August 21st. Ministry of Magic.

It has been just five hours after the article about the Order of the Phoenix has been released, and in these tfive short hours, the entirety of the Magical Britain had been rocked to the core. This singular event has already proven to have consequences that will still be felt throughout Britain and even Europe for decades to come, as the article didn't just expose Dumbledore as a leader of essentially ant-Ministry cabal. No, it had also contained the key for Amelia Bones to launch her own campaign of capture and destruction of the Order. The scale of her actions already began to rival those of the witch hunts of long past times, and she was just starting.

Thanks to the information gathered not just by Tonks and Shacklebolt, but by also what she had learned from her husband Gabriel and her brother, Lord Bones, Amelia had the complete list of all and every member of this little cabal. And she wasted no time, sending out her cleaned up Auror Department, bolstered by loyal Hit Wizards, trained militia wizards prepared by Alastor Moody, and that's not to mention 200 fully armed and trained High Elven Witchers, specially trained warriors, best in dealing against Wizards and Witches. Amelia would have to thank Henry once she went to see him today for those fighters, as they've already rounded up 4 full Houses that had supported Dumbledore and were his indirect puppets, along with near 60 members of the Order.

While it may've seemed like the Order was a relatively small and closed up organization, which it was back in the past, this was no longer the case in the present. Dumbledore, along with Potters and many other Phoenix members, had used the time after the death of Voldemort and now to greatly expand and strengthen their position in the Magical Britain. Members, supporters, informants, sympathizers and more- numbering in hundreds in all spheres of magical society, with a sizable number of them serving in the Ministry.

Thanks to late Tonks' work, Amelia had uncovered that well over 40 Aurors were working on Dumbledore, either in secret, indirectly or directly, and that's not to mention over a hundred Hit Wizards and many other Ministry's branches. Some of them, those that weren't fully aware of them working on Dumbledore, as they were commanded by those that were directly under Dumbledore, had come to Bones and shared what they had known about their bosses, along with confirming their allegiance to the Ministry.

These, along with those that had long abandoned the Order's cause and were pressured into it, like Houses Longbottom, Patil, Abbott and others, were spared the worst of the witch hunts and had agreed to cooperate. In case of Francis Longbottom, a longtime friend of Amelia and her de-facto second-in-command, was more happy to help out in bringing down Dumbledore, having grown disillusioned with the work that the Order had done in the past, along with being haunted with the memories of the most vile and cruel crimes that were committed by him in name of Order. Amelia was well aware of those crimes, and she knew that Gabriel had also participated in the least savory actions of the Order against Death Eaters and their supporters, and having seen how it tormented her late husband and now torments Frank, allowed him to help her. And his help had been invaluable, as they were in her office, with Frank reporting the progress to her.

"439 arrested Wizards, with over 40 of them being of the noble birth and 188 being from the Ministry. That's just over five hours, and there are far more members and supporters whom we still search for." Frank reported to Amelia. "I personally expect at least the additional four hundred arrests by the noon time, and that's me being pragmatic. In all honesty, it will take us at least several weeks just to get all of the members of the Order in Britain, and Dumbledore has made sure to web his net over as much of our society as he could. I doubt that even his current supporters know the full extent of his power and influence, and I doubt that late Shacklebolt's and Tonks' information was entirely accurate."

"The old bastard has been spreading his web for well over 20 years. With his resources, fame, abilities and positions, especially after the Magical War, he could've recruited a literal army of spies, collaborators and more." Amelia pointed out, looking at the map of the Magical Britain. "Something tells me that Dumbledore had been amassing all of this power and forces for more than just securing his and his allies' agendas and interests. Could he had possibly known about the return of Voldemort, or was he preparing to stage a coup agaisnt Ministry?"

"The former is more likely, in my mind. He could've taken over the Ministry years ago, as he had been offered the position of Minister right after Bagnold resigned the office, but didn't. No, he was preparing for the Dark Lord's return, and didn't even warn anyone that the snake bastard had somehow managed to survive." Much like some of the more reasonable and clear headed Wizards, Lord Longbottom had already figured out that Voldemort was back. "But I wouldn't put it past Dumbledore to use this situation to subtly take over the Ministry, without alienating the majority of the people."

"I agree." Amelia nodded. "Now, what's the situation with the Noble Houses and those that come forth confessing? Also, what's the status of former Potters, Weasleys and Dumbledore in general?"

"There are over 76 Noble Houses that had supported Dumbledore politically and had some form of alignment to the Order, and 51 of those said Houses had come forth and surrendered to us. Most of them were with Dumbledore just because it was in their personal interests and provided them with what they needed: political influence, alliance with stronger Houses, etc." Frank informed her. "Of the 25 that hadn't come forth, 12 were already subdued and captured by either our Department, or by those Elven Witchers that Le Fay had sent us. If you don't mind me asking, how did you convince him to lend us a hand in this crisis, and in such a short notice?"

"Prince Le Fay and late Nymphadora Tonks were… involved with each other, and her death has had a very profound effect on his personal disposition, especially after I had informed him about the details of her death." Amelia lied to Frank, who believed her. "Let's just say that Prince Le Fay now has a very personal interest in cleaning up the mess caused by Dumbledore, and was more than eager to provide us with his troops. Official version for the public will be different, of course, so don't go around and tell everyone about it."

