Scars of the Past | A Drarry Story | A Mattheo Riddle Story

Chapter 28

Previously on Scars of the Past -
Harry cried himself to sleep that night.

Harry was sitting at the Great Hall during Breakfast when a first-year came up to him and informed him that Dumbledore wanted to meet him. He felt Deja vu. He hesitated, but he couldn't refuse the headmaster's request. He made his way to Dumbledore's office, his mind filled with trepidation.

As Harry stepped into Dumbledore's office, a sense of unease washed over him. He knew this meeting would be difficult, and he braced himself for whatever the headmaster had to say. Dumbledore looked at him with a mix of concern and seriousness, his eyes twinkling with an undercurrent of disapproval.

"Harry, please have a seat," Dumbledore said, gesturing to a chair across from his desk. Harry obliged, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

"Professor, what did you want to talk to me about?" Harry asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Dumbledore clasped his hands together, his expression grave. "Harry, I have been made aware of certain...developments concerning your personal life," he began delicately.

Harry's heart sank, knowing exactly what Dumbledore was alluding to. "I think you're referring to the fact that I'm gay," Harry said, his voice firm.

Dumbledore nodded; his expression still serious. "Yes, precisely. While I do not wish to pry into your private affairs, I must express my concern about how this revelation could impact your reputation. I remember telling you that it was just a phase, did I not?"

Harry felt a surge of anger rise within him, but he tried to keep his composure. "With all due respect, Professor, my identity is a part of who I am, and I refuse to be ashamed of it. I won't pretend to be someone I'm not just to please others," he said defiantly.

Dumbledore sighed; his disappointment evident. "Harry, I understand your desire to be true to yourself, but you must also consider the consequences of your actions. As the Chosen One, you are a symbol of hope and inspiration to many. Your personal choices can have far-reaching effects."

"I understand that Professor, but my personal life is just that - personal. It's not something that should be judged or dictated by others. If my friends cannot accept me for who I am then, they are not my friends" Harry replied, his voice unwavering.

Dumbledore's gaze narrowed, and he reached for the cup of tea on his desk. "Perhaps this will help you see things more clearly," he said, offering the tea to Harry. Suspicion flared in Harry's mind. Lord knows what kind of potions would have mixed into that. Harry politely declined.

Dumbledore insisted that he drink it. Knowing that he was cornered, Harry accepted the tea and discreetly pretended to take a sip of tea, but he didn't swallow the drugged liquid.

"Very well, Harry. But I must impress upon you the importance of preserving your reputation and the reputation of Hogwarts. Your relationships with your friends can affect more than just your personal life," he said, his tone almost admonishing.

Harry felt a mix of frustration and anger, but he refused to be swayed. "I won't apologize for being who I am," he repeated firmly, his resolve unyielding.

At that moment, Dumbledore's demeanour shifted, and Harry sensed the headmaster attempting to invade his mind. Dumbledore's eyes narrowed in satisfaction, thinking his Compulsion Potion was taking effect. "Now, Harry, I must ask you to reconsider your actions and apologize to Ron and Hermione for the distress you've caused," he said, his voice commanding.