AN Is there any point continuining this story? Obviously you are bored shitless. If Albus' death can only warrant one single review. I am not going to pour hours of time and work into chapters if no one can bother to give feedback. Do you even have any interest in seeing Harry and Lucius?

Hermione ended up staying with them for the days until the trial. She had a break from law school and from her clerk position due to this. Harry had offered to let her live here with them but she had opted to stay at home at first. After Christmas she would consider moving from home. But right now they could use each others support even if Harry also had Remus. They were both concerned just how much deeper Albus and his lies would go. Harry's mind went to Neville and he hoped his friend was doing okay with all of this. Harry though went to Sirius being in the house and to Moody every time he looked at his new owl. He was bonding with Aquilo but the loss of Hedwig was just one of the things Albus caused. Harry knew no one would think the death of an owl a major crime but for him it was still important on the list.

On the morning of the trial they headed for the ministry. Teddy had been remaining with his grandmother since he came back. But Andromeda would be at the trial as well because of her daughter. Ted chose to remain home with the baby. The court room would be packed.

Remus assured Harry when he thought that out loud as they went into the ministry. "The families affected will be guaranteed a seat."

Harry looked around him. "I am sure there are plenty of them."

Hermione looked to where Molly and her sons were. "And many who may not even know they should be here."

Remus knew she had a point. "They will have justice even if they find out after."

Neville came over with his Gran. "Harry."

Harry hugged his friend who he had never seen so pale. "I am sorry you and your gran are going through this."

Neville returned the hug and the sentiment. "It has to be harder on you then most."

Harry knew but he never let himself say it. "I am just grateful we can get justice for them all."

Augusta watched as the doors opened and they were allowed in. "Not soon enough."

Remus took a seat next to Harry and Hermione between Harry and Neville. "This should be over today."

Harry watched as Albus was brought into the room. "I should be grateful there is only a days worth to go through."

Neville was surprised when he saw a loan man on Albus' side. "I am surprised he is here."

Remus saw Aberforth. "He testified against his brother I am told. I think he just felt unsure he was welcome with the others."

There really was no other side. Usually the side for the defendant's supporters was reserved for them. But with Aberforth the only one to sit over there, they had made sections. There was a magic section for the few reporters allowed in. And one loan chair done in a green glow, for the one person on Albus' box. The rest were the over flow of people there who had been hurt by his actions and had come here to see his trial. Harry wished Aberforth was sitting like the rest of them. The man had helped them and he should feel no guilt for what his brother had done. Though it hadn't been needed he had provided testimony against his brother. He wanted to make it clear that he would never support what his brother did.

Harry and the others watched as the testimony Albus had given that Harry was there for played on the wall. It was no easier to listen to a second time around. He could hear Molly sob as she heard the words for herself. Aberforth's testimony was also played for all to see and hear.

Harry was pale when he heard the man speak about Severus and being captured by death eaters. "He knew."

Remus held his hand. "Severus often suspected Albus knew he and Lucius were taken. But he had no proof."

Harry's hand went to his ring around his neck. "He let my fa…..he let him be tortured then forced him to spy? Damn him."

Lucius could be heard muttering a row behind. "We held out hope for three days help was coming."

Draco was with his dad and did what Harry couldn't do even if he had the strength right now. "It's over. I am safe."

Remus looked back at Lucius and to his son. "Trying to protect their sons was a worse nightmare then the torture ever was."

Aberforth admitted he had told his brother and Albus had claimed he had help looking for them. He found out years later that he had been a fool to trust his brother. He knew Albus had set him up for prison but he had trusted him in the war against darkness. He had of course already been cleared of his charges and his money returned thanks to Harry.

Harry watched as the man was questioned himself and the moment he truly worried about came when he was asked about Peter. The man admitted he had convinced Peter to take the mark. The next question made Harry's heart lurch.

"Were you aware that James and Lily had changed their secret keeper?"

Albus smirked at that. "Of course I did. I suggested it. Told them everyone would suspect Sirius and he would be an easy target."

Remus was livid. "Sirius would have died from torture before he betrayed them."

Harry was pale. "He knew. He let him go to prison and almost be kissed. He knew."

"Did you order Peter to turn them into Voldemort?"

Albus shook his head. "No. I knew there was a risk but that is why I fed the Longbottoms to Voldemort to hold him at bay."

Hermione thought. "At least he didn't intend to send the man after you."

Harry spat. "Not that time at least. He still knew Peter was their secret keeper. And he sent them after Neville's parents."

