Chapter 28: The Verdict. Vacation time
Albus Dumbledore sat in the center of the room, unable to move and escape from the enchanted chair that kept him in place. Fully aware that looks of anger and rage were being directed at him from the Representatives as the Supreme Mugwump read through the charges against him. He would have escaped before the trial, but his cell had been heavily warded to prevent anyone from escaping, his emergency portkeys were gone, and not even Fawkes had come to transport him away. The spell he used on the phoenix to make him subservient to him had been removed. Adding insult to injury, he was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he no longer had his magic. Yes, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was in real, deep trouble now. For he had been defeated and outmaneuvered in many different ways.
Several emotions were running through his person at the moment. However, three emotions overlapped the others. Anger, incredulous, and above all, was greatly vexed. Where did everything go wrong? How could this have happened? Everything he had worked for had gone up in smoke. All because of one boy and his allies. Harry Potter was supposed to be his pawn, his weapon of the Light. The blasted boy was supposed to die so that he could weaken Tom and remove the Horcrux contained in his scar. Once Harry and the Horcrux were out of the way, he could move on with his plans: Kill Tom and be recognized as the greatest wizard of all time, gain access to the ancient and magical books and artifacts the Potters had, access the other ancient tomes and artifacts the boy possessed, and finally become the Master of Death.
And yet, all of his dreams and goals have been squashed. What vexed him greatly was the amount of information Akingbade and the others had on him. Information that he had gone to extreme lengths to suppress.
Pandemonium soon broke out when Mr. Akingbade finished reading through the list of charges. Many of the Representatives and Minister of Magics demanded that Albus Dumbledore be immediately executed.
"Push him through the Veil of Death! He is too dangerous to be left alive!"
"Send that murdering bastard to the Maze of Tartarus!"
More and more demands for his death rang throughout the courtroom. This lasted a few minutes until Babajide attempted to silence them with a few bangs of his gavel. When that failed, he flicked his wand into his hand and raised it, releasing two cannon fires to restore order. "Mr. Dumbledore, how do you plead to the charges against you?"
"Not guilty of any charges. All of my actions have ever been for the greater good of the wizarding world!" Dumbledore roared. Struggling to get free of the chair. "I am Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard since Merlin, and I do not deserve to be treated like some criminal or dark wizard."
"Bullshit! You've only done what is best for you!" Harry roared back. He stared at Dumbledore with absolute fury in his eyes. He would not allow the man to get off scot-free in hell. One glance at Arcturus and Harry could tell that his Uncle felt the same way. He was only seconds from jumping out of his seat and cursing Dumbledore into oblivion. "Supreme Mugwump, if it may please the court, I'd like to bring a witness into this trial. One that I am sure will be quite the surprise."
"The ICW court recognizes Lord Harry Potter of magical Britain and Ireland and Magus of the Magus Order," said Akingbade. Harry gestured to Alex and Jack, telling them to bring in the next person. The two brought someone with a burlap sack over his head in magical suppression cuffs to the courtroom entrance. "Your witness is?"
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Gellert Grindelwald!" He announced. Sergeant Stone removed the burlap sack, revealing the face of the dark wizard who they longed thought to be dead. The man responsible for starting the Great War resulted in the deaths of thousands of witches and wizards. There were shouts of anger and profanity at the sight of the man who helped bring so much pain, sorrow, and death. The Minister of Magics and Representatives were apoplectic at the sight of the pale man. Where if their looks could kill, then both Albus and Gellert would be lying on the floor going through the most agonizing death. Thankfully, all it took was a single cannon blast from Harry's new wand to quiet them down. "I assure you all that the person here is indeed the man who most thought the accused had defeated and killed. Grindelwald is now a Squib and has been a prisoner inside his fortress in Austria since his defeat."
Lieutenant Burnett conjured another chair beside Dumbledore and enchanted it with the same spells and security precautions as the one Dumbledore was currently in. Unlike the furious expression on Albus's face, Gellert's was one of regret. The chain immediately wrapped around him the second he was placed in the chair. Akingbade's voice was heard, and everyone was immediately on board with what he said. "The potions Veritaserum and Alítheia will now be used on them. If there are any objections, speak now." When no one spoke, he had one of the agents administer the potions into Grindelwald first.
It only took a second for them to take effect, and Grindelwald started singing like a canary. He explained all the atrocities he and Albus had committed before and during the Great War and how they planned to overthrow and rule both the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. Everything. In the end, he expressed his regret over everything he had done and the number of lives that were taken. The man finalized what he said by stipulating how he deserved death. Albus tried in vain to intervene, but the chains of the chair prevented him from moving, and a strong silencing charm rendered him incapable of speaking.
"All those in favor of sending Gellert Grindelwald to the Maze of Tartarus, raise your hand." Akingbade looked around to see that it was unanimous. No one kept their hand down. There was no point in asking for those who objected. "Very well. Gellert Grindelwald, you are hereby found guilty of your crimes and atrocities against the magical world. You are, therefore, sentenced to death and, at dusk, will be taken to the Maze of Tartarus. Take him away," he ordered. Two of the agents led by Sergeant Stone removed the chains around him, slapped the cuffs on his wrist, and escorted him out.
"Now we return to the main accused," returning his gaze to Dumbledore, eyes narrowed in anger, and then addressed everyone. "All those opposed to using the truth serums on Albus Dumbledore, raise your hand." No one raised their hand; instead, they looked at Dumbledore with loathing eyes. "Those in favor of using the serums?"
