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Chapter Text

Prologue:

Much had changed since that fateful day his Hogwarts letter literally flooded his Uncle's house. Harry had wondered many times what would've happened had he not received his. He shivered thinking about the Dursley's abuse. No, bad things or not things were better in the Magical world but only just barely. Britain's Ministry was beyond corrupt it wasn't even funny. Some officials were just bad, bribery amongst many other things.

The rest were Deatheaters and Order members, it seemed like everyone had forgotten what the true purpose of the government was. They were supposed to protect and serve their country and communities. Instead the well being of Britain's magical citizens suffered and the Ministry themselves almost seemed scared of it's people! They banned practically everything except for what Dumbledore and the corrupt officials wanted. Magic was dying and less and less magical children were born every year.

It didn't matter as Harry knew, he was going to fix all that soon. He moved soundlessly as he walked through an very dark ancient forest. Oh, he knew he could use a lumos, but he had no intention of attracting animals...or the people pursuing him.

They would all pay for what they did to him with this latest travesty.... he faintly heard some voices approaching. He hurried a bit faster as he briefly turned back to check behind him. He turned forward and ran headlong into someone's arms. He panicked for a moment when the arms enclosed about him....cold creeped into his body he could feel the wild magical aura of Death. Harry had denied Death's powers and had done everything he could not to use them. He found it ironic that now and only now did Harry take solace in Death.

"It's time to decide little master. We don't have much time." Death rasped.

"I'm ready there's nothing here for me any longer." Harry said coldly.

"Then sleep little one and when you awaken we will start again." Death said.

As coldness creeped into every bone in his body, he closed his eyes and darkness soon followed....

Ch 1

Harry's pov

Harry awoke with a groan as pain lanced through his side and head. He tried to sit up but found that he couldn't do so. With a moments pause, clarity came through...the cupboard under the stairs. Great lumbering creaks sounded down the stairs, his door rattled and Vernon's ugly round face came into view.

"Get up! Stop being a lazy freak and get breakfast made!" Vernon shouted.

His uncle's face was an ugly shade of red and purple with spit punctuating every word. As his whale of an uncle stomped away Harry slowly stood as another sharp pain ripped trough his head. He clutched his head and shut his eyes in pain. Harry made his way to the kitchen to make breakfast.  He completely ignored his aunt and uncle who were talking quietly in the dining area. Harry started scrambling eggs in a skillet. It almost seemed like a crazy dream being back here. Or rather a nightmare Harry wanted to wake up from.

It was today! This was the morning he remembered his first Hogwarts letter came. Properly motivated now, he made the breakfast for the two pigs and one horse in the front room. He finished quickly and plated the food. Returning to the kitchen, Harry started scrubbing the counters down. He had to get to the mail first...

Suppressing the scowl on his face, he ignored the loud noises behind him. Would it kill Dudley to chew with his mouth shut? Vernon wasn't much better but at least he never talked with food in his mouth. 

"Boy! Get the mail." Vernon said, gruffly.

He really hated Vernon's voice, Harry was glad he wouldn't have to deal with them much longer. He went outside and retrieved the mail from the box. Harry slipped his letter into his baggy pants. He gave Vernon the mail and slinked away unnoticed. Harry went to the garden under the guise of outside chores. He grabbed a pencil that Dudley had left on the windows ledge. Harry began writing his reply, he thanked Professor McGonagall for writing. He also said that his Aunt would be taking him to Diagon Alley so he wouldn't need an escort. He further went on to explain that his Aunt remembered going with his mother. He very subtly raised his hand as a barn owl swooped down to gather it.

Harry knew logically that this might draw unwanted attention from Dumbledore. But it was a risk worth taking, I mean really, how had he fallen for all of this the first time around? He hated how naïve and gullible he'd once been. It's not like Dumbledore, had tried very hard to hide his manipulations. Or any of it really, he knew his ignorance had been at fault. But in his defense Dumbledore had wanted him this way, all the easier to control him. He smiled bitterly, oh yes they would all pay for this. As night fell and his relatives slumbered, he was locked in his cupboard again...he breathed deeply...

"Death." Harry said tiredly.

Coldness creeped into the tiny space, the room was so tiny that Death scooped him onto his lap. Harry felt Death's wild magic encase his body as the aches and pains faded.

"Little master." Death replied softly, Harry curled closer into Death's chest.

"The wards on the house, can you mess with them and find out if I can do wandless magic without detection. I don't want Dumbledore to notice." Harry said.

It would be all the easier to accomplish what he needed to do if the wards didn't interfere.

"Of course it will be done by morning. Anything else little one?" Death asked.

"No, everything starts tomorrow." Harry replied.

He didn't know exactly what it said about him that he was so comfortable in Death's arms. But he drifted off to sleep feeling safer than he'd felt in a long time.

Morning came crashing into his senses as his Aunt noisily yanked open the cupboard.

"Boy....up, up, up Vernon wants a proper English breakfast." She said, grabbing his arm and wrenched him out of the cupboard.

He glared at her and of course she took offense. She swatted the spatula she'd been holding at him. Harry dodged to the side out of her reach.

"Death!" Harry yelled, he watched as his Aunt froze and everything went silent.

Death stepped out of a jagged black portal his cloak swishing about his feet.

"Little one." Death rasped.

"Is it done? Can I do it now?" Harry asked.

"It's done those wards were pathetic, in particular the blood wards. They're almost non existent and there weren't any wards for detecting magic or wandless magic. The old goat probably believes your incapable." Death replied.

Harry smirked and looked at his Aunt helplessly frozen.

"Good, meet me in the garden after breakfast. I have to train my horse and whales to act properly first." Harry said.

Death chuckled and vanished the world came creeping back into motion as the air fluxed and everything was normal. Petunia shook her head in confusion, he took advantage and dove into her mind. It wasn't anything special. Just dark space with fragments of thoughts and memories flitting about.

By the end of it she'd be a whole new person. He made her more inclined to work, docile, and made it unthinkable for her to hurt him. Bending her to his will was child's play as there was no resistance. He buried a subtle amount of his magic in her mind that would effectively act as a choke chain. If she tried to hurt him, she'd be shocked and lose the ability to breath. Even if they escaped his hold they wouldn't be capable of hurting him. He withdrew from her mind and sent her to make breakfast. He settled down at the table to enjoy Dudley's orange juice. Dudley stumbled down to the dining area a few minutes later. His shirt riding up on his stomach with a stupid grin on his face.

"Oi, scarecrow what are you doing at the table! Dad! The freaks at the table." Dudley said, smugly.

An angry 'What' sounded from upstairs, Harry smirked at Dudley. Dudley gave him a confused look before gleefully looking at the stairs. Vernon came lumbering into the dining area like an angry bull. Vernon froze as Harry's magic ensnared him. Vernon's mind was admittedly far more empty then Petunia's had been. He bound Vernon much tighter in his control and made his punishment much worse then it would've been on Petunia. Vernon had always been worse than her, and he was more likely to test Harry.

Vernon wouldn't be hurting him anytime soon if ever. Harry withdrew his magic as Vernon shook himself, his body mimicking a large bowl of jello. Harry continued to sip his orange juice as Dudley looked confused. Vernon settled at the table as well not even looking in Harry's direction. Dudley stomped his foot looking between his parents expectantly.

"Dudley, get the paper!" Vernon barked.

"But Dad the freak is right there!" Dudley cried, Vernon turned to Dudley with anger.

"I told your lazy ass to do it boy! And never call Harry that ever again." Vernon said, Dudley's eyes widened and bulged in shock.

"Mum, mum the freak did something freakish to dad." Dudley said, in a panic as he looked at his mother pleadingly.

"Enough Duddykins, now do what your Father told you to do. And don't call Harry that it's bad to say those things." She said, Dudley looked horrified as he realized that Harry had gotten to her too.

Dudley went to grab the paper his eyes darting around and returned to sit. Petunia brought in the food shortly after to the table. Dudley pitched a fit when his portion was smaller than usual. And to Harry's great amusement. Petunia, told Dudley he didn't need that much food. The horrified look Dudley had given her was priceless. Breakfast was coming to a close but before it ended Vernon had an announcement.

"Harry I think we should move you into Dudley's second bedroom...." Vernon started, as Dudley squawked in protest.

"Did I ask for your opinion boy? No, then simmer down Duddy! And as for your insolence Dudley, you'll be the one to clean it out." Vernon said.

Dudley wanted to protest but was cowed in the face of his Father's anger. With that Harry left to meet Death out in the back gardens. He headed to the darkest corner where not even neighbors or passersby could see. Idly, he wondered if any of Dumbledore's goons had ever hidden there to spy on him... to just watch him be abused. And none of them had done anything! Had any of them ever actually cared about him? Was all of it just lies? Anger simmered under his skin.

"What has you riled up so much my little one?" Death asked.

Harry had been leaning against the fence, lost in his angry thoughts and hadn't seen Death appear next to his right side.

"Dumbledore and his Order." Harry replied, angrily.

Death chuckled.

"Is there a way to fool or prevent Mrs. Figg from noticing anything has changed?" Harry asked.

That old bat could be a problem, he couldn't have her reporting to Dumbledore. Sure he could have Death "take" her soon. But that in itself might be too suspicious.

"Yes, but if broken it could destroy her mind and leave her catatonic." Death replied.

"Do it, and I also want you to retrieve the chalice horcrux. Be ready for tomorrow Death." Harry ordered.

Death nodded as the wind swayed his hood and cloak. He just needed to be a little more patient everything would be taken care of soon.

Chapter Text

Death's pov

While Harry Sleeps....Death Creeps.

It was a pretty accurate description for the moment. Death was creeping up on Mrs. Figg while she slept. Little master said he didn't care if he broke her mind. And whatever his little one wanted he would get. Death stood above her small bed covered in a pink patchwork quilt. He almost felt genuinely bad for her. Aside from her misguided loyalty to an old fool she was innocent. Or as innocent as one could be when ignoring abuse. He placed his right hand to hover just above her forehead. Black strands of magic flowed from his hand and settled on her head spreading out like a spider web. When it touched her head it started piercing her skin. It didn't make her bleed or cause her pain but she was essentially like a puppet now. One wrong move and her strings would be cut instantly. A living zombie with personality and no free will. But at least she wasn't dead and rotting away.

Though Death would prefer it if she had been. The only human he truly liked was his little master. Everyone and everything else he preferred them to be dead. She wouldn't be an issue now at all. Plus she didn't have a long lifespan left anyway. She would be serving something greater. Death was omnipotent, but he had only a small amount of omniscience. The future was constantly in flux due to the fact that nothing was set in stone. Why, fools in the magical world still believed in prophecies he'd never know. But Death did know that if his little master succeeded. The magical world would be all the better for his interference.

He opened a pocket portal, the black jagged edges hissing almost as if it were in pain. Death step through to the other realm just beyond. It wasn't his realm but it was in between dimensions and dimensional pockets. It was a vast space of emptiness which occasionally had surprises floating about. Like the Library of Alexandria, no it wasn't destroyed or taken away by aliens. Really, muggles were so strange in their beliefs. Some things were just too valuable to let man kind in general fuck up. When that's the case they just disappear here to the void. And they always end up here in this in between realm. Which was like a nexus hub for deities/entities to use to travel through to various parts of the multiverse.

Death was going to Gringotts bank to steal Riddle's horcrux. His little master's future was in constant flux, Death had no idea why he'd want Riddle's horcrux. He could easily destroy them all himself with just one. Horcruxes and any form of necromancy were just bastardizations of true death and soul magic. That is why they often caused insanity in their users, if you do it wrong there's always consequences. And Death didn't appreciate having his magic disrespected so of course the side effects were always nasty. His portal opened just inside the back half of Bellatrix's vault. He merely reached in and plucked it right off the shelf. Death never even left the portal, he smothered the horcrux in his magic as it tried to lash out and leech off of him. Dropping it in his cloak pocket he returned to find Harry sleeping. 

Harry's pov 

Harry awoke to Death sitting on a dusty split top desk in the far corner. He really needed to fix his room it still looked completely awful. He'd never understand why the Dursley's wasted a perfectly good room. It had been filled with nothing save dusty furniture and Dudley's broken toys. Dudley had done the bare minimum when cleaning the room. He'd stomped around grumbling under his breath about freaks. Harry had taken great pleasure in sending a stinging charm at his ass. Harry had done way more than clean a single room everyday. Yet Dudley couldn't even clean without stopping every few minutes.  

"Morning Death." Harry said yawning.

Death chuckled as he used his magic to refresh his little one. Harry squeaked in surprise and glared at Death. He knew Death wasn't happy about going shopping today. But to use refreshing charms to speed it up...really.

"Morning little master." Death replied.

"Did you get it taken care of?" Harry asked.

Death huffed in amusement while shifting on his perch.

"Of course it is the squib was no problem at all. And really the goblins couldn't stop me even if they wanted to. Riddle's chalice is in my office on my desk. It was feisty for a soul that had been starved for such a long time. But it really was no trouble at all." Death replied, clearly amused at the mere thought that anything would inconvenience him.

"Good, lets go I don't really need breakfast. Not that my body could handle right this second. Lets just get this shopping over with I really hate shopping." Harry said.

He crossed the room and hopped onto Death's lap. There was need to wait Death had even changed his clothes when he refreshed him. Death pulled him closer and Harry braced himself. All forms of magical transportation seemed to hate Harry. He always ended up falling on his ass. Well, except for flying and Death's portals. He was pleasantly surprised to not feel sick and be on his feet. Death gave him his cloak. That he materialized out of shadows and draped over Harry's shoulders.

"Where are we in the alley?" Harry asked.

Death moved to his side slowly and unhurried with deadly grace.

"A side alley just adjacent to Gringotts, I figured you'd want to start here first." Harry nodded, before moving towards the bank.

Harry wasn't concerned about anyone seeing Death, nobody ever does. Striding through the atrium he stopped at Griphook's desk.

"Reason for your visit?" Griphook asked, looking down his sharp hooked nose at him.

"My inheritance test for the Potter vault." Harry kept his voice a low as possible.

There was no need to attract unwanted attention. It was only just 5:30 am, but still there was no need to be noticed. There weren't a whole lot of people flitting about so it was much easier to be inconspicuous. Harry followed behind Griphook and stopped at a door labeled Master Goblin Rotgutt. He knocked and a harsh 'Enter' came from within, Griphook closed the door as he left.

"What is your business here wizard?" An older goblin asked, looking down at him with a look of bored indifference.

"I'm here to take an inheritance test for the Potter vaults." Harry said, before reaching up and dropping his hood.

If goblins could be surprised they sure didn't show it.

"We've been trying to contact you Mr. Potter." Rotgutt said, with an annoyed huff.

"I'm sorry Master Goblin, I haven't received any correspondence from the bank. I only just got a Hogwarts letter yesterday. I had no idea that magic was real let alone well...this. I've been raised by my muggle family." Harry replied.

Harry could have sworn that he heard the goblin swear something under it's breath. It was true for a celebrity he'd never even gotten fan mail let alone a bank statement. Just another control tactic enacted by Dumbledore no doubt. He had zero doubts about Dumbledore having his greedy fingers in his vaults touching his stuff.

"Your magical guardian should've been notified Mr. Potter." Rotgutt said, his eyes narrowed.

Harry wanted to scoff Dumbledore should never be around children let alone as their guardian.

"What's a magical guardian and who is it?" Harry asked.

He had to admit a scowling goblin was kind of impressive for something so short.

"Magical guardians are supposed to care for the children they are charged with. Are you saying Mr. Potter that you've never met Albus Dumbledore?" Rottgut asked.

Oh, he'd met the old goat alright, but he wasn't explaining how Death took him back in time. That and if it some how got Dumbledore into trouble all the better.

"No, who is that." Harry asked, feigning ignorance.

Sometimes Harry thought, it was amusing to simply watch people's reactions to things. No, wonder Voldie and Dumbles got their jollies off manipulating and destroying lives. Goblin cursing interrupted his thoughts. Rotgutt jumped off his chair and gathered a sheaved dagger and a silver bowl.

"Inheritance tests cost two gallons, take the dagger and prick your finger. Three drops into the bowl Mr. Potter." Rottgut said. 

Harry took the dagger from Rotgutt's clawed fingers. It was a simple jade colored sheaf inlaid with pearls and rubies. The daggers hilt was black and the blade itself was curved and sharp. He sliced the pad of his thumb. Blood welled up into a little bead, Harry let it drip into the bowl below. Before sucking on his thumb to clear the blood and stop the flow. The bottom of the bowl started moving as if something was coming through the bottom and bubbling up. Two rings came up with a smaller third ring. Harry had been expecting at least two, three made his brow raise.

"Now Mr. Potter pick up each ring and place it on your fingers. If it excepts you, it will resize to your finger, if it rejects you it will disappear back to the vault it came from." Rottgut instructed, Harry nodded.

He picked up the smallest ring first and froze... it had the Black family crest stamped on the front. Being smaller than the other rings Harry believed it was an heir ring. He slipped it on the pinkie finger of his right hand. It felt intensely warm before settling on his finger. Why had he gotten that one? Shaking his head and refocusing Harry picked up the next ring. It was the Potter Lord ring with the Potter crest in the center and a ruby on either side of it.

This one he placed on his middle finger, the warmth this time spread through out his body causing a pleasant tingle. And the last ring was made of silver but was black in color, the band had intricate weaving knots of vines with little crows flying within it. In the center was the Peverell crest with dark blue sapphires on either side. The sapphires were so dark in color they could almost be black. He slipped the ring on his index finger of his right hand. Unlike the other rings this one was cold to the touch. The sensation and coldness reminded him of Death which put him at ease immediately.

"Congratulations Lord Potter-Peverell and Heir Black. Now, about your accounts do you have the Potter key?" Rotgutt asked.

"No, Master Rotgutt I do not have my key. Was I supposed to?" Harry asked.

Sometimes playing dumb really did play to his advantage. When he finally liberated himself from Dumbledore he'd use this meeting as evidence. More goblin cursing sounded out.

"I, Harry James Potter-Peverell, here by state that I am the only one to have a key for any vaults. Anyone else is a thief and a liar. Please, recall and destroy all previous keys and give me a new one. Also Albus Dumbledore is never to have a copy. And I'm revoking all of his access to my vaults. Anything he took, money or artifacts is to be returned to me immediately. I gave no permission for any of those transactions." Harry said.

Rotgutt left the office, to return minutes later rather grinning creepily.

"This same key can access all vaults no matter which family. I also acquired a sapphire card for you, it works like your muggle credit cards do. You can use it in the muggle world and in our world. The shop keepers only has to tap it with their wands for charging purposes. Would you like to see any of your vaults Lord Potter-Peverell?" Rotgutt asked.

"No, perhaps another day Master Rotgutt. May you vaults overflow with gold Master Goblin." Harry replied.

The short creature looked at him surprised for a few seconds.

"May your enemies bleed at your feet Lord Potter-Peverell." Rotgutt replied.

" Oh, I intend to do just that." Harry replied.

Harry turned to walk out raising his hood as he did so. He went back to the alley they arrived at...before Harry turned to Death.

"I'm going to need my scar glamoured. I'm just too recognizable with it displayed so openly. I want you to come with me... but not as aunt Petunia. On the off chance someone actually recognizes her, like Snape or the other Order members. I don't want to risk explaining her presence." Harry said.

 That was one thing he had zero desire to explain least of all to Snape. Death acquiesced he now looked like a tall man with white skin, blue-grey eyes, and long white hair that lay braided over his shoulder ending mid back. Harry felt a slight tingle on his forehead where the scar was. 

He nodded and decided to go to some of the shops not on the main road. It was unlikely that he'd see any of his future classmates. That being said Harry didn't want to chance it in any way. His luck was horrible. It would either save his life or get him into a lot of trouble. First, he stopped at a small shop for hair and piercings "Marcell's Hair and Body Mod".

It was a faded brick building with red and gold accents and slate grey shingles. Walking in Harry saw tables lined with containers of various piercings, hair products, hair accessories, tattoo outlines, and a simple wooden counter. A man stood behind the counter leaning back against the wall reading a catalog. He had short spikey black hair, the tips were dyed a lime green color. He had blue eyes and several piercings on his lips and eyebrow.

"Hello, can I make an appointment?" Harry asked.

The man glanced up, his blue eyes regarded Harry carefully.

"No, appointment needed nobody else is here what do you need?" He asked.

"I want my hair lengthened and colored, and some ear cuffs for my right ear." Harry replied.

The man grinned and gestured to follow him into the back. A sign appeared on the door before the clicking of a lock sounded. In the back there were chairs, mirrors, with shelves of hair care products and tattoo inks were. He gestured for Harry to sit in one of the chairs facing a mirror, Death simply folded his tall lithe body into a chair to wait.

"Okay, lovie what are we doing with your hair today?" He asked, running his hands through Harry's messy locks.

"I want it lengthened to about mid back with bangs framing both sides of my hair. I want it darkened to a black color with highlights of dark blue." Harry replied.

The man nodded and Harry closed his eyes. Harry wanted to look as little like his parents as humanly possible. It got tiring really fast to have adults constantly say he look like them. Harry wanted to be himself. He'd spent far too much time being repressed by Dumbledore and the Dursley's. Harry had never felt safe enough to explore himself. As anything flashy or different would piss off Vernon or give Dudley an excuse. The things Vernon said about people who were 'different' was heinous. The man hated anything that didn't fit in with his bland normal cookie cutter life. Which is why Privet drive is the perfect place for Vernon. Everything was alike, each house resembled the last on the outside. Without the numbers on the side one wouldn't know which house was which. 

Harry was so over all of that anyway. He was going to be who he wanted to be without fear of repercussions. Harry felt little taps of what could only be a wand and something wetting his hair. Several minutes passed as Harry hummed softly and relaxed into the chair. He was tapped on the shoulder a few minutes later. In the mirror his hair flowed thick and loosely curled at the ends, black as night with sapphire streaks visible only in certain lights. The eve of his bangs was close enough that his scar would be mostly hidden. Another tap to his other shoulder brought Death into his view.

Death gathered up his locks into a high ponytail before tying it off with what appeared to be a strip of black leather. Perfect, he already liked the change. No more would he look like a James Potter clone.

"And what piercing do you want?" The man asked Harry.

"What kinds of ear cuffs do you have?" Harry asked. 

"One moment."

The man left for the front room and came back with a rectangular container with multiple slots. Harry picked three simple thin silver bands. They would sit on the top most part of his ear and flow with the natural curve of his ear at the top. Once done the only thing that could even be considered 'like' his parents was his eyes. That unforgettable killing curse green was the only connection to his mother.

Harry was very pleased overall as he paid the guy and continued on to 'Clarence's Traveling Trunks'. He bought two trunks and had them both equipped with wards and anti-theft charms. Harry then stopped at 'Hermes's Fine Inks' to get parchment, quills, and ink. He got raven feather quills long and thin with gold points. And he got inks in black, gold, red, emerald green, and sapphire blue. His next stop after that had been 'Herbert's Herbarium and Apothecary' to get his potions supplies. Harry did buy extra ingredients though, he'd never be a master. But maybe Harry could work on his potions later without Snape breathing down his neck.  He also bought a large raven from 'Fantasy Pets' and named him Charon. He'd thought about getting a snake, but deemed it too inconspicuous. Dumbledore would watch him more closely if he did. 

Next, was books, at 'Filbert's Finest Binds' he picked up his needed books and a few others. He got books for : Ancient Runes, Wizarding Law, Wizarding traditions and holidays, Wizarding etiquette, gray magic spell books, Hogwarts a History, and a few of his so called auto biographies. After all he wanted to know the full scope of what they thought of him. And also Harry wanted to know who he had to sue if they slandered him in any way. That had been one of his earlier mistakes. Never asking about how famous he was and looking to see what the public thought. While Harry was beyond caring what people thought. He had to concede that if he wanted to work with the Wizengamot. He'd need a better relationship with the media than Harry had last time.

He stopped for a very brief lunch before hitting 'Twilfit & Tattings'. Where he got got formal robes, dress shirts, black slacks, cloaks, pajamas, and blazers. They came in shades of dark blue, dark green, black, wine red, white(dress shirts only), and dark purple. Harry was grateful that he hadn't met Draco this time around. But that had more to do with Harry coming sooner this time around. He walked with Death to his final destination 'Ollivander's'. He had purposely saved this one for last as he knew his first wand had been difficult. Harry walked in with Death trailing slowly in behind him.

"Ah I wondered when I'd be seeing you Mr. Potter and I see you brought Death. Let's get you started Mr. Potter." Ollivander said, as he disappeared into the stacks.

Harry raised his brow, what??? How the hell had Ollivander known Death... was well Death?

"Death, how did he know that it was you?" Harry asked.

He glanced at the man next to him...Death shrugged his shoulders.

"Ollivander is half wood fae, it's why he's so gifted at making wands and matching them. Well, that is unless someone is too unique then he has to make wands from scratch. It's why he also has such a remarkable memory for wands and faces. As a fae he can see into the ether and void beyond. Which may explain how he knows who I am. " Death replied.

"Of course he does, fae love knowing people's names." Harry said darkly, he shook his head it explained a lot actually.

"Try this on, eleven inches wormwood with unicorn hair." Ollivander said.

Before he could even flick it Ollivander snatched it back and hurried off muttering no. Harry went through several other wands trying not to glare at Ollivander. He almost broke down and told the man to bring him his holly wand. At least it would be all over with...Ollivander creeped him out. Which was saying something since he was constantly hanging around Death. 

"Twelve inches beechwood with dragon heartstring." Ollivander said, he only just barely touched it before the wand flew away from him.

"No, perhaps..." Ollivander said, trailing off.

The man rushed back into the stacks before returning minutes later.

"Twelve inches holly wood and Phoenix feather." Ollivander said.

His old wand.... he sincerely doubted it would choose him again. He was just too different personality wise as well as magically. Harry was steeped in death magic, there was no way the wand would react well to him. And he was right as soon as he held it every window in the shop shattered.

"Oh, dear I thought for sure, we'll have to keep trying then." Ollivander said.

Ollivander brought Harry several more wands, but none of them chose him. Why, did he always have to be different? Harry sighed deeply, wondering how long it would take this time to match.

"I'm afraid that I will have to make your wand from scratch follow me." Ollivander said, clearly miffed by the unusual situation.

They both followed after him to a large back room three long tables dominated the center. One table had various stacks of wood and the other two were heaped with vials and bundles of wand cores.

"Mr. Potter, please walk along the side of each table. Run your hand above each item picking up only the ones that feel right." Ollivander said, as he stood near Death to wait.

Harry nodded and walked around before stopping and picking up cypress wood. Moving over to the other table he found a box with no indication of what it is. He also picked up a vial of what appeared to be long sharp black nails.

"Interesting indeed. We have cypress wood, Dementor nails, and Lethifold skin." Ollivander said, who didn't at all look surprised anymore.

At that point Harry was afraid his eyebrows would merge with his hair line. Who the hell had a wand like that? Only he, would have the strangest wand ever. What was also disconcerting was that Ollivander only typically used three specific wand cores repeatedly. Yet there were so many core options sitting on that back table. Why didn't the man make more varied wands? Was it a Ministry thing? And further more how the hell does anyone obtain those cores? Harry suppressed a shudder, as he imagined Ollivander clipping a Dementor's nails. He did his best to not think about the Lethifold skin. It was no small wonder Harry found Ollivander creepy.

"How long will it take?" Harry asked.

"Not long Mr. Potter about a half hour." Ollivander replied.

Harry nodded.

Harry and Death ended up at the 'Gilded Wand', a much classier restaurant then the 'Leaky Cauldron'. That and there was no telling who he'd run into there. They were seated at the far back of the restaurant upon request. He ordered strip steak and mashed potatoes with garlic broccoli. Harry doubted that he'd finish it all, as his stomach was still shrunk. The lack of food he'd received during the summers was very small. Death didn't need food at all, but he can digest liquids apparently and ordered the bitterest Cappuccino they served.

"Are we going to be doing it tonight?" Harry questioned.

"Yes, little master tonight we'll remove the magic bindings Dumbledore bound your magical core with. I will also heal all of your scars and previously broken bones. You have so many badly healed breaks that, your bones could pass for a demented jigsaw puzzle. As well as removing and transferring the horcrux in your forehead."  Death replied.

Harry nodded as he fell entirely silent enjoying his food. He finished his early dinner wondering if he'd even be able to keep it down later. They went and picked up his wand quickly before they returned to his bedroom at the Dursley's.

"I will be back later little one... I must prepare the ritual room." Death said.

He disappeared leaving Harry entirely alone.

For whatever reason Harry felt apprehensive about the coming ritual. But he knew one thing for sure. There was no way in hell he was going to go through all that. And return to the hellhole that his room was.

He moved over to the beat up broken desk and place his hand on it. The wood morphed under his hand to form a dark walnut desk, with the two front legs carved to look like snakes climbing up, their snouts touched the corners. Next, he took the broken one-legged chair and made the wood match with four legs and a green leather cushion. Harry moved to his tiny bed and transfigured it into a queen bed with an ornate dark cherry frame. He touched the floor and made it a rich smoky oak color. Harry moved to the walls and made them a royal blue color. He took a pair of Dudley's old socks and made them into two large bookcases to frame either side of the opposite wall, leaving enough space for his next piece of furniture.

Harry grabbed another piece of Dudley's clothes and transfigured it into a large, dark walnut wood wardrobe to sit between the two bookcases. He then took a pair of old sneakers and made a cherry wood shoe bench with built in cubbies for his new shoes near the door. And finally he transfigured yet another one of Dudley's shirts into an area rug. It was light grey with fern leaves printed in light blue on a grey background. Man he forgot how utterly tiring it was to do this with the blocks on him. Harry had wasted just enough time that Death had suddenly appeared behind him.

"Little master it's time." Death said.

Harry nodded and walked into Death's arms.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

He opened his eyes to what at first glance would appear to be an ordinary office. Well that is until he saw the way the walls were. They didn't look solid... more like a swirling dark purple and grey ooze that touched but never mixed. Harry turned around to look for Death and saw stacks upon stacks of paperwork and files. He glanced up and saw clouds... but the paper stacks went way beyond them. He couldn't even see another "wall" anywhere else. Seeing his look of bafflement Death chuckled.

"Welcome to my office we are currently in my realm, essentially it is a pocket dimension suspended from time. Those never ending stacks are called Soul files. Souls after death remain in limbo until I can process them for their judgement. There are so many dimensions, species, and multiverses that my job is truly never done. If you see shadows moving about it's undoubtedly one of my reapers. The universe is a big place. I wouldn't have the time to do it all myself, immortality withstanding of course." Death said, as he sat at a monstrous desk.

It was white or the exact white of bleached bones, the top was normal looking enough. The rest looked like it was constructed from a Hodge-podge of bones he recognized rib bones, skulls, and the other bones he just couldn't identify.

Well that explained the infinite paperwork. Harry was pretty sure that infinite paperwork was somebodies idea of hell. Death was indeed a very patient deity apparently. Harry picked up a file from Death's desk to inspect. What??

"Death why does this same guy have two folders?" Harry asked.

"More often then not, some souls exist in multiple timelines and dimensions. There are only so many souls and some get recycled or split between multiple places. Because of the soul split, ironically those people tend to have longer life spans." Death replied.

"Why, do they get longer lifespans?" Harry asked, curiously.

How was that fair? Did they have some way of deciding? Or was it completely random?

"When you die of natural causes they really aren't natural. The soul, as powerful as it is can only be in a body for a certain amount of time before the body simply gives out. The ones who are split get longer lifespans with half a soul. It's sort of how man kind in general made up the whole soul mate trope. People may actually meet the second half of their soul born into a different vessel. So I guess in a way the humans were kind of right. Though it is very rare, split souls are usually separated by dimensions or even a whole separate timeline." Death said.

Interesting, was it possible he...himself was a split soul? Or just normal? Knowing his luck Harry though, he knew his soul would be weird.

"I pretty much already figured mines a bit strange, am I....?" Harry asked.

Death seemed amused at his inquiry.

"Oh, your soul is indeed one of the strangest. Yours is one of the few souls that is split multiple times. It isn't the same thing as a horcrux. But there are currently ten more parts of your soul split through out the multiverse. The other parts of you aren't half as resilient as you are Harry. You see Harry, you are the master soul every time one of them dies. That soul fragment returns directly to you. Which is why a piece of Tom's soul could latch on to you. Your soul, for the better part of a couple thousand years. Has allowed those split soul fragments to be reborn into a whole new being. Horcrux's are exact copies of the original person's soul. When Horcrux's that are made incorrectly are destroyed... well the soul fragment is gone forever. It can't be reattached, recycled, or even reborn. It's quit literally the death of a soul." Death rasped.

Wow, okay he was going to need time to think about the enormity of all of that. It did explain a lot though especially the bits about Horcruxes.

"Come now, little master we must get your ritual done time might stand still here. But out there time still flows in steady streams." Death said.

Harry nodded making sure to keep Death's back in front of him as they navigated around the stacks. This was a place he did not want to ever be lost in. After all, death by paperwork stack so wasn't the way he wanted to die. They did eventually find a "wall" with a dark wooden door, he had almost missed it. Within the room was a massive circular slab of stone etched with runes. The floor was made of the same purplish grey ooze that made up the walls. An alter stood near the circle with a large old tome open, the "walls" had bookcases and tables loaded with books, daggers, bones, and other things floating in jars he couldn't identify nor did he ever want to.

"Go to the center of the circle after you've striped and lay down on the very center. Oh, and this is going to hurt you'll probably pass out before it gets bad...mmhh.. probably." Death said, unsure.

Really, he just so happened not to mention that part until now! And what does he mean probably??? Well, it's unavoidable Harry needed his bindings off now. If he waited too long it might shorten the growth of his magical core or just heavily damage it. He was already short, thank you, he didn't need to be magically short too. 

He finished and walked on the cold stone to the center and laid down. Harry heard Death start talking but soon lost interest in his words. As he noticed the black tar like ooze bubble up through the rune sigils. He only started to panic a little when it started touching his skin and moving up his legs. It inched up his struggling body, until he couldn't move his whole lower half and torso. He stared in horror as it came to his face. Harry couldn't help the scream that ripped from his throat. As the ooze filled his mouth and caused him to choke. Blackness overtook his vision.....

He cracked his eyes open his vision hazily looking at Death. Harry registered the intense pain from his throat and the ache of his body. Death was carrying him somewhere.

"Shhh, little one go back to sleep you body needs it. When you awaken it will be in your own bed." Death said, soothingly.

Harry instinctively cuddled closer to Death's chest, grasping at his robe uncovering part of Death's silver haired braid hanging over his shoulder. Before slowly... falling back into the darkness.

Death's pov 

Death watched his tiny one fall asleep before continuing on. Stepping into the crystal clear water of the universes oldest fountain. Found only in his realm it was called the Fountain of Life. The name was horribly misleading. It didn't give life it healed souls and life threatening wounds. It was actually the inspiration for that whole Fountain of Youth bit. Ageing in people was a natural progressive breakdown of a soul's vessel. Souls couldn't be contained very long so if you healed the soul. Then as a side effect you healed the entire body. It seemingly took years off of a damaged vessel. It also depended on how long a soul was submerged for. He didn't dip Harry in very long as an end result. He knew Harry was already annoyed with having a young body. Being a twenty-four year old, stuck in an eleven year old's body.

Stepping out Death dried Harry's body and wrapped him up in his cloak. Death himself looked pretty normal, he looked the same as he had in Diagon. He only looked terrifying when he felt like it. Death was several eons old, like beginning of everything old. He had to take some joy in his work, people might think him a little bit sick. But it wasn't any different then when the muggles scared each other at haunted houses. If you think of Death as a skeleton then he'd appear to people as a skeleton. It was mind over matter really, Harry wasn't afraid of him and viewed him as human. So for the first time in well over three millennia Harry was the first to see his true face.

Harry was the first living being he actually liked in about three thousand years or so. As he said before, he preferred the company of already dead beings. Because of his connection to Death, Harry straddled the rift between the living and the dead. He loved Harry like a parent loves a child, well... as much as his cold dead heart would allow him to. He now had the power to intervene in Harry's life, nothing was going to hurt his little one. If anyone thinks that death is the end of all suffering... they would be very wrong. Until he processed and released a soul for judgement. It was essentially his to do whatever he wished to with it. There was no time limit for how long he could keep a soul. Death could torture a soul if he felt like it..... that being said Voldie and Dumbles better watch it.

Death wasn't lacking in creativity in the slightest. A feral grin spread across Death's lips as he gently wrapped Harry in his cloak. Stepping out of another portal into his little master's room....Death tucked Harry in and made himself comfortable. A stack of Soul Files appeared on Harry's desk. His work was never truly done.

Harry's pov 

Harry awoke slowly and for the first time in years felt no residual aches or pains. It took him a few minutes to realize he wasn't wearing his glasses. To say that he was ecstatic was an understatement, Harry really hated his ugly glasses. He was by no means vain or even fashion conscious. It was super inconvenient to loose his glasses though. Without them Harry would've been blinder then a bat... possibly worse since the glasses weren't the correct prescription. Harry felt lighter like he'd been carrying around an extra weight he had no idea he had. He glanced up to see Death without his cloak, reading a book Harry had never seen before.

"Little master, how are you feeling?" Death asked.

"Really good considering what you did to me." Harry replied dryly.

Death chuckled grinning madly.

"Oh, I thought you'd panic less if I didn't tell you that primordial ooze had to go into and out of your body." Death said, nonchalantly.

His eyes widened, what the hell was primordial ooze exactly?

"Dare I ask what primordial ooze is?" Harry asked, dreading the answer.

Anything that had ooze in it's name just had to be made of something nasty.

"You don't want to know what's in that ooze... it's...better that you don't know. Just know that its different from what primordial soup is, it's a really huge difference actually." Death replied.

What??? He knew the muggles theory about primordial soup, but he'd never heard of the ooze. It had to be made from something really gross if Death wasn't telling him what was in it.

Harry got up to get ready and noticed Death's cloak was wrapped around him. Warmth suffused him, Death was the only one besides his parents and Sirius that actually cared for him. They protected him, while the whole rest of the world expected Harry to protect them. No, no other child was expected to do the things the world demanded of Harry. He startled as Death placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You should rest, you might feel good at the moment but that can change." Death said, pushing him back into a laying position.

"Relax, I only want you to take me back to Diagon for more books and breakfast." Harry said.

