The Contract

Chapter 103

"So, what is an Obscurus?" Harry asked, sitting down opposite Rabastan, trusting that his betrothed had answers for him. "It doesn't sound good, and with the way everyone reacted it's definitely bad news."

"Your instincts are quite correct," Rabastan confessed, inhaling sharply, disturbed by what Antonio had revealed before he left. Barely reacting when Harry took his cup and drank from it. If it had been anyone else, they would have been cursed for the sheer audacity. He was too besotted to care, even if it wasn't proper. "Obscurus or rather Obscurial is a dark parasitic force that develops in a young witch or wizard who constantly represses their own magic."

Harry's brow furrowed, "I don't understand? It makes their magic dark?" showing his age for once. Harry had taught himself to be better, to be the best, but it didn't mean he knew everything quite yet. There was so many branches of magic that Harry was unfamiliar with. Given time he would learn everything there was to know about magic. He had all the resources he needed in order to accomplish that. He could read for years, and still find new books to read in the Lestrange library. As it was constantly added to, each time a new book came out.

"When an Obscurial loses control, the Obscurus force is released, often focused on the cause of the Obscurial's torment, but also causing destruction in its wake. The more powerful the child, the more destructive the destruction it wreaks. There is no treating them…and they very rarely live into adulthood. An Obscurial could easily flatten a small country if pushed. It could easily destroy Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and half of Muggle London in a minor attack. They are a severe concern to the International Statute of Secrecy, and more often than not…killed with extreme prejudice and they are not easily killed." Rabastan explained, having to stop himself reaching out for his betrothed. "Actually, trying to create an Obscurus…I've never heard of anything so stupid, he's clearly insane." The Obscurial's focus on their tormentor, what did Dumbledore think was actually going to happen there?

"They usually die before their tenth birthday," Rabastan continued on his brow furrowed as if he could somehow begin to comprehend Dumbledore's actions. He had been trying to create a Obscurial but his daughter was older than ten now…ultimately, he failed, but it was a scary thought. It's like he wanted the entire generation of children to die. Between the wards…and well, this new information. If succeeded, Ginny could have flattened Hogwarts in a temper tantrum killing hundred of children and dozens of teachers. Noticing the look on his betrothed's face he added, "Yes, they're normally that young. There's only been one exception to the rule." For the life of him he couldn't quite recall his name.

"Do you think he was trying to create one in me?" Harry asked, head cocked to the side, curious.

Rabastan shuddered, "I sincerely hope not," he could only image the damage Harry could wreak as an Obscurus, it would be the very same reaction if the Dark Lord had suggested to one. Although, it didn't go beyond his comprehension that the three most powerful wizards had all been abused by Muggles. Harry still didn't really understand the full scope and understanding of what these things were capable of.

"Are you hungry?" Harry asked, not wishing to talk about it anymore. He just wanted this day over with, and maybe one day Dumbledore completely out of his life and unable to manipulate anyone else again.

"Hey sweetie, how would you like to sit over beside me hmm?" a young-looking witch said coaxingly, as she couched down to eye level at the side of Harry.

Rabastan and Harry stared at each other in disbelief, as Harry scooted further away from the deluded witch.

"Harry? Come on, I'll get you something to eat and drink." She added, throwing a disgusted look at Rabastan. "How about it?" reaching towards him as if trying to grab him and get him away from the very dangerous wizard he was sitting with.

Only she ended up squeaking in fright when she got a wand pointed under her chin for her trouble. Eyes wider than the House-elves when they got excited for one reason or another. This wasn't excitement, it was pure unadulterated fear. She didn't dare move with the heat of the wand pressed under her chin.

Rabastan just sat there coolly and calmly, but his wand…was pointed straight at the woman from under the table. Ready to defend Harry should the need arise, especially from being touched. He would never do the discourtesy of making Harry feel like he couldn't protect himself.

"Step away, now," Harry said coldly, watching her hand as if it were a Basilisk ready to strike. Green eyes flaring with fury at the bloody sheer audacity of her using his given name, approaching him and trying to touch him. If his hand shook? Well, nobody called him out on it.

"Do you not know who he is?" she choked out, her hands back at her sides, still trying to save Harry from the dark wizard. "Harry he's not safe." She didn't believe for a minute that those Death Eaters were innocent. Her mother said there were ways around everything, and her mother was the smartest witch she'd ever met.