Similar to Grindelwald, everyone raised their hand. He then gestured for the agents to bring out two more vials containing the potions. Dumbledore tried to keep his mouth closed, but one of the agents shot him with a stinging hex, and he was forced to open his mouth, where they dumped both potions down his throat. As much as he tried to resist, he found himself unable to resist the combined effects of the potions. Once more, the Supreme Mugwump asked whether he was guilty or not of the charges against him. For the life of him, the pain from the Alítheia was unbearable, and he finally answered, saying that he did do everything he had been charged with and then some. To everyone's great surprise, he explained how he and Gellert funded and encouraged Hitler and the Nazis to wage war and enslave the Jews and later destroy Pearl Harbor. They had compelled both the North Vietnamese and Lyndon Johnson to commit those atrocities. But more than that, it was brought to Light that Adolf Hitler was a Squib who wanted to become a full wizard. They offered to help him if he slaughtered the Jews and started World War 2; of course, they had no intentions of honoring their bargain. The two only wanted to control the magical governments in those areas.
"What about Voldemort?" Akingbade inquired, struggling to keep his anger in check. "You had the most knowledge about his origin and knew he was still alive. Why did you never take a more active stance against him or bring the information to the ICW? What was your endgame?"
"Because at one point, I considered redeeming him so he could become my successor of the Light. But that plan started to disappear the day Sybill Trelawney created the prophecy around him and Harry. It wasn't until he returned during the Triwizard Tournament's final task that I decided to change my plans," he began. "The day I received a letter from Sybill about her wanting to apply for the Hogwarts Divination professor, I saw it as an opportunity to achieve my previous goal. I was well aware that Severus Snape was still an active Death Eater at the time and was looking for a way out. So, I used him to relay part of the prophecy he heard to Voldemort. Then, when he learned that the person he cared for, like a sister, was in trouble, he would predictably come to me for help."
"I knew that Alice and Lily were pregnant then, and their children would be born at the end of July. After discovering that he was more interested in the Potters. Namely Harry. I persuaded James Lily to go into hiding under the Fidelius charm and later confounded Sirius into switching with Peter Pettigrew, who was secretly the spy for Voldemort. From there, it would have been easy for me to gain access to the Potter family's wealth, books, and artifacts through Harry and get Lily out of the way. The blasted woman never trusted me and would always question me. She had become a thorn in my side that needed to be removed. So I did what I had to do."
"When the wards alerted me that James and Lily had been killed, I sent Hagrid to retrieve Harry and bring him to his muggle family. I knew Lily did not get along with her adoptive sister and that Petunia and her husband despised magic. It was stipulated in their will that Harry was never supposed to be raised by them, and if they had died, then he would go to the candidates listed. I couldn't have that, so I sealed their will, had Sirius sent to Azkaban, had myself be the boy's magical guardian instead of Captain Jack and his wife, and tried to forge a marriage contract between him and Molly Prewett's daughter Ginevra. Since the Weasleys were loyal to me, I could use that to my advantage as Molly would adopt the role of the loving mother he never had and become close to the Weasley family through his association with young Ronald."
He continued to talk about his plans to have Harry so beaten and abused by his magic-hating relatives that when Hagrid came to get him his school supplies where he would attend Hogwarts. He'd see the school as a safe haven and him as a great, caring grandfather. The people were absolutely shocked and infuriated by the level of deception Dumbledore had committed to getting Harry under his thumb. To say they were infuriated would be an understatement, as they were all kinds of angry. He purposefully engineered all the events Harry had been involved in since entering Hogwarts. For the sole purpose of molding and testing his weapon, he endangered hundreds of students and played with the lives of others.
"I knew Harry had a connection to Tom. From the moment Hagrid placed him in my hands, I discovered traces of Voldemort's magical signature on him. My suspicions on how Voldemort survived that Halloween night in 1981 were later confirmed the day the recording showed him fighting with his sixteen-year-old self and a basilisk to save Ginerva Prewett's life. Voldemort had created Horcruxes to achieve his immortality and had unintentionally turned Harry into one."
"Two years later, after Voldemort regained his body, I expected him to try and enter Harry's mind. That would have made it easier for me to arrange occlumency lessons with Severus so he could break down whatever shields he did have, and Voldemort could gain control of his mind and steadily influence him. The night before Yule, I sent Arthur Weasley to the Department of Mysteries Hall of Prophecy under the guise of protecting the prophecy. Arthur has always been such an easy man to control and manipulate, and if he had died that night, then it wouldn't have mattered. He had served his purpose, and his usefulness had ended. I expected Harry to come to my office in the middle of the night about the attack, but he never came. Even when I sent Minerva McGonagall to get him the next morning, he refused, stipulating that he had no loyalty to the Order and was not obligated to help me."
For the next twenty minutes, they listened to him elaborate on his overall plan, what he intended to do to achieve them, and what he would have done to ensure they came to fruition. By some miracle, Mr. Akingbade was able to restrain himself, albeit with supreme effort, as he was seriously tempted to take his wand and curse the living hell out of Dumbledore. "Administer the antidotes," he ordered in the cold, barely restrained, edge-filled voice.
The agents complied, though they were obviously thinking along the same lines as the Supreme Mugwump, wanting Dumbledore's blood. Dumbledore's eyes soon returned to normal, where he saw a collection of loathing stares all directed at him. "All those who find Albus Dumbledore guilty of the charges against him show of hands." Everyone did so. Some were still trying to wrap their minds around what had been revealed. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, you are hereby found guilty of high treason against the Wizarding world and are therefore sentenced to the Maze of Tartarus at dusk." Banging his gavel, delivering the verdict. "The only thing I regret is being unable to throw you in there myself."
"No, you cannot do this to me. I am Albus Dumbledore!" Dumbledore cried as he was escorted away.
"Is there anything else that needs to be said before we end today's session?" Mr. Akingbade asked.
"Yes, there are a few things I would like to say," Harry stood up.
