The Crossroads of Fate

Chapter 38: The Final Journey

Albus saw little of anyone but Alexis and Scorpius as the month wore on. Exams were being given now. Slowly, the school got back on track. Some DA members were filling in as volunteer teachers and proctors. The seventh years, including Albus and Scorpius did their NEWTs as scheduled. It did seem poorly put together but Percy did offer that anyone who was dissatisfied would be given the option of retaking the exam the next year. Albus, of course, had no intention of doing so. He needed a break and so did Scorpius. Shockingly, even Alexis refused to sit any exam after that year. She was stressed to numerous levels, worrying about Alexander, the war, and Albus' own life.

Some students refused to sit the exams altogether, and since there were no school governors or an official headmaster, and since many parents weren't so sure they'd keep their students in Hogwarts much longer, nobody could make them take the exams. Many students would be pulled out the next year and that was assuming Hogwarts was even open. Alexander, for example, refused point-blank to take any exam, even a written exam which, according to Alexis' insistences, he could pass easily.

"It won't gain you anything," she warned him. "You'll just end up a year behind everyone else next year."

"I missed the part where you were my mother making me go to school to begin with!" Alexander retorted angrily.

Alexander refused and he had a yelling match with Alexis about it who threatened to send him to America if he did not take an exam. "Where do you think you'll be going, then?" she asked testily.

Alexander folded his arms and faced her, straightening his red-rimmed glasses as he prepared an argument, "I'm staying home. I'm not opening myself to more criticism anymore. If- if Incommodo got anything right, it's that I'm better off in a specialized school. I want an Artifact school."

"There are no artifact schools, Alexander," Alexis reminded him.

"Then, I don't go," Alexander shrugged. "I'll study myself. I'm not taking the exams. Not, not, not."

"Alexander"-

"Not!"

"Alexand"-

"Not!"

"Ale"-

"NOT!" Alexander yelled, stamping his feet on the ground to emphasize his own force.

"It's a wonder how mother could ever stand you!"

"She couldn't," Alexander reminded her. "She let me go not even one minute after I arrived. I'm not doing it, Alexis. NOT!"

He stormed off angrily but in the end, for a wonder, Alexander won out. He refused to take any exam. Self-esteem destroyed, probably, he decided to drop out of Hogwarts. It did not worry Albus as much as it worried Alexis though. He was going to propose. Alexander said he wanted to live in Grimmauld Place… if Alexis accepted Albus' proposal, nobody had to worry.

Alexis seemed to give up for that time. Clearly, Alexander was beyond rationality and his case was strong on its own merits without the obligation of a parent or school governor. Not only that, at least half the students announced they would not return and a quarter were undetermined. Alexander not wanting to go was strong enough based on that. It died down for then, but Albus knew Alexis would argue her case later. Albus could not tell who would win this one, he just knew the two would argue until either someone gave up, or someone imposed some sort of obligation. Preferably, an agreement would be reached.

Albus spent some of his time with Neil, hoping to just give him company. The boy seemed very uncomfortable, though, uncertain of everything. Once or twice, Albus caught him near the Astronomy tower but he never ascended. He was probably avoiding Ink's ghost, at least until Albus offered to accompany him. The ghost of the child was there, floating solemnly, wordlessly, and silently. He turned his head to view the two and turned away.

"Any regrets?" Albus asked Ink.

Ink looked at Albus. Albus was not sure if his near-death experience actually happened or not. Would Ink recognize him? Albus could not tell when Ink's answer was, "Yes and no. I regret choices more than death and I regret life more than my afterlife."

"Who is he?" Neil asked, knees shaking slightly.

"He… is the real persona of Incommodo," Albus answered, still looking at the spectral boy. "Mortimer Ink, returned as a ghost."

"Why?"

Ink answered this one, not Albus. The boy turned to Neil. Did he know Neil's mentality? Was Incommodo clever enough to deduce what Neil's past was like? Albus could not tell. Ink just sighed, "I don't want to die. I feared death, I feared a nameless death, without much of a life beyond…" Ink shut himself up, as if he realized he said too much. He seemed resigned to just saying, "Death is better after a long life, not a short one. I don't deserve death."

Albus left them to talk. Neil seemed very different during and after the talk. He didn't seem as withdrawn as before. Not that he spent time with the living, he seemed to prefer Ink's company and soon after, Sierra's company. Time was running by, and things were changing.

As the rest of the year passed, some students left for good. Those students were orphaned in the war and the Longbottoms finally took over to provide something like an orphanage. The first to leave was Neil Nott alongside Hannah Abbot, and soon enough, Cherry left. She meant to take Lancet along when she was given some rather bad news. "Your brother will spend a little bit more time under observation, just to make sure nothing's wrong with him. The fact he'll likely have trouble performing magic for the rest of his life is worrying, and erratic outbursts is something very dangerous to both the child and those around him."