"You know me, Amelia. I'm not one to spew out secret information without care. Still, I am glad that we've got him on our side, and I'm even gladder that he isn't after my head." Frank admitted, before continuing. "Now, as for James, Lily, their brat and Weasleys, we've had far less success then I wish. We only got Arthur, who was one of the first we've managed to arrest, and his twin sons who came to us of their own accord and surrendered. Arthur's eldest, Bill, had moved to Canada about a month ago and had cut off his connection with his family. His employers, Canada's branch of Gringotts Bank, confirmed it. Percy is clean, as you know, but about all the rest of them, along with other 4 Noble Houses, we've been unable to reach them. They've managed to disappear before we were able to get to them, and we've got not much of free forces to search for them."

"Most, if not all of them, had certainly fled to Hogwarts, right to their master." Amelia spoke up. "With Dumbledore as the Headmaster there and Hogwarts' wards active still, those Houses, as well as any and all of those rats that we haven't caught would've retreated there or holed up somewhere safe. And what has been always taught to us in the childhood?"

"That there is no safer place than Hogwarts." Frank recalled. "If that is the case, then we have a problem. Those wards, not to mention such a number of trained Wizards of various calibers, would be able to hold off any capture group sent after them. And we don't have the numbers to ensure that none flee once we start taking the castle. We need a literal army to take it, not to mention a large number of powerful Wizards and Spell Breakers just to punch a hole in Hogwarts' wards."

"And Le Fay has both the army, and the Wizards and Spell Breakers on his side, not to mention that he could simply walk all of his troops inside, seeing as he is Lord Slytherin and has a full legal right and claim on the place." Amelia sighed. "He may be after Dumbledore, but he isn't someone to blindly go and do someone's bidding. We'll have to be ready to make concessions for his cooperation, possibly even give some of the territories to him in exchange for his forces and help."

"Why not give him Hogwarts and the territories of Southern Scotland? Those were officially lands of the Founder Houses and since he is the Lord of Slytherin, he does have a legal claim on at least some of them. We can promise him those lands and the castle for his support." Frank suggested. "There are some 12 Houses living in those lands, but that's not too much and they aren't the most influential Houses, like Greengrass and McLaggen, who had had pledged his support to Le Fay as his vassal, from what I had heard."

"He might agree to that, and it's clear that the kids will have to adjust to homeschooling for the time being, at least for a year. Until we clean this mess and check Hogwarts for all of Dumbledore's secrets and other things, the school is closed up." Amelia stated. "I believe I can convince Henry Le Fay to take this deal, or I'll be able to make Rose convince him. He listens to her more than anyone."

"And after what James and Lily had done with her, it shouldn't be much of a challenge to convince her in helping us. Had it been Harry, he would've helped us without us asking for it." Frank noted to Amelia. "Now all that remains are to makes sure that Minister approves of it all. Have you been able to contact him or not?"

"Our Minister had clearly been tired from the festivities last night and has yet to appear or respond by Floo to my calls to him." Amelia simply stated to Frank, until the door in her office swung open.

The two senior Aurors turned around and saw how Minister of Magic and his favorite lackey Dolores Umbridge had made their way inside of her office, both looking like they were prepared to murder them both. Amelia and Frank, in whom she trusted, had suspected that Dumbledore had managed to twist Minster around his finger and could use him to any extent he saw fit. And seeing how Fudge was quick to change one patron for another, with no regard for the aftermath of his actions, it was obvious that he wasn't exactly suited for seat of the Minister. Taking a deep breath Amelia spoke up.

"Minister, so good of you to finally join us. I was half tempted to send a squad of Aurors, to ensure you are safe and sound." Amelia spoke up.

"Amelia, what is the meaning of all this?!" Fudge shouted at her, almost hysterical. "Hundreds of arrests of the law-abiding citizens, interrogations and detention of Ministry workers, not to mention this utter hogwash!" He threw the newspaper right in Amelia's face, but she managed to catch it before it hit her face.

"As I am sure you are aware, I am just doing my duty as the Head of the DMLE, and right now, that means that I have ensure that Magical Britain is safe and rid of the conspirators that aim to undermine Ministry's power." Amelia simply explained to him. "The Daily Prophet simply reported what is true, and although I wish the timing was different, it still caught the point of this entire situation, Minister. I…"

"I don't care whatever your damn excuse may be, Bones! This is clearly just another one of your attempts to undermine my power and authority, and I will not stand for this!" Fudge shouted at her, with both Bones and Longbottom looking at him as if he was a lunatic. "You've arrested unjustly all of my major supporters, not to mention upstanding citizens of our society and all the good working people of the Ministry, all so that you could seize power for yourself, while using this so-called 'Order of Phoenix' as excuse in overthrowing me!"

"You are a fool if you think we haven't foreseen such an event happening, Madam Bones." Umbridge spoke sickeningly sweetly. "I had long reported to the Minister of your long growing desires to establish your dictatorship over the Magical Britain and overthrow the legitimate government. No excuse will now save you, not that we have the evidence of your treachery, provided to us by the Chief Warlock."