"The ICW recognizes Magus Harry Potter."
Harry teleported away from his seat and appeared behind the man. Babajide gave him a curt nod before stepping away from the podium. "Thank you, Supreme Mugwump," he took a step forward. "To the esteemed guests who were able to sit here today and to the witches and wizards who are viewing this from your home countries, I come before you hoping you will listen to what I have to say. As someone who has suffered just as much, if not more, from this war with Dumbledore and Voldemort, I ask you to consider my requests. My first request is that the I.C.W. absolve the law about sending children back to their home countries to receive their education set forth by the I.C.W's Representative from magical Russia."
"Given that it was Dumbledore who pushed for this law to be passed to have me transferred from Mahoutokoro to clean up his mess. He did not give two shits about what was in the best interest of the Wizarding world, only caring about his selfish plans. By taking away the ability to choose where the children and teenagers get to attend their magical education has hindered and endangered the future of our world. Therefore, I strongly urge you to absolve this law, giving their parents or guardians the right to decide where a child should attend school once more."
There was a collection of whispers throughout the chamber as the Ministers and their Representatives discussed his request. Even though Lord Potter was still young, he made a very valid point that this law should be recalled. The young lord then brought up the subject of having the Brazilian, Iceland, and Russian representatives removed from their positions. He threw so much shade their way that within a half-hour, the three were immediately ousted from their positions, with the Russian and Iceland representatives looking worse for wear. The Supreme Mugwump ordered an immediate investigation into their affairs. Moreover, the law drafted by the now-former Russian representative had been repelled.
"Onto my second request," Harry resumed. "I bear a personal message to the citizens of magical Britain and Ireland, specifically to the members of the Wizengamot. We face a crisis. One far greater than Lord Voldemort—Tom Riddle—and his Death Eaters. One in which we ourselves have created and allowed to flourish." He spoke firmly to let the people know he was serious.
"For years, the witches and wizards of magical Britain have claimed that they are the best in all of Europe, if not the world. But in reality, we are not. We're actually the worst. Open your eyes, people. Since the end of the Great War, and in the last fifty years, we have become so arrogant and self-righteous to the point where we have become so weak that we are a laughing stock to the other magical countries worldwide. Forgive me for saying this, but I might as well tell the brutal, coldhearted truth. We have become the architects of our own destruction. The reason why the other magical communities look down on us so much is because of the lack of purebloods or the increase of muggleborns. We have stagnated to the point where we refuse to move forward and improve our society."
"By allowing vermin like Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort, the Death Eaters, who pleaded guilty, and those who believe in blood purity to influence the minds of what is supposed to be the next generation. But instead, we have created a never-ending cycle in which we are slowly killing ourselves. Just think, people, we lost a good number of witches and wizards during the last war to a man who claims to be a champion of the pureblood cause and his army of psychopaths. Yet ask yourselves this: What has he actually done to help improve the lives of others in magical Britain and Ireland? Nothing. Voldemort had done absolutely nothing. He says he fights for purebloods and the betterment of our world, but in reality, he only fights for himself. The number of people he and those who served him killed were Lords and Ladies—people who could have helped improve our nation. But because they chose not to follow him, they were killed. They did not die because they were traitors; they were killed because they valued their traditions and refused to bow to a madman who only cared about furthering his own agenda."
"While it would be easy to pin the blame on Voldemort and his people. The cold-hearted reality is that we have allowed it by refusing to see the bigger picture. Their blood may be on Voldemort's hands. But it is also on ours—or, for lack of better words, on Albus Dumbledore's head," he paused for a minute to allow them time to register what he said. "As I said, the vermin have been allowed to influence the future of the Wizarding World in magical Britain and Ireland. Dumbledore is one of the biggest vermin's that infest our sovereign land and have prevented us from what our ancestors wanted for us. To evolve and move forward."
"Similar to me when I was younger. I was raised to follow and respect the traditions set forth by my ancestors and wizards of the old. To uphold the beliefs and values of my House. While I do believe that the wizarding traditions we have are sacred and should be followed. I also believe in progress and want to move forward in life. Yet that is difficult to accomplish with people like Dumbledore in positions of power. Since taking the posts of Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and becoming Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. He has actively prevented witches and wizards from achieving their full potential by directly and indirectly allowing the education at Hogwarts to fall to the point where students are only taught the bare minimum. That, in turn, has made us complacent to the where we have become weak and scrouge on the accomplishments of the past achievements. This is mainly true for the current heirs and heiresses, as several of them have become so complacent with the status quo that they no longer desire to make a name for themselves. They have become so reliant on their ancestors' achievements and using their family standing/connections to get by in life that they have grown completely lazy. It's rather pathetic, as they are so content to stop and unwilling to aim and climb to greater heights. Now, is that what you all want for yourselves? To leave behind once you depart from this world?"
"You do not need muggle ideas or beliefs to become great. But you sure as hell can get off your arses and actually try to make a goddamn life for yourself instead of always complaining when something doesn't go your way. Ask yourself this one question and think about it: Am I happy with how things are in my life, or do I want to go further and achieve something greater?"
He looked around after giving such a passionate speech to see that they were indeed considering what he said, as there were murmurs and whispers among them. A handful of the Representatives and Ministers were smiling and nodding, showing they were impressed and wholeheartedly agreed with him. In a split second, someone started clapping. This was followed by another, and then another, until everyone began clapping in acknowledgment after hearing his speech. Many of them were cheering, saying he was absolutely right and chanting various praises.
"It is time for a new era!"
"We must evolve and continue to grow more!"
"Lord Potter is a visionary and progressivism!"
