Chapter 16 – Albus Dumbledore

Monday morning Harry found himself staring at the gated entrance to Hogwarts. He felt a brief moment of melancholy as he realized he would never be returning there as a student. It was the first place he ever thought of as home, and for the first time since Narcissa came to him, it really hit him how much his life had changed. Don't misunderstand he was happy with his life now, as odd as things had gone, but in moments like this he realized what the prophecy really cost him. The lost years of his childhood, of school and friends and relatively innocent adventures.

"Do you want me to open it?" Amelia asked, giving him a look of understanding. Harry nodded his head no. He took a deep breathe to clear his head and opened the gate. As he stepped through, Harry found himself looking for Hagrid. He missed his first friend.

'We can stop and see him on our way out if you want.' Harry smiled as they walked.

'You're getting much better at this.'

'It's a skill with practicing.'

They walked towards the castle, hand in hand, each reminiscing about their time there. As soon as they walked through the large doors into the entry hall they saw Dumbledore waiting for them, or at least for Harry. He was clearly surprised to see Amelia and you could see the wheels turning in his mind as he tried to formulate a new plan based on her presence.

"Madam Bones, what brings you here?"

"As my girlfriend and future consort, she is here at my request," said Harry.

"Very well," said Albus with a gulp. 'I asked to speak to him without the presence of his wife. I completely forgot about Amelia. He has date Amelia of all people. She will be hard to convince. I should have just asked him to come alone.' Amelia and Harry gave each other amused looks as they listened to Dumbledore's rambling thoughts.

"Perhaps we should speak in your office Albus," suggested Amelia with a raised eyebrow. "Unless you wish discuss sensitive matters in the entranceway."

"Yes of course," said Albus as he turned and walked to the gargoyle, which immediately opened for him. "After you."

Harry and Amelia only had to wait on the landing a couple of minutes before Dumbledore was opening the door for them and ushering them in. Harry and Amelia sat down in front of the large desk. Harry waited until Dumbledore offered and they declined the custom lemon sherbet before he spoke.

"I need to know where the Horcruxes are?" Said Harry jumping to the chase.

"Ah, so you already know about those?" asked Dumbledore with a nervous chuckle. 'How unfortunate, I likely can't use them to persuade him to sacrifice himself if he already knows about them, but maybe he doesn't know about the one in his...'

"Yes, I know of them, including the one in my scar. I have already destroyed two, the diary which you know about and the one in Voldemort's familiar, Nagini. I know he has others, but I have no idea how many or what they are. He clearly has stored them in a mix of innate objects and living beings so they truly could be anything. I need your help narrowing it down," Harry explained calmly.

"I'm not sure I know much that will help you," said Albus carefully.

"You're lying," said Harry letting his magic flair in anger. Dumbledore grasped his head and winced in pain. Harry searched Dumbledore's mind and found part of what he was looking for.

"His paternal ancestors, the Gaunts. You believe he may have turned the head of house ring into a Horcrux. Why?" asked Harry.

"How could you...?" started Albus, but he sighed at the intense glares from both Harry and Amelia. They could tell he was getting nervous. "Shortly after Tom left Hogwarts he killed his father. He also killed any of the remaining Gaunt descendants. The ring was not found on any of the bodies, so I assumed he took it. I presumed he just wanted a family heirloom until you brought me the diary. I knew immediately that the diary was a Horcrux, and that he likely made more than one. If he has the ring, it made since to me that he would have killed his father to make the ring into a second Horcrux and that was why he took it in the first place."

"And where is it?" Harry asked firmly.

"May I ask why you are so interested in Horcruxes Harry? What are you going to do with the ring when you find it?" Questioned Albus.

"Destroy it," Albus looked at him for a long moment as if he didn't believe him. Then he let out a sigh.

"The gaunt family home outside Little Hangleton," Dumbledore answered hesitantly.

"Do you know of any others?" Harry continued.

