Chapter Text
"Dean Winchester, Castiel Novak, and Benny Laffite please step forward," Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt ordered.
All three men walked forward in their chains not saying a word, not even to each other. They kept their gazes forward not bothering to look at anyone in the room. All around them watching were dozens of witches and wizards. Everyone yelled their hatred for the men. All three men were so hated that the Minister didn't even try to stop the people from shouting, because he agreed with them. Eventually they quieted down to listen to what was being said.
"You have been charged with the murders and kidnappings of Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, Joanna Harvelle, Ronald Weasley, Remus Lupin, Hermione Granger, Nick Pallegrino, Alastair Pallegrino, Lilith Boecher, Harry Potter, Ruby Cortese, Bela Talbot and Samuel Campbell."
As Shacklebolt read aloud the names of each person, the families and friends of those people screamed in outrage. Curses and minor jinxes were thrown their way, but Castiel's magic guarded all three men. Another wizard, who had disarmed them and confiscated their wands at their capture, ordered for the shield to be put down. Castiel looked to Dean, and when given the order he let it down.
Shacklebolt silenced the room and went back to the men. "Do you have anything to say before you are given your sentence?"
Castiel who stood to Dean's right laughed, and soon Benny joined in. All throughout the room people were sharing confused looks. They had no idea what brought on the men's laughter. Did they miss something? Was something said that they couldn't hear during their outburst?
"What's so funny?" a wizard to the Minister's right asked.
Castiel shook his head. "Nothing. I was just thinking about all the fun we had as we tortured them all. They were all wonderful screamers. I think my favorite was Jo." Castiel sighed dramatically. "Now, she screamed beautifully. Too bad she died after only two days. I was just getting started."
Benny nodded in agreement. "Jo was nice, but I have to say Hermione was my favorite. The way she bled was out and gagged on her own intestines was remarkable. Out of all them, she was my best work."
Everyone listened as both men painted out a vivid picture of how their victims died. Several people even threw up while a few had to leave the room.
The Minister looked quite ill hearing their words. He turned to Dean. "Dean Winchester, do you have anything to say?"
Dean was the only who didn't speak since they had arrived. He didn't react to anything the people yelled at them. He didn't react when his partners talked about who they enjoyed most, and who they didn't. He didn't even say anything when they were 'captured'.
Dean looked up the Minister and smirked. "My favorite was and will always be Sam. The way he looked under my blade as I cut into him. His screams were music to my ears. I loved the way he begged for death. It was such a shame that he couldn't last as long as I would've liked. Oh well," he shrugged.
Anyone who knew Dean from school would all admit that they were shocked to learn that Dean had murdered and tortured Sam. Most had figured that Dean had killed someone who happened to share the same name, but when it was the same Sam from Hogwarts, no one knew what to say. No one knew if there were even words that could be said. No one who went to school with him could ever believe that Dean would harm Sam in any way.
"Dean Winchester, Castiel Novak and Benny Laffite you are sentenced to the Dementor's Kiss in three days. Until then you are to be sent to Azkaban Prison."
As soon as he struck his gavel, the man before them all pulled out their wands and snapped them in two. None of them expressed any emotions at seeing their wands being destroyed.
Hearing the verdict, everyone cheered in joy and happiness to know that the men that took away their friends and loved ones would be dealt with to the highest degree.
Just as they were being escorted out, an unknown man walked in. The minister silenced the room not knowing who the man was. "Who are you?"
"I'm their lawyer. Were these men represented?"
The Minister scoffed at his introduction. "We have no lawyers. Leave now." He ordered one of his men to get the man out.
The lawyer pointed his wand at the man. "Put that hand on me, and it will never touch a thing again." The man backed off. The lawyer faced the Minister. "These men are innocent."
"Impossible."
"No, it's not. Do you have any proof that these men killed anyone?"
"They were found at the scene of the murder of Bela Talbot. They just described how they murdered them all. That's proof enough."
"Really? Because what I heard were three men talk about murders that have been in the paper for everyone to see. I see three men who happened to be seen where Ms. Talbot was killed. Did anyone happen to see them killing her?"
No one spoke.
"Release them now, or I'll have this entire department facing no employment, no financial means, and no homes to go to by tomorrow morning. That goes to everyone else witnessing this."
After realizing who it was that was their 'lawyer' the Minister dropped the charges. Those who were related to the victims were outraged, but they didn't want the threats against them to be anything but threats.
They were released, and ordered off the premises. Dean walked out of the building with Castiel and Benny following behind him. They tried to find the lawyer, but couldn't. He was gone. He didn't know how he was able to get them released, or if he could even go through with his threats. Now that they were out, they weren't too bothered by it.
