AN: Compassion and forgiveness are big themes in most of my work. Forgiveness is not about the person who wronged. It's about refusing to let what they did to you hurt you anymore. Refusing to let your heart be changed and turned dark. Refusing to forgive his father is why Tom Riddle became Voldemort.

Chapter 3

Harry's head was still reeling as the meeting wore on. No less than 30 muggleborn families had showed up to the meetings with their children. Muggleborn students from each house. Some had been fooled by the Daily Prophet last year, due to the school leaving them in ignorance. But seeing Harry and hearing the testimony of his uncle, himself, Hermione and several of the other students, they were irate.

He shook his head. "I just don't understand what we can do about it? We'd need an adult wizard on our side, I think."

Vernon thought about his options. "Hmmm, I imagine there are also some "pure bloods" who aren't too thrilled about this school right now. Since the teachers are doing nothing to protect these children."

"You know, Ron's father is in the Ministry," Hermione said. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley adore Harry. She's loyal to Dumbledore right now but I'm sure they might help. Or, Harry, what about Remus?"

Harry sighed. "I could send him a letter. See how he feels about Dumbledore basically setting me up to be a sacrificial lamb. I can't fight Voldemort. He's too powerful for me. Not even Dumbledore could beat him."

Mr. Calvin laughed. "He can't beat him because he's too busy playing the philanthropic grandfather who doesn't want to hold his students, which I understand that this person called Voldemort used to be one of his students, accountable. He's more interested in being loved and viewed as this grand wise one. Are you familiar with The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum?"

Harry shook his head. "Aunt Petuna doesn't like those types of books in the house."

"It's okay, Harry, you can borrow my copy," Hermione promised. "It's one of my favorites."

Calvin chuckled. "I only ask because Dumbledore is surprisingly similar to the Wizard. It's a pretty famous book series actually. It got a few movies. Although, the Disney Return to Oz is kind of dark and deranged."

The young girl sighed wistfully. "Judy Garland was amazing. I love that movie." Harry was shocked that most of the other kids and even adults nodded in agreement.

"Anyway," Mrs. Granger interrupted their tangent. "I think we have talked enough about this tonight. We have a plan set."

Vernon nodded. "I agree. Keep in mind, this is going to be risky but if we stick together and we stand our ground, we can do this. Our children deserve to feel safe when they're at school. They deserve to know that they will be able to study and get an education without worrying about a racial war breaking out. Or giant snakes petrifying students. Or cowardly jackasses disguised as rats threatening to kill them. It is time to hold Hogwarts to the same standard as the other schools in this country."

The entire room erupted with agreement. Harry had to duck a little. These people were serious, dead serious.

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On the drive home, Harry was still trying to process what was going on. "I don't get it. For the last fifteen years, you made me believe you hated me. That I was nothing but a burden and a freak."

Vernon pulled over and looked at Harry. "And for that, I am… I am sorry. Your aunt convinced me that withholding our love then… hearing it out loud, it sounds stupid. But fathers will do anything for their children. And… you became mine when you were left on my doorstep, in a basket, like Moses in the reeds. But it was cold, a cold October night when you were left. You were on that doorstep for hours and I had no clue. And when I saw you, your eyes locked onto mine, as if begging for warmth and safety." He looked at his steering wheel. "I about exploded and demanded their heads right there. In my addled state, your aunt convinced me that showing you care would be more dangerous for you. Because wizards despise us."

The boy looked at the man, studying his expressions as much as listening to his tone of voice. "Why does Aunt Petunia hate me so much? Why does she hate my mother so much?"

Blue eyes locked with his green ones and Harry was rammed with a vision of his uncle looking down at baby him, baby him looking up at his uncle with desperation and fear, trembling with cold. He blinked.

Vernon considered his words. "It might not be my place to tell you but I suppose you have a right to know. It's only fair. And bare in mind, it doesn't mean she was right. But…" he sighed. "There was a time when your mother and your aunt were as close as sisters could be. They loved each other but… then… your grandparents were informed that your mother was special. A witch. And your aunt was not. Your grandparents suddenly started favoring your mother at the expense of your aunt, and then your mother was gone for several months every year, so they lost that closeness. Your mother was suddenly the golden child while your aunt was the forgotten glass child. And that formula never leads to anything good. I saw it. I was the one who had to hold your aunt when your grandparents neglected her. And when you arrived on our doorstep and the letter confirmed that you were as magical as both your parents… she was forced to relive that trauma. As you know from experience, childhood trauma like that…"

Harry thought through the last fifteen years, particularly the last five. He started thinking. "Childhood trauma… can make the abuse continue?" He said slowly.

He nodded quietly. "Exactly. And it takes a lot of strength and courage and compassion to break the cycle of abuse. And I know I'm asking a lot of you right now. You have no reason to trust me or believe me and you have no reason at all to do it. But… I won't ask you to forgive me but… try and find a way to forgive your aunt."

The boy seemed to be thinking about it. "Uncle Vernon, could childhood trauma make someone… become… well… like Voldemort?"

Vernon chose not to redirect him back to his request. He could not force Harry to forgive her. "Did he endure childhood trauma?"

Harry nodded. "He grew up in an orphanage. Unwanted and maybe abused. Wondering why his parents didn't love him."

"An unwillingness to forgive can poison you," he replied. "It causes the pain from the wrong to sit and fester. Growing and hardening your heart until you're unable to understand love anymore."

"And Voldemort certainly doesn't understand love," he sat up straighter. He grew quiet but Vernon could tell the gears in his head were turning. He put the car back into drive and drove the rest of the way home.

AN: What is Harry thinking about? Will he be able to forgive his aunt and uncle? Keep reading.