AN: Hello again, everyone! I'm kinda surprised myself that I updated this story as well. Haven't had the motivation to write it, and to be honest, I still don't have a lot of motivation either. I love this story so much though, and I couldn't let it keep sitting here when it's so close to the end.

This next chapter will be a fun one.


"Wait, that's happening today?" Hermione asked the next morning, her eyes wide with wonder and excitement. "I had no idea that it would be so soon! Why didn't you say anything?" Harry nearly winced, wanting to smack his forehead at his own forgetfulness.

"I completely forgot myself," Harry answered truthfully. "You were also not having the best day yesterday, so I wanted to cheer you up as much as I could," He gave her a kind smile which she returned, nodding at his answer. Her smile dimmed slightly after a moment, a look of worry forming on her features.

"You must be growing more concerned though. Even if the start of Yule isn't until another week, Dumbledore will feel more caged in with the arrival of…Julian," Hermione said, making sure to use the new moniker. Harry swallowed slightly, wanting to shrink back at her piercing gaze as he chewed on his bottom lip, his heart growing heavy as it sank slowly.

"I noticed him staring a lot more than usual yesterday after he read the letter," There was a pregnant pause as Harry took a breath, running a hand through his messy curls. "Dumbledore is one of the very few who knows about Tom's connection to the Gaunt family, as well as him being Voldemort," He licked his abused lips, wanting to confess his worries. "So yes, I am growing more concerned Dumbledore will try something soon. He's the one who told me about Tom Riddle and how he was a descendant of the Gaunt family. He will use this to try and get to me," Hermione reached over and laid her warm hand on his, her eyes full of kindness.

"At least you'll have both Professor Snape and Tom here though," Hermione had a small grin on her face as she spoke up. "And if need be, both of them would destroy Dumbledore to protect you," Harry couldn't help but flush at her blunt words, a small chuckle leaving his lips.

"You have no idea how many times Tom has promised to remove Dumbledore himself if the Headmaster was to try anything again," Hermione grinned back, unable to stop herself from giggling too.

"I can't say I'm surprised. From what I've been able to observe over the past few weeks and months, both of them are rather protective of you. I think it's sweet," She added when Harry's cheeks seemed to darken even more. "Do you think Dumbledore will try something before Yule now?" Harry considered her question, giving a nod after a moment.

"Before the ministry decided to send…Julian," Harry paused, forcing himself to use that name like Hermione had earlier. "-the original idea was that Dumbledore would lash out when Yule was much closer. He would grow more anxious and seek me out in an effort to get me to understand his grand plan," Harry rolled his eyes at that with a sneer. "but that was a plan more about chance and timing. Now…" Harry hummed. "Now he will be paranoid because of the Gaunt name,"

"And you think his desire and paranoia to get to you will be more volatile than your original plan," The wizard immediately nodded, giving a small sigh.

"There's always been a risk," He admitted, giving a small shrug. "The original plan played into his flaws and his desire to be in control, but there was always the risk he would be more volatile the closer Yule came," Harry confessed. "However, with him knowing that Tom will be inside Hogwarts, it will increase his paranoia drastically." It would be stupid on his end to believe that Dumbledore would fall for a different name. The man would have his suspicions, which would only grow as the days passed.

"I don't think Dumbledore will seek me out immediately," Harry confessed, imagining all the ways the plan could go. "I personally don't see him doing anything until after Julian is introduced to Hogwarts at least. It wouldn't make sense for him to seek me out until then,"

"I agree," Hermione nodded, thinking about the logic behind his words. "He'd want you to see firsthand that the man is inside Hogwarts before doing anything. Otherwise, he'd not only face the issue of breaking the restraining order but the fact you could claim not to believe him,"

"Exactly," Harry nodded, relaxing at the thought that all of this would be over soon. Even if these upcoming days were full of tension and required him to constantly look over his shoulder, he felt more at peace knowing it wouldn't be for much longer. After these upcoming days, Harry would no longer have to worry about Dumbledore. He would have to worry here and there about his fanatic supporters, but even then, they were diminishing more and more as the months passed and no sign of Voldemort rose.