"My name is Heir Potter," Harry said gritting his teeth furious at her insinuation. "I have not given you leave to treat me so informally, and yes, I'm aware of Rabastan, just as I am aware of Rodolphus, who is betrothed to my godfather! All of them suffered in Azkaban for crimes they didn't commit. How dare you try to imply otherwise? Keep it up and I will sue you for libel!"

Rabastan's mouth turned into a smirk, "That would be the definition of a frivolous lawsuit. Judging by her actions she wasn't raised the right way, and those clothes, generic, she'd be paying it off for years…"

Now that suitably chastised, she paled and backed away, swallowing thickly. She did not have the money to be having to pay it back to those already swimming in galleons. She'd rather go to hell than pay them a single penny. If she said anything after she departed their silencing bubble, it wasn't known to either man.

Harry watched her go, only then did he relax his shoulders. If she had approached the situation differently…he would have thanked her for the concern but she had to go and insult Rabastan in front of him. "Do you get that sort of reception often?" he asked quietly, subdued.

"Sometimes," Rabastan said, entirely too amused. It was a significant improvement of being incarcerated in Azkaban. He'd take everything that came with it. "Mostly Muggle-borns that are usually quite older than this one…but she's probably heard a great deal about it from a parent who feels wronged."

Harry scowled almost petulantly, "It's not right," as if he wasn't already aware of just how unfair the world was.

"I'll be fine," Rabastan chuckled, it was true, incidences like this barely blipped on his radar. He just didn't care enough about the opinion of strangers and those he would never associate with thought of him. There would always be someone who didn't believe the Ministry, believed that he was out just because he was a pureblood.

"Are you hungry?" Harry asked, repeating the question he'd asked before they were so rudely interrupted. Fishing out his pocket watch, and looking at the time, it was near enough lunch time.

"I'll have a packet of cheese and onion crisps, and a coffee, make it a large one," Rabastan said, he was allowed to eat whatever he wanted these days. He was officially as healthy as he'd ever get. Naturally an entire decade in Azkaban wasn't without its permanent affects, which he would feel down the line in old age.

Harry nodded, and slid out of his seat, aware of Rabastan's eyes watching him every step he took. It gave him the confidence not to look around the room as if expecting shadows to loom out at him. His therapist said the hypervigilance would tone down eventually, but probably wouldn't fade given that Harry had already been slightly hypervigilant before the incident.

He ordered a sandwich for himself, two packets of crisps and two large coffees. He couldn't help but wonder how long it would take for them to reach a consensus on what punishment fitted Dumbledore. He still held hope that he'd receive the Dementors kiss, however, unlikely it seemed.

Honestly, they shouldn't be able to get away with treating Dumbledore any differently from the likes of Doge and Diggle. Regardless of what he was meant to have done in the past.

"What's got you so deep in thought?" Rabastan asked, having approached Harry and took the tray, it was likely to land on the floor at this rate.

"I'm just wondering what the outcome will be," Harry told Rabastan, "I want it over…all of it, I just…want it over." Revealing the exhaustion, he was hiding when it came to Dumbledore.

"Let's get you sat down," Rabastan said nudging him in the direction of their seats, no doubt the others would be here soon. There was no way it would last long, not with the Obscurial information. If anything, he believed that it was the tipping point.

He waited until they were sat down again, and the silencing spell surrounded them once more, "Were the Horcruxes mentioned?" he knew it had been a big concern, especially since they had no idea for real, whether Dumbledore actually knew or just suspected their existence.

Harry shook his head, "Not by name, he told them a piece of Voldemort ended up inside of me. Luckily though, we had the scans updated and put in amongst the file. It made him look even more unstable."

Rabastan hummed quietly, "I wonder if that means he didn't know exactly what they were," he mused, it was entirely possible, still, it was a good thing Horcruxes hadn't been mentioned at all. It would have been entirely inconvenient and made Dumbledore's suspicions seem rather…possible. Luckily, they had anticipated that, thus Harry's scans were put in with the file on the case. "Just how on earth did they get onto the subject of an Obscurial?"

