A Change of Heart

Chapter Forty Three

Tom stood on the deserted beach. He was waiting for Dumbledore. He frowned. The man was late.

There was hardly a sound as Dumbledore appeared at the other side of the beach. He walked towards Tom, who stood where he was.

"Tom," said Dumbledore. "What now?"

"All those who were with me for the attack on the ministry are now out of the country, except Fenrir. They shall never return to this country. And I've made it clear to them that whatever they do in those countries will be entirely on them and they'll have to deal with the consequences."

"And how did they take that?"

"Not very well. But they know they have no option. I believe they will behave. I have also arranged for the contents of the Lestranges' vault in Gringotts to be transferred to the country where they are right now."

"Their crimes deserve punishment," said Dumbledore.

"The years they spent in Azkaban is punishment enough. Give them a chance to be different. Maybe they'll surprise you."

"And Greyback?"

"He's locked in the Malfoys' dungeon with instructions to be delivered to you." He looked at Dumbledore in the eyes. "Wizards are responsible for his viciousness, Albus. I expect you to help him, not turn him over to the ministry to stand trial like a common criminal!"

"He deliberately attacks children, Tom."

"If werewolves were not marginalized and isolated by wizards, he would never have needed to. Not everyone is as lucky as Lupin, Dumbledore. Fenrir was alone. He had no loving family or friends. There was no support system in place for him."

"Point taken Tom," sighed Dumbledore. "I shall do whatever I can for him."

"Thank you."

"What about the Dementors?"

"I freed them," Tom's voice was calm, but he could see the shock on Dumbledore's face.

"You what?"

"Freed them," repeated Tom.

"They'll be all over the world Tom."

"Yes, but they've sworn a Binding Oath never to band together or attack anyone, wizard or muggle. They also swore never to suck anyone's soul again."

"Well," said Dumbledore, "that would not stop them from sucking happiness out of people."

"They'll do that as they move around," conceded Tom. "But it is their nature. They can't help it. It's how they survive. You can't blame them for it."

There was a sheen of pride in Dumbledore's eyes as he looked at Tom. "You have become the wizard you were born to be."

Tom snorted. "You're just as foolish as ever. After all the things I did at one time, one might think you'd know better." He paused. "You won't try and hound the rest of my men? All they did was attend meetings."

"You have my word."

"And you won't tell Harry anything about this."

"Not now." Said Dumbledore. "But he does deserve to know the truth. " he paused. "You could have taken over the ministry, Tom. You had the strength. You prevented your people from casting Unforgivables. You made me aware of the situation through Severus. I think you planned this whole thing."

Tom shrugged. "It seemed the best solution for all our problems, though even I did not expect it to go so smoothly."

Dumbledore nodded. "Armado Dippet would be proud."

Tom felt a prickle behind his eyes as he thought of his old Head Master. "Yes. He would be. If he's as foolish as you."

"I won't tell Harry immediately if that's what you are afraid of," said Dumbledore softly. "But someday he has to know."

Tom made no answer. It was a relief knowing that someday Harry would know the truth.

Snape appeared. "Head Master," said he. "It's time to return."

"Severus," murmured Tom. "You were his man all along, weren't you?"

Snape said nothing.

"Tom," said Dumbledore, "Are you leaving the country too?"

Tom smiled. "If I didn't tell you my plan, you wouldn't need to lie to Harry about them. Can I have a private word with Severus?"

Dumbledore nodded and moved away. Snape looked at Tom. "What do you want?"

"One last favour from you, Severus." Tom took out a slender sealed box from his pocket. "Give this to Harry."

Snape took it. "Why me? Why not Dumbledore?"

"Because I don't want Dumbledore to guess what it is. Don't let him see it."

Snape secreted it into his pocket. "Is that what I think it is?"

"It might be," said Tom. "Good-bye Severus. I cannot undo what I did, but you could try to open your heart again."

"Not interested," said Snape. "My heart has no room for anyone else."

"How do you know unless you try? Also, please give a message to Black from me."

"Why me again?"

Tom ignored the question. "Tell him to be nice to his House-Elf. His brother loved it. And he's all the family that Elf has left too."

Snape sighed. "Do you honestly think he's going to care?"

"One never knows. Did you ever think I would turn out like this?"

Snape nodded. "True."

Snape went to where Dumbledore stood and the two wizards disapparated together. Tom stood there, watching for a minute, before he started walking away.