I'll - I'll do all the chores next time and stay out of your way," Vernon's hand connected with Harrys face leaving an imprint on it. He had removed his glamour for the duration of his stay at the Dursley's as to not waste too much energy for when he would have to place it on when someone came to collect him. His face stung, slightly burning.
"Go NOW!" Harry hung his head low sulking as he walked out unto Vernon's room. Opening the drawer he pulled out the belt he usually got best with, his hands shaking. There was no point stalling; it would only make his punishment worse.
As Harry walked in, he looked up at a gleeful Vernon who had something in his hand.
"I wonder he these people are," Vernon optimistically asserted. Harry's eyes grew wide noticing what It was in his hand.
"No Uncle Vernon. Please don't anything to that." he whimpered. His uncle smirked examining the picture as Harry's eyes became glossy.
"Freaks like you don't deserve such things," he pulled the picture at this face, Harry attempting to grab it. Vernon chuckled putting the picture up in the air. Harry attempted to reach out for the photo but it was too high up for him, his short scrawny body minuscule compared to Vernon's gigantic mass.
Vernon began tearing the picture in half enjoying the face of hopelessness that came from the freak's face. His eyes began filling with hatred, forcing Harry to uphold his occlumency shields as to not do anything rash, like wanting murder him on the spot or escape this hell. The picture became smaller and smaller, the small ripped pieces drifting to the floor. Harry's eyes began to tear, his jaw definitively hurting.
"It seems that will be enough today. You can be whipped tomorrow," he asserted smirking. Vernon walked out of the room the locks clinking as he locked the boy in. Harry wanted to scream, tears rushing down his face of pain. He collected all the pieces of the picture together trying a wandless reparo yet the photo remained broken on the floor. How could he have been so foolish as to not check whether the picture was properly hidden under the mattress? One of the only pictures of his parents and Sirius together and he had managed to get that torn.
Going over to the mattress he picked it up making sure the two pictures hed found yesterday where still there and intact. He picked them up staring at them looking at a time he seemed to be happy living with his relatives. That would never be the same again. Now particularly focusing on the next picture with the boy who was with his mother, he seemed to be dressed in clothes which looked too far big for him and looked similar to the rags Harry wore except they were more formal. The black hair that tangled down with the long nose was something Harry knew he had seen before.
He placed the photos down wondering how he was going to deal with his punishment tomorrow considering he had none of his healing potions or salve left. He hadn't expected to need anymore for a while but with Dumbledore and all his surprises, it led him to be unprepared.
At this point in time, he didn't want to go with either Snape or Dumbledore contemplating what they kept doing to him. Snape would be his snarky usual self while Dumbledore would hide more things and surprise him most negatively.
Before laying in his bed he put all the pieces in a bag making sure to be careful it was all there and then lay on his bed his bitterness, regrets and thoughts not letting him sleep.
And that's when it hit him. The boy looked like a younger version of Snape with his locks and the famous Snape nose. He looked much slender here with happiness illuminating from him unlike now which showed only resentment and hatred. But how would Snape know his mother? Snape didn't seem to involve himself with filthy muggles given his history yet there he was all content with Harry's mother. The Snape who now only illuminated fear, keeping tidy with the black robes that defined him showed an incompatible version of the possible child he could be of the poor. But was that really Snape? And if that was, how did his mother know him?
With these lingering thoughts, he left himself in a spasmodic sleep barely enough to keep his eyes open in the morning.
The next day followed a similar suit, though Harry couldn't look any of them in the eye fearing there would be worse consequences than maybe just blowing them up. His list of chores was even longer today with all the things he hadn't done yesterday as well.
When Vernon came home announcing he had his holidays stating from tomorrow harry wanted to bash his head against a wall. He would have a full day off with him being able to beat him senselessly whenever he wanted, how ever he wanted.
He hoped that he'd be able to come home later as to stalk his punishment but the type of luck Harry had he seemed to have come fifteen minutes earlier. Again he didn't eat today, being denied as he couldn't do his jobs sufficiently but this was something he was used to by now. He had gone longer without it before as he would be doing this time.
When he was waiting upstairs before Vernon had come, he walked past Dudley's room noticing a pile of books it seemed his cousin didn't care about. On top of it were three books of subjects harry had been looking forward to studying in high school before he knew what Hogwarts was. Chemistry, Biology and physics. Looking around the room, he took the three books before scurrying into his room and hiding them profoundly as he did with the two photos and the pieces that were ripped.
