Chapter Two: The Decision
Dumbledore looked at him for five minutes in silence. Not moving, not making any sounds, just looking at Harry; most probably trying to find some clue why he did what he did. But Harry leant back in his chair, made himself comfortable and looked right back at the Headmaster. Harry did not know why he did what he had done. But the only possible explanation was, he was not as strong as everybody expected him to be. He hated the fame, he hated the deaths, tortures and nightmares and he especially hated Voldemort. And Snape just pushed him over the edge.
"Harry, I thought I could get around this incident and give you a suspension, but the fact remains that you did not just assault a member of the faculty once, but twice. If I do not do anything first the Magic of Ministry will intervene and make the matter worse. I know what Severus said hurt you, but you should have just ignored it. This I know was what he hoped for and he kept his hopes up. Now Professor Snape's goal has been granted to complete its task with what has occurred. I am sorry to say that Harry, but I am only telling you the truth. Do you understand what I am saying Harry?"
"Yes headmaster." Harry knew what was coming next but he waited for the headmaster to finish.
"Harry, I am sorry to say that I am concerned for your safety after this incident." Harry raised an eyebrow. "You understand that students are now afraid of your actions and so are the teachers. They will not be able to work with you because they have lost faith in your capabilities as a student, companion and friend. Though some might think the incident might have been comical at the time, I know there was fear in their eyes. Also I am absolutely sure that this incident will reach the press and once again your sanity will be questioned."
Dumbledore had not once looked away from Harry's eyes during his speech and that made Harry stare back in case he might miss something. They were both silent for quite some time just looking at eachother, deep in their own thoughts. There was a knock at the door and Minerva McGonagall walked in and stood next to headmaster and spoke to him before looking at Harry with disappointment.
"That is why Minerva and I have come to the agreement that you will be transferred to another school so the wizarding community can still keep an eye on you. Though I know the Dark Lord will follow you and that is why we will also be able to keep an eye on you." At this, Harry scowled. They would still be watching him and keeping secrets from him.
Dumbledore chose to ignore Harry's facial expression. "You will stay in the Gryffindor Tower until we have found such a school to take you in. your meals will be brought up to you as will your lessons. This will take place immediately from the time you leave this office. Have your things prepared to leave, as we do not know when you will be transferred. You or Professor Snape is not to have contacted eachother in any way either. Is that understood Harry?"
Harry nodded. "You may leave. And do not wander off. You will be watched at all times." Harry turned and left. What school would they send him to? If it were Durmstrang, he would be dead for sure. He knew that they not only learnt to defend themselves against the Dark Arts but also practiced them. Voldemort would be very popular there. He thought of himself being decorated with wrapping paper and a big bow.
Harry reached the fat lady. "So I heard someone got into a fight today?"
"Wow your smarter than I thought. Cher-ee." The fat lady swung open.
Everyone was in the common room talking loudly. But when Harry entered that changed. The room fell silent and stared at him. Than they cheered and went back talking in loud whispers. Hermione and Ron were away from the crowd playing chess and waved him over.
When he sat down, Ron whispered, "What happened then?" Harry went on to explain what had happened from the time he entered the office, to throwing Snape again and the transferring to another school. Harry always had liked them as an audience. They knew what to do at the exact the right places.
They sat in silence when Harry finished his story. Hermione spoke up. "I think you'll go to Beauxbatons. By their accents, they must be French so all you have to do is cross the English Channel. And since you're so close, Dumbledore can easily reach you. Oh, Harry!" Hermione flung her arms around him and started to cry. I'm going to miss you so much."
"Hermione, as you said it's just across the English Channel so we're closer than you think." That made Hermione cry even more. "And-er- well we will keep writing to each other won't we?"
Ron punched him on the arm. "You better write to us. I don't want to have to deal with a crying 'mione everyday and night." But Harry could see the Ron faintly smiled at the idea.
Hermione stopped crying and punched Ron's arm. "So Dumbledore told you that you-know-who would be following you?"
"Yeah. I've got my scar to tell me when he comes close and hopefully it will be awhile before he finds out where I am. But I wouldn't push it past Malfoy to not tell his father. And if it is Beauxbatons, than I should easily be able to meet new people with Fleur's sister, Gabrielle to show me around."
They continued to talk until it was time for everyone to go down for dinner. They promised Harry to eat quickly and come straight up afterwards.