Cherry did not show much emotion, just blinked and asked with a fake smile, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"That we'll return him to you and the Longbottoms as soon as possible," Percy said. "But… whether he attends Hogwarts is dependent on the safety of those around him."

Meanwhile, Simon spent every waking moment with Seth. Seth was up, at least eating now but not much. He did not talk much, especially to Simon. Their friendship seemed repaired, or at least acknowledged for as long as Seth was the way he was. The only one who seemed interested was Maria but Seth did not seem to notice. He just stood frozen, stiff as a board while she hugged him. All Simon said was that he was going to make a plea to Harry Potter to spare Seth imprisonment but he could not promise anything. Albus himself also intended to make a plea on his behalf so hopefully, Seth would not be imprisoned or expelled. Still, he did have to be punished eventually and refusing to punish someone who people wanted dead was a poor way to gain the world's confidence.

Albus spent the better part of the month working out how to defend the sociopathic boy. Or… was he even that way anymore? He seemed changed. Well, whatever he was, Albus spent the better part of the next month trying to defend. He even tried talking to Seth but one look at him and Seth hid under his covers like Albus scared him somehow. Whatever scared Seth, whatever the Dementors did to him, Albus was part of it. Or so he thought.

"What I think happened," Harry said when Simon detailed what happened. "Is around the same principle that happened to my own cousin. In fact, I even pushed to have it named the Dursley principle but it was shot down. Dementors force us to relive our worst memories and moments, forces us to hear them.

Seth managed to recover a little bit though. He was not completely recovered but well enough to walk. Sierra took him out for fresh air outside by the lake, not far from where Alpha and Proxima were sitting. The Greengrass twins were trying to wrap their heads around something. Proxima kept shooting Scorpius a strange look but neither spoke to each other. Albus did not know what this was about but he had a feeling it was nothing good.

When June arrived, Harry announced that Azkaban was taken and the Goblins rooted out, the orphaned kids that had been taken from the Leaky Cauldron were found alive and well. They had been lost when the Reservation left to fight and found their way back. Thankfully, they were safe. The Goblins were in hiding now and more were being hunted relentlessly. The hunters were still at it and while the school year was going and the DA focusing on Hogwarts, little was being done. Albus was beginning to feel grateful now that he turned the Minister post down but he had a feeling he'd end up taking the job. He had an idea for something but he did not know how he would manage such a mess. Scorpius on the other hand was seriously considering Harry's offer. Perhaps Albus would become Minister after all. Scorpius, thankfully, also disagreed with Seth being imprisoned, let alone killed.

"Now Azkaban is ours, and Seth is somewhat recovered, we have to deal with him," Harry said honestly to Albus. "And he'll probably be its first prisoner."

Albus' stomach sank further as they walked outside. Azkaban. Was it good to send Seth there? Albus knew Dementors had an effect on him and he did terribly. A relapse was the last thing he wanted. He did not take whatever he heard very well at all. Albus did not know Dementors to have this kind of effect on people unless their souls were sucked out and as Albus understood, Seth was fine when it came to his soul. No, Seth was Albus' friend and he was a hero. A dark hero, probably someone who needed a leash but a hero nonetheless. He worked well, he had a good run and it was a wonder he even survived. If ever Albus would have a command as Minister, it was this, "No. Don't."

"Al"-

"He is responsible for everything," Albus said defensively. "Good and bad but he tried and we would not have won if it was not for him. I would not have lived if it was not for him. If ever you spare someone, it's gotta be him. Besides, didn't you make a deal with him? He kept it, didn't he?"

"The deal will be kept"-

"Mr. Potter," Simon said breathlessly, bowing his head.

"Simon," Albus said shortly to Harry. "Seth's friend."

"Seth- he's in enough pain, can I make a plea?" Simon looked so close to tears, Albus almost felt sorry for him. Harry himself looked a little surprised but he did stop and regard Simon. Simon seemed to take the silence for an allowance and made his plea, "Dementors had an effect on him. He- he heard- I think he heard the thoughts of other people. I don't know why, but I- I can't see him locked up. Mr. Potter, he is completely helpless in bed, if you imprison him, you'll kill him."

"I won't lie," Harry said, clearing his throat. "A lot of people want Seth arrested for life. He is responsible for a lot of murder. He poisoned the drink of someone's liquor when he was eight, he abducted Lily when he was eleven, he murdered Malcolm Mold when he was twelve, and he messed up last year when Phoenix got killed, an endpoint that never would have worked had he stayed silent. Incommodo never would have managed to take over. We will give him good treatment but in the end, Far, he will be arrested and he will be expelled from Hogwarts and his wand will have to be snapped."