As Mr. Akingbade stepped forward to wrap things up, Harry teleported back to the visitor's section, where Emily, Miwa, and the others were. Almost immediately after the session had concluded and the people were allowed to leave, several reporters from different media outlets swarmed the group. They were in a right frenzy, firing question after question, wanting answers.
All across the British Isles, the citizens living in magical Britain and Ireland had been worked into a right frenzy after watching what happened I.C.W. and listening to Potter's speech. Hundreds of parents had already sent angry letters/howlers to the Wizengamot, and there was a massive crowd in the Ministry's atrium. Essentially, all hell had broken loose, which the Aurors from the Auror office and DMLE were trying to contain from worsening. It didn't help that hundreds of Ministry employees agreed and sympathized with the outraged members of the crowd. The people were demanding for changes to be made.
If the Aurors thought they were having trouble in the Ministry's Atrium, it was nothing compared to what was happening in the Wizengamot as an emergency session had been called. The Lords, Ladies, and Department Heads were shouting at the top of their lungs. With Dumbledore's crimes coming to light, the reveal of Gellert Grindelwald still alive, them being lied to, used, and cheated for over half a century by Albus Dumbledore and You-Know-Who (Voldemort or rather Tom Riddle) to those who weren't afraid of saying his name. All of the members from the different factions were livid. The Light, Grey, Dark, and Neutral were pissed beyond comprehension. No words could describe what they were thinking or feeling at the moment.
(0^0)
Upon their return to Hogwarts, brother, and sister opened the giant doors to the Hall and saw that every student from the four houses was present. They'd receive permission from their heads of house to watch the trial. The members of the staff were all seated at the Head table. No one said anything, not that they needed to, as the expressions on their faces said it all. Looks of astonishment, bewilderment, surprise, and a handful of other emotions could be seen. Soon, there was a long range of cheers and applause aimed at Harry for the way he spoke on the behalf today. As Emily went to the Ravenclaw table, Harry went to the Head table.
This would definitely be a day that no one would forget and will undoubtedly be carried for centuries to come. "Hogwarts staff," he looked at every one of them, "please be in the staffroom before dinner tonight. A discussion is needed about this castle's education system as I believe some much-needed issues need to be addressed and improved upon."
They all looked at each other for minutes, exchanging glances at one another. There would undoubtedly going to be some changes coming. They could feel it. Many of them were looking forward to this conversation, while the rest seemed reserved.
Later that day, in the staffroom, all of the professors and Hogwarts faculty were present, ready to begin their meeting. Seeing that everyone was present, Harry cleared his throat and stood up. "As I am sure you all have seen earlier today, Albus Dumbledore has been charged and convicted of numerous crimes that have negatively affected the students' growth by impeding their educations, ignoring their welfare, and hindering their abilities to learn actual magic. That ends now."
"There are going to be some changes in this castle. So be prepared to attend a multitude of meetings during the summer."
"Here, here," Filius squeaked. "Changes need to be made. The public is practically demanding it after your little speech this morning." He gave Harry a big smile.
"I still cannot believe that you are his father, Severus," Minerva voiced. "Though it kind of makes sense with the way you were hard on him when he was a student."
"Like all fathers, we want what is best for our children, Minerva," he stated in a cool voice. "And sometimes we are forced to make decisions the kids do not like. Adopted or not, Harry is my son in every way that matters and will not change. The main reason why Harry was sent to Mahoutokoro was so he could be protected from Dumbledore and his influence."
"We can discuss the rest of that later," Harry interrupted. "Right now, we have more immediate concerns that need to be addressed. Starting with the fact that we now find ourselves without a Headmaster. By tradition, the next available candidate to fill that role will be the Deputy Head," turning his head to Professor Vector as did everyone else.
"Understand, Septima, that you are not being forced to accept this role. The choice is ultimately yours."
She gave him a nod and a warm smile. "Thank you, Harry. I will gladly accept the role as the Headmistress of Hogwarts."
"Is this your final decision?"
"It is. I promise to do everything in my power to show that I am worthy of the position," she said.
"Very well. Septima Vector, you are now the new Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," said Harry. There were rounds of applause from the other professors. "Now I will need to find a new Deputy Head. Minerva, would you like to have your old job back?"
"On one condition," she replied. When he gave her a nod to continue, she spoke. "I would like to name Bathsheba Babbling as my successor as the head of Gryffindor's house," she said, giving her colleague a warm, approving smile. "Will you accept this role, Bathsheba?"
"Absolutely!" The Ancient Runes professor said.
"Take good care of the lions," Minerva wiped away a tear from her left eye.
"You have my word that I will do my best, Minerva."
"Good, now onto the next order of business," Harry said, bringing the attention back to him. "Professor Snape, you have done a good job substituting in as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Would you consider exchanging your position as the school's Potions professor for the new DADA professor when the new school year begins?" Severus confirmed with a nod of his head. When that was done, he addressed the others. "We come to the topic of removing the less than helpful subjects and increasing the school's budget. To begin, we will no longer have Divination and Muggle Studies as elective courses."
He raised a hand when Sybill was about to speak—more likely burst into tears—figuring she would be forced to leave Hogwarts. "Let me be clear, Sybill. You are not being forced out of Hogwarts. You fulfill your role as a professor very well and will not need to leave. However, Divination is a useless subject unless you have the gift. Therefore, I think I have a good compromise," smiling cleverly while looking at the Astronomy professor.
"Aurora, would you be willing to co-teach Astronomy from now on?"
She returned the smile, understanding what he might have in mind. "I can work with that. Plus, out of everyone here, Sybill and I have worked together the most. From what I have learned from Firenze here," nodding to the male Centaur, "Astronomy and Divination actually go together. I will be willing to co-teach with you, Sybill," offering her friend.
Sybill thought it over for a few minutes and agreed, liking the idea. "Wait, what about Firenze?" She asked.