After everyone was gone, Harry lay down on the sofa and smiled to himself. He did have a lot of happy memories here and he would really miss them. He would give the map to Ron. He would be very wise with what he did with it.
Out of thin air it seemed Dobby came with a tray full of sandwiches, soup and pumpkin juice. "Harry Potter. Dobby is very upset with the departure of his friend. If Dobby could do something than Dobby would."
"Dobby has done so much for Harry already." Harry smiled at the house elf. He fought the urge to laugh. He still had the tea cosie on his head. He wore a Hogwarts tie on his bear chest. He wore the socks that Ron and Harry had given him for Christmas. "Harry owes Dobby so much for what Dobby has done for Harry. I will certainly miss Dobby."
Harry had to look into the fire and bite into his sandwich. It just hit him that he might never see everyone he knew at Hogwarts again. But Harry noticed that Dobby had tears in his eyes. Dobby rushed over and hugged Harry. "Harry Potter, sir is truly a worthy and noble person.' Harry just let his anger stand in front of his heart. 'Good bye Harry Potter." And with a crack, he had left the room.
Harry sat in front of the fire eating the sandwiches, sipping the soup and drinking the pumpkin juice. Harry knew the emptiness would never be filled again when he went to his new school. And it hurt. But Harry did not cry. He could not cry. It already hurt too much to let it out. So he stared at the fire in silence.
Harry had finished the food and juice. It had been half an hour, since Dobby left. He knew the students would be eating dessert right now. But just then the frame swung open. Harry's heart leapt as he thought it was Ron or Hermione, but it was Professor McGonagall. She looked like she had been crying. He looked away.
"Harry, its time to go. Your belongings are already in the carriage." Harry didn't move. "Please Harry don't make this harder than it already is. Come now."
Harry looked up at the pleading eyes that didn't want to have to do what had to be done. "But I haven't said good bye. I have to say good bye."
"I will call them out to the entrance hall. You will be able to say good bye."
Harry stood up. He followed McGonagall in silence. He followed her down the many corridors and staircases. He followed her through the tapestries and paintings. He than followed her down the grand staircase that led to outside. He saw Madame Maxine and Gabrielle and a boy Harry did not recognise. He saw Professor Dumbledore who also looked upset. He saw Hagrid who was crying into his huge handkerchief. He also saw Professor Snape who did not look all that happy as Harry thought.
He could hear the chatter of the student's voices who were trying to look out of the hall. Harry could see that Hermione and Ron knew what was happening and were getting up to go to him. But Harry couldn't do it. He followed the professors and students outside and took his place in front of Dumbledore and Maxime.
"As you must realize, Madame Maxime has graciously accepted you into her school knowing the consequences of Lord Voldemort might try and enter her school."
Harry bowed without being asked. "I am sincerely grateful for letting me attend a fine school such as yours and will learn to control my temper." Here Dumbledore and Maxime smiled. Harry could see Snape snorting as if that was impossible. "And I am truly am sorry if Lord Voldemort and his forces do enter the school grounds and-' Harry looked straight in Maxime's eyes '-if he does, I will promise that no one will die because of me again."
Harry saw Dumbledore was about to say something but did not as Madame Maxime intervened. "Well, we welcome you to Beauxbatons Academy and hope you settle well with ze other students and ze professors. I am sure we will be able to count on you to assist us if ze Dark Lord does come our way. But we must go, as you need a good night's rest to attend classes tommorow.
"Good bye Dumblydore. We will take good care of Harry and make sure that he is safe out of harms way." As Harry followed the professor and students into the nearby carriage, he had heard Snape distinctly mutter so only Harry could hear, "Not if I can help it."
Harry ignored it. He turned to look at Dumbledore but was hit by Hermione and the Weasleys hugging him. The two girls themselves were crying. On the steps he could see not just Gryffindors, but also Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs waving him good bye. Harry broke away from the hugs and waved good bye and stepping into the carriage.
Dumbledore came up to Harry to shake his hand but as he did he saw an envelope slide into his sleeve. Harry smiled at the very worried Dumbledore and told him to take care of himself and the school. Than the carriage lifted up and flew over the castle into the night sky. Harry decided not to take out the letter until he arrived at the academy. He smiled at the others who were drifting off to sleep. He leant back in the leather sofa and drifted off to sleep with the carriage slowly rocking back and forth as it moved further away from Hogwarts.