"Lord Weasley, he asked a question…Chief Warlock Ogden demanded he leave. The guards actually had a hold of him and were guiding him out," Harry explained, as he unwrapped his sandwich. "Everyone just froze, like they'd been petrified, when Dumbledore answered."

Rabastan nodded pensively, he could just imagine the reactions that had garnered. With crystal clarity at that, it wasn't the sort of thing people liked to talk about, it was told in tales of warning. It's why most – if not all – wizards and witches never raised a hand or wand to a child.

"Are all the books bound and ready?" Harry asked, as he swallowed his bite of tuna crunch sandwich.

"They are," Rabastan agreed, he'd overseen it, there was nothing else for him to do now that he'd completed his Mastery. He wasn't used to having free time, even with his exercises which he stuck to, just not as rigorously as the healers had suggested. "I was thinking of making a few more, but the higher the number I create causes the amount to decrease significantly." They wouldn't be rare if he made too many.

"Maybe, but everyone should get a chance to learn, it's not like we're giving away the family grimoires." Harry murmured, "Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade should have a library." People should be able to borrow books, it was ridiculous having to buy them.

"That would get you disowned for such treachery," Rabastan said wryly, nobody in their right mind would do that. Family magic was important, and having spells and potions that were only known by you kept you rich, famous and very well off and to a point revered. "Grimoires aren't used as often these days, except by the sacred families. Everyone publishes their findings, keeping nothing secret."

"You think so anyway," Harry pointed out, "They're hardly going to go about broadcasting it are they?"

Rabastan conceded Harry's point gracefully, his gaze darting behind Harry.

Harry craned his neck, and wasn't surprised to see everyone coming into the cafeteria. By that he meant everyone, why weren't they going home? Surely, not everyone was in that much dire need of a coffee? Unless, they had gifts to exchange for the holidays?

"What's going on? Why is everyone here?" Harry asked, watching everyone, as Antonio, Lord Greengrass, Lord Slytherin and Corvus joined them, sliding into the seats they'd used before.

"Indeed," Rabastan muttered, "Highly unusual for everyone to make their way back here…unless they're needed still." Suspicion mounting on exactly why they were still sticking around, it couldn't be could it?

"Indeed," Lord Slytherin replied, straining out his back, and was pleased to find the silencing spell still up and in effect.

"The guileless members of the wizengamot decided to use Lord Slytherin as a moral compass. Lord Slytherin after all, didn't know Albus Dumbledore had existed growing up. If anyone had zero expectations of the older wizard it would be him. He could see it through neutral eyes they needed at the end of the day, to ensure they were giving justice, not condemnation." Lord Greengrass said wryly, entirely too amused by everything that had just gone down.

Harry snorted, hand clasping over his mouth as he muffled his amusement. His green eyes glimmering brightly, showing his mirth.

It had taken everything in Tom to remain calm, features placid when all he wanted to do was dance around the room in unmitigated glee. Which is exactly what he was doing in his mind eye, he couldn't believe it. He was finally getting rid of the only real concern to his power. To everything he'd accomplished thus far being ousted. He was barely able to contain his magic either, as a matter of fact. "Guileless or not, they have done what is right for the magical world."

"Indeed," Corvus said oozing satisfaction.

"What's happened?" Rabastan asked, whatever it was, it was clearly a good thing, it caused his shoulders to ease tension he hadn't even been aware of fading.

"Lord Slytherin petitioned to have Dumbledore kissed immediately," Corvus informed his son, "Everyone agreed…and under sixty seconds too." Smug satisfaction enveloping him.

"Wait, they're actually going to give him the kiss?" disbelief evident in his tone and face, Harry couldn't believe it. He'd convinced himself that it would never happen, the others had convinced him too.

"They are," Lord Slytherin declared smugly, his tone might suggest he was smug but his face was grim.

"Everyone is staying to see it executed?" surprise flickering over Rabastan's features.

"It seems so, either that or they'll leave just before," Lord Greengrass said, "It's the last bit of peace they're going to get now until Yule is over. Between parties and families staying over for the holiday it will be difficult to get a moments peace." It wasn't just immediate family; it was cousin branches that all came around for Yule. It was a very important time for family, and it would be extremely rude just to sneak off.

