Upon leaving Dumbledore's company, Eric made a straight path back to Hagrid's hut. Drawing his clothes back on, he turned to find his old guardian waiting for him. "Well, Eric! It's been ages, boy." Reaching forward, he drew Eric into a massive hug. "How've yeh been?"

Eric drew himself stiffly. "Well: I've been kidnapped, transformed into a wolven beast, hounded by the Ministry, banished from London, blindly punished all year, and ultimately expelled. How has your year been?" It came out a bit more bitterly than Eric intended, but only slightly.

Hagrid drew himself up uncertainly. "Um, well, I'm sorry I wasn't there. I've been a bit busy, y'see."

Eric nodded. "Yes, I know. You've been running errands, helping giants, and generally following Dumbledore's instructions. I'm sure it's all important, but when were you going to let me in on it?"

Hagrid paused at that. "Well, it was kinda secret, y'see. I couldn' tell anyone – even you." He sat down closer to Eric. "It doesn't mean that I don't still care about yeh, boy!"

Eric, however, stood up away from him. "I know. It's just, well, you've always been my family. But now, when I need family the most, you're off running Dumbledore's errands. I don't know when or even if you'll ever be back. Now I've got troubles of my own, and I don't have you to turn to, anymore."

Hagrid swayed back slightly. "Well, hum, I don't know what to say..."

"I do." The stately figure of Professor Dumbledore stepped out from around a corner. "The boy needs to go back to his family."

Hagrid stood up suddenly. "Perfessor – didn't hear you come up over there."

"No, I don't expect that you would have. That is of no matter. What does matter is that about fifteen years ago you said that if we found Eric's family and they met with your approval, he would be returned to them. Tell me – do you have any reservations about the Peals?"

"Well, er, nosir. It's just that they never asked for him proper-like." The giant shifted on his feet uncertainly.

"Well now they have, and I approve of their decision. It is high time that the boy was returned to his proper family, and the sooner the better."

Now it was Eric's turn to voice uncertainty. "Well, sir, there may be a problem ..."

Dumbledore smiled to him. "No, my boy, there are actually no problems at all. I am well aware of the matters that surround your circumstances. We will be talking about them at length. For the meantime, be advised that you are on probation for as much time as I deem necessary. Much has happened that needs to be worked through, and I will expect your co-operation." Dumbledore turned to Hagrid. "Would you excuse us, please?"

"Well, um, a'course sir." Hagrid moved back into his home, looking back at Eric one last time.

"Now that we can speak freely – you've cast a fatal spell, is that correct?"

Eric nodded. "It wasn't meant to be. It was just supposed to stun him. Things just, well, got out of hand."

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, that's what happens when powerful magic is released – and you are powerful, make no mistake. Your course of study was meant to bring out the best in you, and in many ways it has. However, I fear I've neglected your education in two important aspects. The first is a proper respect for the potential you possess. The second is an ethical foundation to guide your actions. This will need to be remedied in your upcoming years so that you will be ready for graduation."

"Um, Professor? I think I'm Voldemort's grandson."

"Great-grandson, actually. Don't look so surprised, I surmised this a while ago. However, it makes no difference. You are your own person. Who you will be depends entirely upon you."

Eric sighed heavily. "I wish I was never involved in any of this."

The professor nodded again. "Most of us wish that. Perhaps we can do something about it. Now: I have to take poor Dolores into the school. This has all been a terrible ordeal for her. I suggest you find your own way back to your dormitory." Dumbledore left and turned a corner, helping up the frazzled School Inquisitor.

As Professor Dumbledore escorted Dolores Umbridge, Eric made his own way back to the school. In all honesty it was a relief not to be scrutinized, for he was way beyond being able to answer any questions. When he finally entered the main staircase, he passed the Ravenclaw rooms, choosing instead to return to the darkness at the bottom landing. He needed the peace and quiet to think.

He lost track of how long he had been down there before he heard footsteps. Looking up, he saw the smiling face of Katie Bell. "It seems I'm always finding you down here. Are you all right?"

Eric nodded. "Fine, thanks. It's just – I needed to be alone for a while."

She smiled in reply. "I understand. It's just, well, Naomi's my cousin. She's always been the weird one, maybe that's why I like her the best. I wanted to thank you for rescuing her."

He shook his head. "They were trying to get to me. If it wasn't for me, she wouldn't have been in danger."

Katie sighed. "Eric, there's a world of possibilities out there, and an even bigger world of might-have-beens. You did what you had to with what you were given, and in the end the good guys won this fight. You should be proud, or at least relieved." She set a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I'm going back to the main hall – it's pretty close to dinnertime. Are you coming?"

Eric nodded. "I just need a few more minutes. Tell Naomi I'm on my way."

As Katie wandered up the stairway, Eric pondered his surroundings. For whatever reason, the darkness always seemed to protect him in the past. Now it was closing in, and it was beginning to get rather uncomfortable. Maybe it would be better if he got out of it more. Maybe he had no choice.

As he was about to walk up the stairs, he heard another sound. Turning about, he found himself facing the most well-known face in the school. "Harry?"

Harry Potter stepped out of the shadows. "Hi Eric. How are you doing?"

Eric was a bit surprised. Harry was always nice enough, but it wasn't like they had ever been real friends. "Better. Things have just been a little crazy."

He smiled. "Yeah, I heard. Um, can I ask you something – well, kind of personal?"

"Sure." Eric couldn't imagine what Harry might ask. Maybe he was having girl trouble.

"There's a rumor that you killed someone."

Eric was stunned for a moment, having to take a deep breath to recover. "Yes...?"

Harry suddenly leaned closer to him, as if trying to hide a dark secret. "What was it like?"