In that instant, it had come from nowhere. The intense hatred and contempt in his heart had been almost instinctive and impossible to suppress; he had wanted only to tear apart the body of the person before him—Harry's face turned deathly pale, and his shoulders seemed to twitch slightly.
Hermione and Ron were both watching him with concern, but Harry had no way to explain that burst of rage. He sincerely hoped Professor Breen, who had noticed something was wrong with him, would not pursue the matter either.
Perhaps it was luck, or perhaps Professor Breen had heard his thoughts. In any case, Professor Breen did not pursue his earlier presumption and rudeness.
"Tell me, then—"
Amosta's presence returned to calm, as though that flash of thunderous fury had been nothing but a dream. He looked gently at the three of them and sat back down to sample his sugar-free snacks.
"Is there something you think I need to know?"
Amosta gestured for the three of them to sit down.
Percy had just caused them far too much emotional turmoil. When Professor Breen asked why they had come to see him, even Hermione was briefly at a loss. But after recovering, she discreetly glanced at Harry, whose face was white as snow, and took a breath.
"This is what happened, Professor, um—"
Hermione carefully chose her words.
"After Hagrid returned, we went to visit him one night. Just after we left the castle, Harry's scar started hurting—"
Amosta raised an eyebrow. He knew this was merely an excuse the three students had come up with to find out why Percy had sought him out, and he had learned of it in advance. Still, he had to give the appropriate reaction.
"Is that so?"
Amosta frowned at Harry. After confirming that