The Bonds That Tie

It was part of the plan. Harry knew the risks, but he knew it would be fine. Albus was going to out himself, Harry just needed the right words to set Dumbledore off. So Harry had just revealed the life he lived because of Albus interfering all the time, outing that Dumbledore kept Harry from Sirius, and Remus, also that Albus basically sent Harry to all these possibly fatal situation at school. And Harry made it very plain that he would not fulfil the prophecy and kill Voldemort. It left the room silent, but some stirring and whispering. Harry remained calm in his seat, arms folded over one another and one leg over the other.

"You'd allow us all to suffer the dark lord's reign?" Mr. Mallard asked first.

"Are you so certain that Tom is the dark lord?" Harry questioned.

"The prophecy says so!" Albus stood quickly. "You are prophesied to vanquish the dark lord, it's your destiny!"

"And I already told you that my destiny, or fate, or whatever is whatever I damn well choose to do with my life. I don't take orders from anyone, especially you. You are not my father, not my godfather…You are nothing to me but a manipulative old fool that needs dealing with and this is how I do that." Harry informed. "The prophecy says that the one with the power to vanquish the dark lord would be born as the seventh month dies. Marked as his equal and having a power the dark lord knows not. There is nothing to say Tom is the dark lord. For all anyone knows…It could be you, the one setting the scene from behind the shadows. Pulling the strings." He remarked. "Nah. I'm not killing Tom, he's the only one who has been real with me, unlike you. The prophecy was destroyed a year ago, doesn't exist anymore. Neither does Voldemort." Harry paused. "I already defeated Voldemort, he's gone."

"You're too young to understand that he can never be gone until you die!" Albus yelled. "You have a piece of his soul inside you, he can never die until you do so that way the piece is destroyed when you are, Harry. The rest of that prophecy is that neither can live while the other survives. You must die for him to die! That's always been the plan since you gave me Tom Riddle's diary in second year, and had destroyed the memory of him in it. I've known we were dealing with a darker magic, and there was a reason he survived all these years. You have to die."

Just like that the room silenced again. "There it is, Amelia." Harry said calmly. "I told you all would be revealed. There's your truth. My entire life has been decided by Albus just so I could die in the end."

"Albus…" Minerva and Pamona whispered.

"Mr. Dumbledore…Is this true?" Amelia asked.

"It's entirely true. He told Severus Snape his plans earlier this year, that he's been raising me like a pig for slaughter. I can bring him here to confirm that for you, if you like." Harry offered.

"How do you know about that?" Albus questioned.

"Severus showed me the memory of you two talking." Harry shrugged.

"There's still a matter of a dark lord that's been giving everyone trouble!" Molly scoffed.

"You mean Albus?" Harry said gently. "Tom isn't the dark lord, not anymore, at least. I told you…I defeated Voldemort; he's restored to his sanity and no longer a threat to anyone. Though I should mention…Tom didn't create Voldemort, Albus did."

"What?" Amelia narrowed her eyes.

"Tom was just a young boy with magical ability he didn't understand when Albus found him at the orphanage, and brought him to Hogwarts. Tom was treated differently by the kids at the orphanage, that type of bullying can change a person. However, instead of trying to pull Tom away from darkness; Albus enabled it, giving Tom access to anything. Including the restricted section of the library where he learned about horcruxes. Albus didn't guide Tom, or try to help him. He put him right on that path and because if Tom had been shown proper attention and offered a helping hand; he might have recovered." Harry explained. "Tom and I are so similar it's not even funny. Both orphans, both grew up hated. However, Tom wasn't given help…He never made friends, never got any love like I did. Tom was left to stay in the darkness, let it consume him, turn him into Voldemort. Tom only ever wanted someone to help him. It's not his fault. It's Albus's."

"But you defeated Voldemort?" An auror asked.

"I pulled Tom out of the darkness that Albus left him in. Voldemort is gone, it's just Tom Riddle now. Or Gaunt…Not sure what he's gonna go by, but I assure that there will be no more evil acts. He's been shown love and friendship like all children deserve to get. Albus always sent him back to the orphanage where he was picked on and bullied, called a freak for his abilities. Same as me, Albus always sending me back to my muggle relatives to be abused and called a freak." Harry informed. "Voldemort's creation was Albus's fault."

"How did you defeat Voldemort and bring Tom back?" Amelia asked.