"That's hardly fair!" Albus spoke up.

"Are you Minister, Al?" Harry asked with his eyebrows raised. "Because as far as you're concerned, this is a matter that has very little to do with you."

"He's my friend, it has everything to do with me"-

"Nice choice of friends, Al," Harry noted interestedly. "An Heir, a sociopath, a Malfoy, a powerful enchantress, and a Seer. But since one of them is being arrested, it's no longer in your hands. Sorry."

"But, Mr. Potter"-

"And, now we discover from his sister that he was born in the Reservation's lands," Harry went on. "How do you justify this? He needs to be watched, at the very least and the pressure on us to imprison him is insurmountable. Think about what you're pushing for. To have someone who committed murder walk free. How would you feel if your sister's killer is walking free? How do you think Samantha felt? We'll be holding his trial soon enough. Now, if you'd like to witness it, you're more than welcome, otherwise you will not interfere this time."

Albus opened his mouth to retort angrily when Simon silenced him. As Harry walked away, Simon muttered, "Trial. Like you did year before last. You're his best bet, Al."

Albus ended up seeing the process of arrest himself. He was not meant to, but one day, while he was sitting outside with a forlorn Mark who was talking through to himself how the battle had gone, who had died, and who had won. He only stopped briefly when he muttered Laura's name as one of the dead. He'd visited her grave at least once a day but at least Mark was doing better than when Walter died. Aries was sitting quietly with him, for once not giving any sort of lecture, and the twins spent most of the time with him, just quietly staring out, otherwise laughing at a joke Eric told in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Seth and Sierra walked across the grounds as evening approached, heading for the gates. Albus knew the two were leaving, probably hoping to evade capture, when from either side came Harry, Ron, Neville and Hermione. Seth jumped and Sierra drew her wand only to see it disarmed. Seth's wand left his pocket too and he stared. Before Albus knew it, ropes were conjured from Harry's wand and wrapped themselves tightly around Seth's arms, forcing them behind his back. Seth's eyes still betrayed no emotion, even as it seemed he was finally facing justice. Next. His legs were bound and his wand taken from him. Ron flicked his wand and Seth was levitated a bit to face them, upright, as if he was still standing.

Harry looked through his green eyes at Seth's empty blue ones, folding his arms, "Seth Lean. For crimes against Hogwarts, indirect and direct murder in the second and first degree of the Mold family, for the intentional indirect responsibility of the deaths of men, women and children in Hogsmeade, deaths of the teachers, students and Headmaster of Hogwarts, abduction of Hogwarts students, and use of the Dark Arts including but not limited to the use of five Unforgivable Curses, you are under arrest!"

Seth regarded Harry and Albus, saying nothing to the latter but to Harry himself, "We had a deal."

Our deal was that you do nothing to hamper our side, and last I checked, Lean, Phoenix's death destroyed us," Harry said stoically. "Knowing who the New Roots were and not saying anything when we could've used that information the most, that was a mistake. And what's this I hear about a child in Hogsmeade? I asked that you stayed out of the way and you failed to. You broke your side of the deal."

"The deal had nothing to do with me staying out, and point is I came through in the end," Seth told him. "You failed to specify conditions but I still acted for the most ungrateful Head Auror I'll ever meet."

"You promised," Albus told Harry, making clear he was taking Seth's side here. "He came through regardless, you owe him."

"Once you've served your sentence, you'll get your end of the bargain," Harry sighed.

"So, I don't get it until I'm about a hundred?" Seth asked. Harry and Albus shot him questioning looks and Seth continued, "I mean, if I'm responsible for that much, I'd be surprised if I'm not in for life."

Albus couldn't help but smile. A part of him wanted Seth to just go on thinking he would be in for life to make his release all the more precious to him. He caught Harry's eye, pleading but Harry did not meet his. "I'm sorry, I wish I didn't have to do this. But you've left us little choice. Come with us, we'll decide your sentence in the castle."

Albus and Simon looked at each other worriedly. How far Simon would go, Albus did not know, but Sierre started screaming at Harry, raging at him for being stubborn. Every time he tried talking, she yelled over him, announced he would have to imprison her too, and stormed off, leaving Harry gaping after her. Harry had promised before that the deal, regardless of punishment, would be kept. How Harry intended to do so, Albus had no clue. He just watched from behind closed doors as Seth was talking to Harry. He even whipped some extendable ears out to listen in with Simon.

