Chapter 8:

The Headmaster

The Hogwart's Express settled to a stop at Hogsmeade station, and the group of Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors got out with a sullen Hermione following behind. They talked and joked all the way up to the castle as they anticipated the Welcoming Feast. The students all settled down into their seats as Professor McGonagall brought in the first Years. The Sorting Hat commenced with its song, and then the Sorting began. After the first years had all been seated, Dumbledore stood up, "I'm sure the announcements can wait until we've all thoroughly enjoyed the meal, so without further ado, tuck in."

The students fell to their meal with gusto, and soon not a crumb was spared as they devoured the meal. When all were done, Dumbledore stood again., "Now, to the start of term announcements. For the new students, welcome to Hogwarts, for the returning students, welcome back. As always the Forbidden Forest is strictly that, forbidden. Mr. Filch would again like me to remind you that using magic in the corridors between classes is against the rules, and the banned object list has increased in size greatly due to the recent opening of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Also, with the threat of a returned Voldemort, security has been increased over the castle. We have Aurors stationed as guards at the entrances, and they will be periodically roaming the castle. Any infraction considered to be dangerous to other students will be punished with expulsion. Hogsmeade visits will not be announced until the morning that you are going to avoid an attempt by Voldemort to attack the students while they are exposed, and certain other precautions will most likely come into effect, and you will be notified of those accordingly. And now, to introduce to you your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, I present Professor Widget." The students clapped politely to the new professor, who merely smiled at the assembly. Dumbledore continued, "So, sleep well. Prefects if you would take the first years to their dormitories."

As Harry stood up to leave, Professor McGonagall's hand landed on his shoulder, "Mr. Potter, the Headmaster would like to have a word with you."

Harry snorted, "I'm sure he does."

Harry followed her up to the gargoyle, where she gave the password, "Payday," and then proceeded to walk up the stairs. The two of them arrived in the Headmaster's office to find it empty. McGonagall pointed to a seat, "The Headmaster will be with you shortly. " Then she turned to leave.

Harry stopped her, "I take it you aren't staying for our meeting."

McGonagall shook her head, "The Headmaster intimated that he would like to speak with you alone."

Harry snorted, "In other words, he doesn't want any witnesses, so that he can deny whatever load of bull he tries to pawn off on me. I understand."

McGonagall huffed indignantly, "Mr. Potter, the Headmaster has never attempted to pawn off bull as you so coarsely put it."

Harry smirked, "If you believe that, Professor, then you don't know the Headmaster half as well as you think you do. For that is what he has done with me from day one, and that is the way it will remain, I'm certain, as the Headmaster has no desire for me to become knowledgeable of my place and power in wizarding society."

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, "How dare you accuse him of such?"

"How dare I? Well, would it interest you to know, that I had no idea that the Potters had another vault besides the one I've been given access to until this summer? Did you know that the Headmaster kept from me the fact that I hold a hereditary seat on the Wizengamot? Did you know that the Headmaster has stopped the goblins from admissing Sirius Black's will until I am seventeen so that he can block my access to my inheritance even further? That is how I dare. I have accused the Headmaster of nothing but being complicit in the plots within plots that circle around inside that devious little brain of his. Of course, the Headmaster will argue that everything he has done was done for the greater good, but you'll excuse me if I scoff at the fact that the Headmaster has the right to decide what the greater good is. In addition to that I find the idea of doing something just for the greater good to be seriously lacking, because the rest of the world needs to take care of themselves. If they can't, then let the Death Eaters have them."

The Headmaster stepped into the room, "Harry, I'm somewhat disappointed in you. It is our duty to protect those that can't protect themselves."

Harry snorted, "You may see that as your duty, Headmaster, but I have no such desire anymore. I think that instead of attempting to cure the problem, we should just cut out the root."

Dumbledore's eyebrows went into his hairline, "And how would you go about that?"