Dean didn't even flinch when he felt arms wrap around him. He leaned back into the stranger's chest, and sighed in relief. He felt them both being pulled this way and that but Dean felt home. He missed this. It's been far too long since he felt this presence... felt this safe.
He opened his eyes and saw Castiel and Benny in their everyday clothes. Castiel was pulling on his tan trench coat over his suit. Dean never really got the point of the outfit, but couldn't deny that he looked good. Benny wore his usual jeans, T-shirt, and coat.
The stranger pulled out his wand and changed his clothes. Dean could've done it himself, but he chose use his time staring at the man before him. Dean never looked away from the stranger. When he went to turn away, Dean stopped him. He pulled down his hood, and smiled at the face that stared down at him. He could never get over the fact that the man that he loved and swore to protect for the rest of his life was taller than him.
"I missed you, Sammy." Dean cupped his face and pulled him down.
Sam didn't say a word, and just allowed Dean to do what he wanted. Their lips touched, and they felt complete. They ignored their audience. Sam and Dean have been away from each other for far too long to wait until they were alone. They broke apart, but didn't pull away from each other.
Castiel cleared his throat. "Sorry to break up the moment between you two, but what took you so long, Sam? And who the hell was that guy? Was he with you?"
"Cas." Dean warned. He had no idea where Castiel had gotten the idea that he could speak to Sam any way he wanted. Dean lost count on how many times he had to put him in his place. Sam never liked it and often told Dean that he wasn't worth him hurting his and Castiel's friendship. Every time he said this to him, Dean would respond with that no one was more important than him. He would end all relationships he had if it meant that Sam knew of his importance.
Sam chuckled. "Yeah, sorry about that. I tried to get back as fast as I could, but I was held up with things in the US. By the time I was finished, it was too late. I had someone who owed me favor go for me instead. He holds a lot of power in both the US and British Ministries."
Before either Castiel or Benny could say anything else, Dean cut them off. "Whatever happened today, the point is we're out."
"Yeah," Benny said, "but does he know we actually killed them?"
Sam shrugged. "Does it matter?"
A few days after Sam's rescue, all four decided to lay low for awhile. It was around the fourth night that they all decided that they needed to come up with a plan. Wanted posters of them were scattered everywhere. A couple of times of going out they were spotted. It was no trouble getting away, but they knew they wouldn't be able to do this forever. If they wanted to go out, they didn't want to keep hiding.
They all sat around thinking of what they were going to do. It was around midnight that Dean suggested that they make their to the States. Sam had set up everything for them at the US Ministry. Their money had been transferred to the banks out there. Even though they were wanted, the US Aurors would not be able to touch them since the crimes were not committed there. As long as they stayed out of trouble, they would be left alone.
It was the whole reason Sam went to the US in the first place. Dean had told Sam that while they got rid of everyone he was to go to the US Ministry and sort everything out for them. It took five years to find everyone, but it was worth it. Near the end was when Dean told him it was time to go. Dean didn't want Sam around them when they were killing everyone, but he couldn't deal with not being around him.
Castiel and Benny agreed that the States would be a better place to live. Sam didn't have to agree, because he would go wherever Dean wanted. If he wanted to go live underground, or in the forest, or the desert, Sam would follow.
Sam had remembered the day he told his parents of his relationship with Dean. They were perfectly fine with it... at first. Once they realized how devoted they were to each other, they had ordered Sam to break it off. They told Sam that it was unhealthy how much they needed to be around each other, and the way they acted. Sam was outraged.
One night, Dean had found Sam at his window with his bags. After Sam told Dean what happened with his parents, he had to practically pin Dean to his bed. Dean was furious with his parents. Dean had spoken to his own parents, and after a lot of yelling, threats to run away with Sam, they caved and allowed Sam to stay with them on the condition that they sleep separately. Little did his parents know, they were both together every night. For the rest of their school years they lived together.
"I think it's best we go our separate ways for awhile," Castiel said.
Benny furrowed his brows. "Why? You don't want to be with us anymore?"
"That's not it and you know it. The fact is that we did kill Potter. Regardless if the charges were dropped, people still believe we did it. We all know that Voldemort had plans to take over the US. Potter stopping him obviously stopped his attempt to take over their home. Not everyone is going to just let what we did slide. There's going to be some who will want to take us out since our Ministry didn't. It'll be easier if we're not all together. When everything's blown over, we'll meet up."
That was that. They all collected their things and apparated as close as they could in the US. From there they all went there separate ways promising to meet up.
