DISCLAIMER: HP belongs to JKR. The storyline and all new characters, new character development, and new developments are my intellectual property.

Closing Loops - Part 1

For the Good of Albus

At Hogwarts, Albus laughed at his silliness. He had to calm down. His mind was working too hard, the Harry affair had offset his balance, and he felt unhinged.

If the story ever got out, he could even lose his job, and that wouldn't do. He had to do something. He needed a workable solution that would allow him both to save face and to pretend that he was sorry and had changed.

Let Potter stay with whomever, but cast a tracking charm on him, and reinforce the blocking of his powers. The blood-wards were a half lie at best. He chuckled thinking about his cleverness.

What he had done was to use blood magic. It wasn't all dependent on blood relatives, partly yes, but very little. He had never envisioned that Petunia Evans would have allowed such abuse be inflicted upon her sister's child.

He should have checked on the child or sent Minerva to do so. "What others cannot understand is that I need the child to suffer, maybe not as much, but Potter is a sacrificing lamb. Someone must die in every conflict, so he will be a martyr for the good of all."

He remembered other martyrs of this long war. Minerva for one, "She gave up her love for Tom, for the cause," he chuckled, "of course I had to seduce her, ahem, with a love potion, and had to arrange for a time when Tom would see her with me. Minerva was so slender back then that it wasn't so difficult." He chuckled.

Gellert wasn't the only one with a witch here and there; he fooled himself.

"Yes, so she cried and went home for a while to mourn her lost lover," he shrugged his shoulders, "Everyone suffers, besides I could see where Tom was going. It was for her own good. Let's us not forget that I needed her help in my battle against the darkness. Yes, it was the best for everyone."

But the fear that he might have destroyed the one chance for Tom with a good witch, bothered him." Tom was a beautiful boy; but, admittedly, they were not in love, only in lust." He said aloud to convince himself. But he wasn't so sure, he never was. These days the past kept coming back; it was Gellert's fault.

"Now about Potter, what I need to do is to get into the good graces of whoever is keeping him. I think that someone is Lucius Malfoy since all the trails lead to him."

How was he going to find where Lucius was at? Severus used to be his friend, but he would need to use Legilemency, and even asleep the young wizard was closed. What if Lucius found out his appropriation of the Potter's funds? He had allegedly used them to support Harry, but the quantities would be difficult to justify.

In reality they went to pay for the bribes, the expenses of the order, his war, and his costly research. Where did others think a school master had the funds for traveling, books, and to finance a private war? He had a lot of expenses that he couldn't pay with his already inflated salary. The list was long. His parents had a little money but he had mostly relied on contributions until Harry's bonanza, which wasn't for his own benefit but for humanity's.

"Going back to Gellert. Is he hiding something? How could he have been looking so well this night? Why did he seem at peace? I need to look at the Pensive I made when I checked his memories. Later. He is poisoning my mind."

It was the same with Severus, who was also looking so well, and this just couldn't be. It was too much of a coincidence. Was it all tied to Harry's disappearance? He had looked inside Vernon's mind, and all that he saw were regular Muggles. Besides, how was he going to infiltrate a Muggle organization, if it involved them.

But Lucius and Muggles…Impossible. Not possible, "The arrogant bastard would never be around other than Purebloods."

He was losing his mind, talking to himself. Oh well. This weekend, without a doubt, he was going to visit Lucius, unannounced. Then he thought about it more. He wouldn't wait for the weekend. He would show up sometime tomorrow; and he would look everywhere until he found Lucius.

He chuckled, "I have just the thing to find him, it pays to be prepared, blood." His eyes twinkled; who said blood magic was all bad? It got him Harry, and he would find him with more of the same.

Everyone had been a student at Hogwarts. And children were bound to have injuries and bleed. He had a large collection of forbidden blood samples, of those who he deemed important; and he had saved them as insurance for the future. "I will prepare a potion to make Lucius bend to my will; the blood would come in handy." It wasn't dark magic, he smiled. It was for the greater good.