"So, you two really are now in Dumbledore's pocket, aren't you?" Frank sounded almost amused, as he saw their outraged looks. "Did he promise you his support in the re-elections, or did he fill up your pockets with galleons to get you on his side so soon after you've shunned him? Either way, it doesn't really matter, because there is no saving him or the Order now, not when the evidence is rock solid and there are dozens of eager witnesses and confessions, detailing all that is needed to ensure that the old schemer ends up feeding the worms in the ground."

"It doesn't bloody matter!" Fudge screamed at them both, before panting, while a group of four Aurors arrived in the cabinet with them. "Aurors! Arrest these two on the charges of treason, attempted coup d'état, subterfuge and etc.!" The Aurors looked around each other and then at their boss, not doing anything to execute the order.

"You've heard what your Minister had ordered you! Take those two conspirators and lock them up in the Azkaban!" Dolores practically screeched at them. "Aurors, I command you…"

"Men, arrest Cornelius Fudge and Dolores Umbridge for obstructing legal investigation of national importance, collaboration with terrorists, multiple bribes, multiple cases of abusing position and obstruction of a legal investigation and fabrication of false charges agaisnt Harry James Potter." Amelia simply ordered her Aurors, with the four immediately nodding and without another word, grabbing a hold of the two and dragging them out of the office.

"Obstruction of legal investigation and fabrication of false charges against Harry Potter?" Frank asked of Amelia. "But I thought that the evidence…"

"Witnesses of four major Dumbledore pawns, no consecutive investigation launched after the incident, trial within several days of the incident, not to mention no defense for the accused, right to speak up or any strong clear evidence of impartial nature to prove the accusations being correct." Amelia listed just some of the clear evidences she found in reviewing Harry's case. "I was not even allowed on the trial, as I would've found out the truth and not allowed it happen. No, Harry Potter had been innocent and had been thrown into Azkaban's bowels for over 2 years for no good reason, other than that he didn't agree with Dumbledore and was a black sheep of the family."

"Holy mother of God…" Frank sounded mortified after hearing it all. "And I've been on that trial and… I-I can't believe that I didn't even think that he was innocent. I... We all just… He was my Godson and Alice and I, we…" The realization that he had voted to send his innocent Godson to Azkaban to die and didn't hesitate, even knowing the kid better than even his own parents, was too much to simply handle.

"You want to make it up to him, Frank? Then stop admonishing yourself and deal with the Order and people that had betrayed him and sent him to die." Amelia simply stated to him, before moving to her Floo portal. "We need to secure Hogwarts as soon as possible, so I'm going to Le Fay and request his help in this. You are in charge of things until I return. Understood?"

"Y-yes." Frank nodded to her, with Amelia not even responding and teleporting away, while he was left alone in the cabinet, contemplating the mistake he had made the day he sent Harry to Azkaban.

Albion's Hearth.

"The Witcher teams in our lands are reporting capturing over 100 Wizards and Witches already. They will be turning them over to the Ministry's authorities shortly." Hirandyl reported to his liege. "However, many of the noble wizarding families have either surrendered or fled their holdings in the kingdom. The Witchers report that they were in a hurry and didn't fortify their mansions' wards, as they've had no difficulty in getting in."

"The majority of those families, according to my own sources, are surrendering to Amelia, as predicted." Lord Greengrass spoke up. "They aren't interested in going down with Dumbledore, and those that aren't surrendering are either too deeply involved, or are in denial of the entire situation. Three of the Houses that haven't turned themselves in had requested protection from House Greengrass and other Neutral and Dark families, but it was denied to them. Not even Voldemort and his supporters are willing to get involved in this mess. However, it would appear that the majority of Houses and supporters of Dumbledore that are still at large had managed to disappear from all radars. My guess is that they've found their way to Hogwarts before the Aurors and Witchers had come for them."

"My sisters have told me that Hogwarts' wards had flared up in power and are active now in full force." Wendy spoke up. "I'm afraid that without powerful magic, only my sisters and I will be able to enter and leave without any trouble, or you will have to go through Forbidden Forest. But if anyone tries to leave Hogwarts through air, Sylphs will take them down."

"Seers and huntresses in the Forest have reported that a large number of Wizards and Witches, along with their children, have been arriving in Hogwarts for some time now. Thanks to our magic, we were able to determine that the number is close that of still missing criminals, of whom we have information and knowledge of." Neriada informed the Council and Prince Le Fay. "I've ordered the huntresses to spread out through the woods and seize any and all that try going through them."

"My Centaurs also assist in this endeavor, Your Highness." Chiron spoke up as well.

Henry nodded to them all, analyzing what he had heard from his vassals and Councilors. So far, everything was going according to his predictions and expectations, with nothing to be worried about, but he wasn't going to let his guard down now. This was perhaps the most crucial moment of this entire spectacle and he had to act quickly and decisively, if he was to deal the mortal wound to the Order and take Dumbledore down.

Those were the reasons why he had ordered, without prior notification of Amelia, the deployment of Night Elven 1500 strong army in the Forbidden Forest right after the downfall of House Potter, along with hundreds Sylphs, Dryads and Centaurs. That's not to mention 500 High Elven warriors, over a hundred Werewolves, 40 Dhampirs and 20 Jotunns in a dangerously close proximity to Hogsmeade, prepared to take it, with or without a fight.

