“I swear upon my Magic that what I claim is true.” Harry pointed his hand at the man who would have controlled his whole life. “Let Lady Magic take my own Magic if my words hold lies.”
Harry kept his hand pointed at the older wizard, as his gaze flowed over the crowd. He could feel the anticipation crackle in the air like static just before a lightning strike.
“What do you think, Albus, just a Lumos?” Harry stage whispered to his opponent.
“What do you mean?”
“No, you’re right, not flashy enough.” Harry let out a heavy sigh. He walked away from the man, his steps purposeful. “Yes, I think here should do it.” He looked out at the crowd once more, hearing their whispers. He could almost feel their confusion at his actions. Mutters claiming he had lost his magic because of the lies he called out against Dumbledore began to rise, most likely from the man’s supporters. But that just would not do.
He raised his wand hand high in the air. “Expecto Patronum.” He whispered, knowing the wind would carry his words over to the crowds. The tell tale wispy smoke of a Patronus formed first, flowing heavily out of his open hand, landing at his feet. The fog continued to grow and expand, surrounding Harry in its purity. He couldn’t help but laugh as the very air around him filled with joy and warmth.
The wispy fog thickened around the wizard, soon blocking him from the crowd's view. The onlookers let out cries of wonder as the dense fog rose higher and higher, towering over everyone as it seemed to reach out towards the sky.
“Are we ready?” Harry whispered into the air, laughing as his magic responded by flowing around him. “Then let’s show them.”
He slammed his arm down, using his magic to pull at the air, which created a powerful gust. The gust pulled at the fog, rushing through the field and the crowd, revealing Harry surrounded by his Patronus.
A woman in the crowd screamed, as several others drew their wands, pointing them at the massive beast that coiled around Harry. Harry resisted the urge to scowl at the blithering idiots. He already revealed that he had several Basilisks bonded to him, why were they so upset that his Patronus was a Basilisk as well. He craned his head up to gaze at the ethereal creature above him. Maybe it was the size? Or perhaps it was because the patronus’ eyes were glowing far brighter than its body?
“Well, that proves I still have my magic.” Harry claimed with a smile. “So Albus, do you agree to the Duel?”
“My boy, I-”
Harry interrupted him. “If you win I shall rescind my claims.” His words created some outcry from the people around the field. He offered the man a smirk. “As it stands though, I am more than happy to speak with the Aurors who seem quite intent on speaking to us.”
“I accept.” Albus’ words seemed to drag out of him. It was enough though, for the Duel to officially form. The boundary rose up once more, a shield meant to protect the Witnesses, and to keep them from interfering.
Harry held back, banishing his Patronus who let out a mighty roar before it exploded into light. The warmth of it faded slowly from his skin, and Harry regretted its loss as the last of it faded away.
Albus took advantage of Harry’s distraction, sending two spells of pure fire at him. Harry negligently raised his hand, pulling the earth up in front of him so as to absorb the attack. He had known the so-called Light Lord would not use Dark magic, however he was surprised the man would so openly use Elemental magic, which Albus had banned when he was still Chief Warlock. He refused to show his surprise though, and instead decided to poke the sleeping dragon so to speak.
“Wow, Albus, it's a bit hypocritical to use magic that you yourself made illegal.” Harry sent off two bolts of fire in retaliation.
“It was made legal again quite recently.” Albus exclaimed, using the earth to take the hits like Harry had earlier. “However, I wish it hadn’t as only those with the proper Will should be able to attempt such a spell.”
“Of course, you are one with the proper Will?” Harry rolled his eyes, summoning water out of the air, forcing it into a wave intent on pulling the man’s feet from under him. Albus pulled at the earth again, creating a moat that forced the water away from him.
“It would seem you are just as capable.” Albus changed tactics, throwing several cutting curses at him instead. While still considered light spells, with the amount of power Albus put behind them, Harry was certain he’d be chopped to pieces instead of sporting several cuts like the curses intended.
Harry was rather surprised at the fact that he was being forced on the defensive as Albus began an onslaught of cutting curses and blasting charms. He had expected a fight, but he hadn’t expected the man to put his full power into it. Harry was forced to use his magic to shield himself, jumping and dodging those that his magic couldn’t absorb or deflect.
It was Harry’s own fault though. He did put Albus between a rock and a hard place. For the man, quite literally everything centered on his win. If he were to beat or kill Harry, all of Harry’s claims would become mute, and no one could act on them. Should Harry win, what little the old man had, including his life, would be forfeit. Harry could understand that kind of motivation.
Suddenly he found his foot stuck, as he had jumped backwards to avoid another cutting curse. He turned his gaze down, and recoiled as he found both his feet began sinking into the ground below.
