The Bonds That Tie

Four days had gone by since Harry revealed that Albus messed up big time and got himself arrested. Harry got called by Sanguini to handle the attack, and it wasn't the whole coven taking part, but Sanguini was called to handle it peacefully and it turned into a battle. Sanguini assumed Harry would want to be in things, so he summoned him to the fight. It happened to be right on time that aurors came to handle the disturbances, finding Albus trying to kill Harry with the old fashioned ways of dispatching a vampire. Stakes, holy water, silver, even sunlight. Harry was able to protect his fellow vampires and only ended up slightly hurt from the sunlight; it burned him, but didn't kill him. Enough of it might have, though. Aurors arrested Albus for what he did because it was still an attempt on Harry's life and Harry was still an underage wizarding vampire. It was Sanguini who spoke up that Albus just walked up and attacked the group, those hunting for animal blood and Albus shouting that Harry had to die to kill the dark lord. It was clear who was in the wrong, so Albus was taken away officially. Harry gave a full report to one of the aurors, who apologized to Harry for what occurred and even the situation at the manor; that it had been wrong. Harry said it was fine, but he wanted to see justice served on Albus for the man's wrong doings.

Harry spent the remaining time at home, only taking a day with human blood to recover from the little wounding he took. Hermione had been the one to step up for Harry, which just like he used to do with Draco; Harry kept it to her wrist and didn't take much. Amelia had reached out to Harry, telling him when the arraignment would be if he wanted to come. That was today. The 10th of July.

"Everyone stays here, end of story." Harry remarked.

When it came out when arraignment would be, everyone wanted to attend and see justice done to Albus. However, Harry put his foot down that they could not all just come out of hiding yet.

"But Harry…" Bellatrix frowned.

"No buts, Bella." Harry said firmly. "This is only an arraignment and knowing Dumbledore, he's gonna plead not guilty and it'll go to trial. It is not safe for everyone to be revealed yet. Tom is still known as a murderous, psychopath dark lord wanting to rule the world on pure blood ideals. The death eaters are still wanted. Anyone working with them by association."

"Then it's not safe for you either!" Draco huffed.

"I'm directly involved." Harry sighed. "The plan was reveal everyone after Albus is dealt with and he is not yet. Arrested, yes. But he could still get off the charges; we're gonna be fighting out in trial for his manipulations to be shown." He added. "I have to be there; he attacked members of my coven. Sanguini might be leader, but I'm his second and part of all this is to bring awareness and acceptance to the vampires. I have to be there to show the blatant disregard against my people, as well, reveal Albus for what he's been doing. I am not in trouble for my placement in things because I already talked to Amelia and told her that things are not what she seemed and as head of the department for magical law enforcement, she's looked forward to what I'm up to." Harry explained.

"We should be there, as your adoptive parents. You're still underage," Lucius said.

"And yes, we know you're forever fifteen…But still." Narcissa sighed softly.

"You're both bearing the mark, we can't take the risk." Harry informed.

"I'm your mate, I should be there as support." Severus folded his arms over one another.

"I'm your brother, I should be there as support too." Draco agreed.

"The both of you are not ready to be in large groups of humans. It took me from when I was changed to when I started my fifth year to be able to control my thirst on the train and even then; it was extremely difficult to do. I'm not doubting your ability, but I refuse to take the risk. It will throw off the entire plan if you're revealed as vampires now. Severus will get fired, and I'll be looked at as the one who is just changing people at random. Not what I'm going for. It's easier if you stay here." Harry informed. "Everyone is staying here, in hiding. I told you I'd take care of this, let me handle this part."

"But Harry, this is risky for you too. You're working with us, and Albus is gonna reveal what happened at the manor. That you came in and took over the group, that you built this," Voldemort said. "Everyone's looking to you to vanquish the dark lord. That's me."

"But there is nothing in that blasted prophecy that paints you as the dark lord, Tom." Harry said firmly. "The prophecy is only said to involved a boy born at the end of July with the power to vanquish the dark lord, marked as his equal, and having a power the dark lord knows not." He recited. "It does not clarify that you are the dark lord. Yes, it's a title you took up…But, you weren't the one pulling the strings, were you? It's Dumbledore. The master manipulator who put us on these paths with his lies and deceit." He revealed calmly. "You are not the dark lord anymore. Everyone calls you Tom, and you're looking like you're in your fifties. You look nothing like you did, and above all…You changed. You split your soul seven times, but mended it…Dumbledore doesn't care who he hurts as long as he gets what he wants. If anyone is the dark lord, it's Albus. So let me go fulfill a prophecy so we can all get on with our lives."