As he watched his uncle and aunt eat his belly grumbled picking up the food around him. As he started he noticed how his uncle exaggerated all he moves smirking as he kept looking at the freak. Amplifying the licking of his fingers as he rose, Harry gulped, feeling this would be more than his usual beatings. It seemed Vernon had waited
for this for a while and his time had finally come.
Even though his aunt seemed to hate him even more so these holidays, he looked at her with a pleading gaze hoping she would catch on. It seemed she had seen him because she needs at him saying,
"I don't know why you're looking at me like that when you know you deserve it. If it wasn't for you then maybe Lily would still be alive and here. Not dead because of you. So walk along now remembering you deserve this and much more," to say hardy was riddled with fear and shock was an understatement of the century. He expected the occasional comment on how he was a waste of space and a good for nothing freak but this something he had never expected something like this from his mum's sister's mouth.
Listening to those words, he knew it was true. If she needn't protect him them she could have lived on as well as his father. His aunt had finally caught on with who had practically killed his own parents and was just confessing the truth. He had as good as killed his parents.
His head hung low, he walked up with a gleeful uncle Vernon behind him who had first stopped at his own room to get the belt. Harry stood with his face and stomach against the wall while his back was exposed allowing a satisfied Vernon to connect his belt with Harry's back.
Wack
Wack
Wack.
That's all that could be heard among the heavy breathing of uncle Vernon. His back was filled with blood dripping down, his shoulders slightly swollen. He'd fell at some time, twisting his ankle but Harry was unaware when. With each whip, he held his breath in refusing to let the tears leak out.
He didn't know how long had passed but all he knew was that he deserved this. He deserved it for killing everyone around him and putting others in danger. He deserved it for being alive. He deserved it.
His skin torn, all red, filled with bruises and marks lay on the ground all curled around. Vernon sent a sharp kick towards his visible rib, walking out as a loud crack was heard. A clinking noise could be heard and after that silence filled everywhere.
Harry didn't know how long he lay there in his own pile of blood before the lights went out on him. All he knew was that he had a cracked rib, a twisted ankle and a back full of lacerations.
The sun dipped and appeared again, leaving Harry to groan as the sunlight hit his face. He struggled to open his eyes, his neck stiff as he tried looking around. 'Why was he laying on the floor crumpled?' he wondered and then he tried getting up, pain appearing on his back. Then it all came back to him like a wave of memories hitting him. All he knew his rib was broken, his ankle was sprained and he had many lacerations on his back.
Attempting to get up, he struggled to sit up, with his wrists aching. He knew he would have to at least try if he was expected to something today. He knew the door was still locked and would probably be until he was needed but he didn't know how long he could hang on. There were no more healing potions and he didn't know whether he would be able to make some if he were residing with Snape or Dumbledore it what would be achievable with them.
Crawling to the place where he had hidden his pictures and the three study books, he pulled the books out, wanting to occupy his mind away from all the pain. He felt his back feeling the swelling around the marking of where he had been whipped most likely red. His shoulders held purple bluish bruises as well as the bruising that was around his chest which was shaped like a boot.
Opening the chemistry book up knowing it would be the one book he could relate with the most considering his potions lesson, he began reading the first lesson.
It must have been past noon now, looking at how bright the sun was and how long he had been sat there. It was intriguing reading about nanoparticles and different types of bonding such as covalent and laying which would change the whole way in which the certain atom was used for. He didn't think the was one element was structured could be changed to make use of so many things. Like having layers of carbon atoms is what lead is made out of the layers slipping as you would write or the tetrahedral structures of carbon making diamonds.
Putting the book down with the other two, he took out the two pictures looking back at the one with his mum and the other person who he thought to be Snape. It wasn't fair so many people knew her better than her own son did and got to spend longer with her than he could have. It wasn't fair one of his only pictures with all his family was crushed down into almost nothingness. It wasn't fair he had to live such a life.
He would never say it to the person who was meant to be Uncle but the physical pain he afflicted was nothing compared to the pain of watching him rip the photograph up. There was so little he had left of his parents and slowly these things were also disappearing.
Not knowing what to do now, he began focusing on his occlumency shields trying to manipulate them as he been trying to practise in school. His eyes closed he focused onto the black mistiness, trying to control his magic to find other sources as to subtlety loom around the other person's mind and to pick up scents and voices to echo back at them. There was a reason occlumency was supposed to be taught by a tutor and not by one's self. He knew his approach wouldn't be the most perceptive way to hide the fact that he was able to achieve occlumency but in the who was he hiding the spell from as long as he could control how he placed his shield on.