“Quick sand?” He questioned incredulously.
“I needed some way to stop your incessant jumping.” Albus calmly informed him, walking slowly across the field towards the trapped wizard. “I must confess, I had expected more from you. You dealt with Tom rather marvelously. But perhaps your impatience mixed with exhaustion from your previous Duel have become your downfall.” He leveled his wand between Harry’s eyes. “Any last words?”
Harry hadn’t truly expected that the man would kill him. He truly believed that Albus would only ask for him to yield and to be exiled. He never thought it would go this far, but he really should not have been so surprised. Pure desperation and determination coursed through Harry and he let out a scream as he pulled his arms back, summoning as much of his magic as he could to pull at the very air. When the pressure became almost too much to bear, Harry released it, the pent up mixture of magic and air, slammed into Albus who had pulled away when he felt the rise in magic.
Fortunately for Harry, Albus had not pulled away in time and the man was slammed by the full force of Harry’s power, cartwheeling several meters into the air and away from the nearly entombed Harry. Harry took advantage of the distance, forced his magic into the ground, causing the earth to release him with a small explosion.
He took a moment to wipe off some dust from his shoulder before making his way slowly to the slumped figure that was Albus Dumbledore. The gusts he had created, picked up speed, spinning around the boundary line, the cries of the gales silencing the cheers and screams from the crowd. It would allow those outside to see, but not hear what was about to happen.
“Come now, Albus, don’t tell me that a little wind could finish you off.” Harry exclaimed in mock concern. “I’m not quite done with you yet.”
Albus let out a groan as he tried to lift himself up, only succeeding to turn himself over to face Harry. The roar of the winds grew louder still, but Harry tuned it out, only Harry and his opponent mattered now.
“Do you know why I am doing this, Albus?”
“Not particularly, my boy.” Albus managed to speak up. Harry could see the curiosity in the man’s eyes, as well as the calculated look. It was clear the man hoped to keep Harry talking so as to give him time to come up with a plan. “I have done nothing to you.”
“Nothing?” Harry released a cruel laugh. “Perhaps not recently. However you and I both know that is a bald faced lie. But revenge is not my main goal, Albus.” Harry pulled his cloak over his arm, showing it off to the fallen man. “Recognize this? You only had it in your possession for nearly a decade.”
Harry enjoyed the sight as Albus’ eyes grew wide. “Perhaps this will also mean something to you. Although, I am sure you have never laid eyes on it, the rumours of the stone must have reached even your ears.” Harry held up his hand, allowing the sunlight to glimmer off of the black stone embedded on the ring on his hand.
“I am sure I have no idea what you are speaking of.” Harry could see that Albus was trying desperately to not react.
“Oh I think you do. In fact,” Harry closed his eyes, hearing the silent music the stone was emitting, “I believe you were searching for it for quite some time.”
“My boy, I-”
“Albus, I shall tell you one last time, I have never been your boy, and I NEVER SHALL.” Harry’s voice boomed with power, causing the powerful wizard before him to cringe. “I am sorry, I lost my temper there.” Harry admitted completely unrepentantly. “But I am sure the rumours you have heard only scratch the surface of what the stone does.” He focused on the music again, this time allowing his magic to mingle with it. It took only a second for Harry to feel a tug coming from the stone onto his magic, and he pulled back.
The ring glowed an eerie blue for a moment before a wispy blue orb erupted from the stone, falling to the ground in between the two wizards. There was a pause of action, where the orb floated centimeters above the ground, swaying back and forth in an imaginary wind, before it glowed brightly and expanded. Slowly the figure of a tall man formed, until suddenly an ethereal being stood proudly, an eerie blue glow flowing off of him. He was incorporeal though, and the winds around him did nothing to his clothing or his hair.
“Do introductions need to be made, Albus? Or do you recognize your former lover and friend?” Harry questioned. He glanced at the spirit, seeing the frown and mild glare the spirit offered the fallen wizard. “It certainly looks like Gellert recognizes you.”
“But that’s impossible, Gellert is not dead!” Albus denied, managing t o pull himself up into a sitting position, his back resting on a large stone.
“I am afraid he has been dead for about two years now.” Harry lectured. “I guess you wouldn’t know though, seeing as you stopped visiting him nearly a decade ago. You remember? You mocked him, exclaiming how you found the cloak, and only had to find the stone.” The spirit of Gellert glared down at the man. “It was also the same time that you forbade human contact for him, claiming the man’s silver tongue had almost converted you to his views, creating a fear that the man the world had once feared most, would succeed in manipulating a lesser person than yourself.”