"I believe Salazar Slytherin's locket may be one. I suspect Tom wanted to make one with an object that was cherished by each of the founders, but I have no idea if he succeeded or what objects he may have used," said Albus. Harry scanned his mind for the possible location and learned all about Tom's time in the muggle orphanage and the things that happened on the trip to the beach. 'We have more in common than I realized,'

"I won't ask why you haven't bothered destroying them since you know where they are. I don't really care what your answer is, but I wouldn't be surprised if Amelia did." Harry made a show of snapping his fingers even though didn't need to. "I have what I need he's all yours love."

"Excellent," said Amelia with an almost feral grin

"What did you do?" yelled Dumbledore as his eyes glazed over.

"It's a spell, I created it myself. Do you like it? It took a long time, and you have to have blood from anyone you want it to be anchored to so it isn't very useless on a broad scale like Veritiserum, but you will find that you will no longer be able to lie, mislead, or intentionally withhold information about me or Voldemort. It may not seem like a lot, but I promise Amelia is a very skilled interrogator. I have no doubt she will be able to work around that to ensure she gets the information she needs about other things as well," explained Harry. He quickly stood to leave.

"That is very dark magic Harry," said Albus in clear disappointment. Harry shrugged.

"Maybe, but I won't be your pawn anymore Albus. There are only four people that know about this spells' existence and three of them are in this room. That is how it will stay," Harry stated.

"I am disappointed in the man you have become," said Dumbledore.

"Well, I have been disappointed in you for a long time now, so I know how you feel," replied Harry. Harry watched Dumbledore struggle as he tried to come up with a response. "Tell me, when I brought you that diary, is that moment you choose Voldemort over me?"

'I have always cared for you Harry, but you must sacrifice yourself my boy, surely you know it is the only way to destroy the Horcrux. It is for the greater good, I wish there was another way.' Harry heard Dumbledore think. Then he opened his mouth to speak.

"No, it was the night you were inside Nagini's consciousness as she attacked Arthur in the Department of Mysteries. I knew then you would have to sacrifice yourself. You must sacrifice yourself Harry, or I will not be able to defeat Voldemort myself and be the ultimate leader of the light," Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise while Harry just sighed.

"And that's the truth. At least I know the spell works. I'm saddened by your answer, but I thought it might be something like that, so I'm not surprised. Goodbye professor. No matter what happens during your meeting with Amelia, I don't think we will be seeing each other again," said Harry with a grim smile. He kissed Amelia on the cheek and then walked out of Dumbledore's office, never looking back.

o – o – o – o – o

"Looks like it is just you and me now," said Amelia with a smirk. "So, let's start with Harry's question." Amelia flicked her wand and Dumbledore became tied to his chair as his wand soared into Amelia's outstretched hand.

"We wouldn't want you getting away now, would we?" smiled Amelia.

'Fawkes, Fawkes come to me. Why won't he respond.' Amelia chuckled.

"Perhaps he knows you are no longer worthy of him, so if you know about the ring and locket and where they are hidden. Why haven't you destroyed them?" Amelia asked. Dumbledore's eyes widened in shock. 'She can read my thoughts as well?'

"I-I"

"I've never known you to be one to stutter, just get on with it," scowled Amelia.

"As long as no one disturbs them Voldemort will assume no one knows about them, so it seemed like the safest option. Since I know where they are, I figured I could take care of them if it was needed, but I don't think Voldemort is causing enough trouble to require going that far. Yes, people are scared, but when they are scared, they need leadership and that is what I am here for," Albus said honestly, he had no other choice.

"I can understand why you would leave them untouched; Voldemort is unlikely to move them if he believes they are safe, but your selfishness is astounding. You are not immortal Albus, what if something happened to you and no one else knew about these? Did you have some sort of contingency plan in case you should meet your own demise?" Amelia asked.

"I was working on that. I planned to tell Harry just enough to ensure he knew about them and had the desire to find them. Besides, my portrait would have been able to help, if anyone should have asked," replied Dumbledore. Amelia rolled her eyes. She conjured her Patronus and sent the badger off with a message. Then she waited in silence, glaring intensely at Dumbledore. Several moments later, Kingsley Shacklebolt's face appeared in the fireplace.

"Director? Is there some kind of problem?" Kingsley asked.

"Just having a conversation with Albus here that I would like you to be witness too," Amelia replied.