The Centaur replied. "If it is all the same, I will be returning to my tribe. While this has been a wonderful experience, my place is with my people."
"We understand, Firenze, and on behalf of myself and my fellow professors, we thank you for being here for the students," Harry stood up and bowed to him, which Firenze returned. He turned his attention away as Firenze started to leave the room. "Charity I—"
"I understand, Lord Potter," she cut across. "While I am sad that my position as the Muggle studies Professor has come to an end, I do understand that Hogwarts has no place for it. After tomorrow's end-of-the-year feast, I will collect my personal possessions and leave."
"Not so fast," pausing her. "You can remain an employee here as the school's caretaker. Unlike Filch, you will have a bigger office or remain in the one you've always had, can do a better job. . ."
She was in awe about his proposal and the changes that would be made to the school's caretaker position.
"So, can we count on you to stay?
"Of course."
"With the removal of Divination and Muggle studies and with the increase in the school's budget, we can discuss the possibility of hiring new professors to teach some new courses. Are there any potential classes you all have in mind?"
"I have maybe one or two," Pomona replied. Harry gestured for her to continue. "I was thinking of courses like Government and Business."
"Those are actually some good ideas," Septimma commented. "Maybe we can also add courses like Law and Curse breaking & Warding."
"All very good ideas," Septima quipped. "However, we will need to bring this up with the Board of Governors and the W.E.A."
"Agreed. However, for now, I say we bring this meeting to a close. We can discuss any potential possibilities during the next meeting," Harry suggested. Everyone agreed and vacated the room until only Harry and Severus were left.
Harry intentionally held his father back to give him something. Reaching into his watch, he pulled out the Resurrection Stone. "I think you will be interested in seeing who I spoke to before leaving this morning." After ensuring they were alone and that no one could enter or overhear from the outside, he turned the Stone thrice.
The figures of the people he'd wished to see appeared before them. However, unlike last time, Severus was with him, and standing before him were his late Uncle Octavius and his late wife, Selena. Before Harry stood his birth parents, grandparents, and Cassiopeia. "It is done. Dumbledore and Grindelwald have been sentenced to the Maze of Tartarus and will die within three days. Four if they survive that long."
"Good work, Harry. But before they move on, send them to James, Lily, Dorea, Cassiopeia, and I," Charlus praised and requested. Even though he might be dead, Harry could see the fire burning in his brown eyes. "You and Arcturus got your chances to beat the shit out of him. Now it's our turn, and believe me when I say there are a lot of people on the other side who are itching to get a piece of him. Both of them."
"I can promise you this: The second I am alerted that they are dead, I will send them your way and ensure they will not be able to move on to their next great adventure." He said the last part in a mocking tone of voice.
Turning his attention to his adoptive family, namely his adoptive mum and dad. "I will leave three of you alone to catch up," his eyes turned to Selena as he handed Severus the Stone. "I wish we could have gotten to meet and get to know one another differently."
As do I," Selena raised her hand to his cheek, though she couldn't actually touch him. She would have liked nothing more than to have been involved in Harry and Severus's lives. In the latter case, she was eternally grateful to have spent the time she had with her husband. "Thank you, Hadrian, for being there for Severus."
"I'm the one who is grateful." Harry amended. "I know I was sometimes difficult to handle, but I am very fortunate to have him as my father. You should have twenty minutes or so left."
"Thank you, my son," Severus said as he watched Harry remove the wards and leave the office.
Harry was in deep thought as he walked through the deserted ground-floor corridor of the castle. At long last, Dumbledore has finally gotten the punishment that he has long deserved. Well, part of it, that is. The night before the trial, he tagged the old meddling bastard with a variation of the Homenum Revelio spell and did the same to Grindelwald. The spell was tied to their life force and would alert him the minute they drew their last breath. Stealing at his watch, he figured it would be only a minute before his Uncle Arcturus shoved them both into the accursed Maze. If he knew the man as well as he did, then old Arcturus would do more than just chuck those swine's into the Maze.
His thoughts then drifted to the Elder Wand. The fabled Wand of Destiny did something unexpected the day he was released from St. Mungo. It absorbed his two wands into itself and synchronized with his magic. In short, the wand felt like it was a part of him. Probably because he either won it from Dumbledore or because he was the last descendant of Ignotus Peverell. Ignotus's granddaughter, Iolanthe Peverell, had married his ancestor, Hardwin Potter; thus, the House of Peverell was absorbed into the House of Potter. He assumed it might be the latter but was not entirely sure. It might be best to consult Byakko and the other two.
Harry was so enthralled in his thoughts that he failed to sense someone appearing behind him and covering his eyes. "Guess who?" The familiar voice was unmistakable.
A smile appeared on his face. "Hmm, good question," pretending to think, "I'm gonna go out on a limb and say she has beautiful blue eyes, golden blonde hair, is the most beautiful girl in the country, and whose nickname I coined to be Sapphire."
"Good guess," Daphne removed her hands as he turned around. "That was an impressive display this morning. You really let Dumbledore, his supporters, and those shits in the Wizengamot have it."
"I was only trying to help the people of the Wizarding world realize the truth about the supposed greatest wizard of all time and those in magical Britain to finally get off their arses and go do something with their lives."
"You want them to become greater. To evolve further," she surmised with a proud smile.
"That has been one of my long-term goals since the beginning," he admitted with his signature grin. "The people of magical Britain have become too complacent with how things are and refuse to climb to greater heights. That needs to end."
"Well, I say you sparked the beginning for that," Daphne replied. "My father contacted Astoria and me, telling us that the Ministry was in an uproar and the members of the Wizengamot were in a right frenzy during the emergency session. Several of them are advocating for changes to be made to the Hogwarts curriculum."