Harry walked away and Ron followed behind, leading Seth from behind as they walked back up to the castle. Seth would be released, he knew, probably in just a year. He was still a kid but he was responsible for so much pain. Samantha was still running through his mind, Hogsmeade, Phoenix, and little Timmy Benson. Albus knew he should not be defending him, but he himself had a promise to keep. And unlike Harry, he was keeping it.

Headmaster's Office…

For the first time in months, Seth was standing up straight. Sierra walked beside him loyally and behind him, head determinedly down was Simon Far. Sophie came in beside Sierra. This was a first for Albus to see Sophie. Last Albus saw Sophie, she was watching some of the students who were still hospitalized. The hospital wing was emptier now but Hugo, for one, was still there. He was awake and pretty much ok, but his mind gave him some sudden episodes where he'd scream into his pillows, like an enormous internal headache.

Seth walked up, with support, to the Headmaster's office where his Uncle Percy sat. Percy Weasley stood, his red hair having grown during the last few years but his glasses sitting on his nose, staring rater haughtily at the companions Seth had. His old gang stood beside him once again, broken and fractured, but whole at least for the meeting. Up there was a group of others. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Aries surprisingly, Mark, and Scorpius since he was the next person Harry hoped to ask to become Minister for Magic. Harry took the middle, between Aries and Neville as he watched the procession.

"Ok, so this isn't much of a trial, but officially, for all intents and purposes, a trial is exactly what it is," Percy made clear. "Seth…" he read off a parchment. "Lean. You stand accused of the murder of Malcolm Mold, the orchestration of Hogsmeade alongside a known enemy, the indirect deaths of men, women and children in Hogsmeade village, the death of Samantha Mold, the abduction of the Mold Manor, the deaths of Hogwarts students, compliance while known enemies killed and maimed students, and the use of: The Terminus Curse on a Muggle man at the age of eight, the Cruciatus Curse on a child of the Reservation who possessed valuable information, the Imperius Curse on a variety of students to meet their deaths at the hands of the Reservation, the Fiendfyre curse excessively in a variety of situations, and the Killing Curse with a ten year-old child as the most recent victim. Do you deny it?"

"No," Seth said quietly, voice still a little scratchy but still strong enough to hold his own. Albus hoped his mind was still brilliant enough to make his case.

"Do you deny you did so with full knowledge that what you did was illegal?"

"Yes."

"That it might earn you Azkaban?"

"Yes."

"That upon the conclusion of the war, you would be an outcast?"

"Yes."

"And are you aware that you will now spend the rest of your life in Azkaban prison?"

"No," Seth responded as a change of pace.

Percy blinked, as if sure he would receive a yes. Seth seemed to have no problem with any other answer. But he was, apparently, not aware that he was on his way to Azkaban. Albus' mind smiled. He was still brilliant.

"Albus Severus Potter," Percy said formally, making no recognition that he was talking to his nephew. "I am to recognize you as his defense. Do you have a plea or a case to make before we decide his sentence?"

Albus, aware of many pairs of eyes on him, spoke. Simon looked hopefully but Harry folded his arms, not happy with Albus for this. "Seth is a brilliant Wizard, he has potential, and he is still young. And in spite of him saying he did do these things, there was a reason behind each of them. A reason that benefitted us and without them, we'd be in a very different position right now."

Sierra gave an odd cough that sounded suspiciously like 'dead' before returning to her smiley self as if nothing ever happened, as casually as ever.

"And… the proof is…"

"Me," Albus said calmly. "I'm the witness."

Albus caught Scorpius' eye. He knew Scorpius knew the story, if he could count on one vote, it was Scorpius. Albus' heart started beating as he answered the questions as they came.

"Very well, to go through each case specifically, let's look at the murder of Malcolm Mold first," Percy agreed. "Defense?"

"Malcolm tried killing Simon," Seth responded. "With a Terminal Curse. His death weakened the curse enough to give Simon a chance. And Simon's life is worth more than his, it was worth a try. He would've been dead otherwise."

Percy blinked again and even Hermione looked rather impressed that there stood what was admittedly a good defense. Percy did not show any emotion, but shuffled the papers and addressed him again. "The orchestration of Hogsmeade village. You stand accused of conspiring with Rojer Selwyn to start a battle in Hogsmeade, using the Imperius Curse on a teenage student, and manipulating teachers to get the students involved too. Your defense?"

"In"- Seth stopped for a second, this time looking a little uncomfortable. That was strange in itself. He usually spoke with complete ease but this time he showed discomfort, like he wished he could talk about anything- anything- other than the Hogsmeade massacre. Still, he answered honestly, "I meant to draw all the players of the war out. Your side was in a bad position, the battle served to split the Ministry, reveal the Reservation, and sideline the Purifiers."