"Very well, I'll be through in just a moment." Said the Auror, then his face disappeared. As soon as it did the face of the minister appeared and Amelia had a similar conversation with him.

"Do we really need witnesses, Amelia? Surely this can just be a private conversation," pleaded Dumbledore. Amelia just raised her eyebrows. Moments later, Auror Shacklebolt and the minister arrived and took the newly conjured seats on either side of Amelia.

"We will begin in a moments time, gentlemen. We are waiting for one more," said Amelia. As soon as she finished the office door opened with a flourish and in walked Minerva McGonagall.

"Amelia? What in Merlin's name is going on? I literally just return from holiday, and you are already calling a meeting in the headmaster's office," said Minerva with her signature scowl.

"Just have a seat, Minerva. I will explain everything," Amelia said. Once McGonagall sat down Amelia explained everything Harry had told her about Dumbledore's interference in his life and her suspicion that he a double agent, conveniently working both sides of the war.

"We are here to find out the extent of his interference and whether or not any criminal activity has occurred. So, let's begin. Albus, why did you bind Harry's magic?"

"He was young and would have been a danger to everyone around him. Even then, you could feel his power. I knew that I would not be able to control things the way I wanted to if he was more powerful then both Voldemort and I. I felt I needed to ensure I had his complete trust first."

"Did you not consider how powerful of a weapon he could have been for the light if he was simply trained in how to control that power instead of having it bound and kept secret from him?"

"I did, but the potential that he would become a weapon that I could not control was too great, it was not worth the risk."

"Is that why you sent him to live with his muggle relatives?" she asked in barely controlled rage. Minerva was also fuming next to her while Kingsley and the minister looked on in surprise.

"Yes, if he came to Hogwarts craving love and acceptance, he would be easy to manipulate. He would see me as a kind, grandfatherly figure that cared for him and do what was necessary," responded Dumbledore.

"So, you did see him as a weapon? You let him live a childhood of abuse simply so you could do with him as you pleased."

"Yes," Dumbledore whispered. It was quiet for several moments while Amelia calmed herself down.

"Explain what you thought it would be necessary for him to do."

"At first, I wanted to make him my prodigy. The ultimate defender of the light. I thought he came to Hogwarts humble, and kind, and eager to achieve I could shape into an image of myself, and then 'help' him release his true power and mentor him in how to control it, but when I realized that he would have to die at the hands of Voldemort, my plans changed. It became clear that he would have to lose, for the war to be won."

"I see." The conversation continued this way until they had covered Harry's entire life. Every fact, he had not told him, everything he knew about, but ignored. After a couple hours they paused for tea before Amelia intended to switch to discussing Voldemort in much the same vain. By this time tears were welling in McGonagall's eyes and her normally stoic expression looked about to crumple.

"I should have listened to my instincts. I knew something was off when you were so determined he be raised by those horrible muggles. But I trusted you. I believed all of your lies. That poor boy," said Minerva in a shaky voice.

"I did what I thought was best Minerva, I'm sorry if you felt I deceived you," Albus replied solemnly. McGonagall gripped the arms of her chair tightly. She was about to retort when Amelia gently touched her arm.

"Maybe we should continue, we still have a lot to cover before we can make a decision about what to do," said Amelia softly. McGonagall let out the breath she was holding and nodded.

"When was the last time you saw Voldemort?"

"A few days after Harry and Narcissa disappeared. He wanted to know if I knew where he was."

"Do you speak with Voldemort often?"

"No, the only other time I have spoken to him is when Arthur was attacked in the Department of Mysteries by Voldemort's familiar, and I realized he had unintentionally left a piece of his soul in Harry's scar. I usually had Snape pass information on to Voldemort if it was necessary, always well controlled information of course."

"So, Voldemort knows Harry is a Horcrux?" asked Amelia in surprise.

"Yes, I imagine it is the main reason, other than his inflated ego, that Voldemort refuses to let his followers kill Harry," responded Albus. Amelia asked several questions about what information Snape passed on to Voldemort at his command and then ended with the last thing she wanted to know.

"Did Voldemort know about your relationship with Grindewald?" Amelia asked.