Then there was the palpable relief throughout society that the Lestrange trio was dead. There would be less pressure for him to join and fight an imaginary monster that Dumbledore had helped fabricate in the later years of the war.

"I'll be happy when all of this is over," Harry said, voicing his thoughts to Hermione as he smiled at her, forcing himself to relax more for his best friend. "I'm looking forward to next term so much, Mione. Being able to just be a student and not have to worry for once…" He sighed wistfully, sending her a look. "I don't think I can ever thank you enough for being my friend and staying with me all of these years, despite the hardships you've had to endure too," Hermione huffed, pulling her friend for a strong hug.

"Friends stay together throughout all the hardships, Harry. Real friends never leave you behind," He squeezed her in response to the words, unable to ask for anyone better than her. "And even if you've had a crazy life, I think it's made us all stronger in the end. Had we not gone through so much, we never would have mastered certain spells so quickly," Harry had to nod in agreement with her words, thinking about how quickly he learned the Patronus charm and occlumency,

"You have a very valid point there," Harry said, pulling away as he continued to mull over her words. While he liked to believe that he would still be studious even if he hadn't lived a crazy life, Harry doubted he would be at this level. Still, a small smirk formed on his face as he thought of their friendship with the twins. "Although, since we were so close to the twins during their time here, I believe we would still master certain spells quicker," He joked, earning a fond laugh from the bushy-haired wizard. "If anything, the lack of Dumbledore might have increased our chances of inventing even further,"

"Merlin, Harry," Hermione gasped, still laughing. "There's no telling what we would have been up to,"


"I wonder what's going on," Seamus mumbled the next morning, eyes roaming over the Great Hall as every student and professor was called to a mandatory breakfast. "This looks serious," He added, motioning to McGonagall and her enchanted clipboard, which was accompanied by an enchanted quill too.

"I wonder if it has to do with tall, dark, and mysterious," Dean said, making Harry smirk to himself at the muggle phrase, unable to keep his eyes off of his secret lover, who was quick to meet his gaze, warmth spreading through their shared connection.

"Lucius Malfoy and Amelia Bones are here as well," Hermione played along, pretending to be invested in the events going on. "…they're the chairs for the Board of Governors, aren't they?" She feigned ignorance, meeting Harry's smirk when people nearby caught onto her words, more mumbles and rumors starting to spread.

"That's right!" Seamus gasped, grabbing his lover's hand as a glint of excitement entered his eyes. "They were here a few months ago, weren't they?" This caused Dean to freeze, his eyes widening too as he started to put the pieces together.

"Yeah, I remember now!" He turned to look at his lover, then Harry and Hermione. "They did a random inspection last month. I had never heard of them doing anything like that before then," Dean snapped his fingers, recalling another thing. "And I recall that Dumbledore specifically received a golden letter the following night. Me and Seamus had so many conspiracies about what the letter was."

"Merlin, I completely forgot about it," Seamus gasped, also looking between Hermione and Harry, catching onto something. "You know what's going on, don't you?" There were no demands, just a wicked grin. Harry met it with his own and chuckled to himself. With a subtle flick of his wrist, a privacy charm was wrapped around the four of them.

"I might have forgotten to mention this," Harry began, grinning more as the two Gryffindor boys leaned closer, their eyes bright with curiosity and mischief. "But I was part of the reason the Board did an impromptu investigation last month," He said, watching with glee as their eyes widened. "Because I finally went and filled a restraining order against Dumbledore when he crossed the line,"

He wasn't as close to Seamus and Dean, so it had completely slipped his mind to tell them about some of the events over the past few months. That, and the two had a fairly normal Hogwarts experience. He didn't want to ruin that for them.

"Good for you, Harry!" Seamus was grinning at him, giving him a thumbs up while Dean nodded along, a bright smile on the other wizard's face.