He wasn't going to be taking any chances with Dumbledore and his supporters, and he wasn't going to be charging in recklessly and without plan into Hogwarts. No, not this time or ever again. This time, he will make full use of his resources and position he is in. He was Prince Le Fay, ruler of practically all of magical races in Magical Britain, with their oaths of loyalty secured to him and their faith in him strong. What's the point of being a ruler if you weren't going to put your armies to use in defeating your enemies?

Harry turned his attention to Skadhi and spoke up to her.

"Skadhi, are your spell casters are in place?" He asked of her, with her eagerly nodding.

"Right outside of the wards and waiting for my command. Once the order is given, not a living soul will be able to escape the castle and its grounds. The runes have all been placed and now await the command." Skadhi reported to Henry. "I assume that you personally shall head over there and secure your ancestral lands, won't you? If so, I ask to accompany you in this endeavor."

"Milord, with all due respect, it wouldn't be wise of you to set foot there. Dumbledore would've most likely prepared for your arrival and taken precautions, especially once he realized your previous identity." Alucard spoke up. "Perhaps, it would be wiser to let someone else handle this situation. Lady Rias, for an example, along with some of our commanders or us personally in command of the forces, could handle this with not much difficulty."

"I certainly wouldn't mind stretching my legs a bit, and I am mildly curious to see Hogwarts of this era, but don't you trust me to lead the forces of House Le Fay effectively?" Rias asked of Alucard, but it was Rose that responded.

"They, along with their people and forces, have all pledged their loyalty to House Le Fay and my brother personally." Rose's statement was all that Rias needed to hear.

"Ah, my mistake. Apologies, but if you do intend to go there by yourself, I offer my services to you in this task as a companion and protector." Rias spoke to Henry. "Since my Mother can't set foot in Hogwarts, and after her, I am the strongest magical user at your disposal, it would be illogical not to put my services to use."

"Aren't you a bit overly eager to prove yourself to Henry here? I recall you being not too eager to follow him just a few days ago, and now, you are practically throwing yourself at him. Forgive me, but I find this sudden shift of personality a tad suspicious." Skadhi spoke up. "I don't doubt the power of Irene, but who is to say that you yourself aren't after the throne? And the situation seems like quite a fortunate way to get your position of power secured via a tragic accident in the Hogwarts, so to speak."

"You know, in the past, I would've pulverized you into nothing for even implying that I would do what you think." Rias said to Skadhi in a dangerously low tone, before returning to normal. "But, given the fact of me actually going up agaisnt Henry here, I'll let this one go. As for my eagerness you've noticed, I have my own personal interest in all of this. These people had set me against my own House and were prepared to take away everything owned by House Le Fay in case of my success. That's not to mention that there is an object of great emotional importance to me in that castle, which I really want returned to me. And I do wish to protect the current Prince Le Fay, if only to make sure he is capable of repopulating our House with trueborn Le Fay children. Does this answer satisfy you?"

"Oh? And how would you describe those 'trueborn Le Fay children' to us all here?" Skadhi smiled mischievously at Rias, who had a small amount of blush on her cheeks.

"Skadhi, you can tease Rias all you want after this affair is behind us. And yes, I am going there, and I am not going there alone. You and Rias will accompany me, along with a full company of those Night Elven Rangers. I believe they all have personal invisibility cloaks and are trained in magical arts?" Night Elven Queen nodded to Henry. "Excellent, once Amelia comes and gives the green light, we'll depart. Rose, the castle and lands are on you, so you know what to do."

"Don't worry. I'll be here, with over a thousand High Elven guards and a literal Devil protecting me." Rose dryly replied. "Just don't forget to find that Diadem while you are out there. That is, if you have the idea of where it could be in that castle?"

"Why do you think he has agreed to take me along for the ride?" Rias asked Rose in a bit of a playful manner. "It did take me some effort, but I have come up with all the possible places where my Diadem could be, with one place on which both he and I agree would be most appropriate to hide it in. And I know the location of said place, and how to safely deal with the unwanted occupant of my diadem."

"What about House Black and Regulus? It was my understanding that they would most certainly like to be involved as well in this matter." Greengrass asked of Harry.

"Regulus and Arcturus are conducting their own business, related to our other enemy. They are currently too preoccupied with this, while Bellatrix is with Andromeda and Ted, and I won't involve them in this one." Harry simply stated to them all. "Now, is there anything else any of you would like to add?" None had anything more to state. "Then the meeting is adjourned." The Councilors and participants of today's Council rose up and left the chambers, before Irene appeared before Henry and spoke up.

"Lady Bones has graced us with her presence. She requests an audience." Irene reported with a smile.

Harry as well as everyone in the room already understood what this meant. The green light was given to them.

Hogwarts.

Hogwarts, the most prestigious magical school in all of magical World, the self-proclaimed safest place in all of Magical Britain, was now the last safe place for the supporters and members of the Order of Phoenix, along with their leader, Albus Dumbledore, who for the first time in many, many years, was fuming inwardly at this entire situation. The Leader of the Light hadn't been a prideful or arrogant man, as no Leader of Light would ever hold said qualities in his mind, as he was simply a determined and willful person when need be. However, now Albus had to face the facts and the truth.

