Tribute to one of my favorite actors, Robbie Coltrane who brought to life Hagrid. Sad to hear of his loss.

Chapter 18 Aid

Lucius had gone to plan with the aurors but he too spent the night with his son. He was happy Draco was too young to understand. But Draco was already asking for Mummy. Narcissa may have had a nanny elf but she was a very hands on mum. Lucius' worst nightmare during his spy days were his actions would hurt his wife and son. He would not stop until they were all safe including his sister in law. They had to hide their bond during the war but the sisters were always close. Lucius was wishing he had backed up Narcissa when she tried to get her sister to move in. He thought it smart but the couple could choose. If Andromeda had been at the manor they would have all been safe.

Remus had vanished late that evening and Sirius worried. He knew Remus had opened the box from Arabella he was given. Remus had not told him what was in it. He came back and Sirius was too distracted to push. His mind was on his cousins.

In the morning the men were in wait. Lucius looked to him. "Where are the men?"

Sirius assured him. "We worked this out with Moody. You know he wanted you to leave it to us."

Lulus snarled. "I am not about to sit home and not fight for my wife or her sister. You know it."

Sirius calmed the man. "I do. As does Moody. Better we work together."

Lucius looked around. "Yet the only ones here are my men and us. And family."

Sirius agreed it was odd. He was about to assure the man when a voice came. "Are we ready?"

Lucius eyed Kingsley. "We have been in place for some time. So much for leaving it to you. Where is he?"

Sirius agreed. "I assumed Moody would lead the charge. He planned to last night."

Kingsley simply motioned the men he brought with him into place. "Something came up. We have it under control."

Sirius stopped Lucius. "If he isn't here there is good reason. Kingsley and I can lead our men."

Lucius grunted as he went to return to his spot. "If this fails….."

Sirius was as confused. "This isn't like Alastor. This was his plan."

Kingsley assured him. "He is part. We had an angle we missed."

Sirius focused on the beach and what needed to be done. He knew they had a small window and needed to be ready. He was worried where his mentor was. It wasn't that he or Kingsley had not led missions like this though he was usually with James or the Longbottoms. But Moody had been clear he would lead this one and most of the plan had been his. Sirius noticed fewer men had come and he could have sworn some were rookies. Moody normally would not bring them into this. He knew if Moody was gone, something big had happened.

They went into action though when they saw two figures appear on the beach. They remained in place until they saw a small boat appear. When it landed they saw a third figure and two more seated with bags over their head and bound. They activated a force field before going down.

The leader smirked. "Come to rescue your women how sweet. But we have places to be."

Lucius shot a hex at the man. "You are going no where. Saved us a short trip to send you away."

The man shot off his own hex and called to the other two. "Take them to the spot. I will deal with these."

The other man shouted though. "The portkey is not working."

Sirius growled. "Do you think we didn't put up wards? You are going no where. Where is Albus?"

The third man leered. "Albus who?"

Lucius leveled his wand at him. "Oh don't think I don't recognize you three. You are his little stooges."

The leader motioned. "Thanks for helping with the wards."

Sirius felt his skin prickle. "You are trapped like rats. Not going to get passed us all."

The man took something out. "Oh none of us are leaving. Not alive."

Lucius realized what it was and yelled. "Get everyone back now."

Sirius realized it was an explosive orb like a muggle bomb. "Get down now."

Sirius was quick to act and as he watched the others crouch for cover he did the one thing he could do. He sent the orb as far up into the sky within the wards hoping to minimize the damage. The last thing he remembered was a huge explosion of color in the sky before he was knocked out. He came around to ringing in the ears and looked at the men. No one seemed badly hurt just shaken. Though the three stooges were unconscious. Kingsley and he were shocked to find the men dead from some kind of poison. Albus covering his tracks as usual.

Lucius raced to the boat to see his wife. The two hooded figures were slumped over. Sirius went to his side but both were shocked to find two male bodies and not the women. They realized it had been a trick.

Lucius raged. "Where are they? Where are they?"

Sirius looked at Kingsley. "Moody? He knew?"

