Chapter twelve

'They got them Harry, Barty, Peter and Voldemort. The unspeakables have Voldemort sealed in the department of mysteries. Peter was found guilty and sent through the veil, still trying to argue that he had no choice. Barty is back in Azkaban after receiving the dementors kiss,' Sirius said.

'The rest of the staff were cleared, but we're still taking precautions because of the students,' Amelia said.

'At least now we know how my name ended up in the goblet of fire. Did Dumbledore know he was a fake?'

'No, that was not part of his plan, he was trying to find a way to get you disqualified, he just didn't want you to know until he did it. He wanted you to be grateful, but you ruined his plans when you contacted Sirius. He was found guilty Harry, for his plans to kidnap you and kill Susan, he was given life in Azkaban. It has been warded to prevent a phoenix from entering, so he will die in Azkaban. Molly Weasley was found guilty, she will serve seven years, since technically all she did was agree to the plans. She never actually did anything illegal even though she planned to be involved with your death. Ginny Weasley is classed as a child, so she was expelled, her wand snapped, and her magic bound. She now lives with her aunt, Muriel Prewett, who I've heard is not a very nice woman. Again, since she did not actually do anything illegal, the most we could do is expel her for her part in Albus' plans, but she will be subjected to random visits from aurors. Hermione was also expelled, her wand snapped, and her magic bound. She was return to her parent's, but she has been placed on what the muggles call, probation. Now we found out through the use of veritaserum that none of the other Weasley's were involved.'

'I hope my parents can rest in peace now, along with all their other victims. Since Dumbledore was involved with the decision for my parents to hide under the fidelius charm, do you know if he was involved in their deaths?'

'No, he wasn't, but and I'm sorry about this, Severus was. He was the death eater who relayed the prophecy to Voldemort. Albus knew this but still employed him to teach. Severus' trial will be next week, but we already know he will be sent through the veil, for his crimes as a death eater along with his part in kidnapping you. If they finish their plans, then it would have meant your death. That will be brought up during the trial.'

'Albus told your parent's that a death eater heard the first part of the prophecy, he never told us who. Your mother did ask, Albus said he was under oath, so he could not communicate about the death eater. That wasn't true, he just did not want anyone to know it was Severus that way he could use him as a spy.'

'He is to blame for so much suffering, just like Voldemort.'

'He's paying for it now Harry, just like Voldemort. So will you come with us to Hogwarts?'

'Yeah, now I know he's locked up.'

'Then right after dinner we'll be taking a portkey, we will arrive inside Minerva's office, she is headmistress now. We will be heading to the seventh floor.'

'The room of requirement.'

'Yes, all we know is there is something dark inside that room.'

'When we opened the room of hidden things we could not believe what we were seeing. The room was bigger than Hogwarts and filled with a thousand years of items that students and staff have stored or hidden. If someone lost something, then over time it would find its way into that room,' Regulus said.

'Can Susan come with us?'

'I will leave that up to Susan,' Amelia said, 'Why don't you head out, talk it over, then after dinner we'll meet at the main doors.'

Harry and Susan nodded, they hugged their family then left the office, 'I believe Harry can began to heal now, even if we still have to work on removing that piece of soul,' Remus said.

'Yeah, he surprised me though, he was calmer than I expected.'

'I believe it's being here, away from the Dursley's who abused him. He is away from all the traumatic events that happened at Hogwarts and he now knows that Voldemort nor Dumbledore can never come after him again. Let's finish our plans so we're ready when we leave,' Amelia said.

'I think part of why Harry is calm is this school is finally showing him that he is more than just the-boy-who-lived, Susan is also a big part of how he is feeling. The Dursley's put him down so much, always told him he was worthless, Albus played on that. He has people here that can see exactly what type of young man he is and who he will become,' Sirius said but he got nods from everyone in the office.

Harry and Susan were sitting outside under the large gum tree beside the river, 'It's almost over Susan, something I never thought would happen, not with me still being alive.'

'You are Harry, but yes, it's almost over, all of it, now we just have to remove that then you can finally put all that to rest. Now that he's locked up, I think our families can rest in peace,' Susan looked up at Harry, 'I want to come with you, it's one more which means it's closer to him being finished for good.'

'Yes, one step closer. I didn't even think to ask your aunt, since they got Voldemort, did they get the snake?'

