No matter what Dumbledore says this IS a punishment. He forgets, I think, that Harry has no friends in Slytherin and that even the Head of House dislikes him. Harry is going to be miserable. I wonder how the Gryffindors will react to this news? Hopefully, his friends will be supportive, as he will need them to retain his sanity. With luck, they will put the blame where it belongs and that is with Dumbledore and his insane ideas....
Author's Response: You are right, Harry will need his friends... that's for sure.
Thanks for your review!