He added puppy eyes just for good measure, Sirius had taught him well. Because Death acquiesced almost immediately. Approximately a half hour later they were in Borgin & Burks down in Knockturn. He was pleasantly surprised to find several tomes that were in parselscript. Those texts were truly priceless especially because Tom probably owns most of them. But he got them dirt cheap, considering no one but Voldie and him could read it. Harry idly wondered where the books were from? Were they lost tomes or did one of the deatheaters have the balls to sell from Voldemort's private collection? They then settled in at the 'Gilded Wand' again. This time Harry ordered lemon-blueberry pancakes and fresh fruit. Death stuck with his usual cappuccino.

"What did you do with the horcrux from my forehead exactly?" Harry asked.

Death hummed as he sipped his coffee.

"I placed it into an old pocket watch that's been ticking around my desk. I have no idea how it got in there actually I have no need for one. It's currently being contained in my office where they can't do any damage. It's less then 1% of Riddle's soul, but it was leeching your magic and damaging your soul by trying to burrow into it." Death said.

Well... that was a pretty accurate description of old Voldie's soul. Damn, thing must've been starved being cut off from the main soul and horribly damaged. Death had told him that ripping off the chunks of one's soul the way Voldemort did. Was excruciatingly painful to the soul and left the fragments jagged and insane.

"So then Dumbledore was wrong about my parseltongue being from Voldie's soul piece then." Harry said, thoughtfully.

"Yes, horcrux or not you would've eventually manifested the ability. It's a bloodline trait, you can't suddenly gain something that's exclusive like that. It's truly amazing what Dumbledore can make people believe. Of course it was easier to convince you as you've had no knowledge or experience to know the difference." Death said.

"Wait does that mean I'm related to Tom?" Harry asked horrified.

Death smirked in response.

"Oh, yes your cousins many generations removed. One of Slytherin's daughters married into the Peverell line, which later had Ignotus Peverell marry into the Potter line. The Potters at the time had been less wealthy cousins of the Peverell's from another previous marriage. Slytherin's blood ran thin in the Potter line only now resurfacing in you. Your exposure to snakes and another parselmouth awoke it. The Slytherin line later continued and ended with the Guants, which as you know was the surname of Riddle's mother." Death said.

Well, today was a day full of earth shattering events though it did explain a lot. Primarily, that Dumbledore was full of shit or was lying his ass off about it. Death had told him that Dumbledore, had an unhealthy obsession with the Deathly Hollows. It explained so much about Dumbledore's creepy obsession with Harry and Tom. Especially, Harry's sixth year when Dumbledore had him watching memories about Tom. Like who takes the time to stalk someone and borrow their memory? There was no way all those memories were Dumbledore's.

"And the bindings?" Harry asked.

"All gone little one, with luck and very powerful healing you should have a rather large magical core. And maybe you might not be so short..." Death said, amused.

Harry mumbled something about asshat deities being freakishly tall jerks. They got up to leave, before they made it to the door a waiter tripped knocking into Harry. Causing him to land on the floor on top of someone. Harry tried to sit up and was steadied by someone's arms. He looked down to see dark eyes regarding him curiously, sunkissed Mediterranean skin, short dark hair. Blaise Zabini... Harry knew his face had to be beyond red, as Death helped his stunned little master off of Zabini.

"Sorry..." Harry mumbled before rushing outside, his face hot as he heard Death laughing loudly behind him.

He was never going to hear the end of it ever! With Death's life span it was a very real probability.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

He was currently sitting cross legged breathing deeply in meditation and stretching his magical core. Harry had zero desire to wait for everything to progress naturally. He had far too many enemies that would take advantage of his current situation. Sure Harry could have Death simply 'take' them all. But power voids, were almost always immediately filled once emptied. Better the enemy you know, then one you've never seen or met. Plus, he needed to repay Voldemort and Dumbledore for all the bullshit they put him through. Even after they had both been killed they still managed to destroy his life.

No, it wasn't just meditation it was a practice in patience. Harry knew he had a bad temper. And it had gotten the better of him more then once in the past. Earlier that morning, he'd been angry enough to have his magic shake the whole house. Harry knew their treachery ran deep...he just didn't think it ran that deep. Harry had received a letter from Rotgutt regarding the audit on all his vaults. Harry wasn't surprised to learn Dumbles was stealing from him. It was the identity of the others that made him see red.

Payments had been made to: the Dursley's, Molly Weasley, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Minister Fudge, Sybill Trelawney, and The order of the Phoenix. The Order payments could've been authorized by his parents... but the others. Particularly Trelawney.... Harry would bet anything the payment had been for her prophecy. After all, who the hell has a job interview in a shady pub? With no wards on the room, that just so happened to be over heard by a deatheater? That later led to the murder of his parents, no Harry didn't believe in coincidences. And Fudge made office right near the tail end of the first war. Sirius never did get a trial someone had to have buried that knowledge. Who better then the Minister he was paid well, meanwhile an innocent suffered for their greed.

Harry couldn't help Sirius yet, many things had to happen first. So as much as it pained him to he'd have to leave Siri in their a little longer. Plus, so long as he was in Azkaban Dumbledore couldn't touch him. The only good news was that Death had made the dementors leave Siri alone. As for the others, he could pretty much guess why... especially in Ron's case. It was pretty obvious from 4th year, damn he could kick himself for being that dense. Ron was always so jealous and the Tri-wizarding tournament had made that clear. The moron had also, single handedly managed to fuck up his schooling too. Ron had convinced him to take crappy easy classes, like Divination and muggle studies. He'd made Harry goof off and not take anything seriously, distracting him from training and studying. So it made sense that he was paid to be his friend. No, strangely the most upsetting had been Molly and Ginny, he really had been dense. His later marriage to Ginny should've driven the point home.

Harry had spent most of his time sleeping on the couch.... and when they did sleep together they never touched. No, cuddling for him, hell half the time they didn't even speak. If he hadn't had a wedding ring on his finger and kids, he'd have never known he was married. So many obvious things and he'd missed all of them, even Hermione had been in on it after their 2nd year. Death said Dumbles had taken advantage of her fear, after the basilisk she had wanted to leave him. She felt it was far too dangerous, but Dumbles promised her rare books and a high up Ministry job. In the end she ultimately accepted, she hadn't betrayed him yet but that meant nothing to him. If she could do it once she'd do it again and he wasn't going to be a sucker twice.

Meanwhile at Hogwarts- Dumbledore's office......

Fawkes squawked in indignation, as Albus started throwing the odd metal contraptions that were linked to the Potter child. To say he was pissed was an absolute understatement. They were gone! Both of them had vanished along with his vault key! He could always get another key! But the Hallows..... he couldn't replace those his elder wand and the Potter's cloak had vanished. He'd actually had to find his old wand. Only to find out that it was no longer compatible with him. This whole situation was just absurd! Nobody knew of his possession of those particular artifacts. So it was baffling that they were missing and at the same time as the vault key. 

And to top it all off that, the insignificant brat had foiled his plans for Hagrid and the stone. He had planned that perfectly to the very last detail...even going as far as using an Imperious on that fool Quirrell. He was supposed to hear from Hagrid how great Albus was. And to steer clear of Slytherin house all together. Harry was also supposed to be with Hagrid when he picked up the stone. And now his instruments keyed to the brat had stopped working. Additionally, he couldn't find any of the tomes he'd taken from the Potter vaults either. What in Merlin's hairy balls was going on! Not everything was lost just yet...well except for his precious Hallows. He'd murdered and betrayed many people to obtain those Hallows as well as his reputation! AND THEY WERE GONE!!!!!! He threw a book at Phineas Nigellis's laughing face. If only he could burn the smug bastard off the wall, but Hogwarts wouldn't let him!!!

The floo flared to life revealing a very irate Molly Weasley.

"Albus, Gringotts has taken all our money out, all of it! You have to do something those little freaks took everything! Including what you paid us for the Potter brat." Molly said.

Gods, her voice was unforgivably shrill. He didn't have time for her nonsense. Albus couldn't care two flobberworms about what she wanted.

"Now, Molly I'm sure it's some kind of mistake..." He said, in his most patient soothing voice he had.

Why did he need her again exactly? Why had he slept with her again? 

"It had better be we're ruined without it. Fix this now!!" She shouted.

If he didn't need her he'd have killed her already. Today was an absolute disaster...…

Albus popped a lemon drop in his mouth and scowled at her retreating back. So damn disrespectful, they would all be bowing to his whims soon. He would find the Hallows again and get what he needed at the bank. Just because one of his plans failed, that didn't mean that he didn't have backups. Albus just needed to reorient himself and ignore that shrill harpie of a woman.

Later at Gringotts...Dumbledore.

"What do you mean I can't get another key! I'm his magical guardian!" Albus shouted.

This was ridiculous they were denying him access to the Potter vaults! Him! The greatest wizard since Merlin and they were denying him!!

"I'm sorry sir their was a change in Gringotts policies only the owner of the account is allowed to have a key. Also the policies regarding vault transactions has changed. Due to our latest break in, no one but the confirmed owner of the vault is allowed to withdraw funds. That also means not even magical guardians are allowed to withdraw. That being said, in regards to the withdrawals of your account and the Weasley vault. The transactions were never authorized or verified by the account holder. There fore all funds and items are returned to the vault." Rotgutt said.

He was truly having far too much fun lying to the thieving fool. And Lord Potter-Peverell didn't even have to pay him! The old wizard had lied and stolen from one of the banks contractors. You didn't steal from goblins even if it was inadvertently. The rude man was lucky he wasn't dead honestly. Rotgutt refrained from grinning as the old man turned an unflattering shade of red. 

This was a complete nightmare! No money, no tomes, no invisibility cloak! That explains one Hallow and the Weasley account... but where was the elder wand??? Surely there had to be another way? Why was this happening now when he was so close to obtaining his little pawn?

"So there is no way to place the funds back into the Weasley account from the Potter?" Albus asked, gritting his teeth.

"No."

The little creature said as he looked inordinately pleased and smug about it. Blast those little freaks, he really hated creatures and people with creature blood. They were unnatural!! Molly was going to be a complete nightmare to deal with. A shudder went through his frame at the mere thought. 

"Deposit the same amount you took from the Weasley's from the Hogwart's vault." Albus said.

It was a good thing the Weasley's were poor that vault was meant to help orphans afford supplies for school. The fund had plenty of money...but he didn't want to have to explain the missing funds to the school board. The vile little thing left to do as he was told. Albus popped a lemon drop in his mouth. He needed to calm down and recalculate his plans... none of this could be the boy's fault. He was too weak from the bindings and being drained by the horcrux. And the boy had no previous knowledge of the wizarding world. He'd made sure that the Dursley's didn't mention magic. It was essential that Harry remain ignorant. Plus, surely the Dursley's had done a good job of beating the fight out of him. Yes, everything would be fine and it wouldn't take much to convince the child to give him access again. It was only a minor loss compared to the loss of the 'death stick'.

Harry's pov 

Harry was grinning madly. Death had just finished telling him what happened at Hogwarts and Gringotts. Oh, he loved Rotgutt so much right this minute. The devious little goblin just made his day without even knowing it! Boy was Dumbledore in for a surprise in just a few short days. It wasn't just time for school to start, Harry had sent something to Rita Skeeter anonymously of course. With luck, Rita would sow the first seeds of doubt about Dumbledore. After all, Harry needed a solid foundation for his smear campaign. Harry wanted to destroy and take everything from Dumbledore... before he killed him. He couldn't have the old goat die a martyr or a hero. No, the old man would regret everything and then some. The goat wouldn't even find peace in death. Death was very protective of him, so he was sure that Dumbles's after life wasn't going to be pleasant.

"Are you ready for the next few days?" Harry asked.

"But of course I am." Death replied.

Harry and he were going to spend the days stretching his core. During the nights while he slept Death would be preparing Harry's mindscape. There were two and a half Legimens currently walking about Hogwarts. And Harry didn't want a single one of them in his head. Though Voldemort was probably too weak to even be threat at the moment. Besides Harry seriously doubted he could see through Quirrell's turban. He sucked at occlumency, so... Death was definitely going to have to help him. In his defense though, Snape was being a complete ass to him last time. That man really needed to work on his teaching skills in more than one way. His potions teaching sucked as well...only putting recipes on the board and humiliating people. Well, it just wasn't good teaching. And taking out a decades old grudge against his father and godfather on Harry. It was completely unfair and very immature. But Harry wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore had 'cultivated' the hatred. If only to make Harry more miserable. And to make Harry come to Dumbledore for comfort and support. 

Harry couldn't believe he'd missed the puppet strings before. It was all too easy to see where Dumbledore laid out his manipulations. 

So it began Harry spent his days meditating to stretch his core and reading his school books. Ron had made him miss way too much information. Harry couldn't believe how much he didn't know...until after he studied in depth! During the nights Death worked his magic, the first night he laid out a very basic landscape that resembled a dense forest. The second night, Death formed a large structure that was basically a large library. He disguised thoughts, memories, and knowledge into books and tomes. The lower half of the structure or basement was an outside graveyard. On the third day Death, essentially booby trapped the mindscape. Trapdoors in the library dropped to the graveyard, random books sucked you in or would try to bite your face or throat. And barriers were erected on the outer space of the main mindscape. He also placed a black hole trap that was literally the first thing someone saw. It would be cold and dark like death, then it would suck them in. They would then be stuck falling in the vortex. The matter swirling around them would throw spells randomly. If they made it only then would they see the inner most part of his mind, the library. 

Harry knew Death would never let anyone hurt him. So he had faith that his mind was full proof now. Tomorrow was a big day... he'd be returning to Hogwarts. Harry couldn't wait to set everything into motion! Tomorrow was going to be absolutely amazing! He fell asleep with a grin on his face.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry finished checking his trunks before shrinking them and placing them into his school robes pocket. He was going to be riding with Death this time and he wasn't stopping their conversation just to change. Not that it would bother him too much. Death, had already seen all his goods from the unbinding ritual. Turning he spotted Death in his human form sitting on the edge of his desk.

"Are you ready little master?" Death asked.

Harry nodded and stepped forward into Death's waiting embrace. Swirling darkness met his eyes as he buried his face into Death's cloak. Their was only so long Harry could look at one of Death's portals before it made him nauseous. Seconds later he felt solid ground underneath his feet. They were on the Hogwarts express, Harry knew they were incredibly early as no one else was there.

"How early are we exactly?" Harry asked, curiously looking out the window.

"The train hasn't arrived at the platform yet so we are alone except for the staff." Death said.

He added a series of wards: silencing, notice me not, and repellent charms. After all, neither wanted to be interrupted they had much to discuss.

"How goes Rita's progress currently?" Harry asked.

He had sent some information to Rita Skeeter anonymously of course. Something to keep Dumbledore busy so to speak and sow the seeds of discord amongst the general populace and his sycophants. Death smiled.

"You were right, given the right bait and the trail of breadcrumbs. She's like a damn bloodhound, she has been running down sources all week. Her article is set to be printed tomorrow morning." Death replied.

It was Harry's turn to grin everything was going perfectly.

"Good, I want to make a splash for my Hogwarts homecoming." Harry said.

Death chuckled.

"Oh, little master you never cease to amuse me. I have something for you." Death said, as he reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out a book.

It was black with gold inlay around the edges, a silver skull raised up from the cover it's mouth open in a silent scream. A blood red rose was inside it's mouth, a raven sat perched on top of the skull, beady eyes peering straight through his being. Harry opened the cover and flipped through it, the pages were infinite and entirely blank.

"What... is this for?" Harry asked.

"Why little master that is a Deathnote, to be more specific it is my Deathnote it's called Raven's Rose. You can write any name within it's pages with a date and they will die. If you specify how they die then that's how they'll die. If you don't they'll simply have an accident or a heart attack. If you don't know their name you need only use your reaper eyes. Reaper eyes reveal the name and remaining lifespan of whoever your looking at. Because of your connection to me, the reaper eyes won't require half your lifespan. I gave them to you when you had your unbinding ritual." Death said.

Harry stared at him wide eyed.

"So anytime, anywhere, and any way I can kill someone?" Harry inquired, this was amazing!

So many plans flashed before his eyes.

"Yes, little master as I said if no cause of death is specified. A heart attack or a really convenient accident will conveniently take care of it." Death replied.

Harry smiled his eyes glittering this was perfect. With this and Death watching his back he couldn't lose...and best of all he wouldn't be associated with any of the accidents. Harry felt the train come to a stop, they must have arrived at platform 9 3/4. He saw the packed platform... and best of all a frazzled Molly Weasley and family. He should've seen it the first go around an all magical family going the muggle way to the platform. Plus Molly had shouted about going to Hogwarts on a packed muggle platform. It was a huge breach in the Statue of Secrecy! Especially, since the twins said that his first year was the only year that they accessed the platform that way.

It was such an obvious set up, his need for family and his need to get away from the Dursley's had made him blind. Blind to what was going on.... blind to what they had done. Harry thought he'd seen the worst in humanity with the Dursley's. He had wanted to see the best in everyone else, believing that nobody could be worse then them. He was wrong, at least the Dursley's were honest about their feelings in regards to him. Other then claiming his parents died in a car crash they hadn't lied to him. It's pretty bad when the Dursley's were considered honest in comparison to everyone else. He'd been so lost in thought that he hadn't noticed the train had taken off again.

"Are you going to confront your so called friends?" Death asked, silently staring at him this whole time.

Harry was pretty sure he hadn't blinked at all really. He'd thought of doing so... but concluded with the exception of Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Molly, and Dumbledore they hadn't done anything to him yet....yet. He wasn't the forgiving type anymore not after everything they did to him.

"I haven't really decided yet what exactly I will do with them. I'm not going to make friends with them again or Merlin forbid be nice to them. For now I'll wait and see, I only have plans for two of them so far." Harry said.

Death raised a silver eyebrow.

"What kind of plans do you have for them?" Death asked, Harry smirked.

"For Ginny, my dear ex-wife, she is going to be executed. Dumbledore thought he was being slick, there is a year old marriage contract hidden in my vault. What Dumbledore doesn't know, is he has the wrong name on it which makes it invalid. Rotgutt says that he listed my name as Harry James Potter, my first name Harry is a shortening of my real first name Harrison. And my last name is Potter-Peverell now. Since the names don't match it's invalid, which thank Merlin being married to her once was enough thank you! That being said the bride isn't ever going to make it to the wedding. And with the restrictions and Rotgutt's, sheer hatred of the old goat he won't be filing another. And as for Ron, since he's so keen to follow Dumbles he's going to have an accident in one of Dumbledore's plans." Harry said.

He smiled maliciously as Death smirked right back at him. They'd been talking for so long that the windows were dark. He could just barely make out some of Hogwart's towers in the distance.

"Well little one, your destination is coming up fast. Be good and don't do anything I wouldn't do." Death said jokingly.

Harry scoffed their wasn't much Death wouldn't do. A brief bout of sadness overcame him, Siri had said the same thing many times to him before going back to school. It really was going to be hard leaving him in that hellhole even if it was only for a little longer. But Death had assured him that Siri was doing better, since the dementor's were giving his cell a wide berth. Death had also placed glamours in his cell to make it look filthy. But in actuality it was now clean and repaired. Siri had new clothes and Death had been bringing him food and potions. Harry wanted to go with Death so bad to see him. But Harry knew if he went, he'd never be able to leave Sirius there. Harry had always suspected, that Dumbledore had just as much to do with Siri's death as Bellatrix and Voldemort did.

He truly believed at the moment that he was safer in Azkaban then in Dumbledore's clutches. After all, at the time of Sirius's death he'd been too happy and a little rebellious. And Dumbledore couldn't let him have that not at all. It was apparently too much freedom! He was going to relish destroying that old man. As for Tom, he suspected that he too was a victim of Dumbledore's machinations. Harry was startled out of his thoughts by Death scooping him up and giving him a bone cracking hug. Harry in return clung to Death like the lifeline he was. Death put him down and with a backwards glance disappeared into the void. A few minutes later the train came to a stop and Harry saw Hagrid gathering first years. Harry stayed at the very back of the group not wanting to be noticed at all. He had the oddest sensation of being watched. But hadn't noticed anyone in particular looking at him.

They loaded up the boats and for half a second Harry thought he'd be alone when he felt the boat dip. Harry looked over to see Zabini was sitting across from him regarding him curiously.

"So we meet again." Blaise said, as Harry reddened a bit remembering their first meeting.

"So we do and who might you be?" Harry asked, even though he already knew.

Death had said that the Zabini's had been mostly neutral leaning towards the dark. It would be good to get at least one pureblood to change to his side.

"Well, you fell on me so it's fair to say you first." Blaise said.

Harry ducked his head to the side, damn it he knew he wouldn't live that down!

"Harrison, or Harry Potter and you?" Harry said.

If Blaise was surprised he didn't show it there was something to be said about pureblood masks after all. 

"Blaise Zabini." Blaise replied.

Harry nodded.

"So Blaise, what house do you think you will be sorted into?" Harry asked.

Harry could see that Blaise was mulling over something.

"Slytherin I think.... but maybe Ravenclaw? I can't see myself in any of the other houses and you?" Blaise asked.

"Ravenclaw for sure." Harry replied.

Sure he could just let things run it's course and go to Slytherin. But he knew Dumbledore would never give him any freedom if he did. Dumbledore might think that the horcrux was influencing him, or had even possessed him. Which wasn't true.... but Dumbledore was a demented old goat anything was possible for him. He wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore truly believed his own lies or even remembered all of them.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. -Sir Walter Scott. Scott had it right if you couldn't keep your lies straight it was all going to fall apart eventually. Harry was startled by loud arguing happening a few boats away. Some how Draco Malfoy and Ron Weasley had ended up on the same boat. If he didn't know any better he'd say Death was having a bit of fun.

But Harry couldn't see Death anywhere hidden among the students.

"Your wrong! Me and Harry will be best mates and we're going to stop all you evil deatheaters." Ron spat.

Harry had never wanted anyone to drown more in both of his entire lives. Ron wasn't even his friend anymore and he still managed to embarrass him!

"Please, you probably don't even know Potter! And why on Morgana's green Earth, would he want to be your friend Weasel!" Draco shouted.

Hmm..... Draco was right nothing on Earth would make him be friends with Ron again. Ron actually pushed Draco, Draco planted his feet and pushed back causing Ron to flail back and fall overboard. Ron surfaced and was about to yell at Draco before it turned into a scream. Massive tentacles lifted a panicking Ron out of the water. It unceremoniously dropped Ron back in the boat. Draco laughed so hard it almost resembled a cackle. Laughter echoed out over the water as Ron sat there shivering. Harry covered a smile with his hand... maybe he would give Draco another chance. Harry had often wondered how different things would've turned out had he been friends with Draco and gone to Slytherin.

Harry turned back to Blaise again only to see him smirking at the other two as well. Not even in the Entrance hall and the dumbfuckery had already begun. Leave it to Ron to completely embarrass himself before school had even started. They docked shortly after and trekked up to the main door. Ron was complaining about it being freezing and that Malfoy was a git.

The other first years began chatting as Hagrid stood in back waiting for McGonagall. Apparently everyone was curious about how they were to be sorted. 

"I hear we have to complete some super hard task." Dean said.

"Yeah, my brothers said we'd have to all fight a troll!" Ron said.

The pureblooded children were markedly quiet and sneering.  

Professor McGonagall came into view as the doors open. She was about to speak when she noticed Ron's sopping wet form.

"Mr. Weasley what happened to you!" She asked.

Ron's face grew red as the other students snickered at him.

"Aye, Professor he tripped and fell in the water he did. Our Squid was nice enough ter place him back in his boat." Hagrid said.

"Well, Mr. Weasley Hogwarts does have showers there is no need to dive into the lake!" McGonagall said.

Ron's face was such an impressive red he could've outdone Vernon's trademark red. McGonagall explained to them some rules and to follow behind her. Single file they went into the Great hall for the welcoming feast. Harry and Blaise hung out near the back, as the others moved forward oohing and awwing. They stopped and Dumbledore stepped forward towards the podium.

"Welcome to Hogwarts everyone before we start the sorting. The Forbidden Forest is entirely forbidden as well as the third floor corridor. Curfew for students under year seven is 8pm. Anyone caught wandering will get detention with Mr. Filch." Dumbledore sat down and McGonagall brought forth the sorting hat, it started singing the school song.

Harry idly wondered if the founders were laughing in their graves. It was like the best prank ever! Make the whole student body sing the most ridiculous song ever every year. The sorting started :Hermione had gone to Gryffindor, Daphne had gone to Slytherin, Neville had gone to Hufflepuff, Draco, Theo, and Pansy in Slytherin. And and Harry was called next he walked forward as the hall was entirely silent.

They were staring at him like muggles stared at sideshow attractions. He sat on the stool and McGonagall placed the hat on his head.

"Well, welcome back Mr. Potter or should I say Potter-Peverell. My your mind has greatly changed, not at all like it was the first time. Hmm, your best choice is still Slytherin. But I can tell that you are still denying your true nature." The hat said.

"I'm only denying it to remain unnoticed. I want Ravenclaw." Harry said tersely.

The hat hopped about his head space admiring Death's work on his inner mind.

"Well, one thing is for sure your no longer suitable for Gryffindor. And Hufflepuff wouldn't survive you...." The hat said, gazing about.

"It had better be Ravenclaw!" The hat shouted.

Harry hopped off the stool and headed for the cheering mass of blue and bronze ravens. Harry sat quietly at the very end of the table not looking at anyone else. The Gryffindor table was looking at him in betrayal. Like it was a forgone conclusion that Harry would be with them. Why everyone seemed to think that you always end up in your parents house was stupid. Surprisingly, Blaise went to Ravenclaw with him as well. Ron went to Gryffindor, which caused him to throw a bit of a tantrum, saying he was supposed to be with Harry! Harry snorted Ron barely had more brains then a flobberworm! He wouldn't survive in an actual academic climate. The only thing he was gifted in was chess and making himself look ridiculous. Oh, and being the world's grossest eater hands down! Which was saying something since he'd seen Dudley and Vernon eat.

The sorting finished and they tucked into their food. Harry saw Dumbledore and Quirrell eyeing him out of corner of his eye. Great now they were both curious, about him it was only a matter of time really. Snape also gave him sidelong looks, but fared much better in covering it up. Once the feast was over they were all led out by prefects to show them where the dorms were. Harry thought it was kinda bad security, if all you had to do was answer a question. On the other hand they didn't have a fixed password either. So if someone was an idiot like say Ron for instance, they'd never get in. He'd have to ward his bed and have Death bolster them. If anyone can just walk in it wasn't secure at all really. But that was a typical of Dumbledore's effect on Hogwarts.

Bad things always happened and yet the Headmaster, who was tied to the wards didn't know how this was happening or why? He was safer in deatheater headquarters then he was with Dumbledore which was sad really. It however didn't dim his love for Hogwarts in the slightest. The castle was still his home he just wished Dumbledore's slimy fingers weren't all over it. He was sharing a dorm with Blaise and two other boys Anthony Goldstein and Terry Boot. Harry would bet money their dorm had expansion charms. The room was big each of the four beds, had nightstands on each side, a wardrobe, and a desk. And the beds were so evenly spaced, that their was almost six feet apart. Dressing screens with the Ravenclaw crest and colors separated, each of their spaces giving each boy a liberal amount of space and privacy.

Harry chose the one at the very end with Blaise's bed next to his. On the other side of the room across, from them is where Anthony and Terry had their space. At the moment Harry was alone warding his trunk, whenever he did magic he never touched his wand. Harry was simply too used to wandlessly doing everything. He was alone in the dorm at the moment so it wouldn't matter. It was super quiet which pleased him greatly. He didn't hear Blaise come up behind him to watch him work. It took an embarrassing amount of time for Harry to notice! With Death being his favorite stalker you'd think he would notice someone behind him.

"So wandless magic and warding you definitely don't learn that from muggles." Blaise said.

Crap, you most definitely don't. Well, Death was going to play a larger part then he thought in 'raising' him.

"Oh, I recently discovered I had an Uncle, Azrael Peverell. He taught me so much over this past summer holiday." Harry said. 

This idea had a lot of merit Dumbles wouldn't be able to hurt Death like he could Sirius. Plus it would get him away from his so called relatives. With the added bonus of ruining Dumbledore's plans for him. Harry would not stay imprisoned with the Dursley's.

"You're related to the Peverell's?" Blaise asked, surprised.

"Yeah, direct line descendant." Harry replied, nonchalantly.

He knew that the Peverell's were just as infamous as the Slytherin name. Both names carried old blood and legends that still existed even now. 'The Beedle and the Bard' being the most prominent of the Peverell legends. Well, that and the fact that the Peverell's had generations worth of Necromancers. Either way it was a name that everyone knew...and even feared. 

"And he's only now just come into your life?" Blaise asked, suspiciously.

Hmmm, to tell or not to tell?

"When my parents died, I was supposed to be given to Lord Peverell. But Dumbledore sealed their wills and made himself my magical guardian forcing me to live with muggles." Harry replied.

It was technically valid as Dumbles had sealed their wills. Harry had to have a special reading with Rotgutt. And his parents specified that he was to never be around or raised by the Dursley's or Dumbledore. Sirius had been made his primary guardian with Snape as his second. Frank and Alice Longbottom had also been mentioned as potential guardians. But given their mental states they weren't fit to do so. So honestly the only real lie was Death being his uncle.

"Why would he do that?" Blaise asked, genuinely sounding surprised with a touch of disbelief.

"Good, question he's also been stealing from me for years! He abused his magical guardian status and started taking money and items out of my accounts without my permission." Harry replied, in a detached cold tone.

"Why, why you Harry?" Blaise asked.

Harry shook his head he'd been wondering that his whole life. The only person that might know for sure was Death. Death wouldn't always tell Harry certain things. Which was utterly maddening sometimes.

"I've been wondering that my whole life. What did I ever do to deserve any of it really?" Harry asked.

He couldn't help it his voice got rough. He just knew those traitorous tears were gathered at the ends of his eyes. Blaise actually surprised Harry by pulling him into a hug! No one but Death or Sirius had ever hugged him and meant it. Harry didn't feel any deception or mocking coming from the other teen. All he wanted was to be normal... to be loved. Was that really so wrong? Why? Why? A sob torn from his throat as he clung to Blaise.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry awoke from a sound sleep...which was surprisingly nightmare-less. He creeped out of bed carefully as to not wake the others up. Harry didn't have fond memories of sharing the dorm bathrooms. It was always crowded with lines to the sinks and showers. Yeah, he didn't miss that chaos at all. Now was the perfect time to get ready for the day. As he did his routine he couldn't help, but think about last night. He'd allowed himself to be vulnerable.... to trust someone that wasn't Siri or Death. For the first time, in a long time Harry felt like he could trust someone else. Harry knew he'd always have that chip on his shoulder. Harry would forever be precautious where other people were concerned. Blaise had been surprisingly warm for someone who'd been so aloof in his before life. But then Harry hadn't made the effort to know the other boy. No, Harry had bought into the lies about Slytherins. How naive he'd once been thinking in such black and white terms. Light wasn't always good and dark wasn't always evil. Dumbledore and Snape were good examples of that. He'd never given any of the Slytherins a chance after Malfoy.  

Before his trip to the past... Blaise had never spoken to him at all. All Harry had known about him was that he hung out with Draco and their other friends. He'd never given Blaise any thought personally. Blaise had never done anything personally to Harry or his friends. It was a shame there were so many missed opportunities.... He really had to stop thinking about his before life. The what ifs would drive him mad otherwise. On his way back to his bed Harry cast a wandless Tempus. It was still a bit early yet.... life with the Dursley's had left him with more then just scars. Most of the time Harry couldn't sleep in. He was usually up early or it was because of Voldemort induced nightmares. Harry wouldn't recommend to anyone really, to ever share minds with a dark lord! Some of the things he'd seen couldn't be unseen. A shudder went through his body.

After getting dressed into his school robes, he made sure to pack for the days courses. Truthfully the part he looked forward to the most was the debut of Skeeter's article in the Prophet. Oh, he couldn't wait to see Dumbledore's face! It was sure to be a very amusing day today. Harry wandered down through the common room and down the halls into the Great hall. Much like at the sorting, Harry perched himself at the very end of the table. He preferred to sit with his back to the wall  and an easy way out. Some might call it paranoia.... but it's not paranoia if there really are people out to get you. I mean he had three teachers, a Dark lord, a Cerberus, a Troll, giant Acromantulas, Dementors, a Basilisk, merpeople, and a Dragon try to kill him. And that had all happened at Hogwarts alone! Feeling a slight painful twinge in his scar he looked up. Quirrell was looking at him then looked away as Harry caught him. Dumbledore was also giving him the occasional glances.  

Blaise had joined him with a mumbled 'morning' and a yawn. Harry decided to eat toast and fresh sliced fruit skewers with water and pumpkin juice. More students trickled in slowly until almost everyone was there. The professors started passing out schedules and all was normal. Until the mail started to arrive, owls started swooping down dropping packages and papers. Harry tried not to snort as the Weasley owl landed in a bowl of eggs flopping around hysterically. Ron had to fish the poor thing out and got a egg covered wing to the face for all his trouble. Harry hid his laugh in Blaise's shoulder. Blaise himself was smirking and noticeably shaking as well. Harry swore a few people almost fell off their chairs laughing at Ron. Nudging at his shoulder brought his attention to Dusk. Dusk was Death's large eagle-owl. Death's large eagle-owl with talons as large as dinner plates, beady black eyes, and black/brown feathers. Harry took his package from Dusk offering some bacon to the creature for his trip. He also snagged a paper from a frightened Daily Prophet owl.

If it were possible for an owl to pull its head in like a turtle that poor owl would've. Blaise and his other housemates were eyeing Dusk as well. He scratched just under Dusk's sharp beak at the tender hallow of skin and feathers. One of the other first year students at his table squeaked gaining Dusk's attention. He let out a throaty hiss in response before taking flight. Harry opened his package from Death first, it had wrapped truffles in it. His favorite kinds too they came from the Gilded Wand, he loved the raspberry- lemon ones. Harry really didn't eat a whole lot of candy anymore. Since he wasn't around Ron, he didn't end up buying some by proxy either. It was then he heard the hall grow, mostly quiet as a gasp here and there permeated the air. Harry grabbed his Daily Prophet and saw the front page article.

DUMBLEDORE'S COVER UP / WHO REALLY KILLED ARIANNA DUMBLEDORE!

(((Readers, I was shocked when I was sent an anonymous source of information. Naturally I had to pursue this lead, I went to the Ministry of Magic and was shocked to find no file in regards to a murder investigation that existed! Only a tiny note that she was killed in the crossfire of a fight between her brother and Grindelwald. Why was their no investigation into her death? 

Why didn't the Ministry use, the Occultatum Memoriam Loco spell, which reveals the memories of any location to view what happened. Even more suspicious was that the, Dumbledore family home was destroyed shortly after. Was it done to get rid of bad memories or to cover up what happened to her? A witness who was walking past the home, stated that he was walking by and only saw one flash of green from Dumbledore's wand, as he'd been standing with his back to the window. He swears that he saw no other spells being thrown. With that in mind dear readers can we really blame Grindelwald for her murder? When he hadn't used a single spell that day. Was it Dumbledore or Grindelwald? You decide.)))

Harry looked up at the teachers table, and watched as all the color drained from the old goat's face. Harry had to keep a straight face as a smirk threatened to break out on his face. Colorful robes swished behind Dumbledore as he hurried away. Harry was definitely having a really good day so far.

Harry and Blaise left and made their way to Herbology. Everyone else though seemed to be caught up in the drama. When they arrived at the greenhouses it was entirely deserted.

"Well, you definitely weren't kidding when you said Dumbledore was up to some shady things." Blaise said.

"Shady doesn't even come close to what Dumbledore has undoubtedly done. His targeting of me is beyond creepy, I mean isn't Dumbledore well over eighty?" Harry asked.

Eww, just eww yeah he'd meant to spin it that way but it was still disgusting. He must have shivered because Blaise asked him if he was cold.

"You're the one that gave Skeeter that lead didn't you?" Blaise asked.

Harry thought about playing dumb, but realized that telling Blaise would be better in the long run for their friendship. And Blaise wasn't a gossip he wasn't likely to spread it around. Plus he'd had a favorable reaction to Harry's declarations from the night before.

"I did, considering what that man did to me this is mild revenge if anything." Harry replied.

Which was true in more ways than Blaise would ever know.

"Is it real then? Did he really kill his sister?" Blaise asked, watching him curiously.

"Yup, Arianna had been sick most of her life.  After their mother died Albus and Aberforth had to care for her fulltime. Their father had gone to Azkaban years before after killing five muggles. One of their neighbors said that Albus always seemed more resentful of his duties. A passerby really did witness the fight that ended Arianna's life. Grindelwald was merely shouting from the other end of the room he never drew his wand once. Aberforth was in the room too, but I imagine he was too scared to say anything to the authorities. Or Albus obliviated him either way no one came forward and no investigation was given." Harry replied.

Everything in that statement was true except for the passerby who was Death and he wasn't telling Blaise that.

"Wait, why did his father kill those muggles?" Blaise asked.

Harry smirked as he finished setting up their table.

"Arianna was ten years old when she wandered away from the house to play. Those five men had done something to the poor girl. She returned disheveled and bloody...she never spoke again. Their father, Hiram Dumbledore, went looking around the village. At the time they'd lived near a small town that bordered a muggle village. Well, he found those men drinking in a tavern on the outskirts of the muggle settlement. Whatever he heard or learned about what happened...caused him to snap and kill them. She was never the same again after that. Some of the neighbors believed she was catatonic since she never responded to anything after that." Harry said. 

Oh, he knew what had happened to Arianna. The sick bastards deserved exactly what Hiram gave them! They took advantage of a sweet sickly girl who had never harmed anyone. They had brutally violated her and beat her leaving Arianna for dead. How she'd had the strength to get up and go home he'd never know. But he greatly respected the girl for managing it...if it had been him...If Harry had gone through something similar. He wasn't sure if he'd have the strength to walk two miles home. She'd done it though...bloodied with her clothes hanging off her in shreds.

