"You are blinded by your faith in humanity, Albus," said Harry, seriously. "One doesn't have to split his soul to lose his humanity. Those I've killed would have found other illegal outlets for their vile desires, believe me. Remember what they found in Welch's freezer. He's as much of a monster as Voldemort. Seeing as Tom has come back from the dead once, and that his horcruxes are still around, his followers would surely bring him back to life again – fast. I can't let that happen. Now, you'll have to excuse me. I have an important matter to take care of tonight."
"I cannot, in all conscience, let you leave this room," said Dumbledore, looking tired, but ready. He had his wand in hand.
Harry hoped he would not have to go there. But yet he could not stay. He drew out a paper, more like a whole document, from his pocket and presented it to the Chief Warlock.
"What is this, Harry?" asked the old man, confused by the awfully official-looking paper with a Ministry seal on it. And…was that the seal of the Queen??!!
"I'm not 'Harry', Headmaster. The goblins call me Master Potter. The centaurs call me Friend Harry. People talk of me as the 'Hope of the Wizarding World'. This paper, here, describes me as 'Knight of the Realm Potter'."
Harry was looking at Albus with sad eyes.
"I knew, Headmaster, that this day would come. That the time where your light so bright would try to block my darker ways. I had to prepare. Cornelius wanted to grant me an official immunity against your authority, but you are the Chief Warlock. Only Fudge has power over you. He's not ready to give me his position yet. If not a post, a title with privilege and immunity was in order. I met the Queen last Christmas, and she knighted me in a private meeting. I have to admit it was quite an experience. I almost can't believe it myself."
Dumbledore was shell-shocked, and finally registered the huge ring on Harry's right hand. It had a notice-me-not charm on it – the kind even he couldn't perceive, unless one knew to look for it. The Headmaster could only shake his head.