Harry is used to the Dursley's abuse, but after one rather painful night for him, he realizes that he has to escape before they kill him. Late that night, still nursing his wounds, he breaks out of his cupboard and runs as fast and far from Number 4, Privet Drive as he can. His only hope is to find somewhere that he'll be treated with acceptance at least and if he's lucky, maybe even love. On his escape he runs into a man who goes by many names: Greasy Git, The Dungeon Bat, and Snivellus to name but a few. For some this would have been a death sentence, but for Harry, it was a godsend. *Disclaimer and a few warnings on the first chapter*