What truly baffled Harry was how no one saw her. She had to walk through the wizarding village to the other side to reach the Dumbledore's house. Even if she'd stayed to the outer fringes of the small town...how had she not been seen by anyone? And Harry could only think of three reasons why Arianna wouldn't have been seen. One, is if the town had a festival. Naturally citizens would be gathered to celebrate in one area. As such unless she wandered into the crowd no one would be paying attention. Two, was if people did see her and were either too scared or simply didn't care. This was unbelievable to him in more ways than one. Who just ignores a bleeding distressed child? And three, which is the most disturbing one for Harry. Is if someone made sure she wasn't seen...like a well placed notice me not spell. In a magical village so close to adult wizards... one of her brothers could've done it without tripping the trace. Not even just that...those men might not have done what they did on their own accord. Harry knew Aberforth didn't have it in him to hurt anyone...least of all his sick sister.

But Albus....Harry could believe it. And what a good way for Albus to get rid of his father. The very same father who had forbidden Albus to leaving abroad with Gellert after they graduated. Yes, the two had made several plans for after their graduation. None of which included staying at home to care for Arianna. Harry fully believed that Albus had intended for Arianna's death. And while she defied the fate dealt to her...their father going to Azkaban was a happy coincidence. And Harry didn't believe in coincidences especially if Death knew the truth. Death can see into the very depths of one's soul. There was no hiding your secrets and sins....he knew all and saw all. Albus waited a few more years to try again...and succeeded in killing Arianna once and for all. Albus can lie all he wants but the dead tell no lies and Arianna's tortured soul condemned her brother.    

"Merlin...that's how does no one know about this?" Blaise asked, his face scrunched in disgust.

"Dumbledore covered it all up. Their mother and Aberforth never talked about it...and Arianna was so traumatized. He killed her when he couldn't stand to care for her any longer. Then he blamed it on Grindelwald after they had a disagreement. That man is evil...at least Grindelwald was truthful about the horrors he committed. Dumbledore pretends to be a light lord and masquerades around as a harmless grandfatherly figure. I wouldn't let that man take care of a flobberworm let alone a child." Harry replied.

Their conversation ceased as the other students filed in. Professor Sprout introduced herself and told them that they would be drawing and pruning Shrivelfig plants. It brought back unfortunate memories, of crushing Shrivelfigs for Draco that potions class so long ago.

Their next class was History of Magic, which was more boring then usual as it was about yet another goblin war. With all the wars those creatures had, he was always surprised that they hadn't wiped themselves out yet. There was more wizarding history then goblin wars! And this horrid teaching had been going on for over fifty years. Hogwarts wasn't destitute by any means they could've gotten a new History teacher at any given time. They had the lowest scores in exams for the subject. The other schools beat them hands down. Part of Harry wondered if it was intentional. Dumbledore had access to school accounts. What if he was using some of the money for himself? Even with the board of governors overseeing everything it was possible. One saves a lot of money not paying a ghost. Plus, if no one knows the proper wizarding history. Then the muggleborns and half-blood's were only taught what he wanted. And they were his biggest supporters in general. Harry wasn't the only one Dumbledore wanted ignorant. The purebloods didn't help either because they assumed that the others already knew. They assumed that the halfbloods/muggleborns were taught their traditions. And looked down on them when they 'chose' not to follow them.

But really they were like Harry, those people had no idea. So the miscommunication left a wedge between everyone.  

Next there was lunch, which hadn't been much different from breakfast. Harry ate a few roast beef sandwich wedges as he listened to the table. Everyone was still talking about Skeeter's article, Harry noted that Dumbledore was still gone. Which of course made Harry feel quite accomplished in his first strike. After that they had a flying lesson which Harry didn't bother to show off this time. As much as he loved Quidditch it would be too distracting to his goals. Plus, Harry had simply loved flying, and Quidditch was just a side bonus. They had a free period which they used to sit down by the lake. The sky was a clear blue. Fresh crisp air ruffled his hair as he sat with Blaise comfortably.

The last class of the day was Astronomy they studied star maps in the classroom. The night sky was simply too cloudy for the telescopes. Blaise and he then went down to dinner. Harry sat vaguely listening to Blaise and Terry talk. They were discussing possible electives for third year. Ron was busy at Gryffindor table making a fool of himself. Popping a piece of chicken in his mouth and chewing. Harry watched Ron argue with Hermione. She ended up stomping out of the Great Hall in a huff. Dumbledore was still missing and McGonagall looked rather annoyed about it. Harry would be too if a bunch of kids asked questions about Dumbledore all day. But such was her job not that she did it well. 

Don't get him wrong Harry did respect McGonagall. But she hadn't been a very good head of house. As a teacher, deputy headmistress, and head of house she had a lot to do. But she had failed in his eyes on multiple occasions. First, it had been the Philosopher's stone. They had tried to tell her but she ignored them. Then second year, she had no idea Ginny had been ill and possessed. Third year, giving a thirteen year old a timeturner. And not noticing that it had taken a toll on Hermione. Plus, escaped convicts and a rat Animagus. Fourth year, she did nothing to defend or protect Harry at all. And she didn't seem to notice their harassment. Fifth year, she simply told him to keep his head down. And that was the year everyone got tortured with blood quills. Most heads of houses knew what was going on in their houses. McGonagall seemed to be the only clueless one of the four. 

He honestly felt bad for the muggleborn students. McGonagall was their temporary magical guardian while they were at school. The woman couldn't even find time for anything. And Harry had never bothered with the other heads. Snape never would've believed them, Sprout was nice but not authoritative, and Flitwick was hard to get a hold of. Flitwick though was really involved in his house. He offered extra help to his students. By setting up a house study group where he wandered the common room to answer questions. He even made up flashcards for the owls and newts students to study with. There were charts on the bulletin board for the students. They had everything from wand movement guides to study and reference book lists. Which was vastly different form Harry's experience in Gryffindor house.

Harry finished his roasted herbed chicken and indulged himself. Treacle tart was still one of his favorites! Grinning he licked his spoon and sent a mischievous look to the twins. Fred and George had been looking at him from their table. Only time would tell if they were like their family. Or if they were genuine friends who knew nothing of their mother, brother, and sister's treachery.   

Meanwhile.....Azkaban Prison Sirius pov

Sirius awoke to someone petting his hair... he would've normally flinched away. But he was so touch starved after all these long lonely years. Sirius looked up to find the man with braided white hair. He'd been here twice a day for over a month bringing, food, clothes, and potions. Sirius hadn't spoken to him yet as there was just something about him. Sirius couldn't put his finger on it.... he wasn't afraid of him. But at the same time the man felt off. It was the best Sirius could do at the moment. He'd never been a man of words...well fancy words anyway. The man had a strange aura about him that made Sirius precautious. He accepted the potion given to him as the stranger unloaded a picnic basket.

He pulled out a large platter of roast beef sandwiches, a covered bowl of melon, and a flask of apple juice. The man backed away and allowed Sirius to begin eating. Who was this guy and why was he doing all this? Sirius had also noticed that since the man had started coming... the dementors wouldn't come near his cell. Even better he'd had his cell cleaned!  And his bed was actually comfortable and clean! Best of all it wasn't so blasted cold in here anymore! Sirius almost jumped when a brush started going through his hair. Sirius shivered as magic washed over him freshening him up. His cheeks pinkened in shame for not being able to do it himself. He was also startled to notice that his prison robe had been changed. A blush rushed to his cheeks. It was then that the man finished brushing the snarls from his hair.

He came to face Sirius looking at him with blue-grey eyes... he moved closer to Sirius and grasped one of his hands. The man's skin felt cold before he released Sirius's hand. He noticed that his nails had been trimmed and no longer bled from hangnails. The man repeated the process with his other hand. Sirius turned to get another sandwich and glanced back only to find that the man was gone. He became determined to talk to the man next time he came. Nothing was ever for free so his mystery man was baffling. How was he getting in? Why hadn't the human guards noticed anything? He pondered that while sipping his juice. 

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry wasn't in a hurry to make it to classes today... no whoever made their schedules was a sadist. No one should ever have to deal with Snape early in the morning. Blaise and Harry's first class of the day was double potions. After breakfast they were standing in the corridor outside of the potions classroom. They were the only ones there which was fine by Harry. Some people had the very rude habit of staring at him. Said people made no effort to hide it either. Ron had been the biggest offender so far...he'd either spout nonsense about becoming friends with Harry. Or he'd spread rumors and glare at Harry when he didn't think he'd notice. Harry had to remind himself that Ron was a childish idiot. Something that the other boy never really grew out of as they aged. 

He wanted to tell Ron exactly where to stuff it. But that would just spark up the redheads anger and make everything worse. Harry wanted to avoid Dumbledore's office for as long as possible. So Harry had taken to imagining creative deaths for Ron. They made things less edgy and tense as Harry held on to his own anger. Draco was surprisingly quiet he neither approached nor taunted Harry. Which was odd since he'd spent six years doing it. It really was different having the Slytherins ignore him mostly. Though the fights with Ron and Draco seemed to occur every few days. It was different being a spectator rather than in the thick of it.

Harry felt Snape nearby and caught sight of swishing black cloak disappear into a dark hallow of the hallway. Blaise wasn't paying much attention as he was fishing through his bag for a notebook. Harry knew that Snape, was only doing what spies did best, gathering information. The question was, is it because of Snape's own curiosity or was it Dumbledore's? They weren't talking so what if anything, Snape was getting from observing them he'd never know.

"Hello Professor." Harry said.

Blaise twitched a bit he really hadn't noticed their shadowy Professor.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Zabini shouldn't you both still be at breakfast?" Snape asked.

"Waiting for class sir, do you mind if we come in early?" Blaise asked.

"So long as your quiet." Snape replied.

Wow, he really had to keep Blaise if he'd said that to Snape he would've never let them in. They followed Snape's swishing robes into the classroom. Small wonder people compared him to a bat that man's robes had to be spelled.  He'd never seen anyone else do that with their robes... they really did flare out like wings. Harry and Blaise settled down near the front setting out books, quills, ink, and notebooks. He might actually have a better then passing grade this time around with no Slytherins to sabotage his potion. No nagging Hermione or grumbling Ron to mess up his potion. He wanted this time around to be different from his other life. He wanted Snape to actually see him and not a clone of his father. Plus, he had worked with Death to improve his brewing. Death had been particularly pushy making Harry learn the ingredients. As well as giving him lectures about what ingredients not to mix. Potions now made a hell of a lot more sense then they did.

Snape had never given him any special treatment which Harry had secretly appreciated. That and the man had saved his ass more then an few times. Harry knew that this was more then likely because of his mother. In the end, Harry hoped to use her to bridge the gap between them. Harry started a quiet conversation with Blaise about cutting techniques for potions. Snape rose to let the other students come in and sit down. Snape moved to the front of the classroom.

((("There will be no foolish wandwaving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potions making. However, for those select few.....who possess, the predisposition...I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can teach you how to bottle fame, glory, and even death.))) (Direct quote Snape/Rowling.) Snape then turned to Harry. Somethings never truly changed it would seem.

"Mr. Potter our resident celebrity. What would be created if powdered root of Asphodel was added to an infusion of wormwood?" Snape asked with a sneer. ((Rowling))

"That would be the Draught of Living Death, it's a very powerful sleeping potion that mimics death." Harry replied.

He knew Snape never expected him to know that.

"Where then does one find a Bezoar Mr. Potter?" Snape asked, clearly annoyed. ((Rowling))

"It's a stone found in a goat's stomach, which neutralizes poisons and stabilizes potions." Harry replied.

Snape seemed a little off kilter after that. 

"Mr. Potter what is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?" Snape asked, looking at Harry with an odd expression. ((Rowling))

"It's the same thing, both are names for Aconite. Aconite leaves are very toxic and can be found in magical forests. It's also a main ingredient of Wolf's Bane potion." Harry replied.

He knew Snape had been trying to tell him something important.  And Harry would make sure Snape knew he had understood.

"Well, what are you all staring at write this down!" Snape barked.

They spent the remainder of class taking notes. Harry mulled over Snape's choice of words. Asphodel was a breed of lily flower, which in flower language 'My regrets follow you to the grave'. And Wormwood means 'absence or bitter sorrow'. So in essence he bitterly regretted his mother's death. Leave it to Snape to expect an eleven year old to understand something like that. He was pretty sure, that anyone under twenty had no clue what flower language even was. Class ended shortly after and Harry hung back telling Blaise to wait for him. Once everyone was gone he approached the front.

"Excuse me, Professor." Harry asked.

"What is it Potter?" Snape snapped.

" I was wondering if I could talk to you in your office before dinner?" Harry asked.

"Angling for special treatment now are we?" Snape sneered.

"It has nothing to do with any special treatment sir. I wish to give you the contents left to you from my mother's will. I was told by my Aunt that you were childhood friends." Harry said.

Snape seemingly froze in place. A small lie Petunia had told him absolutely nothing. She never talked about her freakish sister, least of all to her nephew.

"I....yes." Snape replied.

It seemed like Snape was at a loss for words as silence hung heavy in the air.

"Oh, and Professor thank you for your condolences they are greatly appreciated. I'm sorry to have kept you." Harry said.

He nodded at Snape not even bothering to wait for a response. Had he looked back Harry would've seen the stunned raised eyebrow. 

Harry could feel the disbelief, confusion, and grief coming off the man. Harry absolutely felt sorry for the next class to come in. Snape was either going to be out of sorts, or incredibly vicious to cover up his emotional upheaval. That and Harry had almost made the man speechless, he'd call it a victory.

He had Defense Against the Dark Arts next it wasn't anything special really. Just a whole lot of notes and a lot of Quirrell stuttering. Harry could've sworn that Quirrell's eyes turned red a few times while looking at him. But he ignored it, if no one else noticed it he wasn't going to say anything about it. Besides there was no need to cause a panic by telling everyone that Voldemort was hiding in a turban. Events needed to play out and as such he couldn't interfere with this too much. Death was adamant that as little as possible was to change his first year. He still had to deal with Quirrell one way or another. They had lunch soon after, he had Shepard's pie and a few lean slices of oven roasted turkey. 

Harry was rather amused to see the twins were up to something. They had their heads together with Lee Jordan, usually when that happened funny things occurred. He made a mental note to check his food and drink. At least for a few days anyway...he had to do that anyway because of Dumbledore. The man was rather fond of his potions just as much as his controlling spells. Right now Dumbledore was simply letting Harry be Harry. No meetings or notes, for which Harry was grateful. Dumbledore still seemed distracted no doubt from the Wizengamot. Death said, the man was fighting off of Skeeter's accusations.

Charms class was much the same as last time. They started levitating feathers with Wingardium Leviosa. Harry already knew it so he watched his classmates struggle with it for the rest of class. He demonstrated for Flitwick, who had noticed his inaction. They were going to test him more often because of it. But they weren't going to trip him up, this time his grades will be amazing.

Their last class of the day was Transfiguration with McGonagall. One thing he was super happy about, was that he didn't have classes with the Gryffindor's or the Slytherins. No, Ron to drag him down and no Hermione to nag and belittle him for not doing it her way. It was quiet no bickering or back sniping it was just peaceful. Harry spotted a tabby cat form rise from a desk. Taking cat naps are we professor?

A few of the Hufflepuff girls noticed and cooed at how cute it was. The tabby moved to stand next to the front table, the cat started glowing and morphed into Professor McGonagall. Everyone else was awed by her display but he wasn't really impressed with her display. McGonagall gave her introduction and gave everyone a match. They were all supposed to turn them into needles. He mentally braced himself for a boring classes this year. Nothing would be challenging per se, other then figuring out how to kill a few people that is.

"Mr. Potter care to tell me why your not working on your needle?" McGonagall asked.

Harry smiled.

"I've already done it." Harry replied.

She hummed like she didn't believe that he had. And gave him a pointed look.

"Care to prove it Mr. Potter?" She asked.

Harry smirked as he waved his wand in the correct sequence. The match not only turned into a metal needle. But then he changed it again and made the needle wood adding a tiny raven at the top. Just to be a smartass he changed it again. The wood became walnut and then to ash wood before turning it back into a match. He looked back up at McGonagall with a raised eyebrow and handed her the match. The surprised looks from his professor and classmates was evident. 

"Very good Mr. Potter, twenty-five points for finishing first. And an extra five points for doing more then what was required." Harry nodded.

He glanced up again to see his classmates staring at him still. At least they weren't glaring at him or accusing him of cheating.

"Any advice for you classmates Mr. Potter?" She asked.

He didn't particularly care about whether or not his classmates understood it or not. But figured he could do some good will. After all he needed his classmates to like him. Or at least not dislike him in the long run.

"Yeah, when you change the match into a needle don't just focus on making it into a needle. Think about the feel, smell, and texture, with that in mind it's easier to transform things. It's all about how you perceive the item being transfigured." Harry said.

They were all still staring at him but he didn't care.

"Ten more points for Mr. Potter's simple but enlightening explanation." McGonagall replied.

She made her way around the classroom offering advice and correcting the other students.

After that he helped Blaise with his and completely ignored everyone else. He wasn't a show off by any means, if he hadn't been called on he wouldn't have answered. He had nothing to prove at all Harry knew what he was capable of. If Hermione felt that she had to then that was her problem and her insecurities. He had no doubts about how the girl was acting. From what little he'd seen of her she was still going for the wizarding world's most annoying know-it-all trophy. Even when they'd grown older Hermione hadn't quite shaken that behavior. She still admonished people and butted into their conversations. So far she didn't have a single friend because of it. Once again he greatly appreciated being away from his ex-friends in every sense of the word.  Once the class was over Harry told Blaise he would see him at dinner. Harry then walked down the moving staircases, while hopping over the stairs that sucked your foot in. He arrived down in the dungeons just outside of Snape's office. Harry rapped on the door.

"Enter." Snape said.

Harry opened the door and carefully shut it again. He remembered that the walls near the door had jars of ingredients and odd stuff. He definitely didn't want to break them. Snape would probably make him clean it up with a toothbrush. He moved to the chairs in front of the desk and sat.

"Evening Professor." Harry said.

He started digging through his bag and pulled out a shrunken trunk and a bundle of letters. He placed them on the desk carefully as to not knock over Snape's ink.

"My parents will had been sealed until recently. And even though I could've left notification to the goblins. I thought it prudent to do so myself. Those items were left to you from my mother Lily, they haven't been touched or read." Harry said.

Snape nodded and became lost in what he was feeling.

"I suppose that you'll want to be alone." Harry asked.

Snape didn't respond as he stared at the chest with sad glittering eyes, yes it would be best to leave him in peace. These items would hopefully be the foundation for a truce. It was essentially an apology and a hello all in one. Harry slipped out and went on his way to dinner.

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Snape pov

He barely registered Potter's absence as he stared blankly at his desk. The miniature trunk and bundle of letters was sitting there innocently enough. Why was he like this? The brat had been different than Severus had thought he'd be. And he'd been observing and listening since the first night the boy was here. He'd been convinced the child would be exactly like his father. Severus snorted, the child had defied his expectations. First by looking nothing like his father. The headmaster had said that Harry looked like a miniature James Potter. The sleek pulled back hair and even the ear piercings were shocking. But those green eyes....Lily's eyes...those had floored him.

Then the brat surprised him again by going to Ravenclaw. He had expected a loud mouthed brash idiot dunderhead! Instead the boy was quiet and respectful...he didn't start fights. Nor, did he rise to the baited questions earlier. Plus, the brat had understood his message. Perhaps Potter had more of his mother in him than previously assumed. Picking up the letter bundle he treated the folded parchments with care. Pulling away the twine he started skimming through them. Most of them were Severus's own responses to letters. Others however were unopened and had his name. 

He sighed deeply before summoning a bottle of Elven wine Lucius had gifted him. Pouring a tumbler he sat back looking at the letters as if they would bite him. Breaking the seal on the top one he read. He nearly cried as Lily forgave him. She forgave him for the fight they had all those years ago. The one that broke their friendship forever... In one of the later letters she even forgave him for revealing the prophecy. How Lily found out about that Severus would never know. But the bitter ache that had settled into his bones had stopped. A strange sense of lightness and grief settled over him.

After calming himself and bolstering his occlumency shields he unshrunk the trunk. Disbelief swept over his features as he saw what was inside. A knitted patchwork quilt that belonged to Lily's mother was folded on top. Underneath that was a collection of vinyl records. The two of them used to listen to the records and hang out. Sometimes they would just lay there letting the music flow around them. Sometimes they would just talk for hours. And on a few occasions practice small amounts of wandless magic. His chest ached as he remember hot summer days and a redhaired girl. Journals with Lily's handwriting detailed her work. Lily had been working in creating her own Charms spells. Ones that could apparently be used with Runes.

A smile reached his lips when he pulled out a bottle of strawberry wine. He and Lily had filched a bottle from her mother, it was the first time either of them had alcohol. They loved it so much that it had become their summer tradition. It wasn't the beginning of summer without it. Picking up a small velvet bag he opened it up. A small opal pendant necklace fell out. He'd given it to her for her tenth birthday. He'd stolen money from his drunk father's wallet, risking one hell of a beating. But after enough times he managed to get enough to buy it. It wasn't like Tobias needed it, he would've just spent it on more alcohol. His father didn't know what the meaning of the word sober was.

Sitting back in his chair he clutched the necklace to his chest. After their fight she'd stopped wearing it. And Severus never knew what she did with it. And honestly at the time he hadn't cared. He'd been too hurt by the end of their relationship. Out of everything that could've happened this wasn't what he'd imagined. Potter definitely wasn't his father.         

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Dumbledore's pov

He paced back and forth in front of his desk. How could this happen, was nothing to go as bloody planned? A very frustrated Dumbledore was baffled, he had been so sure that the there were only two witnesses to his crimes! He'd had to obliviate his brother and no one actually believed Grindelwald over him. Who, who had it been? That wretched Skeeter women escaped his wrath. Fudge and Lucius had been insufferably smug when he'd gone to the Ministry to do damage control.

On top of that he wasn't allowed to attend, the Wizengamot meetings or vote pending an investigation. It was a nightmare! It had only been a week and already everything, every plan was crumbling down around him. And he was dangerously low on lemon drops. Albus had been popping more and more of them over the course of this cursed week. He still had the stone and Tom was still here at the very least this one plan had to work.

However his plans to place the Potter brat were thwarted! He'd spent hours spelling that hat to place his pawn where he wanted him. The blasted hat had defied him and his spells sending Potter to Ravenclaw. His one chance to implant him into Gryffindor. Where he would become good "friends" with Ronald...which would lead to the association of his family. Which would also push the brat right into Ginevra's arms. He hadn't sealed the wills and set up the marriage contract for nothing! And without Ronald there to influence Potter, the brat was bound to learn far more knowledge than Albus wanted him to know. 

And he couldn't just ask for a resort...the school board would demand an explanation. Resorting just one student would be unacceptable as was. Even if he could the hat had already proven that there was no guarantee to the outcome. 

Eating another lemon drop he sat at his desk simmering in rage. 

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Azkaban Prison Sirius-

Sirius awoke to his back being rubbed in rhythmic circles. He opened his eyes to see the man again looking down at him.

"Who are you?" Sirius asked.

The man seemed amused as he smiled at him.

"I've been called many things, but you may call me Azrael." Death replied.

Sirius snorted.

"An odd name for someone whose been my own personal angel. Unless your here to kill me Mr. Angel of Death." Sirius joked.

Death laughed as he laid out Sirius's dinner, tonight it was garlic roasted potatoes and baked salmon.

"Why are you doing this? Not to say that I'm not grateful for everything, but why? And how are you even getting in here?" Sirius asked.

It wasn't the getting in part that baffled him. It was how Azrael was getting out....he always just vanished. The prison had anti-apparition wards... so then how was he leaving the prison?

"It doesn't matter how I got in, just that no one will ever know I was here. And as for why I was sent here by someone who loves you. They know you're innocent and they're working on proving it. Until then, I will be coming to care for you. I know what your thinking, I could help you escape but you'd just be going from one prison to another. You wouldn't be able to go out anywhere without being hunted. And if your worried about Harry he's being well cared for." Azrael said.

Sirius immediately jumped to his feet and got up in Azrael's face.

"You know Harry!" Sirius said.

He hated how desperate he sounded, but Sirius hadn't seen prongslet since his infancy.

"I do, Harry sent me here, he wants you to hold on. And I need to know... I need to know what side your on." Azrael asked

Sirius was confused why did that matter....

"The light, always the light why, why does it matter?" Sirius replied.

Once again he was confused by the line of conversation. Why did that matter in correlation to Harry? He didn't want to talk about this he wanted to know more about Harry!

"Let me ask you something Sirius why would you support that man? Why, would you support a man who let you rot in here? Dumbledore could've demanded a trial for you. He's the head of the fucking Wizengamot! He swore Pettigrew in as the secret keeper. So why are you still here Sirius? He knew, he was the only one that knew besides your pal Peter. So why if he knows your innocent, have you been locked up for eleven long lonely years? Trust me Sirius he doesn't deserve your loyalty! He doesn't deserve you at all." Azrael said, quietly.

Shock coursed through him. Azrael was right! He was fucking right he'd been abandoned here by someone he'd trusted with his life. He'd believed in Dumbledore and it had destroyed his life beyond repair. Sirius startled as he was gathered up into Azrael's arms and held close. A sob was unwillingly ripped from his throat as he let the pain he'd held for such a long time. His fingers desperately dug into the fabric of Azrael's cloak. How could he have been so blind? 

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry didn't know just how boring classes were when he'd literally lived through them once before. Weeks had passed in a blur of never ending monotony. But that was going to end today, it was Samhain or Halloween. And tonight was the night that the deathnote would be in play. After all Dumbles had managed to escape any charges in regards to his sister's death. That really just pissed him off all the way around. To know that an innocent women was dead because of her brother's greed. And to then later have it covered up it was unconscionable. But what could Harry expect from a man like Albus Dumbledore. The man probably didn't even have a conscience. 

Once again the Ministry had failed to protect the people. It was all about money, power, and what could be gained. Which was why Harry truly hated politics. So long as the corruption remained there would be no justice. And the entitled monsters would continue to get away with it. A few third years were in the common room doing homework for Transfiguration. Sliding by quietly he made his way to the staircase for the boys dorm. Harry stopped in his dorm room noting that it was quiet and empty. He gave the password to his special second trunk and pulled out the Deathnote. He then wrote down two names for tonight. And a brief description of what Harry wanted before tucking the deathnote away.

Something else was currently bothering him. Well it was less of a something and more of a someone. That someone was Blaise..... he seemed off... something was clearly bothering him. And by osmosis it was now bothering Harry which was incredibly annoying to him. Blaise had spent almost all day with his head in the clouds. Hence why Harry's annoyance level was higher than normal. Blaise had come up with his brow pinched. He simply tossed his bag on his bed without a word. Harry shook his head and went over to the other boy. Blaise didn't react when Harry said his name. Annoyed Harry actually grabbed Blaise's arm. Finally Blaise looked at him and followed when Harry tugged at his arm. They left the dorm and common areas shortly after with Blaise still quiet. It was nearing dinner time and the two of them had been approaching the Great Hall. When the Grey Lady floated across their paths. Harry hadn't seen any of the Hogwarts ghosts at all since coming to Hogwarts. Which was just plain weird considering they were always floating about.

She turned her gaze towards them and almost seemed terrified as she rushed away. He turned to look at Blaise only to find him confusedly staring right back at him. They went to dinner in the great hall. The ceiling reflected the night sky with candles and Jack O' Lanterns floating about. The table cloths were orange and covered in food and bowls of candy. Looking around the other students they seemed to be eating more candy then food. Though the Slytherins looked like they weren't touching the candy at all. Harry chose a few slices of ham and green beans. He settled for apple cobbler since treacle tart wasn't an option. Not forgetting to check his food, Harry cast a few wandless detection charms. Everything came back clean accept for the candy bowls. Looking around he realized no one, not even Blaise, was paying attention to him. Narrowing his eyes suspiciously Harry once again observed the room. Quirrell was of course missing from the staff table. Nothing seemed weird until a surprised shout left the Gryffindor table. 

Ron had fur! And a lot of it! His ears became pointed and his nose elongated into a snout. The muggle version of a werewolf perhaps? Dean Thomas was next as his skin turned green and his fingers became webbed. Vincent Crabbe grew bat wings with his ears turning pointed as brown fur sprouted from his face. Gregory Goyle grew butterfly wings that were an astonishing hot pink color. Black antennae's poked out of his hair. And spindly thin legs popped out of his sides. All over the hall anyone who had eaten the candy ended up turning into something. Ron let out a scream when Seamus Finnegan grew fangs, extra eyes, and grew some extra legs. He purposely clicked his fangs and threatened to hug the other boy with his extra legs. It was bizarre watching a boy with spider features run after another boy resembling a werewolf. Harry looked to the head table and nearly choked on the water he was drinking. Dumbledore was literally a large lemon drop in all his blinding yellow glory. Snape looked like he was trying to stifle a laugh. The corners of his lips twitching as he valiantly fought to not laugh at Dumbledore. McGonagall had face palmed and was shaking her head. Flitwick had grown green and pink fairy wings. He was laughing and hovering above his seat. Harry's laughter was lost among everyone else's. Fred and George had outdone themselves this year. 

The Slytherin table was mostly normal. Aside from a few odd transformations they were normal. A good number were laughing at the chaos. But a lot of the older students just sat there in stony silence. 

Which didn't surprise Harry since nearly 90% of the house was made up of purebloods. They had a few half bloods as far as he knew they didn't have any muggleborns. Anyway the purebloods undoubtedly celebrated the traditional holidays at their homes. Halloween may just be an amalgamation of traditions, superstitions, and religions. But it was considered very muggle to the witches and wizards who lived in the magical world their whole lives. He finished half of his ham and a little of the cobbler. It was about all he could stomach... he'd had the misfortune of seeing Ron stuff food in his face. Harry swore that Ron had to be part snake. Any normal person would have to dislocate their jaw like a snake to fit in all that mess in at once. McGonagall and Sprout had managed to get people eating again. McGonagall was giving suspicious looks to the Weasley twins. As the food started vanishing and people were getting ready to leave Quirrell burst threw the doors. The man stopped and did a double take of everyone.  

"There's a troll in the dungeons, I just though everyone should know." Quirrell said, before promptly fainting. 

Harry suppressed a snort he wondered if it was Quirrell or Voldemort that was the drama queen. Fainting? Seriously, that was the worst acting he'd ever seen. And that was saying something, since he'd seen parts of Petunia's romance shows while cleaning. Whispers erupted across the hall as Dumbledore rose to his feet.

"All students need to follow their head of house to their common rooms no exceptions." Dumbledore said.

Harry snorted, what about the Slytherins you moron? The goat was as dangerous as he was stupid or just horribly negligent. Who sends a group of students to where a dangerous creature was? But knowing Dumbledore's prejudice against Slytherins. It wouldn't surprise Harry if it was intentional. How could he have not seen how obvious this man's flaws were? 

Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, and Sinestra left out the side doors. Hagrid and Pomphrey were attending to Quirrell. Which amused Harry greatly considering it had been Voldemort or rather Tom. That had gotten the half giant expelled in the first damn place. Flitwick and Sprout were herding everyone towards the doors. Not a single one thinking anything of Dumbledore's idiotic orders. Prefects and the remaining Professors led the houses out one at a time to avoid any panic.    

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Meanwhile corridor near a bathroom- Dungeons - Death's pov

Death watched as Hermione Granger and Michael Corner were talking in a corner of the hall. Ron had angered the girl to the point of tears before dinnertime. Because Harry wanted Corner too. Circumstances allowed for the two to meet in the same area. It was a shame Granger was so hellbent on not listening to the boy. He'd only been trying to warn her about the troll. Death froze the adjoining corridor to stop the Professors in their tracks. Then all he did was wait... it wasn't long after that the troll came closer. Death could smell the foulness of the creature and wrinkled his nose. He could bathe one of the damn things in lava and the smell still wouldn't dissipate. The shout of a lady in a portrait was the pair's only warning. As the troll bared down on the both of them.

It chased them down the hall swinging it's club damaging numerous walls, portraits, and tapestries as they dodged out of it's way. Death watched them run down to the very end bathroom. They picked a stall each and huddled down. Death trailed his hand along each of their backs as he walked by and settled into a corner.

The troll broke the door down with it's club lumbering in and swung his club in wide arcs. Wood and porcelain chips flew through the air and water saturated the floor. Granger screamed and huddled closer to the floor. The troll grunted and swung at Michael's stall first. Michael was thrown back and smashed into the wall with a sickening crack. His limp body falling haphazardly to the red water saturated ground.

Hermione completely freaked and screamed again drawing the troll to her stall. She grabbed her wand and flung some weak spells at it. Irritated now, it brought the club down hitting her in the shoulder. She slumped to the floor and let out a shrill scream. The troll brought down it's club one final time and literally beat her into a fine pulp. The crunch of bone was distinct and sickening in the now mostly silent bathroom.

As Death seized the two deceased souls he released the freeze on the other corridor. He vanished as the teachers shook themselves and stumbled into the bloodbath.

Death grimaced his little ones imagination could be truly horrid even he thought it was a bit severe. But his little one always got what he wanted and now he was going to see his favorite dog Animagus. Grinning Death walked through a portal and vanished.

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Ravenclaw dorms - Harry pov

Everyone was gathered in the common room except for Blaise, Harry noted. He had slipped away in the crowd once they had arrived in the tower. Harry stalked up the staircase and into their room. Blaise was standing next to his bed with his back to the door. Harry placed a mild repelling charm on the door and quietly walked up behind Blaise. He grabbed Blaise's arm and pulled him back tossing him on the bed. Blaise laid sprawled on the bed his eyes wide with shock.

"What's the matter?" Harry demanded.

"Did you really have to throw me around!" Blaise asked, in shock.

"Yes, you spent all day ignoring me! You were locked inside your own head! How else was I supposed to get your attention!" Harry said, allowing his annoyance to show.

"I...they haven't talked to me." Blaise said.

Blaise's shoulders slumped as he looked down. Harry was confused, who wouldn't talk to him?

"Who hasn't talked to you?" Harry asked.

"Draco and the others we all grew up together. And following you here to Ravenclaw, well they haven't talked to me since. But I don't want to leave you. And I really don't know if you all will like each other. I mean with the whole Voldemort thing and their parents.... I miss them...." Blaise said.

As he trailed off Harry sighed.

"Blaise listen to me, it doesn't matter whether or not we all get along. Just know that I won't leave you either nor will I ever force you to choose between us. Friendship, like any relationship is a two way road Blaise. They haven't made an effort to reach out to you either. All I'm saying, is that you should tell them how you feel and if they don't like it. Well, then they aren't very good friends." Harry said.

Harry sat on the bed and laid down next to Blaise. Harry grasped Blaise's hand rubbing it in soothing circular motions. And for the first time since they met Harry was the one to initiate a hug. They stayed like that for a long time until both of them fell asleep.

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Dumbledore's pov

That was the single most gruesome thing that he'd ever laid eyes on. Dumbledore had just returned from the bathroom where the bodies had been. If you could call them bodies Mr. Corner's body had been twisted at odd angles. And there was nothing left of Miss Granger besides bone shards and 'soup'.

What the hell was he going to tell the Aurors exactly? That he intentionally let a possessed teacher let loose a troll! It wasn't supposed to be this way! None of this was supposed to happen! Why didn't that blasted Potter brat, do what he was supposed to. He was supposed to be there to help Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger and team up. They were then supposed to beat the troll together. So they would all became friends so that his plans would be back on track. Where the hell had Mr. Weasley been? And why had Mr. Corner been with her last night instead? How was he going to tell the Grangers? Sorry, your daughters dead and we can't even send you the body because it basically a puddle of organs and blood!

And the damage done to the castle had been reprehensible. The castle would fix the walls itself but the destroyed bathroom would need repairs. The worst part was that a few of the portraits had taken damage. Which would cost a lot of money to fix! The magic weaved into every portrait was complex, they couldn't just be fixed by a wave of a wand!

Dumbledore popped a lemon drop in his mouth and grimaced as it tasted bitter to him. Normally his lemon drops were sweet... it seemed that they too were giving him grief.

Fawkes let out a mournful tune...the blasted bird was so annoying. He picked up a sheaf of papers and tossed them at him. Fawkes squawked in indignation as papers flew about his office. At the moment he didn't even care he grabbed his bottle of whiskey from his top drawer. It was going to be a long night....

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Azkaban Prison - Sirius pov

Sirius was warm... warmer then what was normal. If their was such a thing as normal in this hellhole. Sirius moved his head and cracked his left eye open. He was laying on someone's thigh a quick glance up had him blushing. As his gaze had met Azrael's looking down at him. Avoiding his companion's gaze Sirius looked down, to find himself wrapped from chin to toe in a thick silvery white fur blanket. He ran his hand over the fur Merlin.... it was so soft!

"Dare, I ask what creature gave it's fur for this?" Sirius asked.

Azrael hmmed.

"A very dangerous Grimalkin, most Grimalkin are rather small in stature. But the older they get the larger their cat forms are. That particular Grimalkin was from forty-four B.C., it's was the longest lived of it's species. She had to be hunted and taken care of. By the time she was found, she had slaughtered four villages and was half way through a fifth. She always saved the children for last, as she liked the tender meat. In total she kill forty-four thousand people in her long life, so don't feel bad about her being killed. It's now the world's softest blanket and I brought it just for you." Azrael said.

Sirius regarded him with a horrified expression.

"Wait what's a Grimalkin?" Sirius asked.

He'd been an Auror once upon a time. And even he had never heard of a creature like that.

"What on earth are they teaching you all at those schools? Never mind, Grimalkin is a term that normally refers to your run of the mill cat. The house cat kind of cat, actual Grimalkin are the names of dark fae that are normally harmless. But there are a few that are positively unhinged and won't abide by the Fae courts rulers. They lure and kill many people wizard and muggle alike. In fact a Grimalkin was in, Alice in Wonderland as the Cheshire cat. Incidentally it's a really popular fairy tale with the muggles." Azrael said.

"Ah, that's fascinating...is Harry doing okay?" Sirius asked.

He was officially disturbed and wanted to get the mental image of a cat eating a child out of his head.

"He's settled in just fine, Dumbledore is too busy dodging murder accusations to pay much attention to him. And he made a friend! My little one is very selective of his friends I fear. So I have my doubts about there being more then a few." Azrael said.

What? His little one! What kind of relationship do they have exactly??

"Your little one?" Sirius asked, suspiciously.

He sat up all the way now his eyes narrowed.

