Thomas James Black walked out of the Ministry of Magic building at dawn. as he wended through the early morning crowd in the Atrium, he saw Dumbledore making his way in the opposite direction. The story had been told in its entirety and a copy had been securely hidden only to be found under certain circumstances. So if Dumbledore ruined everything, the world would find out who was responsible for their destruction and lay the blame at the proper high-heeled booted feet. But for now, all Thomas could do was try to rewrite the tale and pray for the best.

Thomas made his way to the nearest police department pretending to be lost. Soon he would be at Harry's side at the orphanage. It was not the same orphanage their grandfather had been raised in. That one had long since been torn down. The orphanage that he and Harry lived in was much more modern and well kept, and while it had its bad points, wasn't nearly as bad as living at the Dursley's. He hoped that the evidence of domestic abuse and child abuse that had found its way to the police shortly before Aunt Petunia had brought them here had helped her get rid of Vernon. Dudley would be much better off without his father.

"Hello, I'm lost, and I was told that a policeman would help me find my way home if I was lost." Thomas said in his best small child's voice as he peered over the tall counter at the police officer sitting behind it. Judging by the strange look he was getting, he had overdid it.

Less than an hour later, he was sitting at a table beside Harry eating breakfast. Mrs. Nesbitt had been extremely relieved to have him back. She had feared the worst when she had discovered that he had been gone.

Today was a new day, and Thomas would make the best of it. With Harry beside him happily chattering about what they were going to do later, Thomas began to truly feel hope for the future.