A/N: The final chapter is finally here my dear readers. The last of the posed questions are answered within and the final AN is at the bottom of the chapter.

A/N 2: If a reader spots any errors I apologize as I did not have the time to read through this chapter due to midterms.

A/N 3: Also please remember to visit my profile and vote on the poll I have there. Reader guidance and participation would be most appreciated!

Albus Dumbledore sat in his high-backed chair in his study and listened as his two top remaining lieutenants, Minerva and Severus talked about the reformation and status of the Order of the Phoenix. Albus had had no choice but to disclose some of his inner thoughts, plans and secrets with the two in front of him after Harry Potter had escaped the Order at the Grimmauld Place several months ago and took Sirius, Ms. Granger and Nymphadora with him. That had left a huge gaping hole in the Order's defences, finances and leadership. While Sirius had been the financial backings of the Order, he had also been an excellent, charismatic leader and Ms. Granger was being carefully groomed to be the same as well.

"Albus I do not think we have any other choice. You either need to promote Mr. and Ms. Weasley and bring them up to speed or call in some of your old contacts. We simply cannot operate at the full capacity we used to without Sirius, Ms. Granger and Tonks."

"Headmaster, the Dark Lord is marshaling all of his remaining forces as well and he means to march on the Ministry soon before the Potter brat can destroy his Horcruxes. He knows he is vulnerable and he means to take control while he still has his power and advantages."

Albus nodded to both of his top lieutenants reports and sighed. He needed a plan but the Greater Good was being oddly reclusive and he could not discern what to do without the proper thinking. An idea came to his mind and he looked at his Deputy Headmistress.

"What of the relationship between Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger? While Ms. Weasley and Ms. Granger have been at odds in the past due to petty teenage squabbles, Mr. Weasley has always had an eye on Ms. Granger. Perhaps the two of them could convince Ms. Granger to return to us."

"As if Albus. Mr. Weasley has had an eye on Ms. Granger, you are correct, but that is because he sees her as a trophy and a means to many ends be it to help with his homework, class work or sexual gratification. I am happy to report that Ms. Granger has refused him on all of these advances all these years and sending Mr. Weasley would be a grave error."

"Still, they have been House mates since their first year and the Weasley family has never not offered any form of hospitality or familial comfort since the two of them met."

Albus was shocked when Minerva let out an un-ladylike snort and rolled her eyes. His Deputy Headmistress coughed to cover up her fit of laughter and sat up straighter.

"You mean when you tried to force a friendship and possible romantic relationship between them? The guiding of the troll to be near them when they left the Great Hall that night in first year? Or how about setting them up as dates to the Yule Ball in fourth year? Albus, Ms. Granger wants nothing to do with Mr. Weasley and if you have any concern for Mr. Weasley's life I would not send him to talk with her."

"Then we will need to come up with another plan. Mr. Potter has done enough damage to the Order and we cannot fall behind lest Tom makes his move while we are unprepared."

"Why not approach him and try to join forces? Severus, do you know when Voldemort means to attack the Ministry?"

Albus looked over at Severus with Minerva and watched as his Potions Master sneered. He drew in on himself for a moment and when he spoke it was in a careful tone.

"The Dark Lord is loathe to give out any timelines or plans of his attacks until an hour before when all of his forces are with him and this has only become tighter due to the Potter brats disruptions. However, the Dark Lord means to move in the next month or so and that does not give us a lot of time."

"Then Albus I suggest that you get in contact with Abdas Patil and arrange a meeting where you, Abdas Patil and someone from the Thieves Guild can sit down and talk about how best to meet Voldemort in battle."

"A very bold and forward suggestion Minerva but one I fear we need to implement. Very well, I will do as you suggest and make my approach. Until then we continue on with our other goals and continue to fight."

One Week Later. London, England Ministry

The very air crackled with the charged atmosphere and wisps of different colours flashed briefly in the air as witches and wizards met in the large amphitheater like room at the Ministry. In one corner sat the Ministry Aurors and Unspeakables, another the senior members of the Order of the Phoenix, yet another the top brass of the Ministry and Abdas Patil and Harry sat with a selective group of thieves in the far back right corner. The current Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge stood up and walked to the speaker's circle.