'We'll asked when we see her later.'

'Yeah, for now, let's just enjoy the fact that we're safe, safer than any of us has been since before either of us were born.'

Susan nodded then snuggled into Harry, his arms around her, holding her to him. Harry finally felt free, for the first time since he heard about his parent's deaths. When he could, he was going to have Sirius take him to his parent's graves so he can finally say goodbye.

Harry and Susan met up with Amelia, Sirius, Remus, Regulus, but also Teresa, Octavia and Gavin were with them.

'I forgot to ask, about Nagini?'

'Oh yes, she was taken care of, with the killing curse,' Amelia said.

'So that's the diary, the ring, the locket and the snake are gone, what item do you think is in the room of requirement?'

'We believe it's either the diadem that belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw, a goblet that belonged to Helga Hufflepuff or some unknown item that belonged to Godric Gryffindor.'

'If he never meant to make me one wouldn't there be something in the house?'

'Yes, there would, unless Peter took it with him that night. He took Voldemort's wand before escaping, so he may have taken the item. Albus told us that he sealed the house using your blood.'

'Which means you would need to open it pup, we didn't want to put you through that,' Sirius said.

'I get that, but it might help figure out exactly which items are left. I was going to ask if you would take me to their graves.'

'I always planned to, I figured we could during the holidays. But if you are sure about the house, then we can visit their graves.'

'I'm sure, this will help put an end to him, once the one in me is taken care of, somehow.'

'It's being worked on cub, they will find a way,' Remus said.

'Okay, but one more question, Regulus, if you had this locket for so long, why didn't anyone know?'

'Even though I gave Amelia names and information, I wasn't sure who might be playing both sides. I wasn't going to risk Voldemort finding out.'

'Makes sense, it would be hard to know who to trust.'

'So if we're ready, all you have to do is touch the rope. I will activate it and we will disappear from here and arrive in Minerva's office.'

Harry kept hold of Susan's hand, their other hands held the rope. Then one by one the rest of the group grab hold of the rope. Amelia checked to make sure everyone had a good hold then she tapped the rope with her wand, the group felt the pull behind their navel's as they were transported from the Australian institute of magical education to Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.

Harry staggered as he arrive, so did Susan but he was able to stop her falling to the floor.

'Are you okay love?'

'I'm fine Harry, it's a strange sensation.'

Harry nodded then looked towards the other people in the room, 'Professor.'

'It's good to see you Harry. I have to apologise for my part in your terrible childhood, I did not know what Albus planned.'

'He was good at keeping secret's Professor, it's all good.'

'Let's get this done,' Amelia said, she nodded to her aurors who were in the room, 'I want half in front and half behind. No one is to get near Harry or Susan, is that clear?'

'Yes Ma'am.' the aurors all said together.

'Then I will lead the way,' Minerva said.

The group filed out of the office, once downstairs, the aurors split so the group was covered but Harry and Susan were in the middle of the group with Sirius and Amelia on either side.

Students of Hogwarts stopped as the headmistress, aurors, Harry Potter and the group walked past. Any student that tried to follow came upon shields so all they could do was watch.

Minerva had the group stop while she walked past the wall three times, the door appeared.

'If for any reason you feel worse than last time, Poppy has potions ready for you,' Remus said.

'I should be fine, as long as I don't end up in her hospital again. I would rather just head home once I've found this one.'

'Does that mean you won't return Harry?' Minerva asked.

'No, I won't Professor. I found the Australian teachers and school suits me.'

'Let's get inside,' Amelia said, 'Five of you stay out here, the others inside,' she said to her aurors.

When the group filed inside they all looked at Harry, 'I feel it,' Harry moved slowly down one aisle, 'I sense other things with dark magic but not like the locket, not as strong,' he kept moving until he stopped near a large cabinet, 'That has been touched by dark magic, but I can't tell more than that.'

'We will look at that soon, keep going Harry,' Amelia said.

Harry nodded then walked off, he pointed to his left, 'dark potions,' he kept walking, past everything from books to desks, to brooms, even a sink.

Harry stopped beside a wardrobe, 'It's in there, it's really strong, the aura is pulsing even though it's inside.'

Sirius pulled Harry and Susan back, Amelia and her aurors moved cautiously forward. Regulus pulled the sword of Gryffindor from his robes, ready to strike.