"Wait," Dean froze again, somehow his smile growing even wider. "I remember a few days after that some of the professors were coming forward saying this was going to be their last term here. Does that mean," Dean's eyes snuck at a glance at Dumbledore, who seemed to be in a deep conversation with Hagrid, the half-giant looking conflicted by something.

"No way," Seamus gathered what Dean was referring to, his own grin widened too as he looked at Harry with an expectant, eager look. "Is his time up too?" Seamus asked, giving a whoop when Harry nodded at his question.

"It's odd that he hasn't said anything about it yet," Hermione said after a moment, being sincere as she looked at the professors at the head table who had already told their students. "You would think he would have said something about it by now,"

"I think he wanted to try and get away with his ego intact," Harry said to the others, thinking about Hermione's comment. "He's lost a lot of power these past three years, like his Mugwump and chief Wizengamot status. Somehow, I think this is the one that will damage his reputation the most," There was a delighted smirk on Harry's face as he spoke, watching as Dean and Seamus went back to looking at the new figure near the head table.

"That must be the person who's replacing him," Dean surmised, humming to himself. "He's certainly a lot easier to look at than Dumbledore," Harry couldn't contain his laughter, pressing his hand to his mouth. Seamus sent him an amused look, unused to this side of the other wizard.

"I have to agree with you, Dean," Harry said after regaining his breath, face lightly flushed from laughing so hard. "He is a lot easier to look at than Dumbledore, and that's not even counting the robes yet," Seamus snorted, playfully poking his temple with an exaggerated shudder.

"At least I won't have to worry about migraines caused by Dumbledore's clashing robes anymore," Seamus grinned to himself as his lover laughed at his joke, turning to give him an adoring look.

"Before Dumbledore leaves, I think I want to try a new spell on his robes. I wonder if they can get any worse with a paintball effect," Seamus tilted his head at the words, scrunching his nose in pure confusion.

"Paintball?" He asked, looking even more confused once he uttered the word. Harry's eyes lit up, thinking about the time Dudley had received one for his birthday one year. "What's that?"

"It's a muggle sports game," Hermione said, a light in her eyes that Harry noticed immediately. "The objective is to shoot opponents with a fake weapon that fires paint," Seamus listened, growing intrigued. "I personally think it's more enjoyable than Quidditch," Harry choked, along with the other two at how nonchalantly Hermione said those words.

"You've played paintball?" Dean asked, face lighting up as Hermione nodded. "Really?! That's bloody brilliant! I've played a few rounds with some of my family. What made you play?"

"When you're the only granddaughter from a family with a total of seven grandkids, you end up playing paintball every Christmas," Harry, who thought he knew everything about Hermione, could only listen with a grin. "If you want help with a paintball spell, I have a good aim," She smirked, earning devious chuckles from the group.

As they discussed a target spell and a paintball spell, they eventually went quiet as a commanding pop reverberated through the entire great hall, silencing everyone in a matter of seconds.

"Good morning, students," McGonagall was standing straight, the clipboard glowing, singling that everyone was accounted for. "We have an important announcement to make, so please, listen," She took a breath, starting again. "This Yule will signal Headmaster Dumbledore's last term as the Headmaster at Hogwarts," Harry could hear a few gasps from some of the younger years, their eyes widening. She nodded to Lucius and Amelia, who moved to the center, followed by Tom.

"The Board has selected Julian Claudius Gaunt to serve as a temporary Headmaster until a new one can be appointed," Amelia stated, motioning to the man standing tall and regal. "Despite the fact he will only be here a short time, we expect him to be treated with the same respect you would give Headmaster Dumbledore,"

"I apologize for the shock this has surely caused," Tom's voice flew through the room, making Harry melt as he listened, watching the man's lips move as he continued speaking. "It is an honor to serve as a temporary Headmaster for Hogwarts and witness your growth into fine witches and wizards. While it is true that I will only be here for a short term, I look forward to witnessing the brilliance of Hogwarts firsthand,"

Harry met the man's gaze, giving him a subtle smile, their shared bond flicking with warmth and pride. Watching the man speak was a reminder of why he had so many true, loyal followers. His charm was infectious, everyone seeming to smile and brighten at his words, despite the sudden news of Dumbledore's departure.

