John smiled at the headmaster. "Good to hear. I would hate to learn that the rumors I heard were true. But know this Headmaster. If anyone hits our son again, he has full permission to hit back. In that instance he would be defending himself." he said flatly, "And if you choose to remove William from this school for the simple act of defending himself in the future, then let us know now."

"I will not have my son stand there and take a beating. If he can put an end to it, then so be it. Violence is not always the answer to violence, but as long as he is defending himself, whether it is another student or an adult, I consider the matter closed."

People often forgot that behind the kind, doctorly facade, there was a hardened soldier, one who had seen much and done much. Yes, he didn't always agree with William inserting himself into every instance of bullying, and hitting first. But if he was hit first, and then hit back. He was alright with it.