Harry felt the pain the spirit felt at hearing Harry’s words. “He died alone, and his death still goes unnoticed.” Harry felt a thrill at throwing salt into the wounds of his enemy. “Gellert told me all about your search when you were both just teenagers. The thrill of the hunt for even a hint at the stone’s whereabouts.” Harry could feel the heat of the gaze of the former Headmaster.
He made to say more, but stopped as the stone released a piercing sound before releasing a couple of orbs that quickly followed the previous orb, forming a tall, thin woman, and a short dark haired girl. It was clear to Harry they were related-most likely mother and daughter, but the reaction from Albus was what caught his attention. The man looked at the new spirits in pure horrour that left no doubt he knew them.
“I think introductions are necessary now.” Harry looked towards the older woman.
“I am Kendra, and my daughter is Ariana.” THe woman’s voice whispered into Harry’s ears. His eyes expanded in shock as he recognized their names.
“Victims of Albus’ plot, I assume?” His words earned him a grim nod from the woman, and a sad smile from Ariana. Kendra turned away to glare at her son, who’s complexion had turned as white as his former friend and family now were.
“It would seem you have much to pay for.” Harry looked on with pity in his eyes. His ears rang with the calls from the ring, he withheld his magic though, which the stone needed to call forth the spirits. “I know quite a few more who have told me tales of your past, Albus.” Harry let go of his magic, allowing the stone to absorb it and bring forth more spirits. Five came forth, quickly, forming a group who glared heavily at the man.
“You remember my parents, don’t you, Albus? And their close friends, the Marauders?” Harry couldn’t help the venom that poured out of his words. “Peter, Sirius and Remus?”
“I had nothing to do with their deaths.” Albus denied, shivering even under the warm glow of the sun above.
“You may not have held the wand that killed them, but you certainly are the cause of all their deaths.” Harry denied, feeling the anger that flowed from his parents and uncles. “Let’s start with my parents first though. Young couple with a newborn, under the threat of a powerful Dark Lord. What do they do? Do they lock themselves behind the Wards of Potter Manor, Wards that have held for over three hundred years, and were amplified by every generation?” Harry shook his head as his parents offered him a pair of sad smiles. “No, instead, they listen to the words of their Headmaster and General. A man who wisely tells them to flee to a small cottage, protected only by the Fidelius Charm.”
He watched as the man seemed to straighten his shoulder before he spoke. “Potter Manor held ghosts that haunted poor James. His parents had only just died, and I worried he would suffer living where they had died.”
“I can understand that.” Harry agreed, silently laughing as the man nodded, thinking he had won. “However, I cannot understand the use of Befuddlement Draughts as well as Compulsion Charms that were used on my parents to convince them to follow your plan.” Harry leveled a glare at the man, relishing the feeling as the man wilted before him. “Tell me Albus, what reasons did you have to keep the cloak from my father? Even under your charm he begged for the cloak, in hopes to use it as a last ditch effort should they need to flee. And when you failed to return it, claiming you had forgotten, my father nearly cried.”
He shivered as his father attempted to rest his hand on Harry’s shoulder. They shared a look of understanding before Harry faced his opponent once more. “Did you hope that Tom would come in and kill my parents and myself, thus turning the ownership of the Hallow to you?” Harry smirked as Albus’s eyes widened. “Yes I am aware that I now possess two of the three Deathly Hallows. But enough of that for now, let’s look at Remus for a moment.”
The werewolf stepped forward as his name was called, offering Harry a brilliant smile. His gaze hardened when he looked to the man who had caused his death, his smile showing all his teeth.
“Useful til he wasn’t, right Albus?” Harry sniped. “Send him all over the country to speak with the Magical creatures, offering him your empty words.” Harry waved his hand over the handful of creatures in the crowd. “But they knew your words were hollow promises, and took their frustrations out on Remus. He returned each time to you, more broken and battered than before, until he was too weak to be sent back out.” His gaze sent the powerful wizard before him into a fit of shivers. “But that’s why you keep Snape isn’t it? To help clean up your mess. Isn't it strange how he accidentally made a toxic wolfsbane, even after making it perfectly for nearly fifteen years?” Remus growled, causing Sirius and Harry’s father to step forth, placing their hands on his shoulders to help soothe him. “Which brings us to Sirius.”