Kingsley had seen to the bodies sent off. "They were under the imperius curse. Untraceable like Fletcher."

Lucius practically lunged at the man. "Where is your boss? There is a reason he isn't here."

Sirius agreed. "He knew this was a trap. How? And where is he?"

Kingsley motioned them to follow. "Aberforth warned Remus. He was coerced but he got a message out."

Sirius stopped. "The box? I thought it was from Arabella."

"It was but the note was within."

Sirius realized. "That's where Moony was last night. He went to Moody."

Kingsley confirmed it. "They didn't trust him fully but another ally at school confirmed."

Lucius was furious. "Why send us? I should be getting my wife."

Kingsley explained even with the second source they hadn't been convinced. They knew they needed to cover both sites. Moody had taken the rest of the aurors and Remus with him. He was pretty confident Albus would not be at this spot and thought it safer to send Kingsley and the younger men here. Kingsley sent the younger men back to London and went to take the others to the spot.

He motioned them to be ready. "We don't know what we face when we arrive."


Moody had been suspicious about Aberforth from the start. He knew the brothers had issues but something hadn't sat right with him. It had all seemed too easy to him. When Remus appeared at his flat the night before he was shocked but not totally. Both men knew they had to take the warning seriously and had contacted an ally at school. There were a few who were far from loyal to Albus and could be trusted. When he confirmed they kicked into action. Moody knew they had to go to both sites and only told Kingsley of the change. Remus agreed to hold his tongue as long as he could come. He had his own skin in the game. Moody okayed it as he knew the man could hold his own.

They were shocked the man would be foolish enough to bring them so close to the school. But then again it was the least likely place for them to look. As they headed to the shack Remus had flashes as a teen but they were replaced.

He stopped Moody. "Pull the men back."

Moody was confused but he did. "What is wrong?"

Remus sniffed the air. "Bomb spells."

Moody was shocked. "It seems we don't need our resident dog."

Remus smirked a bit. "This close to a full moon my senses beat his any day."

Moody motioned to his men to proceed. "We will disarm them."

Remus was on alert. "We need to get in and out. He will be near."

A man called. "It's all clear."

Another said as they came close. "Good thing you came. May have blown up us and a chunk of town."

Remus and Moody were relieved but only in part. Albus was more dangerous then they thought if he risked blowing up part of town. They came into a room Remus knew all too well. It was a room he used during full moons when he had been in school. He had been confined here until the marauders took their forms and had been with him. He had not been back and hoped never to be. But he went.

Narcissa and Andromeda were found magically bound to chairs in the room. Remus and Moody worked to release the women as the other men looked for any other traps. Both women seemed okay, conscious and not hurt badly.

Narcissa the moment the gag was removed. "My son? Draco?"

Remus assured her. "Dobby did as you asked. He is safe with your mother at Black Manor."

Andromeda explained as she held her sister. "He told us he had Draco. That if we didn't cooperate….."

Moody grunted. "Lies. Now we have to get you out so we can deal with…"

A voice cut him off."You are going no where. Thanks for saving me a trip. Wipe out all of you in one go."

Remus growled at his former leader. "The others are safe. What do you gain?"

Albus came in. "Wipe out all the proof. Harry will be back in my control and I'll be minister soon."

Remus sneered. "You will never touch him again. Even if you managed to wipe us all out."

Moody motioned to him. "Get the women out of here. We will deal with this."

Remus forced the women to go but he didn't. "I am not about to hide."

Albus leveled his wand at him. "You can be the first one to go."

Remus avoided a hex. "You are out numbered old man. Going to blow yourself up too?"

Albus smirked. "Didn't notice the new wards that went up when you sent them off? Only I can leave."

Moody snarled when he realized it was true. "The men have already disarmed most of them."

Albus went to activate his portkey. "Not soon enough."

There was suddenly a snarl from behind and Albus was caught off guard at it. For a moment he thought Sirius but the man was dead and even if not he could not get through the wards. But he found himself tackled by a massive dog but not the one he expected. Hagrid's boarhound had launched at him and pinned him to the ground. Adder had been Hagrid's companion for almost a decade and there was no missing the dog. Moody took the moment to summon the portkey and to alter it for all of them. He sent off a spell to use Albus' wards for their own purpose. If the man activated the bombs only the shack and nothing else would go up. The town and anyone outside were safe.