"Yes," said Dumbledore through gritted teeth.

"And what did Voldemort know regarding said relationship?"

"That we were lovers, and I never would have intentionally killed him. I did my best to help him when I could," said a deflated Dumbledore.

o – o – o – o – o

Harry decided to apparate a couple miles from the manor and walk home to clear his head. He refused to cry over Dumbledore, but it didn't mean his heart wasn't aching at hearing the truth. He was one of the first people Harry had trusted, and the whole time he was simply being manipulated.

As he walked, he heard a soft trill and looked up to see a beautiful phoenix flying towards him.

"Fawkes?" he said in surprise. Harry smiled when the bird landed on his shoulder and gently stroked his cheek.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked. Suddenly Fawkes bit his finger and then a wave of magic washed over them both.

"We're connected now." Said Harry in surprise. Fawkes trilled loudly. "I shall do my best to not disappoint you Fawkes."

When he reached the manor Narcissa was surprised to see his new familiar. He sent Kreacher to get whatever Fawkes would need and then sat down to tell Narcissa everything that had happened.

Later that evening, as Harry and Narcissa were having dinner Amelia showed up. She nodded to Narcissa and gave Harry a thorough kiss before sitting down and filling her plate. She had skipped lunch and was starved.

"Have you been at Hogwarts all this time?" Harry asked in concern.

"No, we finished up with Albus around lunch time. Then Minerva and I met with the school directors. After that I went back to the ministry. I left Albus in Kingsley's care for now," said Amelia.

"Well, how did it go?" asked Narcissa. Amelia sighed heavily.

"Unfortunately, you were right Harry. I can't actually charge him with any crimes. There are so many loopholes in the laws to protect purebloods that even being a death eater in and of itself isn't illegal. We technically can only charge them for crimes they commit as a death eater, like murder. Therefore, there is nothing I can do about him passing information to Grindelwald or Voldemort. I can't even charge him with binding your magic since he was your magical guardian at the time, and it's a decision that was within his rights to make. There is enough evidence to make a case for ministry interference and owl post tampering, but he has so many allies I think I will be hard pressed to get that through. For now, I have gotten the minister and the board of directors at Hogwarts to agree that he should not be in a position of power. He will be stripped of all of his titles and forced to retire. He will then likely return to his family home," shared Amelia. "If you want more punishment then that you should speak with the goblins, they likely have some punishment for not giving you your statements or allowing you to claim your titles." Harry thought about all she had said for several moments.

"I sort of expected that to be the outcome. Power is the most important thing to him, having everything taken away from him seems like a fitting punishment. Thank you, Amelia. I know it's been a long day for you," said Harry as he leaned over and gave her a tender kiss.

"I wish I could have done more," said Amelia.

"It's enough Amelia, truly. Don't be so hard on yourself," said Narcissa from across the table.

"By the way, we have a new member of the family," said Harry cheekily.

"Have you married someone else?" smirked Amelia. Harry laughed and went to call for Fawkes, but before he did the majestic bird appeared in a flash and settled on Harry's shoulder. Amelia gawked at the phoenix in surprise and then broke out in raucous laughter.

"Albus was wondering where he went," she said with a chuckle. Amelia wiped her eyes and then excused herself. "Thanks for dinner. I should get back and check on Susan. You're with me tomorrow night, right?" Harry nodded.

"Good. I'm looking forward to it," she said with a wink. "Oh, and Minerva is coming to dinner Thursday night. She wants to check on you herself." Harry nodded his acceptance as Amelia leaned down and kissed him goodbye, and then she waved to Narcissa and walked out of the dining room.

That night Harry held Narcissa close and thought about the conversation with Dumbledore.

"Are you really okay with the outcome?" Narcissa asked.

"Yes, if he can't have that kind of control over someone else's life again, I am satisfied with that."

The next morning, they all woke up to the news of Dumbledore's death on the front page of the Daily Prophet. Apparently, he had been found floating in the black lake shortly after dinner. Nobody knew how he got there or what happened.