They had known that his little stooge had been used to target Neville's parents. But they hadn't known the full reason until now. Harry was sick to realize Frank and Alice were sacrificed for him. As Albus went on about his crimes, reading like some role call, Harry almost blocked out what he was saying. He was filled with a mix of rage and anger and pain like nothing he knew before. The faces of his parents, Severus included in that, and Sirius, and Moody all flashed through his eyes. Neville's parents. The photos of Fabian and Gideon that he had seen. He thought back to the photo of the original order and realized how many of them had died because of Albus and not because of Voldemort.

Hermione felt like vomiting when she heard that the snatchers that had almost caught them on the run was a set up from Albus. He had planned for Hermione and Ron to be killed, to drive Harry to reckless abandonment. He had thought Harry and Voldemort would destroy each other.

As the testimony ended Harry held to Hermione's hand. "I almost killed you. I killed him."

Hermione stopped him. "We chose to be there and Ron would never regret it any more then I did. And he didn't die there. You didn't kill him."

Remus heard and agreed with her. "He would have fought with the rest of his family in the final battle either way."

Harry knew they were right but the pain was still there. "He was a target due to me. Both of you."

Hermione wished she could say something to convince but knew for now she had to let it be. "I am here. And he is always with us."

Lord Bones asked. "Are we ready to vote?"

And when all the judges nodded he asked. "Those who find him guilty." Every single hand went up in the air. There was no need to ask second.

Harry wondered. "Will they take time to sentence."

Remus wasn't sure. "Likely not with that verdict."

Lord Bones proved Remus right. "Albus Dumbledore you are sentenced to receive the dementors kiss immediately."

Albus raged as he was dragged from the room. "I saved you all. You should be thanking me."

The man was led from the room. Though the comment was made that anyone could go see him to say goodbye it was a formality. His brother stood and left the court room without another look. There would be no one to say goodbye to the man. But Harry and his companions, and others like the Weasleys and Longbottoms remained behind until they had the news. Not everyone died immediately from the kiss.

Kingsley appeared though a half hour later and came to them. "He is dead. His body will be put to an unmarked grave in the prison."


Harry was more shaken then he could put into words after the trial. He and Remus retreated back to the coast for some privacy though Hermione came with them. Hermione had been given another week off from school. Harry couldn't deal with the press right now. His loved ones knew they were welcome to visit hm but he wouldn't be leaving for now. The bank and ministry were not surprised he was missing from his classes.

They were not the only ones who came. Andromeda and Ted didn't just bring Teddy home but they came to stay with him. If nothing else, the trial helped to heal some wounds in the family. It wasn't perfect but Andromeda didn't want to battle any more over Teddy.

Harry left a few days after the trial and he headed to Prince Manor. He wasn't alone. "Thank you for coming."

Lucius hadn't seen him since the trial. "I am grateful you asked me to come. And not simply so I can be here for you."

Harry was reminded the man had been hurt as well by the trial. "You both have justice."

Lucius sighed. "My son reminded me of that. Too late for some."

Harry agreed with him. "Too late for many."

In the end Albus had been charged with over a dozen murders as he was involved in plotting them. And conspiracy on more then that. There were many families who had not been in the court room that learned the truth of their family. The newspapers had been forced to keep from reporting for a day so the families who hadn't been present could be notified first. It was agreed by the courts they shouldn't learn by reading in the paper. Minerva had sent word that she would like to speak to Harry and Remus after Christmas if they were ready but she wasn't pushing.

The two of them headed into the manor. Harry had not been there for some time but he knew he had to come. Severus deserved to know how the court had gone. And Harry could admit he was even more driven to wanting to speak to the man.

Severus was surprised when he saw his son and Lucius. "Again."

Harry eyed him but also his grandmother and Tiberius. "He has as much to do with this as I do."

Eileen noticed what her son had not. "You are as pale as a ghost."

Tiberius agreed with his daughter. "What is he part of?"

Lucius looked at Severus. "Aberforth testified that Albus knew we were captured that night and never sent help."

Severus looked angry and confused. "Testified?"

Harry admitted. "We had him arrested. He admitted to a lot including that. And Peter."

Eileen looked at Harry. "Perhaps this is a conversation for you to have just the three of you."

Tiberius agreed with her. "You can wake us another time."

Harry agreed. He went to put them back to sleep. "I will come again."

Eileen smiled a little as she went back to sleep. "I hope so."

Severus watched Harry. "Peter? He didn't send him after her?"

Harry assured him. "No, after the Longbottoms. Though he knew Peter was the secret keeper."

