From the darkness

Chapter 1

Harry Potter set alone on a small mattress in his cupboard. It was 5 o'clock in the morning but Harry was not asleep, he didn't sleep much. He could hear his uncle Vernon snoring above him. He knew that soon enough the alarm would go off to wake the whale. He dreaded the moment when his uncle would bang on the door and tell him to start his daily chores.
He didn't have school, his uncle took him out when they started to get suspicious of the bruises and cuts and constant flinching at loud noises. He would do his best to make sure that the injuries didn't show but it was hard enough at home and sometimes he just didn't have the energy.

So Harry sat, apprehensive and waiting for his uncle, aunt and cousin to wake up. As he sat he watched the spiders weave an intricate web, that read" good luck" and by the time they had finished Harry heard the familiar sound of the alarm going off and the heavy footsteps of his uncle descending down the stairs.
He cringed at the banging on his door and the harsh "get up boy ". He waited for the locks to be opened and stepped out of his cupboard, his back cracking from being in such a cramped space for so long
Harry stood in front of the stairs, his head held down and quietly said
"What shall be the menu for today Sir"
His uncle looked at him disdainfully and sneered
" I want eggs, with beans and sausages, bacon and toast. Don't let me see any of it burnt freak."
Harry nodded subtly and started on with breakfast. By 7 o'clock Harry had made the breakfast laid it out on the table and was doing the washing up. He wasn't allowed to eat any of it, and as there was nothing burnt on the pan or any leftovers from any of them he would not be eating this morning.
As he finished, his aunt came up to him with a sneer remarked,
" I want you to go up to the attic and find a large box. This box should have Dudley's old clothes and some broken toys. And take that hopeful look out of your eyes, don't even think that you will be getting any of it. We need to create space as your aunt Marge Will be coming and staying for a few days. When she arrives you will be silent and efficient, I don't want to see any mistakes. You will severely regret it."
" yes Miss" he said quietly, his eyes on the floor and his hands behind his back.
He finished wiping down the table, and started on upstairs. He pulled down the ladder to the attic. As he climbed up he found the attic to be dark and had a very foreboding feeling to it. As he stood, he searched for a light switch. When he found it he took a quick look around the room. Seeing that there were many boxes filled with old junk. There were boxes with old computer parts and bags of clothes that his aunt had deemed out of style. When his eyes finally rested on a huge box filled with old toys, torn clothes and a big remote controlled car, he heaved a sigh. It looked huge, and heavy. He would be punished if he dropped it, but he knew he would struggle to even lift it.
Knowing that he would be punished if he didn't pick up the pace,he got to work trying to lift it. However his attention was caught by a small brown box that was behind it. It was old looking, and wooden, which is why it was curious. He didn't think his aunt and uncle would keep something that looked so old, and broken. They had made it quite clear that only the most modern and fashionable things would be kept in their house, and this box was not very normal looking.It was no bigger than a book and as he lifted it he felt it was relatively light, and as there was no lock on it, his curiosity tempted him to see what was inside.
At first he was underwhelmed, and as he opened the box it only revealed a small piece of parchment. It looked old, but not like a pirate treasure map or anything. However, his curiosity made him wonder, what if it was some kind of treasure map. He could finally escape with the treasure, and find a real family.
So carefully, he pryed open the parchment. He sighed a little, seeing as it was only a letter however he instantly drew back in shock as he saw that his name was the first thing written at the top. He carefully placed the letter into his boxers to read for later, put the box back and started trying to lift, the big heavy cardboard box once more.

Later that night as Harry finally finished the washing up from the dinner, his uncle Vernon sent into his cupboard with a glass of water and a piece of bread. As he sat down he got out of the old rusty torch that he had found buried in the garden whilst doing his chores a few months back, got the letter out of his boxers and started to read.
To my dearest Harry,
If this letter is found you, it means that I along with your father are no longer here. The first thing I want you to know my love is that I want the best for you, however I must disclose some quite disturbing information. We were never murdered by the one who you were told we were. Do you not trust Albus Dumbledore. The light is not as it seems, and it is likely that we are no longer here due to a disagreement we had with the Phoenix. If you do not understand any of this, then where you have been placed is not safe, and who you have been placed with are not those who we do not trust. My dearest Harry, You must run, hold this envelope and say galleon. It is a portkey my darling and it shall take you to Gringots.
You must find one of the dark, they will keep you safe. Don't be scared, we will always be with you.
With all of my love, your mother Lilly.

Harry, with tears in his eyes, fell asleep, clutching the letter. That night he dreamed of a mother, with red hair and a kind smile, and a old man with a white beard and evil eyes, taking her away.