"Why would they need peace?" Harry asked perplexed, why would anyone want to hide away from family or make excuses to stay away? "Why visit if they don't get on?" coming to the only conclusion he could come up with.

"Yule is a time for family, regardless of their relation the rest of the year, some families can only tolerate each other in very small dozes." Corvus answered, "Some will have very young children or sullen teenagers."

Lord Slytherin grimaced, "I, for one, am grateful to be alone and not held to that particular tradition." Bill had asked him to visit his family for a Yule feast, which happens on the last day of Yule. He had turned it down, and oddly enough, felt bad with the way Bills face fell. It had weirdly forced him to reveal that it was a difficult time of the year for him. Which was true enough, it was very close to his birthday. The day he was born, and the misery started, his mother died in childbirth and his father abandoning him claiming he wasn't the father. Twelve years of torture and hell, before he finally understood how different he was, where he belonged. The kicker was, he couldn't stay in the world where he belonged, no he was forced back into the Muggle world.

Harry stared at him, knowing he was lying, knowing that deep down…very deep down…it was something he wanted more than anything else in the world. Acceptance, love, happiness, it was all everyone really wanted. It might have been something Voldemort lost when he created Horcruxes…but those feeling would be back now. Did Voldemort even really know what he wanted anymore? He followed his line of sight to Lord Weasley and refrained from grinning, oh, they were definitely back alright.

"When and were will it be performed?" Harry asked.

Rabastan straightened, realizing what Harry was going to do, or rather what he wanted.

"That we will be informed about…in less than five minutes now," Corvus said, after glancing at the time on the wall. "I sincerely hope we aren't going to have to wait hours, but hours I will wait nonetheless."

"Everyone will want to get home for the holidays," Lord Slytherin said, shaking his head, "I doubt we will have to wait too long."

"I'm parched," Corvus sighed.

"I'll get you something, what would you like?" Rabastan asked, he needed to stretch his feet and stop himself demanding Harry leave. He couldn't demand anything of Harry, and doing so will just make the teen stay all the more.

"Anything cold, son," Corvus said with a smile, and everyone else chimed in on their orders.

By the time Rabastan had returned Harry was telling Corvus about the earlier incident. Sounding indignant and annoyed, causing Rabastan to fondly roll his eyes at his betrothed over protective tendencies. People could say what they like about Harry but when it came to those he cared about? He was relentless in his pursuit of their happiness. His very presence outside of Azkaban – a free and 'innocent' man – spoke of that relentless pursuit.

"Do you know who it was?" Corvus asked, just as displeased as Harry at what he was hearing. Everyone knew just how protective Corvus was of his sons, and would rain hell down on anyone who attempted anything on them.

Harry regretfully shook his head, "No, I don't recall her from Hogwarts, she looks young enough to have attended while I was there…maybe my first year?" refraining from shrugging his shoulders, Corvus hated when he did that.

Corvus merely hummed, he'd get the memory from Harry and do some digging himself.

"Just leave it, she was suitably frightened after being threatened," Rabastan chastised the pair of them. If he'd wanted revenge, he would have done it himself, putting the tray on the table, it was quickly emptied as everyone took the items from their own order. Turning to face Harry he whispered softly, "I have something I need you to do for me,"

"No," Harry said immediately, turning to face Rabastan with a knowing look on his face. He wasn't stupid, he knew exactly what Rabastan was going to ask of him.

"But you didn't hear what I wanted," Rabastan's lower lip pouted for seconds before it was righted. Oh, Harry was probably already guessing what he wanted, but he had to ask nonetheless.

"You want me to go home," Harry said solemnly.

"Yes," Rabastan agreed, "I do." He didn't want Harry to see this, he was already too familiar with the Dementors of Azkaban as it was. To see someone kissed…to truly see what was under those…let's call them 'robes' under the hood…it was the stuff of nightmares. Harry was mature as he was for a fourteen-year-old was still a young man. He already had enough nightmares as it was without more added to it. "For me." Knowing this would be the only chance he might have of Harry truly doing as he asked.

It was fifty-fifty even knowing Harry as well as he did…on whether his attempt would succeed.

"I need to see it," Harry stressed out, "I need to be there."