Amelia opened the wardrobe, 'Rowena's diadem,' she sighed, 'It's a shame it must be destroyed.'

She levitated it out of the cupboard and placed it on the floor, just as Regulus was about to bring the sword down, Harry yelled.

'Wait,' he stepped forward, 'I see it.'

'Harry,' Sirius called.

'It's fine Sirius, I know what to do. We just need something to contain the soul as it will be out, not connected to the tiara.'

Amelia conjured a crystal sphere, she placed it on the floor, 'Are you sure Harry?'

'Yes, Ma'am, all of you just need to stand back. Once it's free it might try to enter one of you before I can direct it into that crystal.'

Amelia nodded and even though Sirius and Susan were worried, they moved back just like everyone else. But every adult there had their wands ready. Harry began to hiss, he was talking in snake language. The tiara jerked and jumped all over the place, but Harry never stopped talking. Black smoke began to seep out of the tiara but still Harry kept hissing. They could see he was in pain and they could see his scar was affected, it was red and inflamed.

Once no more smoke emerged, the soul began to scream. Harry moved his hand slowly, the smoke or soul of Voldemort moved towards the crystal sphere. The screams never stopped until every bit of soul was inside the crystal. Harry collapsed onto the ground. Sirius and Susan hurried to his side.

'M'fine, tired. Just need rest.'

'Let's go into the staff room, you can rest there. I'll get the house elves to bring some food and drink,' Minerva said.

'I am leaving the aurors here, but I need to get this to the department of mysteries,' Amelia said, 'Susan, stay with Sirius and the aurors.'

'I will, I'm staying beside Harry.'

Sirius pulled Harry to his feet, but kept his arms around his godson, 'You are weak.'

'Yeah,' Harry lent into his godfather as they slowly made their way out of the room of requirement and to one of the staff rooms. Sirius helped Harry onto the sofa, where he fell asleep instantly.

'He'll be fine, he's just tired,' Sirius stared down at his godson.

'If Harry can remove them then it might help,' Remus said.

'We'll talk it over with Gawain, see what he has to say.'

'He showed how powerful he is. Why now and not before?' Minerva asked.

'We found out that Albus has been dosing him with a potion to suppress his magic and any gifts he might have. Albus scanned Harry as a baby, found out he was going to be very powerful, as powerful as merlin,' Remus explained.

'So, because Albus was scared of Harry's power, he planned to kill Harry.'

'Yes, he liked his position and the way he is thought of. I believe if Gellert Grindelwald is still alive he should be questioned. I believe we will hear a completely different story of how he was defeated then what we've been told.'

'I believe you are right Remus. Seeing what Harry just did, has he shown other power or gifts?'

'Harry is top of every class, he will make a great potions master, he even surprises me,' Gavin said.

'He is talented in every subject and has no trouble casting any spells, then he has the sight. Two of Harry's closest friends at his new school have been infected by lycanthropy, he could tell where they were bitten,' Octavia said.

'He is already developing his wandless magic,' Teresa said, 'We are taking it slow, but I doubt Harry will have trouble with anything that he puts his mind to. If he is going to be as powerful as merlin, then Harry's gifts could just make sure the whole magical world is safe from now on.'

'Won't that place a lot of pressure on him?' Sirius said.

'He will take his time, it's not like we're going to force him to do anything. Harry needs these few years to be a student even if he's doing more than even seventh years can do,' Teresa said.

'He does need this time, to be a normal student, to be like any other boy. He's got Susan, so he's finally feeling like a normal teenage boy.'

'It's one thing Harry tells me a lot, that he just wants to be normal. I think he's accepted the fact his powerful but after seeing what others have done with their power, he will be more cautious. He would not like the power to corrupt him,' Susan said as she ran her fingers through Harry's hair.

'I doubt anything could corrupt Harry, but we have seen it before. At least Harry knows that it has happened, and it could happen to him. He has good people around him now, he is not being handled by Albus Dumbledore or being put down by those muggles. It's hard to believe they would treat him like that. We interact with many muggles, parents of students, none of them have ever caused any problems. They see their children as having a wonderful gift,' Octavia said.

'It is a gift, just too many use it the wrong way, to hurt people or control them,' Remus said.