"And, you didn't think to just inform us?"

"It doesn't matter," Seth said in a faded voice. "Harry Potter gave me amnesty for anything committed then and before."

Percy blinked again and gave Harry a reproachful look. Harry looked devoid of regret. "Very well, you also stand accused of murdering students of Hogwarts throughout your third year. Some students in the castle insist they witnessed you murder Herald and Gerald of Slytherin house, and seventh years Gordon and Jared. You are also accused of controlling the minds of countless students to meet their deaths during the Siege of Hogwarts and compliance and silence as students you knew the identity of murdered and maimed your fellow students."

"The students I killed were murderers," Seth said in a slow, easy voice. "They tortured people, they killed people, and they challenged the stability of Hogwarts. If I said anything to anyone, they'd have gotten away and you'd achieve nothing. It was best they had a false sense of security while my fellow spies had information on them too, to give me and anyone else cover."

"You were not the only one in there?"

"No."

"Who else?"

"Alpha and Proxima Greengrass, Neil Nott, my sister Sierra Lean, and Scorpius Malfoy," Seth told him.

Percy sighed and looked at his papers again. "And finally you stand accused of murdering a ten year-old boy. Defense?"

"His death turned the Reservation's Orb," Seth told him. "Took their power away, made their Necram useless, and their ship more vulnerable. It gave Incommodo the opportunity to get rid of a third soul and weaken his second. You won the war because of that and nothing else. Without that death, this last battle would've been lost and you dead."

"Potter," Percy said suddenly, addressing Albus. Albus jumped slightly and looked up. Percy looked at him, "Do you think Seth's actions are justifiable?"

Albus hesitated. He knew his very hesitation would be held against his point but he couldn't help it. After some thought, he said, "Yes… for all intents and purposes, yes. Malcolm had almost committed murder and had he lived, he would've. Seth acted to save his friend. Seth did try to save Walter from death but Incommodo didn't listen."

"Phoenix…"

"That was an accident," Seth said. "I meant to kick the imprisoned kids out but they were already free and planning their move. My father moved first. I should've been quicker and that wouldn't have happened. I gave Al the time turner to make sure he saves people though. The only one in the Reservation's stock. Nicked it from father when I was eleven."

"Seth told Phoenix not to imprison the students," Albus said. "He did anyway. Seth tried controlling Phoenix's mind but it weakened him against the already freed students. He messed up but it was a mistake. He- he shouldn't have misused what he had," Albus conceded.

"The thirty year-old biker when he was eight…"

"Wait…" Simon said, recalling a memory. "My first outburst of magic was when a drunken biker threatened me. Seth- Seth must've killed him for that." Simon did not sound like he agreed with any of Seth's actions. Albus knew he was really just making this plea to save him, not because he agreed with Seth at all.

"The way you put it Far, you're a real victim," Harry said. "It doesn't justify what he did."

"It doesn't have to," Simon yelled impassionedly. "He was already punished. Look, ok- ok, sentence him, but consider the sentence already served. He's been through enough, it's not like…" Simon froze, eyes alight with an idea. "Seth!" he said suddenly, and Seth's head jolted up to face him. Seth's face was usually impassive but there was definitely something different there. Like, looking st Simon filled Seth with a sort of regret. He was transparent, Albus could, for the first time, guess accurately what Seth was thinking in his mind "Do you regret anything?" Simon asked. "Like, anything at all?"

"I regret… everything. When I was five," Seth began with a scratchy voice. "My parents left me in Lady Elizabeth Boarding School. C-Couldn't be bothered with me while they set their plans of world domination or whatever they had in mind. There was just me and my sister until they sent me and left Sierra alone in a dumpster to die." Seth coughed hard, and took a drink of water Harry offered him. He looked really bad, Albus was surprised he was even speaking, that he was even making a plea. "Behind my mum's back, I practiced magic with her wand. I didn't know much though, just Memory Charms and a Disruption Curse. Well, it turned out they were enough because when I was six, I met Simon and his sister there. Simon was so smart, he skipped a grade and Sophie played with him during weekly visits. I-I-I saw they could do magic like- heh- like me and we- we became friends. That…"

Seth stopped. He took a deep breath, looking up, looking green. Seth continued, sounding noticeably weaker. "That was when I noticed that I- I had feeling. I actually liked him. He was the first person I met who was around my age and could do magic. Simon loves his sister," Seth whispered. "That's something I could never understand and they looked so happy together. I never knew emotion, not even happiness." His voice got weaker till it became a whisper. "My parents ruined everything about me, and nearly ruined Sierra. I can't feel but she still can. So, I took mum's wand away. I poisoned her drink and held the antidote, told her I'd erase her memories and snap it in half if she didn't send my sister. I know she wouldn't have relented if she wasn't already planning on abandoning Sierra in a dumpster or someplace to begin with. I always wanted them dead. I wanted everybody dead. The biker… he hurt Simon and I poisoned him. Sierra was safer with me and we were safer in the school we treated as home. At least until Simon invited us to stay. So, I had my revenge. I saw both my parents killed and… I don't feel anything. I don't feel happy, or sad, or angry or anything. Nothing. It's just… not there.