Dumbledore looked at him for five minutes in silence. Not moving, not making any sounds, just looking at Harry; most probably trying to find some clue why he did what he did. But Harry leant back in his chair, made himself comfortable and looked right back at the Headmaster. Harry did not know why he did what he had done. But the only possible explanation was, he was not as strong as everybody expected him to be. He hated the fame, he hated the deaths, tortures and nightmares and he especially hated Voldemort. And Snape just pushed him over the edge.
"Harry, I thought I could get around this incident and give you a suspension, but the fact remains that you did not just assault a member of the faculty once, but twice. If I do not do anything first the Magic of Ministry will intervene and make the matter worse. I know what Severus said hurt you, but you should have just ignored it. This I know was what he hoped for and he kept his hopes up. Now Professor Snape's goal has been granted to complete its task with what has occurred. I am sorry to say that Harry, but I am only telling you the truth. Do you understand what I am saying Harry?"
"Yes headmaster." Harry knew what was coming next but he waited for the headmaster to finish.
"Harry, I am sorry to say that I am concerned for your safety after this incident." Harry raised an eyebrow. "You understand that students are now afraid of your actions and so are the teachers. They will not be able to work with you because they have lost faith in your capabilities as a student, companion and friend. Though some might think the incident might have been comical at the time, I know there was fear in their eyes. Also I am absolutely sure that this incident will reach the press and once again your sanity will be questioned."
Dumbledore had not once looked away from Harry's eyes during his speech and that made Harry stare back in case he might miss something. They were both silent for quite some time just looking at eachother, deep in their own thoughts. There was a knock at the door and Minerva McGonagall walked in and stood next to headmaster and spoke to him before looking at Harry with disappointment.
"That is why Minerva and I have come to the agreement that you will be transferred to another school so the wizarding community can still keep an eye on you. Though I know the Dark Lord will follow you and that is why we will also be able to keep an eye on you." At this, Harry scowled. They would still be watching him and keeping secrets from him.
Dumbledore chose to ignore Harry's facial expression. "You will stay in the Gryffindor Tower until we have found such a school to take you in. your meals will be brought up to you as will your lessons. This will take place immediately from the time you leave this office. Have your things prepared to leave, as we do not know when you will be transferred. You or Professor Snape is not to have contacted eachother in any way either. Is that understood Harry?"
Harry nodded. "You may leave. And do not wander off. You will be watched at all times." Harry turned and left. What school would they send him to? If it were Durmstrang, he would be dead for sure. He knew that they not only learnt to defend themselves against the Dark Arts but also practiced them. Voldemort would be very popular there. He thought of himself being decorated with wrapping paper and a big bow.
Harry reached the fat lady. "So I heard someone got into a fight today?"
"Wow your smarter than I thought. Cher-ee." The fat lady swung open.
Everyone was in the common room talking loudly. But when Harry entered that changed. The room fell silent and stared at him. Than they cheered and went back talking in loud whispers. Hermione and Ron were away from the crowd playing chess and waved him over.
When he sat down, Ron whispered, "What happened then?" Harry went on to explain what had happened from the time he entered the office, to throwing Snape again and the transferring to another school. Harry always had liked them as an audience. They knew what to do at the exact the right places.
They sat in silence when Harry finished his story. Hermione spoke up. "I think you'll go to Beauxbatons. By their accents, they must be French so all you have to do is cross the English Channel. And since you're so close, Dumbledore can easily reach you. Oh, Harry!" Hermione flung her arms around him and started to cry. I'm going to miss you so much."
"Hermione, as you said it's just across the English Channel so we're closer than you think." That made Hermione cry even more. "And-er- well we will keep writing to each other won't we?"
Ron punched him on the arm. "You better write to us. I don't want to have to deal with a crying 'mione everyday and night." But Harry could see the Ron faintly smiled at the idea.
Hermione stopped crying and punched Ron's arm. "So Dumbledore told you that you-know-who would be following you?"
"Yeah. I've got my scar to tell me when he comes close and hopefully it will be awhile before he finds out where I am. But I wouldn't push it past Malfoy to not tell his father. And if it is Beauxbatons, than I should easily be able to meet new people with Fleur's sister, Gabrielle to show me around."
They continued to talk until it was time for everyone to go down for dinner. They promised Harry to eat quickly and come straight up afterwards.