Something was going on, something that was outside of his perimeter of influence; and he didn't like when he wasn't in control; it was time to change things around a bit.

Once again he had the feeling that someone was looking at him, this time was strong. He looked around, and saw a figure in the mirror. But nobody was behind him. A ghost, even if felt so real.

He came closer, he rubbed his eyes. He clearly saw a young woman, it had to be a ghost.

He looked carefully, here blue eyes matched like his. The flaxen hair beauty was in her mid-twenties. She looked exactly like an older…No, stop it, this was madness! He closed his eyes and opened them again. She could…no, she couldn't be because she was very young when she died. Her eyes were sad. "No, you are not, you cannot be," his voice was too loud.

When she shook her head, he noticed that her chest was stained with blood.

"Go away! I don't know who you are," he needed to get away.

"Yes, you know who I am. Oh, Albus, no more, …the children,…your… so much blood on your ha…" The words were getting lost like she couldn't come thru.

Why did she look so real? And who was the tall man who stood behind her looking so angry. The man was a lot more solid, he looked familiar, who?

He ran away. This was nonsense. This wasn't real, but a nagging fear was growing inside. It was imperative, he needed to look at the Pensive. At the one, he had made when he spied on Gellert. He almost knew what he was going to see and couldn't bear the thought.

What had Gellert said, was his house of cards tumbling down?

The Tonks

Andromeda and her husband had asked to drop by for a short visit. Narcissa brought the children to the Manor and had them wait outside of the drawing room.

The meeting between the sisters was highly emotional, which made Lucius felt terrible for his former animosity towards Ted Tonks, although there was some left of the old bigotry inside him, the happiness in his spouse's face overcame any reservations he had. Their tears and hugs broke his heart and made him feel as Voldemort himself. He would make it up to his witch.

When Ted offered his hand, Lucius shook it with open acceptance. Nymphadora, who was with them, shyly stood away.

The pink-hair nine-year-old witch, stood afraid of the famous Dark wizard, Lucius Malfoy, but all fear melted away when he came over to greet her.

"And who might this beautiful young witch be?" he asked her flashing a dazzling smile that made her blush.

"I am Dora Tonks, they are my parents," she told him pointing at her parents while she shifted her hair to white blond. Lucius bit his lip to stop a chuckle.

"Ah, I am your uncle Lucius. Wait dear; children, please come in." Remus was just outside with the children who were loaded with gifts for the Tonks, including an envelope to take to Gringotts.

The Malfoy knew that Andromeda just made ends meet, and they wanted to make up for years of gifts. Later, they would talk about that issue. It was time to help.

Andromeda and Ted appeared surprised when they saw Remus; and equally astonished to see so him glowing with health, well groomed, and dressed in beautiful garments. He looked like a young Lord. They looked at each other as if they were seeing apparitions. What was Remus doing here holding the hand of Narcissa's son? He seemed quite at ease at the Manor. What was going on?

Dora watched her little cousin Draco and came over to give him a smooch. Hermione's eyes narrowed in distrust, and Remus saw it. Hermione came, right away, to stand next to Draco who now only had eyes for the big girl. Dora had changed hair color for Draco, at least twice, just in a couple minutes. However, Dora had ignored Hermione completely, to make matters worse.

What followed made all the adults laugh, and marked the start of the couple's constant bickering and fighting over their jealousy issues, a personal conflict which would last much too long for anyone's tastes. The never-ending quarrels would make everyone wonder if they were right for each other, and would cause much grief.

"Traco come here, let's go and look at somefing," little miss bossy grabbed Draco's hand and pulled him.

"Let's go to my room," she insisted. Dora disliked Hermione on the spot. She just didn't get along with witches.

"Go and play with your dollies baby witch, I am talking to my cousin," was Dora's response and pulled Draco by his arm.

