AN: First, Merry Christmas to you all! Here's that Christmas update you've all been waiting for. As a bonus, this chapter has been beta'ed, so things should be much clearer now, especially in regards to Dumbledore. I'll say more about him at the end.

Now, if there is enough demand, I might upload chapter 12 on Boxing Day, otherwise (beta permitting) it should go up on the 1st.

The rest of the afternoon for the four teens was spent out in the back garden, soaking up the sun as they talked about their years at Hogwarts and before. Their pillow talk when they woke up after curing Harry had only covered what the Headmaster had told him that night after returning from the Ministry. Now Harry and Hermione told both young women the whole, un-elaborated story of their five years at Hogwarts.

Susan and Daphne had both worked out some of the details, but both were blown away by what their two close friends had gone through. They smiled at the wonder and awe in their voices when they spoke of seeing Hogwarts for the first time, shook their heads at Draco's duplicity. The encounter with Fluffy was a mixture of horror and humour: the idea of meeting such a creature, and Hermione's & Ron's reaction later on. Hermione huffed when Harry trotted out her 'killed or worse, expelled' line, but a smile quickly replaced the frown.

As it was important later on, Harry told them about the Mirror of Erised, something he'd only shared with Ron before, along with Dumbledore's cryptic warnings and comments.

The obstacles to reach the Stone, and Harry's subsequent encounter with the Voldemort possessed Quirrell, were met with similar reactions, but Hermione noticed a frown on Daphne's delicate features. When she called her on it, Daphne commented that the tasks themselves had been very fortuitous. She proceeded to list them all. The flying keys, perfect for Harry, a proven Seeker. The potion logic puzzle, ideal for Hermione. Ron's chess skills were well known, so a giant chess set was simple for him to defeat. The Cerberus was beaten by their friendship with Hagrid, who couldn't keep a secret no matter how hard he tried. And they'd already proven that a troll was no match. The Devil's Snare was beaten simply by remembering the lesson, and would have been perfectly suited to Neville. Both Harry and Hermione had looked at each other, their minds troubled. Only the Mirror had stumped Voldermort/Quirrell, but Harry had beaten that without even trying.

Moving to their second year, Harry was pressured to relate the story of his first meeting with Dobby, and what happened after. All three young women were clearly itching to go and curse Vernon Dursley to doomsday for doing what he did, though what happened when the three Weasley's rescued him prompted several chuckles.

The first mention of Lockhart prompted deep, embarrassed blushes from all three witches, with Hermione's the worst. She could not believe she'd been so easily fooled. Harry and the others had reassured her that they thought no ill of her for that. The fool had managed to hoodwink a lot of people, most a lot older and, supposedly, wiser.

Harry's first meeting with Lucius Malfoy, with his verbal sneering of both the Weasley's and Hermione's parents, was received to scowls. It was clear to both of them that the apple had not fallen far from the tree in the Malfoy family.

Of course, the tale of second year was dominated by the petrifactions, and the 'Heir of Slytherin' thing. Susan took the moment to apologise to Harry for her actions and treatment of him that year. While she had not shunned him or pointed fingers, she had not defended him either. Hannah had also raised doubt that it had been him. Harry smiled and told her he was not angry with her: everyone was tense that year. The Polyjuice potion prompted looks of awe from Daphne and Susan... as well as both laughter and commiseration when Hermione revealed what had happened to her. Looking back now Hermione was able to laugh at it, but Harry still could picture her face when Ron had laughed back then. It hurt to see the look of dejection and embarrassment in his minds eye. He privately vowed that Ron would apologise to her for that... along with everything else.

Then came the attack on Hermione, and it was clear to them the sense of loss Harry had suffered while she had been petrified. Harry commented scathingly that that had been his first big clue to how he felt about her, and he'd completely missed it. In response Hermione had wrapped an arm around him, saying that she didn't blame him one bit: boys often took longer to work such things out. What was important was that he had, in the end. They had shared a smile before kissing lightly, mindful of the other two witches watching.

Hagrids arrest had drawn scowls from them all: despite his preferences in regards to what creatures made good pets, the half-giant was much loved by the students, including many from Slytherin. The bumbling, foolish Minister Fudge had clearly been controlled by Malfoy Senior.

Then had come the trip into the Forbidden Forest, right into the heart of the Acromantula nest.