"Kill the bastards before they become powerful enough to cause havoc. You have the entire next generation of dark wizards underfoot here in the castle, and you let them run completely amok with your resident Death Eater covering for them in every way."

"Professor Snape's role is not open for discussion, Mr. Potter."

"Of course it isn't, but it won't be much of a role. The first time I see him in battle, you'll be looking for a new Potions Master. I intend to show no quarter."

"Professor Snape is a vital part of the Order of the Phoenix, Harry, you can not intentionally antagonize him."

"I am not part of your precious Order, Headmaster, nor will I be while you are in charge of it. I have no faith in your leadership, and I have no trust or confidence in you personally."

"You will remember to whom you are speaking, young man. I am the Headmaster of this school, and you will show the proper respect."

"A school that I will no longer be a student of if we ever have another conversation such as this one, Headmaster. I will leave Hogwarts and Britain to Voldemort if it suits my fancy. Once he's killed you, and the others in this society I find distasteful, I can always come back and finish him off."

Dumbledore recoiled in horror from the young man in front of him, "What could have possibly turned you this much against your own countrymen, Harry?"

Harry sneered, "That honor lies solely with you, Headmaster. Good evening."

As Harry was stepping toward the exit, Dumbledore called out after him, "Wait, Harry, there is one more thing that we need to discuss."

Harry turned back toward the Headmaster with a glower. "Yes?"

As he did so the door behind him opened, and Snape stepped into the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore sighed, "I'm afraid that you must re-begin your Occlumency training with Severus."

"No."

Dumbledore seemed taken aback, "Harry, I know that even though you are at odds with me right now, you must see the significance of your Occlumency training. It is imperative that you learn to protect your mind from Voldemort."

Harry snorted, "On that we agree, since it is painfully obvious, but I refuse to take Occlumency lessons from him." Harry jerked a thumb over his shoulder at Snape to emphasize his point.

"Harry, I realize that you and Professor Snape don't get along but in the interests of the greater good you should learn to work together…"

Dumbledore trailed off as Harry burst out laughing, "I believe we've been over what I think of the greater good speech, Headmaster, and I can assure you that the enmity between Snivellus and I goes much deeper than that. He hates me because I represent everything that he will never have, and I hate him because he's a greasy Death Eater that licks Voldemort's boots."

Dumbledore stood in anger at Harry, as Snape whipped out his wand and threw a curse at Harry. A curse that hit Dumbledore as Harry easily sidestepped it, and counter with a quick Body Bind that left Severus lying on the ground. Then, he turned to look in amusement as the Headmaster writhed on the ground before managing to counter the Explosive Boil Hex that Snape had put him under. Dumbledore rose from the ground with a righteous fury that even had McGonagall shivering, but Harry merely stared back at him implacably, and calmly buffed his nails against his shirt, as Dumbledore struggled to master his anger before speaking, "Mr. Potter, I can not allow you to antagonize the staff in such a way…"

He yet again trailed off as Harry interrupted him, "I don't antagonize the faculty. My mere presence antagonizes your pet Death Eater, and I won't apologize for that. I have an excellent relationship with the rest of the faculty, as I know they are all on the right side."

"I trust Professor Snape, and that…"

Harry interrupted him yet again, "But I don't, and since I don't trust you either, then I doubt even you could expect me to take your word at face value. To continue our earlier conversation, and the reason your vaunted Potions Master is here, I refuse to take Occlumency lessons from him or anyone else that you procure, as their motives would be suspect. My Occlumency is adequate for the time being, and if I deem it is necessary for me to become more proficient, then I will petition my guardian to hire a tutor for me that is outside your influence, Headmaster. Now, good night." Then, Harry stalked from the room.

A/N: Sorry, for the long wait, but the Wedding is over with. I am officially a husband. My computer is on the fritz, so I'm having to use my wife's computer for the time being, so I don't know how consistent updates are going to be, but I'm going to try to sneak a few minutes in each day, and I'll see if I can't get back to a once a week post. Happy reading.