"I regret ever acting, ever getting involved in this… I wish I…" And then Seth said something Albus never thought he would hear Seth say. "I regret being born."

Simon looked down, Sierra had tears running down her cheeks and Sophie looked determinedly away. Percy alone looked unmoved. He sighed, "Ok, for the sake of formality, those in favor of convicting the offender…"

Albus held his breath. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville raised their hands. The decision, whatever it was, was polarized. Aries, Scorpius, and Mark would vote in Seth's favor but the majority still ruled. Sierra shot Harry an absolutely murderous look and left.

Albus knew what would happen now. He couldn't let it. He just- couldn't. Neville led Seth from the room and Albus turned to Harry, "You've got to be kidding me. You made a deal, and you're imprisoning him?"

"We have a country to run, you want to let a murderer go free?" Harry asked as Percy ignored him.

"He saved us!" Albus yelled.

"In a dark, twisted way, yes he did," Ron shrugged.

"It's not a matter of right, it's a matter of resources," Hermione told Albus reasonably. "Someone like Seth doesn't deserve to be locked up, but he does have to have an eye kept on him. A nonexistent Ministry can't do that, and almost no Minister who comes up will be willing to keep an eye or even work with him. Fact is, whatever he worked for, he is still responsible for death. There's really only one viable option."

"But…" Albus had to do it, then. He was the only one. He had too much entrusted to him. Neil Nott, Seth Lean, a home for the orphans, making sure everything got back on track. He took a deep breath, "I would. I'll vouch for him."

Albus stayed beside Seth for the rest of the night, holding off his proposal to Alexis until Seth was dealt with. Seth was silent. He woke up every hour or so as Albus finished his book off. Just a chapter on how to avoid the next Dark Witch or Wizard. He reread the chapter about Alchemy, the soul, and the Dark Arts in general, reminding himself of how much he learned and how it truly was able to save him. He took a deep breath, looking around the room. It was still occupied by some injured students but most were out.

Mark was still resting there, quiet and forlorn, not talking except to the twins or Aries. When he slept, he breathed lightly, head on Aries' shoulders, muttering in his sleep. When he was awake, he kept himself embraced by Aries. At night, Apollo came in and looked around, gazed at Seth through silvery eyes. "His life…"

"Yeah?"

"It's saved… somewhat," Apollo said. "Depends on Sierra Lean." He shot Albus a look, "Unless you doubt me…"

"I don't doubt you," Albus said. "I just thought you made a mistake. If it was the crystal ball, it might've been."

Apollo gazed at him through his silver eyes. Albus could not tell if he was offended or not. He looked strange. Then, he nodded shortly, turned and walked away. Albus sighed, wondering if Apollo had a concealed proud streak like Aries. Nonetheless, Albus could not help but like Apollo. Another boy who had potential. Which house would he make, he wondered.

The next day began and Sierra once again had a private talk with Harry. It was not until the last day of term when Albus decided he could hold nothing off any longer. The seventh years left, Albus, Scorpius, Alexis, a few seventh year Ravenclaws Albus had never met, seventh years Hufflepuffs he had never met, Mark, Alex, Eric, Aries, Fauna, and a girl he had never met gathered by the boats. Supposed to be standing with them was Percy Weasley. Percy was not with them just yet though, but a few yards away talking to Seth about something serious. With them were Neil Nott and Alexander Ackerly, the two students who officially dropped out and would not be returning.

Neil hugged Sierra for the first time. She looked broken up about something but she returned it. Neil actually stroked her hair, shutting his eyes as if living in the past now he was hugging her. "Goodbye, Sierra."

"Goodbye," Sierra said quietly. "You- you'll stay at the Mold Manor, won't you?"

"I'm a Werewolf."

"Who cares, I love Werewolves," she emphasized. "I mean- you know- they'll have rooms for you. It doesn't matter. Besides, it's a big place and Seth can't have it so it's mine now… once all those orphans finally grow up."

That was when Albus turned to Alexis and took a deep breath. "Alexis…"

"Yes, Al," she said readily, facing him. They walked a little further off, away from the crowd, avoiding attention. Nonetheless, Alexander followed. Albus did not care. He was smart enough to know anyway. The night was beginning to fall as the boats were being drawn in by a few DA members. He had to hurry. "So… we've known each other for five years now."