"Yes, my little one. I love him the same way parents love their children. If anyone tries to hurt him....lets just say, they'd never find the bodies." Azrael replied.

Relief coursed through him, he didn't know what to make of Azrael's words. To know that Harry was being cared for by this man. And that he felt the same way about him that Sirius did. Well, that just put his mind at ease. As he got comfortable laying on Azrael's lap again. The thing was that Sirius believed him... when he said that. Something in Sirius told him that even this beautiful angelic man was capable of unspeakable things if provoked.

He knew that should probably terrify him... but strangely it only made him feel safer. Sirius could literally count how many times he'd actually felt truly safe in his life on one single hand.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry awoke warm and really well rested which was unusual with his nightmares. As they hardly ever gave him any real peace it was a nice surprise. He cracked his eyes open... sunlight streamed through the windows. And there was an overall calm serenity which Harry knew shouldn't be. He'd used the Deathnote last night....Harry had killed even though he hadn't been the one to do it personally. Harry moved to get up. But was held back by an arm that had snaked its way about his waist. He blushed the only people he'd ever slept in bed with had been Ginny and Death.

Death is and always will be like an honorary parent to him their relationship would always be platonic. With Ginny well, it was like being alone in bed but not quit. They literally slept as far apart as possible without falling off the bed. It might actually explain why he liked cuddling so much. When you spent most of your life touch starved it could be utterly addictive. He wiggled trying to extract himself only causing Blaise to grasp him tighter. A sleepy oomph sounded as dark eyes opened slowly.

"Mmhhm, stop moving." Blaise said, sleepily.

"It's time to get up and I'm hungry." Harry said.

It wasn't a total lie he just wanted to know what happened last night. Death hadn't come back to tell him or if he had Harry must have already been asleep. Finally, able to rise from Blaise's bed they got ready and stumbled down the dorm steps to the common area. To find their housemates gathered in front of Professor Flitwick at the entrance.

"We are all going to go down as a whole no one is to straggle. Headmaster Dumbledore has some announcements in regards to an incident that happened last night." Flitwick said.

Whispers broke out around the group. The fact that something was very wrong was slowly sinking into them. They all walked in, in relative silence with Harry and Blaise hanging in the back of the group. The fact that something was wrong was even more prevalent as they walked into the Great Hall. Aurors were perched in pairs around the room. Sitting down they all kept quiet glancing up towards the main table and the Aurors. Dumbledore rose after their entrance.

"It is with much regret, that I have to inform everyone of the death of two of your classmates. Hermione Granger and Michael Corner passed away last night. They weren't at dinner and had no idea, that a troll had broken into the school. Classes will be cancelled pending an investigation by Aurors. Curfew is now 6pm the only exception is dinner this will apply to all grades. Your heads of house will be available for counseling purposes. Additionally its been advised to limit time outside on the grounds." Dumbledore said, before taking his seat.

Admittedly Hermione had been a victim of opportunity. But Michael had been personal, Ginny must have thought him really stupid. He'd heard the rumors about Ginny, that she'd been with many boys. And the only ones that were still clueless was Ron and him. He'd chosen to ignore those rumors believing that someone was just jealous. Or they were trying to make her look bad in a malicious sort of way. But it had all been true! And he hadn't realized it until, his second son Albus Severus, who didn't look a thing like him. Not to mention you had to have sex to have kids. There was no such thing as In-Vitro fertilization in the wizarding world. They hadn't been intimate together since Sirius James, his first born, had been conceived. Ginny had been seeing an awful lot of Michael during the time in question. She said that they were just catching up. He wondered where was Sirius James during their little meetings? Harry knew she hadn't taken him with.

No, her affairs had been painfully obvious. If not for his wedding ring and his kids you'd honestly never think he was married. They had even gone whole weeks without saying two words to one another. Near the end he'd been sleeping in a different room. Their was no love in their marriage and honestly he may have been with her. Just because everyone had expected them to be together. He'd been well and truly repressed sexually and magically. This time around he was going to be true to himself and explore his latent bisexuality. Nothing was going to stop him from living his best life. And if a few bodies got in the way. Then the Deathnote would remedy the situation easily enough.

Breakfast remained mostly silent and rather somber. Even Gryffindor table was quiet which was surprising because none of them liked Granger. Afterwards Blaise and Harry were on their way back to the dorm when Harry grabbed Blaise's arm. He pulled him along until they stopped right next to Draco and group. He was beyond tired of Blaise's moping and he was going to do something about it. If Blaise wasn't going to address the problem. Then Harry would do it for him!

"Hello." Harry said.

"Well, Blaise does know we exist." Pansy said, sarcastically.

"It's not like that Pans!" Blaise said, as he became upset.

"Then what is it like then Blaise?" Draco snapped.

"It was me he had this absurd idea that we all couldn't be friends." Harry interjected.

Blaise smiled sheepishly.

"So why didn't you come talk to us we could've at least tried. It's a good sight better then just never talking again." Daphne said.

So far Harry noted that Theo remained silent. He wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not.

"She's right we've been friends forever, just because your not with us. Doesn't mean we don't love you Blaise." Theo said, they all started talking together.

Harry smiled and briefly caught Theo's curious gaze.

"So your Harry Potter." Daphne said.

"The one and only unfortunately." Harry said.

He seriously hated the boy- who- lived crap, it colored every relationship he'd ever had good or bad.

"So Blaise says your neutral, that you don't support Dumbledore." Pansy said, giving him a curious look.

He'd see the two go off and talk for a few minutes. Most curious that...people were oddly predictable.

"It's true I am entirely neutral I want nothing to do with Dumbledore and his Order of the fried chickens. I also plan on ignoring Voldemort and the Death Munchers as much as possible." Harry said, nonchalantly.

"Really Harry Death Munchers and Fried Chickens?" Blaise said, laughing as Harry smiled.

"What I had to make a point and my so called fame is a fucking joke. I mean really an infant defeating a dark lord it's absolutely ludicrous. That's not even close to being possible! If anything it had to be something my mother did." Harry said.

Which was true I mean come on, babies can't even master the art of not drooling. So how was he supposedly capable of defeating a Dark Lord? A dark lord with over fifty years of magical experience...people were beyond dumb. Common sense definitely wasn't a wizarding thing. Too much was waved away as 'magic', so nobody noticed how faulty certain things sounded.

"Your mother?" Theo said, with as much skepticism as possible.

"Anyone who thinks a three month old infant can defeat a dark lord needs their head examined. My mother was apparently very talented in runes and charms. She created a lot of her own specialized runes. The by product happened to be a very powerful protection spell and a little bit of blood magic. She died for me, then had her magic bind and imprint on me. A life for a life essentially, in order to give me the protection necessary to survive a killing curse. The love of a mother is a truly powerful thing. She is the real hero...I'm nothing special." Harry said, as his gaze dropped to the floor.

Harry really didn't like talking about his parents. He flinched a bit when he felt Blaise rub his back in a comforting gesture.

"You don't really talk much do you?" Daphne asked.

"No, not really unless I'm really comfortable with people." Harry replied.

"And it doesn't bother you that we're the children of deatheaters?" Draco questioned

He knew it wasn't so much a question as it was an accusation. A well warranted accusation as well he turned to Draco.

"No, it doesn't the sins of our parents shouldn't define how their children live their lives. Their mistakes and beliefs, shouldn't brand you for the rest of your lives. I don't see the children of deatheaters when I look at you. I see kids my age, who are probably too scared, to tell their parents that they don't want to go down the same path they did. No child should suffer for the actions of their parents." Harry said, an image of Snape came to mind.

In his first life Snape had made sure to make him miserable. All because his father and godfather had bullied the man. Of course he couldn't really blame Snape too much. Harry understood just how Snape felt. His own revenge was a prime example. He made to step away from their gathering.

"Harry..." Blaise said.

Blaise made to follow Harry, he shook his head placing his hand on Blaise's shoulder.

"It's okay I just need to get some air by the lake. You know how I feel when talking about all this. Stay with your friends I don't want them to think your avoiding them because of me." Harry said.

He walked down to the lake front his pace brisk. He wasn't lying when he said he needed some air. Talking about his parents always upset him. Especially if he was talking about Lily. Strolling along the shore he lost track of time until the sky turned star sprinkled black. He went back up to their dorm and decided to get ready for bed despite not eating. He hadn't been all that hungry anyway.

Later Ravenclaw Dorms- Harry pov 

Harry was sitting on his bed fresh from a shower in his pajamas brushing his hair out. He was interrupted by someone grabbing the brush from his hands. He looked behind him to find Blaise looking at him. He must have been really zoned out to have not heard him coming in. He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder encouraging him to turn around. Blaise loosely grasped Harry's long locks, before gently brushing out the slightly damp tresses.

"You could've stayed you know." Blaise said.

Harry hmmed and kept his eyes closed.

"I know that, but you needed it, you needed to be with them. I don't want you to resent me in the future because you were too afraid to work things out." Harry said.

He squeaked in surprise as Blaise pushed him down on the bed and sat on top of his hips. Blaise's arms framed either side of his face. Harry's hair was a splayed out mess on the bed beneath him.

"Their my friends yeah, but relationships are fifty-fifty you said as much. They need to make an effort too and I did make my feelings very clear to them. I will never resent you and I would sooner die then leave you alone." Blaise declared.

Harry could feel it those traitorous pinpricks of moisture. It must have shown on his face too. Because Blaise's arms lowered and wrapped all the way around him. Damn it, he promised himself he'd never cry again. Tears were worthless they didn't fix anything or make anything better. But Harry still did, as he cuddled as close as he could to Blaise's chest.

Truly, this odd friendship was worth dealing with Draco's bratty ass. He listened to Blaise's heartbeat and counted...1...2...3. He continued to count in his head until his eyelids grew heavy.

Chapter Text

Azkaban Prison Sirius-

Some days were harder then others being in here. Especially, now since he'd been treated like an actual human being for the first time in eleven years. Today was one of the harder days, he missed his little prongslet. He missed his friends... hell Sirius even missed being outside. Depression is a hard thing to shake when your in a place like this. The dementors certainly didn't help in any way. Although the dementors hadn't been near him in nearly two months. The effects of being so close to them for years was long reaching. At least Sirius wasn't crazy like some of the others were. 

He'd put a lot of thought into what Azrael had said about Dumbledore. He was right... at first Sirius didn't want to believe it. Sirius wanted to believe that it was all a mistake or a misunderstanding. But it all made sense now... Dumbledore was the head of the Wizengamot he could've asked for a trial for him. Instead he'd been left him here all this time alone. The Aurors hadn't even questioned him! They never even checked his wrist for the dark mark! He'd spent so long thinking and dreaming about what he'd do to that traitorous rat Pettigrew. It had never occurred to Sirius that there might be someone else to blame.

Dumbledore was just as guilty for his situation as Pettigrew and Voldemort were. He wasn't some criminal he'd been an Auror himself for Merlin's sake! Sirius really had to stop thinking about it. All it did was make him angry. And anger wasn't going to get him out of this hellhole. Sirius just had to hold on and wait. That was all he could do was wait for Harry to get him out. Azrael was right he could escape, and be a fugitive, or wait to get out the legal way. Once he got out there was no way he was ever coming back here.

"My someone is in deep thought." Azrael said.

His voice coming from behind where Sirius was standing. Sirius turned around to find Azrael sitting on his bed.

"Isn't much to do in here except think and sleep when the screams of the insane aren't floating through the door." Sirius replied, sullenly.

He watched Azrael unload a basket with food.

"So what did you bring me today?" Sirius inquired.

"Mint and Cumin spiced lamb chops, Caprese pasta salad, fruit skewers, lemonade, and a bottle of Ogden's finest." Azrael said.

He transfigured a napkin into a table and chair to set everything up on.

"You brought me alcohol, what for?" Sirius asked.

Not that he was protesting it's presence. Quit the contrary in fact...it was one of the few things he missed. 

"I wanted to ask you about something and I think you might need it afterwards. But your eating first I won't let you get sick from not eating. I'm not sure if you will even feel like it afterwards." Azrael said.

Okay now he was really curious Azrael stared at him never breaking eye contact with him. Sirius sighed and started eating.

"So our little one is doing well he's made more friends then I thought he would. Harry has good grades and is enjoying his school year so far despite the accident that happened recently." Azrael said.

Sirius stopped fork frozen in mid air.

"WHAT ACCIDENT!" Sirius shouted.

His hands were grasping the table's edge, his knuckles white.

"Oh, a mountain troll wandered into Hogwarts and beat two students to death. The most interesting part is if Dumbledore is tied to the wards as headmaster then how did a troll get in? Don't you think he would've felt a disruption of the wards? He is directly tied to them as headmaster...it is most curious. They have Aurors in the school now and it happened so soon after the previous scandal revolving around him." Azrael said, nonchalantly looking at his nails.

"What scandal, what is going on?" Sirius questioned, curiosity coloring his voice.

"Sorry, forgot you don't get the paper in here. Dumbledore's sister Arianna was killed in a fight with his good pal Grindelwald. The two of them used to be friends awhile back. A witness who saw everything, through a window said Grindelwald never even had his wand drawn. Not only that but there was no investigation of her death. He covered it up and later blamed it on Grindelwald. And now a troll kills two students. You'd think he'd be held responsible, but that old man has more lives then a bloody cat. He's somehow convinced them that it was an accident. That he was unaware of a breach to the wards and has no idea how the troll got in. That somehow the wards must've had malfunctioned. Personally, I find it beyond disgusting that everyone just believes him. That no one even questions what he does... it's almost as if they're brain washed or just really stupid." Azrael sneered.

Azrael's disgust for Dumbledore was abundantly obvious in that moment.

Sirius grimaced yeah stupid he'd been one of those stupid people. Who had blindly believed in Dumbledore 's lies. Something that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Sirius munched on a mango wedge, already feeling a bit sick. He pushed away his plate and joined Azrael on his bed.

"What were you going to ask me anyway?" Sirius asked.

It had to be something bad to need alcohol. What was worse then finding out that everything he believed in was a lie? That the person he trusted most had betrayed him.

"Why do you hate the dark so much? Is it because of your mother or because Dumbledore said you should?" Azrael questioned.

"What the hell kind of question is that anyway? Truthfully it started with me hating everything about her including her beliefs. And it was simply reinforced by Dumbledore and the Order over time. My mother was a real piece of work. If she wasn't orchestrating fights with me and my brother she was punishing me for being different. Basically she didn't like that I had my own mind... my own free will. I didn't want to be who she wanted me to be. So she punished me and made Reg into her perfect little heir while alienating me from my father. And the rest of our family just followed suit. If you asked her, she'd say I was her biggest mistake that she should've drown me after birth. Is it truly such a far reach that I'd despise her and everything she stood for." Sirius said, bitterness choking his throat.

Yup, he definitely needed that whiskey now. His mother in particular was always a sore spot. He always thought she would be the worst thing that had happened to him. But Azkaban, Albus Dumbledore, and Peter Pettigrew took the prize for that honor. 

As if Azrael had read his mind the bottle was opened and was passed to him.

"I understand how you feel Sirius, but you shouldn't shun a whole branch of magic because of her." Azrael said, in a soft soothing voice.

Sirius made like he was going to object. Because of course he could Sirius had the right to hate whatever he pleased.

"Sirius magic is pure and innocent much like a child. It is the intentions of the caster that make it what it becomes. Several healing spells are currently outlawed because they require blood or blood magic. How can anything that heals be dark? Meanwhile we're teaching kids Wingardium Leviosa, which is a simple enough levitation charm. But theoretically one could say levitate a person and drop them off a cliff or building killing them. Yet, that spell is consider light, or even grey depending on how its used. Humans magical or muggle, are obsessed with labeling literally everything. The world isn't black and white Sirius and neither is the light versus dark issue. Everyone has a different definition of light and dark. It's all about how you, yourself perceive everything. Don't let your hatred of your mother blind you." Azrael said, rubbing his back and pulling him in closer.

Sirius cuddled closer as he was pretty much sitting in Azrael's lap. This wasn't what he'd expected from Azrael. But Sirius really should've...Azrael always pushed the metaphorical envelope every time.

Sirius took a long draw of whiskey every time that gorgeous man comes....Sirius was always left with more questions then answers. With his whole world as he knew it destroyed and remade every time. Sirius had heard of people, saying that some people simply just blew your mind. Well, Azrael takes it to a whole new level every time Sirius lays eyes on him.

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Hogwarts Ravenclaw Dorm-Harry pov

Harry woke up extremely warm and comfortable. He was about to turn over and go back to sleep, when he felt an arm pull him closer. Looking down he saw Blaise's dark skin and he relaxed in his hold. For the first time, in both lives Harry actually knew what it was like to be spooned. He could feel his skin grow hot in that telltale blush. He'd never had this closeness with Ginny or anyone else for that matter. It only made him regret his choices and blindness even more. Once upon a life, he'd been too naïve, to the people around him twisting his life and the people in it. Unconsciously, he gripped Blaise's hand around his waist hard causing Blaise to awaken. Harry remained lost to his thoughts not noticing Blaise talking to him.

"Harry... Harry!" Blaise said, in concern.

He shook his head and Harry cleared his throat.

"Yeah?" Harry replied, blinking.

"What are you thinking about that caused that look?" Blaise asked, concern on his face.

"What look?" Harry said, confused.

"Your eyes and face you, looked like you were upset about something. And for the briefest second I saw anger before you zoned back into this dimension." Blaise said.

"It's about the past and honestly it wasn't even worth thinking about. And none of that anger was for you and this sleeping position." Harry said, in a teasing tone winking at the sleepy boy.

He believed that if Blaise's skin tone wasn't dark, he may have seen a blush under there. Harry shifted and turned in Blaise's slackened hold to face him.

"Hmm, how many days left before classes start again?" Harry sighed.

"About two days why?" Blaise said.

Harry smiled sleepily.

"I'm going back to sleep and my pillow isn't going anywhere either." Blaise huffed.

Harry loved laying on Blaise he was just so comfortable and cuddly.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Ever since coming back to the past, Harry never thought he'd have friends again let alone this many. His need to reconnect Blaise to his friends had in turn, given him new friends as well. That didn't mean he was stupid enough to trust all of them. That had been his downfall before.

And now he found himself in need of a few friends more. Or just one friend in particular. He was currently making his way to a table that contained Hannah Abbott, Neville Longbottom, and Susan Bones. A regular little cluster of badgers. He only needed Bones really. But the other two could be useful as well. And honestly he really missed Neville's quiet presence. He stopped next to their table.

"Hello." Harry said, they all looked up at him.

"Do you mind if I join all of you?" Harry asked.

When they didn't respond the first time. At least one of them recovered from their surprise.

"Um, sure." Hannah said, as she twirled a few strands of blond hair in her fingers.

"So your Harry Potter right?" Susan asked.

He sincerely hoped that was an innocent or sarcastic question. He had inadvertently gotten used to everyone just recognizing him. His different look might have something to do with it.

"The one and only, unfortunately." He snarked.

"If you don't mind the directness, but what are you doing with us." Bones asked.

Mmmh, Bones was going to be a tough one then. Good he had no use for weakness. He needed her or rather her aunt Amelia.

"Well, my usual study partner is with his other friends right now. And I noticed all of you over here and thought you'd make good partners. That and my Uncle keeps telling me that I need more friends besides Blaise." Harry said.

"Wait aren't you friends with Draco Malfoy, I've seen you with them." Hannah pointed out.

"Kind of they're more Blaise's friends than mine really. I just know them by association, we're still working on integrating me into everything." Harry said.

It wasn't a lie, the others had kept their distance from him. Not in a noticeable kind of way they just hadn't warmed to him and the feeling was entirely mutual.

"And it doesn't bother you that they're the children of suspected deatheaters?" Susan asked, smugly.

She probably thought that, that little factoid would hurt him. Or at least prove some kind of theory she had. The little badger had claws he'd give her that. But she'd never be a match for him.

"It's just as you say suspected. If there was any proof they would all be in jail. I don't hold the crimes of the parents against their children. I don't see our world in shades of black and white, or rather light versus dark. It doesn't matter to me what kind of magic they have. I don't even care about the blood purity crap that the pureblood high society likes to tout." Harry said.

"So what are you studying today Harry?" Neville asked.

Harry turned his gaze away from Susan to Neville. Neville had been silent through most of their conversation letting Susan and Hannah lead.

"Herbology actually, I'm surprisingly not very good with plants." Harry said.

Which was a lie really, he'd spent years cultivating the Dursley's garden. He'd had to be good at it...or else. But Neville was very talented with plants, it was a solid approach. And from there they all dropped the original discussion. And Neville gave him a crash course in magical plants.

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Death's Office -Death pov

Death was beyond tired of listening to his reapers bitch about everything. I mean what was he supposed to do! People had to die, there was no such thing as a vacation or a day off. They should all know better. I mean really if they don't like it they can just die permanently.

He moved to one of the shelves against the wall to an egg that he'd suspended in time. It was nothing particularly special just an owl egg. He had snagged it knowing that it would be used against his little one. This wasn't just an ordinary owl it was to be a snowy white owl.

The very same one that Hagrid, had originally gotten for Harry in his first life. Dumbledore had wanted Hagrid to give Harry an animal. In order to build trust and of course have Hagrid spout his light propaganda.

Just hoping that an abused Harry would hang on to the man's every word.

He remembers how fond his little one had been of the creature. And as such stole the egg mere minutes from her hatching. He was merely waiting for the right moment, to give little Hedwig to Harry.

Harry had so very few moments of true happiness in his life. Death was more then happy to bring some form of happiness to his little one.

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Ravenclaw Dorms- Harry pov

He'd forgotten how boring small talk could be in general. His talk with the badgers had been slow and monotonous. But it was rewarded with a promise to study again soon. Moving to his bed he tossed down his bag and flopped down ungracefully. People in general were exhausting to deal with.

He sighed deeply.

"Death." Harry said, before closing his eyes opening them again to see Death looking down at him.

"Yes, little master?" Death asked.

"I need you to get a picture of Fluffy for me." Harry asked.

Death looked at him puzzled.

"Dare, I ask why we need a photo of a Cerberus?" Death asked.

Harry smiled.

"Oh, you'll see. Make it a good one, after all that is an illegal dangerous beast in a school full of children. And should someone other then me, send in a letter and photo of proof to Madame Bones. Well, you get the picture right." Harry suggested.

"Someone other then you?" Death questioned.

"Of course I can't be connected to it at all. So far Dumbledore has been too busy, dodging murder and negligence charges, to even worry about me. I'd like to keep it that way, plus I'm famous right? So why haven't I ever, gotten fan mail or seen Gringotts letters? He's more than likely taking and screening my mail. It's the only way I wouldn't get mail for eleven years. But if I ask my new friend Susan to send it, to her aunt then she'll come to investigate." Harry said, smugly.

"Does this little plot of yours include murder little master?" Death asked.

"You know it does, I have to make Dumbledore's plans backfire. I don't just want to kill that old goat. I want to destroy him completely for what he's done. And he cannot be allowed to die martyr, for his greater good. The good news is that both, Dumbledore and Voldemort underestimate me. Neither of them see me as a real threat and that will at least be the downfall of the goat. I'm still deciding on whether or not to keep Voldemort." Harry said.

"Life is never boring, with you around my little one." Death said, before turning to the door as if listening before vanishing.

Blaise came in shortly after, he glanced down at Harry' prone form and smiled.

"Someone looks tired, what did you get up to while I was gone?" Blaise asked.

"I met a clan of badgers and was given a lecture about plants." Harry said.

Blaise's eyebrow rose.

"I decided to sit and study Herbology with some Hufflepuff's. So how are our Slytherins?" Harry asked.

"They are doing well, though I might strangle Draco yet. He kept talking about his father this and his father that. Seriously, I love my mother, but I don't go around tossing her name about. Or trying to get what I want by hiding behind her skirts. He even tries to mimic his dad's dress style it's just plain weird." Blaise said.

Harry chuckled.

"That sounds like Draco, he was spouting that same crap the last time he got into a fight with Weasley." Harry said, amused as Blaise chuckled.

"Honestly if our parents hadn't known each other and we hadn't literally grown up together. I'm not sure if all of us would be friends. I know it sounds so horrible, but it's true. I don't think we'd all fit together as we do now." Blaise said.

"Do you feel that way about me as well?" Harry asked, curiously.

Blaise laid down next to Harry looking at him.

"No, you intrigued me from the very first time you fell on me. And then again on the boat, I willingly chose to follow you into Ravenclaw." Blaise admitted.

Damn it, Harry was glad he couldn't see his own face, he just knew it had to be red. Who, the hell says things like that anyway?

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Third Floor Corridor-Death pov

Death walked down the corridor brushing off the cobweb feeling of the wards in that area of the hall. They were subtle weak wards that were easy to disable. He came to the door that led into the first chamber, holding Fluffy. The wards on the door handle were a little more sophisticated.

They took a small amount of magic from everyone who touched it. No doubt so that Dumbledore knew who had been in the room. Death snorted, it would be pathetic, if it hadn't been brilliant in it's simplicity. That being said he couldn't allow the goat to have a sample of his magic.

Death instead made himself intangible and simply walked through the door. He was invisible to the eye, as he stood in the middle of the room staring at the sleeping beast.

He pulled out a magical camera and snapped a few shots. Yes, his little one made everything interesting, he couldn't wait to see what he'd do next.

The future was going to be a very interesting place with his little one in it.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry was excited today was finally the day! It was time to make Dumbledore thee worst headmaster in Hogwarts's history. And of course retrieve the philosopher stone. He couldn't allow Tom to have the stone. It wasn't time to use it just yet. Tom as he was at the moment was still so damaged that not even the stone could help him. While the stone had many varied uses...reconstructing bodies wasn't one of them. Well, at least not by itself anyway. It's just Death knew exactly what ritual Tom would use. It would ultimately be counter productive to future plans.

First, of all his soul would need to be repaired as the damage was extensive. Tom had once been brilliant and a very promising young man. As Voldemort he was unreasonable and insane really. Botched Horcrux's had a tendency to do that to their creators. Harry was going to have to break him and then literally put him back together piece by piece. But first Harry had to stop Voldemort from reviving himself from one of the other Horcruxes.

Badly made Horcrux pieces tended to turn just as insane as the living counterpart. When making Horcruxes, even just one Horcrux you split your soul clean in half. This is why the diary, as Tom's first was more powerful than the later Horcruxes. The one that had been lodged in his forehead had been a measly one percent of soul.

It didn't just damage Tom's soul... it had damaged his magical core as well. The feats of wandless magic that Tom had been capable of in his youth were no longer possible. He was still powerful yes, but ultimately he'd weakened himself in his quest for immortality. Tom might not be innocent, but Harry would bet anything that Dumbledore had something to do with Tom's condition.

By all accounts Tom was smart that being said. Why, then would Tom pursue this route of immortality without knowing everything about it? That was something that was far too careless to be anything but suspect. It stank of the goat's influence somehow and he'd find out how. If he was right then Voldemort's insanity and then ultimately the murder of his parents wasn't Tom's fault. Even the muggles couldn't blame insane people for murder. They ended up pleading out to diminished capacity. Then shipped away to facilities with doctors who could help them. They were essentially not in their right minds and Tom wouldn't have been either. Tom needed healing mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Harry needed time....time to plan, time to get his own power. Tom already had a ready made group of followers, he even had roots deep in the Ministry. Harry like Tom, would have to gather up his own followers which would take time.

He had to keep Dumbledore busy dealing with the Ministry. Which was why, he was currently sitting at his desk in the dormitory. The other boys were still fast asleep. Harry was already put together for the day. Sitting at his desk he'd just finished penning a letter to Amelia Bones. Carefully he waved his wand over the parchment. He dried the ink, spelled the writing to look different, and added some security jinxes. Folding it carefully Harry grabbed the wax from his drawer. He melted the green wax and let it drip onto the paper before stamping it. It contained the photos that Death took last night. It wasn't time yet to send it out so he tucked it away. 

He glanced around making sure that the others hadn't woken up yet. Harry retrieved the deathnote from his secret second trunk. He opened the cover and wrote the date, times, three names, and cause of death. He closed the cover again and stowed his trunk away. Now all he had to do was survive a day of boring classes. Standing Harry walked slowly out of the dorms so he didn't wake anybody.

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Death's Office- Death pov

Death picked up his half of the deathnote to see what his little master had planned. Oh, his little one was feeling a bit vicious today! Never the less he had to prep the vessel.... it would hold the remaining part of Riddle's soul. This time he'd chosen one of the quills on his desk this particular feather was from a Quetzalcoatl. It was the best he could do since it was short notice and all. Death chuckled briefly thinking of the man whose soul it would soon contain. Tom would find a quill too plebian for the likes of his soul to inhabit.

His little one was going to keep him occupied for the night. It was bad enough, that he'd been too busy the past few days to see Sirius. He'd had to send another reaper to care for him. Not that, that particular reaper cared much. He just couldn't face Sirius without a glamour. That being said, Death wasn't going to allow that reaper to not face Sirius.

Those two had a lot of unresolved issues. Harry and Sirius weren't the only victims of Albus Dumbledore's schemes. And before dying this person had been just that another victim of the old goat's deception. Grinning he tucked the deathnote back into his robe pocket. 

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Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom-Quirrell pov

It had to be tonight!

His master was becoming very impatient to get to the stone. He could feel himself deteriorating.... every day he was in absolute pain. He didn't have much longer he could feel it very clearly. Stumbling he went off down the third floor corridor and into Fluffy's chamber.

Slamming the door shut behind him.

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History of Magic Classroom-Harry pov

Harry was drawing on his spare parchment zoning out of the class. Really, every generation of students taught by this ghost was fucked unless they did a separate study. Almost every class was about goblin wars there was more history then goblin history. He was brought out of his daze by Blaise turning his head to look at his drawing. He'd drawn a smaller version of the deathnote a raven was perched on it's edge, a rose lay at the very bottom. He'd been shading the feathers on the bird when Blaise had noticed.

"Your really good at that, does it mean something?" Blaise asked.

"I hope so, what if I told you I want it to represent me? I mean Voldemort has his dark mark and Dumbledore has his phoenix. I think this suits me just fine." Harry said.

"It does suit you, so does that mean your starting your own side?" Blaise inquired.

His dark eyes searching Harry's face.

"And if I said I was, would you follow me?" Harry asked.

Guardedly, Blaise looked him in the eyes.

"I'd follow you anywhere." Blaise replied.

"Good, I was afraid I'd have to kill you for knowing." Harry replied.

Blaise chuckled.

If only he knew that, that wasn't a joke if Harry had to he would. But only if Harry had no choice he was very fond of Blaise. That and it would break him in ways that he might not come back from. And he had enough scars both physical and emotional. He really didn't need anymore added on.

"There's always been three lords to balance everything and I intend to be the third. There hasn't been a neutral lord in a very long time. That being said, are you sure you wanna follow me anywhere?" Harry asked.

Blaise reached across the table to grasp his left hand.

"I'm sure, I knew you were trouble the first time I met you. I sensed that there was so much more to you then meets the eye... and I wanted to know you." Blaise replied.

They were staring at one another in silence before the noise of the class ending broke their eye contact. Packing up quickly they were the last two to leave the classroom. They headed to the dorms... History had been their last class of the night. Thank Merlin, he wasn't very good at waiting when he knew something would happen. Especially, since he was going to be the cause of that something.

Later on dinner had brought Draco and the Slytherins to their table. 

"So Harry who do think will win the match this weekend? Ravenclaw or Slytherin?" Draco asked.

Harry's brow rose...somethings never changed. 

"Well, Slytherin has decent Beaters...but Ravenclaw. I'm not saying that because it's my house. Overall, from what I've heard around the school Ravenclaw has a decent team. If all Slytherin has is good Beaters...then they don't stand much of a chance." Harry replied.

Draco's face was red. Ever the loyal Slytherin poor little Drake.

"He's got a point Marchbanks is a wicked Keeper and Fitzsimmons is back from his last injury." Theo said.

The last game had been Ravenclaw Vs. Gryffindor, Fitzsimmons was the Claw's Seeker. He'd taken a bludger to his right arm while attempting to catch the snitch. He had a broken arm and a dislocated shoulder for his trouble. Honestly, it was the only reason why Gryffindor had won. They were behind by twenty-five points and the snitch was the only thing that could've saved them had the trend continued. Harry had noticed that Oliver Wood was torn between being happy and angry. 

Harry had known the other boy was bothered by the game. Wood thought his team could do better then what they had. And it had been glaringly obvious that the snitch really had been the deciding factor. It usually was to be fair...it left a lot to be desired about their performance though. But Wood also loved winning more than anything when it came to quidditch. Harry zoned out to the furious conversation between Theo and Draco as they debated. 

He looked over to the Puff table and found Susan and Hannah looking at them, he offered a smile. And tried to focus on the conversation around him. He failed miserably as his thoughts drifted. Harry hoped Death was ready.

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Ravenclaw Dorms-Harry pov

Harry lay awake in his bed waiting for the other boys to fall asleep. He'd told everyone he was going to bed early as he didn't feel well. And Blaise being an amazing person he is. Actually asked if Harry needed anything. He actually felt bad about lying to Blaise. But Death was really hard to introduce to people they always had one of three reactions. They either excepted it, thought it was a joke, or freaked the fuck out. It really just depended on how they viewed death in general.

Finally, Harry heard all the movement in the room stop. Death was coming to get him as soon as the others were entirely asleep. At least he found out that Blaise was with him in the long run. Harry wasn't sure what he'd do or how he'd feel if he wasn't. So it was a relief to know that Blaise was with him, the cold seeped into his bed as Death appeared at the end of it.

"It's about bloody time they took forever to fall asleep. Are they ready to go?" Harry asked.

"Yes, little master the three you wanted just decided to explore the chamber. They are peeking through the door that leads to Fluffy now. I disabled all of Dumbledore's wards so we are good there. Quirrell is already in the chamber ahead of the others." Death replied.

"Good, lets go I don't want to miss anything." Harry said.

One of Death's portals opened and deposited the two of them into the corner of Fluffy's domain. They watched as the door inched open to reveal Ron Weasley, followed by Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas. Fluffy was still asleep from Quirrell's harp and they were very lucky. Fluffy hadn't rolled over onto the trapdoor at all. Fluffy almost woke up after Dean tripped and fell on the flagstones though.

Seamus had to place a hand over Dean's mouth. To prevent any sound from his swearing to be heard. The three crept closer and almost awoke Fluffy again as the hinges to the door squeaked. They all froze and waited before dropping one by one into the darkness. The door fell shut sealing the way back up and left them completely in the dark. Vines crept up from the shadows and grabbed at the boys. Dean and Ron started panicking immediately struggling against the vine's hold.

Seamus, who was apparently the only one to pay attention in class remained calm as he was pulled under. Ron noticing what Seamus had done stopped moving and fell through while Dean kept struggling. Even as the vines constricted him right up until one reached his neck. It wrapped around his throat and squeezed, slowly Dean's skin turned ashen before he stopped moving. The vines contracted and dropped his body below. Causing Ron to scream and back away into the wall.

"We have to go back, we can't he's...." Ron screeched.

Seamus though freaked out seemed calmer then Ron and clearly more logical. Grabbed Ron by his shoulders and shook him hard.

"HOW THE BLOODY HELL ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO THAT! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT WE NEVER SHOULD'VE BEEN IN HERE!!! AND NOW YOU WANNA LEAVE?? WELL, GUESS WHAT WE'RE TRAPPED WE CAN'T GO BACK THE WAY WE CAME." Seamus yelled.

His anger incredibly apparent, he released Ron and backed away.

"We have to go further into the chamber. Ron there has to be another way out." Seamus said.

They walked down the small corridor to a huge room with winged keys flying everywhere. Walking across the room they tried to open the door and unsurprisingly found it locked.

"The door key it has to be one of the flying ones. I'll get it." Seamus said.

"What do you mean you'll get it, I can get it." Ron argued stubbornly.

Seamus rolled his eyes at Ron's antics they both knew Ron was terrible at flying.

"No, you can't Ron you suck at flying the broom handle smacked you in the face." Seamus said.

Ron's face turned red in indignation. Seamus huffed and grabbed the broom anyway. Ron stayed next to the door as Seamus kicked off from the ground. In the air he glanced around the various keys until he spotted one with a broken wing. He flew to the key and made a grab for it, when suddenly it shot forward. And all the other keys went nuts and started chasing him.

Seamus dodged and swerved trying not to lose sight of the one-winged key. Hand outstretched he finally got a hold of it and made an attempt to land. He stumbled when his legs hit the ground clumsily. Dropping the broom Seamus ran across the room with the keys still pursuing him. Seamus tripped landing hard the door key flying from his grasp. Ron ran for the key leaving Seamus on the ground he got the door open.

Seamus got to his feet as the keys came way to close and at the last second Ron panicked and shut the door. Seamus ran right into the door and begged Ron to open it up. Turning around just in time to have the keys, run straight into his body pinning him to the door. On the other side of the door Ron backed up into the wall slowly sliding to the floor as a sob tore from his chest. Blood oozed through from the small holes from the keys, it dripped down the door. The torch lamps cast an eerie gleam to the blood as it pooled under the door in a large puddle.

Harry almost felt sorry for him, almost, Ron had been one of the reasons why he'd fled his old life. That and he'd stolen from him and lied about being his friend. It had really hurt to find out that... Ron had only been using him. He'd thought of Ron like a brother he even considered Ron's family like his own. It hurt... and Ron was about to feel just how hurt Harry had been. Seamus and Dean should've stayed far away from Ginny too. She really had whored around with everybody. How he and Ron were the only ones who didn't know was beyond him.

Ron slowly rose from the floor and made his way further into the room to find a huge chess set. He saw the door on the other side and tried to walk through the board, but was blocked by the row of pawns that had moved to block his way.

"So I have to play it then." Ron said, to no one.

Harry snorted, of course he had to play it through. Ron had beaten him so many times at chess it was unbelievable. One would almost think Ron intelligent for that reason alone. Ron's academic history said otherwise though. And boy had Ron liked to lord his victories over Harry. Ron had never played chess against Death... and he was about to lose painfully.

Death shifted slightly beside him as Ron got up on the Knight like an idiot. Everyone knew wizarding chess was violent in nature so sitting on one of the pieces was.... idiot at best suicidal at worse. The game went on as stone chips went flying everywhere. The white queen dominated the board leaving just three pieces on Ron's side. His luck ran out though... as Ron made a wrong move and came into the queen's reach. The queen advanced and cut through the knight's horse, knocking Ron to the floor.