"The soul pieces Albus is referring to, their Horcruxes. Pieces of a soul hidden away in objects. The only way to split your soul is to kill, an act against human nature." Harry began. "Tom made six of these horcruxes, and I am a seventh. Albus speaks the truth, there is a piece of Tom's soul latched onto me and it ended up there the night he killed my parents. My mother's sacrifice caused his spell to rebound, breaking that piece and latched onto the only living thing in the room. Me, as a baby. It's the reason we have the connection we do, seeing into each other's minds. And that is how I learned of his past, that we aren't so different after all." He continued. "I found the objects with his soul and we restored it, the only pieces missing are the one in me and the one that was destroyed in the diary. However, just five of the pieces was enough to change his look and return his sanity."

"That's impossible!" Albus glared.

"It's not impossible to reform your soul once split. You just wanted them destroyed to make Voldemort mortal once more, so that anyone could kill him. You needed me dead to make that happen." Harry informed. "Splitting the soul takes killing, yes…But mending it takes remorse. Regret. Tom's soul was restored because he is sorry for the harm he caused while lost in the darkness you left him in. Tom was able to put his soul back together because he feels remorse for the people he's killed, and he can't take back the deaths…But I forgave him for killing my parents. Neville has forgiven him, Bellatrix, and Barty Crouch Jr for the torturing of Alice and Frank Longbottom to insanity…In fact, I was the one who restored them to their sanity…It was Tom's idea because my vampire abilities let me Astral Project into others and heal them. Tom is making amends where he can, and I'm helping him. All the death eaters are; when you attacked Malfoy Manor a couple weeks ago; they were protecting students. YOUR STUDENTS."

"They were working with death eaters! You all are. You're using your mind control on them!" Albus said.

"I would never us my ability to control the mind to force people to fight. All I did was reactivate the army of students I created in fifth year. To show everyone who you truly are. Everyone came of their own free will. Unlike you, I let people have that." Albus flinched at the anger. "You hit my brother, Draco, with a curse that almost killed him! If I hadn't turned him into a vampire, he would be dead right now. I had no choice. And that was a curse meant for me."

"He jumped in front, you can't blame me!" Albus said.

"You attacked innocent people who were doing nothing wrong." Harry glared. "Everyone was minding their own business, and getting along. Why were you so desperate for a war where God knows how many people could have been hurt or killed. All in the name of Light over Dark? There is no damn dark, none of them want to fight. There will be no war, I've made sure of it. The only one who wants to fight is you, and sacrifice me and whoever else along the way! I stand by what I said, the true dark lord is you. The master manipulator. The puppeteer. It's been you, so if the prophecy so says I'm to get rid of the dark lord; I'm getting rid of you because just admitted to everyone that you purposely tried to kill me, attacked innocents, and planned all of this. That you made sure I was never with Sirius or Remus. That you tried to control my life. That you abandoned children who needed your help. Neglected them. Left them in abusive situations. Everything you were accused of just came out to public eye and it's the entire reason I wanted this trial…So everyone can see for themselves who is truly the one who caused everything. It's you."

"Albus has only ever been good to you!" Ginny whined. "You're so confused, Harry…"

"Says the girl who literally got her hands on Polyjuice Potion, stole my hair and had sex with some random guy at school who was appearing as me to get pregnant in an attempt to get me to marry you so you could have access to my vaults. I'm feeling somewhere in there, the aim was to kill me so you'd have all control over my things. That's Line Theft, and that's illegal. I know Albus put you up to the idea. You were already obsessed with me since I saved your life during my second year. You believed his lies that it would be is who defeated dark together. Madam, for the last time…I am gay. I am bonded. I am mated. To my soulmate." Harry told her. "There will never be anything between you and I, get over yourself." He eyes shifted to Molly. "And you…I saw you as a mother, and you've been working with him the entire time for what? Money? Sad."

"You've sided with the dark! You should be arrested!" Albus said.

"I'm not the one who did something wrong. I will admit that I waltzed in and took over while Voldemort was still dark, but I did what you didn't. I showed him love and friendship. I restored his sanity. I put an end to the dark. I put a stop to the war. I created peace and I prevented tons of needless injuries and deaths. If that's what I should be arrested for, so be it." Harry offered. "I won't turn my back on my family and given my family tree…I'm related to Black's, Potter's, Weasley's, and so many other notable wizarding families. Including Tom Riddle himself. We're distant cousins ya know. Through the Peverell Brothers. Tom descends from Cadmus, I descend from Ignotus."

