Chapter 3: A Little Jumpy
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Harry reached a shaky hand over to a peice of toast, and brought it over to his plate. Harry slowly began munching on it. "Potter, I suggest you eat more. You're looking a little thin." Snape said. "How much can I have?" Asked Harry very quietly. "By all means, Potter, take as much as you want." Snape said, eyeing Harry suspiciously. Harry slowly began to gather things on his plate, but he would pull his hand back quickly whenever Snape moved, as if he were going to hit him. This struck Snape odd. It's as if he thinks I'm going to hit him for getting food. Snape thought.
After Harry had all that he wanted to eat, he stayed at the table, waiting to be excused. Snape got up. "Come on Potter, I will show you where you'll be sleeping, and I'll explain the rules." Snape said, striding up the stairs. Harry didn't like stairs. His uncle had thrown him down the stairs once, but that was a different story. As Harry walked up the stairs, he clutched the railing as if his life depended on it. Snape noticed this.
"Potter, it's not like your going to fall." Snape snapped at him. Harry jumped, making him miss a step. Harry's arm that was holding on to the railing was very sore, so he let go. Harry was about to go tumbling down the stairs, but he felt a pair of arms grab on to him. Unfortunatley, Snape had grabbed one of the arms that his aunt had hit the frying pan with. Harry hissed in pain, but quickly covered it up with a cough. Snape couldn't see what the Dursleys' had done to him. Harry would never show pain in front of Snape.
"Potter, are you always this clumsy?" Snape barked at Harry. "S-S-Sorry s-sir." Harry said. Snape noticed the hiss of pain as he grabbed onto Harry's arm to keep him from falling. How'd I hurt him? Maybe there's something more to his being jumpy. Snape thought to himself. Snape started going up the stairs again, with Harry still clutching the railing for dear life.
"Alright Potter, rule number one: Leave me alone, unless an emergency. Number two: Don't get into stuff that doesn't belong to you. Number three: No running in this house. Number four: No yelling, or loud noises. Number five: Listen to everything I say to you. Breakfast is at 8, Lunch at 12, and Supper at 7. If you are late, you don't get to eat. Go that?" Snape asked. Harry nodded, yes.
They stopped by a pale green door. "This," Snape pointed to the door, "Is your room." Snape said, opening the door. Harry stepped inside, and gasped. The room was huge, with a two poster bed, a door that led to a bathroom, a mahogony desk and nightstand, and a big window that overlooked the ocean. The carpet was a creamy white color, and the covers on the bed were maroon.
"Potter, why don't you try to get some sleep. You look like you need it." Snape said, and then strode down the hallway, into a room that was obviously his. Harry didn't want to go to sleep, he knew what was waiting for him in his dreams. Harry shut his door, went over to his bed, and sat down. Harry promised to himself that he wouldn't fall asleep, so he just sat on his bed, staring at the blank wall. Eventually, Harry's eyes started to droop, and he, against his will, fell asleep.
Harry was at a familiar house. One that he feared most. He had lived there all his life. The memories of this house were haunting. Harry had tried to forget, but he couldn't. Harry was brought up to his bedroom. After a few seconds, Harry heard something coming up the stairs. It was more like a someone, though. Harry leaned against the wall in fear, as he heard the clicks of his locks, and the door swinging open, to reveal a very drunk Mr. Dursley. "Boy! You's been bad. You's screwed up my life! I should've drowned you's when you's was a baby!" Harry's uncle sputtered. Harry's uncle staggered over to Harry, and started kicking him in the ribs. Harry wouldn't yell! He wouldn't yell, Harry kept telling himself. Unfortunatley, he yelled. Harry woke with a start.
Where am I?! Harry thought. He looked around frantically. He couldn't see, because it was dark, so he backed up against the headboard of the bed. It didn't accure to Harry that he was in a different room. Harry pulled his knees up to his chest, and stared wide- eyed at the wall. Harry heard his bedroom door open, and the light flashed on. "Boy, what is the meaning of all this yelling?!" Snape yelled, but for Harry, it was his Uncle Vernon. Harry threw his arms over his face protectively, closed his eyes tightly, and started apologising profously.
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