The Headmaster’s Hidden Agenda

After a moment of silence Dumbledore spoke again, "Anyway, my boy, we seemed to have fallen off track. I also asked you up here as I hear you had a little incident yesterday with a fellow student, a Mister Ron Weasley."

Harry feared he would cause permanent damage to his eye nerves with how much he was straining to keep them in his head.

"Yes, sir," he agreed lightly, making sure to sound sorry.

"I've known Ronald since he was a young boy. He's grown up hearing stories about you and has always wished to befriend you. I'm sure meeting you he just got over excited. You can forgive him can't you, Harry?" Albus said, in a tone which would have made Harry feel guilty had he not remembered exactly who was speaking.

Harry made sure to squirm slightly before he spoke, his voice childlike, "I would forgive him, sir, but he was mean to Neville as well."

"Ah yes, you're friends with young Mister Longbottom."

Harry nodded his head in feigned excitement. "Oh yes, Neville's my best friend. We met on the train."

"That's nice, my dear boy. But I'm sure you would like some more friends, and Ronald has such a large family. I'm sure they would all love you," Albus said.

"I do have some more friends," Harry said in slight childish protest.

"I'm sure you do," Albus said in a placating voice. "I just worry, I knew your parents you see, and if I'm honest, I look at you like I would a grandson."

Harry couldn't believe the man and clenched his fists to keep his magic from lashing out, focusing all his might on his occlumency shields. Harry hoped they held up as he feared, if they fell, his magic would rip apart the room and give him away. After a moment, once Harry was sure he wouldn't cause a magical tsunami, he braved replying.

"Really sir, you knew my parents?" Harry said with awe.

"Oh yes,my dear boy, quite well actually," Albus said. "In fact, I have something that belongs to you." He then pulled out Harry's invisibility cloak from a drawer in his desk.

Harry was surprised that Albus was giving him his cloak now, but he rationalised it as Albus' way of drawing Harry in.

Taking the cloak, Harry put it on his lap, still folded. Making sure to stroke it in what he hoped looked like wonder, he said, his voice tinged with faux emotion, "Thank you, sir." Harry was glad the cloak was back in his possession, now he just needed the wand and the ring.

"It's no bother, I had borrowed it from your father just before he died," Albus said. "You will find it quite interesting when you put it on," he hinted.

Taking the hint, Harry stood and put on the cloak. Looking down Harry made sure to jump and say in shock, "I'm invisible!"

Dumbledore laughed, "Yes, this cloak has been in your family for years. I felt it only right to give it back to you, however you must not use it for mischief or sneaking around."

Taking off the cloak but making sure to keep his expression of surprise, Harry sat back down. "Oh, I wouldn't do that," Harry said.

Albus let out another little laugh. "Oh, I'm sure," he said with friendly sarcasm. "You would never guess how many times I heard your father say those exact words. In fact, I bet I would have caught him twice already trying to sneak onto the 3rd floor corridor. He was always looking for an adventure."

Harry couldn't believe the audacity of the man to try and use his parents to manipulate him in such an obvious way. Schooling his features to one of interest to mask his frustration, Harry asked, "My father was adventurous?"

Albus beamed. "Oh yes, he would always be trying to solve a mystery and cause a little mischief. Why, he and his friends in Gryffindor were well known for it."

"He was in Gryffindor, then?" Harry asked, as though he didn't know.

"Yes, both of your parent were in fact. That's why I was shocked when you were sorted into Ravenclaw," he said.

"I didn't know that, sir," Harry said in feigned sadness. "The hat did consider Gryffindor, but it said that Ravenclaw would suit me better. I like reading."

"It's okay Harry, I'm sure you can still honour your parents' memories even from Ravenclaw."

Harry barely concealed his snarl at how Dumbledore phrased his last sentence. "Well, my best friend is in Gryffindor," Harry said instead.

"Yes, that brings us back to the topic of friends. I'm sure your parents would agree with me, that forgiving young Ron for his mistake would be the right thing to do. He really is a very nice boy once you take the time to get to know him. He's like all young Gryffindors, they sometimes act before thinking."

Harry couldn't believe the audacity of the man. He was so obvious that Harry was honestly unsure whether he was even supposed to not notice.

"I suppose you're right," Harry mumbled. "And if my parents would want me to," he added.

Dumbledore smiled widely, his blue eyes twinkling. He was pleased that the boy had been easily convinced. He had hated having to give up the cloak, but he supposed he would have to make sacrifices for the greater good; it helped that he would get it back once the boy had fulfilled his purpose.

"Very good. Right, I believe that that is everything. Why don't you pop off and enjoy the rest of your afternoon, Harry?" Dumbledore said.

"Thank you, sir," Harry said, standing.

Just as he was about to reach the door, Dumbledore called out to him, "Oh, and Harry? Do remember that if you ever need somebody to talk to, I'm always here. I wasn't lying when I said I saw you as family." The genial grandfatherly tone sold the act perfectly.

Harry actually felt slightly sick; this man had the whole world so fooled. He had them believing his act.

Nodding his head, Harry beamed. "Thank you, sir, I'll remember that," he promised.

"Off you go, then," Dumbledore replied, twinkling eyes shining with victory.

....

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