"Advocating?"
"More like demanding it," clicking her tongue. "I give it till after the O.W.L and N.E.W.T results are released to the students that the curriculum will change."
"Maybe? Maybe sooner." He said with his grin becoming slightly mischievous.
Mirroring his grin, she pushed him against the stone wall and pressed her lips against his in a passionate kiss. She ran her fingers through his silk and unruly hair as he wrapped his hands around her waist, bringing her closer to him. The two continued for a few minutes before pulling away to look at each other. "Is there a special reason for that?"
"No. But do I need one?" she returned the question.
Instead of answering, he gave her a soft kiss. "Does that answer your question?"
They smiled at each other, and just when they were about to resume, an annoying voice interrupted them. "Seriously, can you two not keep your hands off each other for one day? It's makeout time all the time with you two."
"If you don't want to see, then look away," Daphne said in a cool voice. "Besides, unlike you, Granger, we were minding our own business," turning around to see a frowning Hermione, an angry Ginny, and an annoyed Ron. The two Prewett siblings were angry, but for different reasons. "This is what couples do with each other, among other things as well," giving the youngest redhead a sultry, wry grin that angered her more.
"It is not proper for a professor and student to engage in such public displays of affection," she condescendingly scolded.
"Cut the high and mighty teacher's pet act, Granger. You will never land a boyfriend if you keep that up." Harry snorted at Daphne's snide comment. Hermione's cheeks went red. "Now, if you do not mind, my boyfriend and I were in the middle of something," she gave a well-timed flick of her hair.
Hermione was tired of Greengrass's uppity arrogant, pureblood attitude and was not going to be brushed off like she was nothing. "You two can do that later. There's something the three of us need to talk to Harry about," she said, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Seriously, girl, get laid already," Daphne groaned. "It is a miracle that Prewett was able to stay around you this long without making a move. Perhaps he's found someone better who won't act like a boring stick in the mud or a stuck-up mum?" Ron and Hermione's faces went crimson. Even if you two do get together, then I doubt he'd be able to satisfy you and you him."
The two's faces were now completely red, and they spluttered incoherently. Harry and Daphne teleported away before either Ron or Hermione could retort, leaving the three teenagers baffled and enraged.
(0^0)
The day the students were scheduled to leave, they all gathered in the Great Hall, where they listened to Professor Vector announce some of the new changes that would be occurring next year. Things were definitely going to be different now, and while many of the students were stunned to stillness by the news, a few looked like they were about to have an aneurysm or had swallowed a bad egg.
At the end of breakfast, the students left the Hall and went to the train station Hogsmede to board the Hogwarts Express. "Finally! We now get some time to relax," Blaise said as he plopped down on a seat next to the window. Tracey agreed with a hum and took a seat beside him.
"Not so fast, guys," said Neville, who sat opposite them while holding hands with Luna. "Remember, we have a Prefect meeting once the train starts moving."
Tracey internally groaned. She had completely forgotten about the meeting. It was the last one of the year. "Any chance we can skip?"
"Not likely, Trace," Daphne came in with her wand in her hand and, with a few waves, increased the space in the compartment. "You know we have to attend. Once that happens and whoever is assigned to do patrols is done, we can relax."
When her friend sighed, she continued. "Look at it this way. We have two weeks or so before we start our internships again or do our summer jobs."
"Not for us," Adrian chimed as he sat in the compartment with the others. "Cedric and I will be applying to the jobs we want. Now that our seventh year is over and we've taken our N.E.W.T.s, we'll be working full-time now."
"It's true," Cedric said. "My father has been most insistent that I work at the Ministry in one of the high-ranking departments. But I have bigger plans, and with my earnings from my position as a reserve Seeker for Puddlemere United. I managed to find a house that I plan on moving into in a couple of days. I only need help picking out the right furniture."
Lilith giggled when she caught his eye. "I've already contacted Bianca. We'll be able to go shopping tomorrow after her shift at Gringotts."
"Good luck, mate," Blaise snidely remarked. "You are about to spend an entire day being dragged to different furniture shops. Prepare to be bored out of your mind."
There was a collection of laughs from the boys. When the train started moving, the people scheduled to attend the final meeting in the head car left. The meeting lasted an hour and a half, and after it was decided that the Head Boy and Girl and the seventh-year Prefects would do the patrolling, everyone else returned to their compartments.
"So when we get to the train station in London, are you two going home, or is Harry taking you to his villa?" Susan asked with a touch of excitement lacing her voice.
"Going home," Emily replied. "Dora and Remus arrived two days ago and will be vacationing there for eleven more days. Given everything that's happened lately. . .I say we could all use a long break."
"Amen to that, sister," Astoria laughed. "I am especially looking forward to Girls' Day Out." She and the other females in the compartment all shared a smile. "Celebration is on the 20th of July. So we should have our night out the week before on the 12th."
"I'm good with that," Lilith and Hannah said. The former then added, "we are going to have some fun. Gotta live young while we can."
They spent the next several hours talking about their plans for the summer. How they were going to relax and do their internships/summer jobs. Tracey submitted her application for an internship in theInternational Magical Trading Standards Body, a division in the Department of International Magical Co-operation with Lilith. Daphne was going to continue her internship at the Department of Mysteries. Hannah would be doing her internship at St. Mungo. Susan at Mrs. Schwarber's Law firm. Blaise for the Potions/Curse breakers company his grandfather runs. Neville's internship would be at a business that specializes in magical plants. Luna as a Magizoologist.
Meanwhile, Adrian would be seeking employment at Gringotts, assuming he gets the required scores on his N.E.W.T results and the Goblins accept him. The others will do their own thing, whether it be an internship, a summer job, or relaxing and preparing for the next year.