"Good morning everyone and assembled guests. Today we meet in an unprecedented meeting to discuss our strategy in taking down the dark forces of evil known as Lord Voldemort. This meeting is top-secret, all discussions, plans and strategies must stay inside this room and when we take our breaks everyone will be under guard. Any questions?"

Harry remained impassive as the Minister spoke and he looked at the dossier he had on the man.

Name: Cornelius Fudge

Age: 47

Eye/Hair Colour: Brown / Crumpled Grey

Ministry Status: Active Minister

Characteristics: Portly man always wearing pinstriped suit, wrings hands whenever feeling great emotion and easily swayed by power and monies.

Feelings About Guild: Does not know of the Guild's existence until one year ago when Albus Dumbledore told him.

Political Bio: Kept as Minister of Magic despite many shortcomings due to being easily swayed and manipulated by those in power. Relies heavily on those of pureblood, the Dementors and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Overall not a very impressive dossier considering the man's position but Harry knew of the importance of such men like Cornelius Fudge. These types of politicians played a large factor in how the Guild operated and stayed outside of the entanglements the judicial system had. This morning however, Fudge appeared to be at the top of his game as he spoke eloquently and candidly.

"Never before has so many varied groups such as the ones here today met underneath the common banner of meeting the forces of darkness and routing them out. Our strength comes through our unified front and our weaknesses are covered by the strengths of our allies. To start this meeting off on the right foot I will take attendance and when you hear your name simply state that you are here. The Order of the Phoenix…Albus?"

"We are here Minister."

"Good. Department of Magical Law Enforcement…Amelia?"

"Ready to fight Minister."

"As always. Special Tasking Group…Abdas Patil?"

Harry chuckled when Abdas Patil stood up and stated he and his associates were here. Although he didn't doubt that Abdas Patil, his associates and their bodyguards could do some damage in combat they were here as financial backers and supportive roles. Still, 'Special Tasking Group' sounded a hell of a lot better than 'Artifact Collector'.

"The Thieves Guild…Remy LeBeau?"

"Oui, et peut-être jamais la chance en notre faveur. We are here English Minister."

The other groups in the room looked confused for the most part at Remy's opening line but Harry understood the importance and whispered it to Padma and Luna. 'Yes and may the odds be ever in our favour' was the Guild's battle cry if one considered it and by saying this phrase Remy stated that the Thieves Guild would enter combat and not play supportive roles. That was why only the best of the fighters in the Guild were here with a few exceptions like Padma, Luna and Rogue (Marie).

"Everyone's here then. Good. Now, through post and fire calls the leaders of each organization hammered out a battle plan but for those that are not caught up to speed the plan is as follows. The Ministry's very own Aurors and Unspeakables will be the bulk of our combative force as they are specialists in the areas of combat and Amelia Bones will lead them accordingly."

"We shall lead the day Minister."

"The Order of the Phoenix and the Thieves Guild will attack the flanks and target specific Death Eater's. Remy LeBeau and Albus, I trust that you will assign the specific tasks accordingly."

"Oui."

"I will."

The adrenaline coursed through Harry's veins and the battle hadn't even started yet. Padma squeezed his hand and shook her head. Harry grinned and focused back in on what Minister Fudge was saying.

"The Special Task Force will dismantle any artifacts Lord Voldemort may have erected and brought onto the battle field. If all goes according to plan, once the Order of the Phoenix and the Thieves Guild finish their assignments they will join the general melee. However, Mr. Harry Potter is to be protected at all times because he is the only one who can defeat Lord Voldemort for good."

A silence fell on the gathered audience and every eye turned to Harry. He took it in stride, showing confidence in his expression and body language but on the inside he was squirming. Nothing like putting the pressure on at the last minute by highlighting the focal point of the attack plan right before they entered into battle.

"That is all ladies and gentlemen. Take the next two hours to do what you need to do to get ready and then return here. All of us will be going dark once the timeframe of the mission opens and we will come out swinging once the Dark Lord shows himself."

