A potential queasy one this one. Torture scene in this chapter. You've been warned.

I'm nearly done with this story

I own nothing

Harry

The week following Hallowe'en had Harry second guessing himself every single day. He knew the ritual had gone through successfully due to Dee's words the night before Hallowe'en itself, Dobby had told him a new name had appeared on the Black tapestry underneath the burned-out name of Bellatrix. He had planned on attacking Toms base on his own, but he knew that would be a suicide mission. He was thankful that Dee interfered really. He was putting a lot of trust in her at the minute. But he was now clear to proceed with his plans on taking Tom out. He had still not contacted anyone; he didn't want to involve anyone that didn't need to. He saw from afar the closeness of his other four friends and while it pained him, he knew he was right to keep them out of the upcoming fight. They were nowhere near good enough to take part in a battle, the ministry fight had proven that to him as they were lucky to come away virtually unscathed thanks to them being prepared and having an Order member with each student. But their luck would run out when they were in a free-for-all where other people had to look after themselves first and not students

This week had been just as eventful as the previous three. Harry sat at the back of Dumbledores funeral and watched person after person get up and talk about him and his life. The main thing that kept going through Harry's mind was 'did they know the real Albus? The wannabe Dark Lord Albus, the child neglecting Albus'. He considered standing up and letting them all know but decided it wasn't worth it. The crowd will believe what they want to believe either way and his words would be forgotten by the end of the year. It reinforced his deal he had put forth to Dee, he just hoped that she would accept. He was going ahead with the plan regardless of her decision, but he knew with her help it would go a lot smoother. He was hoping she'd make her decision soon, but Harry had given her a nine-month period to think it through.

Harry had no idea that his masking had slightly slipped during the funeral. Hearing a slightly accented voice made him turn sharply to see Gellert looking over the crowd with a sneer on his face "Sheep, the lot of them. Not a single independent mind among them. Nothing has changed in the past century Harry. Despite what they all have been saying about Albus, very little of it is true. Albus didn't change that much, he just tweaked his thought process and in time became the ruler of them all. You doubt me?" he asked seeing Harry's face

"No, I don't" Harry said simply "I think we may be one of a handful of people that saw the true Albus Dumbledore, and I don't claim to have known him all that well. Certainly not as well as you or Aberforth at any rate. You don't accept three of the four major titles in the Wizarding World if you had lost your love of power, and he had the fourth one in his pocket anytime he wanted to pull it out. He switched from the Hallows to public adoration. Albus loved being the centre of attention, he hoarded knowledge and his fake grandfather persona has made a centuries worth of people worship him as the next Merlin. He was a master at manipulation, I've seen and felt it first-hand. And the people lapped it up. I read about how your follower's zealotry is partly what made you so feared. Albus' was the exact same only people had no idea they were being manipulated"

Looking at Harry appraisingly Gellert continued "Yes, I was feared because of the grandiose levels of magic I commanded. My followers saw that and thought of me as a Titan of Magic, and I was Harry, as are you and Tom. But so was Albus. Our battle was truly spectacular. The lies of my defeat fed his legend. And I let it happen because I knew I was never destined to succeed. My followers had been routed by the European and British aurors and I no longer wished to fight the man I once loved. I gave up the fight and then watched from afar as he became the greatest wizard since Merlin. It was all lies of course but he has cultivated a century of 'good credit'. No other headmaster has ever been honoured with being buried on the castle grounds after all. In a way I'm rather proud of him. He did what I could not"

Snorting Harry remained silent, but Gellert continued "I want you to do something for me" seeing Harrys raised eyebrow "l want you to arrange a meeting with Death for me"

"I do not control her despite what you may believe" Harry said interrupting him "I know you think I lied about the Hallows and that I have hidden them somewhere, you can believe that all you want for all I care, but I was not lying. She took them back. I did not need a wand to become as powerful as I now am, I do not need to speak to dead people I have never met before, and I do not need a cloak to hide should I want to. The last few weeks has proven that seeing as how no one could find me. Even now no one has looked around despite us not putting any wards up" after a few seconds of silence "if I see her, I'll pass on the message. Check out graveyards. The last few times I've seen her have been at funerals. I'm surprised she's not here actually"