Harry was reminded the essence was in the painting even more as he watched the man. He thought Severus showed more emotion in painting form then he had when he was alive. Lucius had seen that sign more then once but he was one of the few people who had. Remus had as well. Harry was reminded no matter what he thought about his father, that he had truly been in love with Lily. The fact that the man had not only allowed him to be tortured but had led to the death of the woman he loved, was a lot. Harry was seeing more of a human side of him then he imagined even if it was only his painting. Before this he would have hated to admit he could sympathize with the man but not now.

Harry found himself talking to the man about the rest of the testimony. He sunk into a chair and just spoke to him like they had never spoken. It was the first time even in painting form that the two of them had not been combative as well.

Harry realized about an hour later. "Where did he go?"

Severus had wondered when he would notice. "He left some time ago."

Harry was surprised Lucius had not told him. "Good thing I wasn't counting on a ride home."

Severus smirked a little. "I think he thought it more important we talk together."

Harry went to stand. "I am sorry."

The man stopped him. "Sorry?"

"For putting you in the….making you a painting. And Mum. Siri. James. All of you."

"Stop being the hero." The man grunted.

Harry tried not to snap. "I am not being…."

The man cut him off. "You are not to blame for what that man did. His actions started well before you were born."

Harry shook his head. "You didn't have to die in those woods. If you weren't protecting me as a spy, you wouldn't have died alone."

Severus stopped him. "I didn't die alone. I had you."

Harry looked away. "Her eyes."

"Yes her eyes but also my son." Severus admitted.

Harry didn't know to believe him. "Like that mattered."

The man called to stop him leaving. "There was no one else I wanted in that moment."

Harry turned back to look at him. "I guess I should be grateful I got to say goodbye in a way to you. So many others didn't."

Severus agreed with him. "I wish we had one of your mum for you. And the damn marauders. But I am here."

Harry went to put him back to sleep but thought aloud as he did. "Maybe I will come back for advice on how to deal with snakes."

Severus grumbled as he drifted off. "What does that mean?

Harry left the room and he could admit he felt a bit better for having spoken to the man. He knew it was a painting but he deserved to know. Harry could hope he was reunited with Lily up in the after life. He wondered if they could see for themselves what happened where they were. He was surprised when he found Lucius was waiting for him outside. He would have thought the man was long gone since he had left them.

Lucius knew his mind and drew him in and kissed him gently. "I thought you could use some company to leave."

Harry returned the kiss a bit but pulled back. "I can't, not right….."

Lucius shushed him. "I am not going any where lion. You need some time to deal with all of this and I will be there."

Harry could admit he was happy that the man wasn't leaving though he had too much right now to deal with. "Good."

Lucius walked with him towards the gates. "Draco and I are going to go away for a bit."

Harry was surprised but happy to hear it. "I am sure you could both use the time."

Lucius sighed. "Severus really was his second parent. The trial wasn't much easier on him."

Harry knew Narcissa had never been a real mother. "He can leave off law school."

Lucius reminded him. "Like Hermione he has been excused. They have been both offered to study from home until after Christmas."

Harry was reminded Hermione mentioned that. "I have convinced her to stay with me on the coast."

Lucius went to leave him. "Good then I don't have to worry."

Harry reminded him. "I have Remus and the Weasleys."

Lucius ran a hand down his face. "Who are all in their own pain too. You can use everyone you can lean on."

Harry said as he went to leave. "Don't go meeting any French bloke on me."

Lucius managed a small laugh which felt good. "Would be Greek. But you have nothing to worry about. If you are."

Harry saw the questioning look and just before he apparated himself said. "Good."

Harry wasn't ready to call it any more but he could admit that he didn't want Lucius to disappear. He was ready to admit he wanted the dates to continue. But they both needed time to recover from the trial and all the upheaval that they had just gone through. Christmas was only in a few weeks and maybe it would help lift spirits. Harry did plan to return to his studies in a week or two. It helped him to focus his energy.

Harry stood looking at the ocean when he arrived back at the coast. "Hopefully the next year brings some good change for us all."


Hermione remained with them at the coast but like Harry she returned to her classes two wees later. To no surprise she had kept up with her work even though she had been excused at first. She was considering Grimmauld with him in the New year as she felt ready to leave her parents. As Christmas approached Harry tried to focus on it as well. He was reminded it was Teddy's first Christmas even though it would be more memorable next year when he was a bit older. Andromeda and Ted had only stayed at the coast a few days but they agreed to come back at Christmas time. They wanted to be with Teddy for the holiday and they could admit it would be easier with them all together.

On Christmas eve the Tonks arrived to celebrate with them. Hermione was still there but she was going to be with her parents the next day for the rest of the holidays before she considered a full move. Harry was going to the Burrow the next day but Hermione would see them Harry, They had dinner together on Christmas eve and it felt normal for the first time in a long time.