"THERE'S AN ACROMANTULA NEST IN THE MIDDILE OF THE FORBIDDEN FOREST?" Susan had screeched, sitting bolt upright so sharply her hair whipped about. This extreme reaction from the usually unflappable and calm Hufflepuff had both Harry and Hermione worried.

"Harry... how many were there?" There was a terrified tremor in her voice.

"I didn't stick around long enough to make a headcount..." Harry began with only a tinge of sarcasm. "...But at least a hundred the size of a large dog..." He trailed off at the white face Susan was now sporting.

"What's wrong Sus'?" Daphne asked softly.

Susan's answer was almost a whisper. "There's never been a nest of that size... ever." She looked up sharply. "I need to inform Auntie."

Hermione quickly handed her some notepaper and a pen. Susan frantically scribbled a note before rushing indoors. A minute or so later they saw her Barn owl slip out of the window of the room she and Daphne were sharing. When she returned to the group Susan shivered as she sat down.

"Why is this so important?" Harry asked, feeling like the village idiot for having to ask.

Susan looked up. "What do Acromantula feed on?"

Hermione, as usual, was the first to answer. "Warm blooded mammals primarily. Smaller ones such as mice, rats and the like."

Susan nodded. "But as they get bigger, so too does the prey. Sheep, goats, cows..." She trailed off.

Daphne was the first to gasp. "People."

Hermione's eyes went wide. "And there's a school of over three hundred nearly defenceless children almost on their doorstep..." Her voice was barely above a horror filled whisper.

Harry had to swallow back his nausea, trying not to think about what would happen if those giant spiders descended on the school intent on making a meal out of the students. He knew that he, Ron and Fang had only gotten away thanks to the flying Ford Anglia.

To get their minds off the horror that they had hopefully prevented now, Harry resumed his tale of Second Year. From the discovery of the torn page in Hermione's hand – both the other two had light-heartedly teased her about ripping a page from a book – to the revelation that Ginny had been taken down to the Chamber of Secrets. Learning that it had been a Basilisk that had been prowling the school had shocked both young women, though the fact that Harry and Ron had used Lockhart as their Canary brought chuckles.

Unconsciously, Harry played down the fight with the Basilisk itself, both in terms of its size and the peril he'd been in. There was little he could do to downplay how close he came to death after he was bitten, but it was the description of how he defeated the teenaged spirit of Tom Riddle – who would later on become Lord Voldermort – that drew attention.

"You say when you stabbed the diary, ink spurted out like blood and there was a shrill screaming?" Daphne asked.

"Yeah..." Harry frowned. "Why?"

Daphne had a troubled look on her face. "I don't know..." She shared a significant glance with the other two witches though. She then asked what happened to the Basilisk. "After all, it's a fortune in galleons. Basilisk parts are used in many potions, but there hasn't been a basilisk killed and harvested in centuries."

Harry had shrugged. "As far as I know, it's still down there." Daphne's eyes had gleamed slightly.

After getting a fresh set of drinks, they sat down once more and started on Third Year. Harry included the incident with uncle Vernon's sister, which had all three witches laughing once she had been blown up; they'd scowled at her words regarding his parents. Though his meeting with Fudge later that same night had caused them to raise eyebrows in concern and suspicion. They all shared their initial encounters with the 'Monster Book of Monsters' that Hagrid had assigned for them that year: Harry won with jumping on it.

Hermione was unsure if Harry would talk about Sirius in regard to that year, but to his credit Harry did not falter much. He mainly talked about the dementors, and their effect on him. Susan threw in how her Auntie had been furious over the placement of those monsters, over her objections. She'd already been warned to steer well clear of them, even before Dumbledore said basically the same thing after the Welcome Feast. She also related the mood within Hufflepuff after their Quidditch game: while most of the house were overjoyed to have won, a small group, led by Cedric himself, had felt that they had not earned the victory.

Harry talked about his lessons with Remus, the first friend of his parents that he knew of. He then admitted that the memory that worked for him against the dementors had been about family. He didn't know if it was real or not, a fragment from his first year before that fateful Halloween or a imagined image, but it was powerful. Hermione then revealed that she'd been using a time-turner that year, to attend all the classes. Both Susan and Daphne were shocked, but not surprised. They had noticed that something was up with their new friend.

