Categories > Books > Harry Potter > At The Heart Of The Matter
Of Meddling Old Men and Leaving
After the events of the DOM, Harry starts to slowly reevaluate his life and with truths revealed and a new perspective, he gets at the heart of the matter and sets of on his own path to becoming th...
?Blocked
Authors Note: This chapter is edited as of 8/6/06. Thanks again for all the reviews. It really keeps me motivated to continue. I would like to say to the two negative reviewers that not every story suits every person. I'm writing this from my view point and realize that this type of plot has been done before, as I have read many of them, but this is my take on things. I also chose to go from book five because I absolutely can not understand how JKR could make Harry so.....UUGH! I can't even put into words how I didn't like the characterization of Harry and Dumbledore in book 6. Anyway, on with the show. Oh, yeah....still own nothing!
Of Meddling Old Men And Leaving
********
As the trio approached Snape and Dumbledore, they all shared a knowing look that said 'Oh shit, we're in for it now!' Once they were within close enough proximity, Dumbledore spoke, "Harry, I would like to discuss what you and the Minister were speaking about. You talked for a very long time and knowing Cornelius Fudge as I do, would like to make sure that you are okay." Harry almost rolled his eyes at the blatant twinkle the Headmaster was currently letting loose.
Harry had finally figured that the twinkle had to be either some form of a passive legilimacy or a wandless coercion charm of some sort. Choosing to look at the Headmasters' garish robes instead, he said, "While I appreciate your concern Professor, what we spoke of only concerns the Minister and myself. Actually the meeting was very cathartic and went along way in rectifying our relations. Now, if you wouldn't mind, sir, we would like to get some lunch."
"The nerve of you Potter! Your arrogance knows no limit! How dare you refuse to tell the Headmaster about your meeting!" Snape was so worked up that spittle was actually spewing with every word.
Harry turned to him with as cold a mask as he could produce and said, "I wasn't aware that students in this school had to confess every personal matter to their headmaster. If that is indeed the case, maybe you should run along and get Malfoy for his heart to heart with Professor Dumbledore. I bet that would prove most enlightening!"
Snape was about to rant when Dumbledore put a restraining hand on Snape's shoulder and continued speaking to Harry, "You know that is not the case, Harry, and I would appreciate you showing more respect when addressing your Professors. I was only concerned for your well being after everything you have been through lately and thought that my vast life experience could help with whatever the Minister had to say."
Harry was hopping mad by this point and sneered his reply, "I will show respect to those that have earned it! Any Professor at this institution that goes out of his or her way to degrade another person, in my book earns no respect, only contempt. As for your concern, sir, while I can understand where you are coming from, it is not needed. I am perfectly fine with the happenings of this morning. That is also why I chose to bring Hermione and Neville with me, just incase." Harry knew this jibe, aimed at both of the Professors before him, was going to lead to further problems, but he couldn't help himself.
"Harry, I am astounded by your lack of maturity. It is time that you accept that Professor Snape has a role to play and that is why he has to be the way he is. As you well know, Voldemort would not be to happy with him if he showed anything less than contempt for those not of his service. I think you should apologize to him this instant and then you and I can go up to my office for our conversation."
"With all do respect," Harry spat the last word out, "who hear, right now, is going to report to Voldemort that Snape's mask isn't firmly in place. I understand to some degree that he needs to appear to show favoritism in class, but that is all. Snape is unfair and cruel to all students not in Voldemort's camp, whether in class or in private and that is something that I will not accept. I've had to suffer through several bogus detentions with him over the last 5 years and his cruelty never ceases. So, on that principle alone I will not be apologizing, unless he apologizes to everyone else first...starting with my two friends! In regards to our conversation, I believe I've said all I am going to say in regards to my meeting with Minister Fudge. If you continue to insist, I will be more than happy to write to Minister Fudge, letting him know that we have a meeting with you to discuss our private and personal meeting with each other."
Dumbledore, seething on the inside decided to make his retreat and go back to his office to figure out what was going on. Before he left, he said, "Harry I was only concerned about you. I don't know where all this anger is coming from towards me and your Professor, but I will leave you alone for now. When you are ready to apologize for the lack of respect shown today, you know where I am."
Harry snorted and said quietly to their retreating backs, "Yeah, like that's ever going to happen! I'll show you anger!"