Ron in a daze didn't get up in time as the queen struck again. She stabbed his shoulder and chest with its sword as blood splattered the flag stones. Ron whimpered in agony his eyes wide as he cowered. The queen lifted her sword again and severed his head clean from his body.

Harry and Death continued on to the next chamber where Harry smelled the troll before he saw it. The lazy thing was currently asleep in a corner, they walked through and into the room with the potions. Death grabbed Harry and made him intangible as the two of them walked passed the potions and through the fire. They exited into the last chamber where Death turned invisible. Harry stepped down into the chamber to face the Mirror of Erised. Quirrell was standing directly in front of the mirror his shoulders tense.

"I wish I could say I'm surprised but I'm not." Harry deadpanned.

"Then you'd be the only one who suspected me besides Snape. After all who would suspect poor stuttering Quirrell." Quirrell said, he turned back to the mirror to gaze into its depths.

"I look into the mirror and I see what I want but I can't get it." He said, growling in frustration.

"Use the boy." A voice rasped.

Quirrell started undoing his turban to reveal the deformed face of Voldemort on the back of his head.

"Get over here boy." Quirrell roared.

Harry did as he was told only because he had to use the mirror anyway to get the stone. He stared into its depths and saw his parents, Sirius, Death, and Blaise standing there waving at him beckoning him closer. He moved closer and saw himself appear amongst them. Sirius smiled and dropped the stone into his pocket. He felt the stone in his pocket and turned around to Quirrell.

"All I see are my parents." Harry said, before he started walking away to the stairs.

"Liesss, it's in your pocket." Voldemort hissed, flames erupted around the room.

"Harry if you give it to me we can bring back your parents." Quirrell said, trying to cajole him.

Harry stared back at them with narrowed eyes. There was no true way to revive the dead...at least none that Harry knew. And Death would never reveal anything that would either. 

"Now who is telling lies." Harry spat.

"Kill him!" Voldemort hissed.

Quirrell launched himself at Harry and Harry simply stood there. Death moved from the shadows and as Quirrell touched him... he disintegrated. Death grabbed Voldemort and Quirrell's souls. He stored Quirrell's away, while still holding onto Voldemort and bound it to the quill he'd been carrying.

"Well that was more exhausting then I thought it'd be." Harry said.

Death chuckled and embraced his little one as they dissolved and reappeared in Harry's bed. Harry fished the stone out of his pocket and handed it to Death.

"Take it along with the quill, store them in your office and my second trunk too. Once Dumbles knows the stone is missing he'll more than likely want to search everyone for it. Also swing by the Gryffindor dorms and pick up Ron's rat Scabbers. Make sure he doesn't escape we need him for Sirius. Night Death." Harry said, while getting back into bed.

Death pulled his covers up to Harry's neck.

"Sleep well little one." Death said, before turning and vanishing.

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Gryffindor Dorms-Death pov

Death crept through the dorms silently stopping next to Ron's bed. He opened the rat cage on the side table and grasped a sleepy rat in his hand.

"Hello Peter." Death said, as he let the coldness of his magic seeped into the little traitor.

Peter struggled in his hand and tried to turn back into a human. But soon found he was unable to do so. He thrashed in Death's hand beady eyes bulging and wild with fear. The little runt had the audacity to bite at his hand. He winced and glared down at him.

Death chuckled and froze the doomed creature before disappearing. Sirius would be free soon and Peter would finally know what it truly means to be caged. Soon his precious Star would be with him.

Chapter Text

Next Morning Ravenclaw Dorm- Harry pov

It was Saturday there were no classes for the day which was fine by Harry as he had a lot to do. Getting up he noticed a note from Blaise, he'd gone out to see Draco and the others. Blaise also wished for Harry to feel better. His cute Italian was just too sweet sometimes. He took note of the deserted dorms and hurried through getting ready.

He pulled his hair up, he wore a dark blue blazer, black button up dress shirt, black trousers, and dragon skin boots.

"Death." Harry said.

"Yes, little master?" Death asked.

"Did you do what I asked?" Harry inquired.

"Yes, both the stone and the deathnote are in my office. I also retrieved Pettigrew like you asked he's in a jar suspended in time." Death replied.

"Good, I have a new task for you to accomplish. I need you to find and retrieve Nagini for me. She has Tom's wand and a soul piece if we don't find her soon.... she may yet be used for his resurrection by an overzealous minion of his." Harry said.

The last thing he needed was for an idiot to bring Tom back crazy.

"As you wish little one." Death nodded.

Death disappeared leaving Harry alone again. He took the letter he wrote for Amelia and a few pieces of other mail he needed sent out. He wanted to disguise the real letter he knew his mail had to have been watched by Dumbledore. On the off chance he might be monitoring the school owls he'd have to borrow someone else's. Most of his post was just items he needed ordered through catalogue. They were nothing special and wouldn't draw any attention.

Harry tucked the letters into his jacket and went to the library. He was hoping to find a certain clan of badgers he saw them sitting near one of the windows in their usual spot.

"Hey, guys it's a nice day out what are you all doing in?" Harry asked.

"We're finishing the last of our homework before going out." Hannah said, as she rearranged her notes in front of her.

"Mind if I join you guys then?" Harry asked.

"Of course not, do you need to finish anything?" Neville asked.

Neville moved some of his books out of the way so Harry had some table space.

"No, I already finished all of my work. But Susan can you send out some mail for me?" Harry asked, trying to look as nonchalant as possible.

"Sure but what happened to your raven?" Susan inquired.

Always questioning everything... that was fine it would make little difference. He knew he'd have to lie to her anyway.

"Charon is sick, I don't really trust the school owls. Could yours deliver some letters for me?" Harry asked, hoping that he looked just sad enough.

"Oh, poor Charon is he going to be alright?" Hannah asked, biting her lip.

"He'll be fine he has a touch of avian flu I'm afraid. He just needs some rest but I really need to send these out." Harry said, handing his stack of letters to Susan.

Susan nodded and took the stack of letters from Harry. She smiled and told them she'd be back, so Neville told him about his Gran.

"So you weren't allowed to have your own wand? That's messed up Nev the wand chooses its master. That wand chose your father not you, your not going to do well unless you get your own." Harry said.

It made a lot of sense really.

Neville was a prime example as to why one should never use another persons wand. That and his Uncle Algie was a complete dick for dropping him out a window. If Neville hadn't been magical he'd be dead.

"Gran...might get mad though." Neville fretted, wringing his hands and looking like a kicked puppy.

"Look at me Nev, you can keep his wand with you. But are you really honoring his memory by using it? I think your father would want you to succeed and be happy. Are you happy Nev?" Harry asked.

How Neville didn't see this all clearly Harry would never know. He restrained the bitter laugh that threatened to come out. He once upon a time had been just as naïve as Neville perhaps even more so. It took the betrayal of certain people to make him see the light.

Neville deserved better than what he got....better then what happened to him in the future...

"No...no." Neville replied.

Hannah rubbed Neville's back and hugged him.

"He's right Nev, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. If your Gran loves you she'll understand." Hannah said.

Harry smiled Hannah and Susan really were good friends for Neville. It was then that Susan returned to them.

"Hey do you guys wanna go and see what Blaise and the others are up to?" Susan asked.

Harry looked at her with hidden suspicion.

"I don't know Draco, is Draco." Neville said.

Harry huffed, yeah Draco was an acquired taste you just had to ignore his more whiny and bully-like behavior.

"I know Draco is... well himself. But its so weird having two sets of separate friends. Why not try to all be friends, I think all of us could benefit from this." Harry said, backing up Susan's idea.

It was true it was strange and dare he say it, they could be his first followers. They all had something that would make them useful in the long run. So many connections so little time...

"Maybe he's right guys and hey we can make some new friends." Hannah said, excitement coloring her voice.

Ahh, Hannah such a good girl coaxing them into what Harry needed. Susan nodded, they stowed away their stuff and made there way outside. Harry led the way down near the shores edge into what was probably the worlds smallest beach.

Blaise, Draco, Pansy, Daphne, and Theo were sitting on a large beige blanket. Blaise saw them first and rose up and greeted them.

"Harry are you alright, how are you feeling?" Blaise asked.

Harry smiled.

"I'm fine just an upset stomach is all." Harry replied, trying to wave off Blaise's concern.

"That's good you worried me you know." Blaise hugged Harry close.

"Blaise stop flirting and introduce us to them." Pansy smirked.

"Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, and Neville Longbottom." Blaise said, introducing them.

"Do you mind if the badgers and I crash your little party?" Harry asked.

"Not at all Harry dear, Blaise acts ever so cute around you." Pansy said, teasingly.

Pansy you little shrew! Harry sat down next to Blaise and the others followed suit, Harry smiled this was perfect.

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Unknown forest Britain- Death pov

Death wasn't vain in the slightest, but his cloak and boots were caked in mud and his patience was waning. Where the fuck was this snake? It must've sensed him because he hadn't seen her yet. But he could feel, the resonance from Riddle's soul nearby. If they didn't need her for the ritual he'd just kill her. But sadly she was necessary...he was just glad the damn mosquitos wouldn't bite him. Death was decidedly not tasty in the slightest...unless chocolate was involved...So many plans for his little Star.

She was either hunting him or observing him. Damn Riddle, he didn't know it, but by making a living horcrux he was unable to summon her without damaging the soul fragment. His magic was too powerful and wild and it could negatively affect her. It's why he had one of his reapers make a special kind of trap.

Speak of the little devil, he dodged to the side as Nagini had dropped from the tree above jaws wide. Nagini hit the ground and shook her head anticipating her strike. He leapt to the right tossing the hexagonal gold trap right in her jaws.

Nagini tossed her head back and forth before she stopped moving a bubble encased her body. He smirked and shrunk the bubbled snake, before pocketing her. He seriously needed a bath......

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Great Hall Dinner- Harry pov

Tonight his little badger clan was sitting with Blaise and him. He looked at the high table no one seemed to notice Quirrell's absence. Except for Snape, who kept eyeing the empty chair with suspicion. Dumbledore also seemed to be quieter then normal and he always talked to McGonagall. Still a teacher was missing surely some of Quirrell's students had to have alerted Dumbledore. Though he wouldn't hold it against the other students if they had kept quiet. It would've given them free time without supervision. 

Abruptly the doors banged open a woman entered flanked by five men. He recognized her as Amelia Bones, oh this was going to be fun. He grinned into his water glass with barely contained glee.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, we're here to search the castle. Your charged with three-hundred counts of child endangerment." Amelia said.

Gasps rang out through the hall as students started talking immediately. He so badly wanted to tell the fools to shut up, but McGonagall beat him to it. As silence fell over the hall again everyone seemingly holding their breaths.

"What's the meaning of this! I have done no such thing, how can I possibly be endangering anyone!" Dumbledore exclaimed.

Really?? If it wouldn't ruin his plans entirely and expose him as a time traveler...Well, it was prudent that Harry held his tongue on the issue.

"We've received proof that a dangerous beast is being kept inside the castle where any child could come upon it." Amelia said, glaring up at him.

Mmmhm, Amelia was like a dog with a bone no pun intended. That a girl get him!

"Until further notice, Deputy Headmistress McGonagall will be in charge pending Headmaster Dumbledore's charges. Everyone else is to finish eating then everyone is to return to their dorms no exceptions." Amelia said, before turning on her heel an stalking out.

Three of the Aurors went up and took a visibly outraged Dumbledore into custody.

Harry merely smiled he knew today was going to be a good day!

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3rd Floor Corridor Fluffy's Room - Amelia pov

She grasped the door handle feeling the wards on the doors. Frowning she took out her wand to examine the wards carefully. They felt like the old Headmaster's magic, opening the door she flinch back. As the Cerberus howled and snapped its jaws at her. It pawed the flagstones menacingly it's claws leaving deep gouges. The chained collar holding the beast in place looked strained like it would break at a moments notice.

The Aurors looked at one another and then her, they were just as afraid as she was.

"Get the DMC this creature needs to be subdued." She said.

They nodded leaving her to stare at the beast's dark eyes.

How could this happen? It was supposed to be safe here! Her niece went here! And so far this year two are dead from a troll and now a Cerberus. What the hell was going on at Hogwarts?

Her thoughts were interrupted by some men from the DMC. They rushed in and they used music from a flute to make it fall asleep. Once asleep they shot spells at it to bind the creature and stop all movement. They snapped the weakened chain around it's neck. Then they levitated the creature out of the room revealing a trap door. What were the odds that there night be more dangerous things beyond the door? Amelia refused to leave a possible threat behind to hurt people. And if it gave her further evidence to damn the Headmaster to Azkaban...then so be it.

Curiosity peaked as she and the other two Aurors opened the door and went down to investigate. They dropped into the devil's snare. Immediately knowing what to do they sank down into the chamber below. Auror Jenkins gasped, as his eyes landed on the body propped against the wall. A small child whose skin color was almost impossible to determine. As large bruises stood purple against his skin. Auror Harlo took pictures of the body before it was shrunk and sealed into a storage trunk. It was certainly a handy piece of magic. Just how long was this child missing? And why had no one noticed his absence? 

"Well, we can't go back up the way we came. We'll just have to go forward further in there should be another way out." Amelia said, they both nodded at her.

Continuing on they reached the flying key room to find the most horrible sight she'd ever seen. Another body, this time pinned to the door by the keys its eyes a dead milky white. Amelia felt sick, how could this happen? In the background she heard Auror Jenkins get sick all over and Auror Harlo's face was bone white. This was a complete disgrace...this was beyond reprehensible.

This was a sight none of them would ever forget Amelia was sure of it. They did the same thing with this body as the first moving on to the next chamber a large chess set came into view. A headless body was pinned underneath the white queen's sword. Even after this person lost their head the queen had continued to stab the victim. The red mangled smear barely resembled anything human at all.

They found the head and Amelia really did get sick. Her stomach roiled as she fought to keep her breakfast down. There was no doubt about whose child that was the Weasley red hair was a dead give away. After that they went to the troll room and subdued it. Through to the potions room and froze the flames allowing them to continue on. Beyond that they found a final room with a mirror in it. They found a pile of ashes and the clothes that were last seen on a missing professor. A missing professor that nobody seemed to know was missing.

Behind the mirror was a hidden door to escape they went through and walked down a spiral staircase. They opened another door and surfaced on the first floor.

"Albus Dumbledore has a lot to answer for." Amelia said, as she attempted to gather herself together.

She looked at Jenkins and Harlo, both of them were pale and were clearly shaken. She dismissed them so they could get some fresh air and made her way towards the teachers lounge. Amelia wanted to know if any of the teachers knew why...why?

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Ministry of Magic DMLE Amelia's office - Amelia pov

Amelia couldn't help it... she barged into her own office to confront the man sitting on her sofa. He looked agitated but still tried to give her a friendly smile. It sickened her...

"So not only did you endanger students with not one but two creatures. Then we have three dead bodies and more than likely a fourth body!" She asserted.

She watched his face turn to genuine shock at the mention of bodies.

"What dead bodies? I don't know anything about that I had wards on the door." Dumbledore stated, still confused and dare she say it a bit annoyed.

Did you really think you could get away with it you monster?

"So you admit to not only knowing about the creatures. But also knowing about anyone who comes and goes from those rooms?" Amelia asked, as she pressed on...this was unconscionable.

That means that the foolish man, in front of her knew those kids went in there. Those wards were tailored to tell the man who was in there. But the door wasn't even locked!

"Yes, no....I mean..." Dumbledore said, stumbling over his own words his face was so white it matched his beard.

"Those kids were mutilated, it was a bloodbath in there and your trying to deny it! What was the purpose of all that!" She shouted.

Damn it, couldn't he see how bad this was for him? Did he truly not know how dangerous Hogwarts had become? But of course he had to know...the school was heavily warded. As headmaster he was connected to the wards intimately. There was no way he didn't know about those creatures. Disgust for the man on front of her choked her senses. But worst of all her own Aurors had failed her! Back when the troll killed those two kids earlier in the year. Either they were complete idiots or they were in this man's pocket. And now three more innocent children had died before their twelfth birthdays! 

"I was protecting the philosopher stone!" He shouted back, standing abruptly from her sofa Amelia raised an eyebrow.

The Philosophers stone...what the hell did that have to do with anything? Was that what the mirror was meant to guard? He certainly hadn't done a good job those tests could be solved by a first year! 

"Well, not anymore your not the stone wasn't even there! Even if it was, it wasn't worth the life of those kids you twisted old monster!" Amelia said.

She didn't care how long it took, she was going to prove he did this! No, one deserved to die like that and certainly not children. Dumbledore shook his head whether in confusion or denial she didn't know.

"You have to find it! You have to search the students!" Dumbledore said, insistently.

They had dead children and all he cared about was that damn stone!

"Do you really think a child's capable of that atrocity! You'll be lucky if you ever go near a child again." She hissed, as she angrily left her office slamming the door.

The nerve of that awful man! How could he not give a damn about any of those kids? Dumbledore was unbelievable! This was the man that so many people trusted? Merlin, even she had believed him to be a good man. How could he fool her like that? 

Amelia resisted the urge to go back into her office and give him a piece of her mind! 

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Ravenclaw Dorms- Harry pov

Harry was on top of the world, he'd had a front row seat to Dumbledore's arrest. It was a memory he'd truly cherish he was sure some how the goat would wiggle his way out. That was fine, Dumbledore would be chasing the ghost targeting him. And Harry would fly underneath the goat's notice. He was currently laying on his favorite pillow Blaise who was currently reading. All was well with his world at the moment.

Harry cuddled closer to Blaise. Yes, everything was going amazingly well so far. Grinning into Blaise's chest he sighed happily.

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Azkaban Prison- Sirius pov

"It won't be long now for you Harry has proof finally. Just a little longer my Star." Azrael said.

Sirius hmmd, Azrael was rubbing his back in soothing circles.

"Good, who was that guy that came while you were gone." Sirius asked.

It was so weird he just knew that the face wasn't right. And the man seemed vaguely familiar.

"A friend, why?" Azrael replied, as vaguely as possible.

The magic of the person was some how obscured or glamoured. It just didn't feel right to Sirius.

"He kept staring at me and he didn't talk... it was a bit disconcerting." Sirius said.

"He doesn't talk much, plus you resemble someone he used to know." Azrael said.

Hmmm, gods Azrael was so good with those hands. 

Chapter Text

Headmaster's office - Amelia pov

"What happened down in that chamber Madam Bones?" McGonagall asked.

Amelia had come back to Hogwarts shortly after confronting Dumbledore. They were having tea it was honestly the only thing she'd had since lunch. She hadn't been able to stomach anything since seeing the chamber.

"Three students and a professor are dead. And two illegal creatures were found in way too close proximity to students." Amelia replied.

McGonagall gasped her face one of obvious shock. The real question was, was it shock from not knowing or feigned shock because she knew? Amelia was willing to bet the woman knew more than she let on. Perhaps the real shock had been the mention of bodies than.

"What happened to the students?" McGonagall asked.

Amelia noted the slight tremble in her voice. Perhaps McGonagall hadn't known like Amelia had expected her to. By all accounts McGonagall was reported to being very close with Dumbledore. So her suspicions of the woman was completely justified.  

"One was strangled to death by a devil's snare, another was impaled by multiple flying keys, and the third was stabbed and decapitated to death by a large chess set. All that's left of the professor was ashes, a set of robes, and the turban he'd last been seen in." Amelia said.

She watched all the color drain from McGonagall's face and a slight tremble went through her body. Oh, yes she knew something alright...was it possible that she'd helped Dumbledore set up that death trap? The other professors had been interesting to interview. Most had no clue what was going on and had been genuinely shocked. The only suspicious ones had been Snape, Hagrid, Filch, and Sprout. Snape for obvious reasons was suspected due to the potions room. That and his hidden death eater status...Dumbledore had fought hard to keep the man out of prison. Snape however was either not involved or he had the world's best poker face. The man had remained calm and unaffected during questioning. Auror Shacklebot had been very fidgety when Snape had been questioned. Sprout had been very quiet which went against the lively happy woman's character. Hagrid was beyond bad at lying and had bumbled his way through an explanation. And Filch made no secret about his knowledge...he'd been told about the corridor being dangerous. And the man had done nothing to report it to the Ministry. Amelia had petitioned Minister Fudge to use Vertiserum. But had been shot down immediately. She at the very least wanted to charge Hagrid and Filch and was once again vetoed. Apparently the other two men weren't important in the grand scheme of things. No the Minister was focused solely on Dumbledore.   

"Professor all three students were from your house. A Seamus Finnegan, Ronald Weasley, and Dean Thomas. How is it that no one noticed their absence?" Amelia asked, her voice sharp.

How does a head of house lose three students and not notice? It was her duty to protect and know where all her kids were. If McGonagall couldn't do that then maybe she shouldn't be a head of house. Amelia thanked her lucky stars that Susan hadn't been sorted into this house. It was a complete disgrace and yet their Minister was unconcerned about the incident.

"It was Friday the students don't have classes on the weekend. It's the time the professors use to prep their lesson plans. If the students aren't caught by a professor after curfew during patrols then they slip through the cracks. We don't do dorm checks at night and the students like to sleep in on the weekends. Its not a stretch for one or more child to not be seen. Mr. Weasley in particular liked to stay in bed late." She said, her lips pursed.

Amelia nodded she remembered as much from her own time as a student. But it was her job to ask hard questions and find out the truth. And the truth was looking horrible.

"He mentioned something about a Philosopher stone. The stone wasn't found in the chamber or in the mirror. Something like that... though I believe no student could do the atrocities I witnessed. We're going to have to search the students." Amelia said. 

She watched as McGonagall stiffened and bristled at the idea.

"Very well Madame then do as you wish. I to don't think that a student here is capable of this either. What will happen to Headmaster Dumbledore?" McGonagall asked.

"We're still investigating everything but he'll have to remain in custody. For the rest of the school year you'll be in charge." Amelia replied.

McGonagall nodded curtly.

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Outside the Great Hall- Harry pov

Harry and Blaise were headed down to breakfast that morning. They didn't make it however as an angry Susan approached them.

"DID YOU KNOW! DID YOU KNOW WHAT WAS IN THERE!" Susan shouted, dried tear tracks were present on her face.

"Susan what are you talking about?" Harry said, playing dumb.

Susan and the others simply weren't ready to know the truth.

"My Aunt says the letter about the Cerberus came from my owl! And then she tells me their are people dead." Susan said, anger and sadness warring on her features.

Neville and Hannah had managed to finally catch up to Susan. They hugged her as she began crying in earnest.

"Susan whose dead? What are you talking about?" Harry said, using a placating voice.

"You really don't know?" She asked, in disbelief.

Harry shook his head, oh he knew alright but she didn't need to know that.

"That warning about the Cerberus brought my Aunt here to Hogwarts. She discovered a trapdoor it was guarding she found four bodies." Susan sobbed.

"No, Susan I found the Cerberus one night while wandering. I knew it was dangerous and wanted to report it. I had no idea someone was hurt or dead, I would've reported it immediately otherwise. I asked to use your owl because I think someone might be intercepting mine." Harry said, keeping calm and projecting as much innocence as possible.

They all went into the dining hall and the badgers followed them to Ravenclaw table. Harry saw Aurors hanging around the hall and Amelia Bones was with them. McGonagall stepped to the front to stand at the podium.

"Students and staff, it is with great sorrow that I must inform you that Professor Quirrell, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnegan, and Ronald Weasley have all died. An item of great importance has gone missing as well. After breakfast Aurors and your head of house will be searching your things for it. Classes are cancelled for the next few days. And a final warning to all students to not get curious and explore the abandoned rooms. The forbidden forest is still forbidden and all clubs and sports are canceled as well." McGonagall said.

Gasps from the horrified students filled the air as well as the groans from the quidditch fanatics.

Discussions erupted amongst the students as the news sank in. Dumbledore was gone at least for now which was just fine with Harry. This summer was the perfect time to place his other plan into action. He loaded his plate with scrambled eggs, toast, and orange slices. Stirring his flavored ice water Harry quietly watched the panic set in. 

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Azkaban Prison- Sirius pov

Azrael had come to visit him again today.

"There's been another accident, three students and a teacher. Don't worry our little one is fine as are his friends. The good news is that Dumbledore is in custody for however long that lasts." Azrael huffed, annoyance clear in his voice.

"The irony isn't lost on me. You said Harry had a plan what exactly does he have planned?" Sirius inquired.

He had to admit he was curious about what his pup would come up with. Azrael made him sound incredibly smart and Sirius couldn't wait to meet Harry again.

"First and foremost, he has to remove Dumbledore as his magical guardian. Next, he's going to get me as his guardian I'm not sure how he's going to get your trial. Just that we have Pettigrew now. Just a little longer my Star." Azrael said, trying to comfort him.

Well that was comforting to know, that at least the little traitor wasn't going to escape. And even though he wanted to be prongslet's guardian he could live with it being Azrael. So long as Harry was safe and away from Dumbledore. He still couldn't believe how stupid he and the others had been. Sirius only hoped that Prongs and Lily would forgive him for making the wrong choice.

"Sirius, think long and hard about the past particularly your Hogwarts years. You don't find it a bit odd that, the gentle caring child who practically raised his brother suddenly turned into a bully. More specifically, you and James bullied Snape and no one else. In my experience, if someone is a bully they usually target more then one person. You hated your family and in turn spurned the only protection you had against mind altering spells and potions. The Sirius before Hogwarts wouldn't have done that." Azrael said, looking down at him.

He was once again sitting in Azrael's lap.

Thinking back now, he realized that he definitely wouldn't have done any of that. His parents hadn't been very hands on where they had been concerned. He and Reg, had been cared for by house elves mostly. Sirius could still remember holding Reg and singing fairy songs to him. He remembered all the times, he'd checked for monsters in Reg's wardrobe. Read stories to him.... they had been so close once. Then after first year Reg, was different and so was he.

Sirius had just thought that they'd grown apart. But now he wondered what his mother had done to Reg, he hadn't been there to protect him. Not only that but Dumbledore had stuck his nose in Sirius's life. Had he decided not to accept his heir ring.... that ring would've protected him. Was it possible that someone had messed with his mind? Come to think of it... James never wore his ring like he was supposed to either. What if James had been messed with too? What about Remus, Snape, and Peter? Had they been messed with as well?

Was everything in his life some how one of Dumbledore's machinations? Was anything he knew real? It was a disturbing and distressing possibility that made him cling to Azrael tighter. The other man held him tightly. Azrael brushed his hair away from Sirius's face, whispering words of comfort into Sirius's ear.

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Lakeside- Harry pov

Harry was sitting next to Blaise leaning on his shoulder. They were discussing their plans for the coming summer. Harry had mostly been zoning in and out of the conversation. That was until Draco started talking about a party.

"Wait did you say there was a party?" Harry asked, anticipation shining in his eyes.

"Yeah, but its mostly for Ministry officials and their families." Draco said.

"You and your dad will be there right?" Harry pressed.

"Yeah, we will and its going to be so boring." Draco whined.

"Any chance I could come with you?" Harry asked.

"I don't see why not. I always bring Blaise, since his mom doesn't work at the Ministry. You can come too Pansy, Daphne, and Theo will already be there. It's like some Ministry family event or something." Draco said.

Draco was not very thrilled in the slightest. But all Harry saw was a wealth of opportunities. That party would be the opportunity he'd been waiting for.

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Entrance Hall- Amelia pov

They had searched through every dorm so far. And all they'd found was a couple bottles of alcohol, stink bombs, pranks, cigarettes, and a few nudie magazines. So basically normal stuff found in every teenage dorm ever. But no sign of the philosopher stone, that Dumbledore was so hell bent on looking for. Why would something so valuable be left in a school? Nothing was adding up and people were dead! Innocent children were dead all because one old man didn't want to store something in Gringotts.

She was beginning to wonder if the damn thing was ever in Hogwarts to begin with. Maybe it was all just an excuse to justify his actions. It didn't matter the Headmaster had walked on negligence charges before. He was too well connected, the question is would the old man's luck last? She had a really bad feeling that he might get off on this too. Which only angered her more as it smacked against everything she believed in. That man would be brought to justice...even if it took a lifetime. She was going to get that man in a cell.

Chapter Text

Great Hall Breakfast- Harry pov

Harry was waiting specifically for the mail one of the letters Susan had sent out was to his family lawyer. Dumbledore was still being held on charges so now was the perfect time to oust him as a magical guardian.

"Attention Students!" McGonagall called.

The chattering died down as everyone focused their attention to the front.

"Due to recent events we're going to end the school year a little early. All parents and guardians have been notified about the premature departure. Seventh years will have to return for their graduation ceremony. Tomorrow will be our last day, classes are still dismissed and your head of house will hand out your grades later tonight." McGonagall said.

She stepped away from the main podium and sat back down. Chatter broke out amongst everyone gathered there.

Oh, this was perfect! He only had to see the Dursley's one last time... just long enough to sign away his guardianship to Death. The owls finally started raining down on everyone. Harry was expecting an eagle-owl so he was shocked when a tiny brown poof of an owl landed. It sat down in front of him with an envelope that was bigger and outweighed the little creature. Harry was amazed the thing could fly even with feather light charms it was still ten times bigger then the owl.

Another large barn owl landed next to tiny owl and knocked the poor thing over to deliver his Daily Prophet. To Harry's great astonishment the little owl got up and hissed at the barn owl. The other owl left leaving the fierce ball of fluff puffed up and doing it's best to scowl. It was adorable! He grabbed some bacon slices and ripped them into easy to manage chunks presenting them to the fluff ball. He ignored his paper and opened his lawyer's letter.

He had sent the muggle forms for transference of custody. And a note about the trial for his magical guardian stamped for next week. Which was the day after they would've finished school originally anyway. He also noted that it said a possible date for Dumbledore's arraignment for next month. It was perfect! It gave him more then enough time to switch guardians and push for a trial for Sirius. The Ministry party that he was going to next week would be the perfect opportunity.

With Dumbledore unable to fight back at the moment... which just tickled Harry pink. He hoped that Dumbledore felt helpless. Because that's how Harry had felt every moment he had to suffer at the Dursley's. Finishing up his breakfast they got ready to leave. In the entrance hall his badgers were already waiting. He heard Daphne's voice and found his snakes coming up behind them.

"Hey guys." Pansy said, seemingly happy.

A chorus of hellos sounded, they decided to sit out on the near the shore again Harry knew this would undoubtedly become their spot.

"So what's everyone doing for summer?" Hannah asked.

"Gran wants me to sit in on the Wizengamot and learn more Lord etiquette." Neville said.

Harry did feel sorry for Nev he still hadn't talked to his grandmother. He knew the longer Nev waited, the less courage he would have to do it.

"Daphne and I are going to our country house in France with my mother. The French markets and stores are way better then here, I can't wait so much shopping so little time." Pansy gushed.

He wished Lady Parkinson luck in stopping them from buying everything. Separately the two weren't that bad, together it was almost as if they had to one up each other in how much they bought. Daphne in particular had a love for fine exotic furs, which wasn't as bad as the muggle way. Animal purveyors used a potion which regrows skin, the animal then sheds the skin and fur much like a snake. The process doesn't hurt and it was far more humane then the muggle way.

"Nothing interesting on my end just a few parties here and there." Theo said.

Before going quiet the others said it was normal for him. They said he preferred to observe rather then participate. Harry idly wondered if that trait, would be carry on into his bedroom when he was older. The silent observer....

"Same we aren't doing anything as far as I know." Hannah said.

"Yeah, my mum will probably drag me around from party to party. I don't think she realizes that I hate those parties, they are so boring. I always feel like a piece of meat while I'm there. Apparently it isn't common knowledge, that Daphne and I are already arranged. Mothers keep thrusting their daughters at me." Draco said, huffing in annoyance.

Harry didn't feel the least bit sorry for Draco, how did the idiot think those girls felt? They were practically sold to the highest bidder or most influential family. And those girls didn't really get a say in the matter at least not amongst the traditionalist pureblood families.

"I'm going to stay with my Aunt Amelia for a month. She's usually so busy but the Wizengamot or the DMLE. But the first month after school every year she has a lull in her schedule so I can see her." Susan said.

Susan started to braid the ends of some of Hannah's long blonde hair

"My older brother Azazel is opening another restaurant in Italy. And I will be with my sisters and mother. Harry, would you like to come spend the summer with us?" Blaise asked.

"Uhh, It would have to wait at least a month. I'm trying to get a change in magical and muggle guardianship. So I won't be able to until at least the end of the month, but I would love to meet them. After all, I'm sure your mother has some cute baby stories about you... maybe even some baby photos." Harry said grinning.

Blaise looked horrified at the mere thought. Everyone laughed at his predicament.

Blaise was really good at keeping a lid on his emotions, but around his friends he was more open. Everyone always found it unbelievably cute when he did express himself, especially when Harry teased him. And Hannah and Susan were no exception they'd been more watchful of them.

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Headmaster's Office - McGonagall pov

She sighed deeply knowing that this wasn't going to go well. The wards on the gargoyle made a whimsical chirping sound, alerting her to the presence of Percy, Fred, and George. Tapping on the door sounded.

"Enter." She said, the boys filed in and she summoned more chairs.

Just as they had settled the floo sounded and Molly stepped out of it brushing ashes off.

"Mini, what did those two do now." Molly said, annoyance clear in her voice and countenance.

She believed Molly was talking about the twins who were always up to something.

"The twins have done nothing wrong this year that was more serious then a detention or two. I called you all here about Ron, did they tell you anything about him?" She asked, as she looked at the boys.

"No, what happened to Ron, why do they know and not me!" Molly screeched.

"I made an announcement about it in the Great Hall I wasn't sure if they had told you about it." Minerva said.

"WHAT IS GOING ON WHY ISN'T RONALD HERE?" Molly shouted, Merlin that woman's voice was shrill.

The boys hadn't reacted at all, which was strange did they not feel anything for their brother?

"There was an accident, Ronald and two other students wandered into the third floor corridor. The same corridor that Dumbledore specifically said was off limits. All three were found dead as well as a teacher." Minerva said, Molly turned white.

"HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? HE PROMISED IT WOULD BE SAFE, THAT RON WOULDN'T GET HURT!" Molly yelled.

She quickly dissolved into sobs, all the while the boys simply sat there faces blank. They didn't even seem to care that their mother was a sobbing wreck. What did she mean about him promising Ronald wouldn't be hurt? She narrowed her eyes something wasn't right.

"HOW CAN THE THREE OF YOU SIT THERE, WHEN YOUR POOR BROTHER IS DEAD!" Molly screamed.

"He got exactly what he deserved!" Fred said.

A resounding smack echoed through the office as Fred's head snapped to the side face red.

"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT HE WAS YOUR BROTHER!" Molly yelled.

"Please, we all know he was no brother of ours! We just don't know who his real father is because it certainly isn't dad!" Percy roared.

George pulled Fred closer inspecting his face, Molly moved towards them...

"THAT'S ENOUGH MOLLY! What happens at your house is your business, but here at the school I am responsible for these children. You will not touch them like that again so long as you are on Hogwart's grounds." Minerva said, her voice cutting and cold.

She watched as Molly turned an ugly shade of red and stomped back through the floo.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know she was going to do that. George could you take him to the hospital wing you are all dismissed." Minerva said.

They nodded and filed out.... now she really needed some sherry.

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Hallway Outside of Headmaster's office- George pov

George stayed close to Fred like always, they had no choice to watch each others backs. Their family was a real piece of work particularly their mother. She always treated Ron and Ginny better then the rest of them.

But that might be due to the fact that they had a different father. They had a running bet that it was old Dumble-Bee... I mean the way she talked about him was almost fanatical. Percy ditched them immediately afterward. The three had their differences, but when push came to shove Percy stepped in when necessary. Percy wasn't like Charlie or Bill, he refused to be quiet or take part in anything wrong. Charlie usually said nothing and just left...Bill had his moments but still believed in Dumbledore. Albeit with a small amount of skepticism there were times when he did go against them. Either way as far as they knew their older brothers weren't part of the schemes against Harry. They rounded the corner and almost ran into a little raven.

"What happened to your face?" Harry asked, curiously.

"I got smacked by an angry dragon." Fred said.

George smiled.

Even hurt Fred still liked to joke around and shrug off his pain.

"Let me see." Harry said.

George watched Harry examine Fred's face carefully. It was red and puffy sporting a cut from their mum's ring, right under his eye. It was already starting to bruise an ugly shade of purple. He watched the little firstie, go through some spells as Fred's skin healed it was almost as if nothing had happened.

"Thanks." They said, in unison.

"Not a problem, now don't go antagonizing anymore angry dragons." Harry teased.

Harry smiled at them before walking passed them... Fred grinned.

"I'll try not to." Fred said, with that Harry disappeared around a corner.

"Hey George, he doesn't seem at all like how mum described him." Fred said.

"Yeah Fred, he really doesn't."

George knew that his twin was fascinated now by his tone of voice.

They now had to figure out, how a first year knew healing spells they didn't even know.

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Azkaban Holding Cells - Dumbledore pov

Why, couldn't anything go as planned damn it everything was so wrong. And now he was being charged with negligence maybe even murder this was ludicrous. The only good part about the situation was that he wasn't in the main populace with the rest of the riffraff. And the dementors never came to the same floor as his floor.

"Dumbledore you have a visitor." Auror Gherkin said.

He brought in Molly Weasley, who looked just awful. Fuck she must've found out about Ronald, Gherkin left them alone separated by the bars. As soon as the main door shut she turned to him.

"HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN! YOU PROMISED ME HE'D BE SAFE BEING AROUND THAT POTTER BRAT! OUR BABY ALBUS, YOU PROMISED!" She sobbed, her voice breaking off from it's shrill rant.

"Molly I know I did, but it wasn't supposed to happen. Everything was safe, I even had the rooms warded to alert me. Nobody was supposed to die least of all Ronald." He said.

Trying to placate and calm her.

"YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ALBUS." Molly said, as she broke down in tears.

"I will but I have to get out of here first Molly. I need you to contact Moody and Diggle I left them a note through my lawyer. Do you understand that even with their help I'm going to be in here awhile." He said.

She nodded before dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief and walking out.

Damn it all to hell! What did he miss? Where did it all go wrong? He'd covered everything up perfectly...

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Azkaban Prison- Sirius pov

He was getting all too good at knowing when he wasn't alone.