"We are currently looking for a transfiguration replacement," Lucius began, and Harry grinned at how there was more outrage at that information, many of the Gryffindors making a noise of distress at the thought of Minerva McGonagall leaving them too. "So that Professor McGonagall can step in as the permanent Headmistress," There was a collective sigh of relief, grins soon spreading among the entire student body. "Until then, Julian Gaunt will be treated with the utmost respect," McGonagall nodded at his words, looking at her students with a sharp gaze that would make even the most powerful witch or wizard shiver.

"Yes. If I find out that any of my students are disrespectful to Headmaster Gaunt, I will personally talk with them." The gulp was heard around the room, specifically from the first to third years, who avoided the sharp look.

"Thank you, everyone. It will be a pleasure working with you, even if for a short while," The man bowed to the students, moving to take a place at the head table, close to Severus.

As the mandatory breakfast meeting came to an end and the Board of Governors left, Harry listened to the rumors that were spreading across the Gryffindor table, grinning in delight as some of the more intelligent students began to theorize.

"I don't think he's retiring," Patil whispered to her friends, glancing at the Headmaster from the corner of her eyes. "Not that a headmaster or staff can't retire," She was quick to amend when Lavender Brown went to open her mouth. "But I think it's odd that he's suddenly leaving when Hagrid and Trelawney told us they were being sacked,"

"Oh shite, that's true," Lavender said in agreement, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, thinking hard. "Well, more like Hagrid's been demoted to an assistant," She corrected, making Patil roll her eyes fondly. Colin was listening, a frown on his face.

"And Pince was sacked too," He added, drawing their attention. "She's been crying about it because she's losing access to all her beloved books," Neville snorted, finally speaking up after drinking a cup of coffee, alive to the world now.

"Not her books," He said with ease, shaking his head. "They belong to Hogwarts itself, not one person who doesn't want to share them," Neville made a face at that, thinking about how he had to practically rip the book from her hands for an assignment.

"No, I agree," Colin sighed, looking frustrated as he recalled his issues with her. "I needed a book for my NEWT potions, and I practically had to beg her to let me borrow it," Hermione blinked, realizing that Neville was fueled by caffeine finally.

"I didn't even realize you were there, Nev," Harry laughed, especially when the boy merely grunted, starting to drink another cup of coffee.

"I was running an experiment last night with Professor Sprout on a new plant hybrid. When I got back to the common room last night, it was nearing one in the morning," Harry winced at that, watching his friend in amusement.

"You're also not a morning person," Harry said in good nature, a hint of a smile forming on Neville's face.

"I'm not a morning person," Neville agreed, rubbing away the circle from his eyes. "Luna is amazing though. I don't know how she manages to be both a morning and a night owl," Harry hummed, thinking of the Ravenclaw and her penchant for magical creatures.

"It probably has to do with the creatures she likes to research," Harry commented, earning a hum of surprise from Hermione, who nodded after a moment, agreeing with his assessment. "I can't sleep sometimes, so when I sneak out to walk around, I'll catch her outside making logs about the sleep patterns of the creatures out there," He had a smile at the memory of her petting a thestral and feeding them. "I think she's been making logs about the flora out there too, and the type of creatures that are attracted to certain plants,"

"A woman after my own heart," Neville swooned, and Hermione just giggled, patting his shoulder.

"Let's be honest, Neville. She already has it," The boy flushed darkly before busting out into laughter, nodding at her words as if it was the simplest thing in the universe.

"You got that right, Hermione. She's had it for a very long time now," He grinned, turning his attention to the Ravenclaw table, smiling when he caught sight of the blonde. Harry shook his head fondly at his friend's antics, catching onto different conversations that were occurring in the great hall, many coming to the same conclusion that Patil had.