"Ya know…Can't really argue that logic." Hermione shrugged.

"We were there when Harry heard the prophecy, just says dark lord…Doesn't specify you, Mr. Riddle or Gaunt, whichever you prefer to go by," Luna smiled.

"Yeah, Harry definitely fits the boy they're talking about. He was the only one born end of July when the prophecy was made," Neville nodded.

"Albus did this. He's the true dark lord, trying to actually take over the world with everyone bowing at his feet." Harry remarked. "I'll deal with him so everyone can see who they've put their faith into is actually the one who did it all. Albus created Voldemort, not you. You were a lonely boy with a tragic past, and instead of guiding you away from that darkness; he enabled it by giving you access to everyone at Hogwarts as a student. He let you hone that darkness, he handed it to you on a silver platter. He let you slip all the way until you had no one to pull you back, until the damage had already been done." He stated. "The more I learned about your past, the more I saw how Dumbledore pushed you right into what you became. The same way he was pushing me to be the hero, painting that prophecy to be about us. But come on, look how things worked out…And he's still the one trying to make us fight."

"Makes a good point." Blaise mentioned.

"This is my fight." Harry told them. "Everyone stays in hiding until Albus is handled, when the world sees who he truly is. I need the trial to take place for his lies to be revealed, and it's a public event for the press; there won't be anyone who doesn't know what Dumbledore has done."

"Okay, okay…We'll stay put." Severus sighed. "Just be careful, Harry…He did all this, you don't know what he's capable of."

Harry gave his mate a kiss and then a smile. "And he doesn't know what I'm capable of. After all, love…I am the one with the power the dark lord knows not." He winked. "See you later." Harry vanished before Severus could say anything else.

. . .

Harry didn't bother trying to hide his vampire form, everyone knew. It traveled fast once the reveal came at his sixteenth birthday, why hide? Harry only wore a cloak to deal with the sunshine as he entered the ministry and headed for the courtroom he recalled from his own trial of using the patronus charm to stop dementors who came after him and Dudley back during the summer of 1995. Harry waltzed in calmly found his place.

"Harry, lovely to see you again." Amelia greeted from her place.

"Likewise," Harry nodded his head.

"No one with you today?" Amelia asked.

"No need, ma'am," Harry informed. "It's just arraignment."

Amelia looked at him gently. "Didn't you receive my second letter, Harry? We went right to trial for the charges brought up. It's also part of the investigation you started last year. Arraignment took place two days ago, and of course, Mr. Dumbledore pleaded not guilty."

"I did not get that letter, forgive me. No matter…I'm confident I can handle this without anyone. All part of what I told you about." Harry said calmly.

"Is this reveal coming soon?" Amelia wondered.

"After trial and when I know Albus is no longer a threat to me, or others." Harry responded. "I just need people to keep an open mind."

"With all this happening, I'm sure that won't be a problem." Amelia smiled. "I take it you're going to represent yourself?" Harry nodded. "And do you consent to possibly being questioned under Veritaserum?"

"I consent, but to be perfectly honest, ma'am…I don't know if it will work." Harry informed. "Vampires seem to be immune to most potions and spells," He added lightly. "If I must, though, I'll vow on my magic to tell the truth."

"I'm sure you wouldn't lie either way, I'm just expecting that Mr. Dumbledore's attorney will try to pull this move." Amelia informed. "You know the press is allowed in for this? And that it may run all day?"

"Fine by me on both accounts." Harry responded. "I must ask, pertaining to some questions I might end up answering, will action be taken against me?"

"This trial is for Albus's crimes, so anything you say of things you may have done considered being a crime will be inadmissible. I told you I wouldn't take action until I know everything you're up to. I'm sure you have a good reason." Amelia promised. "Now, have a seat. We're about to begin." Harry sat down. "Oh, and Harry…Watch yourself. Dumbledore's lawyer is a shark. Very high success rate."

"First time for everything; he won't win this one." Harry replied.