Sirius stood taller, stepping out from beside his friends, to leaner over and glare at his former Headmaster. His hair and clothes were disheveled and face pale and thin from his time in Azkaban. “He was wrongfully thrown into prison for my parents death, all because it was believed he was the Secret Keeper and thus was who betrayed my parents.” The spirit of his Godfather winked at Harry. “ But we know he wasn't, don't we, Albus.” Harry ignored the man’s denials. “You were the caster of the Fidelius Charm, so you would know who was the Secret Keeper, or if they changed person. Instead it was better if the Rebellious Black went to prison so that you would have free reign over the Heir to House Potter.” He gave his Godfather a sad smile. “Took his own life after the pain and torture of the Dementors became too much.” Sirius’ friends surround him, attempting to send him comfort.
“Which leaves us to Peter.” The ghost of the small man seemed to shrink under everyone’s gaze. “It is not your fault Peter, we all know it.” Harry whispered kindly. “You were just a pawn of Albus. Like the rest of us.” Harry glared at the man who had managed to rise to his feet.
“Peter’s actions were not because of me.”
“Death offers a kind of clarity, Albus.” Harry shook his hand at the man’s continued denials. “Peter, as well as the rest of us, now know you did not have only Snape as a double agent. Although Snape was far more willing than Peter was.” He raised an eyebrow in challenge. “Peter’s death at the hands of several Death Eaters who demanded to know what he had done to Tom revealed quite a few things. Mostly, the fact that he was under the Imperius Curse the entire time he was a ‘double agent’ for you.”
“I have never performed the Imperius Curse.” Albus confirmed, with iron in his voice.
“Of course not.” Harry shook his head with a smile. “It is rare for you to get your hands dirty.No It was one Unspeakable Rookwood, another of your turned Death Eaters who Imperioed poor Peter.” Hary caught when the man glanced at the Resurrection Stone, and saw the relief flash before his eyes as no knew spirit emerged. “I see you are not denying his death. A shame when Rookwood Tower exploded, killing the Unspeakable, his wife and two children. He gives his regards though. He told me he didn’t want to show up because he wasn't sure what he’d do to the killer of his children.”
“I had nothing to do with that travesty!” Albus rose up, puffing his chest out like a child being scolded.
“You can deny these things all you want, Albus.” Harry grinned. “But the dead cannot lie. Besides what good would it do them to not tell the truth, they’re already dead.” Harry could no longer ignore the ringing from the Stone, so he released his control on his magic, allowing the Stone to absorb it, calling forth all the spirits that wished to confront the meddlesome fool who had caused so much pain and suffering.
Orbs flowed freely from the Stone, forming up dozens upon dozens of spirits, all glaring or threatening the former Headmaster. Harry recognized only a handful, either from pictures or from meetings he had with him as he discovered what the Stone could do. Soon the field seemed to be filled with more angry spirits than onlookers. The air was heavy with their wrath, and Harry resisted the urge to act on it and strike at the man before him. Instead he calmly raised his hand and spoke a single spell. “Expelliarmus.” Catching Albus’ wand as it came sailing over.
“No!” Albus cried out, trying to step forward to grab the fleeing wand, only to stumble and fall to his knees.
“Are you still wondering why I am doing this, Albus?” Harry questioned as he aimed his new wand at the man’s throat. “Or have you figured out the puzzle.”
“You’ve come for the Death Stick.” Albus bemoaned, fear radiating off the man.
“I have indeed.” Harry smiled, putting pressure on the man’s throat with the tip of the Elder Wand. “I have succeeded where you have failed, and ironically enough, I do not have a trail of bodies in my wake.” Harry laughed. “They want you dead, Albus, you do know that right?” Harry gazed at all the spirits around them. “They want you in their domain so that they can make you suffer as much as you had made them. They want me to kill you right this moment. But I am the Master of Death now, and I feel that death is too easy a punishment for you.” He grinned cruelly. “Oh you shall live for quite some time I think. Enough to suffer on Earth as penitence for your crimes and only then shall you be embraced by death.”
“Yo-you will have to kill me to gain power over the wand.” Albus stuttered in fear.
“Oh, no I won’t.” Harry smiled sadly at the man. Even at the very end he still had to try and manipulate the situation. “You did not kill your lover to gain the wand’s loyalty. Why would I have to kill you?” He watched with glee as his words hit the man. “Can you feel the bond with the Elder Wand, Albus?” Harry waited for a reply as the man’s eyes seemed to flick back and forth. “I shall take that as a no. But I can, oh I can feel its connection to the Cloak and the Stone as well. The sheer power I now have.” He let out a laugh that had begun to bubble in his chest. “Do you yield?”
Albus looked up at the man, fear flowing down his spine. There was no way out. He knew he would suffer in death. It was why he hunted for the Hallows in the first place, to avoid his just punishments at the hands of those he had used. Even now he felt their anger and wrath burn at his skin. But he had an out, for now. He licked his lips, looking up at the boy who would defeat him. “I yield.” The words fell freely from his lips.