In the morning Harry stood in the door looking at the tree and Remus with his son. He heard a voice behind him. "Nice isn't it?"

Harry turned to Hermione who was about to leave. "Feels festive finally."

Hermione hugged him. "Your first one since….."

Harry felt a pang as he thought of Sirius. "Moony reminds me he would want me to enjoy."

Hermione agreed. "They all would. The war is over. The best way for you to honor them is to live."

Harry knew she had a point. It wasn't the first Christmas since Sirius died but the first they were truly free. "I will try."

Hermione kissed him on the cheek. "Tell the others I said Merry Christmas. And the Weasleys when you see them."

Harry assured her that he would. "Tell your parents the same for me."

Remus noticed him in the door when Hermione left. "Your brother is waiting for you to come open gifts."

Harry laughed and happily came into the room and noticed Ted had come down when he hadn't seen. "Should we not wait for…."

Andromeda cut him off as she came in with a tray. "I was just getting some hot chocolate."

Harry took a mug from her and kissed her cheek. "Thank you."

Ted smiled as he watched Teddy who was mesmerized by the gifts. "He may not be too young."

Harry laughed as his dad directed Teddy to a box he could rip into. "He will not remember."

Remus looked at Harry who snapped a photo of him. "We will remember for him."

Andromeda was a bit sad. "Another first she missed."

Ted reminded his wife. "She would be happy we were all together."

Andromeda smiled and even she could be big enough to admit her husband was right. She had come to realize that Tonks would have been upset how she had handled this all. Remus and her parents should have been mourning in peace and slowly moving on, not fighting like they had. Andromeda looked at Harry and regretted she had pulled him into it as well. He had been in pain and didn't need what she had tried to involve him in. And more then that she knew she should have been there as a support for him. She owed it to her cousin to be there.

Harry remained for the morning with them and had breakfast and enjoyed Teddy with his gifts. Harry barely paid attention to his gifts but he had pocketed one that he would open later. He had noticed Lucius had sent it and would open later. He had sent him one as well.

He headed alone to the Burrow later as Remus and the Tonks opted to stay behind. He eyed the house. "It feels odd."

He didn't realize Fred had just arrived and came up behind him. "Mum is trying to get into the spirit."

Harry hugged his brother. He had seen them all but just not here. "She didn't need to go to any effort."

George who was with his twin as well as their girlfriends laughed. "We already told you that cooking helps her relax."

Fred agreed. "She would be appalled at the suggestion she hold back."

Molly appeared in the doorway. "Merry Christmas."

Harry went and hugged her and kissed her cheek. "Merry Christmas Molly."

Molly hugged her sons and the girls. "Come in. There are gifts and then lunch to come."

All the kids were home with their partners. Those like the twins who had partners had been with their girlfriend's families the night before. Bill and Fleur had been here last night as they were headed to France for New Years. Harry was surprised to see Penelope there. Percy had got back together with her it seems after the final battle. He had dated another woman for a time but he and Penny found their way back together.

Harry smiled at the pile of gingerbread cookies by the fire. "How did I know?"

Molly was not surprised when he took two. "I know they are a favorite of a few of you."

Arthur was happy to see him. "Remus and Teddy were welcome to come with you."

Harry knew. "He is spending the day with the Tonks. They opted just for a quiet afternoon."

Molly motioned to the gifts. "Hopefully we will have some kids in a few years."

Bill and Fleur smiled as Bill gave his mother her gift. He handed her a box. "This is for you."

Molly was surprised when she found some balls of yarn. But she noticed the colors. "Pink and blue?"

Fleur explained. "We thought it might have been a while since you had bought those colors for your blankets."

Molly gasped as she realized what they were telling her. "You're pregnant?"

Bill found himself in a strangling hug. "Fleur is just over three months. We wanted to wait till safe."

News of her first grandchild was the perfect gift. Any time such news would be happy but after the horrible months they had it was even better. The promise of new life after the reminder of those she lost, with the trial, was a perfect gift for her. If the baby was born on time he or she would be born around the anniversary. As the others got into their gifts and enjoyed her cookies and hot chocolate, the mood at least was more merry then it may have been. Harry smiled when he received his usual sweater. It seemed knitting was like cooking in it relaxed her. The family spent the afternoon gathered around the dining room enjoying a huge lunch that could rival the school.

Harry raised a toast. "To everyone who isn't here with us to celebrate. And to a new baby and a new year with the promise of better days."

So Albus has met his much deserved end. More Harry and Lucius exploration to enjoy. Please continue to show your support.