Adrian stood up to stretch out his body when the train pulled up at the station. "Let the summer vacation commence," he said, being the first out of the compartment, with the others following behind.
The minute he stepped onto the platform; his eyes widened at the sight before him. A smiling Cecelia stood by one of the brick columns a few inches away. "'ello, Adrian," she said, her French accent could be heard. He said nothing; he just walked over, picked her up, and spun her around before setting her down and kissing her. "You've missed, moi."
"I did. Best of all, I am officially done with school, meaning I can now have more time with my girlfriend."
"We'll let you two have your fun," Katie quipped, trying to conceal her amusement while pulling her boyfriend—who was failing miserably to conceal his—away to where her mum was waiting.
"Ready to go?" Sarah asked her daughter as she approached while ignoring the glares Molly and her two children were sending them.
"Yes, mum," replied Emily after hugging her mum. "Is Dad home, or is he working late?"
"He called me a minute ago before the Express pulled up, saying he just got home," Sarah answered. "Tonight we're having rice, corn, beef bulgogi, and something else, according to him."
"Dad's cooking?"
Sarah did not get a chance to reply as Molly Prewett's voice cut across. "I hope you're happy, young lady! You think you're really smart and clever, don't you? Well, your family's manipulation worked. Thanks to your lot, poor Albus has been sentenced to death by that accursed Maze for crimes he didn't commit! I don't know who that imposter was, but that was not Grindelwald, as he was reported dead years ago. You probably had someone polyjuiced and had them say all those things."
A handful of people turned to see Molly glaring furiously at Daphne, who only narrowed her eyes at the woman. Astoria stood beside her sister, yet her eyes drifted from the older Prewett to those standing behind her and back. "You surprise me with your level of intelligence and common sense," she replied in a cool, sarcastic voice. "One would think you would have finally gotten over your hero worshipping over the old fossil. Especially after he was exposed as the murdering, power-hungry tyrant he really is. But I guess you will always be the narrow-minded and shortsighted banshee of a witch you are."
"Everything revealed during the trial was the truth," Daphne continued, her voice remained cool and even. "There was no tampering with evidence nor any manipulations done to Dumbledore. All of his sins against the magical world and even his precious muggles world have been brought to light, and he's finally gotten what he deserves."
"And just because your pint-sized brain has failed to register this information. That person who was brought in was, in fact, the real Gellert Grindelwald. Dumbledore's former lover and the Dark Wizard, who you and many others thought dead. Defeated and dead are two different things here, and Dumbledore never killed him because he never had the guts," Daphne's blue eyes trained on Molly's reddening face. Her wand was waiting in her holster, ready to be called out should it be needed. "Here's some additional information you were too blind and thickheaded to see. Dumbledore never cared anything for you. You were only valued as a pawn."
"Now you listen to me, young lady," Molly had finally reached the limits of her patience, and her infamous temper had finally won out. "You are nothing more than an uppity and disrespectful dark witch who has had everything handed to her throughout her life and never had to work hard for anything. You have destroyed lives and torn families apart with your underhanded manipulations and soon get what's coming to you."
"I think very carefully about what you say next, Molly," a new voice entered the conversation, causing the people present to turn their heads to its source. Approaching was Alastor Moody. Behind him were Bill and Sirius. "For once in your life, will you please stop being a—"
"No, no. Let her continue, or better yet, how about we stop dancing around the main issue," Daphne said, bringing the attention back to her. The fire in her blue eyes showed. "Prewett here is only looking for an excuse to pin the blame on me because everything in her perfect little world and all of her dreams have been shattered. She's been cast out from her family for choosing to remain loyal to a manipulative man instead of the man she married, has stolen money and tried to forge an illegal betrothal contract with a Lord of several powerful Houses, can no longer obtain the luxurious life she envisioned for herself, not surprising since Lord Weasley has refused to take her back, and is now reaping the harvest of the poor choices she has made." Daphne took a step forward and looked at Molly dead in her eyes.
Given that she was taller, she needed to lower her head. "Let me make this perfectly clear to you, Molly Prewett. I am not one of your little charges who you can just bark orders at. I am no longer a minor since I have taken and achieved excellent results in my O.W.L.s. . . which I assume you never did. You may have achieved passing grades, but I got top marks. I have even taken some of my N.E.W.T.s and even gone through my magical maturity. And unlike you—who has been a mere housewife for little more than two decades—and that gold-digging slut you call a daughter. I have worked hard for everything I have thus far, have ambitions and dreams, and will strive to make them a reality." Daphne's blue orbs glowed brighter as the fire behind them increased. "Before you start pointing fingers at people for the mistakes and problems in your life, take a good look at yourself first. Because the only thing I see in front of me is a fucking waste of space that needs to grow the fuck up and stay out of my and my boyfriend's life. What goes on in our relationship or families is of no concern to you."
The people watching, especially her friends, shuddered at what Daphne said. Her nickname and reputation as an Ice Queen was well earned. But more than that, she can be more dangerous than a leviathan. Just when Molly was about to go off, she immediately found a wand pointed at her face. The tip of Daphne's wand was mere centimeters away from between her eyes. "Consider your next action with caution and best be really sure to follow through with it, because the second you make a move against me or my sister. . .will be the last time you walk this earth. Do not test me," she said the last part with cold venom laced in her voice.
"Come on, Stori. Let's go home." When she grabbed her sister's arm, Daphne teleported them home.
(0^0)
Two days after the students returned home for the summer, Harry stood in the middle of the living room of his castle with the others, either sitting on the sofas or standing by them. Byakko, Suzaku, and Genbu were beside him. At noon, his wand heated up twice from the two spells he had cast on Dumbledore and Grindelwald. The two of them were now dead. Taking the Resurrection Stone from his pocket, he turned it three times, summoning the ghostly figures of the two.