Rabastan sighed, shoulders slumping at the determination written across Harry's features. He knew that there would be no changing his mind, short of someone actually removing Harry from the scene…there would be nothing he could do to convince him otherwise. "I can understand that, but Harry…seeing the Dementors kiss administered is going to give you nightmares." It would give a fully grown adult wizard nightmares let alone a teenager.

"Maybe, but it will be worth it." Harry said, Rabastan was probably right, he would get nightmares, but Merlin, help him, he was not going to miss this for anything in the world. They would need to physically remove him from whatever room they'd use to Administer the Dementors Kiss in.

"What about if I give you the pensive memory?" Rabastan questioned, it would give him the visual without the feelings involved. Sighing softly, "You're not going to listen, are you?" seeing the look on his face.

"I'll always listen…even if I don't agree," Harry said, not wanting to argue with Rabastan about this. "I just, I need this, I need to see that he's gone," he needs to see Dumbledore suffering and watch that light fade out of his eyes, knowing that he'd failed, knowing that he, Harry, a boy he manipulated, hurt, intended to kill, had gotten the better of him.

Rabastan closed his eyes before nodding, admitting defeat. Maybe his brother would have been able to talk sense into Harry. He had that curt way about him, that would get through to him. Harry had smoothed all those edges in Rabastan.

Harry slotted his hand into Rabastan's, at this point not really caring who saw. He felt a little bad, Rabastan so rarely asked for anything of him, and he was denying him one of the things he'd asked for.

Rabastan carded his hand through Harry's just as uncaring.

Harry frowned when everyone cocked their heads to the side, as if everyone could hear something he couldn't.

"One hour until the showdown," Lord Slytherin declared, "Dumbledore will be having his last meal, and be surrounded by guards that are loyal to the Ministry and us." on his guard, if anything happened…it would be now. He would be desperate to get away, to continue on with his 'greater good' even without a lot of people left supporting him.

"Thank Merlin he no longer has that blasted bird loyal to him," Corvus murmured, grateful for that at least. It would have been one of the convincible was he could escape.

Harry stared at all of them, were they mental? "How do you know?" he asked, noticing the others were talking rapidly.

"We were informed through a mental connection, everyone in the wizengamot received the same message." Lord Greengrass explained, "The Dementors Kiss will be administered in one hour, and oddly enough, Ogden has decided upon the Veil of death room…"

"Hopefully they'll throw his body in afterwards,"

"If anything, they'll throw a killing curse at him,"

"Why waste time and effort having someone look after a vegetative body?"

"Interesting," Harry murmured, "And you all have mind shields it didn't affect message?"

"They do not affect your mind shields, but it can be discomforting the first few times you receive such messages. It doesn't happen often, and can be disorientating if you're walking." Lord Slytherin declared, watching Bill to ensure he was fine, no doubt that was his first time receiving such a message.

"And Ogden is strong enough to broadcast that message to fifty minds?" Harry asked, slightly surprised. Did that make him powerful? Or was it just a simple spell? It didn't sound simple.

"It's not a matter of magical prowess, if anything its much easier due to our close proximity. If we had been any further, I doubt he would have collectively been able to do it." Lord Slytherin stated, "That's not to say he isn't powerful, but it has lessened due to age and inactive magical usage." He was nowhere on their scale though; he and Harry were off the charts when it came to magical powers. Or would be in Harry's case. He was still young; his powers would only continue to grow as he aged.

In other words, wizards got lazy, complacent.

He vowed never to become like that.

The next hour actually flew in, as they wizengamot all drifted off to do their own thing but sticking to the cafeteria. Voldemort went to Bill, who was on his own, Corvus and Lord Greengrass got into a rather merry debate on the latest piece of transfiguration in transfiguration monthly magazine.

If anyone had paid any attention, they would have noticed just how close Rabastan and Harry were. Leaning against one another, talking animatedly about the latest Rune books they'd read. Just because Rabastan was a Master in Runes now…doesn't mean he doesn't need to keep up with everything…and Harry was very passionate about every subject, and it renewed Rabastan's interest. He had a small book filled with possible ideas, and actually three runes already. Admittedly two were not fit for public consumption, no, they would go into the family grimoire but the last one? And the one Harry was inspiring now? Well, they were fit for public consumption, perhaps he should begin a book? Either that or get a job working for one of the scientific Rune journal/magazines, he wasn't going to live on his trust fund for the rest of his life after all.