"So what do you get out of coming here exactly?" Sirius asked, he turned to find Azrael standing behind him.

"Whatever do you mean little Star." Azrael said, enigmatically.

He walked up to Sirius and brushed the hair away from his face before grasping his jaw in his hand.

"You know what I mean." Sirius said, in a firm voice.

What was there to gain from coming here and challenging his beliefs? Why? Was it all just because Harry told Azrael to come here? Did the man even care for him?

"Is it so wrong, to want to help you through your issues and trauma?" Azrael asked.

"I guess not." Sirius said, he was too close now as their breaths mingled.

His face still being cupped by Azrael's hand their eyes locked.

"Do you trust that I won't hurt you little Star? That I won't lead you astray?" Azrael asked, his voice and posture conveyed how serious his question was.

"Yes." Sirius said, breathless.

Azrael smiled and kissed him slow and sweet. It was honestly either the best kiss he'd ever had or he simply kissed a lot of bad kissers. They pulled a part Azrael's hands still framing his face, while Sirius had tangled his hand in Azrael's robes.

"I'm glad that you do, soon you'll learn the whole truth Sirius... everything. But first we have to free you, Harry has a court date next week to change his guardianship. We are so close to having you with us." Azrael said, Sirius nodded heat rising in his face.

Azrael leaned in again kissing him with undisguised heat.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts Express-Harry pov

"And your sure you'll be alright?" Blaise asked.

"I will be fine, I'm only going to see my relatives for an hour if that. Then I'm staying with Uncle Azrael after everything is all sorted out. I promise you I will send Charon out and meet you somewhere. I really am looking forward to meeting your family." Harry said.

Harry sent the other boy a reassuring smile.

"Still watch your back Harry you messed with Dumbledore twice this year. I don't trust that man he's shifty." Blaise said.

Oh Blaise, if only he knew it was more then twice. But as trusting as he was of Blaise, he has know idea how he'd feel about murder. Let alone revenge and the deity of Death. Plus people tended to look and think of you differently after telling them shit like that.

For now, he was going to keep trying to recruit people for his fraction. He was honestly thinking about adding the twins to his little menagerie of followers. He knew that some of the Weasley's were in on his betrayal. But he hadn't known which ones until recently. Harry never ever suspected the twins they weren't like that. They weren't greedy like their mother, sister, and Ron. That being said he had the feeling, that if the twins had known they would've warned him.

And as for Molly and Ginny their time was coming and he was going to make it as vicious as he could think of. There betrayal had effected him the most, they had hurt him the most. Well...besides Dumbledore and the Dursley's of course. Death had told him about what had happened in Dumbledore's office and in Dumbledore's cell. While he was grossed out beyond words thinking about Dumbledore's and Molly's sex life. Though he wasn't surprised in the slightest about the two of them. The way she spoke of the man was...like how Bellatrix worshipped Voldemort. It was disturbing at best....and out right traumatizing at worst.

Harry wasn't worried about Dumbledore's plan to get free. He knew some how some way the goat would get out of it. He had Death make sure that Moody and Diggle wouldn't be getting him out. Until Harry was done doing what he needed to. He still had plenty of interesting things to tell Skeeter. Which would keep Dumbledore's reputation in the toilet where it belonged.

The train pulled into the station this was it. Blaise pulled him in for a hug he was definitely going to miss him.

"Be careful." Blaise said, hugging Harry tightly.

"I will." Harry replied.

Getting off the train the two parted, he started walking for a dark alcove off to the far right of the depot. Harry leaned against the wall as he looked around. Making sure no one was looking his way before he knocked on the wall behind him. Hands came out from behind him, trapping him in a backwards hug. Harry knew exactly who it was and leaned further back, as his body and trunk phased through the wall. Closing his eyes to prevent dizziness, he opened them a split second later to his bedroom at private drive.

"Make sure you get everything little one I won't allow you to return to this place." Death said, before perching himself on the edge of Harry's desk.

He nodded and using wandless magic started levitating books, clothes(not Dudley's old rags), and various other odds and ends. He then cancelled the transfigurations he'd done to the room. His relatives weren't going to benefit in anyway from his magic. Even if it was the small Transfigurations to his bedroom. Before taking both trunks to Death as he shrunk and pocketed them. Harry then walked downstairs with the paperwork in his hand and Death following behind him.

His relatives were still under his thrall so this would be easy. He cleared his throat announcing his presence.

"Uncle Vernon we have something to discuss." Harry said, ignoring the bitterness that welled in him from calling that man uncle.

They were all sitting around the table looking like deer caught in headlights.

"I need you to sign some papers for me." Harry said, briskly.

He placed them on the table and slid them forward. Harry implanted a small suggestion to simply sign and not read. He needed both of their signatures he wanted zero loop holes for the goat to exploit.

"You as well Aunt Petunia." Harry ordered, she did as instructed.

Everything was good to go now Dumbles couldn't say that Petunia hadn't consented as well.

"Well, I wish I could say that it was a pleasure but it really wasn't." Harry said.

With that he strode away into the living room where Death grabbed him and disappeared.

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Blottwell's Office- Harry pov

They appeared in his lawyer's office, a Caragan Blottwell who wasn't surprised he was used to Harry appearing out of nowhere.

"Welcome back Harry, did you get them?" Blottwell asked.

"Of course, you actually think I'd visit those awful people for anything less then a pink slip to never return." Harry said, grinning.

"They were so thrilled to be rid of me they didn't even read the papers they just signed. Uncle Azrael is now legally my appointed guardian in the top most papers. With a following set of papers, where they signed away all their rights as guardians. I'm legally free of them now and I couldn't be more thrilled." Harry said, his joy of finally being free was incredibly obvious.

"Good Mr. Potter-Peverell I will file these in the Ministry, muggle legal, and Gringotts. In a few days time we'll have your trial to change magical guardianship. I assume your new place of residence will be Peverell manor?" Blottwell enquired.

"Of course my dearest Uncle and I have a lot of bonding to do." Harry said, he couldn't wait to be done with all of this nonsense.

"Alright I will also file a change of address as well. Have a good day Harry and I will see you soon." Blottwell said.

Harry nodded, grinning this was amazing! He hadn't felt like this since the very first time he flew on his broom in his first life.

"What is next little master?" Harry smiled.

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French Country side Flamel house- McGonagall pov

Albus had left quite the mess for her to clean up this time. And now she had to tell them of the stone being stolen and thus far unfound. Which was also a death sentence for the two of six hundred year old's. As the crafting for the stone took a long time to finish. A long time that the Flamels couldn't afford to wait for. To say that she wasn't happy was an understatement, she appeared across the road from the Flamel's modest home. She'd had to use a two way international port key which wasn't cheap to arrive here. And she was most definitely taking it out of Albus's wrinkled old hide!

Walking up the steps of a plantation style house she rapped the knocker. An elderly elf answered the door, it looked like a strong wind would sweep the frail creature away.

"Mistress McGonagall the masters are expecting you, please follow me." The elf said.

Minerva followed it down the hallway, her gaze straying to the portraits hanging on the walls. They were all beautiful most of them were landscapes, but some were of various houses.

"Do you like my wife's work?"

She turned to see an older man for whom she assumed was Nicolas(he looks the same as he did in fantastic beasts).

"I thought your wife worked with potions?" Minerva asked.

"She does, but she also loves to paint. Each of those houses was a house we used to live in a long time ago, the landscapes are of places we've been. Come and sit I have a feeling of what you've come to tell me." Nicolas rasped, as he moved into a parlor that was just to her left.

"Mr. Flamel it is with great regret, that I must inform you that the philosopher stone has gone missing. Albus would be telling you that in person if he wasn't being held in Azkaban's pre-trial cells. Three students died as well as a professor someone turned in evidence that a Cerberus was in Hogwarts. As a result he has over three hundred charges of child endangerment, they are still determining whether or not he will get murder charges. His magical signature, is all over the rooms and the wards used to protect the stone. Albus was using it in a foolish attempt to lure Voldemort out who he believes isn't actually dead." She stopped.

"My that is shocking, Albus has become very reckless since last I saw him. I am truly sorry for the loss of your students, Albus borrowed the stone telling me it was for some research of his. I would've never allowed him it's use for one of his convoluted schemes against a dark lord. He's been rather obsessed with reliving his glory days of taking Grindelwald down." Nicholas rasped.

"Your taking this rather well considering this will kill you." Minerva said.

Did dying not make him want to panic? Or had he excepted his fate a long time ago and just prolonged it?

"Perenelle and I have lived over six hundred and eighty odd years, we've come to the end. It's a very long time to live... it's time for us both to rest. Don't worry about us Madam McGonagall we will be fine, living our lives has been like one endless day. Everyone we have ever loved or befriended is dead. Albus was one of our last connections to this world. He has changed so much and yet so little. The best advice I can give you is don't blindly follow him." Nicolas said, before going into a coughing fit.

She was beginning to wonder if he was right... Albus was different from the one she'd first come to know.

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Gaunt Shack- Harry pov

Harry and Death were at the remains of the Gaunt shack. Death walked in front of Harry dismantling wards as he went. Until he came to a stop, Harry knew that the horcrux was under the floorboards. Remembering Dumbledore's original death he allowed Death to take care of retrieval. The old man hadn't died fast enough as the aftermath was blatantly clear. Snape's demise was sealed after that and that was one more thing he'd never forgive the man for.

Death used a dagger that he kept with him to pry at the boards. He pulled up the board, which wasn't very hard as everything there was rotting. Death picked up the small golden box and opened it's lid, revealing the resurrection stone.

Death picked up the ring and placed it on his fingers. Harry watched as cloud of dark smoke tried to attach itself to Death's hand. It struggled before hissing and evaporating into nothing Death then pocketed the ring. Before gathering Harry up into his arms and the two of them left. Harry almost wished Dumbledore could see what they'd done so far to unravel his plans. Sadly Harry would just have to wait a little longer.

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Peverell Manor- Harry pov

Death had just left to transfer the soul piece from the ring into the chalice. He'd removed the death curse at the shack once done Harry had been able to wear it. Well with a slight modification, both Dumbledore and Voldemort would recognize the ring. Though only Dumbledore would recognize a deathly hollow. Death was going to add a glamour charm to it that would make even the fae envious.

Now all he needed was the locket, diary, and diadem. Harry would recover the other two during the coming school year the locket would need a different retrieval. It was no matter it wouldn't take long, Death's ability to travel and circumvent wards would make it relatively easy. Death had many responsibilities to take care of and thus couldn't always be at Harry's beck and call. Once the last three were in his possession Death would be able to meld the pieces together. The only thing that concerned him was that Death had made it clear that special requirements would be necessary to fix Tom. What the entity didn't say but he believed that it wouldn't be anything he liked.

Chapter Text

Court Chambers Ministry of Magic-Harry pov

Harry was sitting next to Death in courtroom three on the plaintiff side awaiting the festivities to come. Mr. Blottwell and a short blond women came in she sat in the desk to their right. Dumbledore's lawyer maybe? Blottwell greeted them and took the third seat at their table. He'd told them that their case didn't warrant the Wizengamot trial. Which was all the better Fudge and his idiots wouldn't be able ruin anything.

A small amount of people came in and took seats behind everyone no doubt to watch. Harry saw a few cameras, how the hell did the press get wind? He hadn't told them at all he narrowed his eyes. Either they sat like vultures in every courtroom, or someone leaked the information on the docket. It wasn't a jury trial it was all to be decided by the judge, a Rufus Marius. Said judge and an Auror came in and took their seats.

"We are here to change the magical guardianship of on Harrison James Potter-Peverell." Marius said.

The blond woman rose to her feet.

"I move to dismiss this as his relatives love him very much and Mr. Dumbledore has been an exemplary guardian." She stated.

Harry snorted in disbelief. She glared in his direction disapprovingly.

"We object to Miss Gardner's statement, Mr. Potter- Peverell's muggle guardians legally signed away his guardianship to Lord Azrael Peverell. And Mr. Dumbledore, not only fell short of the duties required. But was specifically asked to never be his magical guardian to begin with." Blottwell countered.

Miss Gardner valiantly tried to hide a wince as her unpreparedness became all the more obvious.  

"You're over ruled Miss Gardner, please present the evidence that Mr. Dumbledore wasn't supposed to be his guardian." Marius said.

Blottwell cleared his throat and brought the judge two scrolls of parchment.

"As you can see your Honor the wills of Lily and James Potter. Mr. Dumbledore was specifically named never to be a guardian or a magical guardian to Mr. Potter-Peverell. Not only that they also say that Mr. Potter-Peverell was never to be in the care of Petunia and Vernon Dursley. Which Dumbledore ignored and placed him in their care, took magical guardianship, and sealed their wills. Not only that my client never even heard of Mr. Dumbledore's name until he visited Gringotts. Furthermore, he hadn't received any Gringotts mail or mail in general from the magical world." Blottwell said.

Blottwell then brought papers detailing Harry's vault transactions. The gathered people gasped as they talked quietly about the newest evidence.

"Worse yet, Mr. Dumbledore has been using the Potter seats on the Wizengamot. And these transaction records are withdrawals that he made from the Potter vaults without permission. That's not even mentioning his gross negligence or the recent murders at Hogwarts under his watch!" Blottwell said.

 Blottwell was barely containing the sheer snugness of his statement.

"Judge Marius we are here to discuss guardianship not detail Mr. Dumbledore's alleged crimes." Miss Gardner said. 

She glared at Blottwell and nervously shuffled the papers on her desk around.

"Judge Marius I am merely laying out the complete disregard of my client's rights. Mr. Dumbledore heavily infringed on my client's life with no reasonable explanation. His behavior has caused a lot of damage as well as physical and emotional pain for my client. These crimes are more or less a view into Mr. Dumbledore's character. A character who should never be allowed near children ever!" Mr. Blottwell said. 

"Miss Gardner, it isn't looking good for your client, if anything it looks like we should be leveling more charges against him!" The judge replied.

"I had no time to prepare for this your Honor!" Miss Gardner said.

She was now looked visibly distressed. Was Dumbledore truly that sure that he'd win? His lawyer wasn't even prepared properly the Defense was utterly pathetic. 

"That isn't true, you've had two days to prepare a proper defense. What is it that your asking for Mr. Blottwell?" Judge Marius asked.

"My client would like his current guardian Lord Azrael Peverell to also be his magical guardian." Blottwell replied.

"Based on evidence and Miss Gardner's weak defense this court rules in favor of your client. And Miss Gardner, you might want to tell your client he has more charges added. This is beyond his reach and a gross abuse of his power. This case is now over." Marius concluded.

Harry grinned the old goat would have no more legal rights to his life. He was free!

And since Death was his new guardian their was nothing Dumbles could do to him to regain control over him. I mean you can't kill Death not really.... or at least not that Harry knew. Harry had found it oddly suspicious that Sirius had died shortly after arguing with Molly. It was about how Harry was to being raised. It was undoubtedly one more way to try and control him. Sirius had suffered multiple times just for loving him and being his godfather... and it really pissed him off that Dumbles had gotten away with it.

Dumbledore wasn't getting away with it this time around. Sirius was going to get out and between him and Death the old goat wouldn't be hurting Sirius ever again.

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Several Hours later.........Ministry Party Malfoy Manor- Harry pov

Harry had never been a very big fan of parties especially since everyone seemed to have sweaty hands. Or was it just parties with politicians? He was with Death trying to hide in a corner and failing miserably. He blamed it entirely on Death who was way too bloody gorgeous! Women kept wandering over to chat with him. Harry personally thought it was incredibly funny. All of these people would be terrified if they knew who they were really chatting up and hitting on. Harry politely managed to shake some people off in his pursuit to find Fudge. The man barely had enough intelligence to be smarter then a rock. So why was it so damn hard to find one man?

He was here for only one reason, to speak with Fudge about Sirius. That was it, there was literally no reason other then that. The sooner Harry found him the better really. He couldn't stand that Sirius was in there even with Death for company it still wasn't right. Harry idly wondered if he hadn't been born if events still would've played out that way. He'd asked Death once and was told that he wasn't to know about that. There the idiot was, he grabbed Death's arm and yanked him away from his little court of women towards Fudge.

"Minister Fudge, its so nice to finally meet with you. This is my guardian Lord Peverell and I'm Harry Potter." Harry said, hiding his annoyance.

"Oh, hello! I didn't know you'd be here your guardian doesn't work for the Ministry." Fudge said, wiping at his face with a handkerchief. 

"Yeah, we were invited by the Malfoys. Say Minister could my guardian and I talk to you privately... it will just be a few minutes." Harry asked.

Harry kept his face blank as Fudge seemed to sized him up.

"Of course so long as its quick, I still have so many people to talk to." Fudge replied.

Harry smiled, good.

They stepped out into the hall and walked to the far end where they were out of earshot of the portraits.

"What if I told you Mr. Fudge that you could save an innocent man." Harry said.

Fudge gave him a surprised look.

"Innocent, whatever do you mean?" Fudge asked, as he started sweating again.

"I mean there is a man suffering in Azkaban who didn't receive a trial. He was arrested during your predecessor's end of term. When Marshall law was in effect near the end of the first war." Harry said.

He waited to see if Fudge knew who he was speaking about.

"Who?" Fudge asked.

Playing dumb are we.

"Sirius Black, their is no record of a trial or even questioning by the Aurors. And your re-election is coming up this could make you look really good sir. Fixing the mistakes of the man before you. It would make you look really good in the eyes of the voters." Harry said.

He dangled the most obvious bait for the man to take. Fudge might be a cheat and a fool....but he at heart was a politician. Harry just had to make it possible for Fudge to benefit some how.

"Black, but everyone knows he did it." Fudge said.

His eyes were darting about and his demeanor becoming more nervous.

"Minister Fudge everyone knows isn't a good reason to imprison someone! And no one even checked his wrists for the dark mark everyone just assumed." Harry said, sarcastically.

This man was a complete and total idiot. Death caught Fudge dead in his eyes... Harry could feel Death's wild magic stir. Fudge's face went blank his eyes glassy. Harry wasn't willing to take any chances. Fudge was going to release Sirius whether he wanted to or not.

He'd told Death to reinforce Harry's wishes and to make it harder for others to tamper with Fudge's mind. Especially, where Harry and Sirius were concerned. The last thing Harry wanted was for Dumbledore to try something on them with the Ministry's help. He felt Death's magic recede and watched as Fudge's face returned to normal.

"That sounds awful my boy we should definitely fix that soon." Fudge said.

"Oh, and Minister you should keep all of this quiet. And bring it to the Wizengamot without Dumbledore's knowledge he might object." Harry said.

He knew just how suspicious Fudge was where Dumbledore was concerned. He had also told Death to give Fudge an aversion to Dumbledore... if only to gives Dumbles an even harder time. Even if Dumbles walked on the charges. Harry was confident it wouldn't be without the stripping of some of Dumbledore's power. Now that the sheep were starting to think for themselves and question whether following him was the right thing.

"Yes, my boy that sounds like an excellent idea." Fudge said, before turning around and going back to the party.

"Are we leaving yet little one?" Death asked.

"No, not yet I have to a least say hello to Draco and the others. I came on their invite after all it would be incredibly rude to leave without doing so." Harry replied, Death nodded.

"Besides aren't you enjoying being the center of attention." Harry teased.

Death huffed and walked passed him Harry followed amused. Once again in the too bright and over decorated ballroom that was strewn with fairy lights and garland. It looked like someone had thrown up heaps of flowers. Petals were all over the floors, the tables had bouquets in reds, pinks, and light blues. He finally spotted Draco holding court in a corner, with Daphne, Pansy, Theo, and Blaise. He was spotted by Blaise first, who got up and bear hugged him right off his feet. Okay Blaise was ridiculously strong for an eleven year old, almost twelve year old. It wasn't fair being this short damn it!

"Harry it's good seeing you." Theo said.

Harry almost raised an eyebrow, Theo hadn't said a whole lot to him since they had met. Theo was a steady loyal person...so if it took time to gain respect from him then so be it.

"It's good seeing all of you guys here how is everyone." Harry said.

They all chattered at him, he honestly wasn't paying much attention. Blaise had never taken his arm off of his waist after their hug. It was most definitely nice and comforting after being away from him. Even if it had only been a few days. He came out of his daze when Blaise squeezed his hip.

"You look bored, care to dance?" Blaise asked.

"Oh, I don't think so I can't dance." Harry said, it was true he couldn't.

Memories of the Yule Tri-wizarding and dancing with Pavarti came to the forefront of his mind. Harry was pretty sure that he'd stepped on her toes a lot.   

"Well, then let me lead you might do better." Blaise said.

Harry was skeptical but went with him onto the dance floor anyway. He was sure the others hadn't even noticed them leaving. Some light strain of classical music was playing. He honestly hoped he didn't step on Blaise's feet. Blaise positioned their hands and started swaying them in a typical waltz. Harry had to admit as he relaxed that this wasn't too bad. Blaise pulled him closer as he ended up resting his chin on Blaise's shoulder. They were merely just swaying in one spot all wrapped together all pretext of dancing gone.

"Is your business almost done?" Blaise asked, Harry hummed.

"Almost, I have one more thing to do then I promise that I will come and stay with you for awhile." He said.

"Good, you'll love Italy Harry. The gorgeous country side, my family, and lets not forget the food. I would love to cook for you." Blaise said.

Harry squeezed Blaise tight.

No one had ever wanted to cook for him... even when he was married to Ginny she never cooked. They didn't even eat in the same room together. The only time they had even danced together was at their wedding... even then something seemed so cold.

How could he not know? Mind altering potions and magic bindings aside it was so obvious. They didn't fit together at all other then quidditch they'd had nothing in common. Blaise, bless him, must have noticed a small change and had begun rubbing his back. His Italian was quickly becoming the rock in storm that was his life right now.

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Azkaban Holding Cells- Dumbledore pov

Auror Harper came to his cell trailing the young Miss Gardner. The Auror left shortly after leaving a distressed blond to stand in front of his cell.

"So what happened surely they saw reason." He said, as he saw her bite her lip.

"No, they ruled in his favor. Apparently the Dursley's signed away their guardianship to someone named Azrael Peverell. And they told me they are adding theft onto your charges." She said.

She flinched away, at the thunderous expression on his face.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL FOR!" He shouted, jumping to his feet.

"Harry's lawyer presented documented proof that you'd been making withdrawals from his accounts without his knowledge. They also had the Potter's wills... they said you were never to be a guardian of any kind." She said.

She shrank back as far away from him as was possible.

"GET OUT NOW!" He yelled.

She practically ran out of there. Nothing was going as planned! Where the hell were Moody and Diggle? And who the hell was Azrael Peverell? He'd been so sure the Peverell line had died out.

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Azkaban Prison-Sirius pov

Sirius awoke to soft scraping sound on the floor. He cracked his eyes open to see a blurry Azrael setting up his table. Sirius gingerly sat up his back arching slightly. The beds were plain awful! There was little difference between the stone floor and that bed.

"Hmm, what are we having today." Sirius asked.

He rose to join Azrael at the transfigured table.

"Grilled Swordfish with lemon Parsley topping. Beef Cacciatore as a side and lemon tarts for a treat. And I brought a strawberry lemonade laced with whiskey sour." Azrael said.

"Sounds good, why the alcohol though?" Sirius asked.

The last time he brought alcohol they had spoken of his mother.

"We are celebrating, our little one was very clever indeed. He convinced Fudge to give you a trial, while appealing to his so called better nature. Saying it would look good for his coming re-election. All that matters is that soon you'll never have to see this place again." Azrael said.

He couldn't help the tears that had gathered at the corner of his eyes. Azrael came around the table and scooped him up. He wrapped his legs about his waist as he was held close. Sirius couldn't help it... he'd lost hope a long time ago and now he was getting out soon. It was so much so soon. His little prongslet was brilliant!

"I know, you had lost all hope of ever leaving this awful place. But its true you'll get to leave here soon. And I have custody of Harry normal and magically. We're getting a room ready for you and everything we can't wait to have you with us." Azrael said.

For the first time in a long time Sirius felt hope and he wanted nothing more than to join them.

He slowly registered that Azrael was moving to the chair he'd conjured. Azrael was either crazy strong or he weighed next to nothing. Because Azrael completely adjusted his body to sit on him instead of hanging off him. He saw Azrael's hand disappear only to reappear with a forkful of swordfish. Sirius snorted and looked into his eyes.

"Your going to feed me now?" Sirius asked, amused.

"Of course, my Star you need to eat." Azrael replied.

Sirius smiled, this man...he was slowly starting to love this crazy man. He was brought from his thoughts and the no doubt dopey look he had on his face by a pair of lips.

Chapter Text

Peverell Manor- Harry

Harry was just finishing the wardrobe when he turned to find Death standing there. They were both at Peverell Manor, it was probably one of the oldest structures in Wizarding Britain. It had two towers, 20 bedrooms, 10 parlors,10 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, 1 ballroom, a massive garden, and 1 library that sat in the center of the house and it went to all four floors. The entrance to the library, was on the first floor, and it was the only entrance for it. The dungeons sprawled the whole length of the property in a massive web work of catacombs, that was ran under the gardens.

The most interesting part Harry thought, was near the end of the dungeons, their was a large ritual circle. The runes that were carved were like nothing he'd ever seen before, he'd asked Death, and received an amused chuckle for his effort. Apparently it was the rune circle, the brothers had trapped him in so long ago to bargain for the hollows. Harry had just finished putting clothes in Siri's new wardrobe.

Death had measured Sirius after he'd fallen asleep one night. They wanted him to feel at home, when he came back to them. Death in particular seemed pretty giddy about it, or as giddy as a Death deity was aloud to be. He knew about their little relationship, the two seemed to have going. It was fine really, both of them were like parents to him already. So to have them together, well that was just a bonus. He couldn't have been happier for them.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" Harry asked, looking pointedly at him.

Death looked at Harry from the window.

"Yes, but...." Death started, before quieting.

"Your nervous, don't be its Sirius, he's probably as nervous as you are. Now go and see him, we only have so much time before the Wizengamot convenes." Harry said, he couldn't blame Death.

His own stomach was churning rather unpleasantly.

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Azkaban Prison- Sirius pov

He awoke feeling a shift in the air as Azrael appeared next to his bed. He got up feeling oddly apprehensive today was the day. He saw Azrael fish around his pocket, before pulling out a simple gold bracelet. Sirius looked at him confused, he got me jewelry?

"Morning little Star, I need you to wear this." Azrael said.

"Why?" Sirius asked, curious as to what the gold bracelet did.

"It has a strong glamour charm, it will give you the appearance you had before I came to see you regularly. We don't want anyone knowing, that you've had contact with anyone from the outside. It's temporary and unfortunately necessary."  Azrael said.

He walked over to Sirius and cupped his face.

"One way or another your coming home to us tonight little Star. I won't let them keep you another night here in this hellhole." Azrael said, touching his forehead to his.

"Soon little Star." Azrael said.

Sirius blinked and Azrael was gone his cell looked as it had before. The only evidence that Azrael had been there was the gold bracelet grasped in his hand.

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Wizengamot Chambers- Harry

Harry was currently sitting in the front row behind Mr. Blottwell's chair. Death was sitting off to Harry's left side. The room had half circle of chairs at the top most point in the room. Then the two opposing council tables, with the audience seats in the back. Since this was a closed trial, none of the general populace was allowed to watch. Though Ministry employees could attend if they so wished.

Which was fine by Harry, the last thing he wanted was a media circus. Only a select few Wizengamot members would be here for the trial. He watched as Amelia Bones, Cornelius Fudge, Barty Crouch Sr., Tiberius Ogden, Griselda Marchbanks, and Claire Montague. They took their seats with Fudge, at the center seat since Dumbledore couldn't hold a trial while he himself was in prison.

"We are gathered here today for the trial of Sirius Black." Fudge announced.

Whispers started amongst the Wizengamot, so Fudge had done as told and kept it entirely secret. Good, there would be no opposition from any in Dumbledore's corner.

"Why are we having a trial for a man already in prison?" Lord Ogden rasped.

"Sirius Black was arrested and never tried on the charges against him. There is no record that my predecessor, gave him one there for Mr. Black will receive a trial today with Vertiserum." Fudge stated.

Fudge looked around at them daring any among them to object. They talked to each other in hushed whispers.

"Let us bring forth the accused." Fudge said.

Two Aurors came in a side door with Sirius in between them. It was hard to look at Sirius, despite knowing that what he was seeing was just a glamour. He looked bone thin, ragged clothes draping off of him, long gnarly finger nails and scraggly hair. Despite all that he looked almost fragile, glamour or not. Amelia stepped down with a bottle of Vertiserum and approached Sirius. She pressed the vile to his lips and tilted it, Sirius offered no resistance. They all waited as Sirius's eyes grew glassy.

"What is your name?" She asked.

"Sirius Orion Black." Sirius replied.

"And you birthday?" Bones asked.

"November 3rd, 1959." Sirius replied, he was visibly shaking.

"The vertiserum is working now." Amelia said.

She came to the front again and stood in front of Fudge's chair.

"Proceed with questioning Madame Bones." Fudge ordered.

"Are you a deatheater?" She inquired.

"No." Sirius said.

Sirius sounded hollow like he was in pain.

"Were you the secret keeper?" Bones asked, her lips set in a thin line.

"No." Sirius replied.

"Who was?" Bones asked, her eyes narrowed.

"Peter Pettigrew." Sirius replied, his voice took on a touch of anger.

Silence permeated the room.

"Who else knew about Peter being the secret keeper?" Bones asked, as she pressed on in her questions.

"James and Lily Potter, and Albus Dumbledore." Sirius said.

Madame Marchbanks gasped.

She was one of the few that always seemed to agree with Dumbledore. Harry idly wondered if she had felt the same? Harry knew first hand, what it felt like to have your view of someone fall apart. To find out that they weren't who you thought they were.

"Did you betray the Potter's that night?" Bones asked, as she got over her shock.

"No." Sirius said, his voice was hollow and his pain evident.

Harry's chest ached, he sounded so broken. Amelia nodded looking at Fudge, he nodded back and she fished another vile from her robes. It was the antidote for the vertiserum. She once again pressed the vile to Sirius's lips and tilted it back.

"Mr. Blottwell, you said there was also corroborating evidence to support his innocence." Lord Ogden asked.

"Yes, Minister we'd like to bring a witness." Mr. Blottwell said.

"I will allow it." Fudge said.

Fudge blotted his face with a handkerchief. Harry wondered if Fudge always sweated this bad, or if it only happened when his ass might be on the line.

"Minister Fudge I need to request the assistance of Aurors. The person in question is an illegal rat Animagus, he will flee if allowed freedom to run." Mr. Blottwell replied.

"Very well Mr. Blottwell." Fudge said, before settling back into his chair.

Amelia opened the side door Sirius had come through and brought two more Aurors. A short red haired women and a tall blond man. They stopped by Mr. Blottwell's desk, Blottwell nodded at them and reached under his desk. He pulled up a cage and sat it in the center of the his table. The blond man grabbed the cage and sat it on the floor in front of Amelia.

And the red haired women conjured a chair and pulled out a metal collar. It looked like a harmless necklace, but Harry knew it wasn't. It could suppress the magic in a person, so long as they wore it they'd be the equivalent of a squib. The women floated the collar in the air, as the man removed the rat from the cage. The collar met the rat and bright flash of light happened..

As rat slowly morphed into man with shoulder length blond dirty hair. He was wearing rags and his nose had started to resemble that of a rat's snout. No, doubt a side effect of being in his Animagus form, for too long.

The Wizengamot all seemed shocked, to see the supposedly dead man standing in the room. The shock hadn't extended to the two Aurors, who bound Peter to a chair. Before returning to their posts outside the doors. Amelia brought out another vile of vertiserum and administered it. Glassy eyes looked around.

"What is your name?" Amelia asked.

"Peter Pettigrew." Peter replied.

Gasps rang out as shocked faces hung on to every word.

"And your birthday?" Amelia asked.

"September 1st, 1959." Peter replied.

Peter shifted around, as he still tried to escape despite being drugged.

"The serum is working." Amelia said, before moving to a stop in front of Fudge again.

"Are you a deatheater?" Amelia asked, her voice firm and her emotions back under control.

"Yes." Peter said, with a squeak.

Shouts of outrage came from the people behind Harry. Whispers were exchanged between some of the members.

"Were you the Potter's secret keeper?" Amelia asked, her voice now harder in tone.

"Yes." Peter said,

Outraged cries and shocked gasps sounded. Being a secret keeper was considered a great but serious honor. To betray the trust of the people who trusted you. It was unthinkable!

"And who knew about this?" She asked.

"James and Lily Potter, Albus Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort." Peter replied, everyone seemed like they were holding their breaths.

"Did you kill twelve muggles, and cut your own toe off to frame Sirius Black?" She asked, seemingly holding her breath.

"Yes." Peter said.

More gasps and whispers were exchanged. And then Amelia asked the question everyone wanted to know.

"Why did you do all of that Peter?" She asked, her face unable to remain indifferent. 

"It was always him!! Why wasn't I James's best mate? We were so good together, but no he always had Sirius! While I was like an outsider! I loved James, and Lily and Sirius, took him from me! The mongrel deserved it, how dare they steal him from me!" Peter shouted, before breaking down and sobbing.

Harry felt beyond sick, that was it... That was why his parents were dead, and his godfather locked up and traumatized. All because his father wouldn't give the rat the time of day as anything besides a friend. And he did this to someone he claimed to love...that was sick!

"You son of a bitch, how could you? They trusted you, and you did this out of jealousy! You're sick." Sirius shouted, straining against the chair that he was tied to.

Harry couldn't have agreed more. People loved and lost everyday that was life after all. And more people then not ended up being rejected, but people go on and move on. Peter just decided to have them killed it was horrid. Harry could never hurt someone he loved. He'd rather just walk away then murder them for not loving him.

"Peter Pettigrew is to be taken into custody and held while the Wizengamot comes to a verdict." Fudge said.

He shot a proximity ward out as well as a silencing spell, at the ground in front of them. They started discussing after that and at one point Ogden looked to be shouting at Marchbanks. Harry promised himself, that if these people didn't convict that monster. He would make sure that Pettigrew never made it out alive.

Harry couldn't allow it, he couldn't believe that after all this time wondering what had happened. The thing that killed his parents was love. It hurt... a lot, he jerked his gaze up to his left, to find Death holding his hand. He was going to hug the breath out of Death and Siri when this was over. Finally, after what seemed forever the wards came down and Fudge cleared his throat.

"We've come to a verdict in the case of Peter Pettigrew. We find you guilty of thirteen counts of murder, as well as one count of attempted murder. You are to be sentenced to life in prison. In the case of Sirius Black, we find him not guilty and he will be released of all charges. This meeting of the Wizengamot has been concluded." Fudge said, before leaving.

Harry couldn't help it he jumped up and hugged Death. He didn't even care, that there were a bunch of people looking at them. All that mattered, was that they'd finally get to be together as a strange little family. The Aurors approached them and unshackled Sirius leaving him standing there awkwardly. Death grabbed his cloak and bundled Sirius up in it. Walking down the corridors, until they came to a stop in one of the secluded dark areas. Death grabbed each of their arms and whisked them away.

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Peverell Manor- Harry pov

They appeared at home and no sooner had their feet touched the floor he grabbed Siri. Harry couldn't help it, he'd missed Sirius so damn much. And Siri was squeezing him just as hard. Death chuckled and maneuvered the two, still locked in their hug into the dining room. They finally broke apart and seated themselves at the table for dinner. Death had some Oolong tea, everyone else had baked garlic chicken, herb potatoes, and peppered asparagus. Siri finally took off that gold bracelet and his true appearance finally showed. A much healthier and better groomed Sirius came into view.

"I know everyone wants to catch up but you two need to sleep." Death said.

Harry glared at him as Death smiled amusedly.

"He's right Harry, we could all probably use some sleep. I know I'm exhausted from all of this. Well, that and the beds here have got to be better then the poor excuse I used for thirteen years." Sirius said, as he winced at his own joke.

Harry pouted a little, but conceded that it was probably for the best. Sirius would be here when he woke up. He hugged Siri for all his worth before going upstairs.

Sirius pov-

"Alone at last." Azrael said, before pulling him close embracing him.

Azrael twirled Sirius in loop, for the first time in awhile he laughed. And allowed himself to be chased up the stairs. Sirius got to the top and realized, he had know idea where he was going. Until Azrael caught him, scooping him up bridal style and carried him down the hall to a door. Azrael opened it and carried Sirius in before placing him on his feet.

"Where...?" Sirius asked, confused.

"We're in your room, we didn't know how you wanted it decorated." Azrael said.

The room was beige with cherry wood flooring, the furniture was a white ash or white aspen in color. What had caught his eye though was the beside table. It had a picture album and a picture frame on it. Inside the frame Azrael was sitting with Harry in a couch smiling at him. He turned to Azrael and found him smiling softly at him.

"Welcome home little Star." Azrael said, smiling and kissing his forehead.

Tears of joy fell from his eyes as a sob was ripped from his throat. It's over...it's finally over. Cradled in Azrael's arms Sirius sobbed as all the pain, anger, loneliness, and hopelessness left his body. He was finally home. Sirius couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring for him.  

Chapter Text

Peverell Manor- Harry pov

"Siri, come on come with me and Azrael to meet Blaise." Harry pleaded.

It was the morning after Sirius had come home from Azkaban. And while Harry felt a little bad about pushing him so soon. He also hadn't been outside in well over a decade. Harry didn't want Sirius to be like he was in his before life. Withdrawn and drinking... he wanted Sirius to be happy.

"Fine, but if people get weird with me I'm coming home." Sirius said.

He hugged Siri and left to get his cloak. The article about Sirius's innocence had been in the Prophet that morning. So nobody should try any funny business. That of course didn't mean that they wouldn't stare and gossip...sadly that was just the world in general. They tended to do that when something big happened. Grabbing a light summer cloak, he made his way back downstairs to find both Death and Sirius waiting for him. Harry stepped into Death's arms, while he made a gesture to encourage Sirius to join them.

Sirius in turn wrapped his arms around Harry's back while Death extended his arms to touch Sirius. Harry shut his eyes as he felt Death's wild magic encompass them. Harry opened them again once his feet touched the ground. He glanced at Sirius to see his reaction. Sirius himself gave no indication that anything was wrong...Death's portals weren't like apparition. If you kept your eyes open you'd see things within the void. Not all of them were pleasant, but none of them were stupid enough to approach Death.