Albus shot a spell at the dog who flew across the room. From the blood and angle the dog was dead. "Filthy beast won't stop me."

Hagrid outside the wards stood in horror. "No. No."

Sirius had come up behind him as the others arrived. "You will go down for all your victims, even the dog."

Albus growled."All here to die together then. I promise to raise your son well."

Sirius was livid. "He is safe with his grandfathers where you will never touch him. Even if you do succeed."

Albus set off the timers on the bombs. "I will get him." His hand went to his neck but found nothing. "No."

Moody activated the portkey to take them and the men. "Didn't notice the dog snatched it before you killed him?"

Albus was too late to act as the others were spirited away by the portkey. Moments later the entire shack exploded, contained by the wards. Moody and the others returned and watched until the flames burned out. The wards were brought down and they searched to ensure the man had not escaped. His charred corpse and that of the dog were found. Aberforth had told them Albus' necklace had been a portkey to their family home. Hagrid had sent his dog in to not only cause a distraction but to get the necklace off the man.

Moody turned to Aberforth when the men saw to the scene. "Your help saved many. We will ensure you get your family money."

Aberforth sighed. "I wish I had done more. But I could not let him continue."

Hagrid was sobbing. "Adder."

Sirius went to the big giant. "I am sorry he died. You know we never meant him harm."

Hagrid nodded. "He was a hero. He should be buried. He is my only family."

Some of the teachers had come. Filius assured him. "I will help transfer him. We'll find him a place."

Lucius looked at Minerva. "Its not official for now but you will be named head mistress."

Minerva was ashen as she found out all that happened. "I will do better then that man. I will protect lives."

Ted had arrived. "Lucius you should go home to your wife and son."

Lucius turned to him. "I would think you'd be there. I returned your wife too."

Ted smirked. "She sent me to bring her daughter home.I am not about to argue."

Sirius went to join him. "We both should."

Moody assured them he had the scene and to go. Albus' corpse would be sent to the prison burial as Aberforth had no intention to bury him. Filius kept his word to help Hagrid with his dog. The man was happy his dog helped but the loss would be rough. Adder had been a gift from Ogg before the man died. Ogg had trained Hagrid and Hagrid worked with him till 1970 when he retired. He had been a mentor to Hagrid. Months before he died eight years ago he gave Hagrid the dog. Hagrid hadn't been seen without him since then.

Lucius thought as he went to leave. "We'll have to find him a new dog."


Ted had only had minutes with his wife before sent. He knew part was she was shaken and seeing Narcissa with her son she wanted her daughter. Ted was no less anxious and he wanted his family reunited. Albus was gone and they could all return home. Tonks would continue her training but as she had before. The others were likely to return to Grimmauld as it was home. Ted knew his daughter would be told some but grateful she didn't have to be told her mother was missing. As much as Tonks was a daddy's girl she would have been lost without her mum.

Sirius was happy when he went with him to collect his son. Harry was finally safe for the first time in his life. Harry could learn his magic and have a normal life. Maybe he could meet the other Weasleys finally. He liked Bill and Charlie.

They smiled when Firenze brought them to the village and they saw both kids playing with Galrod. "He looks better."

Firenze smiled. "He was doing better this morning. He has been playing all morning."

"His temperature broke after you left." Pollux's voice came from behind. When they turned he added. "You are back. Can I take that as a good sign?"

Sirius gave him a short run down. He ended with. "He is finally safe. He is safe."

Pollux actually put a hand on him. "You ensured he is. I am sure he will be happy to see you."

Sirius returned the gesture and went with Ted. Harry saw them first. "Papa. Papa. Papa."

Tonks stood up and looked at her dad. "Is something wrong? You said last night…."

Ted smiled. "Your aunt is doing better and Mum is waiting. We came to bring you home."

Harry was happy as his dad held him but asked. "Grandpas?"

Galrod reminded the little boy. "I need to get home. But I will continue to visit you both."

