The windows rattled (shaking in their rotted frames and)

The voice downstairs shrieked (filthy Mudblood, scum of the pits of all things vile, then)

The lamps trembled (lights flickering in and out before)

The room went dark (black as his hair as his family as his name and)

He stood up.

You know what, Dumbledore? I thought about that very thing for all the years I rotted away.

You know what I came up with? he dared in a hissed whisper like the very snake he always said he wasn’t.

That I hate you.

So fuck you.

Fuck your standards. Fuck your consideration. And fuck your forgiveness. Fuck you and everything you stand for.

So fuck you, Albus Dumbledore and get the hell out of my house.

The old man left (stumbling down the stairs and)

The curtains pulled shut (and the gazes that did stare, then)

The slam of the door (behind an old man’s back before)

The controlled gaze (of someone who knew of trust lost and trust gained and things an old man would never cared for and)

He’d keep Harry safe.