It was then that Harry knelt before her and apologised for his behaviour after that Christmas break, over the Firebolt. He understood why she'd done what she did, but he'd over-reacted. Hermione gently kissed him and told them that there was nothing to forgive: the enforced separation had allowed her to focus on becoming friends with Susan and Daphne. Besides, even at the time she'd known that he would have understood and forgiven her sooner if Ron hadn't involved. The other however two were not quite as quick to forgive Harry. They'd seen the tears in her eyes afterwards.

"If you ever make her cry like that again Potter," Daphne had threatened. "I'll break both your kneecaps, and then I'll get my wand out and start hexing!"

Harry had held his hands up in surrender. "You have full permission to do whatever you like to whatever is left of me, after Hermione, her parents and myself are done."

Then came the big climax of Third Year, the only one that didn't include Voldemort directly, though his touch was still there. Although both of them had already been told that Sirius was innocent of the crimes he was accused of, finding out how that information came to light was enlightening. They both scowled when Harry told of Snape's 'triumphant' entrance, and cheered when Harry had sent him flying into the wall.

Hermione took over the story when it came to them turning back time to save Sirius and Buckbeak. They cheered again when she told them of seeing herself deck Malfoy, and laughed with them when she told how they'd saved Buckbeak, making a total fool of the Minister and the executioner he'd brought along. The distraction of Professor Lupin, and the saving of themselves and Sirius Black prompted gasps.

They were laughing again however when Harry quoted, word for word, what Hermione had said as they had flown up on Buckbeaks back to rescue Sirius, while Hermione herself just flushed red and hid her face.

The laughter died however as they all looked down at the notepads on their laps. Before they had started they had agreed to make notes during the tales, to see if there was anything wrong. While Harry's was blank – he'd focused on telling the stories - the three girls had several pages of thoughts and questions that had arisen. But before they could even start to think about them, or go into Fourth Year, Emma Granger stepped out through the patio, calling them in for dinner. The four of them quickened their pace when the smell of freshly cooked fish and chips reached their noses.

The evening meal was just finishing when Hermione noted her fathers distracted manner. After a moment toying with a piece of his battered Cod, he looked up at her. "You mentioned training to Emma earlier today. Could you explain that in more detail?"

Hermione took a moment to organise her thoughts, laying her fork down as she did. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Susan, Daphne and Harry looking at her.

"I was thinking along the lines of being more physically active. Admittedly the school does keep us active, with all the stairs, but we need better endurance."

"I see. Care to explain why?" He looked at her guardedly.

Hermione couldn't meet that gaze. She bowed her head before answering. "Dad... I... I have a confession to make. I haven't told you everything about what happens at school."

"We already knew that dear." Emma cut in, causing to Hermione's eyes to widen. "I could tell that you were holding things back. I guess so that we wouldn't pull you out?"

Hermione nodded.

Nathan looked pained, but resigned.

"Honey... I'll be frank." He started as he set his cutlery down. Lacing his fingers together he leaned forwards, elbows resting on the table. "If it was totally up to me, and if I hadn't read many of those books of yours, I'd have you out of that school, and that world, faster than you can say it. No, let me finish. You are my daughter, and until you have a child of your own, you cannot understand what that means to me. What you mean to me.

"But... I also know that you are a young woman now, not a little girl that needs me to protect her. I know that you're old enough to make your own mind up now, indeed for a few years now. I know what you've done..." He looked significantly towards Harry, who paled rapidly even as Hermione's face turned red with embarrassment. "...But I'm not going to make a scene." He then looked at his wife. "It's not like I can lecture you for doing what we did ourselves." He admitted with a slight smile. Emma just blushed a little in reply.

All three teens were slack jawed as they looked at him in shock, Harry the most stunned. He fully expected to be hoisted by his balls when her father found out. Yet he knew, and wasn't. The Dursleys had certainly done their best to beat into him that doing 'That' outside of marriage was Wrong with a capital W, and those who did so should be sent to prison. He brought his thoughts back as Nathan continued to speak.

"I'm going to trust that you know what you are doing. That you know what the risks are. That you are aware of what you are doing, and that you both agree on how far to go. Just, please, don't be afraid to turn me or your mum for help or advice."

Hermione had a tear in her eye as she stood up and moved around to wrap her father in a hug. "Thanks daddy." She half whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She'd been dreading her parents reactions to what she'd done, going against social expectations and codes. To have her father, the one she had really feared would explode, accept it – however reluctantly – was a balm for her own slightly guiltily conscious.