Nodding Gellert remained silent as the proceedings continued. Both snorting at various comments that were made about Albus' greatness. Watching the minister stand up and give the closing eulogy Harry sensed something would happen. It was a prime opportunity really and Harry made to stand up when Gellert placed a hand on his shoulder stopping him "let it play out Harry, you cannot save them all, nor should you do so. Fate is inexorable"

"He is right Harry" came a voice from his other side. Groaning he turned to see Dee sat next to him "Fate is inexorable. Destiny is everything" sighing Harry introduced Gellert to Dee and swapped seats with him while he talked to her. Harry meanwhile stayed sat down listening to the minister and watching the crowd. He neither cared nor wanted to know whatever they were discussing. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a few people converge on the Minister, a green flash of light lit him up and then screams rang out. Leaning back in his seat he sighed and turned to Dee "I take it this was necessary? I do hope you're not hoping I become a saviour, Dee? Because I will run from this country before I allow myself to become one of them" he said pointing at the now panicking crowd "I will take Tom out for myself. The rest can deal with his minions. Gellert was right. They're all sheep."

"And I am their shepherd Harry, never forget that" Dee stated standing up "and right now I have a soul to tend to. I am still considering the merits of your deal Harry. Gellert I will see what I can do, I make no promises"

Staying seated with Gellert Harry shook his head in disgust and wondered why he should care about the rest of the population. If they couldn't do things for themselves then how would they ever learn? Noticing Harrys face Gellert commented "I know that face Harry, I saw it looking back in the mirror for nearly half a century before my last battle with Albus. It's why I went to Berlin in person when the war was about to be lost. My advice? Carry on as you are. Some sheep will only learn to defend themselves from a wolf when they're truly threatened. That time will be upon us very soon" with that Gellert left Harry sitting there contemplating his words. He was right of course, but it didn't mean he had to like it.

Decision made Harry stood up and left the funeral. Travelling to his home he had a conversation with the goblin in charge who told him it would be ready in the next few days. Thanking him he travelled to Gringotts to arrange a few meetings and then left again. He had plans that needed put into place and over the next week Harry met with various people to discuss matters. Apparating to Grimmauld place he tapped his ring, sent off a few patronus' and waited in the parlour. This was a discussion he had been putting off for a while now, but it needed to be done. Giving the various members that turned up a brief nod he sat in silence. It was only when Minerva turned up with his friends that Harry stood up. Waiting for them to quieten down Harry began

"I am here to answer a few of your questions" hearing a few murmurs he continued "I expect silence when I talk, or I will remove your lips. You may all have been wondering what is to become of the Order, what I have been doing and why I haven't been seen or what the direction will be going forward. To the Order members I do not care, I am not here to try for the vacant leader position. I have no intention of asking you or telling you to anything. Apart from the ministry battle you have done sod all for nearly sixteen years now. I know that some of you are in the Wizengamot. How many Death Eaters did you let go at the end of the last war? How many did you allow to pay you off to go away as free men? The imperius defence was bullshit and you know it

How many death eaters have you caught? How many missions have been successful? I do not care for your excuses. My family sacrificed their lives trying to stop Voldemort. Either way I will only consult with a few people should I need you. No doubt Albus told you all that I was essential to the war effort?" seeing a few nods he said "well I am. The battle of the ministry was because of a prophecy regarding Voldemort and I. Seriously? How the hell do you expect to fight him and his Death Eaters if you cringe from his name? Grow up! Now as I was saying we all fought over a prophecy that said that I would be the one to finish him. And I am very nearly ready to do so