"Seems like you got what you wanted, Harry," Dumbledore's voice was just as detached as his expression. Meanwhile, Grindelwald lowered his head, looking at the floor. "All of my plans for the greater good are gone, and I am dead."
"Which is no more than you deserve, old man," Harry said in a cold voice with a light touch of anger and disgust. "After everything you have done to me. My family. And everyone else. You did not deserve to live. Did you really believe you would have your way and pay the ultimate price?"
"No, I did not. I know I have made mistakes. That godforsaken horrid Maze made me realize all of my mistakes and failures. Small and large ones, to which hundreds, if not thousands, of people have paid the price for my decisions, actions, and inactions," he said sadly. "I only ask, no beg you to let me depart from the bitter life I have created. I do not wish to see it any longer."
"Tch," Harry clicked his tongue. If Dumbledore thought he could simply move on, he had another thing coming. "Not so fast. You are not getting off that easily, as your punishment has only just begun," the amount of force in his voice would have terrified anyone except for the people behind him.
"Must you be so cruel to a man who has died and wishes to depart?" Dumbledore pleaded.
"You have no right asking for mercy after you've barely shown us any," Severus said icily, his black eyes burning with fury. "You used me and everyone else to achieve your own selfish goals, and once we were no longer of any use, you sentenced us to death."
"I did what was necessary for everyone. For the greater good," Albus argued sadly.
"You did it for yourself. For your own greater good!" Arcturus spat. "You did all of this just so you could have it easy and alleviate yourself of any guilt and responsibilities. The issues with Grindelwald there and Voldemort should have never happened. Had you actually gotten off your arse and taken care of them, many more lives would have been spared. If that weren't enough, you couldn't live with your own failures and forced the rest of us to clean up your messes. Am I right?"
Albus only turned his head, not saying a word. Not that he needed to say anything, as it was written all over his face. "You fuckin' bastard. Merlin, if I could wrap my hands around your throat, I drag you through the fires of hell and back. Then piss on your remains," Arcturus growled.
Harry picked up. "Before we end this. I feel like it's only courtesy for me to let you in on a few secrets." A light smirk appeared on his lips. "One: you know that Magus Shadow that's been going around and knocking off criminals and those Death Eaters? That's me. Two: My companions here," gesturing to Byakko, Genbu, and Suzaku, "they are three of the four heavenly beasts. They're gods. Three: I figured out the reason why you wanted me dead. It was so you could claim the Cloak of Invisibility or, more accurately, one of the three Deathly Hallows," his smirk grew at the astonished and fearful expressions on both Dumbledore and Grindelwald's faces.
"Oh, yes, I know they exist, and now, thanks to you, I have all three," His smirk morphed into a full-blown smile. "Four: Sayanora. Albus Dumbledore, Gellert Grindelwald. I, hereby, curse the both of you to an eternity trapped in limbo where you will suffer everlasting punishment. Beyond the horrors of hell, never be allowed to rest in peace or move on. There are some people over who are anxious to be reacquainted with the two of you."
"Harry, please! Nooo—!" Dumbledore cried, desperately trying to reach forward with his right outstretched hand. But it was in vain, as an invisible tug forcefully pulled him back along with Grindelwald. The two then vanished.
"Goodbye riddance and good riddance." Harry reattached the Stone to the Peverell ring and sat beside Emily. Emily slowly rubbed his back as Byakko rested his head on Harry's lap. Suzaku landed on the armrest and started trilling, and Genbu shrunk down so they could lie against his stomach.
"I think our business here today is finished," said Hayato. The others agreed and started to leave the castle until only a few individuals were left.
Hours later, Harry found himself walking on the beach near his home with his shoes off, watching as the sun began to set. He felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulder. One of the biggest problems in life has finally been removed. He took in a breath.
"It's vacation time. I can finally get some time to relax and enjoy myself," he said, not taking his eyes off the setting sun.
"Any ideas of what you'd like to do with your time off?" Daphne asked, appearing beside him as the waves reached their feet.
"Spend time with my family, friends, and amazing girlfriend." The two sat on the beach. "We're on vacation now and should make use of the time we have off."
Daphne smiled. "What do you have in mind?"
"For starters, how about this?" planting his lips on her, which she gladly reciprocated. Daphne wrapped her arms around his neck while maneuvering herself to sit on his lap. The slow kiss between the two slowly increased into a loving makeout session.
A/N: Let me apologize because I'm sure you all realize the change for the day of the celebration on the beach. I was looking at the calendar for 2016 not 1996.
There are a couple of sayings people should always remember. What goes around comes around. You play with fire you get burned. Never poke or tickle a dragon. Payback is a bitch. At long last Albus Dumbledore has been exposed and brought down. Knocking that goat fucking asshole off his high pedestal is justice for all the lives he's ruined. I'm glad Harry finally lit a fire under the people in the British Wizengamot and given them the wakeup slap they needed. Magical Britain is stagnant and has been for little more than half a century. The witches and wizards of their current generation need to step up and actually try to better themselves. Stop with the whole accomplishing the bare minimum garbage and actually try to shoot for the stars. A shiny new era needs to begin.
For Book 6 I'm going to let you all vote.
Should I bring Horace Slughorn to teach Potions? Yes or No
Should there be a Yule ball? Yes or No
Should there be a dueling tournament? Yes or No. If Yes then should it be teams or one-on-one?
*For option three the students will be divided amongst the people in their respective year's. An example: Third year vs. Third year. Fourth year vs Fourth year and so on. Thirds years and up will be allowed to compete.
You all have eight days to decide.
Next Chapter: Unifying and a dragon