And the truth was that he had made a grievous mistake with Harry Potter, and now that very mistake had come to back to not just bite him in his bottom, but to gnaw at his throat and rip it apart. He had to admit that he should've paid more attention to the eldest of Lily and James, possibly played a vital part in his upbringing and molding him as his possible successor. Harry had certainly possessed the potential, power and a great deal of qualities that Dumbledore had appreciated in people.

However, along with that, Albus also knew that the boy was influenced far too much by Charlus and Dorea, the two people that had never been able to accept his vision of Light and the World. That along with Henry's imbedded hatred for his own parents, callous disposition towards authorities and abnormal thirst for knowledge well beyond his reach had reminded Dumbledore far too much of Tom Riddle. He couldn't allow another Dark Lord to rise, nor a possibility on even the smallest of scales that there could be someone like Voldemort, so Dumbledore had decided instead of guiding already dangerous person to eliminate him. A task in which he had failed.

Still, he couldn't help but actually feel impressed by the grandson of Dorea and Charlus, who had managed to overcome so much and rose up above his foolish, gullible parents and younger brother. Perhaps, he should've claimed him to be the Boy-Who-Lived instead of William and molded him appropriately. Then again he was already far too much like Gabriel and Michael back then. And while those two had truly believed in the Light and fought for it, they weren't true followers of Dumbledore's vision and his Light, and had rejected it. It was a shame to put them both down, but sacrifices had to be made for the true Light and true Greater Good, and no victory has ever been secured without the blood of virtuous people.

Turning away from his past dealings, Albus had returned back in the reality and present, and the present was looking grim for him. He had underestimated Henry, badly, and now it had cost him decades of careful and meticulous work. The Order of the Phoenix, his pride and jewel of his mastermind, was now public knowledge and its members were hunted down like animals. He did not expect late Nymphadora Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt, along with Alastor Moody, to have acquired through her membership in this Order so much information regarding his Order. They had effectively managed to gain more nine tenths of all identities of Albus' supporters and collaborators, not to mention all of the supporters from the nobility.

This was a catastrophe, and one that needed to be quickly solved, or otherwise Albus would be forced to lose, something he would never allow himself to do. He didn't hold any hope that Fudge, the fool he was, would be able to even put up a fight against Amelia, much less stop her. No, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was now out for blood, and with Henry on her side, they were after his blood primarily. The fact that he had allowed all those supporters that had fled being captured to come here just painted an even bigger target on Dumbledore. He was quickly coming to the realization that the Order from an asset was becoming a ballast and garbage for him. And Dumbledore wasn't one to hold on to anything that may impede his plans.

For the Greater Good and the Light, sacrifices must always be made, and this time, the Order in its entirety would have to serve as such sacrifice. In order for Dumbledore to ultimately achieve his victory, his absolute and total victory over all of Evil and Darkness, he would have to return his focus to his most important project, one that had been his crowning jewel and peak of his greatness and mastery over magic. He had intended it to be finished years ago, with the help of the Philosopher's Stone, had it not been lost somehow, but even without it, his tireless work was almost at its end and once it was all done and complete, nothing would stand between Dumbledore and victory, not even Harry Potter.

Let him and Amelia chase around Britain, let them prowl upon the Order and its remains, it mattered not anymore, because in the long run, Dumbledore was already on his path to victory. Hogwarts had also served its purposes and held no further need or interest for him, so with the clear conciseness, Dumbledore could leave it to Harry and his cronies. All those that had pledged their loyalty and swore to Dumbledore would have to become martyrs for his dream, and the thought of them sacrificing their lives and freedoms for his goal warmed Dumbledore's heart, even if those same martyrs didn't know of it. Even James and his family would have to go, if the Greater Good is to be achieved.

Standing up from his chair and being joined by his trusted companion Fawkes, Albus moved to his own quarters, before reaching an ancient looking mirror. Dumbledore had already sensed that there were Sylphs in the air and that they could block Phoenix's magic from afar, which had forced Albus to seek different means of escape. Fortunately he wasn't one without a second way of escape, as he tapped with his Elder Wand the mirror and it displayed not the Chief Warlock, but the place of his interest.

With a small smile upon his lips, Dumbledore stepped right through the mirror and disappeared forever from Hogwarts.

10 minutes later.

"What the hell do you mean that Dumbledore had disappeared?!" James roared at Minerva, as the uproar in the great hall intensified to an unimaginable scale.

All of the remaining most loyal to the Order and Dumbledore people had all gathered in Hogwarts, having been declared the enemies of the state and main targets for hunt by Aurors and the treacherous Ministry. They had come here to seek shelter, to regroup and gain guidance from Dumbledore, their leader and one that was the Leader of the Light, only instead of a leader and strong influence on them all, as well as salvation, they found nothing. Albus Percival Wulfrick Brian Dumbledore was nowhere to be found. Minerva just informed them all about, having used her limited power over Hogwarts to find Dumbledore, who refused to so far to reveal himself to them.

Instead of finding him, she found nothing, and his remnants of the Order were in panic after hearing about it. All of them had hoped in despair to find their ultimate savior, their guide and de-fact grandfather here to welcome and comfort them, to solve all their trouble as he had always done. Only instead of that, they found nothing of that sort. And the grim, dark realization began to settle in their minds, one that none had wanted to believe in, yet it crept in ever closer to their hearts and minds. The realization that their leader and mentor had abandoned them all… This was truly a horrific thought, one that was incomprehensible to them all, as they all thought and yet…

"But if he is not here, what will we do then?" William asked out loud. "You didn't look too well. He can simply be away from the castle. Probably he's already dealing with this entire mess as we speak!"