Albus and I had been discussing before his death how Tom survived the backlash from the killing curse rebounding onto himself. For the last few years, without knowing it I have been eliminating items he used to secure his immortality. The last one, Nagini was killed by Gellert at the Hollow. He is now just as killable as I am. That doesn't mean he isn't powerful so don't be a hero, he wiped out a squadron of aurors singlehandedly so do not be stupid. I will take care of Tom. His minions I will leave to the rest of the wizarding world. I will not wipe your arses for you any longer. The aurors and whatever order members that want to can do that job. I will be taking the battle to Voldemort in the next few weeks. I know where he has hidden. How many of you turn up is up to you. Now, I will open up the peanut gallery for questions" sitting back he waited for the first question. He should have known who it would be. Molly stood up with her face full of indignant rage "How dare you sit there and question us or dictate to us. You have no idea the sacrifices we have all made"

"Do not talk to me about sacrifices Molly!" Harry interrupted placing a silencing charm on her "my entire family except for Remus has died in the war on Voldemort. You have sacrificed nothing! I made sure that your family was still whole and survived the first war, me. I have a cut on my head as proof! I then made sure you didn't lose your daughter in her first year despite her being an idiot and writing in a talking diary, I then saved your husbands life three years later because you didn't listen to reason from Sirius. He told me everything about wanting me to replace the prophecy with a fake one, but YOU shot him down every time and made sure everyone else agreed with you by spreading false rumours about how unfit he was to be my guardian and that Azkaban left him unstable. When YOU have proved to everyone that you're a shit mother. How many of your family are still talking to you? Bill and Charlie left the country to escape from you, Percy joined the ministry and left you, the twins moved out at the very first opportunity and you mothered Ron so much he was useless in the real world! So, sit down and shut up. Does anyone have any actual questions?"

"Yes, what were the items that kept Voldemort alive?" Moody asked growling "and why didn't Albus tell us about them?"

"I do not know why Albus didn't tell you Moody" Harry said "possibly because of the nature of them, possibly because he wanted to keep as many people as possible from knowing about them. Who knows. Albus knew from the moment I handed him the Diary I took from Ginny what Voldemort had done. Up until then he had only suspicions but nothing concrete. Tom created Soul Jars. Now a word of warning, the true name of them is taboo in Gringotts. Mentioning them could see you beheaded on the spot. It's that serious, so this doesn't leave the room! He split his soul six times and placed them in objects of significance to him. When Grindelwald destroyed the snake that attacked Mr Weasley, he destroyed the last one"

"I know what they are lad" Moody said disgust etched on his face "the reason Gringotts banned the word is because they can possess people can't they? One was used to kill a former king of theirs. To think he used them and violated magic in the worst way. He truly is reprehensible"

"Aye he is" Harry said, "anything else?"

"Where have you been Harry?" Hermione asked "we needed you"

"No, you didn't Hermione" Harry said "you needed each other. Which you succeeded at. I'm not going to be a saviour if that's what everyone is after. Once I've beaten Tom, I will be taking a step back from the Wizarding world. I told Albus this. For all I care the Wizarding world can burn. It's far too corrupt to change and I have no desire of taking over where Albus left off and 'fighting the good fight'. As far as I'm concerned, he made Tom into what he is, if you choose to ignore that then that's on you. It doesn't change the truth. I'll still be around. I just won't be a public figurehead for the 'light' to bring out whenever they see fit"

"But why?" Nym asked from across the table "you could do so much good in the world" seeing Harry start laughing made her angry "this is not funny Harry!"

"Yes, it is Nym" Harry stated wiping away a tear "Albus used the exact same phrasing you just did to try and make me follow his master plan. I'll tell you exactly what I told him. Get bent. The wizarding world is still ruled by the purebloods who decide everything, the muggleborn are still forced to leave after Hogwarts because the ministry only accept them for menial jobs. That means Hermione" he said looking at her "that unless you have a sponsor you will never rise to be a department head or minister because those all go to the purebloods. And if you marry then you better hope to marry into money otherwise all you will be good for is popping out more sheep for the wizarding world to eat up. If I were you, I'd investigate transferring to Beauxbatons because at least in France you can get a decent job when you leave, you certainly won't get one here. Not only that but your NEWTS that you're about to take are not accepted anywhere else other than Britain. Why? Because a few hundred years ago the tests were too hard for the pureblood's precious little children, so they forced through a law lowering the standards.