A tiny thread of jealousy slithered about Harry's gut, but he ruthlessly stamped down on it. He would not wish for Hermione, the woman he really, really cared about, who had stood by him ever since they met, to have to grow up parentless like he had. Fate had been a bitch to him until now, but he would not wish the same on anyone.

Well, maybe Draco. Certainly Voldemort.

And possibly Dumbledore.

After Hermione had sat back down, Emma looked between the four of them. "I take it all of you would be taking part?"

Hermione frowned, clearly thinking. "Us, and maybe a few more. Depends if we can persuade them to join." She looked sadly at Harry. "Too bad we can't practice magic over the summer. We'd be able to learn new spells..."

Harry shrugged. "The spells we already know are enough. We just need to practice them." He frowned in thought himself for a moment. "One thing we'll have to change for next term when we start up the DA again is to actually do combat fights, not have everyone standing and firing curses at each other. The Death Eaters won't be using duelling rules with us."

"Harry..." Emma said softly in a concerned tone. "You sound like your preparing to go to war."

Harry turned his gaze on her, and Emma felt that brilliant emerald gaze go right through her. "It's already started Mrs Granger, and we're losing. For a year now the Minister has denied the return of Voldermort, slandering anyone who says otherwise and blocking any move to prepare for the worst. The supposed 'Leader of the Light' is more concerned with controlling me than actually dealing with the problem, while the rest of the Wizarding World is a load of fickle sheep, who believe what they're told."

"Not all of them Harry." Daphne commented. "Not all."

"Sorry Daphne. But you have to admit, the Ministry has been less than effective against the Death Eaters. I just hope that those who were arrested last week remain in prison, and aren't given a chance to bribe their way out."

"Fat chance of that Harry." Susan reassured him. "Auntie's all over them. She's never liked Malfoy..."

"I doubt anyone actually does..." Daphne muttered.

"...And as long as she's the Director of the DMLE, he's not going to slip away from her."

Harry looked at her intently. "Could Fudge overrule her? He and Malfoy are pretty chummy."

Susan had to take a moment to re-engage her brain; Harry's look had blanked her mind with a surge of warmth. "Unlikely. He's on really thin ice as it is. He orders someone who was caught red handed as a Death Eater released, and he's out."

Daphne suddenly paled. "What if Vo... Voldemort decides to take her out?"

Susan gasped, her face paling almost as much as Daphne's had when she heard she had to return to the Slytherin dorms. Fear ran rampant in her eyes.

Harry's however had narrowed into brilliant green slits. "We need to warn her right away..."

With a small 'pop' Dobby appeared besides his chair, goggle eyes wide with excitement. Five knitted tea cosy hats - Hermione blushed as she recognised her handiwork – were perched on his head, one atop another. The socks on his feet were mismatched, and he wore a tunic formed from a pillowcase, with a miniature Hogwarts rode over the top. "The Great Harry Potter Sir needs a quick messenger?" He was almost bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet.

"Dobby!" Harry was startled at the surprising arrival, but quickly recovered. "Can you go to another wizards or witches home to deliver a message?" He asked quickly. Besides him Hermione was already scribbling in her notebook.

Dobby nodded so eagerly his ears flapped about his head. "Dobby can do, Master Harry Potter sir!"

Harry passed the sheet from Hermione to the excited elf. "Then take this to Madam Bones, quickly!" The urgency in his tone was clear, as was the worry. Hearing thus, Dobby popped away without any fanfare.

Turning back to the table, Harry saw that Susan's face was still white with horror, and she was trembling slightly. Reaching out he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "She'll be okay Susan." He said softly. His touch snapped her out of her shock, and she smiled faintly at him in thanks.

In her office at the Ministry of Magic, Amelia Bones rested her elbows on her desk, her hands rubbing her forehead in an attempt to ease the headache that pounded behind her skull. On the desk before her were the testimonials from Hermione, Susan, Daphne & Astoria Greengrass and Harry, all regarding Draco's latest attack. The letter regarding the Acromantula lay to one side; she'd alerted the Department for Magical Creatures earlier, and hopefully they would do something. Despite the terror she'd seen in their faces when she told them.