'I heard you mention how good Harry is at potions. I always knew the student's problems were caused by Severus. I just never expected to hear that Harry wanted to make potions.' Minerva said.

'Harry made the wolfsbane potion a month after beginning at his new school. Of course, he mainly assisted but he told us he really enjoys it and wants to go on and help cure lycanthropy,' Remus said.

'Harry actually did most of the work on that potion Remus. Since it was advanced, I just told him what to do and he did it. Ever since he's been in my class, he has not made one mistake. He comes a few times a week to help make potions for the infirmary.'

'He is so like Lily, more than anyone realised,' Minerva smiled as she stared down at Harry, 'After what the students had to put up with and what happened with Harry, I am going to work with the staff to overhaul the curriculum and the way we interact with the students. Hogwarts used to be the best magical school in the world, which has been going down every year, more so in the last twenty years.'

'One thing that would help Professor, since there are so many muggleborns and halfbloods, they need to be slowly introduced to using things like quills. Harry hated using them, he said he just couldn't get the hang of them, he uses pens at his new school. But one thing Harry did say, he didn't like the fact he had to give up that part of him, the muggle part. He said at the Australian institute of magical education he can keep both part's, his magical and muggle part. He wants to work in both, combine potions with medicine, he mentioned being a doctor. I could easily see Harry becoming a healer, a doctor and potions master and a chemist, especially if it could help people, magical or muggle,' Susan said.

Minerva listened to her former student. She knew Susan would not return to Hogwarts, just like Harry wouldn't return. But she made sense, muggleborns or muggle raised were expected to give up that part of their lives when they joined the magical world and it was not fair on those people. Maybe she can get the new governors to change as well, to allow the use of quills and pens, to wear a uniform but not robes. It may be time to bring Hogwarts into the twenty first century.

After Harry had rested, he was able to eat, 'Do you want to head home Harry?'

'I would rather go to the house and see their graves, since we're here.'

'Then we will,' Sirius looked up at his brother, 'Would a few of you come with us, just in case?'

'We all will, this news is getting out, it would not be safe for Harry to be seen. None of the death eaters know we have Voldemort or what he was planning but they would have heard about Barty and Peter.'

There was a knock on the door, Minerva went to answer it but the aurors blocked her way.

Regulus opened the door, 'Can we help you son?'

'Um, I was hoping to speak with Harry, I'm Ron Weasley.'

'Its fine, he wasn't involved,' Harry called.

Regulus moved aside to allow Ron in, 'Sorry Harry, for everything.'

'Its fine Ron, sometimes we all say and do things we don't mean.'

'Yeah, I do it a lot, but I'm also talking about mum and Ginny. Bloody hell, and Hermione.'

'I always knew something was up with Hermione, but I was shocked to hear she was part of all this. Do you know all of it though?'

'That they planned to marry you off to Ginny then something about you dying to stop you-know-who.'

Harry glanced at Sirius and Remus who nodded, it would help Harry and allow Ron to hear exactly what two members of his family were going to do.

'It was planned for me to marry Ginny then Dumbledore was going to kill me. Ginny was picked so she would get the money and the old man would get the voting rights to the Potter seats on the Wizengamot. Hermione would be paid as well, but she was also promised some very old and rare books that are in the Potter vaults. Your mum would get a share of the money as well and she would get the-boy-who-lived as her son-in-law. We don't know what she planned to tell your father. There's still a lot we don't know.'

'I might not like being poor, but I would never hurt anyone or use anyone to get money. Ginny was always spoilt, I just never thought she would go that far,' Ron cautiously sat on the sofa beside Harry, 'I found out that mum used a love potion on dad, we figured it was just to get them together, but she has been dosing him all this time. Dad had the potion flushed, he's really angry right now,' Ron pulled out a piece of parchment, he held it out to Harry.

