Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter 3

Snape hurried to the Headmaster's office, still shaken by the sight of Potter's mangled body. All this time he had thought Potter was a spoiled little brat who was loved and pampered by his relatives, but he couldn't have been more wrong. How could Albus let him stay with those disgusting muggles? Did Albus know what was happening in that house? Why didn't Potter tell anyone? Well...he could answer that last question for himself. Snape knew all too well the shame that kind of treatment could cause a child. He felt a rush of guilt for the way he had treated Potter the last five years. I had treat him badly in order to maintain my image as a loyal Death Eater, but I could have been less harsh with him in private if I hadn't been blinded by the hatred I have for Potter's father. Snape realized he had reached the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office and gave the password (chocolate frogs). He knocked on the door and entered.

Albus stood when Snape came in. "How is he?"

Snape scowled and said sarcastically, "He's fine, Albus, if you consider being almost beat to death fine."

Albus ignored Snape's tone. "What happened? Was it an attack?"

"It was an attack.....by his uncle." Snape's eyes blazed with anger. "When I arrived his uncle had Potter in the bedroom and was brutally beating him. He was barely alive when I brought him here."

Albus paled. "I must go check on him."

Albus started to leave, but Snape stopped him. "Did you know about how they were treating him?" He asked harshly.

"Of course I didn't know, Severus. I knew he didn't like it there and he stayed with the Weasleys whenever he could, but I never dreamed they would do something like this."

Snape nodded curtly and they headed to the hospital wing in silence. When they arrived Poppy had just finished treating Harry. Albus' eyes filled with tears when he saw Harry's thin and battered form.

"How is he?" He asked.

Poppy sighed as she turned away from Harry. "Well, I've mended the broken bones and healed the more serious cuts and bruises. The rest of them will heal fine with the potions I've given him. He is also very malnourished. From what I could tell he hasn't had a decent meal since he left school. What I am most concerned about is his head injury. I healed what I could, but he might not wake up for another week or two."

"But he will be alright?" Snape asked. Albus glanced at him startled at the concern in his voice.

"It may take him week or so after he wakes up to regain his strength, but he will be fine. Physically, at least." She turned to Albus. "How is it that no one knew he was being abused? I did a very thorough examination and a lot of his scars many years old."

"I do not know, Poppy. All I can say in our defense is that Harry is extraordinarily good at hiding information he does not want known." Albus sighed wearily before turning to Poppy. "I must be going, but please let me know if his condition changes." He said before leaving the hospital wing.

Poppy returned to her office and Snape settled in a chair next to Harry's bed. Snape dropped his head into his hands as guilt washed over him once more. "I'm sorry ....." He whispered.

He still hadn't moved from Harry's bedside when Poppy went to check on Harry a couple of hours later.

A/N I'm sorry it has taken me a while to get this chapter up, but I have had a lot going on in RL so its been kind of hectic. I know this one is short, but I will try to get the next chapter up sometime this weekend.

I would like to thank everyone who reviewed: HP's twin, Rosiegirl, rini8903, ShadowedHand, AuroraAbbie Snape, Sappjody, and Jean-Claude Iscarot. Thank you so much. You are my inspiration.