He was lost deep in his mind when something hit him in the face in the real world. Coming out of his mind he opened his eyes to see a very indignant aunt petunia standing upon him, shadowing him as his cheek stung.
"Stupid boy, lazing around all day. Get up and begin with doing something around the house. You have five minutes in the toilet until I except you out" she snapped. Harry got up, limping on his sprained foot as he made his way to the toilet. His back still stung and he couldn't move it much likewise with most of his body. Holding his rib, he locked the toilet door, prodding around his chest as he felt for his rib. It didn't seem too shattered so he began changing a healing spell feeling the moulding go back to its usual self once more.
His chest still hurt but the internal poking had reduced showing some difference had been made. Looking at his face a small contusion was starting to form around his cheek, still lightly pink.
Completing his ablutions, he turned his back towards the mirror, looking at some of the marks he was able to see. There were all outlined plainly the skin patching where it was bleeding last night. The skin was still a bright pink colour with multiple bruises prominent on his back. He noticed the infection which he hadn't paid much much attention to was now yellow coloured, puss all around it as the skin had risen.
Washing as much of his back as he could with the tap water, he came out, going down to the kitchen where there was a list waiting for him.
Most of the jobs were short but quick ones allowing him, to finish quicker than usual. He tried staying out of his relatives way most of the time doing the chords when they were not in the designated room.
He began wiping the windows and walls when his so-called aunt told him to begin preparing dinner telling him he wasn't allowed to eat again. At this point even though he was starving he didn't care whether they were going to feed him anymore because someone was supposed to pick him up tomorrow hopefully giving him a better chance than he had been doing sp far in these holidays. He was starting to get nervous as he hadn't been owled as to who would pick him up and when.
When he was frying the chips, lost in his thought something whacked the top of his head pulling him out of his thoughts.
"I never asked for you to burn the chips, take them out now before you ruin them." Harry rubbed his head feeling a beuise forming amid his mop of hair as he began taking the chips out of the fryer. He wanted to throttle her for treating him worse than dirt this time but he couldn't bring his heart to it when she had been honest and given her true opinion about him.
As they were eating and again Harry was stood in the corner waiting for more instruction did Vernon speak up for the first time.
"So the boy is finally going tomorrow?" Vernon said miserably.
"Yes, so you mustn't do anything to him tonight even though he deserves it more than ever. One of the teachers from the freak school will come to collect him." Vernon sighed dreadfully wanting to take his boredom out on the boy but it didn't seem he would be able to do that tonight.
"Boy, go organise Dudley's room without stealing anything. I know if you will," Vernon sharply instructed. "You best be down by the time we're done to wash the dishes,"
"Yes uncle Vernon," Harry respectfully said racing up the stairs. Dudley's room was fairly clean; the only thing which needed sorting out was the bedding which he managed to do in five minutes.
Just as he was about to go down, he heard a tweeting sound. Confused by the noise he walked over to his room, knowing he had left his owl at school. Opening the curtain a brown owl was sat on the ledge of the window, a letter tied onto its leg. Just as Harry untied the note, the bird flew away, not knowing whether Harry was going to need him or not.
He opened the letter, grinning slightly as he saw the writing of the letter, even though it was short. It read:
Dear Harry,
I hope your holidays are going well so far. As planned you will be collected at 11 am tomorrow so you ought to be ready this time.
My best wishes,
Albus Dumbledore.
Harry was now optimistic that he would most likely be spending his holidays with the headmaster learning new skills. While he had learnt many things himself, the experience of somebody else would be an advantage to his learning. Putting the note into his pocket, he skipped down more cheerful.
The Dursleys we're almost done with their dinner by the time Harry came down. Knowing he would need to get his trunk to prepare to be collected tomorrow, he plucked up his Gryffindor courage speaking up.
"Uncle Vernon, can I please have my trunk back so I can get ready for tomorrow?"
"What time will we get rid of you, freak?"
"I'm going to be collected at 11 am tomorrow."
"You can have your freaky things tomorrow morning. Now start washing the dishes," Vernon snapped. Harry took the dishes to the sink beginning to wash them glad he would finally be able to leave this hell for another five months, even if he would have to rush getting ready in the morning.
Locked in his room until the morning, Harry decided to sleep making the most of the night not knowing how his sleeping pattern would be for the remaining holidays. Darkness overtook him in its mystifying haze transporting him to a world of unknown.