She'd kept the letter however, as it yet another piece of evidence against Dumbledore. Her attention, and the cause of her headache, were the three charge sheets that rested before her. One for Draco Malfoy, another for Severus Snape, and the third for Dumbledore himself. Snape's went onto two pages, while the headmasters was now onto five. Attached to Draco's were similar sheets for Crabbe, Goyle, Nott, Parkinson and Bulstrode.

Yet… her hands were tied. Snape was protected by Dumbledore, so to get him he either had to slip up outside of Hogwarts over the summer, or Dumbledore had to go down first. But, with the current climate, bringing him down was not an option.

For over fifty years, the Magical World had been indoctrinated to revere the headmaster, the defeater of Grindelwald. Even while the Prophet had slandered him, people still respected him. Now, when it was revealed that he had been telling the truth all along, the people were all but cheering in the street for him.

The fact that he'd duelled Voldemort, and lived, just boosted his image.

And that was the lynchpin of her problem. Dumbledore was seen as the only one who could hold Voldemort in check: he was the only one who the Dark Lord feared, if the rumours were true. Amelia had no delusions as to what would happen if he was sent to Azkaban: Voldemort would move openly, swiftly. Hell, he'd likely stroll into the Ministry, declare himself Emperor, and get away with it without a fight or even a token resistance from anyone but the Aurors. And even then, she suspected that over half would cave without a fight.

There was also the matter of Hogwarts. It was a tempting target for someone like Voldemort: if he held the students as hostages, Magical Britain would surrender in seconds. It was Dumbledore's presence there that kept him away. She'd spoken quietly to several Wizengamot members, and not one would even hear about any 'supposed' wrong-doing on the 'Great Albus Dumbledore's' part. Therefore, until the Voldemort issue was resolved – or someone equally able to scare him into laying low came along – Dumbeldore had to remain at Hogwarts, purely to keep the children safe. She hated it, but she could see no way at this time to get around the problem.

Hence her headache. She felt like she'd been slamming her head against a wall for the past few days.

The only one who could possibly replace Dumbledore was Harry, but he had to overcome several problems first. His age counted against him, as was his tarnished public image. While the Prophet had eased off on their smear campaign, there was enough doubt in their articles that people were unsure at what he'd do. His reclusive-ness was also a problem. Magical Britain, unfortunately, expected it's heroes to be very public figures, something which she knew now was not Harry's style. The Quibbler article had helped, but he was still seen as unreliable. Dumbledore was a proven hero, Harry more an unknown. While he was 'The-Boy-Who-Lived', by his own admission he did not know how he lived through that night.

Still, he was their best hope to not only get rid of Voldemort, but also bring Dumbledore to justice. She'd already started drawing up plans for Hit-Wizard training for him. Her first choice as teacher was Senior Auror Shackbolt, but she had some doubts about his loyalty right now. On the political side she hoped his association with the Greengrass's would help. While Mr Greengrass was primarily a trader, his father Lord Greengrass and his wife Eleanor Greengrass were much more politically active. She'd already spoken with Lord Greengrass, and he had pledged to support Harry however he could: he was as incensed at what had been happening as she had. From the look in his eyes, it appeared that some personal, dark memories were stirred up by what his granddaughters had nearly gone through. While they were labelled as 'Dark' by many, Amelia knew them quite well, and knew that label could only be applied to the other branch of the family.

Draco was an easier target, but she was being blocked at every turn by the Minister. Despite his rapidly failing support, he continued to state that 'Lucius is a fine man, as is his son. This is a pack of lies, and I will not stand for it!' She'd come very close to hexing him, but then she'd have been fired, then sentenced to Azkaban herself… for treason.

Funny how he was so eager to protect himself and those who bribed him, but didn't give a damn about anyone else.

However… if Fudge was dismissed, then she had a real chance to get Draco to trial. As long as Lucius remained in custody – something she was fighting daily with Fudge about – then his main ways to get off was cut off; money and the threat of reprisals. Amelia had no delusions regarding Lucius Malfoy: the 'man' – she used the term very loosely – was a Death Eater, and by all accounts was close to Voldemort, maybe even his right hand. If she could get Draco, it would be a serious breach of Dumbledore's political armour too, an opening for when it was time to bring him to trial as well…

There was a 'pop' besides her, and despite her fatigue her wand was up and out in an eye blink… to be levelled at the oddest dressed House Elf she'd ever seen. The small elf looked at her, nodded and held out a sheet of muggle note paper. "Message from The Great Master Harry Potter madam Bonesey."