"Harry is not the one on trial, and he won't be. I trusted his words when he told me he was involved in something big to change the world, and he has revealed exactly what that was now." Amelia informed. "Without the vote, I believe it's clear. You admitted to everything. Albus Dumbledore, I find you guilty on all charges and sentence you to the Dementor's Kiss. Immediately."

"No, no. Not the kiss, Ma'am. It's too easy and painless for him. I want him to suffer alone, with no help, the rest of his days, just like he did to Tom and me. I request solitary confinement in Azkaban's high security level and the use of the power-blocking cuffs. I want him to see his fine work. I want him to watch as all his plans crumble and everyone lives happily ever after." Harry asked.

"Granted." Amelia nodded as she banged the gavel and auror's came to get Albus.

"I wanna hear everything he's done…Just for the gratification of knowing he used me as a sacrificial lamb…" Harry mentioned. "If that's alright with you?"

"Yes, I'd like to hear the same." Amelia relaxed.

So Albus had no way out of things and revealed it all. The he wanted Harry growing up beaten down, loving the friends he had so he would sacrifice to protect them. That he urged Ginny to seduce Harry, told her how to use the Polyjuice potion to get pregnant with Harry's child. That he hired two people wanting to become death eaters to kidnap Remus and kill him after they lured Harry out. That he tried to kill Harry multiple times, used compulsion charms and potions on him during first, and second, and third years at school, but they didn't have much effect in third because Harry was becoming immune to them and Dumbledore knew he was losing his grip on Harry. Albus admitted that he knew Barty Crouch Junior was polyjuiced as Alastor Moody, and knew he submitted Harry's name into the cup for the tournament. All of it was to get Harry to face Voldemort and bring him back so the prophecy could be fulfilled. Albus even admitted to poisoning all of Harry's close friends in Gryffindor and Slytherin, enough to affect bloodlines, to make Harry desperate to feed, wanting to drive him to bloodrage. So he'd end up attacking, arrested, then Albus would step up to help free him if he did what he wanted. Harry was beside himself at the reveals, even some he didn't know about. Like how many times Albus tried to get Harry's money and power of his Wizengamot seats to swing more votes.

"Pathetic, Albus. Truly. Pathetic, low, and sad. And with all that…You still lost. Don't you know…I always survive. It's the one thing I'm really good at." Harry scoffed.

"We will need to speak, Harry, about what you've revealed today…Just so I have a full understanding." Amelia told him. "And decisions to be made on the…Changes."

"Of course, Amelia." Harry nodded as he stepped down from the seat and passed by Albus.

"Do you want to know what that power I have that the dark lord knows not is? That you don't know about…You should. You gave me the answer so many years ago, Albus…It's love. Love for my friends, my family…And it's love that just defeated you. Enjoy the rest of your life, I know I will be living mine up with my friends and family. I told you that if you crossed me again, you would regret it. I always keep my word." Harry whispered to the man, as his eyes widened and aurors pulled him from the room.

The vampire relaxed fully as he looked to those who had sat on his side, he gave them a soft smile. "We'll be in touch, Harry!" Amelia smiled.

"Just send word." Harry nodded. "Hello, Professors. Mr. Weasley. Kingsley, Alastor," He greeted while walking over to them.

"Well, you've had a busy year uncovering all this…" Minerva stated gently.

"I've always felt like something wasn't right. You know I asked every year not to go back to the Dursley's. Sirius never getting a trial…" Harry informed. "I'm sorry a man you trusted for so long turned out to be the bad guy. I know you've worked for him a long time." He added.

"There is nothing to apologize for Harry. You uncovered the truth, as you do every year." Arthur smiled. "I still see you as a son, you'll always be welcome in my house."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley." Harry smiled. "Ron says hi, by the way."

"How is my boy?" Arthur asked.

"Good. Hermione too. Everyone's just waiting for things to blow over." Harry informed.

"You'll be joining for the new school year, I presume?" Minerva questioned. "With all the students you have in hiding?"

"Yes, we will all be there. You know I could never keep Hermione from finishing her schooling, Professor." Harry chuckled some.

"Harry, do you happen to know where Remus and Nymphadora are?" Alastor inquired.

"They're in hiding, Moody." Harry replied. "No one is coming out until it's safe to do so."

"You're housing death eaters…" Kingsley stated.