Fudge walked out of the speaker's circle to thunderous applause and many cheers but Harry and the rest of the Thieves Guild did not partake in the show of support. Fudge only let them in on the battle plan and actually partaking in the battle on the good word of Director Bones and Albus Dumbledore. That and Harry absolutely refused to do battle without people he trusted at his back.

"Now if the Minister could only speak and act like that during the rest of his term there is a possibility that we wouldn't be in this situation."

"Hello Sirius."

Harry turned his head to acknowledge Sirius and saw that Hermione had taken a seat to talk with Luna and Padma. Director Bone's Aurors had taken Tonks back and Sirius was fighting as an extension of both the Ministry and the Guild.

"Not too worried I hope?"

"Nah, I just want this to be over with. There are so many better things I could be doing right now and since we have the best of the Guild all gathered in one place we could be doing so much work."

Sirius laughed and clapped Harry on the shoulder. His godfather had taken Harry being a well-renowned thief in stride, even offering his services and becoming a fence and information gatherer for Harry in Europe. Harry would talk with Sirius in length at least once a week and slowly but surely a good relationship was being built on a manipulation free foundation.

"Well when you knock this tosser out for the final count you will have all the time in the world to acquire all your shiny new marks."

"Oh you can count on that."

The two wizards were interrupted when Padma stood up and sat down in the chair next to Harry that she had vacated in order to better talk to Hermione. The gleam in her eyes let Harry know that something was up but true to her training she kept her facial expression neutral.

"Mr. LeBeau suggests that we go out to lunch before we are forced to eat Ministry prepared combat food Harry. Care to escort me?"

"Sure. Coming Sirius? I think you need to escort your charge, Ms. Granger-Black and keep her safe from all the wandering eyes."

"Most certainly. Hermione?"

Harry stood up and Padma tucked her hand in his arm. He made sure to nod to Remy where he sat with the other thieves further down the table and Remy nodded back. Hermione, escorted by Sirius walked beside them and the small group walked out of the secret meeting room to go to lunch.

The calm before the storm hovered over the two armies marching on the Ministry and it would seem that neither side wanted to attack first without a decisive blow. Harry blew into his hands to warm them as he stood outside on a shadowy balcony across the street from the main entrance to the Ministry from muggle London. Muggles bustled about, oblivious (as they should be) to the impending doom about to happen stories below their feet and Harry grinned.

"Whenever you grin like that it means that you are about to do something devious."

"Not devious Padma but I know where Riddle is going to strike first."

"How do you know?"

"He's thinking like a muggle. Come on. You too Luna."

Harry slipped on the gloves he wore whenever he was on a heist and scaled the building's lattice work. He heard Padma converse with Luna below him but felt them climb the lattice work as well. A few hand over hand pulls later Harry stood on top of the building and calculated the distance from the building he stood on to the next one.

"You are not seriously thinking about jumping that are you?"

"Why not? We can do it. Free your mind Padma, free your mind."

With that Harry sprinted across the roof of the building and he jumped as high and hard as he could. He soared through the air, his concentration focused on making the gap and he broke his leap by rolling across the roof of the next building. He looked back and beckoned for the two witches to follow. Luna cleared the gap first followed by Padma and he steadied both of them.

"See? Easy as pie. Come on."

Not waiting for an answer Harry jogged across the roof of the building and jumped the gap to the next building. He stood across the street from the rear entrance to the Ministry building and more importantly by the river. Harry crouched and gazed down at the river.

"You think they are going to attack from the river? Why?"

"That is how I entered Malfoy Manor and it worked so well that I escaped that way as well after dealing with the artifact and Pettigrew. Riddle is hoping that he can have the same good fortune that I did."

Harry pulled Padma down and motioned for Luna to crouch down behind the billboard as he spotted three boats cruise to a stop beside the bank nearest to the Ministry building. He grinned at Padma and she swatted him with a good-natured smile.

"Michael. Come in Michael."

"What is it Harry? Movement at your end?"