British exam results are only accepted for jobs in Britain. If you want to work on the continent, you will need to take the ICW tests which are significantly harder. The wizarding world is less than three hundred years away from breeding itself out because of these archaic laws. And I only wish I would be alive to see it happen. And I know what's coming, the purebloods will push through various laws forcing Muggleborn to marry Purebloods to save their lines, the muggleborn will fight back and then another blood war will happen only the muggleborn will win because they far outnumber the purebloods. Gellert and Voldemort's campaigns have seen a lot of pureblood families wiped out too. Dumbledore could have changed this fifty years ago when he came into power. Instead, he let himself be shackled by the sheep and was far too invested in maintaining the status quo than to push through reforms that could keep the wizarding world going for the next thousand years. The fault lies with him. I am not interested in ruling; I am not interested in the sheep. But as I told Albus I will no doubt be labelled a Dark Lord soon for refusing to bow down to the ministry and follow the herd. I can see it coming. But I would much rather go down in history as the Dark Lord that burned the world to the ground than be shackled like Albus was" sighing Harry leant back "we seem to have gotten off topic. My statement stands though. Being a Dark Lord seems like a lot of hassle. But I will happily become one if it means I'm left alone"

Hermione was in shock. Looking around she felt so betrayed by those in the room. They had all at one point or another looked her in the eye and stated she was destined for greatness, now she knew they had all lied. Looking at Neville and Ginny they looked away quickly and she felt her heart break and stood up getting ready to flee. "Before you go Hermione there's a book in the Black Library that I want you to read but you cannot take it out of the library. The wards will fry your hands. It's called 'The Muggleborn Conspiracy'. Go read it, it's very enlightening"

"Stop her! She cannot be allowed to read that book!" exclaimed a wizard from the side of Remus standing up "all muggleborn are forbidden from reading that book!"

"And just who is going to stop her" Harry asked "You? Go ahead, see how far you get before I break your legs. Anyone else want to speak up? No? Go ahead Hermione. You have my permission" with that Hermione bolted from the room

Sitting back down he continued staring at the wizard who spoke up "You all disgust me. Some of you have looked that girl in the eye for six years now and told her she would be great addition to the wizarding world. You lied to her face. I hope you're prepared for the consequences. Now back onto the war. I have planned on attacking Voldemort around Yule time. I already have plans in motion so it's going to happen whether I receive your help or not. I have found his base. Only Dee cornering me before I attacked stopped me. She gave me some information. Bellatrix must be captured alive. I am not at liberty to say why, it's not my story to tell. I don't like it any more than you likely do. But if you fight her know that should she die Death will be furious. They're the only restrictions you have in any battle. I have my elves looking to capture her safely so hopefully none of you need to battle her. I shall let Minerva know if I find her. It's going to be open season on all Death Eaters. Oh, and before you leave…" Harry quickly cast a stunning spell at the man who spoke out. He leapt over the table and hauled the man up onto the table. Ignoring the outraged cries, he ripped the arm sleeve off where the Dark Mark was displayed prominently and there was utter silence.

Looking around he shook his head in disgust "have none of you learned a damn thing from Peter and Severus? How many spies are going to be allowed into the Order? Do you hand out membership cards in lucky bags? Who is he?"