Relaxing, Amelia took the note: the Death Eaters would not think to use muggle products. The elf popped away as she read it. She nodded to herself when she finished it; it was not unexpected. Though she could not deny the chill that ran down her spine at the prospect.

She looked once more at the charge sheets, her eyes hardening. With a determined expression she staring writing, building a cast-iron case against Draco that no-one – not even Dumbledore himself – could refute.

Far to the north, Dumbledore sat morosely in his office, pondering the events of the last week of term. He had three of his Heads of House, another two professors and the School Matron screaming in his ear for the expulsion of young Mister Malfoy and the other Death Eater children, but he was far, far more concerned with what might have changed with regard to Harry Potter to even consider it. Besides, Draco was still a child. Still lots of time to bring him back to the Light. He trusted Severus to handle the situation appropriately. Harry's situation, however…

Like it had for the whole of the previous year, indeed ever since it had been made, the Prophecy dominated his thoughts. 'Neither can live while the other survives.' It always came back to that. No matter how he looked at it, Dumbledore always came back to the same meaning.

Harry Potter had to die before Voldemort could.

It was inevitable.

He'd reached this awful conclusion years ago, just after that fateful Halloween night.

Accepting this, however reluctantly, he'd planned how to maximise the positive effect from his death, and reduce the negatives for the last fifteen years. It would be vitally important that Harry goes to his death in a noble, self-sacrificing manor. Ideally, Voldemort would threaten the school, and Harry would offer himself in exchange for the schools safety. If it also protected his wife and child, all the better. Once the Prophecy was over, Voldemort would be exposed to anyone with a wand. Dumbledore hoped to be the one to finish him, but really anyone could take the Dark Lord down if they had a chance.

Of course, getting rid of all of Riddle's other Horcrux's first was most important. Dumbledore was convinced that Riddle would have made seven, as that was the most arithmetically powerful number. One was already destroyed, a fortuitous occurrence. He had clues to another two, and strong suspicions regarding two more. The sixth he was unsure of.

But the seventh... he knew where it was. Had known all these years.

Harry's scar.

There was no way to remove a Horcrux from a living being... without killing said living being. One way or another, Harry had to die.

But he could not just be killed. No, he had to die in the correct manner, in the right setting and at the right time. Just defeating Riddle was not Dumbledore's only concern. The Wizarding world was decaying, eaten away by the radical ideas that were being brought into it by well meaning but foolish muggleborns like Miss Granger. Poor girl didn't understand that applying muggle values and systems onto the magical world would tear it apart. No, it needed strong, determined, magical based leadership to survive. Dumbledore believed this, with every fibre of his being, therefore it was true. For was not he Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard alive, all knowing and never wrong?

For the Greater Good of the magical world, Dumbledore had spent his life in moulding the young to accept what they needed to accept. And so far, he'd succeeded in the main. There were a few each year who didn't fall in, but each year there were less and less. It was also why he'd set limits to the punishments that the Professors could hand out almost as soon as he'd been made Headmaster. Those who committed wrong deeds had to be carefully nurtured and guided back to the Light. Having them expelled or even imprisoned when they lashed out would just drive them further into darkness. Teaching the young how to forgive was one of their main roles as teachers, after all.

He held the three powerful positions he held to guide Magical Britain into the ideal, perfect society. But the other nations had to be kept away until he could reveal its splendour. They wouldn't understand that in order to make the world better, to make the people better, there sometimes had to be a period of darkness, to temper them like a muggle blacksmith would temper iron. Yes, the Dark Lord was too much, but Albus knew that having him around focused the minds of the people, made them forget about the tiny cracks and flaws that existed in society right now, which they would otherwise push up and make larger.

But time was not on his side. There had been serious set backs, the worst of which had been that Prophecy. He needed to be the greatest wizard alive to fully guide the world. But age was catching up with him, even after all he had done to extend his life. He could see himself dying soon, his work unfulfilled, and the world collapsing into a darkness it would never escape.

With this in the back of his mind, Dumbledore had examined the problem of Mister Potter... and late one night he'd had the idea. It was one that was morally questionable, but he could see that the end result more than justified the means.