"No, we left that under the capable hands of the Ministry Aurors and Unspeakables. We moved to the rear entrance by the river and three boats of suspicious passengers just pulled in."

Harry motioned for Luna and Padma to perform he anti-apparation charm so when the three of them struck the Death Eaters' wouldn't be able to apparate away and warn Riddle. With practiced ease the two witches completed the task and Harry grinned.

"Do not move Harry. I am on my way with my team and we will handle the matter together. How many are there?"

"I would wager around twelve. No sweat."

"Harry do not-"

With a hand sign Harry motioned for the two witches to attack and Harry dropped into the middle of the second boat. Quicker than the Death Eaters' could catch on Harry snapped the neck of the nearest Death Eater and dropped another one with a quick punch to the throat. He ducked under a wild swing from a third Death Eater and snap kicked the dark magical into the river.

"Got you now you thief."

Harry grunted as the last Death Eater grabbed him from behind, pinning his arms to his sides and squeezing harder. The man had a remarkable grip but Harry kicked the inside of the man's knee and smirked as he heard the man's anguished cry of pain. The hold on Harry loosened and Harry reared back with his head to head-butt the man in the face. He heard another satisfying crunch and dropped the man with an elbow to the solar plexus.

"Dominus!"

Padma's cry alerted Harry to her location and he flying tackled one of the two Death Eaters' still standing in her boat. He grabbed the man by the back of his mask and slammed his face three times into the side of the boat. Padma dispatched her last opponent with a cross to the Death Eater's jaw and Luna leapt into their boat.

"All taken care of Dominus."

"Good. Let us see what they were up to."

Harry helped both witches back onto solid ground and checked the wrought iron gate that led to the drainage pipe for the Ministry building. The lock still held strong even after Harry performed the spells to dispel illusions or concealing charms and Harry shrugged.

"Michael we took care of the surprise party and the gate to the Ministry's sewage still holds."

"Damn it Harry I told you to wait. Are you okay?"

"Yes and so are my girls."

"Get back to the rooftops and continue scouting. We are still waiting for the big push."

Sirius Black fired off another curse at Atonin Dolhov who blocked it with a flick of his wand and spun away from Hermione's spell. The senior Death Eater proved his worth to Riddle and the man had nearly killed Hermione in his first salvo. Sirius and Hermione were patrolling the inner corridor that led to the Minister's office (the most likely place suspected that Riddle would seize) and out of thin air Dolhov appeared.

"You are weak Black. Not fit to lead your Noble and Ancient House. Crucio!"

Sirius rolled to the right but Hermione came to his rescue and levitated a piece of rubble in the air to absorb the spell. As the rubble exploded Sirius flicked and jabbed his wand so that the rubble fragments rocketed towards Dolhov. As an added bonus the fragments had a fiery touch and a simple shielding charm wouldn't cut the trick.

"Reducto! Bombarda! Avadra Kedavra!"

"Stupefy! Expelliaramus!"

The combined spell work of both Hermione and Sirius proved too much for the senior Death Eater as he had been trying to stop his robes from catching fire from Sirius's previous spell. He managed to block the killing curse with a quick sidestep but Sirius's blasting hex and Hermione's disbarment spell both caught him. Dolhov flew backwards and smacked off a marble pillar.

"Reducto."

Sirius's spell caused a chunk of the pillar to come out and crush Dolhov. The Head of House Black led Hermione away from the gruesome scene and they hurried to another battle.

Remus Lupin was in a little bit of a conundrum and feeling out of his league as he faced his long time nemesis Fenrir Greyback. Although the battle would be one of the toughest he ever engaged in his partner, one Michael Westin kept the odds ever in Remus's favour with his muggle weapon.

"Curse you! Face me like a wizard and not some ruddy muggle!"

"Oi, watch your tone as we are all gentlemen here. Fight each other like wizards and not mindless beasts."

Remus didn't know what to make of Michael Westin's words but he felt a new surge of confidence because he knew he could win if Fenrir wasn't allowed to transform. He twirled his wand and fired off the first spell.