Hermione spoke up next, "I can't believe that conversation just happened. What was the Headmaster thinking. He can't honestly be trying to justify Snape's actions and inactions? I really think over the next couple of weeks we are going to see all that we believed to be true...fall on its head. Nothing makes any sense anymore!"
"I never thought Dumbledore would show his true colors in front of Hermione and myself. You do realize it's starting to look like making an enemy out of Dumbledore is almost as bad as making an enemy out of Vo-Voldemort. It's a good thing Fudge is going to work with us now. I think this summer we had better train as hard as we can...we're gonna need it." Neville said, receiving nods from his friends and then headed off write his Gran.
Over the last couple of days, leading up to leaving for the summer, Harry had heard back from Tony Rooks about his living arrangements for the summer and reconfirmed what Fudge had told him. Neville had also heard back from his Gran that it was okay for both 'Mione and himself to stay at Longbottom Manor. Unfortunately, during every meal, the new trio was subjected to the disappointed look that Dumbledore kept shooting at them as well as the Snape's hateful sneers. This of course just reconfirmed their belief that Snape had definite cradle/childhood issues to overcome....and they thought Harry was immature!
Another thing that was painfully obvious was that Dumbledore must have had quite the conversation with Ron in regards to his friendship, or lack thereof, with Harry. Ron had been following the new trio around, any chance he got, and kept attempting to apologize to Harry. Of course, Harry was having none of it and enlisted the help of Ginny and her oh-so-handy care package the twins had sent her on Monday. Needless to say, Ron got the hint that he was unwelcome by everyone when Ginny got through with him. Turning into a green skinned, pink haired, tutu wearing, flatulence emitting person can have that effect. Gryffindor hadn't seen that many laughs in a long time....and everyone had a great time at Ron's expense.
Right before they were due to board the train, Harry sent letters off to Gringotts, Tony, and Cornelius asking, that if possible, on Friday, he would like to have a group meeting at Longbottom Manor. He wanted to get some more answers and also wanted to ask about receiving some advanced training. Harry figured, even if he had to tell Fudge some of the prophecy, it would be worth it in the end.
As he looked back up towards the castle, the place he once thought of as his home, his eyes grew sad. This was no longer his home....Hogwarts was fastly becoming a place he recognized with his feelings of betrayal and regret. This saddened him more than he thought possible.
Boarding the train, Harry and his friends found and empty compartment and got ready for the long ride back to London. As the train sped through the countryside, they talked of the events of the D.O.M. and of Sirius' death. With everyone's different take on how things happened, they all realized this was the beginning of the healing process they all needed. Quietly looking out the window, Harry also realized that this was the beginning of his new role in life and made a vow to stay true to himself through it all.
Of Meddling Old Men And Leaving
********
As the trio approached Snape and Dumbledore, they all shared a knowing look that said 'Oh shit, we're in for it now!' Once they were within close enough proximity, Dumbledore spoke, "Harry, I would like to discuss what you and the Minister were speaking about. You talked for a very long time and knowing Cornelius Fudge as I do, would like to make sure that you are okay." Harry almost rolled his eyes at the blatant twinkle the Headmaster was currently letting loose.
Harry had finally figured that the twinkle had to be either some form of a passive legilimacy or a wandless coercion charm of some sort. Choosing to look at the Headmasters' garish robes instead, he said, "While I appreciate your concern Professor, what we spoke of only concerns the Minister and myself. Actually the meeting was very cathartic and went along way in rectifying our relations. Now, if you wouldn't mind, sir, we would like to get some lunch."
"The nerve of you Potter! Your arrogance knows no limit! How dare you refuse to tell the Headmaster about your meeting!" Snape was so worked up that spittle was actually spewing with every word.
Harry turned to him with as cold a mask as he could produce and said, "I wasn't aware that students in this school had to confess every personal matter to their headmaster. If that is indeed the case, maybe you should run along and get Malfoy for his heart to heart with Professor Dumbledore. I bet that would prove most enlightening!"
Snape was about to rant when Dumbledore put a restraining hand on Snape's shoulder and continued speaking to Harry, "You know that is not the case, Harry, and I would appreciate you showing more respect when addressing your Professors. I was only concerned for your well being after everything you have been through lately and thought that my vast life experience could help with whatever the Minister had to say."