"None of them have done anything wrong since I took over. In fact, they've all been laying low since end of fifth year when Sirius died." Harry informed. "Also, correction…I'm housing family and friends."

"We're not sure what the fate of some will be, Harry," Kingsley said. "For now, Amelia has said to hold off on any arrests. You know as well as I that not all are innocent from the past."

"And I'm sure somewhere, there's rules about charging for crimes years later." Harry stated. "Without their help, I never would have been able to put away Dumbledore. Tom has done nothing but work with me, and under my orders. He really wants a chance at a new life, what he was also robbed of as a child, like me." He added. "I'll be speaking to Amelia and we'll work it out, but my friends are aware that some may still have to answer for what they've done before my leadership."

"Your…Younger friends should be in the clear. We know they haven't done anything except support you, as always." Alastor remarked.

"Until I know that for sure, everyone is staying in hiding." Harry repeated. "I don't trust Albus…He's gotten away with things for years. He wouldn't give up this easily with all his plans crumbling. I'm sure he has something set up, to act if he's gone. I advise you all to be on your toes. This isn't over yet."

"Can you say for sure what were up against?" Kingsley asked.

Harry shook his head. "No. But it will truly be the final battle when it comes." He paused. "I should be getting home. See you all eventually." He waved and vanished from sight.

. . .

Harry didn't go right home, of course. Harry checked in with Sanguini first, let him know Dumbledore was arrested and spending the rest of his life in prison. Also to be on guard because Harry didn't feel like this was over yet. Sanguini promised they'd be careful, also reminded Harry about Severus and Draco's initiation into the coven, allowing for Lucius and Narcissa to come on Draco's behalf, to see the ceremony, if they wanted. Harry went on to check a few more things and handle some errands before finally apparating home. Harry arrived in the entrance hall and walked to the main room where everyone was sitting around. It was about 8:30 pm.

"Harry, there you are…" Narcissa was first to rise, going over to her adoptive son. "Are you alright? Did that old fool try anything?"

"Mother, calm yourself. I am perfectly fine," Harry told her gently. "I'm a big boy." He teased. "No, Dumbledore didn't try anything. It was hardly a trial at all."

"We saw the headlines," Lucius lifted the paper where Harry could see that the front page was Harry and Dumbledore across from one another. It read in black lettering; My destiny is my own. I will not kill Tom Marvolo Riddle.

"And this one," Ron showed Harry the other paper. "Prophecy is wrong; you're the true dark lord."

"Catchy," Harry chuckled. "Least they used real quotes." He shrugged.

"We actually thought these were lies. You actually stated all this?" Voldemort asked.

"Of course. I told you, it wasn't much of a trial. It started like one, then when I got called up to talk; I just laid into Albus. Under Veritaserum." Harry said.

"Actually worked on you?" Severus blinked.

"Mmhm. One of the few that does. If it hadn't, it wasn't a big deal. I told Amelia I'd swear on my magic that everything I said was the truth." Harry remarked. "But as it stands, Albus is being held in Azkaban's maximum security level with the power blocking cuffs. He was gonna get the Dementor's Kiss, I requested he live out the rest of his life watching everything he tried to do fall apart around him."

"Rather dark." Bellatrix smirked.

"I'd go with satisfying," Harry grinned. "I wanted him to suffer the way Tom and I had to because of him."

"So we can come out of hiding now?" Hermione inquired.

"Not yet. There's still a lot of things that have to be discussed with Amelia regarding Tom's and his death eater's crimes until we started this new movement. Plus the fact any of those during the raid on Malfoy Manor, were working with what was considered the dark side. What I did got people's attention, but it won't be a simple flip. For now, we play it safe. There's still Scrimgeour to deal with." Harry stated.

"Did Albus admit to everything?" Blaise inquired.

"Yes and I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. I'm tired, takes way too much power to hold yourself back from strangling someone who fucked with your life all your life…" Harry said. "I'm going to rest. Sev, you coming?"

"Right behind," Severus nodded.

"Goodnight," Harry waved before leaving the room.

"Hey, progress is progress." Bellatrix said. "Harry's got everything under control."

"Bella is right. We just have to be patient." Luna nodded. "Harry always comes through; he's good about keeping his word and protecting the people he cares for."

"That he does." Draco agreed.

"Goodnight then." Severus waved like Harry did and walked away, going over to join Harry in their bedroom.

It had been a long day, but the biggest thing to happen was that Albus had been found guilty of his crimes and now locked up. That was something to be happy about.