"Where are we meeting him?" Sirius asked.

"Oh, at my favorite restaurant the 'Gilded Wand' but that won't be until lunch. We have another stop to go to first." Harry replied.

"Where?" Sirius asked, regarding him curiously.

"To Ollivander's you need a new wand Siri." Harry said.

Siri nodded, but stayed close to Death's side. Death in turn draped his arm around Sirius's waist pulling him closer to his side. It was still a bit early so there wasn't a whole lot of people around. Which was just perfect since Siri was a bit paranoid. Harry had already told Death about the trip and they agreed that it would be best if Harry went in first. Ollivander might reveal Death's identity and they hadn't told Sirius yet. And neither of them thought Diagon Ally was the place to learn it. Once outside of Ollivander's Death pulled Sirius into his arms and kissed him. Harry smiled slipping into the shop. He found Ollivander being his creepy self looking out the window.

"Ah, Mr. Potter back again I see." Ollivander said.

"Ollivander it's a pleasure, but I'm not here to chat. My godfather just got out of Azkaban and needs a new wand he doesn't know about my friend Death. So when they come in don't mention anything about it." Harry said, with a hint of warning.

"You have dangerous friends Mr. Potter, but all the same not everyone can handle the truth." Ollivander replied.

Harry turned to Death and nodded he saw the two break apart and come in the door.

"Mr. Black and.....Mr. Peverell its been a long time." Ollivander said.

Siri gave a tiny half smile that didn't reach his eyes. How the hell did he know Death was posing as Lord Peverell? Harry narrowed his eyes, damn fae they always knew far too much.

"Yeah, its been...." Sirius trailed off.

"Well, I do believe we have something....." Ollivander said, and ran off into the stacks he returned shortly after.

"Twelve inches beechwood and unicorn hair springy." Ollivander said, presenting the boxed wand to Sirius.

Siri gave it a wave and some of the shelves shook. Ollivander took the wand back muttering to himself and went to gather another.

"Try this one birch and dragon heartstring thirteen inches." Ollivander said.

Siri gave it a wave and the mirror on the wall shattered. Harry idly wondered, how much time Ollivander spent repairing his shop after every customer came in. They went through several more, before Ollivander looked at Death then back at Sirius thoughtfully. He wandered off bringing a box covered in dust to Sirius.

"This wand was made by my predecessor I haven't been able to match it to anyone. But I think somehow that it will fit you Mr. Black, Cypress wood and Wendigo fur twelve inches springy." Ollivander said, a touch of something Harry couldn't identify in his voice.

Sirius barely touched it and his hand glowed golden and the air smelled heavily of a forest. Sirius gave a genuine smile as he picked up the wand and cradled it to his chest.

"Weirdly enough I think it fits me better than my old wand." Sirius said, grinning at Harry.

"How much is it Mr. Ollivander?" Harry asked.

"Nothing, I want nothing for that particular wand. It was the last wand my grandfather ever made, he searched and searched for the one who it belonged to. His dying wish was that I find who it belongs with. You owe me nothing at all thank you." Ollivander said.

 Ollivander turned and disappeared into the back room, leaving them to look at one another in confusion.

"Well, that was weird even for Ollivander." Harry said.

Sirius nodded in agreement, they walked out of the shop and down to the 'Gilded Wand'. They were a little early, but only by like ten minutes. Harry had no idea how long Sirius was going to take finding his wand, so he had planned accordingly. They were shown to their usual table away from everyone else.

"Will he be here soon?" Death inquired.

"Yeah, in about ten or so minutes he has to take an international portkey here. They have a house in Britain, but they stay at their family estate in Sicily." Harry said.

"What did you say his last name was again?" Sirius asked.

"Zabini, Blaise Zabini." Blaise said. 

Harry turned to find Blaise standing directly behind Sirius's chair. Before he walked around the table to the empty chair next to Harry.

"Blaise, I missed you." Harry said, he squeaked as he was bear hugged.

"I missed you as well and who are they?" Blaise asked.

"Well, you were just standing behind Sirius and the white haired one is my Uncle Azrael." Harry said, before taking his seat again.

"I hear so much about you from Harry that I feel like we've already met." Death said.

Harry turned his face away his hair shadowing his face a blush creeped up his neck. He could hear Death chuckle from across the table. Jerk death deity.... make him blush will he. Blaise smiled at him grasping his hand under the table.

"Did you get all of your stuff done?" Blaise asked.

"Yeah, everything is all taken care of." Harry replied.

"Good, then your Uncle and Godfather can join us in Sicily for the summer." Blaise said, smoothly.

Sirius was going to say something but Death placed a hand over his mouth.

"We'd love to join your family down in Sicily. Sirius just got out and some sun and good food will do him good." Death said.

Sirius raised his eyebrow in silent question. They ate lunch as Harry filled Blaise in on the stuff he'd missed. He'd briefly caught both Death and Sirius smirking at him occasionally. When they finished they walked to the door.

"I will meet you three at Gringotts when your done grabbing your trunks. I have to go pick up mother's order at 'Twilfit and Tattings'." Blaise said, before hugging Harry again and departing shortly after.

"So Blaise huh?" Sirius teased.

"So Azrael huh?" Harry teased back.

"Yeah I had that coming. I've heard some interesting rumors about his mother." Sirius said.

 He watched Harry intently and in turn Harry looked at him unimpressed.

"Yeah, they're just that rumors. If there was any proof she did those things she'd be in jail. Plus, everyone said you were guilty too and they were wrong." Harry said, defensively.

Harry didn't even know her and yet he felt oddly protective of her..... It was probably his fondness for Blaise showing. Though Sirius himself didn't even know the woman and yet had seemingly believed the rumors. Sirius nodded in assent. They went back to the manor and packed there trunks with the exception of Death who didn't need one. And they were back at Diagon Ally and in short order they strolled at a slow unhurried pace. The alley had a few more people wandering around but was still mostly empty.

Harry wondered if perhaps it was Death's doing... if he was keeping most of the people away because of Sirius. When Death wanted to he could spread horrible feelings and a deep chill to keep people away. And while Harry couldn't feel the chill...that didn't mean anything. They came up to Gringotts's steps and sat down. Harry didn't know what the others were thinking about but it seemed intense.

But he was feeling for the first time that everything just might be alright. That maybe just maybe Harry could be happy with his odd little family.

"Now what has you smiling so?" Blaise asked, he had managed to creep up on all of them again.

"I was thinking that I was going to be happy with my weird family." Harry said.

Sirius gave him a soft look and Death smiled fondly.

"If you are all ready we should get going." Blaise said.

He pulled an ornate brass key from his pocket. Sirius and Death came up beside them with each of placing a finger on the key.

"Home." Blaise said.

The world around them swirled and blurred before steadying as they were dropped on there destination. Harry immediately felt warm, glancing around he saw rolling hills of green. Blaise extended his hand and helped Harry up off the ground. Ahead of them was a massive sprawling villa that was perched on a cliff top. It was made out of large clay stones and the path to the large door was lined with olive trees. Blaise led them inside to an entrance hall before leading them up the staircase, down a series of halls before stopping on the third floor.

"Third floor is for guests, second floor is for family, and the first floor is for gatherings. First floor has the kitchens, dining, ballroom, sun rooms, and parlors. We have a cellar that's temperature controlled to store wine, as well as our library. As you can tell it's very warm here, it's better for the books if they are stored in a cool place. Your room is here Harry and I will take the other two to their room." Blaise said.

Harry nodded and watched them walk a little further down the hall. He turned and opened up the door to his room and gasped it was gorgeous! The bed was a king royal kahala the frame was made of some kind of dark wood, the canopy was periwinkle, the comforter was a teal color, pillows that were white with green and blue palm leaves.

The wardrobe was a lovely ashen grey in color with an vanity mirror set sitting next to it. A side door revealed a bathroom the tub was a made out of black marble, the floor was made of mosaic tile that had a portrait of a sea horse in colorful chips, the counter top of the sink was also black marble, the mirrors were rectangular, the walls were a sea-foam green, and a chandelier lit the room that looked like it was made of bone white coral, with strands of little seashells hanging from it.

Back in the bedroom he saw a glass door leading out to a balcony, he stepped out to see the sea. Herring gulls were flying in the warm breeze, looking down he saw the cliffs and the crashing waves. There was a winding set of stairs that hugged the cliff face that disappeared out of sight that were made of pine. Harry imagined that they had to be magically reinforced or else would've been destroyed by the winds or storms. He walked back into his room and put his trunk in an empty corner. With a small amount of wandless magic unpacked his clothes and floated them into his wardrobe. Harry decided it would be best to change into some lighter clothes a thin light blue dress shirt, with tan bermuda shorts, with black canvas loafers, he loosely tied his hair back.

He stepped into the hall and wandered downstairs with no destination in mind.

"So your my son's new friend."

Harry turned to find a woman in a black sundress with white flowers on it. Her dark brown hair was done up in a bun, dark eyes regarded him silently, with sun kissed skin glowing softly.

"Your son, then you must be Lady Zabini." Harry said.

"Don't call me that it makes me feel so old you can call me Violetta or Vive. Welcome to our villa did my baby leave you alone?" She asked.

"Yeah, he left me to settle in. I have no idea where he is, you have a lovely home though." Harry said.

"I'm glad you like it care to join us out in the sunroom?" She asked.

"Us?" Harry questioned.

"Yes, my other children are in the far west sunroom having iced tea and enjoying each others company." She replied, with a smile.

"Oh, what about Sirius and Azrael? I don't want to leave them behind." Harry said.

"Oh, we're right over here." Sirius said.

They turned to find Sirius, Azrael, and Blaise standing behind Harry.

Back in Britain...Dumbledore

"I don't see how that is relevant to your client's case Miss Gardiner." Judge Lesperance said.

Dumbledore gritted his teeth. This woman was going to be the death of him.

"My client didn't kill those children himself. It was all an unfortunate accident." She replied.

A look if disbelief came over the judges face.

"Miss Gardiner it was his actions and negligence that led to the deaths of five children and a professor. The only reason he isn't in front of the Wizengamot is because his charges are pending. What makes you think I would ever agree to release him?" Judge Lesperance asked.

Dumbledore wanted to say something to the arrogant sod but couldn't. He'd been rendered silenced after protesting his charges.

"Sir, he's just an old man who would love nothing more than to return to his students." She said.

she resisted the urge to sigh as she looked at her pissed off client. Why couldn't she get an easy client?

"And how can we guarantee that Mr. Dumbledore will show back up for trial?" Judge Lesperance asked.

He smirked down at the two of them. Fuck...

"He's a respectable man in our community surely we can trust him?" She said. 

Even she wasn't sure if Dumbledore was worth defending at this point.

"Well, I don't trust him and it is well known that he has a pet phoenix. Those magic restraining cuffs aren't coming off Miss Gardiner. And I am going to decline to give him bail. Auror Jenkins please escort Mr. Dumbledore back to his cell please." Judge Lesperance said.

Miss Gardiner hung her head this was a disaster.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Down in the sunroom they met three girls and one boy. The guy Harry thought had to be Azazel who he'd heard about before. He looked like an older version of Blaise except his cheek bones favored his mother's. All of the girls were in different sundresses. The youngest looking one was in a pink dress her hair was short in a pixie cut. Dark eyes and amazing eye lashes. The other two girls looked like twins their hair was long and curly, the same dark brown their mother's was, it was up in some twisty bun.

One had a purple sundress with white roses on it. And the other had a teal dress with little violet seahorses on the hem.

"These are my other kids: Azazel is at the end chair he's my oldest. Next on the wicker couch is Carmille in the purple and in the blue is Katrina. And the last girl on the couch in pink is Rosalee." Harry nodded.

He allowed Blaise to pull him to another couch so they could sit together. Sirius sat next to Harry on the other side and Violetta and Death ended up on the remaining love seat.

"Everyone this is Blaise's new friend Harry, his godfather next to him Sirius, and next to me is his uncle Azrael." Violetta said.

"Blaise you didn't tell us he was such a cutie!" Rosalee cooed.

Harry unconsciously moved closer to Blaise which of course made the woman coo at him more.

"Could you guys try not to embarrass me too much please!" Blaise pouted.

"Awww, but Blaise you never bring your friends over." Carmille pouted.

"Is it any wonder why?" Blaise snarked.

The adults smiled as the girls all pouted. Everyone got to talking and found out that the girls were going to Beauxbatons. The twins were graduating next year and Rosalee was in her 5th year. Azazel had already graduated and owned his own restaurant in Palermo called the 'Vine's Riches'. He also inherited an vineyard from his grandmother.

And Violetta managed the family's multiple luxury resorts for wizards. They also owned several luxury yachts that took tourists out on the waters around Italy. They had several vineyards, various boutiques, salons, and multiple olive orchards. While they were talking they ate bruschetta and assorted cheeses. Blaise's family was just lovely! Everyone was distracted talking he leaned over and whispered to Blaise and then to Sirius.

He wanted them to meet him after dinner in one of the sitting rooms. It was time to tell them the truth about him and Death. He told Death as much through their mental connection. He saw Death nod out of the corner of his eye. He felt Blaise yank on his hand.

"Come with me down to the beach." Blaise said.

Harry nodded as they slipped away from the others. Blaise led him through the halls until a back door came into view. They slipped their shoes off and went out onto the deck. Harry realized this was the stairs that clung to the cliffside. They followed it a ways in content silence together.

They stepped off the stairs and into the sand. This was actually the first time he'd been to the beach. The Dursley's had gone plenty without him. Dudley always complained about his sunburns while Vernon hated the sand. But if their ickle Duddikins wanted something he always got it. The sky was bathed in gorgeous shades of red, yellows, and blue as the sun was starting to descend in the sky.

"Had to get away they would've suffocated us and more than likely told you embarrassing stories about me." Blaise said, Harry grinned.

"Dang, that was the part I wanted to hear." Harry teased.

Blaise smiled back at him as they kept walking.

"Blaise?" Harry asked.

"Yeah." Blaise replied.

"What's it like to have siblings?" Harry asked.

Blaise shook his head.

"At times it was fun, but most of the time they're annoying. But I wouldn't trade them for anything." Blaise said.

Harry nodded he'd always wanted a sibling, but always knew it would never be. It wasn't worth dwelling on really. But his only other experience with family had been with the Weasley's. And Ron had scowled at him for asking. Ron didn't seem to appreciate his family at all. Which always secretly annoyed Harry. How was it that someone so selfish was that lucky? While Harry kept getting the short end of the metaphorical stick?

"Your pretty quiet, what's the matter Harry?" Blaise asked.

"I....with what I have to tell you. I'm....." Harry broke off and they stopped walking.

"It's okay you can tell me anything." Blaise said.

"I just...you might not like me anymore......and I...." Harry said, his voice cracking.

Blaise hugged him close and Harry silently prayed that this wouldn't be the last time. That Blaise really would stay with him forever.

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Dinner time Harry pov

They sat around a large oak table eating tortellini in beef broth, with carbonara, prosciutto, tiramisu, and coffee. To say that Harry was full was a vast understatement... all that rich food. Harry felt like he could survive a whole week on what he just ate alone. He loved the tiramisu... though treacle tart was still his favorite. As they all split apart for the night Harry's stomach churned. It had to be done they had to know he hated lying to them. And it would only be riskier in the long run to keep their secret. Or risk losing both of their prospective precious people. Both Harry and Death were unwilling to lose their men. 

Death, Blaise, Sirius, and him stayed together and went to one of the sitting rooms done up in soft blues. They took their seats and Death weaved wards around the room. They didn't need ease droppers not for something this important. Harry sat there gathering his thoughts.

"So what's up Harry, what do you have to tell us?" Siri asked.

"Azrael and I aren't what we seem." Harry said, his eyes dropping to the floor.

So it began he told them about the time travel.... about the Dursley's abusive behavior to him. All the while Blaise and Sirius sat on either side of him hugging him. Even when his voice broke they rubbed his back and encouraged him. He told them about his previous school years and Voldemort. He told them all he'd found out about Dumbledore. Harry told them about his marriage to Ginny and how much of failure it was.

And when he told them about the hollows and Azrael's true identity they sat frozen with shock. He could understand their reactions it wasn't exactly normal to have the deity of death as an Uncle. But at least they weren't screaming or laughing at him. Or calling him a liar. Harry didn't know what he would've done had they not believed him. He could handle strangers calling him crazy...but Sirius and Blaise mattered. 

"If that's all true then why did you come back?" Blaise asked, looking at him in confusion.

"I'll tell you why." Harry said, his voice becoming more stable and determined.

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Flashback the night Harry went back in time. Harry pov

He awoke his head swimming what the hell happened to him? Harry found his glasses on the table to clear his vision... he glanced around as his memory came back. He'd been drinking tea with Neville in the kitchen. Wait?? Where was Neville? He looked again the tea cups were gone and in their place was liquor glasses and a whiskey bottle.

Harry looked around again and noticed a knocked over chair. He stood up suddenly his chair falling back as he stared down at the lifeless body of Neville. Tears welled in his eyes as he stumbled back in a panic he apparated to the Weasley house. Harry shakily opened the back door and went in the dark hall. The door to the kitchen was ajar he was about to open the door and go in when he heard talking. He stopped to listen out of curiosity...Merlin he wished he hadn't.

"This will be it we'll finally be rid of him." Ron said.

Ron leaned back in on one of the table chairs. Ginny and Hermione were sitting across from him at the table holding mugs.

"Yeah, I put the powder Hermione gave me into their tea." Ginny replied.

She'd done what???

"Did you complete the rest?" Ron asked.

"I switched out their glasses, but I couldn't kill Neville. Mom had to do it." Ginny said.

Ginny scowled as Ron smirked at her.

What??? Molly killed Neville why?? What was going on? God...his head hurt.

"It doesn't matter the Aurors should be there now. It'll look like he killed Neville in a drunken rage. Combined with the letter Dumbledore gave us vouching for his violent behavior. He'll go to jail and you'll inherit his entire fortune." Ron said.

They...they set him up...they killed Neville. His family they had betrayed him...

"Yeah, now I no longer have to pretend to be in love with him." Ginny said, sneering.

They hadn't had the best marriage but setting him up for murder!! It was a bit much and what was that about Dumbledore? Why, would Dumbledore do that? Nothing made sense.

"Yeah, I was tired of pretending to be his friend too." Ron said.

Harry couldn't believe it.

It was all an act they had never cared for him or loved him. And poor Neville was nothing to them but a pawn. He had to get out of here this would be the next place they'd look for him. Harry backed up silently and went back out of the house.

He turned around and was going to run when he saw them. Six dark cloaked figures.

"Harry Potter, surrender your wand and get down on your knees." Aurors damn it.

He wasn't going down for those assholes he'd find away to get them back. He sent a Bombarda Maximus at the ground near their feet. As the ground blew a part in a flash of light he apparated away but not before a tracking charm was shot at his robes.

He appeared again in a dark forest... Harry had no idea where he was. He heard their voices from behind him so he ran into the trees his cloak tangling and ripping as he ran. They would all pay for this....nobody would escape his wrath. Harry turned to look back and ran headlong into someone's arms. He panicked briefly before realizing it was Death. Death...who he'd spurned...Death who had always been with him. Death who had the power to help him end them....

He narrowed his green eyes and told Death he was going back. 

"There's nothing left for me here now."

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Flashback end Harry pov

"So they framed you for murder like they did Sirius?" Blaise asked.

"Yeah, I trusted all of them. They were like family to me and to find out it was all a lie. That they would do this to me." Harry said, before he shook his head.

He turned to Blaise.

"Knowing all that do you still want to follow me anywhere?" Harry asked, biting his lip.

"It was shocking yeah, but I'm not going to abandon you. I'm with you all the way Harry." Blaise said.

Harry couldn't help the tears that welled.

As so many years of hurt overwhelmed him. Blaise scooped him up onto his lap and started rubbing his back.

Meanwhile on the other side of the room..... Sirius pov

Sirius didn't know how to feel right now. How could he have put revenge before Harry's well being? And they hurt him.... abused him even! All because he hadn't been there for him. And Dumbledore! That old fuck was going to suffer. This all stank of the old goat's influence. None of that could've been a coincidence...but what did the old man have to gain from all this?

"Sirius are you okay?" Azrael asked.

Or should he say Death stood next to him looking concerned.

"About as okay as one can be when they find out their godson has been abused and betrayed. And then to further find out the guy you were having feelings for... is oh...I don't know freaking Death! So yeah, I'm just fucking peachy over here!!" Sirius said.

He could hear the distress in his own voice and hated it.

"I'm sorry my Star I didn't want to lie to you, but people are afraid of me. And the way everyone reacts to finding out about me.... Can you not see why I didn't tell you?" Azrael pleaded.

Sirius couldn't imagine other people taking that information well. Maybe he and the Zabini boy were just plain weird...neither of them had freaked out. But that didn't mean it wasn't surprising to learn and it explained so much. Like how Azrael seemed to know everything. He never could figure out how Azrael had known so much about him and his family. Or how Azrael 'apparated' if one could call it that. And him coming and going through Azkaban's wards. The Dementors...almost seemed afraid of the man. Though Sirius surmised that that may be normal behavior.

Death was probably the only thing those creatures feared.

"I can understand fear just fine... I just need a little time to think." Sirius said, biting his lips.

"Alright my Star, I just want you to know this in no way effects how I feel about you. You have a beautiful soul and I will be waiting for you." Death said.

Sirius felt cold as Azrael disappeared.

Making him feel utterly gutted and empty.

Chapter Text

Beach- Sirius pov

Sirius stood on the beach looking out at the waves. The sun was rising in shades of gold and pink...

Sirius hadn't really slept last night and stayed on the beach. How had his life become this? Godsons from the future... falling in love with Death.... having his whole world turned upside down. Merlin...how could Jamie and Lils ever forgive him? He'd failed their little Prongslet so badly...and had been unable to protect him from the real threat to his life. Dumbledore...he thought bitterly was a complete monster! What was the point of all this? And why were he and his friends picked for whatever insane plan Dumbledore had? 

He knew two things for absolute sure. He loved Harry and he loved Azrael he wasn't leaving them for anything. But that didn't mean that Sirius didn't feel lost at times in his new reality. Where did he fit exactly?

"A knut for your thoughts."

He turned to find Azrael standing behind him. Looking far too beautiful to be real in the sun's rising light.

"Just thinking about things." Sirius replied, basking in the warmth of the rising sun.

"Oh, good things I hope." Azrael said.

Sirius stepped closer to Azrael.

"Just realizing, that I'm not leaving Harry or you for anything. And that I.... love you both." Sirius said, before ducking his head he hadn't meant to say that.

It had just come out, damn his idiot mouth! Hands suddenly came up and framed his face suddenly. Azrael cupped his face smiling and kissed him. He was pulled close, heat rising up his neck as he felt a stray hand squeezing his ass. Azrael pulled away still holding his face.

"You have no idea how happy that makes me my Star." Azrael said, smiling softly.

The future was going to be interesting. And Sirius vowed that this time he wouldn't fail. 

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Headmaster's office Hogwarts- Dumbledore pov

Frustrated didn't even begin to describe how Albus Dumbledore was feeling! Moody and Diggle had taken too much time in getting him out! And the fines alone! He didn't have that kind of money and the school board took his access to the Hogwarts accounts! He was still being denied anything from the Potter accounts.

And to make it all the worse Moody had told him that he hadn't been able to tamper with Fudge's mind. They instead had to tamper with several high up Ministry personnel. They had taken his power as Supreme Mugwamp in the Wizengamot. The Flamels wouldn't even talk to him anymore! And he would need them to make another stone if possible. Albus had studied hard and experimented even harder. But was unable to produce his own Philosopher's stone. And now he might never get the chance. The Flamel's weren't easily manipulated and were determined to leave this world. And take the stone's secrets with them.

He'd also lost control of Potter and Black while he'd been incarcerated. Which was unacceptable...he needed them close under his thumb. And all his information gathers had come up with nothing about this Lord Peverell. Which was insane as he'd cultivated his informant's for years. So for his most experienced allies to find nothing on someone was outrageous. And people were starting to question his authority! Which was unacceptable! He was the next Merlin damnit! How dare they question anything he did? Tom had also fallen completely off his radar. Which was also impossible, Tom was insane. And since he was insane Tom wasn't subtle in the least. So where was the man? What the hell was going on? He was losing everything to an unknown enemy as well.

And now the school board was treating him like a child! He had to make all decisions with McGonagall and then run it by the board. He'd worked so hard and for so long... and it was all falling apart around him. Albus popped a lemon drop in his mouth while glaring at the papers on his desk. There was too much to focus on at once...too many lies and deceptions to repair. He breathed deeply clearing his mind. He just had to tackle each problem one at a time.

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Sunroom Zabini Villa Italy- Harry pov

"You said I wouldn't like it so what is it?" Harry asked.

He and Death were sitting alone in the Zabini's sunroom.

"When I heal and merge Tom's soul I will have to have someone bare it." Death said.

Bare it? What the hell did that mean?

"Bare it, what do you mean by that?" Harry asked.

"I mean I'm going to place the soul once completed into a necklace. Before he can be brought back, Tom himself must want to heal and come back. The requirement for remerging a horcrux is that he must feel regret for what he did. And then he has to want to be whole again. In my considerable experience it's best if the soul is around a soulmate or a magically compatible person. Then they have to keep and nurture the soul." Death said.

"I thought you said soulmates aren't real?" Harry questioned.

"They aren't remember I said most souls are split into multiple parts. And usually scattered into separate multiverses making it impossible to meet. So there is no 'soulmate' in traditional terms. But some magicals believe that magical compatibility is virtually the same thing. It's so incredibly rare that only some of the most magically gifted get them. Even then it's incredibly unlikely that said person would ever find a counter part." Death replied.    

"So they're basically the same think then?" Harry questioned.

"Pretty much, humans are so fanciful in their descriptions of things." Death said.

"So does that mean I have to carry him around then?" Harry asked.

That was one job Harry so didn't want. But he had been a horcrux previously so that made him compatible right?

"No, not you while you share magical compatibility it cannot be you. Your bond with me will not allow it... meaning it will have no positive effects in your presence. I know you think that it would be you given the horcrux. But that was completely incidental and as I said I wouldn't allow it. But there is another who shares even more compatibility with Tom. Both magically and soul wise." Death said.

He was hinting at the part Harry would like the least.

"Who?" Harry asked.

Harry had a distinct feeling he wasn't going to like who.

"Severus Snape." Death replied, in amusement.

"Fuck." Harry swore, he knew it.

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Blaise's room- Harry pov

"So what we have to get Snape in on this too now?" Blaise asked.

He had decided to be open and truthful with Blaise from now on. It was telling Sirius that he was worried about. The two didn't have the best relationship... even if it had been Dumbledore's fault. To top it all off he had no idea where Snape stood. He was a wild card at best. Harry truly believed that the man was only loyal to himself

"Yeah, we need him now to finish healing Tom." Harry said.

Blaise was looking at him skeptically.

"I know you said their souls and magic were compatible but what is he giving Tom exactly?" Blaise asked, confusion still evident on his face.

"The one thing Tom Riddle has never had his whole life. Love and protection... someone will finally care for him and protect his soul from harm. He grew up in an orphanage alone and bullied. Tom had no friends... so when he finally discovered his magic. He made sure they would never bully him again. Several of the orphanage's kids started having accidents and a few even disappeared. Snape will actually be healing his soul shards with his ambient magic. And of course protect him." Harry said.

"So we have to make Snape fall in love with Tom's soul?" Blaise asked.

"Essentially, yes and no. It's Tom who has to love him. Tom needs to heal and ground his soul, it has to be a natural process we can't force it. Tom needs a reason to come back and be whole. But he can't do that as long as his soul is fractured. And Snape is another one of Dumbledore's victims he deserves to be freed of his control. Whether we like him or not we need him." Harry said.

"Why do we even need the dark lord anyway. You and Death are more then enough to bring about our goals." Blaise said, confidently.

Blaise hadn't been too keen about helping a dark lord who had tried to murder Harry on multiple occasions. It made him feel amazing... protected...even wanted. Blaise made him feel things, he never thought he'd ever feel again after the betrayal.

"If Dumbledore hadn't been such an asshat, Tom really could've made a difference. Tom's goals in the beginning had been relatively similar to many of my own. Dumbledore never gave him a chance he sabotaged Tom at every turn even intentionally putting the horcrux idea in his head. Tom thought that it was Slughorn that gave him the information, but it was Dumbles using a polyjuice potion. Plus, Tom already has people in the Ministry. I don't have enough followers to stand alone yet, a partnership will advance our cause significantly." Harry said, logically speaking this was a sound approach. 

It was true Harry needed his own followers. Death had the other reapers at his disposal however people needed to die. Harry needed allies who could stand with him at a moment's notice. He couldn't guarantee the reapers help a hundred percent of the time. Which would be problematic at best and dire at the worst.  

"Fine but if he tries to hurt you..." Blaise warned.

"Oh, he won't and if Sirius didn't get a hold of him Death would. And Death is very protective of me. He's hinted on more then one occasion that it would be decidedly painful for anyone that was stupid enough to mess with me." Harry said.

Nonchalantly playing off on the fact that a Death deity would punish anyone in his way. 

"Good you've been hurt more then enough Harry." Blaise replied, as he pulled Harry into a hug.

Man he loved this guy.

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Death's office-Death pov

He'd just returned from his chat with Sirius, he smiled thinking of his little Star.

"So it's true then, Death's in love."

He turned to see Regulus walk out from behind one of the stacks of paper.

"How is my brother?" Regulus asked.

"You would know if you would stop hiding here. He knows the truth about me now. You can tell him your a reaper now there is nothing holding you back but yourself." Death said.

Giving Regulus a rather pointed look.

Regulus seemed lost, Death really did feel bad for him. He'd trusted the wrong person and had paid with his life. He had wanted to tell Sirius, but he knew it had to be Regulus. They had some unresolved issues that only the two of them could work out.

"I don't know how." Regulus said, he sounded so unsure.

"Just lay it all out, he's already left Dumbledore's side. He's safe now and happy, but he might be happier if he has one less person to feel guilty over." Death said, he really wanted his Star to be happy.

Regulus was silent shifting his weight from foot to foot.

"Just think about it Regulus. You don't have to be alone anymore I could always use your help as well." Death said.

Before turning back to the file he was working on.

Chapter Text

Diagon Alley- Harry pov

Harry, Blaise, and Sirius were in Diagon Alley for the day. They weren't there for school supplies at the moment though Harry had almost forgotten about Lockhart's stupid ass. Sure he could've just used the Deathnote and dealt with him. But Harry viewed this as another prime opportunity to make Dumbledore look like an incompetent fool. Not that it was hard to do so with Dumbledore only half-ass covering his tracks. Arrogance is the downfall of all men...something Dumbledore didn't seem to know. Nobody was untouchable well...Death didn't count...nobody fucks with Death. But for the normal mortals arrogance is like a precursor to failure.

As Death says empires rise and fall all the time...and they all end in a similar fashion. The empire Harry was hoping to build...lets just say so long as it has a huge enough impact. Then Harry would be okay if it eventually ended. So long as the changes he implemented were permanent. So long as the people and the government changed and realized their mistakes. Only then would he be okay with letting it all go. He'd gladly step down once the wizarding world was irrevocably changed. 

But that time was a long time from now...and the future isn't set in stone. Time flowed around never stopping no matter the obstacle. Time though was exactly what was needed to put everything in motion.  

So Harry had preordered his and Blaise's school supplies. He loathed to waste money on Lockhart's tales of fiction, but it was a necessary evil. He'd ordered extra defense books on the side just to make up for it. Blaise and him weren't going to fall behind because of that moronic idiot. So they were here because Siri had wanted to get some potions supplies for brewing.

Peverell Manor had no potions ingredients as it had been empty for close to a century. He'd offered to send an owl out to avoid the crowds of Lockhart's love struck fangirls. But Siri had insisted on going to the actual alley. Harry suspected that it was an opportunity for him to get out of the house. He also believed that Sirius wanted to start brewing again to possibly to remember how to make wolfsbane potion. Lupin was an unspoken issue that hung in the air between them. Remus was Sirius's brother in everything but blood. 

He knew deep down that Sirius missed Lupin to the extreme. It wasn't a huge leap in logic to assume that Sirius would want to reach out to someone familiar. He knew he could simply ask Death where Lupin was hiding out. But Harry figured it would be one less problem to deal with for now. Besides if Sirius was really determined he could ask his boyfriend himself. There was no way Harry was getting involved with all that. Death can find any soul living or dead there really was no hiding from him. So he most definitely knew where Lupin was and more than likely why Lupin was where he was.

They'd just finished lunch at the 'Gilded Wand'. And they were walking to the dark area near Gringotts where Death liked to drop them off. They were just in the mouth of the alley when a cloaked figure darted up behind them. Harry wasn't fast enough to react as he and Blaise were shoved hard to the ground.

Harry felt his body impact the cobblestones dazed and vision blurry he turned his head in time to see the flash of deathly green light. Harry instinctively put his arm in front of his face, he knew he was immune to death magic. He thought the man was here for him.... he was so wrong... so horrifying wrong. The impact from the spell never hit him Harry thought he heard someone shout.

But he felt weirdly numb his vision cleared just enough to see Blaise shaking him.

"Blaise......what..." Harry asked, confused.

His head throbbed, placing a hand on his head he felt sticky wetness. Harry pulled his hand back to see it covered in blood. His eyes grew round as reality hit him, where was Sirius? He scrambled onto his knees looking around wildly. His eyes focused on a body laying behind Blaise's kneeling form. Panic coursed through him as he crawled to Sirius's too still body. He he heard a scream echo through the empty alley. His throat suddenly felt dry and ached as he realized... he had been the one screaming.

Tears clouded his vision as he met Sirius's blank eyes. Blaise pulled him into his arms, his vision of Sirius obscured by Blaise's robes. He heard one fleeting thing before everything went black. His whispered plea for Death to come.

"Death...please..."

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Dumbledore's office- Dumbledore pov

It was done Diggle and Moody had completed their assignment. One that was wholly necessary in the grand scheme of things. Black was dead it was too bad Lord Peverell hadn't been with them. But it was one step closer to having the Potter brat back in his control. Once he had him back, he'd break him and make him back into his good little pawn. The secrets locked away within the Peverell line were the answers he needed. The brat was only a means to an end and as for this Lord Peverell...well he couldn't be allowed to live. Just as soon as he got the proper intel then the man in question will be dealt with.

The Hallows were too important to everything he'd been trying to accomplish. For so long he'd dreamed of having all three...dreamed of the power they would grant him. Time it all came down to time. And while Albus was willing to play the long game. His own lifespan may make a fleeting goal if plans didn't start going the way he needed. 

Albus popped a lemon drop into his mouth. Soon his plans would all be back on track. Now he just had to dispose of this Lord Peverell and find out what the hell happened to Tom. Everything would be back on track for his plans soon. Nobody appreciated his genius, but they would...

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Dark Alley- Blaise pov

Blaise cradled Harry's unconscious bleeding form to his body. This couldn't be... he couldn't lose Harry he'd just found him! His feelings for him were still a jumbled mess. Blaise knew Harry was beyond special to him, at this point Blaise couldn't picture life without him. He felt coldness creep into his body as he felt a presence behind him. Blaise felt before he saw Azrael move around him to Sirius's crumpled form.

He focused back on Harry who was breathing in shallow gasps. He was concerned that the way Harry was breathing wasn't normal. Was Harry's head wound more serious than the shallow gash he believed it to be? Blaise was startled out of his thoughts by Azrael who was holding Sirius bridal style.

"Hold him tight and grasp my hand." Azrael said.

Blaise realized the other man had tears slowly gathering in the corners of his eyes. But most disturbingly was the look of potent rage simmering in his eyes. He nodded and held Harry close while taking his hand. Blackness over took his vision as everything just stopped.

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Death's office- Death's pov

His heart ached as he cradled his Star closer. Death could only hope his Star would forgive him for changing him without asking. What was to come was something that few souls could ever go through.

"Regulus!"

A rustling sound echoed from his left as he saw his reaper appear. Regulus looked down at the unconscious bodies of Harry and Blaise his eyes wide as he looked at Death. Until he finally laid eyes on Sirius. He saw the exact moment when Regulus realized.

"He's...." Regulus said, breaking off.

"Not for long, you will see your brother again I promise. And the ones who did this will pay for it. I need you to heal Harry and Blaise while I take Sirius to the springs." Death said.

Regulus's eyes widened in realization.

He nodded and tucked Blaise under his arm while tossing Harry onto his shoulder. He disappeared leaving Death alone with Sirius.

Death cradled him close as he opened an interdimensional void and stepped through. Death touched down on barren land the void around them moving and changing. He followed a well-trodden path to a cave opening.

It would've been pitch black if it hadn't been for the soft glowing light of the green glittering crystals. They hung from floor to ceiling and clung to the walls. Some were small and others were massive reaching from floor to ceiling. He continued on carrying his precious Star even though his arms physically ached. Death came to the chamber at the end of the cavern after close to an hour of walking. It had a massive pool of still inky black water. Or one would guess it was water if they didn't know what it actually was.

It was the largest pool of Primordial ooze closest to their galaxy. The pool was off-limits to all but him as he used the pool to create his reapers. Death stepped to the edge and walked forward. The ooze was as hard to move in as one would in quicksand. It pulled at his robes and coated every inch of his legs. He closed his eyes and waded deeper until Sirius's body was entirely under the bubbling surface.

He let his magic seep out to coat the entire pool. The black ooze started to glow from underneath making a dark purple light. He concentrated his magic and used it to encase Sirius's body. He felt Sirius's soul pulse within. The pulsating intensified as the magic grew in thicker waves. Before suddenly the magic burst out from the center of Sirius's body. The cavern became semi dark again as magic residue hung in the air. The magic settled and disappeared he pulled Sirius up onto the shoreline. Death wiped the ooze away from his mouth and nose. Just in time for the first gasping breath to be released from his Star's body.

His Star was alive again but still unconscious and he would be for some time yet. Sirius's magic and body would have to adjust to its new existence. It was better for his Star if he didn't feel it. He sighed resigning himself for a long walk. He couldn't open portals in the cave or apparate away. Portals and apparition were technically a type of time space manipulation. As such the ooze would react badly to those particular forms of magic. And as such it was a complete pain in the ass to do this ritual.