Harry felt pretty confident Dumbledore had done it to himself, to save himself the humiliation of losing everything that was important to him. He knew it wasn't Voldemort, he hadn't left his hide out the last two days. Harry wasn't in Voldemort's head anymore. He realized after absorbing the Horcrux that was in Nagini that every time he was actively in Voldemort's mind, he lost some control over the parts of Voldemort magic that he was keeping contained. So, he set up wards and charms to let him know if Voldemort left, and only entered his mind then. Unfortunately, for Harry, no one else thought it was Voldemort either. According to the prophet, it wasn't Voldemort you had to worry about anymore it was him.

'Enemies of the heir beware.' Read the title on the second page. 'Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape both missing, and both longtime enemies of Lord Emrys. Albus Dumbledore found dead day after meeting with Lord Emrys. Coincidence?' Harry scoffed.

'They could at least come up with something more original.' But despite the ridiculousness of the title, he was worried about the ramifications of the article. If he wasn't careful about showing his powers, the public would start hating him soon.

o – o – o – o – o

Amelia had a headache, one of the worst she's had in a long time. After waking up to the article in the prophet, she had rushed into the ministry to find out what exactly had happened.

"Care to explain to me how I leave Albus in your care and he ends up dead in the lake?" asked Amelia in an unpleasantly firm tone. Kingsley winced.

"He asked if he could pack up all of his belongings in private and meet me in Hogsmeade for dinner. Despite the circumstances, I still thought Dumbledore could be trusted, as long as it didn't involve Harry, and so I agreed. It is clear now that was a mistake. I apologize for my error in judgment, and you shall have my resignation on your desk by the end of shift," replied Kingsley. Amelia sighed.

"That's not necessary Shacklebolt. You are one of the best Aurors that I've got, I can't afford to lose you, but we need to do some damage control. The prophet is blaming Harry for his demise. We both know he had nothing to do with it, so we need to figure out what actually happened. How did they know Harry met with him that morning?" Amelia asked.

"It was written in his diary," said Kingsley.

"Well, that explains why they didn't know we met with him after that. He hadn't been expecting me. Now how did someone at the prophet get a hold of his diary?"

"That I don't know, director," said Kingsley honestly.

"Then I suggest you find out," frowned Amelia.

"Yes ma'am," responded Kingsley with a small bow as he hurried out of her office, grateful to still have a job and determined to make up for his mistake.

The rest of Amelia's day was hectic, and she arrived home just in time to go to Longbottom manor for dinner.

"I am sorry I'm late, as you can imagine today has been chaotic," said Amelia as she stepped over the grate. She kissed Harry chastely and then headed for the stairs. "Let me just change." Harry reached out his arm to stop her.

"You don't need to rush Amelia, take your time. The Longbottoms' will understand," said Harry. Amelia nodded and smiled at him, then she pulled him in for a deeper kiss and went upstairs.

A half hour later, the trio apparated to Longbottom Manor. Harry thought briefly that it was nice having both of his women on his arm. He didn't miss their slight smiles at his thoughts. They walked up to the front door of the Manor and Harry let go of Amelia's hand to knock. Neville opened the door with a beaming smile and ushered them inside.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Neville was hugging Harry. Harry patted his back in surprise. When Neville pulled away, he immediately enveloped Narcissa in a hug as well.

"I owe you everything. Thank you, thank you so much," he said.

"Neville," chastised Augusta. "Let the poor woman breathe." Neville pulled away sheepishly and went to stand next to his grandmother. When they walked into the dining room there was another round of hugs from Neville's parents. Alice held Harry's face in her hands as tears welled in her eyes.

"I should have been there to raise you. Your mother was my best friend and I loved you like you were my own son. I am so sorry, for everything you have been through," said Alice.

"It is not your fault. I admit it would have been nice to grow up with Neville as a brother, but things have worked out fine. I am happy now and I'm glad you are okay," replied Harry.

"Thanks to you," said Frank as he put his hand on Alice's shoulder.

"Well, it's more thanks to my wife actually. She did most of the research and all of the work. I just let her use some of my magic," said Harry.

"Yes, your wife Lady Emrys, and your consort Madam Bones," said Alice with a smirk.