Harry was hopping mad by this point and sneered his reply, "I will show respect to those that have earned it! Any Professor at this institution that goes out of his or her way to degrade another person, in my book earns no respect, only contempt. As for your concern, sir, while I can understand where you are coming from, it is not needed. I am perfectly fine with the happenings of this morning. That is also why I chose to bring Hermione and Neville with me, just incase." Harry knew this jibe, aimed at both of the Professors before him, was going to lead to further problems, but he couldn't help himself.
"Harry, I am astounded by your lack of maturity. It is time that you accept that Professor Snape has a role to play and that is why he has to be the way he is. As you well know, Voldemort would not be to happy with him if he showed anything less than contempt for those not of his service. I think you should apologize to him this instant and then you and I can go up to my office for our conversation."
"With all do respect," Harry spat the last word out, "who hear, right now, is going to report to Voldemort that Snape's mask isn't firmly in place. I understand to some degree that he needs to appear to show favoritism in class, but that is all. Snape is unfair and cruel to all students not in Voldemort's camp, whether in class or in private and that is something that I will not accept. I've had to suffer through several bogus detentions with him over the last 5 years and his cruelty never ceases. So, on that principle alone I will not be apologizing, unless he apologizes to everyone else first...starting with my two friends! In regards to our conversation, I believe I've said all I am going to say in regards to my meeting with Minister Fudge. If you continue to insist, I will be more than happy to write to Minister Fudge, letting him know that we have a meeting with you to discuss our private and personal meeting with each other."
Dumbledore, seething on the inside decided to make his retreat and go back to his office to figure out what was going on. Before he left, he said, "Harry I was only concerned about you. I don't know where all this anger is coming from towards me and your Professor, but I will leave you alone for now. When you are ready to apologize for the lack of respect shown today, you know where I am."
Harry snorted and said quietly to their retreating backs, "Yeah, like that's ever going to happen! I'll show you anger!"
Hermione spoke up next, "I can't believe that conversation just happened. What was the Headmaster thinking. He can't honestly be trying to justify Snape's actions and inactions? I really think over the next couple of weeks we are going to see all that we believed to be true...fall on its head. Nothing makes any sense anymore!"
"I never thought Dumbledore would show his true colors in front of Hermione and myself. You do realize it's starting to look like making an enemy out of Dumbledore is almost as bad as making an enemy out of Vo-Voldemort. It's a good thing Fudge is going to work with us now. I think this summer we had better train as hard as we can...we're gonna need it." Neville said, receiving nods from his friends and then headed off write his Gran.
Over the last couple of days, leading up to leaving for the summer, Harry had heard back from Tony Rooks about his living arrangements for the summer and reconfirmed what Fudge had told him. Neville had also heard back from his Gran that it was okay for both 'Mione and himself to stay at Longbottom Manor. Unfortunately, during every meal, the new trio was subjected to the disappointed look that Dumbledore kept shooting at them as well as the Snape's hateful sneers. This of course just reconfirmed their belief that Snape had definite cradle/childhood issues to overcome....and they thought Harry was immature!
Another thing that was painfully obvious was that Dumbledore must have had quite the conversation with Ron in regards to his friendship, or lack thereof, with Harry. Ron had been following the new trio around, any chance he got, and kept attempting to apologize to Harry. Of course, Harry was having none of it and enlisted the help of Ginny and her oh-so-handy care package the twins had sent her on Monday. Needless to say, Ron got the hint that he was unwelcome by everyone when Ginny got through with him. Turning into a green skinned, pink haired, tutu wearing, flatulence emitting person can have that effect. Gryffindor hadn't seen that many laughs in a long time....and everyone had a great time at Ron's expense.
Right before they were due to board the train, Harry sent letters off to Gringotts, Tony, and Cornelius asking, that if possible, on Friday, he would like to have a group meeting at Longbottom Manor. He wanted to get some more answers and also wanted to ask about receiving some advanced training. Harry figured, even if he had to tell Fudge some of the prophecy, it would be worth it in the end.
As he looked back up towards the castle, the place he once thought of as his home, his eyes grew sad. This was no longer his home....Hogwarts was fastly becoming a place he recognized with his feelings of betrayal and regret. This saddened him more than he thought possible.
Boarding the train, Harry and his friends found and empty compartment and got ready for the long ride back to London. As the train sped through the countryside, they talked of the events of the D.O.M. and of Sirius' death. With everyone's different take on how things happened, they all realized this was the beginning of the healing process they all needed. Quietly looking out the window, Harry also realized that this was the beginning of his new role in life and made a vow to stay true to himself through it all.
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