It starts with neglect

Chapter 4

(This is Harry remembering different moments of his past, before his parents and his brother blatantly forgot him)

Third person's POV

A small child, barely the age of 5, lay in foetal position. A mop of unruly raven-black hair rested on his head. His tearstained face was whimpering and sobbing for sympathy but no one came and helped him overcome his pain. No one came and wrapped their arms around him, telling him everything was going to be okay. No one came to shield this child from the dangers of the world. No one came to help him conquer his fears. No one came to help him escape the prison they call home. No one came to console him. No one came to him. 

No one came. 

No one.

No. One.

And perhaps that was the start of a chain of events that lead the boy to be as lonely as he was now. 

The memory changes.

Children were laughing, running and playing without a care in the world. The sun was shining and the streets were bursting with life. Market stalls were already open and people were selling fish, fruits and vegetables, toys and more. There was not a cloud in sight and the sky was a brilliant blue. Everything seemed perfect.

But he knew better.

There was darkness. Shadows looming in every corner and alleyway. Lies and deceit were at the tip of every tongue. That man giving candy to children? Kidnapper. That woman laughing and dancing? She traps and sells children for a living. That little girl who everyone was told has a smiling disability? Victim of rape.

Every person had secrets. Everybody wanted something from you. You try your best for them. In the end, it doesn't matter... because you didn't try hard enough. You never try hard enough. No matter what you did, it was never enough. This was what he learnt. What he was taught. Trust and have that trust broken. Love and have that love thrown away. Cherish and have that person die. Remember and be forgotten. It was always the same, again and again. 

So why? 

Why should he bother?

Why should he continue?

Why should he continue to stay in this cruel, sinister and dark world?

Because you can make a change.

Who was that? 

That voice..

He did not remember that voice in his memories.

So who...

Regaining consciousness, Harry saw that he was in front of a huge, magnificent castle. His first confused thought was Hogwarts but then shook his head. No. Hogwarts was smaller and less regal looking. This castle screamed power. Its walls rose high and its towers, higher. A magnificent flag of a lion, badger, eagle and snake entwined with each other was emblazoned on the front gates. As if drawn in, Hadrian's body moved on its own and he found himself raising his hand and placing it directly in the middle of the flag. 

To his surprise (and upmost awe), the animals moved and shrunk in size. They then bounded, slithered, crawled and flew onto his fingers, travelling up his arm and onto his back. He felt a searing pain and once again passed out.

His final thoughts?

'I really shouldn't make this a habit'