Sirius added. "And Grandpa Pollux will continue to train you. Just at home."

Tonks actually hugged the elf. "Thank you. Sorry for being angry before."

The elf returned it. "You remind me so much of Elysian. I will see you soon."

Harry and Tonks said their goodbyes to the centaurs and an elf was sent for their stuff and the cat. Zar was likely happiest to go as he hadn't taken to being in the woods. The kids had fun but they were happy to be going home as well. Tonks missed her mom, auror lectures and all. And Harry missed not only Papa but the other grandpas including the painting. Orion had not been brought to the forest and Harry missed him. And his grandmother as well. All the Blacks were waiting, and Malfoys when they got back. Tonks happily sunk into the arms of her mum.

Tonks was told little but that Albus was gone and they were safe. She wasn't told about her mother and aunt being taken and almost killed. She was happy to be going home though. The manor was cool and would continue her studies but she missed her family.

Harry happily went to Walburga who he missed. "Grammy."

The woman took him."I have missed you. How about we go see grandpa?"

Ted directed his daughter. "Go pack and we can head home soon."

Tonks went to run off. "I'll be back."

Lucretia sunk into a chair when she was gone and they heard the full story. "The family is safe. And the boys can go home."

Druella smirked. "Not a moment too soon. They were meant to weeks ago."

Lucretia reminded her. "I decide when guests leave. I remind you that you are also one."

Narcissa stepped in. "I thought mother you may stay with us a bit."

Druella looked at her daughter. "I assume some time with you and my grandson would be welcome."

Sirius clapped Lucius on the back. "Your mother and grandfather in law under your roof? May work more."

Pollux smirked but said. "I will be remaining here. It will be better for training."

Sirius reminded him. "Grimmauld is my home. We are only here due to Albus and he is gone."

Arcturus agreed though. "It has worked well so far. And the boy thrives with all three."

Fleamont spoke up before he could. "I have agreed to stay. It seems to work."

Sirius sighed. "Fine."

He knew it was good and Harry had thrived with all three. They certainly had more privacy here then at Grimmauld. Harry's playroom had been set up and he was happy with all the animals here. Even with Albus gone his son needed to learn his elf powers and this made sense. He was just relieved they had all made it back in one piece and Albus was the only casualty. Well and unfortunately Adder.

Tonks and her parents stayed for a late lunch. Bill and Charlie were a bit sad to be told they were going home the next day. Their aunt assured them she would have them back soon. They were happy as she was far better than Muriel or Tessy.

Harry was sad when told Tonks was going and the boys the next day. "Miss. Sandy."

Bill smiled. "Hopefully we can make another soon and maybe you can come visit. You'd like our house."

Charlie agreed. "We have a brother your age. Not as cool but you may like the twins."

Harry looked at his Papa. "Pees."

Sirius smiled. "I am sure we will soon. Now it is okay."

Lucretia shot her nephews a look. "You will remember your promise."

Bill assured her. "Not a word to Mum. Trust me we don't want to be stuck there."

Charlie agreed. "Or Aunt Tessy's. She smells like cats."

Harry thought that sounded good. "Kits?"

Sirius groaned. "Maybe the boys will take you to the barns to see the cats. After you say bye to Tonks."

Harry did just that and happily went off with the boys as the others finished. Sirius later joined Remus in the den who would also remain. Sirius knew the man was still in pain over Arabella and he found Moony with the box. It had been a gift from Arabella even with the warning. It was full of photos and other items Remus remembered. A photo of him with both his mom and Arabella , and another of him with Arabella and her husband he held close. It hurt a lot all four were gone. He was lucky he had Sirius and Harry. Sirius surprised him by making a frame for the two. The others would remain in the box with other items. Those two he knew Remus would want close.

Remus sighed. "I wish we stopped him before she died. But she'd be relieved Harry was safe."

Sirius agreed. "And you. I am sure she watches."

AN: So Albus is gone. And Harry is safe and living with all three grandpas. But everything wont stay quiet forever. Not all fluff.

Yes Hagrid's poor dog a bit braver then Fang. Fang the pup will be found for him.