"BOY

"BOY!" Uncle Vernon said angrily, he couldn't understand what was wrong with the small black-haired boy in front of him. "What is wrong with you? You're not eating or sleeping, and you're eyes have gotten dull."

"I have good reason's," Harry said quietly, as he cleaned the breakfast dishes, trying not to provoke his uncle. "Do you have my chore list ready?" he asked.

"Yes," Uncle Vernon said still angry, as he handed Harry his chore list. "I'm worried about you, boy."

"Why?" Harry sneered.  This one of the times he didn't understand his uncle. "You've never given a damn about me. I don't need you to worry about me. As it is, too many people are already worried."

"After all we've done for you!" Uncle Vernon bellowed, as he slapped Harry. "You are the most ungrateful-"

"Can you honestly blame me?" Harry bellowed back. "You abuse me. You never once told me you cared about me, just because I'm a wizard. I can't help what I am!"

"Don't talk to me in that tone!" Uncle Vernon said dangerously.  He had had enough of him.  He took off his belt, and ripped off his nephew's shirt. "You deserve this, boy."

"Expelliarmus!" a voice bellowed. Severus Snape watched as Uncle Vernon's belt flew into his hand. "Go get dressed properly, Potter. Pack you're things."

Harry ran upstairs, got dressed, and packed all his things. When he got back into the kitchen, Uncle Vernon was gone and Snape was fuming.

"Thanks." Harry said, as Snape looked at him with a concern that Harry had never seen. "That's the third time you've helped me, I appreciate it."

"Are you okay?" Snape asked surprising Harry, as they carried Harry's trunk and Hedwig to the living room.

"I'm a bit sore, but nothing major," Harry said, as he let Hedwig out. "Where are we going, Professor?"

"Hogwarts," Snape said, as ripped the boards off the fireplace in the living room and prepared the fire that would take them to Harry's school.

"You heard him, girl," Harry said fondly to his owl, quite used to talking to her as she was the only companion he had at the Dursley's.  "Meet me there."

"Let's go," Snape said brushing his hands on the front of his robes as he stood up in front of the growing fire.  They put the trunk and Hedwig's cage between them and Snape threw a strange powder into fire.  After glancing at the boy, he moved to step into it.  Any person walking by on the sidewalk of Privit Drive would expect the two people to jump back in pain.  But the powder used had been floo powder.  A substance that will take you where ever you say so long as it had a fireplace.

"Hogwarts Infirmary!" the older of the two said before they disappeared.

When they stepped out of the fire, they found themselves in a completely different room.  Looking around Harry saw that Sirius, Lupin, Mcgonagall, Dumbledore, and Madame Pomfrey, were all waiting for the two of them to arrive.

Seeing the welt on Harry's cheek, which was already beginning to bruise, Sirius, his godfather, was immediately concerned.  "Harry, what happened?" he asked frowning.

Harry didn't want Sirius to get mad at his uncle, but he replied "Uncle Vernon," as he hugged Sirius.

"Severus, I'd like you and Minerva to go back to my office, and tell the Weasley's and Ms. Granger, that we've got Harry back," Dumledore said. "Remus go write a letter to Hagrid and Madame Maxime, and let them know Harry is okay. Do the same for Viktor Krum."

"Yes, Albus," Lupin said, as he too left the room.

"Come here, Mr. Potter," Pomfrey said.  "I need to fix that welt. Did that muggle hurt you anywhere else?"

"No," Harry answered, as she tapped his cheek and muttered some words. "Thanks," he said running his palm against his cheek.

"You're welcome, dear," the nurse said before she walked into her office and closed the door.

"Harry, I need to know what happened," Dumbledore said before Sirius could open his mouth.

Harry knew that this question would come eventually, but it didn't mean he was looking forward to it.  Sighing, he opened his mouth to reply.