Harry Potter and the Philosophers Chamber

Chapter 23 - Voices

It was the oddest sensation but the higher up they climbed away from the dungeons the more Harry's head cleared. The fog of rebellion that had lingered previously, disappeared. In its place horror arrived. What on earth had made Harry think it was such a brilliant idea to be such a twat to his teacher? And to act like such a clown in front of his entire year Group! Not to mention that he'd already managed to lose his house 100 points before the first lesson of the year.

Making their way along a familiar passage, Harry found himself winding up granite stairs and being hurled in front of his headmaster - Professor Dumbledore.

"The shy boy from before appears to have graduated into a fully-fledged hooligan with the language of a prostitute." Cooley hissed Snape.

"I have a class to return to and Mr Potter is not welcome." He added before turning to exit.

Harry felt like such a fool.

"Is What Professor Snape said true?" Asked Dumbledore. To answer the question Harry explained the entire situation, even owning up to his foul mouthed tirade towards Malfoy. Dumbledore patiently listened and nodded throughout.

"I'm sorry Professor I'm so so so sorry I just.... just don't know what came over me." Tears were forming in his eyes.

Dumbledore observed him for a few moments.

"Harry....I am not overly shocked. Having been your age myself, I know what hormones and social pressure can do to a boy." He smiled gently.

"Wh..wh...what?" Stammered Harry.

"Yes Harry. I'm fully aware of your past. Having had the pleasure of numerous talks about you with your cousin Dudley. At 12 sometimes it can be a difficult path to find ourselves. Bit of advice?" He offered.

"Anything." Croaked Harry.

"Take things slow...now let's see. I do admire your original noble intentions to defend Neville and honesty of your wrongdoing...I shall award Gryffindor house......70 points." Beamed Dumbledore. Harry was left speechless.

"Seriously? I mean...mean thank you sir thank you!" He wanted to throw himself at Dumbledore's feet.

"Don't mention it. Now a letter of apology will go a long way and next time you feel angry perhaps just remove yourself from the situation for a few minutes." And with a final wave Dumbledore sent him back on his way.

With only a few minutes left of potions Harry judged it within his best interests to head to the next class, which was - transfiguration.

Crap! – thought Harry.

Professor McGonagall would find out about his dreadful behaviour and most definitely lecture him about his ghastly language.

Perhaps take it one pace slower.

The corridors were luckily still empty as lessons hadn't finished. Walking along lost in his own mind he suddenly heard a muffled slithering sound.

Free....free at lassst....

He froze in his tracks.

After all thessse yearssss....I am free....

The voice disappeared.

Just then a bell rang and people began to pour out of their lessons. The tide of students carried him from the spot and it was only when he was washed down 3 staircases, that Ron and Hermione caught up with him.

"What a stunning performance." Clapped Ron.

Hermione just scowled.

"Don't encourage that!"