"I'm not sure how your mother would feel about this." Harry went to say something to defend himself, but Narcissa squeezed his arm gently, letting him know she was teasing him.

"Thank you Narcissa. We are indebted to you," Alice said when Harry didn't reply.

"It was my pleasure," replied Narcissa. Harry helped each of his dates into their seats, giving them each a firm kiss on the cheek as he pushed in their chair. Neville smirked at him from the other side of the table. Harry flashed his signature grin. Dinner was pleasant and after a few awkward questions the conversation started to become more natural. A lot of this was thanks to Amelia, who had known the Longbottoms well before that fateful night.

"So Narcissa, I hear Saint Mungo's has been in touch with you," said Augusta as they waited for coffee to be served after the meal.

"Yes, they have asked me to head the new department dedicated solely to brain damage and disorders, both short and long term," shared Narcissa. "I have requested six months before I begin. We should be done with our – other projects by then." Narcissa looked over at Harry who nodded.

"You mean destroying Voldemort once and for all," said Frank.

"Yes," said Narcissa. "Among other things."

"We are always here to help if you need anything, and we want you to know that we don't believe anything the Prophet says about you Harry. We know you had nothing to do with Dumbledore's death or those death eater's disappearances," chimed in Alice. Harry paled slightly.

"Thank you, I appreciate that," he said quietly. Amelia moved her hand to his thigh as she changed the subject.

"Any chance either of you will come back to the Auror office? We could use good Aurors, now more than ever," said Amelia. "Especially ones that are already trained." Everyone laughed.

"Maybe, we've been talking about what we want to do. We want to spend as much time as possible with Neville but when school starts again, we may consider returning on a part time basis," answered Frank. "We will need to update our training though. It has been a while."

"Well, whenever you are ready just let me know," said Amelia. "Harry has developed a fantastic tactical training regime that I am working on getting incorporated into the curriculum at the Auror Academy. I think it will make all the difference in new recruits being prepared for potential battle situations."

"Do you really think that's necessary Amelia?" asked Alice.

"Do I think it will be a matter of their lives or ours? Absolutely." Said Amelia.

When they left Harry breathed a sigh of relief, Narcissa and Amelia both looked at him in curiosity.

"They have no idea who I really am. To them, everything is black or white, light or dark. I must either be completely innocent or completely evil. There is no in-between, no room for who I really am. Meeting them, listening to them; it is clear to me that I will disappoint them." Narcissa walked up and kissed him in understanding.

"It is not an uncommon way to view the world. I think if Neville and Augusta hadn't been through as much as they had since Frank and Alice were tortured, they would likely still think that way as well. Just know that you will never disappoint us," Narcissa said motioning to herself and Amelia. "And no matter how it feels, you are not in this alone." Harry nodded and returned the kiss with fervour. When Harry pulled away, Narcissa said good night and then apparated to Emrys manor.

When Harry and Amelia got back to Grimmauld Place they had a similar conversation and then Amelia choose to physically show Harry how decidedly not disappointed she was in him.

o – o – o – o – o

Wednesday was the night of the week that Harry got to himself. With no other obligations he needed to tend to, he invited Hermione and Tonks over for dinner. Hermione was teary eyed and clutching Dora's hand. Harry was about to ask if something happened when he realised she was likely upset about Dumbledore's passing. He understood he was sad as well, but his feelings were a lot more complicated than Hermione could know.

"I know it couldn't have been you Harry, but do you know anything about what happened?" Hermione asked. Harry sighed.

"Let's have dinner, we can talk about it," said Harry as he walked over to give her a hug. "How are the others holding up?"

"Okay, the mood is pretty somber at the Burrow right now. I think everyone is just in shock," replied Hermione as they walked to the kitchen. While they ate Harry explained what he had learned about Dumbledore's interference in his life and his past relationship with Grindelwald and lack of real desire to get rid of Voldemort.

"As long as people were scared and looked to him to solve things, he had power," Hermione said quietly when he had finished. "You were a threat to that. People would have gone to you instead."

"Yes exactly," said Harry.

"I can't believe he wanted to sacrifice you. I thought he cared for you?" She whispered.

