Kitten

July 31, 1991

      Harry woke with a pounding headache. His back was still killing him, but it was bearable. He checked the door to his cupboard to see if  Aunt Petunia had unlocked it for him. The knob clicked and he shuffled out, trying as hard as could to reduce his movement. There was barely light in the living room which meant he had exactly thirty minutes to go to the bathroom and get a drink of water. He walked into the kitchen to take out the necessary pots and pans for breakfast. The cupboards that held the cups were locked. His aunt made sure he understood from a very young age that only civilized people were allowed to use cups and plates. 

    The sun was slowly turning the skin light blue which meant he needed to hurry up. He rushed out the back door to a secluded corner behind a big tree and did his business. He sighed in relief. He actually made it this time. He turned on the hose and cleaned himself up a little and got a drink of water before going back inside and putting on the bacon. By the time that was done and he was putting on the coffee, breakfast was completely done and Petunia and Dudley had made their way down. He handed his aunt her coffee and went to hurry to get Vernon’s clothes ready for work. Seeing as it was only 6:30 he was making pretty good time. Vernon wouldn’t be down for another half hour and when he did his clothes would already be pressed and ready for him and Harry would be nowhere in sight. 

    Heavy footsteps made their way down the stairs and Harry hurried to his cupboard and clicked it shut. He sat on his small pee stained mattress with his knees tucked towards his chest. It still hurt his back, but he stifled any noise. He listened to his “family” laugh and talk over the breakfast that he knew that he would not get. He picked up a broken crayon and started drawing on the scrap pieces of paper on the wall. Harry was so lost in his own thoughts that he lost track of time. That was until he heard the clicking of the cupboard and he looked up into the ugly face of his uncle Vernon. His heart began to race and fear flowed through his veins. He had hoped that he wouldn't do it today. He had been a good boy. ‘Harry is a good boy’ that’s what he continued to tell himself inside his head even as his uncle stared down at him with a malicious smirk on his face. The man looked at his watch. 

    “It’s 7:45. Are you ready for breakfast boy?” He asked as he undid his belt buckle. Harry could feel himself shaking and tried to keep his tears at bay when Vernon squeezed into the tight space and closed the door behind him. 

*****

At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Severus Riddle nee Malfoy walked through the hall towards the headmaster’s office. His mood was beyond foul today and wished nothing more than to be at home with his husband secluded in their bedroom. Instead he was here getting ready for the upcoming school year with new and returning dunderheads. He came to the gargoyle guarding the headmaster’s office and gave the password. 

“Blood Pops.”

The statue moved and allowed him entry. Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his desk conversing with Minerva while stroking Fawkes. 

“You requested me, Headmaster?” the Potions Professor sneered. 

“Ah yes, come in Severus,” Albus said, his eyes twinkling madly. 

The man did as requested and sat on the edge of the seat next to Minerva. When he was offered lemon drops, Severus could not keep his lip from curling at the sweet. 

“No thank you,” he said through gritted teeth. “What is it you need from me Albus? As you know I am very busy getting ready for the start of the upcoming school year.”

“Yes, yes of course. I simply called here because I am in need of a favor.” 

Severus said nothing at this, he simply raised his eyebrow waiting for the man to continue. 

“I need you to go check on a Mr. Harry Potter.” Dumbledore said while steepling his fingers together and resting his chin on them. Severus sneered at the mention of another Potter. 

“Whatever for? You assured us that our little savior,” he could not keep the contempt from dripping from his voice, “was well taken care of.”

“Yes, indeed. That is the report I have received from both Arabella and his aunt. However,” Albus said while digging through his desk drawer, “I want you to deliver his letter to him personally.” 

Severus looked down at the offered letter. “Quite a bit early to be showing favoritism Albus. The school year has even yet to begin.” Severus mocked as he sat back in his chair. 

The headmaster frowned slightly. “Come now, Severus. Surely you are not still upset at the James Potter. I highly doubt that the boy is like his father.”

Black eyes suddenly hardened and Severus’s voice took a cold edge. “He is most likely worse. And I would advise, Headmaster,” He said bitingly, “that you refrain from mentioning Potter’s name in my presence.” 

    Albus only sighed while Minerva looked at her colleague in thinly veiled disappointment and disgust though Severus paid it no mind. The trio sat in silence for a moment before the dour man sighed, getting the attention of the two. 

    “Please Severus, these are trying times. And I-”

    “Alright, alright,” Severus cut him off. He snatched the letter off of the man’s desk. “I will go check on our little prince.” 

    The headmaster smiled. “Thank you, Severus.”

    The man only nodded in acknowledgement. 

    “Is there anything else you need?” He asked. Albus shook his head. 

    “No, that is all.” 

    Severus nodded once more and left, not noticing the smirk on the headmaster’s face.