chapter 51

I've looked it up; Beauxbatons have a number of students who are Veela. Do you want to see someone like Draco Malfoy sneer at one such Beauxbatons student and call her a half-breed? Even a blind man can see he will do it! That's yet another example of bullying; and will be one aimed by a Hogwarts student at a visiting student. What sort of international incident will that create? Hmm?

"And, speaking of bullying, any form of it... whether it's by word or deed... needs the perpetrators to feel like the wrath of the Gods have descended upon them when they're caught bullying another. For instance, I guarantee none of the staff are aware that young Luna Lovegood is being horrendously bullied by just about every member of her own House; plus quite a few other individuals. So much for that 'Your House is your family' nonsense Professor McGonagall here spouts off to the unsorted First Years each year; yeah?

"And the reason the staff are unaware of this, is because the students have no faith in the staff meting out reasonable punishment; let alone actually listening to a student when they come to them with a complaint. The staff has taught the students well. Don't bring your complaints to us. That whole 'Heir of Slytherin' thing is a prime example of bullying going on right under the noses of the staff, and nothing being done to stop it. You could have... should have... and failed to do so.

"You also speak of forgiveness, Headmaster. Well, before you can have forgiveness there must first be recognition by the perpetrator they did something wrong; and be sorry for doing it. That's remorse. Next is repentance. They must, more or less, vow not to do it again. Thirdly, they must face atonement. In part, that's punishment. Then, once they feel genuine remorse, have accepted they've done wrong, repented and made a promise to fix their ways... and been properly punished for it... then, and only then, can forgiveness be considered. Not before. Even the Holy Bible recognises that. You seem to just want to skip the important steps and get right to the forgiveness part. That. Does. Not. Work.

"The three of us also want to be re-sorted. It's creating problems for us being a mix of Gryffindors and Slytherin. Hermione and I no longer feel safe at the Gryffindor table with two of the Weasleys already attempting to poison us with love and compulsion potions. We don't want to give them any further, or easy, opportunity by sitting table with them ever again. And it makes everyone uncomfortable if Hermione and I take seat at the Slytherin table. Having us re-sorted into one House... either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff... will make the three of us less uncomfortable and reduces the risk of harm to the three of us.

"You also have this whole Tri-Wizard Tournament thing, this year. I'm telling you, right now, I have absolutely no intention of participating in it other than as a spectator. However, as usually happens, I'll somehow be dragged into it, risking my own life yet again. Well, I won't have it. I will not participate, Headmaster. I don't give a flying rat's arse about the thing. I Will Not Compete. And, if someone attempts to force me to do so, there will be ever-loving Hell to pay. I will make it an unbreakable vow if push comes to shove. So, you need to make damned sure I'm kept the Hell out of it.

"Finally, I'm beginning to suspect you're holding off on getting my godfather a trial in an attempt to force me to return to Privet Drive each summer. I want a proper home, Headmaster. And Privet Drive is not my home; it's my prison." Harry heard the little trinket on one of the cabinets give a little chirp before it died, and saw the Headmaster give a tiny wince in response. "You are the Chief Warlock. It is within your purview and mandate to get it done. So, please, get it done. Right now, I am in the process of organising a solicitor for him through Matthias Greengrass."

"Contrary to the ludicrous views of Professor Snape, I am being systematically abused at Privet Drive; physically, psychologically and emotionally. And, with the bond forming between Daphne, Hermione and I, we need to stay together over the breaks lest we risk harm to the forming bond. I will not subject them to the Dursleys for even a moment.

"Those are my bare minimum conditions for me to stay. They are not negotiable. I have to protect myself and my ladies, here. If you cannot meet those conditions in full as they have been explained to you, you need to tell me now."

Dumbledore almost impassively sat there for a few moments longer before glancing at both Professors. He then looked back and Harry and asked, "Could you please give us a little time to discuss this? You've spoken about matters of which... I swear to you... I'm completely unaware. I promise the three of you I will have a decision by lunch time, today."

Harry stared back at the Headmaster for a few more moments before turning to the two girls. "Ladies?" he asked. "Should I?"

"Giving up your magic is a huge step to take, Harry," said Hermione. "I know you can easily live life in the muggle world, but it means returning to live with those horrid relatives of yours."

"Though they end up giving me only rags to wear, feed me only table scraps, and make me do all the chores and handyman jobs around the house and yard, while the rest of them sit on their bums and just abuse me, that's still preferable to staying here with the way things are," Harry softly replied.

He didn't see the look of shock and subsequent sudden glare at the Headmaster by Professor McGonagall, who'd been listening in.

"Besides, though I occasionally cop a beating... especially from my whale of a cousin... at least they're not trying to kill me," he reasoned.

"I'd much prefer you to stay, Harry," Daphne sniffled. "But I also understand your need to get away from here. I say give the Headmaster until lunch time today, as he requested. If even one of your conditions is not met, I support your need to leave our world."

"Thank you, Daphne," he replied.

"I do, too, Harry," Hermione softly added.

"Thank you," he replied with a small smile.

He then turned back to the Headmaster and said, "We've agreed to give you until lunch time today to decide whether or not you'll meet my conditions, Headmaster. If, however, I have not heard from you by then, or you disagree with even a tiny part of those conditions, I'm gone."

"Thank you, Harry," Dumbledore firmly said. "I shall be meeting with the senior teaching staff between now and then. You've provided information even I want answered."

Harry gave a short nod before turning to escort the two ladies from the Headmaster's office, and off towards their classes, before Dumbledore called him back.

When Harry turned to look back, the Headmaster was holding his wand out and said, "Please take your wand with you, Mister Potter. For now, at least, you'll need it for class."

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