"He's my brother-in-law" a voice came from the back as the crowd parted Harry saw Emmeline Vance walk forward "I had no idea he was a Death Eater Harry. I swear. He only asked to join at Albus' funeral"

"Well, if I were you, I'd go and tell your sister that she's going to be a widow very soon" Harry said calling Dobby "Dobby! Take this piece of shit to my house. Make sure he has nothing on him when I arrive"

Turning to the crowd he said "I'm attacking Christmas eve. With or without you. I suggest you all train up. Emmeline and Moody stay behind. My family too. The rest of you can leave but think on what I said" getting them to follow him he led them all to the entrance hall. He told Emmeline to come up with a cover story, or if she wanted to then she could tell her sister what happened. Either way he wasn't coming back home alive. Emmeline left and Moody asked why he was asked to stay behind

"Because Alastor" Harry said "apart from my family you are the only one I know who I trust. You're also the only one who has the stomach to get shit done. I need you along with me to stop me killing him while I interrogate him. I need to know what he knows, as do you given how I believe you to be the de-facto leader of the Order" turning to his family he continued "I will be back as soon as Alastor and I are done, I believe a house needs to be handed over. I will be back soon"

Interrogations

Leaving the house, he told Moody to meet him at the statue in Godric's Hollow. Seconds later they arrived at their destination and set off with Harry leading the way. As they walked, he informed Moody of why they were here. Nodding he kept up a steady stream of conversation until they reached Potter House. Placing his hand on the crest he pulled Moody through and led him up the path and through the now finished house. It looked very cosy, but that wasn't why they were here. Leading them downstairs to the dungeons Harry found the wizards clothes on a table at the entrance hall, opening the wizard's wallet he pulled out the apparition licence ID and saw his name was Robert McBride. Walking through the passageway he came to a cell where the wizard was lying against the back wall with just a tunic on. He was thankful that Dobby didn't need to be asked what to do at times. Casting a water-hose spell at him the wizard sputtered awake. Outrage soon turned to fear when he saw that not only was he dressed in only a tunic but the Dark Mark was bare and Harry Potter and Alastor Moody were standing at the door of what was clearly a cell. He was in deep shit. Robert knew trying to apparate would be useless, he just hoped he lived out this day to report back to his master that his location had been discovered

"How do you want to do this Moody?" he heard Harry ask

"Painfully" came the growled reply "I cannot stand traitors, Albus may have been willing to give second chances but I am not. I quite fancy doing this the muggle way. Do you have any tools?"

"No but I can easily ask Dobby to pick some up from the village if you give me a list and half an hour. He's used to disguising himself as a muggle" Harry replied smiling. Calling for the elf Moody gave him the list of what he wanted. Robert listened on confused by most of what Moody ordered but they sounded painful. Why would Moody need an impact drill? What the hell was an impact drill?

"Let's go have a drink then and wait for him to return" Harry suggested and with that they left Robert alone in his cell

When they got to the living room Harry poured them both a drink and they sat down "what do you need all those tools for?"

"My grandson has just started a building company in the muggle world and as it's Christmas soon I thought I'd give him a leg up" Moody said "He's a bright boy, born a squib which is a shame but he's still family you know? When Diana told me about his plans to start his own business it gave me the idea to kit him out with whatever he needs. I was going to pick them up myself next week at some point but given the opportunity to scare our friend down there I thought it was a no-brainer"

"That and I was buying, eh?" Harry said shrewdly

"Aye, that too" Moody laughed "so what's your plans for Voldemort then? How did you find him?"

Harry spent the next hour telling Moody about his plans. With the occasional question thrown in Moody was impressed. They may just live through this after all, the plan was sound. IF it could be put into practice that is. Dobby popped in telling Harry that he had got everything on the list. Deciding they'd spent long enough chatting they opened up some of the tools. Harry having grown up being a house elf to the Dursleys knew how to use most of the tools there. Asking Dobby to take them and Moody to the warded room Harry visited Robert

"Well Bob, can I call you Bob? Never mind, the time is coming where you're going to tell us everything me want to know about your master. You never know, we may learn something in the meantime. Come along then. Let me give you the tour" with that Harry levitated Robert out of the cell and made his way to a special room in the house. Dropping him outside the door he opened it up and forced Robert inside where the array of tools was laid out on a table with Moody leaning against the wall

