A/N: This chapter has been beta read. Thank you, Super MKatR.

Chapter 8 – Headmaster's Office

'I'm glad to see that you are fully recovered, Harry.' Dumbledore said, while they were walking through the long corridors towards the headmaster's office.

'Thank you, professor.'

'You gave us a big scare, my boy.'

'I'm sorry about that, sir. I didn't intend to cause any problems.'

'Harry, you don't have to apologize for almost dying.'

'Well, sir, if I hadn't tried to catch the snitch while hanging on to my broom, I probably wouldn't have fallen.'

The headmaster looked him over his half-moon glasses. 'Harry, I doubt in that circumstance you could have done anything to avoid what happened.'

Harry stared at the corridor's tapestries for a moment, thinking about the headmaster's words.

'Professor, is it true that my broom was jinxed?'

Dumbledore gave him a sad glance. 'I believe it would be better to reach for the comfort of a cosy room before discussing these matters.'

Harry looked down and nodded.

'But tell me, Harry. I'm curious.' The headmaster changed the topic. 'Why did you risk so much to catch the snitch in such an adverse situation?'

'Well, sir, the whole team was counting with me.'

The headmaster seemed amused with the answer. 'Well, they couldn't have placed their faith in a more worthy person.'

Professor Dumbledore's office was a stunning place. A circular room with the walls filled with the portraits of the Hogwarts' former headmasters. There were shelves and more shelves replete of books and a little table full of weird objects, which would spin and buzz sometimes. In a perch close to the headmaster's table was the most impressive bird Harry had ever seen in his life.

'This is Fawkes, Harry. He's a Phoenix.' Dumbledore explained, watching Harry's face alight with interest. 'Phoenixes are fascinating and extremely rare magical creatures. They are pure and very loyal, and capable of transporting very heavy loads. Their tears have healing powers as well.'

'He's amazing, sir.'

'Oh, I don't doubt his impressiveness.' The headmaster agreed. 'Please, sit down, Harry, so we can talk more comfortably.'

'Thank you, sir.'

'Now that we are properly accommodated… I believe that you have some questions and suspicions. Is that right, my boy?'

Harry nodded.

'So, where did you like to start?'

'What happened to my broom?'

'A fair question, but I reckon you have been well informed by your friends about that.'

'Yes, sir. But… do you know who did it?'

'Yes, Harry, I do. However, I request that you not ask me who it was. What I can do is to guarantee you that all measures will be taken to ensure your security and that of all your fellow classmates.'

'But, why would someone want to hurt me, sir?'

'I believe, Harry, someone committed a serious judgment error by trying to hurt you inside this school. I don't think this is the right moment to discuss more details about this, but I promise you we will soon.'

Harry understood he should not push more the subject.

'You know, I have a curiosity, Harry.'

'Really, sir?'

'Is there something I should know about Professor Snape that you haven't yet shared with me?'

'What do you mean, Professor?'

'After your accident, Harry, your friends seemed to have a strong belief that Professor Snape was who caused that misfortune. What could have given them that impression?'

Harry looked down without knowing what to answer.

'Well, sir, Professor Snape doesn't like me a lot.'

'Ah, yes. I reckon that misunderstanding can exist. But I think there is something bigger…'

Harry stayed in silence and Dumbledore sighed.

'I want you to know, Harry, that whatever is said here will absolutely stay between us and you don't have to fear that you, or any of your friends, will be in any way punished.'

Harry stared at the headmaster with a shadow of doubt in his face.

'Don't worry, my boy, you can talk…'

'Professor, we think Snape is trying to get something he shouldn't.'

'Explain it better, Harry.'

'On the third floor corridor, we know the three-headed dog is guarding something important there, and Snape tried to get it.'

Professor Dumbledore gave a long look to Harry and the boy felt oddly exposed by that scrutiny.

'It's Professor Snape, Harry.' The headmaster corrected.

'Sorry.'

'Before asking how you know about it, Harry, I need to know why you think Professor Snape wants to get what's being guarded there.'

'On Halloween's night, sir, when the troll entered into the castle, Professor Snape tried to pass by the dog with three heads and was bitten. I heard him telling that to Mr Filch, when I happened upon them talking, sir. His leg was injured as well.'

'I see…' The headmaster sighed heavily. 'Harry, I need you to know that what Professor Snape did was under my own orders. He's helping protect what's being guarded there. I ask you to trust in my judgment when I say Professor Snape has my entire confidence. Do you understand it, Harry?'

In that point, Harry was already red of shame and firmly stared his own shoes. 'I understand, sir.'

'Harry, look to me.'

Harry looked up.

'Curiosity is not a crime, my boy. Must I believe this knowledge came to you accidentally?'

'Yes, sir. We… We were hiding from Filch. We didn't know we were in the wrong corridor until we saw the dog. It had a trapdoor behind its feet. We suspected that it was guarding something. Then we remembered the Gringotts' vault that someone tried to break into. It was the same one that Hagrid emptied that same day when we were in Diagon Alley.'

'Remember me never to underestimate the bright mind of yours, my boy. Who else knows about our secret?'

'Ron, Hermione and Ginny, Professor.'

'I suspected as much. Now I believe you to understand if I ask for your own and for your friends' security to keep in absolute secret this issue, and also to promise me not to do any more investigations about it. It's for your own security.'

'I understand, sir.'

'One more thing, remember if you feel that you should tell me something or if you have any doubts about this issue or any other that it's important for you, you must know I'd be happy to talk with you.'

'Yes, Professor.'

'Now, do you have any further questions for me?'

Harry hesitated for a moment. 'A few, if it isn't a nuisance, sir.'

The headmaster seemed slightly surprised with the answer, but quickly pulled himself together. 'Well, then, let's hear them.'

A/N: Hi! I'm so sorry for the delay. In these last few days I was so busy I didn't have time to write. I tried to post this chapter early, but I just couldn't. I hope you enjoyed it. I'll try to post the next chapter (Screams In The Tower) later today.

scrappy8: Thank you! Yes, it is. No, he isn't, but he needs to accept it.

Guest: Thanks! Oliver is a fanatic about Quidditch. I hope you enjoyed Harry's talk with Headmaster. I'm sorry, but you have to wait for the next chapter to see if Ron takes, or not, too long to get over it.