Although no one wants this kind of thing to happen, it does. Your writing was really well done and the imagery was great. I agree with you in that your interpretation of the abuse is probable. I honestly never saw it until it was pointed out, but Harry was abused and no one did anything about it.
Author's response
Hello, Debbie.
That story was one of the hardest I have ever written.
Unfortunately having the background, I recognized the signs early on. In addition, there are at least three instances of attempted murder -in canon-.
My sister used to call it 'comic abuse', but I never saw it as the slightest bit funny.
~I honestly never saw it until it was pointed out, but Harry was abused and no one did anything about it.~
That's the problem with abuse. It's never splashed on the front page. Like prejudice, it's a subtle poison. Combine that with the Dursley's social status, and Dumbledore's likely interference, and it's swept under the rug.
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Alorkin