Well - it's the family he came from. He was disinherited at 16 (17 at most) and was clearly still resentful of his younger brother a good 15 years after Regulus's death. To me, both these facts indicate pretty serious emotional/psychological abuse. And, given the way the portrait behaves, it's hard to imagine Mrs. Black as a loving mother to either of her sons. I do not, however, think Sirius was ever physically abused in any way.
As for Severus, I think it's possible he was abused physically, emotionally, and psychologically, although we don't know for sure. What makes me think this is that he is, on at least a couple of memorable occasions, emotionally/psychologically extremely abusive - and it's easy to imagine him saying to himself: "I didn't do anything to the little brats! How can you say I abused them?" He doesn't seem to understand that yes, he really is abusive, because he is not *physically* abusive. Hope this is clear - I'm not sure I'm putting it very well.
You say: JKR seems to know that "fat" is a better insult than "cruel", after all she lets Harry call Dudley fat all the time, in thoughts and words.
Yes, exactly! That really bothers me, especially if she is serious (as I think she is) in her dismay about eating disorders. It is such a mixed message, and it has always bothered me terribly. As to Harry's low self esteem leading directly to his present arrogance, we agree completely. Thanks for your comments.
why I think Sirius suffered abuse-
As for Severus, I think it's possible he was abused physically, emotionally, and psychologically, although we don't know for sure. What makes me think this is that he is, on at least a couple of memorable occasions, emotionally/psychologically extremely abusive - and it's easy to imagine him saying to himself: "I didn't do anything to the little brats! How can you say I abused them?" He doesn't seem to understand that yes, he really is abusive, because he is not *physically* abusive. Hope this is clear - I'm not sure I'm putting it very well.
You say: JKR seems to know that "fat" is a better insult than "cruel", after all she lets Harry call Dudley fat all the time, in thoughts and words.
Yes, exactly! That really bothers me, especially if she is serious (as I think she is) in her dismay about eating disorders. It is such a mixed message, and it has always bothered me terribly. As to Harry's low self esteem leading directly to his present arrogance, we agree completely. Thanks for your comments.