"Almost six, truth be told," she corrected.

"And we've dated for four years," Albus added. "Including the shaky fourth year and this… threatening year."

"Yes… you had me worried," Alexis said quietly.

She knew what he was leading towards, he knew that. He could tell. Alexander was looking at them now, looking apprehensive. He knew too. "No… no, Al, please, I just started liking you, please"-

"Alexis Ackerly," Albus said, trying his best to ignore the knot in his throat. He meant to bend down but stopped halfway through, almost messing up, thinking he was being too ridiculous and just held her hands instead, "Will you marry me?"

He held her gaze. She looked so beautiful, and kind… war had not changed her like it had Albus and if he married her, if he saw her every waking moment of his life, perhaps he could recover his lost time. But aside from that, she was his. And he was hers. He loved her and he had no doubt now, she loved him back. But… even in her gaze, there was something different. "Al… why do you want to marry me? Because you enjoy my company or because you need me?"

"Erm… well… look, I- ok…" he stopped, considering it. "Because I- in second year, I needed you. I even needed you in fourth year. But in fifth year, it just got the point where you became my dearest friend. Can- can the answer be both?"

She smiled, "Yes, Al. The answer can be both." To Albus' smile, she pat his shoulder, "Albus Potter, I will marry you."

"Th-thank you"-

"You- you weren't supposed to say yes," Alexander said quietly, looking a little shocked.

"What was I supposed to say?" she asked.

"Just that…" Alexander sighed, defeated. "Ok, ok…" he walked up, looking down as he shifted his feet. "I- I wish you the best." And he reluctantly, begrudgingly, hugged Albus next. Albus sighed as he accepted it, well aware now that he just gained a younger brother on top of the one due next month. "Welcome to the family, Albus Potter."

"Hey, lovebirds, it's time to go!" Scorpius yelled.

They walked together in silence, sharing a boat with Scorpius and Alexander. Scorpius hugged Lucy goodbye, promising to keep in touch and meet her in Hogsmeade every weekend when she could. She was remaining with Percy for the summer while Harry led a Law Enforcement to crack down on the wizarding world and bring order again. The boat ride to Hogsmeade station was silent, for the final time, taking the boats from their old home. Albus did not know what to say. Even Scorpius looked forlorn. And then… Scorpius wiped his eyes and Alexander burst into tears. Alexis just clung to Albus and Albus hugged both her and his best friend. They were leaving their home, and they had not left their home, or the general area counting Hogsmeade, for three years without breaks, barring the Christmas vacation in fifth year. They fought for their home. Now, they were leaving it.

The boat docked too soon, and waiting for them was Percy Weasley. With him was Seth but he was paid no mind. "Seventh years, you've been through a trying year indeed. Many of you fought, many did not but all of you were affected. I therefore congratulate each and every one of you for this year. As the offer stands, if you are not satisfied with your exam results in the summer or want to sit any other exams, you may. In any case, on behalf of the new Ministry that may well take some time to build, you will be among the first to form it. Take your own pick of job and run with it. You are all heroes, in one way or another and it's time to be recognized as such. This ceremony was originally supposed to be a party but as we are short on power, I will instead bequeath on each of you a medal," he said, placing one over Albus first, "For bravery, courage, ambition, loyalty and intelligence." He continued on, even placing one over Seth's neck. "All of you have shown what is expected of those who work for the betterment of the Wizarding world, this year you have defended not only us but the Muggles as well. Congratulations."

The train ride lasted a while. It was early morning by the time they made it. Alexis was sleeping on Albus' shoulder, Seth was stretched on an entire seat, staring up, defeated. Albus was not done yet either. Now, he would accompany them to Azkaban. Harry informed Albus what the sentence was on their way, and Albus had to admit, it was fair given the circumstances. Seth was to be imprisoned for a month. Just a month. But he was suspended from Hogwarts for a year, kept under house arrest for fifteen years with supervision, and had a lifelong probation and was required to work with Albus himself. Nonetheless, Harry agreed to give him what was promised. Albus was wondering how as they sailed to Azkaban but Harry informed them that he had kept the gold aside before the assets were destroyed.

"I prefer the Underworld. Every society has an Underworld, even yours. I'd much rather gather intelligence for you when you're Curse-breaker… or Minister, whichever comes first."

"You want to continue this unhealthy relationship?"

