Tom's little serpent

chapter 2 *EDITED*

HARRY'S POV:

I lay there in my cramped cupboard, surrounded by the stale scent of blood, whimpering quietly to avoid drawing any more punishment from Uncle Vernon. Just earlier, he had lashed out with his belt because I accidentally burned a corner of toast. It was enough to send me back into this dark, suffocating space that he called my place, reminding me that freaks like me belonged there.

I felt like I might not survive long enough to ever go to school. My broken watch told me it was nearly bedtime, not even ten to nine yet. The world outside felt distant and unreachable.

Suddenly, I heard banging at the door. Uncle Vernon went to answer it, and soon after, his furious voice echoed through the house, screaming about intruders and freaks on his property. Fear clenched my chest as I pressed myself into the corner of my cupboard, trying to make myself smaller, and quieter.

Footsteps echoed through the house, purposeful and determined. They seemed to be searching for something—or someone. My heart raced faster when my cupboard door was pushed open. I curled up even tighter, trembling uncontrollably.

Then, a deep, reassuring voice cut through the darkness. "Harry, it's alright. We've come to save you."

I dared to peek out from my hiding spot, hardly daring to believe it wasn't a dream. The person spoke softly, soothingly, with gentle reassurances that melted away some of the fear that had consumed me for as long as I could remember.

Someone reached out and gently took hold of me. I flinched instinctively, expecting more pain, but the grip was firm yet gentle. He began to calm me down, his voice a lifeline in the darkness. He smelled of fire whiskey and smoke—warm and comforting.

Exhaustion washed over me like a tidal wave, and I struggled to keep my eyes open. The person noticed, his voice now softer than ever. "Go to sleep, Harry. You're safe now."

With those words, I let myself drift into sleep, for the first time in a long while feeling a glimmer of safety and hope.

Note: Looking forward to part two from Tom's or a Death Eater's perspective!