Lucius had been given a pardon long ago, for any activity done in the war, and one which couldn't be revoked. Neither he nor Severus had got one through either Albus or Fudge; Albus promised them one if they spied, but had never helped. Lucius had enough to bury the man with; he had helped keep Fudge in office this long, as he was useful. He knew he still could be, in helping bring down Albus, but it wouldn't save him. He'd see the man out of office and begging on the street, but if he didn't help, he'd be facing prison and the kiss like Albus.

Nick heard his brother was going, and insisted on going with him. Lucius was wary, but was reminded he had promised, Nick would have his day. Fudge was personal, Lucius was coming after him for one reason only, and that was his brother.

Lucius went strolling into his office. "Cornelius."

The man looked at him in surprise. "I thought you'd be back in France."

Lucius smirked when he heard that "You thought wrong. It seems I have some unfinished business to see to first."

Fudge smiled. "You know I am always happy to help where I can."

Lucius took a seat. "I thought you'd say that. I will be needing your memories, to nail Albus to the wall."

Fudge took a big gulp. "Albus?"

Lucius smiled. "I thought you were always complaining you wanted him out of power. We both know he's a risk."

Fudge of course had been working with the man. "I don't think I can help."

Lucius smirked. "Oh I think you will help, unless you want to find yourself in a black cell, right next to his."

Cornelius swallowed deeply. "You wouldn't."

Lucius smirked. "I would. If you help, I'll let you keep your freedom, if nothing else."

Cornelius stumbled over his words and looked at the pensieve and started taking out memories. "My help is yours of course."

Lucius took the bottle. "Good man. I guess it will only be your job and fortune I'll have to take from you."

Cornelius stopped him. "I helped you, what else do you want? You can't ruin me; I have a wife and two children."

Lucius turned back. "There is nothing you can do to fix this. You mess with my little brother, you're lucky I let you remain free."

Cornelius looked at him like he lost his mind. "Your brother?"

Lucius turned and motioned, Cornelius thought he was crazy, they were alone in the office and the door was closed. Then he watched in shock, as someone appeared, and he realized under an invisibility cloak. He didn't know the kid, but there was something so familiar about him, but he couldn't decide what it was. He definitely had the look of an old blood, and his eyes, were a lot like Lucius.

Nick had regained his eyesight, since the final battle, when he had been using his magic. He could see the shock in the face of the man in front of him, and he liked it, and knew it would look even more than now, when he learned.

Lucius presented him. "My brother Domenic Regulus Black-Malfoy. But I believe you call him the decoy, or the other boy."

Cornelius realized who he was. "Him? No, there is no chance. You don't even have a brother."

Lucius smirked. "I do. My father's son with his husband, Regulus Black. You sure know how to choose your decoys."

Cornelius was starting to sputter. "Regulus Black, you mean that he is the grandson of…."

Nick spoke. "Son of Abraxas Malfoy and grandson of Orion Black, I am told you were well acquainted with my grandfather and father."

Cornelius sunk down into his chair, and knew if either man was alive, he'd be dead where he stood. "This can't be happening."

Lucius shook his head. "Now if either my father or Orion were alive, you'd likely face the kiss. As it is, I think I am being quite generous."

Cornelius pleaded with him. "You have to know I never knew who he was. You know I'd have never used a Malfoy, if I had known."

Lucius knew the man was a rat but he believed him. "Believe me Cornelius, that is the only reason you are getting such an offer."

Cornelius looked at Nick. "I have children; you wouldn't want to put them on the street. I know you boy, you have a good heart."

Nick sneered at him. "You stole me from my family, and used me as a pawn, and you think I should take mercy on yours?"

Lucius handed him forms. "You will step down, and you will give up your pension, and every knutt you earned while you were in office."

Cornelius knew he had little choice; he couldn't go to prison, to that to his kids. Their home Lucius couldn't take, his wife inherited it, from her family. He had some family money, but he would have little more, and he would never work. They may have a home, and his wife worked, but their savings would be gone. They would be lucky to be able to pay for their kids to go to school; they'd be poorer than the Weasleys were.

Lucius looked at the man as he went to lead Nick out. "Keep your lips sealed, or I promise, you will be joining Albus in Azkaban."