With his words, the shield fell down, and the spirits all faded. Harry put away his new wand, and greeted Amelia as he walked towards him, a handful of Aurors trailing behind.
“That was quite a Duel, Lord Potter.” Amelia exclaimed. “I thought he had you towards the end.”
“I’m afraid it was quite close.” Harry laughed, his cheeks blushing. “But I gained the upper hand in the end.”
“You did, and with a spell I have no idea existed.” Moody barged over. “Looked like Necromancy to me. Quite illegal too.”
“Oh, I can assure you it is perfectly legal.” Harry claimed, glaring at the man who Harry knew to be working for Albus. He couldn’t do anything about it now, but Moody would suffer soon. “It’s a slight variation of a spell I was taught in the East. Eastern Wizards use it as a way to converse with their ancestors.”
“Just because some backwards wizards use it in the East, don’t mean it’s legal for us civilized wizards.” Moody growled out, ignoring the looks of disgust his racist statements drew.
“Well, fortunately, Sir, it was actually deemed legal only a short time ago by the Wizengamot.” Harry explained. “It was a part of the bill that Lord Black brought to them in an attempt to bring England out of the dark ages.”
“It is a most powerful spell.” Chiya explained, glaring at Moody. She slapped the back of Harry’s head. “Such potential was almost wasted.” She turned her glare on Harry who refused to shrink back.
“I am sorry, I almost lost.” Harry was nowhere near losing, and she was well aware of it. She gave him a look, before turning away. “I shall return to Japan, come visit.”
“Can that spell be used to close unsolved cases?” Amelia questioned her gaze on Albus, who had remained on the ground.
“The Aurors in Japan and Laos both accept the testimony of the spirits called forth, so there is precedence.” Harry explained, silently laughing at the thought of all those spirits explaining how Albus had wronged them.
“Very well. Moody, arrest Albus.”
“Whatever for?” He spewed.
“Treason, murder, line theft.” Amelia listed. “And I am sure there is quite a bit more. Lord Potter I shall need to teach that spell to several of my team.”
“I have a few friends who would be more than happy to help.” He bowed deeply, as she turned to leave, her team following with her, Albus shackled and forced between them. Moody glared daggers at Harry, who only raised his brow in amusement.
He snakes came forth, all hissing their congratulations and support for defeating two powerful enemies. They continued to surround him, hissing at anyone who dared step close. Soon the crowd, including the press, Apparated away as they realized they would not get a moment of Harry’s time. He had no doubt they would find their way into his path some time in the future, but for now he was free of their meddling. The monks remained until Eswar invited Harry to return when he wished.
Soon only Harry, his snakes, and surprisingly enough Snape remained. Or rather his appearance would have surprised anyone but Harry.
“Why am I still here!” He demanded. “Why am I not able to leave?”
“I have rid you of two Masters, Snape.” Harry glared at the man. “It means that I have a claim over you. Look at your arm.”
Snape glared as he unbuttoned his sleeve, and revealed the Mark on his arm. The skull and snake were gone, replaced instead by a hydra, its seven heads open revealing their teeth. “What is this?”
“My Mark.” Harry replied, a grin on his face. “When I conquered Tom, all his Marked followers became mine. However, I did not want them so I released them. For most of them I believe it was quite painful as the Mark quite literally burned off of them. I imagine quite a few shall be arrested within the month if they do not flee the country.” He gazed up at the man who had tormented him as a Professor. “But you are special. You deserve a special punishment for your actions. What could be worse than for you, than to be at me beck and call for the rest of your life.”
“I shall refuse!”
“It shall mean your death then.” Harry responded blithely. The heads of the hydra seemed to extend their fangs out. “I feel as though you fear death almost as much as your former Masters did.”
Harry laughed as the pained look overtook Snape’s face. “I shall serve.”
“Oh you shall do so much more.” Harry explained. “But chin up, Snape. I shall only call you when I need you. For now, I think it is best that you resign from your position at Hogwarts. Start up that Potions shop you wanted long ago. Go away now.”
Harry ignored the loud snap as the man Apparated away. He’d come when he was needed, and Harry had plans for a Potions Master of his caliber.
“~What now?~” Gemma questioned, having returned to their travel sizes, his snakes climbed on top.
“~Now?~” Harry thought. “~ Now, we find ourselves a sword in a stone.~” Magical England was so obsessed with the second coming of Merlin, that they always forgot about the second part of the fable. The return of the Once and Future King. Magical England could use a Monarch.