"Yes, he is probably in the Ministry already, taking charge of things and releasing all of our friends and family!" Molly supported in near hysteria William, with some others also doing so… until they heard a dark chuckle and clapping.

A large crowd of Wizards and Witches turned to the entrance into the great Hall, only to see Harry Potter walking towards them, accompanied by two equally beautiful women of unnatural appeal and beauty at his either side. And as he walked towards them, he laughed and clapped to them all, before he stopped a fair distance away from them all and ceased his clapping, speaking to them all.

"Oh, you poor unfortunate souls, how desperate you all must be, to yet cling to this flimsy hope that Dumbledore shall make everything right for you…" Harry said to no one in particular with smile. "Well, allow me to shatter any and all belief in a happy ending in this situation for you all. Upon my magic and life, I swear that Dumbledore is not in the Ministry and that he is not doing anything to stop what is happening now, nor does anyone know where he is." Golden glow confirmed that the truth of Harry's words, shattering their all combined hopes.

"Y-you lie!" Ginny cried out from the crowd to Harry, with some others doing so as well.

"How? There is no way you can just deceive magic when it comes to Magical Oaths, and I swore one just now, didn't I?" Harry smiled to them all. "Face it, all of you: Dumbledore has left you all here to die in his place. I am actually not even surprised he did so. In fact, I was expecting him to do so right after he understood, that all of you now to him are nothing more but a bunch of useless meat bags, worth none of his time and effort."

"He wouldn't have abandoned us all, not like this!" Someone from the crowd shouted out. "No, he is simply hiding, planning to take you down and…"

"Of course he does." Harry had agreed with the shouter. "Of course Dumbledore is plotting my demise and death as we speak, only now his plans are altered and you are now not so important in his agenda. Face it, if he had really wanted to save you all lot, he would've activated all of the defenses of Hogwarts, made those statues come to life, close up the entire castle and so more! Hell, I've brought a literal army just for that, expecting and even wishing to face him like this, but no… Instead I am treated to this, a bunch of sheep without a shepherd, lambs left for the slaughter. I have to admit, that such a pragmatic move of Dumbledore left me feeling criminally disappointed, and positively impressed at the same time."

"Mr. Potter, why are you here and what do you with us? To gloat and revel in our misfortune, one that you had brought upon us all?!" Minerva McGonagall shouted at him. "I had once thought that you were a fine young man, one that despite his shortcomings was good in heart, but to do this… You are worse than even Voldemort."

"Oh please, and in what areas am I worse than him, hm? Do I kill Muggles and Muggleborns for fun? Have I ever tortured a Half-Blood before just for laughs, or maybe I've waged a war against the Magical World with thousands of casualties?" Harry asked of her. "No, no, no and no in all cases. In fact, as a student, I've actually done far more for the protection of all those Muggles, Muggleborns and Half-Bloods then you've ever done in your entire tenure as teachers in here. Where were you when Slytherin 5th years decided to beat up a group of Muggleborn 2nd years, or how about saving Hermione Granger from a Troll, rings a bell? And let's not forget, those two times when I went out of my way to safe this damned school from Voldemort. And where in all those times were you?" Harry pointed at them all.

"What the hell do you want, you damned bastard?!" James was quickly losing his patience, as he stepped out of the group and went to him. "You've ruined all of our lives, you've left us all destitute and with nothing, so now you decide come here and gloat?! You think that just because you've won once you can just come and gloat? Think again!" Without much of a thought, James went to whip out his wand, only to be blasted back with a magical bolt of Expeliarmus from Rias, forcing him onto his back.

"Our dear Prince was actually getting to that, but since you all are so impatient, I think we'll just get to the point." Rias spoke up. "I shall be brief and truthful to you all: the Order is finished and you have lost. As we speak, Aurors and our forces are rounding up more and more of Dumbledore's cronies, before sending them to jail. The resistance is futile, all paths of escape are cut off for you and we have an army just outside those gates. One word- and they will slaughter you all in a blink of an eye. If you wish to safe your pitiful lives and whatever is left of them, you will surrender to us. Compared to death, that is a much better alternative, wouldn't you agree?"

"And what would we gain from surrender, huh?! Life imprisonment in Azkaban, poverty and destitution?!" Molly shouted out at her.

"Compared to how you lived before, that would be an improvement for you and your family." Harry remarked to Molly. "Make no mistake-this is not a deal. It is an ultimatum: capitulate, or die. Either way is good enough for me, but if you surrender, some of you may at least get a small chance to prove your innocence before Amelia and the Court. However, I can assure you that one of you here shall die, that is without a shadow of a doubt." Harry looked at James, who seemed scared at the implication.

"Y-you think that you can really scare us with that threat, Harry?" James shakily said to him, before composing himself. "You may be all brave and cocky now with these two bitches at your side, but alone without anything to back you up? You are nothing more but useless weakling, who can't even take a beating. You aren't a man enough to stand up and fight one on one!" James shouted at Harry, who surprisingly simply smirked to him.