Draco, ever the politician, said, "Let's all play, okay, Dori?" he smiled at Dora and grabbed her hand, and pulled her to the playroom with Hermione in tow, looking displeased.

Lucius duly noticed and knew that things could get dicey for his niece. His Mimi would not let anyone treated her like a second wheel, he just waited for the screams that were sure to come.

Dora loved Draco as her only cousin from her mother's mythic family. The Black, Malfoy, and other powerful families were nothing but a story to her. And this house was an enchanted castle.

Besides, she had always wanted a little brother, and now she had one already made. Her mother had told her so.

Hermione on the other hand, hmm, Dora just wasn't the sharing type, and Hermione's narrowed eyes were rubbing her the wrong way.

"We can, but you two are very little, and I am big. We will play Healer and Draco is my helper, and she is the sick patient." Dora announced, it was a natural choice for Dora, her mother was a healer after all.

Of course, she didn't know that she was around a professional healer on her own right, the Healer Pixie.

"I am not playing that, and I am not sick." Hermione announced, "Asides I am a Healer Pixie."

She pursed her lips and crossed her arms in an arrogant and condescending manner. She was still displaying the disagreeable narrowed eyes, and was also tapping her foot.

"Draco, let's play, I will change my hair color for you, better I will make my hair ugly like hers." And she made her hair like Hermione's but puffier and with the look of straw.

That is not nice at all, thought Remus. Moony was growling inside, that Dora needs some roughing up. he declared.

Draco broke out in a boisterous laughter, "Mimi's hair is pretty, not like that." But he laughed more, and Dora joined him, both rowdy and obnoxious.

Remus waited for disaster to strike; and pragmatically, he knew what was coming, Mimi wasn't an angel; hence, he had already decided to let the older witch receive her well-deserved comeuppance.

Dora made her hair even puffier and uglier, and Draco guffawed non-stop.

Hermione had had it!. Her hair was a halo flying around her, a light breeze circulated through the room, she was rightfully upset. Thus, she moved her fingers and changed Dora's hair into slimy worms that undulate, moving like they were creeping on the ground, and stuck to her face and neck.

Since Dora was horrified of snakes, she thought that they were snakes, and to her parents screaming at the top of her lungs.

Hermione, not missing a beat made the worms grow and move more. Draco was a turncoat and right away he laughed at Dora's predicament. His raucous laughter sounded like the caw of a crow; oh, yes, he liked vengeance.

The adults were in the next room and ran when they heard the screams and were surprised that Remus was already there. Ted and Andy couldn't understand what happened.

"Nymphadora change your hair back, you silly witch, if you are afraid, why do it?" Her mother ordered.

Dora screamed louder, and Mimi rejoiced with each scream, which sounded like music to her young and vindictive ears.

"Young lady, change it back." Remus ordered in a low voice, he thought that it was enough.

"I didn't do nothing." Hermione lied and avoided eye contact at all cost.

"Yes, you did, you was mad at my cousin." Draco tattled, "I saw you moved the fingers." And he made the finger wiggle, followed by the Malfoy smirk that Lucius had grown to dislike.

Remus was fighting a guffaw. He had liked Hermione's style. The older witch had called upon her Healer Pixie's swift fingers of justice.

"She started it," Mimi answered self-righteously and still refused to look at Remus in the eye.

"But how?" Both Ted and Andy repeated over and over; they were baffled.

Lucius was chuckling he had been waiting for his Mimi's reaction, but Narcissa's face was green. She hated big worms. It was too gruesome to watch.

After a couple minutes, Hermione wiggled her fingers and changed it back to brown hair, which Dora morphed to pink.

"Remi is too old for you, and asides, ugly Pinky, Remi is my aunt's fiancee, and they marry this Christmas," those were Hermione's final words as she turned to give Dora her back.

Dora blushed and ran to her mother. She was crying and Draco, changing sides, once again, went after her.

Hermione saw the traitor and took notice, glared at him and ran to Remus who picked her up, "You are still going to be punished when we get home. You understand that what you did was wrong, right?"

