~Always~

Acceptance

"Did one of my Gryffindor's decide to roam the halls after curfew? Was it Mr Potter? I was just about to go looking for him." Minerva began

"The later I am afraid Minerva."

"Just what has Mr Potter gotten himself into now!?" Minerva impatiently asked.

Severus filled Minerva in on the night's adventure and what had happened between Harry and Draco, including Harry's injuries. By the time he had finished Minerva's face was filled with rage. "I have deducted thirty-five points from both houses and both Harry and Draco have a three-day detention with me." Severus continued

"Do you mind if I take an extra fifteen from Slytherin to make it an even fifty! For what Mr Malfoy said about Lily! And for showing no Mercy towards Mr Potter." Severus nodded agreeing that what Draco said about Lily took it a step too far. It was at these times Severus wished that Hogwarts still allowed corporal punishment.

"I was going to do a lot worse to Malfoy, but I figured that I could save it for his detention tomorrow night so that I am more alert and I can think about what I want to say. That way he can experience the full wrath of my anger."

"A little can go a long way, Severus. But it's not like Mr Malfoy doesn't deserve it. I think it's about time the bully needs to be taught a lesson." Minerva justified.

"He's like another bully I could name," Severus said coldly, knowing full well Minerva would be able to guess whom he was referring to. Severus looked at the ground not wanting to relive his high school days.

Minerva pursed her lips, so they made a small straight line and nodded her head.

"if corporal punishment was still active... Malfoy wouldn't be able to walk for weeks.." Severus continued trailing off ominously. "Speaking of bully's, I have recently learnt that Malfoy isn't the only bully Harry has had to deal with. Harry told me that his cousin is also allowed to use Harry as his personal voodoo doll." Severus sneered.

Minerva face fell and looked shocked. "What? But... Albus assured me... I knew that they were miss treating him but...."

"Albus believes that if they gave the boy a roof over his head, food and clothing then he must have to be treated well. I highly doubt that he even bothered to check on him. Potter told me that his aunt and uncle detest him, they said that Lily and James were drunks and they died from a car crash, and other unspeakable lies, not to mention they called him a freak and unnatural every day. They also permitted their flat slob of a son to punch him and kick him whenever he felt like it." Severus' voice was dark and full of disapproval and pain. 

"I also believe, based upon how thin Harry is, that they have likely starved him, or fed him the bare minimum of food required. I have been observing him during meals, and he barely touches the food. Also when Harry and I were talking about his relatives, I believe that his uncle may have abused him in some fashion. Petunia and Vernon have made the boy feel worthless and like he doesn't belong... he consistently believes that he is in trouble even though he hasn't done anything wrong.. Albus led me to believe that Harry was living and happy."

Minerva was still in complete shock from all of the news. "I warned him... I warned him that he should never have left the boy with those muggles in the first place. I had been watching the family for a long time before Albus arrived with baby Harry, they were the sort of muggles that are full of pride and share one brain cell between the three of them. I also knew that Lily cut all ties with that family after she married, one does not do that to a family unless there is something is seriously wrong and a bloody good reason to do so. I told the old man that he was making a horrible mistake, but did he listen? Nooo of course not! The Great and wise Albus Dumbledore knows what's best did everyone.."