"This Room" Harry said conversationally "has been built to be a purely muggle room. It has been warded against any and all forms of magic except those whose magical signature I register on the little box outside the room. So far Moody and I are the only ones registered. I plan on making it a room where electronics work see. But at the minute its conveniently empty. So, we plan to torture any and all information out of you using these tools here. You may think that we don't have the guts or that you can talk your way out. You also may think that muggles couldn't do anything. So, just for you Bob I'll give you a little demonstration. Moody can you conjure up a slab of marble please. This here is an impact drill. And it's used by muggles to create holes in walls. Like so" powering the drill on it made a terrifically loud noise as it broke apart the slab. Turning it off he continued "imagine that going through your knees. There's also a hammer and ten nails. I plan on driving them through each finger of yours should I detect you're lying to me. So, shall we begin?" with that they began the interrogation. Robert obviously though Harry was bluffing. That was just before he hammered a nail into his hand and he screamed.

After half an hour of this Robert was shaking and sobbing. He had spilled everything he could. Safe houses, money hidden, the amount of times he'd cheated on his wife, moles in departments, supporters in key areas etc. Harry and Moody had hit the jackpot with him. He'd never been at the other end of this type of situation. He wished he'd never had joined the Death Eaters. He was used to people screaming and running from him. The thrill of someone screaming in agony while he used the Cruciatus curse was beautiful. And he knew that he was protected by the pureblood laws should he be caught so he couldn't be given veritaserum without consent. He could just buy his way out of prison. Well, this looked like one prison he wouldn't make it out of. Robert pleaded and begged, but every time he refused to answer Harry drove a nail through his fingers. He was quickly running out of fingers.

Deciding they'd get no more out of him Harry stunned him. Turning to Moody he said "he won't leave here alive Moody; this is your chance for plausible deniability and to leave now"

Snorting Moody said "shut up Potter, what's your plan?"

"Kreacher!" Harry shouted. As the elf popped in, he took in the room and asked "Master has been partaking in a spot of torture? I knew you would be a good master. What can Kreacher do for master?"

"I'll start this by saying that if you don't or can't do this then you do not punish yourself ok?" Harry said. Seeing a nod, he continued "Do you remember the location of the cave the Dark Lord took you to? I need you to take this piece of filth there and leave him. He needs to die, but given what we've just heard he deserves a painful death. Then when you come back, I need you to burn all his belongings. Absolutely no trace of him can be found here so this room will also need to be cleaned. Can you do this?" seeing Kreacher nod he let out a sigh of relief "once you've done those things Kreacher I want you to take the rest of the day off. That's an order" with that Kreacher grabbed a hold of Robert and popped away. As soon as they left Harry led Moody back to the living room where he poured them both another drink and they both sat down heavily. After a good ten minutes silence Moody stood up

"I need to be going Potter. Information is useless if you don't act on it. We need to act quickly and take out those sleeper agents. I'll talk with the acting minister. She needs to know just how deep the corruption has gotten in the week since Rufus was killed. Hopefully she listens. I suggest you get started on your plan Potter, the sooner you do it the sooner we kill that bastard" nodding Harry stood up and walked Moody outside to the end of the path where he disapparated. Going back inside he decided Moody was right. Calling Dobby, he asked him to meet him in the living room

"Dobby, I have a task for you. It should take you around two weeks to complete, ok?" pulling out a vial Harry siphoned some of his blood into it "I know where Voldemort is hiding, the Blood wards he is using let me through but I don't know how far I would be able to go. He used my blood to resurrect himself but he also used Wormtails hand in the ritual which may weaken my chances of a successful attack as they may dilute the blood Voldemort used to power his wards. What I need you to do is smear this blood on the ward stones at each corner of the property. As you're my elf the wards shouldn't hurt you. Do this at midnight every night, when you're sure no one is around. You mustn't be seen Dobby. This is critical ok. The blood wards will eventually let me gain complete entry and Voldemort won't know what's happening as every test will come back as it still being his own blood being used. Every night for the three hours before you leave, I want you to rest. You need to be able to escape should you be discovered. If you run out of blood let me know. Now go Dobby" with that the elf popped away with the vial. He really hoped this worked. If it did it would make Bellas capture easier too as he could just have Dobby kidnap her in the night. Sighing he stood up and left to go back to Grimmauld Place