From what he could gather from some of the conversations he could hear, there weren't many who believed Dumbledore was leaving of his own volition. They believed he was being sacked, just like the other professors who had already opened up about it.

"I think Professor McGonagall will make for a wonderful Headmistress too," Hermione agreed with Lavendar, and Harry thought he'd never see the day the two witches would agree on anything. "She's always been extremely fair in her classrooms and never allowed for any favoritism to occur,"

"That's something that I've always loved about her," Another voice piped up, and if Harry had to guess, they couldn't be older than a fifth year. "She also has a stern, but approachable presence. It's not easy to manage something like that,"

Harry smiled at all the compliments McGonagall was receiving, for once feeling pride in his house for their support for their transfiguration professor. If there was one thing the elder witch did well, it was giving her students a listening ear when they were struggling, even if they weren't in her house.

Looking at the head table, he smiled more as Minerva received support from those around her, especially from Flitwick, who looked overjoyed for her. He had a bright smile on his face, looking far more excited than he had in a very long time.

Feeling a gaze on him, Harry looked towards the end of the table, meeting Severus' dark gaze, offering the man a hidden smile that was just for him. The man answered with a twitch of his lips, before continuing his conversation with Tom and the defense professor.

Harry nearly jumped in surprise when a privacy charm surrounded him, but at the familiarity of the magic, he relaxed and looked to Hermione in question.

"The Daily Prophet just arrived," His friend said breathlessly, her eyes wide as she passed it to him, looking shellshocked.

BREAKING NEWS: ANOTHER DELIVERY FOR THE MINISTRY

At approximately five this morning, Ministry officials discovered the body of Walden Macnair disposed of in front of the Fountain of Brethren, the position identical to the late Lestrange trio.

Walden Macnair was a former ministry employee, working as an executioner in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He was briefly incarcerated for a few months before a raid in Azkaban allowed him to escape.

With the sudden onslaught of dangerous Death Eaters being defeated and delivered to the ministry deceased, the Ministry has no comment at this time, only that we thank you for your help in capturing these dangerous criminals.

Whoever is behind these defeats, the Wizarding World also thanks you for your bravery. Once more, we can all rest easier with these dangerous individuals apprehended.

"Luna's prophecy came true," Hermione mumbled, peeking at Julian Gaunt as a small hum left her lips. "I wonder what Macnair did," Harry read the paper again, wondering the same thing as well.

"Whatever it was, it couldn't have been good," Harry said, recalling Luna's prophecy from a few weeks ago.

"No, he would not be. He is less unhinged, but that will not save him from his fate. His desire to see blood will be his downfall. Slytherin protects those they care about most,"

It made him more curious, his brows furrowing as he looked at Tom at the head table, wondering what Macnair had done, or at least, planned to do.

He flushed when Tom met his gaze, sending him a small smile.

I will explain later. Tom said through their link and Harry accepted it, turning back to Hermione.

"I'll know by the end of the day what happened," Harry said, taking a sip of tea. "Once I find out, I'll tell you tonight in the common room," Hermione nodded, frowning at the paper more.

"Be careful, Harry," She mumbled. "Dumbledore doesn't look pleased with the news," Swallowing, Harry risked a glance at the Headmaster, nearly grimacing at the cold look on the man's face, which was soon aimed at him.

"Yeah, I got a bad feeling about that look," Harry confessed.

"At least your knights in shining armor are here to protect you," Chuckling, Harry was about to say something about the joke when Hermione spoke up again. "Seriously, Harry. If looks could kill, Dumbledore would be six feet under by now," Deciding against looking at the head table again, the raven-haired wizard merely took another sip of tea.

As Harry let himself fall into an easy conversation with his friends, he was unaware of Dumbledore's cold eyes narrowing in on Julian Gaunt, a stormy expression starting to fester.

Luna was the one who spotted it, making a mental note to search for some speckled-sparsouc to gift the Headmaster.

"They turn violently aggressive when around lemons," Luna remembered with a dreamy smile.