Sam and Dean waved goodbye to Castiel and Benny. Before Dean could say anything, Sam grabbed his hand and apparated them somewhere he didn't know, but he trusted Sam not to worry. When they arrived, Dean saw where they stood. They were in an old run down home. There were books everywhere. Whoever lived there really needed to clean up, or hire a maid.
"Where are we?"
Sam smiled. "Remember when we were in school you said that you wanted to know more about the kind of magic that the spell that Castiel had shown you?" Dean nodded. "Well, Castiel's father knew a guy that was basically an expert on that stuff. When you sent me out here, I tracked him down. We started talking, and he agreed to tell you whatever you wanted to know if I helped him with a werewolf."
Dean didn't know what to say. It's true that he was really curious on the background of the spell that he Castiel and Benny had used. He remembered that after he told Sam about everything that they had went through, he confessed that he wanted to know more about it. He was touched that Sam remembered something that he mentioned years ago.
"Wait here." Sam said. He went upstairs looking for someone. Minutes went by when he finally returned with an older man.
"Hello," Dean said holding out his hand. They shook his hands. "I'm Dean. I understand you know why we're here."
"Name's Bobby Singer. Sam told me you wanted to know more about where that spell you and your friends cast when you were kids."
"You understand that we're wizards, right?"
Bobby scoffed. "Yes, he mentioned that. I've been around long enough to know that not everything supernatural related in the world is evil. It did help when he used his magic to help with a werewolf I was hunting. So, what do you want to know?"
Dean, Sam and Bobby sat around talking about everything that had to do with where the spell came from, and anything related to it. They even talked about monsters, traps, and supplies that were needed to kill certain things. Dean has never been more interested in anything but Sam in... forever. Sam will always be his number one favorite topic, but this was a close second.
Bobby knew Sam well enough to know that they can both be trusted. He had agreed to let them stay while they learned what they could, but said that if either of them stole anything or go bad their asses we're going to be filled with rock salt.
The next morning, Sam woke Dean up with a kiss. Morning breath or not, Dean loved Sam's lips against his. They took their showers (together), cleaned up and ate breakfast. Dean wasn't even finished with his food before Sam started pulling him outside.
"Not everyone eats as fast as you do."
Sam chuckled. "Just come on. You can finish after."
"After what?"
But Sam didn't answer him. He dragged him to Bobby's garage. He ordered Dean to close his eyes, and after some grumbling Dean did. Dean stood there with his eyes closed until Sam told him to open his eyes. When he did, he gasped. Right in front of him stood the most beautiful car he will ever see in his life. Sam was motioning to a classic 1967 Chevy Impala. It looked brand new, and Sam confirmed that it practically was. Dean slowly walked up to it touching it wanting to make sure it was real.
"How?"
"You told me that you always wanted one since you saw it when you were a kid when you and your parents came out here to visit family. I asked John, and he told me where I can find one. I tracked it down here and fixed it up. It being Bobby's was a plus. I didn't have to go too far. Do you like it?"
"Do I- Yes! I love it. Thank you Sammy."
Sam shrugged his shoulder as if it wasn't a big deal. "Now that we're out here, we might as well have a car."
Dean went to kiss Sam again, but he was stopped. He frowned. "What? More presents? How many do you have?"
Sam shook his head laughing. "Well, what do you expect on your birthday?" He went to the passenger side of the car, and pulled something out of the glove box.
"Twenty five is not a big deal."
In Sam's hand was a long thin box. "Didn't I say that last year when I turned twenty two? Anyway, here." He handed the box over.
Dean took and opened it. Inside was a wand. He looked up at Sam confused. "Whose wand is this?"
"It's yours."
Dean shook his head. "No, it's not. Mine was snapped." He's never seen the wand in his hand before. It was longer than his, and bumps along side it. "Where did you get this?"
"Well remember after the war, I told you that I needed some time to clear my head?" Dean nodded. "Well, I went down near the bridge, and I found it. I don't know whose it was, but it was snapped in two. I liked it, so I took it. I was told by a lot of people that it would never be able to work again, but I wanted to try. I spent a long time trying to fix it. When you sent me out here, Bobby told me about a witch that might be able to help me. She's our kind of witch, but she knows about the Witchcraft Bobby does. For a price, she was able to help me fix it. I knew that your wand would be snapped if you were caught, so I wanted to give it to you."
"But it belongs to you. You fixed it up, so it's yours. You're its owner, not me." Dean handed it back, but Sam still didn't take it.
"Actually, no it's not. Last week when we were dueling each other, you disarmed me. I may not have been using this wand, but it was still mine. You disarmed me, so it now belongs to you."
Dean chuckled. "You did that on purpose."