"Do you want to come with Corvus and I when we visit Gallifrey Hall?" Harry asked, yes, at long last he had plans to visit his grandmother's portrait. He couldn't wait to know more about his family, both Potter and Black sides, and who would know more than the witch born a Black and married into the Potter family?

"When do you intend to go?" Rabastan asked, curiously.

"The day after the party, in the afternoon," Harry said, it would give Corvus a chance to get over his hangover. It would be the first time he had drank since he was diagnosed with Cholesterol. At least that he knew of anyway, and he'd be very upset to learn otherwise.

Which was naturally, why Corvus made sure Harry didn't find out about the very rare times he'd cheated. Or his sons for that matter.

"I'll come," Rabastan agreed, it would be nice to meet her again, his father and Dorea had been lifelong friends really, since childhood. As they had families, they met less frequently but his father had attended Dorea's funeral and mourned the passing of the wicked brilliant witch that she was. "I do have to thank her for the contract." Giving Harry a wink.

"We both do." Harry said wryly, he just did not want to think on what his life would be like if not for his grandmother's wistfulness of joining the Lestrange and Potter families together. It had been wistfulness, since it wasn't very often Potter's had girls, and carriers were rare enough not to be considered.

"Mm, true," Rabastan agreed, he couldn't help but wonder if his Lord would have been back if not for Harry…however unwitting the act was, he had been unconscious when the philosopher stone was corrected.

"It's time, we will be going to the lower basement, up for stretching your legs?" Corvus asked Harry, a habit he sincerely wished to get out of, but had as of yet, not been able to do so. Twice Harry had been severely sick and hurt, twice he'd had to go through the process of healing. If anyone made another attempt…he was going to kidnap Harry and put him on an uninhabited island for Harry's own safety and his sanity.

"I've been rather lazy lately, so yes, definitely," Harry agreed, it was true enough, he'd gone from walking miles in total around the school to pattering about the manor with only minor exercises. Plus, he didn't really want to be stuck in a lift with dozens of people being elbowed or squashed. Sometimes his height was highly inconvenient.

With that the group plus Bill walked towards the stairs, and used the stairs to get to lower department. It wasn't a department that was used with increasing activity, mostly only Unspeakables ventured down this far, of clerks doing the filing. It was a rather foreboding feeling one experiences, especially alone.

"Is he okay?" Bill couldn't help but ask Aurelias, glancing at Harry in genuine concern. "He shouldn't be here for this…" he didn't even want to be here for this, but he had to. If Ginny ever came to him wanting to know what happened…he wanted to give her that closure. So, he would watch, he would feel nothing but satisfaction and justice…even if it was wrong…he wouldn't care. Dumbledore had done his family so much wrong that he couldn't and wouldn't regret this.

Lord Slytherin followed Bill's line of sight, despite already heavily suspecting who Bill was talking about. Harry and Rabastan were still holding hands, everyone was probably missing the point. Probably assumed Harry was scared and apprehensive and clinging to someone to feel better. It constantly amazed him how wilfully blind people could be.

That and they couldn't see the strength that lay in that boy's spine. He had been through hell and back three times, and just kept coming out stronger for it. He hated Harry had been through it, and wished he'd been able to help better…but they hadn't been expecting an attack in Hogsmeade of all places. Even at that, there were more teachers sent with the students…half to keep watch even if a few ended up in the pub.

They wouldn't see it until it was too late, but then they'll have deluded themselves into thinking that he'd just been forced to 'grow up' too soon because of everything Dumbledore had done. Ironic really, Dumbledore had given Harry one gift at least, they'd never see beyond the hero the old fool had built up.

Harry could kill someone and they'd pat him on the back.

"He's fine, he has the same reason as you for coming here to see it for himself," Lord Slytherin said quietly, sombrely. He knew the anger Bill harboured at Dumbledore; at everything his family had gone through.

"I guess he's gotten to know Rabastan through Sirius and Rodolphus?" Bill said, still watching them an odd look on his face, one that Tom couldn't interpretate at all.

Luckily Tom was saved from having to say anything, by the fact they had arrived, Dumbledore was magically bound upon the daze, already on his knees beside the veil. He was struggling and very clearly terrified.

