Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor anything relating to the franchise.

They hadn't stood a chance. They had been so excited that Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, the Chosen One, hadn't died. They hadn't seen the signs, the odd behavior, and if they had, they dismissed it, for an Obscurus had never healed before, and maybe that's just how they acted.

They hadn't stood a chance, and they were soon defeated.

"My lord," whispered the man kneeling on the ground. "My lord, his trial is taking place now."

The figure the man had been addressing turned around and smiled. "Excellent." He started to walk, and the man quickly followed. "Dolohov, do you know how long I've waited for this day?"

Dolohov shook his head before realizing his lord could not see him. "No, my lord."

"I've waited sixteen years – longer, actually. But I've waited with all my soul for this day for sixteen years." He stopped suddenly and turned to face Dolohov. "Do you know why I waited for eight extra years? I can see you wondering why I didn't kill him immediately the day we took over the Ministry – ask your question."

Dolohov trembled and asked his question.

"That is an excellent question, Dolohov. I waited for eight years because I wanted him to suffer the way I did. To languish in the worst place created by humans. And it's perfect, isn't it? I waited for eight years after failing to kill the boy in a bodiless form, and he waits for me to end his suffering for eight years after I ruin his world." He laughed and continued walking.

The courtroom hushed when he walked in and all eyes followed his movements. "We are gathered here today to witness a momentous event," he began. "Today we witness the day that shall be remembered as the day I, Lord Voldemort, finally destroy all opposition towards me." He gestured to the court floor. "Bring him in."

Three Dementors glided in, and the temperature in the room dropped considerably. Trailing after them were two men escorting an elderly man to the chair in the center of the court. The men started to wind the chains around the bearded man as Lord Voldemort began to speak once more.

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore; you have been brought here today for the crimes you have committed against the New State. Your first charge brings Lucius Malfoy to the stand. Malfoy?"

Malfoy stood up and took Voldemort's place. "You have been charged with many attempted murders of our lord, beginning in the 1970s and ending in the final attempt on the 7th of July, 1999. Do you deny these charges?"

Dumbledore looked up, and that damned twinkle was still present in his eyes. "I do not."

"Then we have no choice but to submit you to the Dementor's Kiss. Goyle?"

One of the men who had escorted Dumbledore in nodded and brought the Dementors closer. No one looked away when the screaming started, for they had almost perfected the art of blocking it out. After all, they had had a lot of practice.

"Let this be a lesson to all of you," Lord Voldemort spoke, raising his voice a little to be heard over the shouts. "I shall always overcome, and boys who are prophesied to be the Chosen One will never stand a chance against me. I will win – I will always win – and all who challenge me will be crushed. This is, truly, the start of the new age."

All eyes turned back to the man who lay slumped in the chair as Lord Voldemort, the man with the bright green eyes and the raven black hair, walked out of the room. The Ministry had fallen on the 31st of July, 1999, and the last member of the Order of the Phoenix had just been Kissed. It was, truly, the start of the new age.

A/N: Happy Epilogue Day!