Sam shook his head. He pulled Dean in for a kiss that he's been waiting for. "Can you prove it?"
Two years went by, and Bobby was aware that Sam and Dean were going to go off on their own. He had no idea that he would grow close to them in the time they've been hunting together, but he liked them both. Even though they were wizards, they were helpful on hunts. They learned quickly, and pulled their own weight. Their relationship was going to be their greatest weakness, but if they did things right, it could also be their greatest strength.
During the years, Castiel and Benny showed up from time to time. Benny was in a relationship with a girl named Andrea Kormos. From the sight of them together, Dean saw that they were good with each other. Not that long ago, Benny had told him that they were both expecting.
Despite Castiel's suggestion not to draw any attention, Dean had learned that he was now working for the Ministry in their Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He had proven that he wasn't the type of a man that he was made out to be in the British Ministry. Castiel may or may not have found a way to get rid of any record that had to do with what they did. He was never clear about that.
Because of their hunting and magical experience, the Ministry had offered Sam and Dean jobs in their Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical and Muggle Creatures. They would still hunt on their own if they had to, but they would need to inform their Head of Department. They both found the work no different than just normal hunting. The only real difference was the paperwork, and informing their boss of a new hunt. Even though, Dean didn't like the paperwork, the pay made up for it.
So at the end of the day, all of their lives were pretty good, especially for a bunch of murderers. If they looked back to the day they all knew they would be murderers, they would never expect this to happen. Then again, one could always count on them to do the unexpected.
On their way to a new hunt, Sam decided to take a nap since they wouldn't be at their destination for awhile. They were given the option to work with a different partner, but they quickly refused. They were also told they should just apparate where they needed to go, but ever since Sam gave the Impala to Dean, he would not part with it. They would only apparate if they had no other choice.
Sam loved every moment he had with Dean, and couldn't see himself anywhere else or with anyone else. There were times where they both needed their space, but they always found themselves next to each other again. He felt that his place was always with Dean in the driver's seat.
He remembered the day when they were both at Hogwarts that Dean finally told him the truth behind his words concerning the diary, his sudden love, and the fight between him and Draco. To say that he was surprised was an understatement. To hear that in another time he wrote thirteen letters explaining why he killed himself. To know that he actually committed suicide was what shocked him the most. Never could he ever think about ending his life when Dean was still in the world. How could he possibly die without Dean?
Dean had explained what each letter said. He didn't want to tell Sam anything, but couldn't deny what Sam wanted. Sam didn't want to use that against Dean, but he had to know. He felt incredibly bad afterward, but Dean told him he wasn't mad.
When Dean was finished speaking, Sam was angry. Regardless if Sam didn't actually go through it, in a way he still did. In another time, he actually died and went through everything that was said to him. He was so angry that he lashed out. His magic hadn't reacted to his anger since he was a kid barely learning about his magic.
Dean had assured him that he would never let anyone hurt him, but it didn't make him feel better. Even though Dean didn't know about it at the time, he was hurt. He was hurt by people that were supposed to help him and promised to do so.
After he learned the entire truth, he couldn't look at the people who was apart of the thirteen the same way. He really liked Lupin and Luna very much, but after that... he couldn't speak to them. He stopped being friends with her, even though she didn't do anything. But the thought that she could had it not been for Dean's love for him, she would have.
During the war, Dean had gone to Castiel and Benny and told them that even though Sam is alive, he was still hurting. Castiel was angry with Dean for telling Sam anything, but after hearing that Sam begged him to, he stopped. They all agreed that the thirteen couldn't get away with their actions, whether they technically didn't do anything. The point is they were all still capable of it.
Once the war ended, they were all angry that Snape was killed. Dean was okay with just going after the remaining twelve. Then came the moment that Sam asked Dean to kill him too. Castiel and Benny didn't know why he would say it. Castiel yelled at Sam saying that they went through so much to save him, and the fact that he wanted to die was unacceptable. After Dean was finished yelling at Castiel, Sam went on to explain.
"I don't want you to actually kill me, but just to make it seem like you did."
"Why, Sam?" Dean had asked softly.
"I don't want to be Samuel Campbell anymore. I don't care if it didn't actually happen to me, but to know that another me went through it all angers me. Samuel Campbell was raped, beaten, abused, humiliated, and tortured for years. He counted on so many people only to be let down. I don't want to be him. I think after everything he went through, it's best to just let him rest. I need to let him go, and find a new me."
"Who do you want to be?"
"I don't know. For now, I'll just be Sam."