"Thank you, James." He suddenly said to him, raising his right hand and stepping a few steps closer to him. "I was hoping you would say that." He snapped his fingers, and the two were suddenly separated from everyone else by invisible barriers, creating a sort of a ring.

"What is the meaning of this, Harry?" James asked of him, as he tried to get past the barrier, failing miserably.

"This is what I really came here for, James." Harry told him, as he took off his coat and tossed onto the floor, looking James in the eyes. "You said that I am a useless weakling, incapable of standing up for myself and fighting one on one. Now is your chance to prove yourself right. One on one, no one to interfere, just you and me, father." Harry told him in a sickeningly sweet tone.

Snarling with anger, James whipped out his wand and started to send destructive spells towards Harry, trying kill him with his favorite Reducto. However, none of the volleys didn't seem to work, as Harry simply redirected each and every blast away with a flick of hand. By the time James had decided to try something different, Harry suddenly pulled with his magic James' wand and caught in in his hand. As he twirled it in his hands, he looked up at him and spoke up.

"You know, I've waited fifteen years for this, and somehow all this magical posturing and spells don't feel any satisfactory." Without much effort, he broke the wooden wand and tossed its remains aside. "How about we do this the old fashioned way? C'mon, James, show me what a real man can do! C'mon, I'll even give a free one, you traitorous sack of shit!"

Harry's goading worked, as James rushed Harry with a roar, bringing up his fist and slamming it across his son's smug face. It wasn't the first time that James had raised his fist on his son and gave him a beating, as he had done so more than enough time to learn to get enjoyment from it. And that moment when his fist once more collided with Harry's face felt almost as good as if he had just climaxed with Lily, a feeling so elating and good that it had nearly drunk him. However, his euphoria didn't last too long, as while Harry's head moved from the strike, he didn't even flinch and simply began to laugh.

"Haha, this is all you've got?" Harry turned to face James, revealing just a small streak of blood from his mouth, which he wiped off with his hand. "I remember Lily slapping me harder than that."

With another roar, James tried to strike Harry again, only for his right arm to be blocked by his left arm effortlessly. At the look of shock on James' face, Harry spoke up again to him.

"You've had your first one free. Now, it's time to pay up." With that said, Harry grabbed James by his shoulders and then drove his frame down, connecting his knee with James's chest.

Letting out a pained groan, James exuded air out of his lungs with agony, only to be hit right in the face with an uppercut from Harry. Stumbling back and reeling with disorientation, James tried to collect himself and strike at Harry, but his bastard of a son was far more composed and quicker. Easily evading clumsy punches, Harry moved closer and punched James again in the face with his right one, backhanding him with ease, before following this up with a powerful punch with his left in the center of his chest. Spewing blood, James tried to fall back, but was unable, as Harry suddenly moved behind him and with a powerful punch, he sent older man down onto the floor, spewing blood and spit onto it, as Harry stood over him.

The audience was watching in a mortified fascination at what was transpiring behind the invisible barrier. The show of Harry Potter, beating the ever living shit out of his father, James Potter, who was considered to be one of the greatest Wizards of this generation, a living legend among the Aurors. If anyone should've been able to beat this upstart of a Prince, it should've been James, and yet now Harry was handling him as if he was less than a Wizard. He had dominated him with both magic and physical prowess, he even allowed him to strike him once, and it did absolutely nothing.

Now Harry was allowed the free reign to do what he had always wanted to do: shatter and destroy the image of James Potter, the hero and great wizard, right in front of all his remaining friends and family. It worked, as William couldn't even watch it, but Lily watched it all and couldn't help but feel contempt and disgust, but not with Harry. No, the source of her ire and irritation was James now, who was so helplessly beaten into a pulp like he was nothing. She had always respected strength, craved power and tried to be with those that possessed it, to use it for her own devises. James had served her in that regard well enough, making Lily strong and invincible in a certain way, and she loved him in her own way, but now…

Now she wished that she was actually married to Harry, who despite her disgust and hatred for ruining her life as Head of House of Stuart, had risen to such heights and gain far more power than James had ever hopped. For the first time in her life, she couldn't help but feel proud as a mother of Harry, as contradictory and polarizing it had felt for her. Maybe if she had actually repented, told him everything and put up a show for him, he would feel compelled to safe her? Perhaps she could use the same appeal that drove James to her in the first place? After all, like father, like son they say…

James coughed out blood, as he tried to rise up, but couldn't as his face met with Harry's boot, slamming at high speed. Driven onto his back and plastered on the floor, he hissed from pieces of glass imbedded in his flesh and eyes, while Harry circled around him like a wolf and spoke.

"What's the matter, James? Can't win against some who hits back?" Harry asked of him, receiving only more coughing. "Tell me does it feel, James, to be beaten like this, huh? Can't tell? Hm, must be something new for you. Well, I hope you enjoy this sensation, just like I have." He stepped closer and grabbed him by his hair and lifted up on his knees, still holding him.

"Hurts, does it not? You think this is the worst pain you've ever felt, don't you? Well, guess what: you know nothing of pain." Harry whispered those words into his ear, before his right fist collided with James' face with full force. "That one is fore Rose, whom you and that bitch nearly killed!" He roared, before he delivered another blow in his face, sending James's teeth out of his mouth.