It hadn't taken long for everyone to pile into the room and Amelia to automatically warn the press to keep quiet during the proceedings. Albus was brought in, shackled, and took a seat next to his lawyer, who Harry recognized as Curtis Mallard. The man was known for his exceptional case winnings. It didn't matter today; the evidence against Albus couldn't be argued. The man wouldn't get away with what he'd done. Harry noticed who else had come to this hearing; Molly and Ginny. Arthur was there too, but sitting on Harry's side to support him. Harry knew everyone he left at home was safe and sound, but supporting him from afar. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hagrid, and Alastor Moody were present too. Even Minerva McGonagall, Pamona Sprout, Horace Slughorn, and Filius Flitwick. It was summer, made sense they could leave the school to come out for this.

"Let's begin…" Amelia tapped her gavel on the stand to call the room to order. "We're here today to view the case of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore versus…I'm sorry, dear, I don't know your official name?" Amelia looked to Harry, inviting him to speak.

Harry stood. "Lord Harry James Potter-Black-Slytherin-Malfoy." He revealed.

"Thank you." Amelia smiled. "Versus Lord Harry James Potter-Black-Slytherin-Malfoy," She finished her sentence from before. "Mr. Dumbledore, you stand accused of the following crimes," She paused a moment. "Kidnapping, child endangerment, child neglect, inheritance tampering, and attempted murder. Your plea was entered not guilty and so we're here today for official trial." Amelia gave the clerk time to get everything down. "Lawyers may now introduce themselves."

"Curtis Mallard, for the Defense." The man spoke calmly.

"Harry Potter-Malfoy, for self." Harry informed.

"Then we'll begin." Amelia nodded.

. . .

It was so pathetic, Harry couldn't believe things lasted as long as they had so far. Molly and Ginny were witnesses for Albus, speaking the man's praises as if he were God or something. A few of the Order members and teachers were called upon too. Harry never stood to question them; that wasn't his angle. He just wanted his chance to go after Albus, and that was coming soon. Of course, first, Harry had been called up.

"Now, things will have to go differently with Mr. Potter-Malfoy as I have previously been informed that Veritaserum may not work on a vampire. We will try, and if it does not work, Harry has consented to swearing on his own magic that what he says is the absolute truth." Amelia stated, motioning for Harry to come forth and take his seat. Harry took the required three drops.

The clerk, who was Percy Weasley, stood before Harry. "What is your full name?"

"Harry James Potter-Black-Slytherin-Malfoy."

"When were you born?"

"July 31st, 1980."

"Where do you currently live?"

"The information is protected under Fidelius Charm secret keeper privilege." Harry remarked.

"Objection, he has to answer all questions. It's clear this serum isn't working on him." Curtis demanded.

"Potion is working fine, Mr. Mallard. Secret keepers have to give up the information willingly, they cannot be forced by any method." Percy scoffed. "Who are your parents?"

"Born to James and Lily Potter, blood adopted by Sirius Orion Black and also, Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy."

"Where were you born?"

"Potter Cottage, Godric's Hollow."

"What is your occupation?"

"Student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"With the exception of the one question protected under Fidelius Secret Keeper, all control questions were answered correctly." Percy told Amelia. "I'd say the potion is working fine."

"Mr. Mallard, you may question first." Amelia informed.

Curtis rose to walk over to Harry. "Mr. Potter, you accuse Mr. Dumbledore of the heinous-,"

"Potter-Malfoy." Harry corrected.

"Excuse me?"

"Potter-Malfoy. That is my legal name." Repeated Harry.

"Fine. Mr. Potter-Malfoy. You assume Mr. Dumbledore of these heinous acts when all those who have spoken on his behalf sang nothing but his praises. Why do you believe such awful acts? Who has tampered with your mind? Could it be the Dark Lord? I've been informed you have a link to him, is this true?"

"Which of those questions did you want answered? All?" Harry asked. "No one has tampered with my mind. And yes, I do share a link with Tom."

"Who is Tom?" Curtis inquired.

"Lord Voldemort." Harry replied. "Tom was his given birth name. Tom Marvolo Riddle and eventually, he changed it to Lord Voldemort. His birth name is literally rearranged as I am Lord Voldemort."

"No such thing has been proven, can you?" Curtis asked. "Oh, you don't have your wand…Never-,"

"Who said I needed a wand?" Harry remarked. "I assure you I don't." He raised his finger and wrote out Tom Marvolo Riddle in the air, appearing as flames then swiped his hand as it rearranged to I Am Lord Voldemort, just as Harry said it would be.

"Right." Curtis said, a little thrown off by what occurred. "You never answered my other question. Why do you believe my client has committed such heinous acts?" Mr. Mallard questioned.