Severus Snape walked in between both sides of the battle and singled out Igor Karkaroff. He blasted the other wizard away from the front lines of the melee and slashed the man with a vicious downward swipe of his wand.

"Severus what are you doing?!"

"Doing what needs to be done Igor."

"You serve the Dark Lord not this foolish Ministry or crackpot Dumbledore!"

The two wizards dueled for a few moments but Severus quickly deduced Igor's spell pattern and dropped the other wizard to the floor painfully with a boiling hex. He kept Igor on his knees and walked forward until he stood a few feet from the other man.

"No, I would have served the Dark Lord until the bitter end but he killed Lily Potter and everything changed. I swore to protect her and that protection moved onto her foolish, stupid son when Lily was murdered. Besides I cannot follow a pretender and liar. Avadra Kedavra."

Severus watched Igor crumple to the ground and turned around to come face-to-face with Tom Riddle himself. Acting quickly Severus leaped backwards and shored up all of his defences.

"So I am a liar now am I Severus? One of my supposed most loyal Death Eater's turns out to be a spy. How interesting. Die now you miserable cur!"

Harry sprinted through the melee, ducking to avoid spells and hurdled over a low-rise wall that kept workers and visitors to the Ministry from falling to the first story below. He steadied himself for a second, saw Riddle dueling with Dumbledore in the middle of the Atrium and Harry jumped out as far as he could. He tackled Riddle from above and behind and the two magicals tumbled to the floor. Harry thrust out his hand and Dumbledore slid back out of the way. He didn't want the old man to help in the upcoming duel and Harry rose to his feet.

"What in the…who dares to…Harry Potter."

"Hello Tom Riddle. It is nice to finally meet you face-to-face instead of acquiring your artifacts behind your back and slipping away before you even know that I was there."

"You are all fancy talk and smoke and mirrors Potter. You have fought me from the shadows all this time and you will die now that you are out in the open."

Harry ducked to avoid Riddle's spell and charged forward as he fired his own spell. For Harry's plan to work he needed to get up close and personal to the Dark Lord and that showed in his attack style. He bobbed and weaved like a boxer, constantly looking for the opening he needed and making Riddle crazy.

"Fight me on even ground Potter. Not like a little boy who runs and hides."

Riddle stopped firing spells and glared at Harry. Harry seized this opportunity and closed his eyes in concentration. When he opened them he blurred forward and shoulder checked Riddle in the chest. Instinctively, Riddle threw his arms out to push Harry away and to keep his balance. Harry grabbed Riddle's right arm, slapped the magical inhibitor Dumbledore had used on him on Riddle's wrist and then threw Riddle over his shoulder with a hip throw. He stepped back, away from Riddle and kept a wary eye on his enemy. Riddle stood up, shaking in his anger and he tried to blast Harry away with a curse.

"Nifty little trinket that is. Locks away your magic without pain and forces you to fight with other means."

"You think this gives you the advantage Potter? I did not get to be as powerful as I am without being skilled in other ways. Behold."

Riddle pulled a wicked, dark pulsing green sword from his robes and twirled the razor sharp, goblin made blade through the air in front of him. The blade sang as it sliced through the air and Riddle looked entirely comfortable with the sword.

"Oh yes, I remember now. You are supposed to be a master swordsman and you are fierce in combat blah blah blah. Good thing I brought my own then isn't it?"

Harry let his own swords drop from his sleeves and twirled them in front of him. He loved his twin tiger hook swords as they were as light as a feather and as versatile as water but could still do fatal damage.

"I will shatter your blades and stomp out your spirit Potter."

"You will die today Tom Riddle with my hands around your neck and I will be able to move on from this screwed up prophecy."

The two men locked gazes and then at the same time both rushed in at each other. Sparks flew as they locked swords and the two wizards circled each other with furious swipes and slashes of their swords in a lethal dance for many minutes. The first drawing of blood went to Harry as he rolled forward underneath Riddle's horizontal swipe and Harry slashed outwards with is swords at Riddle's stomach. Quick as a snake the Dark Lord leaped backwards but he fumbled as a thin line of blood seeped from his robes.