"Remi, don't be mad. She made me do it; I tried to be good, okay? But she was nasty, and Traco was also mean, okay?" She kissed Remus' cheek, laid her head on his chest and tapped his arm while she cried softly.

"Remi? I still think she is ugly, and I might get her again." She whispered to Remus, who had to smile.

He knew that it was wrong to hold her after she had been naughty, and then to smile at her promises of future retribution, but he was still a Marauder. Besides Moony approved. I don't like Dora. She is a nasty little witch, and our cub was right, he snickered, and Remus agreed.

Hermione's display served a useful purpose; it helped them to explain to the Tonks the need to hide the girl's power from others, and strengthened their case for Harry. Hence, the Tonks agreed to meet with the Malfoy as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the Tonks weren't able to meet the next day and asked to be excused. They were leaving that same day on holiday and were very busy. But Andromeda promised to avoid Albus and to support Narcissa.

They were fixing to leave when Andromeda stopped, "Everyone knew how much Lily disliked her sister, and giving the baby to her, surprised many of us. Count on us for whatever is that you are planning. If you are protecting Harry, we are certainly in."

Lucius was pleased that they couldn't meet longer, one less meeting. He looked at Hermione. Whereas he felt a little sorry for Draco because she was like Narcissa, he was glad that his Mimi wasn't a pushover. He loved his girl, but his Veela loved her even more. Even if they ever had a daughter, Hermione would be the Veela's favorite. It was natural because of the Malfoy's Law.

Sirius' Surprise

Sirus and Grant had decided to go later by the Dursleys after retrieving the wands. They arrived at Grimmauld 12, and found the house dark and heavy with sadness.

They were at ease since Sirius knew, from Narcissa, that his mother, Walburga, was unwell and had gone to stay at their country residence.

He indicated for Grant to be quiet, who raised his eyebrow not understanding, nevertheless he obeyed Sirius.

Sirius could sense something was different but wasn't sure what. He remembered the house-elves, but his mother never travelled alone.

So why did he have a feeling they weren't alone and were being watched? He sniffed the air and confirmed that they were the only humans around. Sirius didn't hate his parents, never had; he just didn't share their views, and what he had wanted was their love and approval. Being a pariah had never been easy and being of the light had brought him Azkaban. After hearing about Albus looking the other way, his feelings for the Order had changed.

Nevertheless, he would always fight for what was fair and right, yet, being at his birth home filled him up with nostalgia, making him wonder if all that he had done had been worth the sacrifice and pain.

Grant had one of his 'feelings" the ones he used to call sixth-sense. He saw Sirius opening his mouth to talk, and, at once, he grabbed Sirius; made a sign for him to be quiet as he pulled him into a recessed alcove behind the wall.

Sirius raised his eyebrows in question, and Grant whispered very low, "Someone is coming."

They waited for what it seemed a long time, and they finally heard the Floo, footsteps, one set and a couple of pops. Sirius looked at Grant with amazement. How could the Granger family not have known that they were magical? Grant could apparate at will, shift furniture, bend metal with his eyes, and know things before they happened, and who knew what else. Unreal! He performed wandless magic and more. Their hearing and other senses were enhanced, it was amazing. Sirus had seen him leap over great distances, how could this be?

"Kreacher take my luggage up to my room and unpack. Goulymong bring me tea and my writing set. I will sit here at the writing desk."

"This isn't living," she talked to herself, her voice dragging and full of sorrow.

Sirius whispered very low, "My mother, we are fucked." His stomach hurt badly.

He was right, they were in a world of trouble, the wards around the house didn't permit Apparition from the hallways, and Sirius bitterly thought that his mother would have Kreacher call the Aurors to turn him in.

He had a 'spare' wand from Lucius' vaults, but he doubted that his magic would be that effective with it. It was a matter of time before they were found. His luck had run out.

A/N Did anyone like Hermione's revenge?