Walking back into the lounge he stopped when he saw Hermione and Andromeda having a heated discussion. Deciding he didn't want to get involved he backed out slowly and made his way to the library. Thankfully Nym and Remus were there curled up on a love seat. It was adorable. Smirking as he entered Remus quickly tried to stand up but Nym was having none of it. Poking him on the nose she said "No, I'm comfy! Bad wolfy"

Sighing in defeat a blushing Remus said "that was quite some speech Harry. You sure made a few enemies here tonight. I'm also sure you made just as many allies. Are you sure it was wise?"

"Yes, I am Remus" Harry said "As I said I can see how it's all going to play out. History has taught me that the purebloods won't accept anyone with power if they can't be leashed by laws or titles. And I have no intention of being leashed by anyone"

"I dunno Harry, you should try it sometime" Nym said smirking making Harry blush "it's really fun!"

"Nymphadora Tonks!" Andromeda said as she entered the library followed by Hermione "there are children present!"

"Oh, relax mother" Nym said waving her hand "they'll soon find out one way or the other. Think of it as an educational lesson"

"Your father has much to answer for!" Andromeda answered back "I was never like this when I was your age"

"Yes, you were" came the voice of Narcissa as she entered "I distinctly remember it being you that taught Bella and I that trick with the wand"

"Changing the subject entirely" Harry shouted over them "I believe I have several issues that need addressing" Standing up he asked Remus to join him at the ward stone. Placing both their hands on it Harry said "Remus John Lupin, I Lord Harry Potter-Black hereby cede the wards of Black Manor to you as per the request of the previous Lord Sirius Black. I thank you for allowing me to keep the manor and wards until I felt it was necessary to hand them over" immediately Harry felt a weight lift off him. It felt really good. His magic was more active now he wasn't master of several ward schemes "Oh that feels good. I feel lighter now. This house is now yours Moony"

"Thank you, Harry, I know what you mean" Remus said "the wards are heavy. I can feel an active leech on my magic"

"Now" Harry said "onto the next point of Business. Heir Nymphadora Tonks-Black. Join me. Over the year or so that I have known you I have seen your worth. You have lived up to and made the Black name proud once more in defence of our country. You are an exemplary woman, a beacon of hope to the Black family and are more than worthy to be the next Head of the Black family. It is for that very reason I created a new heir ring. I felt it necessary that the Black Line continue on in someone who not only has the fighting spirit of the Blacks but also is compassionate in spirit and life. I chose you over your mother because Andromeda isn't right for the job. You are. I knew and trusted you immediately and you have never betrayed my trust. The family motto of 'Toujours Purs' has become corrupted over the centuries. It originally meant pure of thought and heart. You exemplify those ideals. So, for this very reason I Harry James Potter hereby relinquish my title of Lord Potter-Black and will revert to Lord Potter while you will become Lady Nymphadora Black. So mote it be" with that Harry took off the Black Lordship ring and it exploded in a mini cloud of magic. Nyms ring changed form a small 'b' to a big capital B signifying she was now in charge of the Black Family and up and down the country tapestries with her name on it changed to show her new name. In Gringotts the former Potter-Black vault split into two as per the request of Harry. He didn't want the Black money. He had plenty left to him by his parents. Nodding to himself he felt free. Smiling he said "I'm Harry James Potter again"

Riddle Manor

The next six weeks flew by in a myriad of meetings, chats, organising the upcoming raid etc. Harry honestly didn't know how he got through all the red tape of giving up the Black name. He had many arguments in the wizengamot about it. The Sacred 28 were up in arms about it feeling that he had spat in the face of tradition. Nym standing up as the new Lady Black and threatening to wipe the floor with them soon shut them up. They soon learned to accept her as you didn't want to anger a Black

She had also managed to convince Remus that dating her would be a good idea. Harry knew Remus was planning on asking her to marry her soon. They were an amazing couple. You rarely saw one without the other these days and they were as happy as can be.

