Chapter 31: Harry’s past

Harry's POV.

20 years ago.

I eagerly ran down the corridor, its floors adorned with expensive marble, leading straight into my father's office. In my hand, I held my recent city-wide exam scorecard, my eyes shimmering with happiness. Due to my sheer joy, I forgot to knock. I, an 8-year-old, stood on tiptoes to reach the tall doorknob and entered.

"Dad, today I ranked first in the entire city. My teacher said no student in school has ever scored as high as I did. Because of this, I will be specially promoted directly to secondary school. Are you proud of me?"

I slightly bent forward, hands on my knees, catching my breath. I fully expected words of praise, but my respected father, engrossed in his work, coldly replied with just one word:

"Get out."

"But Dad..." I was taken aback, looking up at him with eyes that clearly expressed my shock at his emotionless reaction. Yet very quickly, I reverted to my usual obedient demeanor:

"I'm sorry, Dad, for entering without knocking. I'll kneel fo