"What's this nonsense I hear about you supporting Muggle rights?" Phineas loomed over his son, who cowered beneath his scalding glare.

"I thought —"

"Well, you clearly weren't thinking," Phineas muttered. "As headmaster, I know I must be impartial, but my own son…" He shook his head sadly.

Phineas II's face burned. "Please, Father, I only had the Muggles' best interests at heart —"

"Since when do we — you care about those puny Muggles?" Phineas spat sourly. "I was a fool to believe that this would work. I thought under my instruction, you would become strong. You would become a powerful wizard, but no. You're just a sniveling fool, just like the rest of them. Do you have any shame?"

"Father." The words were quiet but full of authority. "I do not regret what I did. I believe what I believe, and if you don't like it, then I cannot change your mind. Nor will I change mine."

"You insolent little — " With brute force, Phineas backhanded a cream-colored teapot and it went flying, spilling its contents. Hot tea splattered on the carpet behind him, but he didn't seem to notice.

"Well, if that's how you feel, get out!"

"I'm —"

"GET OUT!" his father roared. "I never want to see your face again, in this office, or in my house! Consider yourself disowned."

Phineas II gaped, "You wouldn't —"

"Oh, but I can," Phineas said simply, his temper cooling for a few moments. "You're still under seventeen, which means I can do what I like with you. Now get out of my sight before I do more than disown you."

Sensing a conclusion, a finality to his father's words, the younger Phineas kept his calm and exited the office. Phineas the first sank into his chair; the yelling had taken more out of him than he cared to admit.

"Do you think you overreacted?" one of the portraits asked timidly. "It's just some silly behavior, that's all."

"Silly behavior, eh?" Phineas snapped. "Why I don't set you on fire and call it silly behavior?"

The portrait squeaked and promptly fled. Phineas massaged his temple.

"Good riddance," he muttered.

360 words

Did you catch the Zuko reference? I know, it broke my heart too.

Written for:

Assignment 4, Geography Task 3 - Write about someone being disowned, or otherwise leaving their family

Auction - Phineas Black (23-3)

Skyscraper, Floor 2 - cream

Build a Better Breakfast - 33. Walnuts

Pick a Wick - 18. Lemon

Founder Says - Salazar: "I was a fool to believe that this would work."

1000 - 16. Timid