"Because he has and I don't even need him up here to confess to them." Harry informed. "When my parents died, I was supposed to go to my godfather, Sirius Black. The man even blood adopted me when he came to the cottage to get me. However, Mr. Dumbledore sent Rubeus Hagrid to collect me, telling Sirius to go after Peter Pettigrew for his betrayal to both the Order of the Phoenix and my parents since he was their secret keeper." He explained. "Hagrid assured Sirius I was safe and sound and Sirius could collect me after Pettigrew was caught. No such thing happened because Pettigrew set off an explosion that killed twelve muggles, then cut off his own finger, and made it look like Sirius committed the acts. My poor godfather was sent off to Azkaban, without fair trial, for twelve years." He paused. "Right there, Mr. Dumbledore technically kidnapped me. Sirius Black was not only my chosen godfather, but adoptive father. Albus had no right to interfere on such a custody chain." Harry stared the man down calmly. "I was placed with muggles, specifically, my mother's sister's family. Under some cracked up blood of bond ritual."

"Blood wards." Albus corrected. "They were for your own protection. The dark lord-,"

"Was destroyed and no longer a threat until reborn to a new body at the end of my fourth year. Shut it and wait your turn, Albus." Harry remarked. "What you did was place a baby boy on a cold November night wrapped in only a thin blanket on a front step where the wards didn't even reach until morning. Left that baby with muggles who didn't even want him. Let him grow up for ten years with people who hated all things magical, thereby hated him too. This boy's room was a cupboard under the stairs for ten years. Only being held to be changed or fed as a baby. Forced to learn how to cook, clean, and garden at the age of four. A boy who had taken care of himself when sick. A boy who was a slave to his relatives. A boy who was beaten and starved. A boy who begged you year after year to be placed somewhere else because he wasn't safe." He informed. "Do you know who that boy was? It was me."

"It's for your own protection, Harry. They are the only family you have left. That is your home. There's nothing I can do." Harry repeated. "Just a few of your excuses as to why I always had to return there in the summer." He stated. "You sent an eleven year old boy, only one year of school under his belt, to face the man who killed his parents and protect that blasted stone that you put inside the school when it had been perfectly safe at Gringotts. You hid that stone under several protections, namely a three-headed dog, massive real life wizard's chess game, catching a key on a broom, Devil's Snare. Under protections that eleven year old's were able to counter. You sent a twelve year old boy down into the chamber of secrets to defeat a Basilisk. You made me think Sirius Black was dangerous, wanting to kill me when all he was trying to do was protect me. The only reason he broke out of Azkaban was because he saw Pettigrew in rat form on the front page of the Daily Prophet with the Weasley family when they went to Egypt…"

He paused. "And in that year, you sent two thirteen year old's into the past with a time-turner. You let a fourteen year old take part in a deadly competition when he wanted no part. I didn't put my name in that cup, I shouldn't have been forced to take part; there should have been an investigation as to how it happened. And then I ended up against Voldemort, alone because Pettigrew killed Cedric. I ended up turned into a vampire because I wanted away from my relatives enough that I ran away. Fifth year, you let Umbridge torture students with a blood quill…Let her take over the school. Sixth year, you wanted nothing more than to get me under your thumb. I know all about your visit to Gringotts to try and claim I had died to get my vaults turned over to the Dursley's, thereby forcing them to hand them over to you. You set me up under that stupid marriage contract with Ginerva when you had no right. You were never my magical guardian. You had no right to interfere with my life."

"I had every right after Sirius was imprisoned." Albus argued.

"But you were not my guardian. Sirius blood adopted me before Hagrid came, made me his son and legal heir to the Black name. And Sirius named Remus Lupin my guardian two times. After his imprisonment, and after he died. You lied to me saying Remus was ineligible to take me. The bank has a written, authorized note from you saying Remus was safe. You kept me from my godfather, my unofficial uncle. All to keep me with people who abused me, so I'd grow up easy for you to sculpt into your hero for that blasted prophecy? Newsflash, I won't see it through. I told you once already, when you stormed my family's home…I don't take orders from you or some blue glowing sphere that has thus since been destroyed. As far as I'm concerned, that prophecy doesn't exist anymore." Harry stared as Albus glared at him. "Let me make that perfectly clear for you, old man…I refuse to kill Tom Marvolo Riddle."