Harry's POV:

I try and keep my gasps inside me as I follow the mass of first years headed towards the Gryffindor common room. I can't keep my eyes in one place as they take in the inside of Hogwarts.

I make eye contact with a woman who looked to be on a farm in one of the giant painting decorating the walls, and she smiles and waves at me.

My amazement continues as we are lead, similar to a herd of cattle, to a large portrait of a woman who seems to have had too many of the pumpkin pastries I just discovered.

Our prefect says some weird word, and for an instant I am concerned that I will never be able to properly repeat it, however my concern is short lived as I enter the Gryffindor common room.

I can only imagine having a place like this to live in. There are comfy chairs and work tables, and I am actually allowed to sit here. They even told me at the feast previously that I could eat as much as I wanted. I didn't, of course. Sometimes my aunt and uncle would tell me I was allowed to eat, only to rip it away once I had gotten my hopes up.

My thoughts are disturbed by Ron, my new friend from the train who conveniently got sorted into Gryffindor as well. I am so glad to have friend, although i'm slightly scared because I don't know how to act around one. I've never had a friend before. I do know, however, that you are supposed to be kind and loyal to one, and that is what I plan on being to Ron, as well as any other person I consider to be my friend.

"C'mon mate, let's go," he starts. "Dean said he'd save two beds for us in his room. Seamus is in there as well."

With these words he grabs my arm to lead me upstairs, but his hand connects with one of my newest welts and I let out a sharp gasp and immediately pull away.

Ron's eyes widen in concern and despite the pain in my upper arm I feel a warm feeling spread throughout my chest at his seeming care.

"I'm sorry," he rushes out immediately, "what was that?"

I try and brush it off as best as I can. One of my relatives main rule is that no one can know. I can't tell anyone. I would hate to be on the end of that beating if it got to them that people knew.

"Oh, that? It's nothing. I hit it on the side of the door exiting the train tonight." I give a small chuckle. "You just slightly scared me."

Ron looks a little skeptical but a grin makes its way onto his face.

"Horrid timing. What does the bruise look like? For some reason I have always found them fascinating. Can I get a look?"

I instantly move back at that.

"Umm, no...it's nothing, really. Don't even know if there is a bruise to see actually." I force out.

Ron seems to grow even more concerned but decides to drop it. He gives me this look, however, and I know I have only escaped his questioning temporarily.

PAGE BREAK-

That night I dream.

I dream that my uncle found out that the students and teachers at Hogwarts let me sit on the soft chairs. He found out that I ate at supper. He gets really angry and resorts to his favorite punishment. The belt.

I have long learned to keep quiet in my sleep, even during nightmares. I knew the punishments that would come if I didn't.

I felt the belt repeatedly connect with my already scarred back and keep my tears at bay.

That's another rule. No crying.

I wake up, drenched in sweat. I instantly look around, making sure the other boys are asleep. They are.

I take my covers and put them over my head.

I feel all these emotions in my head, and my eyes start to well.

What are you doing? I think to myself. You know better than to cry.

But for some reason my body disagrees with my thoughts and I begin to silently cry, tears streaming down my face.

I look, through blurry eyes at the clock beside me and realize that it is 2:30 in the morning. I never go back to sleep after these dreams, and I realize how long of a night this will be.

I look up at the ceiling and just think. I think about Hogwarts, and how different it is from my house. I think about punishments here. Do they use a belt? Do thy starve the students? All the kids tonight looked well fed and without scars, but then again, don't I?

I can only hope here is different. I understand that sort of punishment if it is actually deserved, but for fun? I don't think they would.

The clock has only moved the minute hand ten minutes when I look back and sigh deeply. I don't like nighttime. It gives me too much time to think.

OKAY so yeah I kinda like this chapter because you get to see inside Harry's mind. I promise they will meet next chapter so yeahh. Please please please leave me some feedback. Last chapter got no comments and I am really sad about that. I want to know people are enjoying my writing, it keeps me motivated. Anyway I updated my other story today and I am hoping to update the other one tomorrow. Check those out if you like Divergent. Love you guys! -Mack