The same couldn't be said for Hermione though. After reading the book she had transferred to Beauxbatons. Her parents were furious with McGonagall and planned on suing Hogwarts for stealing money whilst providing a substandard education. They planned to go directly through the ICW because they knew they'd get nowhere in a British courtroom. Before she left though, she made leaflets and dropped them all over the major places in the wizarding world. Harry happily helped her and soon enough the muggleborn were leaving in droves. The ministry was up in arms about it and wanted to arrest her but between France refusing to extradite a rising star to a prejudiced country and Harry saying point blank in an interview that if she was arrested, he'd break her out, the ministry was powerless to do anything. A particularly stupid auror had tried to threaten Harry into compliance. Harry just removed his lips and outer clothes and hung him up on the fountain at the ministry by his underwear. No one dared say anything to him afterwards

Harry had met Dee once more at the funeral of a muggleborn who was killed in one of the riots that had taken place. Harry felt partially responsible for what happened given he was the one to start Hermione on her crusade and it had resulted in wands being drawn in Diagon Alley, followed by a brief skirmish. Debris had landed on the muggleborns head and killed him. This only served to incite more anger and the riots were almost a daily thing until Harry had put a stop to the last one and told them to wait until after Christmas at least so that people could do their shopping in peace. Seeing her at the funeral was a welcome surprise. She had made Harry a deal though. She would agree to his terms only after he defeated Tom and there would be restrictions put in place. After hearing them Harry agreed

Dobby had come through with Harry's plan. He had bought him so many mismatched socks as a thank you he now had an entire drawer to himself! The plan to raid Riddle Manor was set to happen in the next few days. First though Harry had to decide on how to get Bellatrix. His plan of getting Dobby to drop a portkey on her while she slept was nixed straight away. She was unbelievably paranoid and slept in a room filled with wards and spells. At this point only Harry and Tom could safely enter her chambers. She wouldn't dare bar Voldemort from her room and as Harry had subverted the wards without them knowing he could apparate in and out of the manor at will. He had tried it a few times when he was sure the coast was clear and no alarms had gone off. Harry decided that as the plan to raid the manor was happening on Christmas Eve he would sneak into the manor the night before and kidnap her. The plan was he portkey her to his house where she'd immediately be stripped of all possessions and placed in a warded room that was outfitted with just a bed and a toilet

Sneaking through the manor he wished he still had his invisibility cloak. Silencing himself and casting a disillusionment and an odourless charm on himself he made is way down one of the Corridors. There was only minimal guard presence at the minute so it was relatively easy to get past them. Using his wand as a compass he made his way to Bellas room. He truly hoped he could catch her unawares. Passing by Peter he was tempted to snap the rat's neck but he couldn't risk Tom calling for him suddenly and then Peter not turning up. He would get his chance tomorrow. He could wait that long.

Finally getting to her room he set about quietly disabling her wards. Before entering her room, he placed a silencing ward on her doorway, upon entering though he was very surprised to see her still up reading and paused. The door opening had alerted her. Cautiously she made her way to the doorway and looked out into the hallway. Realising that this was his chance he waited for her to lay back down, her eyes constantly darting to the doorway. Harry was in danger of overthinking this so he wandlessly opened the door again. Bella sprang up and cast a curse through the opening doorway and Harry pounced. Casting a silencing charm on her with one wand and a disarming curse with his other clued her in to who it was. A hissed "Potter" was all Harry heard before she tried to dart to the door. Throwing a knife she had pulled from her bra in the direction she assumed Harry was she ran for the door only to run headlong into a stunning hex. She dropped like a stone. Harry was very aware he was on a timescale here and tied her up. Using her book as a portkey he saw her disappear to his home. Hopefully Dobby would be on the ball. Standing up he felt a powerful presence approaching the hallway. Making a decision he decided that this was a good a chance as he was going to get so he sent Moody a patronus charm telling him that it was happening tonight. Walking out into the hallway he dropped his invisibility charm and waited

"Hello Tom"

"Hello Potter"