Harry and Kerry were now six years old. They had a younger brother called Daniel who was five. Both Kerry and Dan were given practically anything they wanted. Harry was hardly given anything, actually most of Harry's belongings (excluding clothes) were cast-offs from Kerry and Dan, the only ones he owned were presents from his godfather, these were mainly books as Harry liked to read. Kerry was the perfect daughter for the Potters and Dan was the perfect son. Kerry had her own bedroom, lounge and bathroom, Dan had the same. Harry had is own room only, it was near the house elves.
Since Harry had been four years old he had been forced into doing chores. He was generally asked to clean the kitchen or bedrooms. He hated it. There was only one person who cared for Harry and that his godfather.
On the twins birthday Harry was woken up by Lily.
"Wake up" she yelled through the door
Harry got up and pulled on some clothes. He opened the door to find James and Lily standing there.
"You will clean your sister's room. Don't break anything in there or else" said James coldly.
Harry knew what 'or else' meant, a beating by muggle and magic means, one that he had suffered before and one that he didn't want suffer again, once was enough. Harry scampered upstairs to his sister's room. He cleaned the lounge until his sister came out to have breakfast. Harry knew she would be out for the rest of the day. About ten minutes after Kerry had gone downstairs a house elf brought up Harry some breakfast. After eating the breakfast the elf took the tray away, along with any evidence from it, i.e. crumbs. Harry started working again by cleaning out her bedroom. By lunch he had to clean the bathroom and clean all the ornaments his sister had. He soon started on the ornaments. He cleaned them all except one, he picked up the glass stag and started to wash it. As he finished he was hit in the back. The ornament flew out his hands and broke on the floor. He turned round to see who had hit him. It was Dan who was smirking.
"Mum, Dad!" Dan yelled, "Harry broke one of Kerry's ornaments."
Harry groaned as he heard his fathers footsteps come pounding up the stairs. The door opened and there was James Potter standing framed in the doorway, anger clearly etched on his face. Harry shrank away from James knowing what was going to happen.
James marched over to Harry and pulled him to his feet.
"Get to your room" James yelled as he threw Harry out the door, "Wait there until I deal with you"
Harry ran to his room, his ribs were hurting where he had crashed into the banisters.
Nearly an hour later James entered the little room that Harry slept in. Harry waited for the punishment to start. James started hitting Harry, mainly the chest but a few on the arms. After nearly twenty minutes of physical punishment James turned to magical punishment. He used mild pain curses on Harry, all perfectly legal, but very painful. This continued for another twenty minutes. James then forced Harry to drink a healing potion. Some would think it showed he cared but he only wanted to hide the evidence, as even in the magical world child abuse is against the law and punishable by 20 years imprisonment in Azkaban. James left the room after Harry was healed.
It was now three in the afternoon. Remus came around to wish the twins happy birthday. He went to wish Kerry happy birthday first, keeping her happy. Remus knew about the chores Harry had to do, he was not happy but could prove nothing about abuse, even though he suspected it. He bought Kerry an ornament, this one was of a werewolf. After giving Kerry her present he headed for Harry's room. He could smell blood in the air and hurried on. The stench of blood got stronger the nearer he got to Harry's room. Remus opened the door and saw Harry lying on his bed, he looked fine but Remus could smell fear radiating from him.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently
"I was cleaning Kerry's room and accidentally broke one of her ornaments. Father then punished me" said Harry crying
"It's ok pup. I bought you a present" Remus said handing Harry a parcel. Harry tore at the wrapping and out fell a book called "basic magical spells" and a practice wand. The wand only aloud certain spells to be used, mainly the ones from the book he had just received. The book contained no housekeeping spells. After giving the book to Remus he left the room with a quick "I'll be back in a minute". Remus left the room to confront James. He marched up to the living room and stormed in.
"James I want to speak to you, outside" he shouted
James walked out into the hall and shut the door. Remus pulled out his wand and cast a silencing charm on the door.
"What is it?" James asked
"What happened with Harry today?"
"He broke Kerry's ornament so I punished him"
"It was an accident James. Anyway a boy that age shouldn't be doing housework. He should be having fun outside with friends"
"He's my son I'll treat him as I think fit"
"Listen here James, if I hear one whisper about Harry being punished like that again I'll take Harry away" snarled Remus, he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Remus turned and walked away, back towards Harry's room.
"Just take him, he doesn't deserve to live here" James said coldly, he could disown Harry but it might cause political unrest but he was willing to take the risk. At least it wouldn't get to the papers as he had contacts in the papers and ministry.
"ok I will" said Remus in disbelief. He couldn't believe that James would throw out Harry.
Remus walked off to Harry's room. He entered and saw Harry still where he left him.
"Harry do you want to leave here and never come back? You would live with me for a few weeks until you can be adopted as you cant live with me because I'm a werewolf"
"Yes Remus, I hate it here"
"Ok Harry, I'll pack your things" said Remus gently
Remus packed Harry's few belongings and moved him to his house. Luckily two days earlier had been the full moon so it was a month to the next one. Remus contacted a housing agency he knew about, they put Harry up for adoption, it would only be a matter of time until Harry was adopted.