Harry was stood in a deep, hollow corridor, stones building the structure with a river of thick ruby water gently flowing around the sides and leaving a damp pathway. Walking towards the first door on the left he saw a snake in the midst of the liquid and asked it to let him walk across on it. Again on the door were two snakes interweaving each other, locking the door. Harry hissed asking for permission until the door flew open revealing columns and columns of marbles, larger than usual sitting on the dark, dusty shelves.
Harry walked in, his eyes widened filled with integrity as he strolled around looking into the orbs. Touching one of them it revealed a memory of a book with a warding spell almost as strong as the fidilius charm though it required blood or some sort of bodily connection of the residents who would come in and out od the area which was protected.
Placing that one down he moved onto the next sphere touching it as it showed various shields for different spells, which were normally hard to block or reduce the effectiveness of the curse. What intrigued Harry more though was a specific shield which was written on an old piece of parchment, which made it seem like a murky book with a stiff bind explaining how to elite one's pain while minimising it and sending some of the pain to a specific person.
There was also a section written on how to place the enchantment on an object which could protect the person wearing it still alleviating the pain and sending it on to someone else.
Harry was astonished at what this place was observing the overview as it seemed like a hall of prophecies likewise to the one in the department of mysteries. Walking back now, he carefully shut the door, going back to where he came from.
Harry gasped awake panting as though he had just run a marathon, looking around the room. Where had he been? It seemed like the first time in a while as though he had slept properly but could still clearly remember everything he had seen. The spells, the prophecy orbs that seemed to retain memories rather than actual predictions and the planing of the corridors. Was this just another dream or was he in someplace real?
Yet the image a boy who looked like an older version of Tom Riddle as to what he'd seen in Dumbledores lessons seemed to reading about warding and protections and attempting them. Shivering, he got up feeling as though he might have been in Voldemorts head tonight exploring the place involuntarily.
Going over to the door, he tried opening it but it seemed locked from the outside. He knew it was merely morning as the sun was draping over his room but didn't know what time.
He sat over to where he'd placed the books and photos making sure it was all there as to be prepared when he would need to pack. Excitement filled in him as it began getting to him that he would finally be getting out of this place and going somewhere else to learn which would help in the way of completing the prophecy. As he sat on his bed, his body still battered and bruised, his door began clicking open, revealing an impatient uncle Vernon standing in the doorway.
"Boy, go get your things and you better not be playing around with them otherwise no one will come to collect you. Make sure this person is normal when they come and doesn't attract attention from any of the neighbours."
"Yes uncle Vernon," Harry slipped out of the room, hostility still seething out on him as he looked at his uncle. He still couldn't believe he had the audacity to tear his photo when he didn't have many of them. He went down to the cupboard which was unlocked pulling out his trunk. His uncle cam down, shaking the place as he began to speak again.
"You better hide the way you look and not tell anyone anything otherwise next time you won't be able to see the day again even before you think I would allow you into the house," Harry knew what his uncle was saying was probably true and he would be dead if anyone found out the way he was.
"Remember freak," Aunt Petunia spoke this time out of nowhere, "You need to come back here for the wards to Stay alive so it's. best you listen to what Vernon says," Harry nodded his head a buldger setting at the bottom of his stomach. At the end of the day, it was true. He had nowhere else to go and no one else to protect him.
Nodding, he looked at the clock which read quarter past ten, taking his trunk upstairs putting on his bed as he headed for the bathroom. He looked at his damaged self applying the glamour once more wandlessly as his bod changed from the blue, purple and pink stains to a clear peach, hiding the truth underneath. Sighing, he walked out of the toilet going for his trunk.
Everything was there as he had left it with his wand laying in front. Picking it up he felt the electrical jolt as he always did when feeling his wand immersing in the feeling. He took some fresh clothes out changing from the ones that smelt like blood and sweat into one of Mrs Weasleys jumpers and an old pair of Dudley's jeans. He put the three science books into the middle of the truck and the two pictures in his pocket while placing the bag of all the torn picture safely to the side, hoping to fix it once he got to a better place.
Once he thought he was ready with all his things and he looked fine, he took his trunk down, ignoring the pain in his belly which was indicating he was hungry and place the trunk in the hallway.
Five minutes were left and Harry couldn't stay still his feet tapping around as he bit into his lip. His aunt and uncle got up staring at him with disgust as he stood waiting for the door to ring.
At eleven o'clock exactly the door rang, leaving a very anxious Harry to go up to open the door.