"I can, believe it I mean. There was always something about Dumbledore that made me feel uncomfortable. It just seemed like he as always scheming and he was never willing to share anything, even times when it could have kept us safe to know," said Tonks.

"Yes, I have thought about that as well and wondered he planned on actually telling me about the Horcruxes. Surely he realized that the others would have to be destroyed for my sacrifice to be worth anything?" Said Harry.

"So you think he ended his own life before word got out about everything he had done?" Asked Tonks. Harry nodded.

"It makes sense, but it will be nearly impossible to prove. You have to be careful Harry. People will be watching you really closely now.

"Why didn't you tell us about Albus and him binding your magic?" Hermione asked.

"Why didn't you tell me you were dating Tonks?" Countered Harry with a raised eyebrow. Hermione blushed.

"I know you are a lot older than me now Harry, but I don't want to lose you as a friend, I guess we both need to be better about keeping in touch," said Hermione.

"You're right, I'll try and be a better friend from now on, and you should come and visit more," said Harry.

"I will," said Hermione. "Are you really dating Amelia Bones?" Harry chuckled.

"Yes, I am," said Harry with a smile.

"Wow," said Hermione.

Thursday night Harry was reading in the lounge at Grimmauld Place while he waited for Amelia to get home from work. As soon as she walked through the fireplace she pulled him in to a deep, all consuming kiss.

"I've missed you," she whispered when she pulled away.

"I've missed you as well Amelia," replied Harry as he kissed her on the forehead softly. "What time is McGonagall getting here?"

"Less than hour," said Amelia.

"That's unfortunate," pouted Harry. Amelia chuckled.

"I promise we'll have plenty of time for that when she leaves. I plan to take full advantage of your time here," she said as she pulled out of his embrace and started to walk towards the stairs. "For now, I'm going to change into something more fitting for dinner. Perhaps you should stay down here." Harry reluctantly agreed and reclaimed his seat. He picked his book back up to keep himself from running after her. Shortly after Amelia came back downstairs with Susan in tow, McGonagall walked out of the bright green flames blazing in the fireplace carriage a bottle of elf wine.

"Good evening Professor, it is a pleasure to have you here," Harry said politely.

"Harry? Is that really you?"

"Yes professor, it is me," Harry replied with a smile.

"Are you truly alright?" She asked.

"Never better," answered Harry.

"Oh I'm so glad. After everything Amelia told me, I was worried about you." McGonagall looked him over critically one last time before she turned to her long time friend.

"Here, I got you this on my travels. I know how much you like it," said Minerva with a smile as she handed the bottle of elf wine to Amelia.

"Thank you Minerva. I always look forward to what you bring back for me. Shall we go to the kitchen?" Minerva nodded and followed closely behind Amelia, talking animatedly about her holiday. Harry gave them a few minutes and then followed after.

"Amelia explained why you've aged. I can't believe you married Narcissa, and you have a daughter with her as well. You've been very busy this summer Harry," said Minerva with a smirk as she ate the delicious meal Kreacher had served.

"You have no idea Professor," replied Harry.

"I want you to know how very sorry I am about Albus. I had a feeling he wasn't doing right by you, but I ignored it. I shouldn't have trusted him so blindly. I'm sorry Harry, I should have done more," said Minerva.

"Thank you for that Professor, but I don't blame you. I trusted him too. It never occurred to me that I was just a pawn in whatever power game he was playing with Voldemort. In different circumstances I probably never would have known," Harry replied.

"So, what happens now Minerva," chimed in Amelia, hoping to change the subject. "What is the future of Hogwarts?"

"The board of directors have asked me to take over as Headmistress. I haven't given them my answer yet, but I am leaning towards taking it. I know it will be a lot of work and I will miss teaching, but the school needs me and if I say no who knows who they will bring in," said Minerva with a slight shiver.

"You will make a wonderful Headmistress, Minerva. I know you well enough to know that you wouldn't trust the well-being of the students to just anyone. If there is any way I can make things easier for you please let me know," said Amelia kindly.

"Well, if you happen to know a top-notch transfigurations master, that would be great," said Minerva only partly joking.

"I'll see what I can do," said Amelia as she gave Harry a meaningful look.