The Darkness Within

The Darkness Within: Chapter 17: Welcome to Hogwarts

This fanfic is not mine, I have just re-posted it to this site. It was written by Kurinoone on fanfiction.net. I also don't own Harry Potter as you can most likely guess.

Chapter Seventeen

Harry stepped through the fireplace and found himself in Professor Dumbledore's office. The flames behind him turned green once more and James joined him. Harry didn't turn around to acknowledge him. Harry was upset that he wasn't allowed to come to Hogwarts by the train. Not that Harry had any regrets for not riding the Hogwarts Express, no, he was upset because that had been Harry's last hope for escape. He was told only this morning that he was not going to be travelling to Hogwarts by the train. He was going to floo, straight to the Headmaster's office.

Harry brushed the soot away from his cloak and stared at the office. Harry was trying his best not to look interested in the décor of the office, however this was difficult as he had never seen anything quite like this before. Harry observed the many, many portraits of the previous Headmasters. Most of them were pretending to be asleep, even though it was only around 7pm. Harry examined the strange looking instruments that were littering the Headmaster's desk along with different assortments of confectionery. 'He must be something like a hundred and fifty and he still eats sweets' Harry thought to himself.

"Actually, Harry, I am only One hundred and forty seven years old." came a voice from behind Harry.

Harry turned around to see Albus Dumbledore in dark blue robes with a matching hat. He stood by the door smiling serenely at Harry. Harry was momentarily stunned. 'How did he…he must be able to perform Legimens!' Instantly Harry brought up his mind shields. Harry wasn't very good at performing Occulmency, but he did the best he could. It unnerved Harry to no end that Dumbledore might be able to read his thoughts.

Dumbledore smiled at Harry and walked calmly over to his desk. He sat down on his chair and motioned with his hand for James and Harry to take a seat as well. Harry sat down reluctantly and purposely looked away from the Headmaster. Dumbledore leaned forward and picked up a bowl of lemon drops and offered it to Harry. The disgusted look that he received from the raven haired teen almost had Dumbledore laughing. He chuckled to himself and sat back in his chair.

"So Harry, I hope you were not too disappointed with not arriving by the Hogwarts Express. I am sure that next year you will be able to travel here by the train. It really is a pleasure that every wizard and witch should experience."

Harry completely ignored him and stared out of the window. He could see the huge castle grounds, the magnificent lake and the dark grounds which must lead into the Forbidden forest. Draco had told Harry many stories about that forest, including the time he was viciously attacked by a Hippogriff.

Harry smiled, despite himself. Harry was really angry at being brought to this school and being kept here as a prisoner. However a very small part of him was actually excited at being at Hogwarts. After years of hearing stories about the school, Harry had always imagined what the school must have been like, after all his own father, Lord Voldemort, had attended this very school. Harry hated himself for feeling like this. He should not be happy or excited at being here and promised himself he was not going to let Hogwarts affect him.

Dumbledore saw the small smile spread on Harry's lips and felt pride surge through him. Hogwarts really did bring happiness to everyone who came to it. Harry however was quick to mask his feelings and turned around to glare at the Headmaster.

"I am sure you understand the conditions set against you. You will obey and follow all the school rules like everyone else. You will not disclose your past to any student and if you cause any trouble to any teachers or students you will be punished accordingly."