Seth was given a large cell, its own bathroom, and a single book to read. He was also allowed to keep his ring which Albus noticed he hid from view with his other hand as he was led into his cell by Harry. Harry was holding copies of The Daily Prophet and The Quibbler. As Seth was led in, he turned back and sat down, facing them. Albus shot him a sad smile before the gates were locked. Seth was behind bars. Harry still had copies of The Daily Prophet and The Quibbler in his hands. "Well, there you are, Seth. You had a pretty good run, I'll give you that. For a fourteen year-old boy, you've done a lot."

"I did a lot at eleven, don't sell me short," Seth muttered, laying back and staring at the ceiling. "By then, I'd already given a death threat to my mum, kidnapped my sister and got her into the boarding school I went to, kidnapped your daughter, and got away with all of it. And don't get me started on a Muggle Biker Gang I've had to deal with."

Harry gaped at him, "That was a cold Auror case for years!"

"Are you proud of that?" Albus asked Seth, folding his arms,

"Nope," Seth sighed. "I'm not proud but I don't regret it either. Face it, minus just one of my actions, and it would be Incommodo over your head, not me."

"You clearly have a lot to think about," Harry sighed.

"Mr. Potter, can I have the newspaper and magazine?" Seth asked innocently.

Harry blinked as if going through another flashback. "What for?"

"I like doing the crossword," Seth answered simply.

Seth had no idea what he had just done but Harry stared at him as if he had never seen him properly before. His eyes were glassy and shocked, as if trying to wrap his head around what Seth had just asked for, reconciling something long past and dead with the boy behind the bars. Harry handed him the newspaper and left so it was only Albus left. Albus turned back to Seth. "You say we wouldn't have won if you didn't do what you did?"

"If I didn't abduct your sister, father would've never been able to get into Hogwarts and I never would've gotten the Relic," Seth recalled. "If I didn't instigate the Hogsmeade battle, the Molds would've lived and the Ministry would've remained strong with a Goblin force, not to mention I never would've gotten my hands on that Imperium object to keep the Relics quiet from the Reservation since those kids knew. If I didn't try taking Phoenix's mind, I wouldn't even have been in the general area when you came begging for my help saving your sister and girlfriend. Though admittedly, that was a mistake and I messed up. If I hadn't ordered the School Governors killed, Incommodo would've been official Headmaster of Hogwarts and made things much more difficult for you. You may be the hero on the outside but there will always be heroes behind the scenes, pulling things in your favor. People like Wallader's father… and myself."

Albus actually smiled to himself as Seth spoke. Soto was right back then. Albus was of the darkness. He was a shadow of the light. He made deals with Seth, silently accepted everything he did, trusting him and in the end, it all worked out. But he also knew that Seth would not be on his side forever. Albus was ascending, he was returning to where he belonged. The light. One day, five years from then, maybe ten, or even fifty, Albus and Seth would be on opposing sides. That was why he needed to be in prison. Albus had hopes that a year of suspension, and subsequent Hogwarts education in Simon's dorm, he might be tempered and tamed. Perhaps, years later, Seth too would find love as Albus did…

As if he read Albus' mind, Seth said, "Make me one promise, Al."

"What is it?"

"Don't get married till I'm out," Seth said. "I want to see- I want to see a real happy ending. I want to see the real ending of what I worked for."

Albus smirked and laughed and he actually caught a smile from Seth too. A genuine one and he knew it was already starting. Seth would be tamed. He'd never do what he did again. "Ok, deal. In return… you have to attend the party in August. I think Scorpius is throwing one and we're waiting on you."

"Doesn't look like I'm imprisoned that long, does it?" Seth sighed.

"No… I'll promise you this though," he added, knowing he was partly giving Seth's sentence length away. "You will graduate from Hogwarts."

"I'm not expelled?"

"I wouldn't let them," Albus told him. "You have potential, Seth, and I want to see you realize it."

Seth smiled again, "And I want to see you become Minister."

"Who knows, then, maybe we'll both get what we want," Albus said. "And when you ride the boats… I'll be at the end of the lake waiting for you. Promise."

June…

Albus returned home, but only temporarily and so, he was pleased to see, did Mark. Hugo and Lily returned too. The entire family gathered there, or at least what was left of it. Hugo was recovering now, still a little dizzy but well taken care of, especially with Lily looking after him. Even Simon's sister Sophie took a bit of an interest and they spent some time at St. Mungo's at first, and had the same ward before being discharged. At home, Albus and Hugo in particular got a rather nasty shock. His first thought was that his mother had delivered early but that was not the case. No, there was a small baby there, about as small and tiny as Libra, but there was no mistaking the freckles, the jet black hair, or the pale features. "Mum… who is…"

Ron and Hermione came from the gardens outside where Albus used to dine with his family. Having seen them looking, Hermione sighed and Ron grimaced. "This… is- well, Hugo, this is Raphael and… he's your baby nephew."