After everyone was gone, Harry lay down on the sofa and smiled to himself. He did have a lot of happy memories here and he would really miss them. He would give the map to Ron. He would be very wise with what he did with it.
Out of thin air it seemed Dobby came with a tray full of sandwiches, soup and pumpkin juice. "Harry Potter. Dobby is very upset with the departure of his friend. If Dobby could do something than Dobby would."
"Dobby has done so much for Harry already." Harry smiled at the house elf. He fought the urge to laugh. He still had the tea cosie on his head. He wore a Hogwarts tie on his bear chest. He wore the socks that Ron and Harry had given him for Christmas. "Harry owes Dobby so much for what Dobby has done for Harry. I will certainly miss Dobby."
Harry had to look into the fire and bite into his sandwich. It just hit him that he might never see everyone he knew at Hogwarts again. But Harry noticed that Dobby had tears in his eyes. Dobby rushed over and hugged Harry. "Harry Potter, sir is truly a worthy and noble person.' Harry just let his anger stand in front of his heart. 'Good bye Harry Potter." And with a crack, he had left the room.
Harry sat in front of the fire eating the sandwiches, sipping the soup and drinking the pumpkin juice. Harry knew the emptiness would never be filled again when he went to his new school. And it hurt. But Harry did not cry. He could not cry. It already hurt too much to let it out. So he stared at the fire in silence.
Harry had finished the food and juice. It had been half an hour, since Dobby left. He knew the students would be eating dessert right now. But just then the frame swung open. Harry's heart leapt as he thought it was Ron or Hermione, but it was Professor McGonagall. She looked like she had been crying. He looked away.
"Harry, its time to go. Your belongings are already in the carriage." Harry didn't move. "Please Harry don't make this harder than it already is. Come now."
Harry looked up at the pleading eyes that didn't want to have to do what had to be done. "But I haven't said good bye. I have to say good bye."
"I will call them out to the entrance hall. You will be able to say good bye."
Harry stood up. He followed McGonagall in silence. He followed her down the many corridors and staircases. He followed her through the tapestries and paintings. He than followed her down the grand staircase that led to outside. He saw Madame Maxine and Gabrielle and a boy Harry did not recognise. He saw Professor Dumbledore who also looked upset. He saw Hagrid who was crying into his huge handkerchief. He also saw Professor Snape who did not look all that happy as Harry thought.
He could hear the chatter of the student's voices who were trying to look out of the hall. Harry could see that Hermione and Ron knew what was happening and were getting up to go to him. But Harry couldn't do it. He followed the professors and students outside and took his place in front of Dumbledore and Maxime.
"As you must realize, Madame Maxime has graciously accepted you into her school knowing the consequences of Lord Voldemort might try and enter her school."
Harry bowed without being asked. "I am sincerely grateful for letting me attend a fine school such as yours and will learn to control my temper." Here Dumbledore and Maxime smiled. Harry could see Snape snorting as if that was impossible. "And I am truly am sorry if Lord Voldemort and his forces do enter the school grounds and-' Harry looked straight in Maxime's eyes '-if he does, I will promise that no one will die because of me again."
Harry saw Dumbledore was about to say something but did not as Madame Maxime intervened. "Well, we welcome you to Beauxbatons Academy and hope you settle well with ze other students and ze professors. I am sure we will be able to count on you to assist us if ze Dark Lord does come our way. But we must go, as you need a good night's rest to attend classes tommorow.
"Good bye Dumblydore. We will take good care of Harry and make sure that he is safe out of harms way." As Harry followed the professor and students into the nearby carriage, he had heard Snape distinctly mutter so only Harry could hear, "Not if I can help it."
Harry ignored it. He turned to look at Dumbledore but was hit by Hermione and the Weasleys hugging him. The two girls themselves were crying. On the steps he could see not just Gryffindors, but also Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs waving him good bye. Harry broke away from the hugs and waved good bye and stepping into the carriage.
Dumbledore came up to Harry to shake his hand but as he did he saw an envelope slide into his sleeve. Harry smiled at the very worried Dumbledore and told him to take care of himself and the school. Than the carriage lifted up and flew over the castle into the night sky. Harry decided not to take out the letter until he arrived at the academy. He smiled at the others who were drifting off to sleep. He leant back in the leather sofa and drifted off to sleep with the carriage slowly rocking back and forth as it moved further away from Hogwarts.