And that was that. Samuel Campbell was their final victim. When they 'killed' him, Sam felt free. He felt like he can finally let go, and be whatever he wanted. He didn't have to worry about what was done hanging over his head for the rest of his life.
Dean had pulled over for the night. He didn't have any muggle money on him for a motel, so they agreed to sleep in the car. Dean had pulled into an empty field not before cloaking the car. Not only would the magical community not see them, but muggles wouldn't be able to either.
Instead of going to sleep, Dean got out of the car grabbing the beers with him. When Sam tried the American beer, it actually tasted disgusting, but after awhile he had grown to like it. Dean as well. Sam sat on the hood, and took a swig of the beer.
Sam didn't know what he was doing, so he followed after him and sat on the hood next to Dean. "Dean, are you okay?"
Dean nodded. They both looked up and couldn't deny that the night sky was beautiful. Sam didn't understand at first why Dean would want to park the car out here, but seeing the stars he could see why. Dean didn't seem like the type, but he had always found the stars beautiful. And tonight, there were so many in the sky.
"When I first saw you walk in the Hall to be sorted, I knew that we would be together." Dean said out of nowhere breaking the silence. He was still looking at the stars as he spoke. "I told myself that one day soon you were going to be mine. I promised to myself that I would do whatever I could to make you happy. No matter what it was that you wanted, I would make it yours. I spent so much time imagining what our lives would be like."
Sam blushed red.
"But then came the day I got his letters." Dean had agreed to never associate the old Sam to the one sitting next to him. Regardless if they were one and the same, it was what Sam wanted. "So many times, I wanted to die to be with him. I wasted my chance to be with him in life, I swore to be with him in death. The more letters I read, the more I wanted to be him. I wanted just one more chance to be with him, and I would never ask for anything again." He took a swig. "I guess we owe everything to Castiel, because if it wasn't for him we wouldn't be here."
Sam shook his head. "No. Castiel may have provided the way, but if it wasn't for your love for... me then I wouldn't be here with you now. You had the chance to get revenge and die to be with me, but you decided to risk your very life for a chance to come back to me." Sam leaned over and pushed Dean to lay against the windshield. He kissed Dean, and laid next to him. They had to move to get comfortable, and once they did they didn't want to move.
Dean wrapped his arm around Sam. There was no way Sam couldn't hear his heart pounding in his chest. He took in a deep breath. He reached into his pocket. If he was going to do this, he had to do it now. Otherwise, he didn't know when the next perfect moment would come.
Sam closed his eyes listening to Dean's heart beat. He didn't know why his heart was beating so fast, but if it was serious Dean would tell him. He was on the verge of falling asleep when Dean tapped his shoulder.
"Sam? What time is it?"
Sam checked his watch. "It's midnight. Why?"
"Happy birthday." With that, Dean held out a small box for him.
As soon as Sam grabbed it, he could feel Dean's heart beat faster. He sat up and opened it. He gasped. He looked back at Dean who was staring at him nervously. He looked back at the what was staring up at him from the box. Was this for real? Please, Merlin let this be real.
"Dean?"
Dean sat up slowly. "A long time ago, you let Sam Campbell go. You said you wanted to find a new you. I agreed. I've given you everything you asked for in the past, and I'll give you everything you want in the future. You wanted to be a new you, and I'll love whoever that was, but I don't want you to. I want you to stay exactly the way you are. I don't want you to be someone new."
Dean grabbed what was in the box and held it out to him. "You wanted to be just Sam until you learned who you wanted to be. I agreed to wait until you chose, but I can no longer wait. Right now until the end of time, will you be Sam Winchester?"
Sam wanted to scream to the heavens his answer, but he couldn't. He looked Dean deep in his eyes, and saw all the love he had for him, and no doubt Dean could see the same in his eyes. He whispered, "Yes."
He looked down as Dean put a ring on his finger. Ever since Dean told him about the letters and what happened, he felt detached from who he believed he was. Being with Dean alleviated that feeling, but it was still there. He loved Dean from the bottom of his heart and soul, and he wouldn't want to be anywhere else. From the moment he saw Dean when he was eleven, he didn't want to live without him. He couldn't and wouldn't. Wherever Dean went, he would follow. If Dean died and went to Heaven, Sam would follow. If Dean went to Hell, well... Sam would jump in the pit without a second thought.
For so long, he didn't know who he was. Seeing the ring on his finger, he now realized he was wrong the whole time. Even before he learned about the letters, he knew that he was always meant to be Sam Winchester. Now he realized that he always wanted to be Sam Winchester. Dean pulled him down for a kiss, and before long they were asleep on the hood of the Impala under the night sky.
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On the plus side, Sam and Dean Winchester do sound more badass...