Entitled

Chapter 43

The next morning, you were summoned to Dumbledore's office along with Harry and Ron. Nervous but determined, you followed the boys through the winding corridors of Hogwarts.

 As you entered the office, the warm, golden light from the rising sun filtered through the tall windows, casting a serene glow over the room.

Dumbledore gestured for you to sit to the side while he addressed Harry and Ron. His eyes twinkled with their usual mixture of wisdom and mischief.

"You both realize, of course," he began, his tone serious but with a hint of amusement, "that in the past few hours, you have broken perhaps a dozen school rules."

Harry and Ron exchanged glances and then said in unison, "Yes, sir."

Dumbledore continued, a small smile playing on his lips. "And there is sufficient evidence to have you both expelled."

Harry and Ron looked solemn. "Yes, sir," they repeated.

Dumbledore's smile widened. "Therefore, it is only fitting that you both receive special awards for services to the school."

The boys' faces lit up with surprise and relief. "Thank you, sir!" they exclaimed together.

Dumbledore stood and handed Ron a stack of papers. "Mr. Weasley, if you would be so kind as to give these to an owl so they can be sent to Azkaban. Hogwarts would like its gamekeeper back."

Ron grinned, taking the papers eagerly. "Yes, sir!" He rushed out of the office, clearly thrilled at the turn of events.

Dumbledore then turned his attention to Harry. "First, I want to thank you, Harry. You must have shown me real loyalty down in the Chamber. Nothing but that could have called Fawkes to you. And second, I sense that something is troubling you. Am I right, Harry?"

Harry looked hesitant but nodded. "You see, sir, I couldn't help but notice certain similarities between Tom Riddle and me."

Dumbledore nodded, his expression understanding. "You can speak Parseltongue, Harry, because Voldemort can speak Parseltongue. If I'm not mistaken, Harry, he transferred some of his powers to you the night he gave you that scar."

Harry looked shocked. "He transferred some of his powers to me?"

Dumbledore sighed softly. "He did not want to, but yes, he did."

Harry's face fell. "So the Sorting Hat was right. I should be in Slytherin."

Dumbledore leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with a mix of seriousness and kindness. "It's true, Harry. You possess many of the qualities that Voldemort himself prizes." He glanced briefly at you, then back at Harry. "Determination, resourcefulness, and if I may say so, a certain disregard for the rules."

He gave you a quick, knowing look, acknowledging your own defiance and strength during your recent ordeal. You felt a sense of solidarity with Harry, understanding the complexities and burdens that came with such dark connections.

"But," Dumbledore continued, "it is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

Harry looked up, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Then I chose Gryffindor. I chose to be different from him."

Dumbledore smiled warmly. "Precisely, Harry. And that is what makes you who you are. Your ability to love, to care for others, and to make the right choices. That is what sets you apart."

The weight on Harry's shoulders seemed to lift slightly, and he nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Thank you, Professor."

Suddenly, the door to Dumbledore's office burst open, and Lucius Malfoy strode in, his presence commanding and intimidating. Dobby cowered behind him, his large, fearful eyes darting around the room.