Yes, I know it's short but I had a lot of trouble writing this chapter. I do have every intention of finishing this fic. I know exactly where it's going- it's just writing it down that's the problem.

Chapter 49: Harry's Answer

Dear Harry,

Firstly, you should count yourself extremely lucky that I was not around when you pulled that little stunt of yours. If I had been then I wouldn't have wasted time with training sessions and walloping hexes but gone straight for my slipper. After I'd calmed down a little I thought of giving you a hefty written punishment but on reflection have decided against it. It seems to me that the time is past when problems like this can be solved by me coming down on you like a ton of bricks. If you can't already understand the risks you ran with your impulsiveness then I doubt that anything I do to you will stop it from happening again, especially since you probably don't feel in the least bit guilty. I would however like to point out to you a small detail you probably haven't realised. I'm sure you are aware that Umbridge's scratches aren't healing properly. Although the word has been put around that the wildcat had some nasty infection, Madam Pomfrey has confided to Professor McGonagall that it is in fact due to some strong accidental magic, presumably from one of the students in Hagrid's class. Of course, they have no idea about your involvement or they would realise that you were the one to lose control.

On to another matter now, Professor McGonagall tells me that she overheard you telling Ron that you just had to write lines during your recent detentions. Nice try, but you are forgetting about your bond with Remus. He is certain that you are being physically harmed in some manner. Assuming that you are telling at least a partial truth about the lines, Sirius thinks that Umbridge is making you use a special type of quill which uses your own blood instead of ink. Considering this, along with your Quidditch ban and the fact that you seem to have rather less self control than I had hoped, I have to wonder if it would be best if I pulled you out of Hogwarts. If I do that you will of course be stuck here , possibly with the ministry wanting to arrest you, so you need think long and hard about it.

I am leaving the decision up to you. You may choose whether or not to tell me the reasons for your choice but I do ask one thing. If you decide to remain at Hogwarts you must be absolutely certain that you can control yourself in future. I can give you one small piece of information which may help you.

If you go to the seventh floor , opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy, there is a secret room called the Room of Requirement. It only appears if a person has real need of it. Walk in front of the wall two or three times, thinking about the room you need and it should appear. If things get too much for you then I am giving you permission to go there to spend some time as Spitfire. I think that you are competent enough to change without supervision but there are to be no more reckless acts.

Don't rush your reply- you have a week to think things over. There is no right or wrong decision but you must be as sure as you can that you are doing what is best for you. Professor McGonagall will bring me you answer next week.

Love,

Your Dad

The relief that Harry felt was incredible. It wasn't the fact that he had escaped punishment but the knowledge that he could leave Hogwarts and all of Umbridge's persecution behind. Not that he'd be taking up his father on that offer. Harry was astonished by the realisation that he had made that decision almost without considering. But this wasn't just about him. Umbridge was spoiling Hogwarts for everyone and although Harry was the main focus for her spite he didn't want to walk away and leave everyone else to deal with the repercussions.

There are to be no more reckless acts

It was almost as if his father knew what Harry's decision would be. And Harry knew that this time he would have to stay in control of himself. It wouldn't be easy. Although he had his father's permission to spend time in his animagus form he would have to use the privilege sparingly. But he could do it, Harry decided.

A week later James accepted Harry's written reply from Professor McGonagall. As soon as she left Grimmauld Place he opened it and quickly read the contents before passing it across to Remus.

'I can't say that I'm surprised,' said Remus.

'Nor me,' replied James. 'I just wish that things were different and I could have carried on teaching this year instead of gallivanting off on these blasted trips for Dumbledore.'

'I know its hard for you not being able to be there for Harry,' said Remus softly. 'But someone has to go and you and Sirius are the best people for the job.'

James was silent. He knew that Remus was right. He would just have to hope that Harry would be able to curb his impetuousness.