"That is only the beginning Tom Riddle."

"Lucky strike is all it is Potter."

The two went at it again and even with his magical base weakened due to his lack of Horcruxes and sealed away with Dumbledore's bracelet, Riddle still proved to be quite the adversary. The momentum was in Harry's favour however as he nicked Riddle and pressed every advantage he had. The hook of his right sword caught Riddle's arm and Harry yanked back. Riddle grimaced as a chunk of his arm was ripped off and he jumped back.

"What's the matter Tom? Didn't think anyone could beat you in swordsmanship?"

"You haven't beaten me Potter. Not even close."

This time when they crossed blades the momentum was smack dab in the middle. Back and forth the two magicals pressed in on each other and this went on for half an hour. Harry caught the edge of Riddle's swords in the hook of one of his and he twisted his wrist so Riddle's grip was strained and painful. When Riddle went to correct, Harry kicked him in the chest and slashed Riddle across the leg with his other sword.

"Curse you Potter!"

Harry continued to press his advantage with a flurry of powerful blows on Riddle's weakened arm. Then, he swept Riddle's legs out from underneath him with a sharp kick and stabbed downwards. Riddle blocked Harry's double downward thrust but not Harry's stomp to his face.

"Aaargh!"

Harry leaped backwards to avoid Riddle's slashes and allowed the other man to stumble to his feet. Riddle spat out a mouthful of blood, a few teeth and had an imprint of Harry's boot on the side of his face.

"Not used to having to deal with wounds like these during battle are you Tom? You could seal them up with your magic but not this time. Time to die Tom Riddle."

For the final time Harry crossed swords with Riddle and the momentum was entirely in Harry's favour. Every time Riddle tried to disengage Harry would press forward and he didn't allow Riddle to change the flow of the swordplay. In a graceful twist Harry parried Riddle's thrust and stabbed Riddle with the sharp point at the end of his swords handle. Quickly Harry stabbed Riddle with the other sword point and shoved both points further in. He pulled them out and stepped back.

"Get up Tom. Get up."

Riddle staggered to his feet and Harry levitated one of his swords to hover in front of Riddle's chest. He glared at the Dark Lord and careful not to pierce himself with the bloody point at the end of his sword Harry kicked his sword into Riddle's chest. Riddle gasped, convulsed and fell to his knees.

"May you burn to ash and experience the pain you inflicted on others in the afterlife Tom Marvelo Riddle."

Harry let go of his other sword, grabbed Riddle by the throat and slammed the other man into the ground. The force of Harry's grip and slam crushed Riddle's windpipe and soon the lifeless red eyes stared back up at Harry. Harry let go and stood up.

"Go ahead and call the Aurors and Director Bones old man. Let them know that Rom Riddle and many of his followers are dead."

Harry didn't stay around to hear what Dumbledore had to say and he walked over to the small group that consisted of Remy, Rogue (Marie), Michael, Fiona, Jesse, Luna and Padma. Padma took his hand in hers, not flinching at the blood and Fiona hugged him. The men shared a congratulatory look all warriors share and Luna smiled at him. Harry sighed and headed for the door.

"Time to go, I want to pick up another job."

"What of the mess here in England Harry? Surely you don't intend to leave it like this?"

"And why not Padma? I have no roots here and no claim. I am a master thief of the Thieves Guild. My home is where I can acquire the most valuable and rarest artifacts."

The thieves in attendance chuckled and gave a rousing cheer. Harry led them out of the Ministry and back to New Orleans. The Thieves Guild would continue as it always had and its influence would grow.

FIN

Final AN: Thank you for finishing Harry Potter The Thief and supporting me on this endeavor. This story was another test of my writing abilities in the sense that:

1) There was no overt theme of romance

2) Everything was muggle for the most part

3) Licensed characters were brought in from different fandoms and media.

Although a very shaky start with the story having many plot holes (beta reader would be appreciated!) I completed a goal of mine and feel that I melded all three major points of this story together well enough. Thoughts, questions and/or concerns? Review or PM me.

~Kaden-san