Chapter 3- The Unseen Side of Severus

July 25th 1988, 9:30am

"So far, we know that Harry is being treated like shit, Vernon abuses you lot and you want to run away, right?" Minerva summed up once they were seated with a cup of tea.

"Uhh… yes. Is there anything else you need to know?"

"How do we know Harry will be treated better if he goes with you?" Severus asked, surprising both Minerva and Poppy, as they had never seen him act like this before.

"Well, do you see me making him do chores and things right now? No, I'm letting him play like a normal kid. Its when Vernon is at home that he is forced to do all of that." Petunia stated.

"Do you mind if we discuss this in the kitchen?" Minerva asked, pointing to herself, Severus and Poppy.

"No, go right ahead."

"So, what do we think about Harry going with Petunia?" Minerva inquired as Poppy cast a silencio around them.

" I think we should trust her. I mean we all saw,"

"And heard," Severus interjected.

"The way Vernon treated her too. It couldn't have been an act. I mean, Vernon didn't even know we were here." Poppy stated.

"I have a cottage close to Wiltshire. I know it might be a long term situation but they could stay there for the time being.'' Severus rushed out, not sure why he was agreeing to this and offering his cottage to a muggle.

"Sev, I'm not sure what has gotten into you today but that's a great idea. Shall we go inform Petunia about our decision?" Minerva asked. She was genuinely surprised at how Severus was acting. The last time she saw him like this was when Lily had died.

Poppy nodded, but Severus headed straight for the sitting room, knowing if he spent any more time pondering the decision, he would change his mind. Without saying a word, the other two followed him.

"How fast can you get ready to leave?" Severus demanded, entering the sitting room and surprising Petunia in the process.

"W-well I think I can pack our essentials in an hour or two, b-but if I could have some help, I could be done much faster. You know, with m-magic." Petunia stammered, barely getting the last sentence out.

"Of course we can help you," Poppy assured, sending a glare towards Severus, "but before we start, could we meet Harry and Dudley and explain the situation to them? The last thing we need right now is for something to go wrong."

Petunia gave a small nod and motioned for them to follow her upstairs.