Harry took the parchment, "Dear Ron, we know all this must be hard on you but know I love you and I'm here for you. You have lost a mother and a sister, not long after losing two of your friends. I'm sure Harry will forgive you once everything is explained, but you have to learn to take your time before you say things. We will discuss all this during the holidays, but I did want you to know about something I found out. Ginny was not my daughter, a very rare and old potion was used to make her a Weasley by blood. I have my suspicions on who may be her father, but I will not say just yet, not until I can have a healer reverse the effects of the potion. If I am right then it's the reason why your sister was chosen to be part of this plan to steal from Harry, but to also be part of the plan to kill him. Harry is a wonderful young man, if you can speak to him or even write, then apologise for what you said. I plan to write very soon to apologise for what two members of my family plan to do, he does not deserve to be treated like that. Even if Harry forgives you, I don't believe he will return to Hogwarts, not with the memories he has of what he has been through there. It might be good for him to begin a new life away from all those memories, and everyone's expectations. If he does remain overseas, it does not mean you can't return to being friends. I'm sure we can work on some visits, only once you apologise for being stupid. You are a bright boy son but something you don't think before you speak. I know you feel you have a lot to live up to, you don't, just be the best you can be, you already make me proud, now do what you want so you can feel good about yourself. I will go now, we will talk more during the holidays, but there will be a lot of family discussions and a lot of changes, all for the better, love dad."

Harry looked at Ron, 'It's not just me or you, but your family is also being affected by this.'

'By Dumbledore, who must be Ginny's father. He had everyone fooled, I just never thought he would kill anyone. But it all makes sense now, why he seemed so interested in everything you do or where you go.'

'All part of his plan, it took for me to overhear a conversation while sitting under my invisibility cloak to get things moving. I contacted Sirius who contacted Madam Bones, now I have a great girlfriend, I'm not put in danger every other day nor being stared at just because I have a scar. I won't be returning to Hogwarts, I like my new school and all my teachers are wonderful. You wouldn't believe it Ron, but I plan to do a lot with potions when I finish. I happen to be pretty good at potions, but I really enjoy the process as well.'

'Harry will make a great potions master one day. I have never had a student with such natural talent in potions.'

'That's Professor Reynolds, the potions master and the one that helped me make the wolfsbane for Remus.'

'Damn, I mean you hated potions here, we all did, now you could go on to work with potions. I think that would even shock the twins.'

'We all know it was Severus Snape that caused the problems with potions, things will change,' Minerva said.

'Um, it's also the Slytherin's, they always sabotage our potions. It used to mainly be Harry's, now its Neville. He's landed in the hospital a dozen times this year all because of them.'

'Isn't there any type of ward that can stop that type of thing Professor?' Susan asked.

'From what I know of some of the ancient wards that the founders invented, yes, there was a way to protect the students from potions accidents. We can check out the wards then make sure the students are safe from accidents and sabotage.'

'Even though I know you two would like to keep talking, if we're going to Godric's Hollow we should do it before it gets any later,' Sirius said.

Harry nodded but turned to Ron, 'Maybe we can work on you visiting during the holidays, the twins as well. I'm sure those two would love some time with two of the marauders.'

'I would like that Harry, can I write?'

'Anytime,' Harry smiled then hugged his old friend, 'We'll be fine mate.'

'Thanks Harry,' Ron gave him a smile then left the room.

'I think all this shook Ron up, a lot.'

'He has been very quiet since his sister and his mother was arrested; the twins have also been very quiet.'

Harry looked at his two fathers, 'What do you think?'

'We'll work it out with Arthur, get them to Australia during the holidays. Now we should go, I'm sure the aurors have better things to do than hang around with us.'

'What about you and your brother?'

'Oh, Reggie and I are going to talk, a lot. I think it's time we get some of our family together again.'

'So apart from having a dad, a father, I will have an Uncle Reggie as well,' Harry grinned up at the auror who chuckled but nodded, 'Cool.'

'Let's get out of Minerva's hair. We'll floo to the Leaky Cauldron then apparate from there,' Regulus said.

Harry stood up and faced Minerva McGonagall, 'Even though I'm happy at my new school, it was good to see the castle again. Did you know I called it my first real home?'

'No, I never knew that Harry, but I am not surprised, not after hearing about how those…muggles treated you. I know your parents would be proud of the man you are becoming, just like I am.'

'Thanks Professor,' Harry gave McGonagall a smile then nodded to the aurors.

Some of the aurors used the floo first, then Remus, Susan, Harry and Sirius went next before the last of the aurors. It was time Harry said goodbye to his parent's, it was time to really begin his new life. One where he wasn't the-boy-who-lived, he was just Harry Potter, student, friend, son, boyfriend. A normal teenage boy, having a normal teenage life.

The end: