September 1994
Headmaster's office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Silence hung in the office after Minerva's departure.
After 2 minutes of awkward silence, Snape stood up from his seat and turned towards Dumbledore.
He at first contemplated about commenting some of his own views but considering the mood Dumbledore was in, ultimately decided against it.
He said, "I think, I will also take my leave, headmaster."
Dumbledore did not give any response and Snape left the office.
Dumbledore sighed in irritation. Harry was slowly turning into an anomaly, which he could not understand.
When he first arrived at Hogwarts, he should have been nothing more than squib, but Harry was powerful.
During Harry's multiple visits to the Hogwarts' hospital, he had secretly checked many times if there was something wrong with his magical binding. But no, his binding was working properly.
And over the period of three years Harry's magic had only gotten stronger.
Dumbledore thought, 'Hopefully things are not fully out of control. I must find out somehow what Harry have discovered in his mother's old stuff. What had that James and Lily written in their diaries?'
He muttered, "Maybe Ron and Miss. Granger would be able to help me in this."
September 1994
Minerva's office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Minerva arrived near her office and found Harry waiting outside it.
She moved forward, opened the door, went inside and took her seat, "Take a seat Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded and did as he was told.
Minerva questioned, "What was the thing that you were talking Harry? Locked in attic? Scraps for food?"
Harry waited for few seconds and answered calmly, "Weren't you there, Professor, when I was abandoned at a muggle doorstep?"
McGonagall jolted, "We did not abandon you, Harry."
Harry's expression still did not change, "Then please tell what word better than 'abandon' explain what you did to me."
Minerva went silent and could not really found anything more appropriate than abandon.
She sighed, "I am sorry Harry. I was in grief of losing so many of my friends and could not rationally think at that moment."
Harry nodded, neither accepting and nor refusing the apology.
Minerva again questioned, "What about those things you mentioned?"
Harry answered expressionlessly, "2 months back, your question would have been a ray of hope for me but not now. If you cared, you should have checked for me in those 11 years before my arrival."
Minerva jolted back from her chair and Harry continued, "Heck you are supposed the person who should introduce every muggle born or muggle raised, witch/ wizard to the Wizarding world, but even then, you did not arrive."
Minerva's face turned into of complete despair, and Harry continued, "But now I would say, my personal life is my own business. If you want to know so much about it, you can ask the headmaster."
He continued, "I think we should talk about the purpose of what I wanted to talk to you and not my personal life."
Minerva steeled her nerves, "Vert well Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded, "I want to change my electives. I will drop Divination and will continue Care of Magical Creatures. Additionally, I will take Study of Ancient Runes and Arithmancy."
Minerva frowned, "I don't think, that would be suitable Mr. Potter or even possible."
Harry smiled, "It is completely possible Professor. The only requirement would be to pass the previous year exams of the new electives I am taking which is Study of Ancient Runes and Arithmancy."
Minerva contemplated, "I will talk about this with the headmaster."
Harry's voice turned a bit cold, "I don't think you understood Professor. The headmaster has no role in this. Only I will decide what subjects I will take."
He continued, "The school does not decide in which subject I take my OWLs exam. Even if I completely drop out of Hogwarts, I would still be eligible to take my OWLs. I will directly apply to Wizarding Examination Authority."
He stood up, "I am not here to ask for anyone's meddling or permission. I only informed you so that you can make proper changes in my class schedule. Regardless whether you or headmaster agree or not, I will take subjects which I desire."
Minerva again put up a defeated look, "That is not what I meant Harry. I will do the required changes in your schedule."
She sighed, "Also prepare yourself better for the tests you will give. Both Professor Septima Vector and Professor Bathsheda Babbling are best of their fields and would not tolerate incompetency, especially when you would be changing classes midway."
Harry nodded and walked out of the office.
As soon as Harry left, Minerva slumped back in her chair. Tears started to trickle down through her eyes.
She sobbed, "Oh! Lily I failed you."
She kept quiet for few moments, until she spoke, "Why did I not check on Harry for 11 years, despite the fact that I saw the atrocious behaviour of those muggles entire day?"
Whether it was genuine question or her frustration only she knew.
Harry started his walk through the empty corridors of Hogwarts towards the Gryffindor tower.
He groaned inwardly thinking that he would have to spend his entire year hearing Ron's snore and share the dorm with two other fellows.
He again cursed Dumbledore in his mind. Initially every student used to have their own personal room.
The dormitory was already big enough and a few expansion charms to the rooms and a perfect room for a student was ready.
Only after Dumbledore became head of the Gryffindor house, the personal rooms were done away with it.
As far as Harry knew, the Slytherins and the Ravenclaw still had their own personal rooms and he was not very sure about Hufflepuff.
As Harry walked opposite of what he was used to, the castle made way and stairs arranged themselves to provide him the desired path as per his wishes. Few perks of being Lord Gryffindor and Lord Slytherin.
Harry chuckled and continued his walk towards the Gryffindor tower.