A surge of savage delight surged through Bill; he was getting what he deserved. The worst of it was, he would never know if Dumbledore knew his mother was drugging his father…or beating him. Then again, it wasn't the worst of what he had done at the end of the day, but he still would have liked answers.

"Get to this side of the room, the Dementors will be here soon," Ogden called out, urging everyone to the left-hand side corner of the room. So that they were furthest from the door where the Dementors would come through.

Dumbledore was utterly terrified, so pale his face looked ashen, shaken to the core, he'd expected to end up back in that cell. To be entirely cut off from everyone until he found a new supporter. Or rather one found him. Already making plans to get out, such as the vulnerable moment where they would be transferring him back to Azkaban on the boat.

When he'd been informed what was happening, he'd realized it was game over. He'd attempted to manipulate the guards, a last ditched attempt at getting the hell out of this situation he was in. No, the last ditched attempt was actually calling for Fawkes incessantly when he realized he had only an hour to live.

When they asked what he wanted for his last meal, he'd remained mute, tried to remain dignified only to break down once they were gone. He may like to spout that death was the next great adventure, but he'd expected to be immortalised, mourned, having completed all his tasks…but that was not the reality he was facing.

"They're coming," and Dumbledore flinched, recognizing the voice, his face turning to pinpoint the voice, and his thoughts were confirmed. The Potter brat was here to see him kissed, then tossed into the veil. Clutching his arm, as it tingled unpleasantly, breathing heavily, he was oblivious to the pain beginning to radiate…or rather it didn't register in the grand scheme of things.

Shivering as the Dementors began to float over towards him, his gaze however, was still on the boy who had paled a little bit as well. Then his breathing hitched as someone wrapped his arms around Harry drawing him in close. The matching betrothed rings glinting on their pale hands.

No, it couldn't be!

It just couldn't…could it?

Rabastan Lestrange? Dear Merlin, no, he'd been in Azkaban…it was impossible. The Potter's wouldn't have set up a betrothal contract for a Lestrange.

Rabastan watched in gleeful amusement as realization dawned on the old fool. Surrounded as he was, with those he trusted, he brushed Harry's hair aside and kissed Harry's forehead leaving absolutely no doubt in Dumbledore's mind that they were in fact betrothed. Even the Dementors couldn't take that from him, not that they were attempting too, focused entirely on Dumbledore as they were, as they began to feast on the old fools' emotions.

"No…no…" Dumbledore wheezed out, unable to breathe, he couldn't believe it, so utterly bewildered and shocked. So shocked in fact, that between the Dementors and the new realizations and terrible living conditions and lack of healthy eating, well, he couldn't hack it.

Albus Dumbledore looked to all the world passing out.

Which wasn't the case, as the white glow of Dumbledore's soul, which the Dementors had been so gleefully feeding on. With nobody looking at the Dementors faces, or the lack of them to be sure. Began to dim, the Dementors screeched, and if it was able it would have been stomping its feet on the floor, then they swooped away, furious and sulking over the fact their prey had gotten away.

Albus Dumbledore was dead, and his soul already moving on, the Dementors could not claim it. Or rather…couldn't claim the rest of it.

Lord Slytherin approached the dais and cast a few spells, all familiar to the rest of the wizengamot who were watching. Realizing Lord Slytherin was checking to make sure that this indeed was the body of Albus Dumbledore.

They'd never admit to being apprehensive and holding their breath while they waited.

To their unending relief, it was indeed his body. There had been no switch, no glamour, no Polyjuice potion.

"Albus Dumbledore is dead, he can do or cause no more harm," Lord Slytherin declared sombrely. Thank Merlin he'd taken a calming draught, for if he hadn't he wasn't sure he would have been able to contain himself.

There we go! Who actually expected this to happen? I'm honestly surprised you weren't all under the impression Dumbledore would get away...despite the length of the story really it's only half way :P :P but I do have a few bad guys up my sleeve ;) haha I don't normally have Dumbledore dying half way through my stories it's always fun to end with him dying! Or Ron for that matter! Plus, I like that this is different from the norm sooo will Harry make it clear Rabastan is his during the Yule party? or will he keep a clear head and stop himself from revealing the truth? R&R please! I hope you liked the chapter and that it was worth the wait!