He'd already set into motion the plan to mould young Harry into the form needed: by leaving him with his mothers sister, he'd grow up far away from the magical world, and thus be dependent on others for knowledge of it. It also inhibited the Horcrux in his head, since it would use ambient magic to fuel itself and take over the boys mind. After only four years in Hogwarts, Dumbledore could tell it was starting to have an effect on the boy. His temper was more easily roused, more sustained. It also meant that he would not recognise his own feelings or those of others around him, but that could be dealt with. The dark years with that family were a necessary evil, though not for a moment did he believe that it was as bad as Harry or some members of the Order claimed. Lily Evans had been a kind, generous young woman who always took time to help others, and had been a devoted mother to Harry. Her sister was sure to be the same; she would not allow her nephew to suffer. Harry was just rebelling, saying things were that bad to assert himself and gain attention. All kids did it at some time or another. It was the same with these tales of Severus being just as bad as Draco: preposterous. He was firm, yes, but cruel? Never.

Besides, it would not do to have him fall in love with someone... inappropriate. Such as Miss Granger. It was well known among the Houses, especially the other Ancient and Noble ones, that the Potters had historically favoured the smartest muggleborns of their days. Dorea Black had been a rare, but not unheard of, divergence to this trend. With the balance of power right now, it would be disastrous if the Chosen One married a Muggleborn. The Pureblood families would be ostracised, the knowledge and history they had forever abandoned, and society would collapse into anarchy and chaos as the muggleborns tore it apart in their restless, ceaseless drive to 'modernise' things. No, He had to marry a pureblood to stabilise the world... but it had to be a Pureblood from the right sort of family. A family that was firmly dedicated to the Light.

House Prewett had long been supporters and confidents of House Dumbledore. And Molly Prewett Weasley was one of his biggest supporters, although her banshee like scolding was hard on the ears. She'd borne a daughter shortly before Harry's parents were killed. With his assumed Guardianship of young Mister Potter, Dumbledore had arranged with Molly a Marriage Contract between Harry and Ginerva Weasley, to be executed when Ginerva turns sixteen. To ensure the proper feelings between them, he would provide suitable potions – produced by his potions master – to Molly that she would give to both teens. It was clear that young Miss Weasley had been on them for long time; her infatuation with Harry was obvious. He'd lightly probed her mind on occasion before she came to Hogwarts, and had learned that Ginerva genuinely believed everything her mother had said about her and Harry marrying some day, and was unaware of the actual motives or goals. It left a slight sick taste in his mouth, but it was best that the girl be innocent of everything. Besides, a young girl could not be trusted to keep a secret.

Mister Potter however had been the problem, at least until he started Hogwarts. It had been masterfully staged, if he did say so himself. Hagrid was such a biddable man. Incapable of keeping a secret; there was not a devious bone in his body. But he could be subtly directed and controlled. It had been a risk having him leave Harry alone for a few minutes at Kings Cross, but a justified one.

Molly had played her part beautifully, as had her drafted sixth son Ronald. The boy had befriended Harry almost from the get go, granting Dumbledore so many ways to mould Harry into what he needed. His presence ensured that Harry would not dig deep into the workings of the Wizarding World, distracting him with frivolous pursuits. The combination of the lonely environment he'd grown up in – an unpleasant, but necessary evil - and Ronald's own lazy attitude should have made Harry into the perfect tool to end Riddle. The poor boy didn't even know how he was being used to keep Harry in line with Dumbledore's plan. Then again, he was not that bright anyway. And after his encounter with the preserved brain of a former seer in the Department of Mysteries… well, anyone's brain would be a mess afterwards, even when contact was controlled. Ronald's had been anything but. It was likely to have inflicted permanent brain damage to the poor boy. A pity, but he could still be used to pace Harry.

Miss Granger's presence however had thrown everything into doubt. She was exactly the type Harry needed to avoid to fulfil his destiny. Smart, driven, perceptive and caring. He still could not believe that the Sorting Hat had placed her in Gryffindor, rather than Ravenclaw. At first she'd been isolated by her own intelligence and eagerness to learn, at odds with the rest of the house. He'd paid particular attention to the type of people who went to each house, nudging the traits as appropriate. It would not do to have a population too intermingled, after all. Only a rigid, structured society would survive, with each person having their proper place.

But then things had started to spiral out of his control. Riddle, having possessed Professor Quirrell, had released a troll into the school. Normally not a problem, but Harry had gone after Miss Granger, who was not the Great Hall when Quirrell had made that announcement. In the aftermath, she had become his second close friend, something that he wished had not happened.

