Chapter 5
Harry took a deep breath in and out, and reminded himself that he was at Hogwarts, he was safe (as safe as the dark lords biggest target can be).
"Do you mean what my Aunt and Uncle do to punish me, or what I have to do everyday?" Wow Harry, that wasn't that hard, was it? Yes, Harry responded to the voice in his head, yes it was.
It took Snape and Draco a second to think, before Snape responded carefully with "Let's start with what they have you do everyday. Is that okay?" Harry gave a little nod, before responding.
"Well, erm, I wake up early in the morning to make breakfast for the Dursleys. Then Aunt Petunia gives me a list of chores, which are generally weed the garden, trim the plants, repaint any areas on the outside of the house that are peeling off, then go inside and make lunch. After that I clean the whole house, do the laundry, wipe down the windows, and then prepare dinner. I do more than that, but I can't remember everything right now."
Snape's breath caught in his throat. The way Harry told him made it sound like Harry thought this was perfectly normal. They hadn't even talked about punishments yet and Severus was already horrified, he couldn't believe he had misjudged Harry so badly. Snape thought about what Harry said, before something stuck out at him. "Harry, you keep saying you make meals for the Dursleys, what about food for yourself?" Severus hoped that Harry at least got some food, but he sincerely doubted it.
"Well about 3 times a week they will give me a piece of toast, but sometimes if I'm lucky I'm able to sneak a few scraps of leftovers. I know it's a lot for a freak, but I'm extremely lucky."
Draco sharply inhaled, this was not okay. "Listen to me Harry, you are not a freak, I promise. You are one of the most focused, brave, kind, and smartest person I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I never hated you, and never will Harry. I want to help you, because you deserve it. Okay? You are not a freak and I promise you deserve more than that." Harry gasped, did this mean he and Draco could be friends? Was he really not a freak?
Did he really deserve this life?
"Are you sure?" Harry hopefully said, and Draco felt his heart break. "Of course I am Harry, I will never lie to you. Ever. Can I give you a hug? You can say no Harry, I won't be angry."
Harry thought over it, before deciding to say yes. What's the worst that could happen? (he could beat you, or curse of hex you. Maybe he'll force you to get down on your knees and-) Harry forcefully stopped that train of thought. "Ok."
That was all Draco needed as he carefully maneuvered his way over to Harry. He sat back down and wrapped his arms tightly around Harry's sitting form. At first Harry flinched, before slowly relaxing into it.
Snape smiled at seeing the two boys comfort each other. "Now Harry, I know that this is going to be a really hard topic, but what would they do for punishments?" Harry automatically tensed up and grabbed Draco's hand to keep him from freaking out.
"Punishments sir? I get them very often. If I burn anything during meal times, if I set the table incorrectly, if Aunt Petunia thinks I haven't done my chores well enough. They also punish me if I speak without being spoken to first, if I ask for meals, or if they find out I've been stealing scraps. "
Draco kept his grip on Harry's hand and squeezed it for some comfort. "And Harry, what do those punishments consist of?" The question came from Draco, and Snape nodded his approval.
Harry looked down, there was no way he could tell anyone because then Uncle Vernon would find out and punish him and Aunt Petunia would take away his food and Harry didn't want another punishment-couldn't handle another punishment. He could hear Draco quietly mutter in his ear, "Harry, Harry, it's okay, you can take your time. We will not get mad okay? Take as long as you need."
"Well Uncle Vernon will use the belt on me most times. He also has a whip that he uses sometimes. Aunt Petunia tends to hit me with a frying pan, or make me stick my hand in the oven. Dudley and his friends play "Harry hunting" which is where they chase me and beat me up. And..." Snape figured it was time for some gentle coaxing. "And what Harry?" He said as gently and non-threateningly as possible.
"Well um sometimes i-if Aunt Petunia isn't home Uncle Vernon will have me t-take off my clothes and... erm yeah."
Snape growled and Draco punched the wall next to him, which made Harry flinch. He could hear bits of what Draco was saying, "Stupid muggles....How dare they....Voldemorts not even that bad....Gonna go and kill them myself." Harry felt his heart briefly warm, before looking at Snape.
"Sir, I know I shouldn't have told anyone but I promise I'll do anything you want. Just don't send me back, please sir please!" Snape let out a deep exhale, "I swear on my life Harry you will never be going back there, ever."
Harry let out a deep sigh of relief before a thought crossed his head. "Sir, will you have to do an examination on me? Or will Madam Pomfrey do it?"
Severus thought for a second. He had been through this with so many children, and this was probably one of the worst cases he'd ever seen. "Would you rather I do it Harry?" "Yes sir, I feel safer around you."
Blimey, his reputation was shattering! Harry Potter, felt safe with him. James Potter was probably rolling in his grave.
"Don't worry Harry, I'll be right next to you the whole time." Draco said quietly. Harry snorted, "While I hope so, considering we can't leave this cupboard." He gave a smile to Draco, to show he appreciated him being there.
"Alright Harry, sit still and we'll get started."