A/N: My apologises for the length of this chapter. In the midst of writing, young Miss Xirleb70 decided that she wanted attention and wouldn't let me finish it. Ma ami le chien, being such a fur brain, insisted that I leave the chapter a cliffie and talk to her instead. So, if there are any complaints, they should be lodged with my new secretary, Xirbs, who can be reached either on my Yahoo! Group (which would amuse me greatly and encourage me to write faster) or by im-ing her at Xirleb70.
CH17: Retraction
"DUMBLEDORE!!!" The roar rang out through the Great Hall, startling the first-years and the teachers alike. Many jumped up and pulled out there wands, only to be slightly shocked when Harry Potter stalked through the door.
A very angry Harry Potter.
Teeth grinding and fist clenched, he strode up to the Head Table and stopped in front of the esteemed Headmaster.
"We. Need. To. Talk." He said each word slowly, barely restraining from clocking the old man. "Now."
"When were you planning on telling me?!?" Harry roared. "After Voldemort hunted down and killed the rest of my family? You should have told us the danger we were in! Of all the selfish, irresponsible things you have ever done – this just tops it all."
"I was waiting for the right time – " he began, trying to placate the irate teen, but Harry would have none of that.
"You really screwed up this time, Professor. And why didn't you tell me my mother was a hunter?"
Dumbledore was startled by the topic change. "I beg your pardon?"
"Why didn't you tell me about my mother?"
"Harry, this isn't the time. We have more important things we must discuss."
"It's always this way for you. Everything is more important than ..... us. The actual people. You never saw me as a person, did you. I was always just a weapon to you. Well that ends. I never, and I mean never, want to hear another word from you, Albus Dumbledore. Stay the hell out of my life."
"Harry - "
The ancient wizards arms dropped to his sides as the office door slammed shut.
"Neville?" Dean asked the moment the portrait swung open. "You're back!"
Seamus grinned and threw an arm around his no-longer-missing friend's shoulder. "Where have you been, mate?"
"With Harry," he answered shortly. "It's great to be back and all, but, if you don't mind, I need some sleep. It was a long trip."
"Wait," said a timid voice behind him. "Do you know if Harry's still in the school?"
Neville didn't even bother turning around. "I wouldn't do it, Hermione."
But the sound of feet rushing out into the hall was all that answered.
Harry stormed back down to the Entrance Hall, muttering to himself. Sirius and Remus would just have to understand why he wasn't stopping by: he just wanted to get out of this forsaken school.
As he pulled open the front door, a voice behind him made his blood freeze.
"Harry?"