Harry took a deep breath and stepped onto the stone staircase leading to the headmaster's office. He finally stopped in front of the Griffin knocker, raised his hand to rap three times on the wooden door, and without waiting for a reply from within, pushed it open and walked straight inside.
Ignoring the gazes cast his way, Harry swept his eyes over the already crowded office and let his gaze fall on Dumbledore. The elderly man was sitting behind his desk, a serene expression on his face as he steepled his slender fingers. He even smiled at Harry as he entered, as if everything happening right now were entirely within his control. Professor McGonagall, standing beside Dumbledore, looked intensely nervous by contrast.
Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic whom Harry loathed so much, was also here. He stood near the fireplace, looking rather excited at the sight of Harry's appearance—probably believing he had finally caught him dead to rights and could expel him at last.
Chapter 993