Things had gotten worse as the years progressed. She had had more and more influence on him, although Ronald had managed to remain part of the group, barely. Dumbledore had been pleased when he had managed to split Harry from Miss Granger over that broom, but then the rift had closed and things were back to how they were before. And while she had been of use in the unfortunate events over the years, her continued presence was worrying.

Then the Tri-Wizard had happened, and Ronald's lazy, jealous, self-centred nature had taken over. He'd turned on Harry, driving him towards Miss Granger. This was very bad, as it was clear even then that Harry was attracted to her, even if he was not aware of it himself. And if Harry married her – or any other girl, for that matter – before the marriage contract he'd made with Molly could be executed, then it would be voided, and all his plans for his continued guidance would fall through. And there was the minor issue that since he'd be the defaulter, he'd have to pay the price.

Desperate plans were drawn up between himself and Molly. Ronald had already told her, albeit reluctantly, that he wanted Hermione. In his mind, his jealousy had taken root in his subconscious, and he now saw winning Miss Granger's affections as a competition between himself and Harry. He felt it was his due, a chance to escape Harry's shadow.

Albus had greeted such news with a sense of relief. He needed Harry to wed Miss Weasley, or everything would be for nought, and as Ronald had admitted that he'd already kind of implied to Harry that he wanted Hermione, he knew that the noble streak in Harry that he'd help foster would mean that he would step aside and allow his best mate the chance to win the young lady's heart. As insurance, a regime of potions and subtle charms was drawn up; all to ensure that any romantic feelings the two shared were redirected in the appropriate directions. It was fortunate that Molly had taken over all food preparation at Grimmauld Place; it made it so much easier to ensure the potions were in their food. They could do nothing about the food at Hogwarts, but treats from Molly and Serverus' help during those Occlumency lessons would ensure that things would work out.

And yet, they hadn't. Molly had been full of fire when she'd floo'd to tell him what her two youngest had told her about the last week of term... about how Harry had rejected Miss Weasley, going so far to say that he'd never marry her. The attraction between Harry and Miss Granger seemed stronger than ever. And the friendship between Harry and Ronald seemed to have collapsed, while Miss Granger was violently aggressive towards Ronald.

But now Harry was at his relatives home, despite the objections of several of his Order Members that he had listened to, and dismissed. Dumbledore glanced at the devices that monitored Harry and the wards at Privett Drive. Only a couple worked anymore; Harry's unreasonable temper tantrum after returning from the Ministry had ruined most of them. All he could tell from them now was that Harry was alive and well, and that the blood based wards he'd placed were still standing. Petunia had to be taking good care of him. No sister of Lily could ever be hurtful, after all. He knew this, thus it was true.

He'd leave Harry at Privet Drive for a bit, likely until his birthday, and tell his Order Members to keep away. That would keep him away from the reading of Sirius's will; there was no need for him to know about it, and be tempted into rash spending on frivolous things. When he collected him, he'd hoped the proper respect and awe he was due was restored by his period of isolation and reflection. If not, then it would have to be instilled into young Harry, even if it required Charms. The potions would have to be delivered in larger doses too, to focus his attentions on the right witch. And Miss Granger's interests forcibly altered to be pointed towards Ronald, by whatever means it took to do so… even including total brain reconfiguration, although Dumbledore felt himself feeling sick at the idea.

It was all for The Greater Good of the Magical World.

He had to believe that.

It was all he had left.

AN: There you go. I hope now that you can all understand 'Why' Dumbledore has not been tossed into Azkaban already, as well as this interpretation of him. Yes, he's a manipulative old bastard, but he's not an Evil manipulative old bastard. For his wisdom and experience, he's still naive, an idealist. He's also old, going senile and has some serious 'Control Freak' issues. Add in that he now believes his own legend, and you've got a bad combination. He also lives by the following:

'The Needs of the Many Outweigh the Needs of the Few or the One'

'Some must be Sacrificed so that All may be Saved'

'Knowledge is Power, Hide it Well'

'The Ends Justify the Means'

There will be more in regard to Molly, Ron and Ginny later. We'll find out as the characters do. Again, don't assume that they doing things just because they are Evil. Things are much, much more complicated than that...

Oh, and that last paragraph? That's my latest explanation for the extreme personality changes that overcame Harry and Hermione between books 5 & 6... ;)