I can't believed that Snape caned him for that! Eveytime the poor kid gets in trouble he's going to cane him? I can sort of understand for almost killing Malfoy, but for being insolent and keeping the book. This Snape is really cruel. Well I guess that he's in character but yikes poor Harry!
Even though I hate the caning part, and think that the punisment is way over the top and abusive, and I can't believe that DD would allow this to continue, you are an excellent writer, and your story is very well thought out. I really like the two perspectives as well.
Author's Response: Thanks!
I agree, Snape shouldn't have caned him. It would have done no harm to let Harry off, but Snape thought his reputation would suffer. In my opinion this shows above all a lack of confidence, he knows the students don't respect him for himself as they do with Dumbledore, for example.