Chapter 37
**Chapter : The World Through Harry’s Eyes**
**Harry’s POV**
I had never thought the magical world could be so… dangerous. Sure, it had its charms—flying on a broom, learning spells, and exploring Diagon Alley—but after the attack, everything seemed to shift. The moment the **Daily Prophet** branded me as the boy who “defeated Death Eaters,” my quiet summer holiday vanished. I became the wizarding world’s center of attention.
The thought kept spinning in my mind: I wasn’t ready for this. I didn’t even know about the wizarding world a few weeks ago! Yet somehow, I was supposed to be a hero?
I couldn't stop thinking about what Alex had told me after the fight in Diagon Alley. The magical world wasn’t all fun and games. I had to be strong—stronger than ever. But as I sat in my bedroom, reading through some of the letters I had received, I felt the weight of it all settling on my shoulders.
---
**The Mystery of My Parents**
I always wondered what my parents had been like. People talked about them in hushed tones, with reverence and sorrow. Now, more than ever, I wanted to know about them, about the world they had lived in—the world they had died to protect me from. What kind of magic had they used to protect me from Voldemort? And why did they have to die?
I thought of the **Gringotts visit**. Finding out about my parents’ vault and seeing their will. But what haunted me most was the diary we found in Godric’s Hollow, written by my mum. The notes had been detailed, her handwriting careful, but I hadn't yet been able to bring myself to read it all.
There was so much I didn’t know, and the more I learned, the more I realized how much I needed to catch up.
---
**Hogwarts Professors' POV: The Daily Prophet’s Stir**
The Prophet’s story had caused quite a stir at Hogwarts. The **staff meeting** was tense, and the professors were divided in their reactions.
“An eleven-year-old defeating Death Eaters?” Professor **McGonagall** said, her tone sharp as she laid the paper down on the table. “This is preposterous. The boy barely knows a handful of spells. Who allowed him to be involved in such a dangerous situation?”
“Preposterous or not, Minerva, the fact remains that Harry Potter is no ordinary child,” **Snape** replied smoothly, his dark eyes gleaming. “He has already survived the Dark Lord once. It stands to reason he might attract attention.”
“But he shouldn’t have been there!” McGonagall retorted. “What were the Aurors doing?”
“From what I gather, it was Alex McKinnon who intervened,” **Professor Flitwick** piped up, his voice curious but not without concern. “The boy’s been rather ahead of his peers in many subjects. Perhaps he guided young Harry.”
Dumbledore had remained silent for most of the discussion, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke, all eyes turned to him.
“We must not forget, Harry Potter carries a burden greater than any child should,” he said softly, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses. “But we must also ensure that he is protected—no matter what fate seems to have in store for him. We cannot allow him to face such dangers at this stage.”
---
**Harry’s First Meeting with Dumbledore**
When I was told I’d be meeting **Albus Dumbledore**, I wasn’t sure what to expect. From the way people talked about him, he seemed almost like a legend—a great wizard who’d done incredible things. I felt nervous as I stood outside his office, my palms sweaty as I tried to prepare for the conversation.
When I entered, Dumbledore was seated behind his desk, his eyes twinkling kindly behind his half-moon spectacles. He gestured for me to sit down, and I did so, feeling small and uncertain in front of him.
“Welcome, Harry,” he said warmly, his voice soft and reassuring. “I understand this has been a very overwhelming time for you.”
I nodded, unsure of how to start. “Yes, sir. It’s… a lot to take in.”
“I can imagine,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “You have entered a world full of wonder, but also danger. I know you have many questions, and I will do my best to answer them.”
I hesitated for a moment before asking, “Sir, why didn’t anyone tell me about my parents? Or what happened to them? I’ve been trying to understand, but it feels like everyone’s keeping things from me.”
Dumbledore’s expression grew more serious, though the warmth never left his eyes. “Harry, I understand your frustration. It was not my intention to keep you in the dark, but there were reasons why you were kept away from the wizarding world until now. Your safety has always been my greatest concern.”
“But what about Sirius Black?” I asked, the name feeling strange on my tongue. “He was my dad’s friend, wasn’t he? And yet… everyone says he betrayed them. But if he did, why didn’t he get a trial? Why hasn’t anyone asked him under Veritaserum what really happened?”
Dumbledore sighed, his gaze distant for a moment as if lost in memory. “The circumstances surrounding Sirius Black’s imprisonment are indeed troubling. He was arrested during a time of great chaos, and many decisions were made hastily. As for why he was never given a proper trial… that is a question we are still seeking to answer.”
I clenched my fists, feeling the weight of injustice. “It’s not right. He should have had a chance to explain.”
Dumbledore looked at me intently, his expression full of empathy. “You are correct, Harry. It was not right. But I assure you, steps are being taken to investigate the matter now. And when the time comes, the truth will be revealed.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of resolve. “I want to help. I want to know the truth, not just about my parents, but about Sirius too.”
Dumbledore smiled gently. “You have a brave heart, Harry. But remember, this world is complex. Not everything is as simple as it seems. Patience will be key in uncovering the answers you seek.”
---
**A Letter to the Public**
Taking Dumbledore’s advice to heart, I decided to write a **polite letter** to the **Daily Prophet**. If I was going to be thrust into the public eye, I might as well set the record straight and address some of the confusion surrounding me.
I spent hours drafting it, making sure the tone was respectful but honest:
*"To the readers of the Daily Prophet,*
*I am grateful for the kind wishes I have received from many of you since entering the magical world. As some of you know, I have lived in the Muggle world my whole life, and I am still learning about the customs and history of the wizarding world.*
*Regarding the recent events in Diagon Alley, I want to clarify that I am new to magic, and I did not act alone. I was helped by others far more knowledgeable than myself, and I am still coming to understand the full scope of what happened.*
*I would also like to thank those who left notes and flowers at my parents’ home in Godric’s Hollow. While I have not yet received them personally—perhaps due to the wards surrounding my current home—I am deeply touched by the gestures.*
*However, it is important to remember that the true credit for my survival goes to my parents. They gave everything to protect me from Voldemort, and it is their sacrifice that deserves recognition.*
*In addition, I have recently learned that Sirius Black, my father’s friend, was imprisoned without a trial. I would like to know why he was not given a chance to explain his actions under Veritaserum, as it seems important to find out the truth about what happened that night.*
*I hope to learn more about them, about Sirius, and about this world in time. Thank you again for your support.*
*Sincerely,*
*Harry Potter*"
---
**Public Reaction and Dumbledore’s Response**
The response to my letter was immediate. People seemed to appreciate my honesty, and the public’s curiosity about my life only grew. The **Daily Prophet** published the letter in full, and while some still tried to paint me as a hero, others began to see me as just a boy trying to navigate a strange new world.
The mention of **Sirius Black** stirred further controversy. Many were shocked to learn that the man had never received a trial, and questions began circulating about the Ministry’s handling of his case. Some were outraged, while others began to doubt whether Sirius had truly been guilty.
Dumbledore, for his part, seemed both impressed and slightly concerned by the attention I was receiving. I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about me stepping into the spotlight so soon, but there was little he could do to stop it now.
“I see you’re becoming quite the diplomat, Harry,” he said with a small smile when we next met.
“I’m just trying to figure things out,” I replied honestly.
“And that you will,” Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling once more. “But remember, fame can be a double-edged sword. Use it wisely.”
---
As I sat down later that night, thinking about everything that had happened, I realized that my journey was just beginning. There was so much I still didn’t know—about my parents, about Sirius, and about my place in this world. But I wasn’t going to let anyone else control my destiny anymore.
I was ready