The silence was short lived. Angry murmurs and whispers can be heard, most of which were coming from the Gryffindor table. The only ones not saying anything was Sirius, Remus, Peter and Lily. They were sitting in shock with their mouths hanging open. Lily looked ready to cry and the boys looked fit to be tied.
James nods to the headmaster. He knew that it was expected of him to do a speech so he wouldn't disappoint them. He clears his throat and waits for the Great Hall to fall silent. "This was not an easy decision for me to make." He eyes each table with a blank stare. All except the Slytherins which his stare turns deadly. "I know everyone will either be glad that I am leaving or not care at all. I have no friends and I am a lazy student or so I have been tol. I just hope my time at Durmstrang will straighten me out and set me on the right path." His voice is monotone. "I say that the decision wasn't easy for the simple fact that this has been my home for six years. But now it is time for me to move on." He turns around and faces the head table. "I thank you all for putting up with me over the years. I tried to do my best but it wasn't enough. Your all very good teachers but I was the one that couldn't be helped." He forces a smile before turning back to his peers. He takes a deep breath and lets it out. "As for the student body...you made my life a living hell. Instead of my so called friends sticking by my side, they abandoned me. And yet I stood by their sides through everything. I was there when Sirius's family disowned him. I was there when Peter's sister was ill. And I was there for Remus through his illness. Maybe I was stupid to stick around people who clearly were using me. But I don't regret it. I can't regret it. The only thing I regret is the fact that I lost the only things I loved." He falls silent and lets his words sink in. He raises his chin in the air. His eyes were glazed over with anger. And it was taking all his will power not to lash out at those around him. He just hoped his words would make them feel guilty.
Dumbledore is silent throughout James's speech. He lets the boy vent his anger without stopping him. He pats him on the shoulder. "You will be missed Mr. Potter. I just wished that things could have been different." He looks out across the sea of students then his eyes fall to the large oaken doors in the back. He can see James's parents standing, waiting for their son. He smiles at Robert and Katherine. "It is now time to say goodbye James. Your parents are waiting."
James licks his dry lips and nods. "I would say goodbye but that means it's forever. I need a word that means longer than forever. I do not intend to see any of you again if that can be helped." He again turns towards the head table and scans the teachers before turning and striding towards his parents. He keeps his eyes focused solely on the back of the room. But he can feel the angry glares that he is receiving. This actually brings a small smile to his face. His words did hit them. He stops in front of his parents.
Their eyes are shining brightly with pride. "We're very proud of you, James." Katherine says as she touches her son's face.
His father smiles at his son and pats him on the back them leads his family out of the great hall and to the awaiting horseless carriages outside.
James didn't even look back as he pulled himself up into the carriage. His trunk had already been brought down by one of the house elves. He felt his insides twist as they began to move away from the very old stone castle. Something didn't feel right but he didn't bother to say anything. Why should he? No one in the castle would have done that for him. Not a soul.