"That one is me, you piece of shit!" Another roaring blow and Harry's fist collides with James' ribs, followed by his knee kicking there, breaking them and forcing James to spew even more blood.

"Those were for Michael and Gabriel, you kinslaying bastard!" Driving his knee once more into James, he collided it with his face completely breaking it and driving glass even further in.

"That one is my real father, you fucking bile of patricide!" And after that, he moved behind James' back, grabbing his head with both of his arms and leaning in to whisper in his ear.

"And this one is for my mother." He almost calmly said to him, as he gripped his head strongly, and used all of his strength to move his arms…

…Only they didn't move, not one inch and simply remained holding him in place. Harry didn't understand why in the world was he unable to move them. He poured all of his emotion, all of his rage and anger, yet it was as if his very body was no longer responding to him in correct way. It wasn't allowing him to finally end James, as if something was stopping him.

"You can't kill him, Harry." Suddenly, a voice spoke in his head, a voice so painfully familiar that it nearly drove him to tears, stopping his very being in its tracks. "You are better than this, better than him. My son is better than him."

'He… He was the one… Because of him you and dad… You died because of him, he sent both Michael and Gabriel to death, yet you would stop me from killing him?!' Harry roared out mentally. 'WHY?!'

"Because I love you, my son." The voice simply said to him with care and love. "Son killing his father, brother slaying brother… Be better than him, break the cycle and be finally free. Free yourself from your hatred and the past, move away from it and live. It shouldn't be your hand that ends him."

Shacking, Harry felt how his arms had returned to him and he was once more in control of them. He looked down upon the object of his absolute hatred and anger, feeling ready to end it… Only now that the cloud of fury lifted off his eyes, all he saw is just a sorry excuse of a man, a flesh sack, filled with broken bones, bile and blood. The satisfaction of finally breaking James Potter was there, it had settled in, but now looking at him like this, after hearing what he heard… He felt hollow at the thought of ending him like this, simply doing him a favor of sorts. And then there was that gnawing stinging sense of sickness, as if he was going on the same path as James.

No, he didn't need to be like him, nor did he need the past to hold him captive anymore.

Harry Potter had died in that fire and he should rest in peace with the ashes.

Letting go of his head, Harry moved away from James, letting the barriers set by Hogwarts fade away, as James stayed in the kneeling position. Skadhi and Rias looked perplexed at Henry as he walked to them, before Skadhi asked of him.

"Why… Why didn't you end him?" She asked of him, as he answered to her.

"It is over, Skadhi. He is over, as well as me." Henry replied to her in a strange manner, until Rias and Skadhi understood him. "I'm done with him, for good. Ending him will only lower me to his level, the level of a kinslayer and creature of bile and hatred… I'm tired of it, of them all." Skadhi nodded to him at this one.

"Good." Rias simply replied to him, as she raised her hand towards James, and sent her powerful magic right at him before anyone could get to him.

The destructive magical wave swept over his body and completely pulverized and destroyed every single atom of the being that was James Potter, leaving behind nothing but void. Henry looked at Rias with a question, before she answered to him.

"Son shouldn't kill his parents, even if those same parents killed their own progenitors. You've broken and destroyed him, demolished his very being. That is more than just ending someone's life." Rias stated to him. "As for me, he had used me against my family like a puppet. None dared to do so and live." Henry looked at her for a second and simply let out a tired sigh, before nodding to her.

"Alright. Rangers, secure them all and inform the rest of the troops to fully secure and begin searching this castle immediately. I want no stone unturned, no room unchecked and no corner unattended to." Henry commanded to them, as the massive group of armed Night Elves revealed themselves and went on ahead with their commands, while the trio went on ahead with their own doings.

And as they've left the great hall, for the first time Henry had let out a breath that was free of the gnawed up feeling of hatred and anger. He felt like for the first time in his life he could breathe with full chest and nothing had obstructed him from doing so.

For the first time in 15 years, he felt free.

My apologies for skipping a week and not uploading anything on it. My only excuse is that I had celebrated my birthday on 19th of October and decided to take it easy and relax, which meant me not finally getting to this chapter and putting it out for you all.

Again, sorry, but anyway, I am pretty content with my work, and even though I feel like it will generate some haters, because Henry hadn't finished James off and that I should've allowed him to do so. Well, my only excuse is that I wanted Henry to fully leave behind his past, and his hatred of James was one of the key stones of his persona. Had he embraced it and went on ahead with his impulse, he wouldn't be able to simply move on and Harry Potter would always be there with Henry, and the voice understood it. Instead, I believe that Henry finally letting go of hatred, having done enough with Potters, is more than enough to fulfill his desires.

Think about it: he humiliated them, left them destitute, completely shattered their image in public and even more, he broke James with his bare hands. I'd say that killing him wouldn't have any meaning for Henry at this point. As for Rias, she simply finished off an enemy of her House without any trouble and emotional baggage so to speak, doing a favor for Henry, as she understood that he wanted to move forward without anything holding him back.

Leave a review, suggestion, question, you know what to do.

Next time: Voldemort and Death Eaters reaction to what had happened; New ally of House Le Fay; Lily and Rose.