The story of Fudge wouldn't hit the papers just yet. He wouldn't retire, until Albus had been arrested, they didn't need the man suspicious. Lucius had intended to bankrupt the man, take his home and all his money, but Nick stepped in. Nick wanted to nail the man to the wall, but he reminded his bother Fudge had two kids, who shouldn't be punished. Money would be tighter than for the Weasleys, even with only two kids, and his wife would have to support them from now on. Lucius knew his brother was right, the kids were ten and eight, and innocent of what their father did. He was again reminded the man was lucky Nick's dad and grandfather were not alive, they'd not have gone easy on him, even for Nick.

Nick had no intentions to ask for any leniency for the other man. Fudge may have known he was a decoy, and he knew Albus may have seen him killed, but he hadn't known who he was. It was Albus who had kidnapped him, who plotted to use him, and would have killed him.

Viktor was worried on the morning they were to take Nick to school. "Where has he gone?"

Adrian groaned. "He couldn't have left the manor again. He knows we're taking him later today."

Lucius shook his head. "He hasn't left the manor, but we should find him, we are meant to be going soon."

Remus had come into the room. "I think your brother could use you now."

Lucius was worried when he turned to look at the man. "What's wrong?"

Remus calmed him. "He is up in the room you told me had been his nursery."

Lucius shared a look with him and went to retrieve his brother. "I'll be back with him soon."

He found Nick up in the nursery sitting next to the window. Nick knew he was there without turning. "I wanted to see this room."

Lucius sunk down and looked at the photo Nick held. "I told you that you would see the photo one day with your own eyes."

Nick had some tears in his eyes as he stroked Talis who was in his lap asleep. "Would they be proud of me?"

Lucius kissed his head. "Without a doubt. You are a true Black and Malfoy, never doubt that. Stubborn, determined, strong, so much more."

Nick put down the photo, and went into his arms, for a moment. He hoped so, he wanted to make them proud, more than anything. He had thought himself a half blood, and never been ashamed of it, before. But he was proud, to come from two of the strongest families, and he wanted to bring honor to them. He would never know either of his dads, or his grandfather, but he wanted to honor them. He knew his Uncle may have run away from home, but even Sirius had some respect for his family, more his dad than his mum.

Lucius led him downstairs, where the others were waiting, to go. He still wished Nick would remain behind, but Nick was determined to go. He once thought not to reveal himself, but many knew of him, including Seamus. He saw no need for him to hide any more.

Nick was surprised the school was so empty when they arrived. "I would have thought there would be more."

Lucius reminded him. "The memorial was two days ago now, and school won't be starting until February now."

Harry had appeared from the dungeons. "Nick, I was a bit surprised when I was told you were coming."

Nick turned to look at him. "You didn't think I was about to allow you to have all the fun did you?"

Harry shook his head. "No, I guess not. We both definitely deserve to confront the man for what he has done."

Remus spoke up. "And you both have all the backup you could need from the order."

Well the order who knew, but Lucius had little doubt, they'd all back up Harry and Nick when they knew. The twins were back and with them, Viktor and Adrian, Lucius and Severus, and Remus were all there. Tonks had also come and Moody was with her, they had of course already known about this all. Nick and Harry wouldn't be at risk with them all there.

They were making their way through the school when they came across Minerva. She stopped them. "What are you doing?"

Nick appeared from among the others. "Professor McGonagall, I was told you were one who helped rescue me from the school."

The woman turned to look at him, realizing who he was. "As I told Remus, I always look after my lions. You always made a good lion."

Harry stepped next to Nick. "We're both grateful for your help. And we ask you to step aside now, so we can confront the headmaster."

Minerva nodded. "Allow me to lead the way, you will be needing the password."

Lucius was a bit shocked, even after her help before. "We will indeed."

Harry walked with them, reminded soon this would be over, and he could leave. He would go to Boston, but not Salem, ever again. He had finished school long ago, he had taken his NEWT exams at fifteen, few people knew. He had continued with school, as the cover, and to continue his extra training of course. He planned to be reunited with Travis, and with his relatives, and go from there. He would take Seraphim with him, the name he gave his owl that looked like Hedwig, but he wanted a cat. Soon enough, he told himself, he would be able to do it all.

Albus stared in shock as Harry and Nick entered his office shoulder to shoulder. "What…."

An: A few short chapters left. Please continue to review, there is a button at the bottom, make sure to use it.