Death used his magic to shed the last of the ooze off their bodies and began the trek back to the cave entrance. Finally, after a time Death made it out and opened a portal wide. He stepped out into Peverell Manor and into Sirius's bedroom. He walked into the bathroom and used his magic to heat and turn on the water. Sure he could use refreshment charms, but Primordial Ooze had a particular smell. That only seemed to come out after a long soak and scrub, the smell was indescribable and really awful to smell.

He vanished their clothes before stepping into the fragrant heated water. It smelled like aloe and lotus leaves. An interesting scent that Sirius seemed to favor for his body wash and bath bubble. This so wasn't, the way Death wanted to see his Star's beautiful body. They hadn't been intimate yet which was fine with him. He knew that Sirius was going through a lot. Death wasn't in a hurry nor would he pressure Sirius.

Death closed his eyes allowing the heat to permeate his body. Sirius was cradled to his chest... his face buried in Death's collarbone. He could feel Sirius's soft breaths warming his skin. He summoned a washcloth and gently started rubbing it along Sirius's legs in slow circular motions. Death moved up Sirius's body slowly, rinsing the rag every so often.

He used the rag to wet Sirius's hair down. Death grabbed the aloe and pear scented shampoo and lathered up Sirius's hair. He messaged Sirius's scalp making sure to get all of his Star's stray locks. Death used a warm water charm to rinse his hair out. Once his Star was clean against his chest again Death began the awkward process of cleaning himself. Death emptied and refilled the tub so that they could relax a little longer. After what happened he was sorely tempted to never let the other man out of his sight. Sirius like Harry just seemed to be a trouble magnet to the extreme. Moving slowly so as not to wake Sirius started moving. Slowly Death rose and sat on the edge with Sirius cradled to his chest. The tub started emptying again as he summoned towels to dry off.

He watched the unconscious man mesmerizing every detail of his face. Death never wanted to feel the way he felt today ever again. It was too much for him...Death hadn't felt this type of loss in a very long time.   

He carried Sirius to the bed laying him gently underneath the covers. Death got in next to Sirius not caring that they were both a little damp. He spooned up behind his Star wrapping his arms around him. He kissed his Star's forehead and buried his face in his neck.

Never...no one would ever hurt his heart again.

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Peverell manor Harry's room - Regulus pov

Regulus finished placing the boys onto the bed. He had just finished healing  both of the boys of scraps, bruises, and head wounds in Harry's case. They would sleep for a while yet, his mind strayed to his brother. It was so surreal seeing his lifeless body cradled so tenderly by Death of all people.

It was all the other reapers were talking about. Death in love... they were all horribly curious. He was shocked beyond words to find out it was Sirius that Death cared for. He knew it was time to tell Sirius, he was a reaper too now. Plus, he had a strong suspicion that Death would tell Sirius if he drug his feet. So he was going to sit here and wait for everyone to wake up. And hope that they would understand why he couldn't simply return. 

Why Regulus couldn't just return to his life...that is if he'd lived beyond the day he disappeared.

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Sirius's bedroom- Sirius pov
(Warning explicit sexual content coming)

Sirius awoke feeling warm and lighter then normal. He moved his leg and was briefly alarmed as it rubbed against warm smooth skin. Sirius felt the arm around his waist tighten as he squirmed a bit. Turning to find an asleep Azrael, dark lashes rested against pale skin. He felt his face grow warm as he realized they were both naked.

Azrael was lean muscled covered in miles of pale gorgeous skin. It had been way too long since he'd seen another person naked. It was super sad, when you couldn't remember when the last time you had sex was. He moved his hand to rest against Azrael's muscled chest. Sirius let out a squeak as he was pulled into Azrael's chest, he met sleepy eyes. All the while his face was hot. As Sirius could now feel a large hot length press into his stomach.

"Your awake, how are you feeling?" Azrael asked.

Sirius wasn't sure, but he thought he'd died earlier and he wasn't going to waste another second. He kissed Azrael hard as he tangled his fingers in long white locks. He moaned as Azrael deepened their kiss, a hand cupped his ass and squeezed. His fingers grazed the steadily hardening length. Azrael stopped and pulled away slowly. He was confused as Azrael looked deeply into his eyes searching.

"Are you sure?" Azrael asked.

"I've never been more sure in my life." Sirius said.

Azrael nodded and started kissing his neck.

Before moving down and licking and nipping gently at a nipple. Sirius squirmed a bit canting his hips and rubbing against Azrael. A tongue dipped into his navel before he licked a trail down to the hollow separating thigh from the pelvic bone. Azrael nipped the skin lightly as his nose brushed against the bottom of his shaft.

Sirius's hips rose off the bed and were held down again as a tongue swiped at his balls and swirled up his shaft. He moaned brokenly as Azrael's mouth closed over him, engulfing him in warm wet heat. He bit his hand, trying to stop the embarrassing noises and hang on just a little bit longer. Sirius felt the mouth leave him, he confusedly looked down.

"Don't do that I want to hear all your delicious noises my Star." Azrael rasped.

Fuck he sounded sexy right now, Sirius gasped as he was engulfed again. Followed by a moan as he felt a tingling wetness in his cheeks. Azrael must've cleaned and lubricated him damn it. Azrael added two fingers that wiggled in scissoring and stretching. He squirmed and let out his loudest moan yet, as he felt a finger brush his little bundle of nerves. He was so close... he could feel it.

Azrael released him and came back up for a kiss Sirius who could taste himself on Azrael's tongue. He felt another finger join the other two. Before pulling out without separating their mouths Azrael pushed him further onto his back.

He repositioned his legs to hang over Azrael's shoulder, he positioned himself and slowly started entering him. He felt a slight burn and stretch as he became impatient at Azrael. Sirius knew he was waiting for him to adjust but he was no blushing virgin. Sirius canted his hips feeling him sink in a little more. Damn, he was big. Sirius bit his lip and moved his hips a little more and finally felt him bottom out.

Azrael breathed hard into his neck, as Sirius ran his hands down Azrael's back and digging his nails into toned buttcheeks. Taking the hint Azrael started to move slowly at first.

"Gods harder I won't break." Sirius breathed.

Azrael thrusts became faster Sirius dropped his legs to Azrael's side. He stopped moving, Sirius locked his legs and flipped them so he was on top. He gasped as Azrael went deeper into him, he recovered and planted his hands on his chest. Bracing himself there Sirius started riding him hard. He squeezed down tightening his hold and this time Azrael let out a breathy moan.

Hands tightened on his hips and Sirius silently hoped that his hips bruised. He slowed as he got closer to cumming, Azrael held his hips still and flipped them back over. Azrael thrust back in, hitting his spot dead-on as he cried out. He came hard all over their stomachs, digging his nails into Azrael's back. Sirius ran his hands through sweaty locks, gave a few more thrusts before cumming too. He felt Azrael slip out and Sirius laid on his chest.

Fuck, that was good he needed that.

////////////////////////////////////

Harry's bedroom- Harry pov

He came to slowly... his throat ached horribly as his vision cleared. Harry realized he was in his room... then his memory came flooding back Sirius!

"Sirius!" He yelled.

"He's just fine kid more than likely sleeping it off."

He turned to find a man sitting his desk chair.

He was very clearly a Black... he looked familiar somehow. Then it hit him, Sirius had shown him some pictures of his missing brother Regulus.

"Your supposed to be dead! What do you mean sleeping it off I saw his body." Harry said.

Regulus chuckled.

"You should know by now that not everyone stays dead. He's like me now." Regulus said.

Harry's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion.

"Like you?" Harry asked.

"My Death didn't tell you did he? I'm a reaper and now so is Sirius. Not everyone can be one you know." Regulus said.

"Why can't they?" Harry questioned.

What made certain people be chosen and others not? Was there really a big distinction?

"It all comes down to how their souls are. There can only be a certain amount of reapers at any given time. Not every soul even qualifies, Death is very tight-lipped about the specific circumstances needed. But Sirius did qualify, he's as alive as any reaper can be. No need to worry about him." Regulus said, nonchalantly, like he wasn't talking about his brother.

Harry let out a relieved breath he'd only just gotten Siri back. Harry had no intention of letting Sirius leave him again so soon.

"What happened to you Regulus?" Harry asked, curiously.

All anyone knew was that Regulus had suddenly disappeared. Many thought that Voldemort had killed him.

"I'd like to know that as well."

Harry snapped his head to the side hearing that voice. He got off the bed and practically ran into Sirius's arms. Death was standing just behind Sirius, they were both wearing bathrobes.

"What happened when you disappeared?" Sirius asked.

 He pulled a clinging Harry with him to the end of the bed. Where Harry finally noticed that Blaise was awake and watching them.

///////////////////////////////////

The night he disappeared- Regulus pov

I'd had enough of the dark lord's regime. I never cared much for the torture and murder that the other deatheater's seemed to love. I had found out the secret of the Dark lord's immortality and I realized that I needed help.

So I visited Dumbledore and I told him of my discovery. I knew the location of one Horcruxes... the locket. We left his office immediately to go to where the cave was. Dumbledore removed the wards on the stone slab blocking the entrance. Dumbledore flicked an Incendio at the torches lighting the cave up. They both spotted a boat on the sandy lakeshore. Uneasiness plagued me as I stood on the shore with him. I knew something was going to happen...something bad. Every instinct I had told me to run to get out of there.

"I'm not as young as I once was my boy. It would be best if you went across, I'll wait here." Dumbledore said.

Regulus knew something was off he just didn't know what. Regulus nodded and moved the boat to the edge. He got in with a torch clutched in his hand. Fear from out of nowhere gripped him something sinister was in here. As the boat jerked forward he felt it bump into several things underwater. Regulus looked out at the water, but it was so dark and murky he didn't see anything in the water.

As the boat came closer to the opposite shore he saw a decayed hand shoot up out of the water and grasp the edge. His heart raced it was human, it was then that he realized it was an Inferi. Regulus quickly lit a ring of fire around his boat, he looked back at where Dumbledore was standing. His blood ran cold as he noticed the old man was smiling and his eyes were twinkling blue. It was almost as if Dumbledore was amused, he shivered something was definitely wrong. The boat hit shore shaking Regulus and nearly toppling him over the side.

Regulus stepped out and walked to a basin on an alter. The fluid inside was a strange grey color, he tried banishing it but it still stayed. Confused he realized, he either had to dump it out or drink it. Regulus conjured a cup and scooped some up. He poured it out on the ground and watched as the liquid flowed back into the basin. That was it all he could do now was to drink it.

He scooped up more and drank it down it tasted foul. At that moment the pain started, it coursed through his body feeling like a liquid version of a Crucio spell. Regulus gritted his teeth and took the last of the cup potion gulping it down in agony. He breathed heavily grasping Slytherin's locket tightly as his vision blurred. Regulus turned slowly to find the Inferi crawling up the shore at him. Regulus looked out to the opposite shore and saw that Dumbledore was gone.

Panic consumed him as the pain clouded his senses.... he was so thirsty. One of the creatures grabbed his leg, Regulus tried to stomp it off. But he didn't succeed as it bit into his calf. He screamed and was pulled off his feet. In his panic, he cried for Kreacher.

The old elf popped into the cave behind him.

"Kreacher, take this locket destroy it!" Regulus shouted, throwing the thing at the elf's feet.

It trembled with fear and took the locket popping away. They were dragging him now, Regulus's fingernails tore and became bloody as he tried to grasp at the ground. He felt more of them were biting his legs.

He felt one pull on his hair and bite his neck, ripping a chunk out. Regulus's last thoughts were that he'd destroy Albus Dumbledore as they pulled him under the water.

/////////////////////////////////////////

Harry's bedroom present-day - Harry pov

Sirius stood on his feet fast.

"That son of a bitch, he left you there to die!" Sirius shouted, anger gave way as a sob was ripped helplessly from his throat.

Death gathered Sirius into his arms as he cried. Harry got up and rubbed circles into Sirius's back.

"Don't worry he'll pay for every ounce of pain he caused." Death said.

Regulus nodded and seemingly withdrew into himself. Harry couldn't blame Regulus, especially since he literally died being eaten alive. Which was way worse then what Dumbledore did to him.

Sirius started calming down under their ministrations.

"Now we just have to figure out who tried to kill Sirius." Harry said.

"I saw under his hood, he had some strange bulging and oddly moving eye." Blaise said.

Harry swore under his breath... he only knew one wizard with an eye like that.

"Moody." Sirius whispered.

"Moody wouldn't have acted alone. I'd bet anything Dumbledore has something to do with it." Harry said, hissing in disgust.

"He and Moody are going to wish they'd never been born after I'm done with them." Death said.

Harry wholeheartedly agreed with him, Dumbledore would pay for this. Blaise placed a hand on his shoulder. He looked back and into Blaise's dark eyes and knew that he wasn't alone in that respect.

Chapter Text

Peverell manor sitting room- Harry pov

"Did he do it?" Harry asked.

He was meeting with Death, it was the day before they were set to return for his second year. Harry had known of course that Lucius had just as he had before. But it was always a good idea to confirm when one was crashing a timeline.

"Of course, Lucius can be very petty when he wants to be. He's already planted the diary on the girl." Death replied.

"Good, that bitch Ginny will finally get what's coming to her." Harry said, with no small amount of happiness at the mere thought of her end.

She would finally meet her end, but not by the Basilisk or Tom this was personal. Their were just so many things he desired to pay her back for. Logically he knew that she hadn't committed those crimes yet. But Harry was a firm believer in nature...so once a murderous money grubbing whore...always a murderous money grubbing whore. Harry wasn't going to give people another shot at betraying him. That being said he refused to feel any regret or guilt over the people he'd killed so far. What goes around comes around...and Harry was current living proof of that. None of them besides Luna, Neville, Sirius, and Remus had cared about how Harry had felt. None besides a few cared about how all of this affected him....they did what they did and now Harry would do the same.  

"And did you find the other two?" Harry asked.

Of course he was referring to Dumbles's lap dogs. The Order members fell into three categories: the believers, the bribed, and the enslaved. Harry had surmised that their was a possibility that certain members were like Harry....tampered with. But with no proof but his suspicions he'd have to have Death look into the possibility. Harry had no desire to punish innocent people...or guilty people being controlled by the old fool. One could argue diminished capacity if Dumbledore's controlling strings were the cause of such crimes.   

"Diggle and Moody, oh I know exactly where they are." Death spat in disgust.

You didn't hurt someone Death cared about, he cared very little for mankind in general. But he cared about Harry and loved Sirius. And no matter what Harry did to those men tonight, Death would do far worse.

"Good, retrieve them tonight I want them before you get them. Dumbledore always has at least one of his little spies hidden on the platform to watch me. I say we let Dumblefuck know he failed in his little scheme. I'm sure Sirius will love to see me off and before Dumbledore can even get to those two it will be too little too late." Harry said.

Harry smirked too late indeed those fuckers weren't getting away for nothing. Sure the Deathnote would be fast, but those animals hurt Sirius. If they wanted his and Death's attention then they got it.

"Is Regulus busy?" Harry asked.

"Not as far as I know. Sirius and he still haven't hashed it all the way out yet. Why?" Death replied, Harry had expected as much.

"Have him retrieve Slytherin's locket from Grimmauld place . It doesn't have to be tonight but I want it before the school years up. If we get the last three by the summer solstice then the ritual remerging will be more powerful. Of course that also means I have to get Snape on board before third year starts." Harry said.

Death nodded, Harry knew this was for the best.

"I want you to check him for the goat's stink. I have a bad feeling that Dumbles did more than encourage Tom to make Horcruxes. Potions or spells, something isn't right about what happened to Tom. And the others I asked you to check?" Harry inquired.

He'd asked Death to quietly check certain people for Dumbledore's special brand of influence.

"Sirius was before his stay in Azkaban. Remus and Snape have also been tampered with. It happened to your parents just before their deaths. Pettigrew didn't need the goat or Tom to do what he did... he was just sick in the head. Your little school friends are clean, the Weasley's dead and alive none of them have been tampered with. So Ginny, Ron, and Molly are all acting of their own accord. Although Arthur's memories have been altered by both Molly and Dumbles." Death replied, how curious.

Harry nodded he had expected as much. Snape and Lupin would definitely have to be cleansed before ever allowing them into their group.

"And Arthur's memories anything interesting?" Harry asked, Death sighed and shook his head.

Yes, how curious indeed. But why only Arthur? It was relieving to know that none of the others had been messed with. 

"Nothing special... mostly them trying to cover up their affair. And taking any memory where he suspected Ginny and Ron weren't his. Molly picked a good bed partner, Dumbledore used to have red hair himself much like Arthur. Perfect camouflage really, two redheads are more likely to produce redheads then non-redheads." Death replied.

Harry grimaced thinking about Dumbles's, sex life was enough to turn anyone's stomach.

"What are you two plotting now?"

They looked up to see Blaise come in and plop down on the couch next to Harry.

"Murder." Harry deadpanned.

"Hmm, if I had to guess that Moody guy." Blaise said, Harry smiled fondly.

"You know me so well."  Harry teased, Blaise smirked.

"Do you need any help?" Blaise asked.

Harry blinked, he hadn't been expecting that and Blaise noticed his surprise.

"No, Death and I have it covered. Would you really help me?" Harry asked.

"I did say I'd follow you anywhere, you aren't deliberately being vicious Harry. Everything you've done was for a reason, and some might think this is all crazy. I understand how you feel... these people we're up against aren't innocent. They're dangerous they've killed people and ruined lives every one of them have it coming." Blaise said.

Harry hugged Blaise for all he was worth. Warmth suffused him, knowing just how much Blaise cared for him. 

"You are amazing you know that." Harry said, Blaise smirked.

"I know I am, do tell me more." Blaise teased.

Harry punched his arm and shook his head.

////////////////////////////////

Death's pov

He'd left the two boys to their little chat. Death had better things to do, like stalking the scumbags that hurt his Star. Phasing through a dimensional rift he stepped out cloaking himself. It wouldn't be stalking if they could see him coming. Lucky for him the morons had made it incredibly easy. They were both drinking together and even better they were outside of Moody's house. They were both sitting in comfortable looking wooden chairs on a back patio. Several empty bottles were left on the table between the two of them.

No witnesses and no wards to deal with..... honestly all Death had to do was wait. They were already very drunk... it wouldn't be long now. If there was anything Death was good at it was waiting. Death had all the time in the world. He never aged and he never died, those were the only true perks of his job. Diggle's head started lulling to the side before the man finally gave into slumber. Moody was muttering to himself...his magical eye whirred. The man in question didn't acknowledge the warning that it was.  

And he was right, shortly after Diggle had fallen asleep. Moody was started fighting sleep still clutching a bottle of scotch. Not long after the bottle fell from limp fingers. Death approached slowly, before he let loose small webbed threads of his magic. They spread all over each of their faces. It clung fast just, like real webs did before sinking into their skin. Neither of them, was waking up before he allowed it.

Throwing one over each shoulder he vanished.

///////////////////////////////////////////

Peverell Manor Catacombs- Harry pov

Harry knew it wouldn't be long now Death was nothing if not efficient in his tasks. And Harry wasn't disappointed, Death stepped out of an ink-black portal carrying one on each shoulder.

"Any trouble?" Harry asked, knowing full well there was none.

Death snorted.

"The idiots pretty much gift-wrapped themselves for me." Death said, Harry raised an eyebrow.

"The fools were drinking in Moody's backyard. They were six sheets to the wind and half asleep." Death replied.

It was Harry's turn to be in disbelief. Moody was always so damn paranoid about everything...what had happened to 'Constant Vigilance'? Did these fools really think that there would be no repercussions? That they would simply get away with it? Just how far up Dumbledore's rear were they?

Harry truly hated the corruption of the Ministry and Dumbledore's ilk. They all believed themselves above the law... above judgment. Harry sincerely couldn't wait to clean house, the moral decay was horribly obvious.

"Bring them to the ritual room with the altar in it. Your sure the altar's magic will keep them alive until I deem otherwise?" Harry questioned.

"Oh, yes they won't die until your well and truly done with them. And once they're dead their souls are mine.....and I have something special planned for them." Death said.

Harry nodded those poor bastards. Harry would eventually grant them the mercy of death. But once in Death's realm they were done for. Harry sincerely doubted Death would give them mercy...not for what they had done.

They trudged down a dark hall to a massive wrought iron door. Stepping through Death lugged them in and bound Moody to the sidewall. Death then placed Diggle on the altar, he placed his hand on the rune just above the prone man's head. It glowed a dark violet color as Death's magic lit the runes one by one etched into the stone.

"It is done my little one no matter what you do to him, he won't die until I release the runes."  Death said.

Harry nodded as he unwrapped a set of six blades from black silk cloth they were in. Each of the blades were of different lengths some were short and some long. Three had curves and teeth... the other three were smooth and sharp. Death decided to stay and conjured himself a chair. Harry had no doubts about whether Death would enjoy the show.

Death didn't care for much, but when he did he'd protect what was his. Vicious.... didn't even come close to what Death undoubtedly planned to do to their souls once Harry was finished with them. Harry placed his hand on Diggle's chest and let his magic flow into the other man. Harry briefly examined his mind the only true information of worth was the identity of more Order members Harry never had knowledge of.

It seemed that Dumbles didn't trust his minions all the way. Diggle didn't have anything too incriminating except for watching Siri get murdered. That being said he did nothing to stop it as he was the lookout. In a way that made Diggle as guilty as Moody these two weren't being controlled. They acted on their own free will... people never truly thought into the future. They never thought about every possible outcome to every decision.

As a result they made super bad decisions and regret them immensely later on. Harry used his magic to strip the man of everything but his underwear. And cast a silent Re-enverrate and watched as Diggle became slowly aware of his surroundings.

"What where am I?" Diggle asked, Harry walked into his line of vision.

"Remember me? You should, you and Moody killed my godfather." Harry said, anger simmering under his skin.

Diggle's eyes grew wide as he let out a nervous chuckle.

"Oh, Harry I don't know what you mean. We just met how, could you think that I'd do something like that." Diggle said, nervously.

Harry smirked and got right up close to his face.

"I know you two did it and I know that Dumbledore told you to do it. So you can quit with your lies, I know the truth about al of it. I know the truth about Dumbledore and what he's done. And I'm going to hunt every single member of Dumbledore's cock sucking chicken band. And every single one of them is going to die."  Harry said, with no small amount of  anger.

Diggle's eyes bulged as he began struggling against the magical binds.

"Yes, I'm not nearly as naïve or as powerless as Dumbledore thinks I am. I will have my vengeance, but don't worry I will be merciful eventually and grant you death. But even death will not be a reprieve for you." Harry said, watching fear cross Diggle's face.

"No...Harry, it's not..."  Diggle began.

Harry became annoyed and grabbed some of the needles on the table. He jabbed it into the corner of Diggle's left eye. Diggle screamed and struggled against his binds...his head moving as if to shake out the needle.

"I'm tired of everyone's lies! This world is rotting with them! Once I have my power I will cleanse the rotting corpse that is magical Britain's Ministry. I am Lady Magic's sword and shield, I will protect magic and defend it. This whole damn country is a disgrace to magic itself. The other magical countries think we're a joke... they mock us for our weakness. For being so scared of our own citizens! I will give them a reason to be afraid!" Harry ranted.

Harry stopped and breathed harshly, he'd lost it just a little bit.

But dammit Harry was so tired of hiding himself away. Of repressing so much of his personality, it's why he really started to love time with Blaise. Harry could just be himself as long as Blaise was with him.

"Please, I'm sorry...." Diggle pleaded, he was sobbing heavily now.

Harry responded by using some more of the needles. He jabbed them into Diggle's eyelids pinning them to the eye itself.

"Do you know what Lingchi is Mr. Diggle? No, it doesn't surprise me that the Order of Chickens is so uneducated. It's a Chinese method of torture, if you cut someone just right they don't die. They call it death by a thousand slices but you... you lucky man. Your laying on a marvelous piece of magic that will keep you alive no matter what I do to you. And I'm going to take my pound of flesh." Harry said.

So Harry had a lot of pent up anger. If anyone had done to them what was done to him they'd be a little psychotic too.

Harry started by running a long thin gash up Diggle's chest with a curved knife.

"The more you struggle the worse the cuts will get." Harry said, with no small amount of contempt in his voice.

It seemed to have no bearing with the moron as Diggle kept moving. All well... Harry did warn him.  Harry started carving odd designs into Diggle's flesh... blood flowed in rivers down his body.

Harry grabbed another knife and started carving off chunks of skin. The screaming grew louder as Harry alternated cutting and carving. Diggle was too much of a bloody mess to do much more. Harry touched an odd half-moon rune and watched as the needles and knives disappeared. The blood and chunks vanished and Diggle healed up instantly. Being able to see again Diggle looked at Harry with terrified eyes.

Harry smiled wickedly, Diggle actually flinched. Harry always liked finding new creative ways to use normally harmless spells...turning them into very creative murder techniques. Harry spent far too much time thinking about Dumbles's demise. So he started with a normally harmless scouring spell for dishes. Harry added more magic into it and watched as the skin started shredding in stripes. Rivulets of blood painted the world's most fucked up Jackson Pollock. All over the altar and spraying Diggle's body where Harry wasn't scouring.

All the while screams erupted and rang out through the air. The skin shreds vaguely looked like white bloody cheese curls. Harry soon grew bored of dealing with Diggle... Death would inflict the worst of it anyway. Harry had really just needed to let out a little anger.

"Death I'm done with this one. Kill him take his soul and keep his body. I have something special in mind for the first morning of school. Diggle and Moody will be the main attraction." Harry said, amusedly thinking of things to come.

Death nodded, as he leaned over the struggling man.

"Harry might be done with you but I'm not. And what he did to you will be nothing in comparison to what I'm going to inflict upon you. Nobody touches my Star." Death said, his voice low and menacing.

Harry watched as the glamour that covered Death's unique eyes fell away. Liquid molten silver eyes with constantly swirling blue irises. It was like looking at two liquids that never wanted to mix.

Harry watched as Death's eyes became lit with hellfire. Harry shivered on reflex, that gaze could see right through your soul. It's why Death always glamoured them to be that smoky blueish grey. Death's gaze was more than a little unnerving to the average person.

Harry looked away to the door to see Blaise casually leaning on the door frame.

"How long have you been there?" Harry asked.

This was it, Blaise had seen the hidden anger and violence that remained buried under Harry's calm demeanor.

"Long enough to see everything and hear everything." Blaise said.

Harry let out a shaky breath turning his head to the side his bangs covering his eyes. Harry felt Blaise cup his face in his hands.

" I would do the same thing if it had been your body on those cobblestones. Nobody ever truly knows what they are capable of until they're forced into a situation. I realized while watching you that I could do that for you. Just promise me that you won't lose yourself in your anger and pain." Blaise said, wiping away a stray tear and hugged Harry tightly.

Harry buried his face into Blaise's chest.

"Not to interrupt the lovefest over here but Moody is awaiting his turn." Death said, they turned to find Death smirking in amusement.

Blaise grasped his hand and pulled him back to the altar. Death had been ever so kind to prep Moody for them. He was awake and watching them closely.

"Moody so glad you could join us." Harry said, sarcasm dripping heavily with each word.

"I'm not glad, interesting to see your whoring yourself out now Potter." Moody said, gruffly.

Anger flared, but was tempered by shock, as Blaise grabbed one of the knives and stabbed it through Moody's magical eye. A choked howling scream tore from Moody's throat.

"Never, ever talk to him like that again. Or the next thing I do will be to take that disgusting tongue of yours out." Blaise said, showing anger for the very first time since Harry met him.

Who said chivalry was dead again?

"Death can I use my wand down here?" Blaise asked.

"Of course the wards are so thick they couldn't detect underaged magic even if they wanted to. Just give it to me afterwards I will wipe the spell history." Blaise nodded.

"I will give you one guess as to why you're here." Harry said.

Honestly, Harry wanted Moody to spout off again. It was oddly cute watching Blaise defend him so viciously.

"Fuck off..." Moody said, he didn't finish as Blaise made good on his threat.

Blaise pried Moody's teeth apart with one knife and grabbed a curved one. Positioning the curved part just right it cupped the underside of the tongue. Blaise made one swift arcing slash and removed the knives. They watched as Moody choked on his own tongue as blood filled his mouth.

When Harry was satisfied with the amount of pain inflicted. He touched the moon rune and watched Moody's dawning horror as he was healed and whole again.

"I can do that as many times as I feel like. So keep it up we'll have more fun that way. You're here because of Sirius, you see all of Dumbles minions have one thing in common. They apparently can't think for themselves. And if you thought that you were going to get away with it you are sorely mistaken." Harry said, vindictively.

Moody shifted and struggled hoping to somehow free himself.

"You can help yourself, Moody tell me if Dumbles has anything else planned." Harry asked, his voice soft and manipulative.

"You won't get shit from me, Potter!" Moody shouted, Harry was going to respond to that.

But Blaise thought it was a better idea to start carving off one of Moody's fingers.

"That's fine we have other ways of getting information we don't really need you. Blaise darling do you want him or would you like to help me?" Harry asked.

"If I took this from you Harry, you might not feel the closure you need. But I already told you I'd do anything for you. Your incredibly important to me." Blaise said.

Well if that didn't just give him warm and fuzzy feelings while torturing people. Which was a little fucked up, but they were together, fuck what others might think of them.

Harry focused his magic and black smoke tendrils reached out and wrapped around Moody's legs. They crawled up Moody's body until a tiny black wisp came out of Moody's lips. He solidified the smoke into thick black vines heavily laden with thorns. Each thorn was roughly the size of a shark's tooth. Moody screamed in pain as the thorns pierced his skin. His screams cut off as he choked for air and struggled. The end tendril in his mouth had blossomed into a deep wine-colored rose. It was an homage to Harry's Deathnote, which had a screaming skull with a rose blooming in its mouth.

Everything was possible because of Death and his Deathnote. Harry glanced up at Death, meeting his eyes, Death nodded in understanding. Harry touched the moon rune again the rose, vines, and blood vanished....as well as healing and reviving Moody once more.

"I'm satisfied for now, Blaise did you want him?" Harry asked.

"No, I'm good this was more for you and Death than me." Blaise replied, Harry smiled.

"Then Death he's yours now." Harry said, Moody struggled weakly trying to escape.

"I told you I would grant you death, what I failed to mention was that your body will die. But your soul will be Death's and I can only imagine what he has planned for you." Harry said.

With that Harry turned and left Death with Moody, Blaise following closely behind him out the door.

/////////////////////////////////////

Upstairs dining hall- Sirius pov

Sirius finished sitting out the gifts for Harry, with everything that happened with his death. Harry's birthday had been missed entirely. He turned to see Regulus arranging food on another table.

"I'm sorry." Sirius said, watching as Regulus stopped moving.

"For what?" Regulus said, his posture stiff.

"You probably don't remember it, but when you were little I promised to protect you. I failed spectacularly, I left for Hogwarts spurning my heir ring and our mother. I made it easy for Dumbledore to manipulate me. And even worse it gave, mother yet another opportunity to separate us. And when you were desperate you went to Dumbledore... and not me. I don't blame you... for not coming to me. I am so sorry you died like that, alone thinking that I didn't care about you." Sirius said, his eyes clouding with tears that he'd held in for so long.

Sirius looked to the floor, he couldn't look Regulus in the eyes.

"Death has this huge scrying bowl in his office. And I used it a couple of times to see you...I could've taken you from that awful place. I'd been too afraid of seeing you in person again. It hurt seeing you change into a complete asshole while we were at school. And I wondered if you were my Sirius again or if you were still Dumbledore's puppet. If anyone should be sorry it should be me for leaving you there." Regulus said.

Sirius blinked back tears as Regulus pulled him into a hug. Sirius rested his chin on Reg's shoulder, when had Regulus become taller than him? They were interrupted by Harry and Blaise walking in.

"Siri what's going on?" Harry asked

Sirius released Reg and strode over to Harry hugging him right off his feet. Sirius let him down grinning wildly.

"My dying kind of made everyone forget your birthday. It's a bit late, but we thought you wouldn't mind." Sirius said.

He saw Harry give a small smile as he stayed close to Blaise's side. Sirius almost cooed at how horribly cute the two were together. If that little Italian wasn't already in love, with his little Prongslet, then he would be. He and Death thought they were so cute together.

"I hope the party didn't start without me?" Death asked, as he glided in pulling Sirius into his arms.

"No, just getting started I hope." Sirius said, he couldn't help it he was excited.

He went up to Harry and scooped him up, depositing him in the chair in front of the gift pile.

"My Star, I believe your a bit too hyper for Harry at the moment." Azrael said, Sirius smiled sheepishly.

"Go on Harry." Sirius said.

Harry had received letters from each of his friends. Draco had gotten him resizable dragon hide boots so he'd never grow out of them. Daphne gave him a set of cufflinks with emeralds the size of his thumbnail. Neville sent Harry two books on herbology. Pansy sent him some tasteful dress ties. Susan had sent Harry a badger plushy holding a note saying honorary badger. Which made Sirius and Harry snort, in amusement. Hannah gave him a lovely set of journals for note-taking.

Sirius found Blaise's delicately wrapped gift handing it to Harry. It was smaller than the others and was longish. Harry removed the lid to see a simple black felt choker necklace. The only thing on it was a charm with a raven sitting atop a skull. A rose bloomed from within it's mouth, a tiny deathnote sat under the skull,  which dangled from the felt by a small fine chain. Sirius thought it was an odd choice. But Harry's eyes shined in delight, clearly this was something personal between them. As Harry seemed to know what the little charm meant.

Harry's P.O.V.

Harry really wanted to hug Blaise right now, except he knew how hyper Sirius could be when it came to presents. Blaise had made a mini copy of the Deathnote's motif. He'd shown Blaise it shortly after telling him the truth.

He found one from Regulus, he opened it to find two thin daggers. They had black blades and glowing purple runes etched into them. Harry found Sirius's next, two books on quidditch and the unmistakable outline of a Firebolt. It would seem that no matter what happened, Sirius was always meant to give him this broom.

And last but not least was two packages from Death. Harry picked up the largest of the two, he unwrapped it to find a large egg suspended in a bubble. Harry looked at Death questionably.

"It's an Ice Wraith, a rare form of dragon. It can only be hatched by someone who is incredibly powerful magically. They have to bond with the wizard immediately or they and the wizard die. That's actually why it's in a bubble, it will be released as soon as you're magically mature enough to hatch him." Death said, cuddling an alarmed looking Sirius.

The egg was dark blue with swirls of white and what looked like snowflakes.

Leave it to Death to get him a fucking dragon as a future familiar. Harry pulled the smaller package to him, he unwrapped it to find a glass bowl containing yet another bubbled egg. It was smaller and spotted. He looked at Death again eyebrow raised.

"She was going to be used to help tie you closer to Dumbledore. I took her before she could even hatch. The reason you took Hedwig's death so hard was the partial damaged familiar bond. Your magical binds made it impossible for a stable healthy bond to form. You'll be the first person she sees when she hatches. When your ready just poke the bubble it'll break and jump-start her hatching." Death said.

This time Harry really did get up and practically flew into Death's arms. He missed his girl so very much.

" I adore you as well my tiny one." Death said, hugging Harry close.

Chapter Text

Harry's bedroom- Harry pov

It would be over an hour before anyone else would awaken for the day. So he fished Hedwig's egg out of the dish Death had put her in. Harry held the bubbled egg in his hands delicately. Dumbledore had taken her from him too. Dumbledore had used her as an emotional bond and now that he held her egg in his hands. All Harry could feel was love for his lost owl. His brave beautiful girl who had sacrificed herself for him. 

He popped the bubble around her egg and watched as the egg glowed an ethereal blue. The light subsided and the egg started to wiggle. Then a tiny chip popped off, tiny hairline cracks formed as more wiggling happened. A tiny head popped out of the egg, using his thumbs he gently helped her break the rest.

She was roughly the size of a small tangerine. Hedwig was a tiny ball of grey feathers. He knew as she aged it would become the snowy white he adored. It was just baby feathers he knew, her big yellow eyes were just too big for her tiny head. She had a small beak and the cutest little claws. She was looking at him with wonder in her eyes which were seemingly bigger than ever before.

"Welcome back baby girl." He whispered, cradling her close.

/////////////////////////////////////////////

Hogwarts Departure- Harry pov

Breakfast had come and gone and now it was just Blaise and him. Everyone else had wandered off to do whatever it was they did without Harry. They had both already packed, but they were checking and making sure that they had everything. Harry had chosen to put his school robes on already. He had his hair up in his usual long ponytail, he was wearing his new necklace from Blaise and Death had given him back the Gaunt ring. It was heavily glamoured so that Tom and Dumbledore wouldn't recognize it. The Hallows sigil was covered and the stone looked...well like a black stone. Death had also altered the band a slight bit. He would've done more...but the protections on a lord ring were heavier in the band. Unlike the center stone the band actually touched the skin. The stones had their own sets of protections too...but most protections were anchored in the band. Protective magic was the most effective when touching the skin. So Death only altered the decorative engravings on the sides and nothing else.

As much as he wanted to taunt Dumbles with the knowledge of it being a hallow he couldn't. Death was the most valuable piece in his plans against Dumbledore... he couldn't risk Death's identity yet. The Peverell brothers had figured out, how to trap Death before forcing him to gift the deathly hallows. If they could do that, what were the odds that Dumbledore might know how to do the same? Dumbledore was obsessed, with the Deathly Hallows Harry couldn't be sure just how much Dumbles knew. And Harry heavily suspected that most of Dumbles's plans centered around him. As the last viable heir to the Peverell's...he was the only one that could access family secrets. A fact that had plain pissed him off...to Harry the Hallows weren't worth the price of his family. It's why he seldom thought of Dumbledore's reasons for the 'greater good'. It just made him angrier to think about it all...so many dead for power.

So they glamoured the ring and he was wearing it now. In his blazer pocket under his robes was a tiny tired little Hedwig. She was currently napping in his breast pocket. As a baby, she'd mostly been sleeping and eating. Harry gently petted her head and cooed at her cuteness. He heard a chuckle come from behind him.

Harry turned to find Blaise leaning against the door frame, watching him stroke the top of tiny Hedwig's head.

"You might wanna be careful about who you do that in front of. They might find you too cute doing that." Blaise teased.

"I don't care if they think I'm cute, so long as they know I'm also terrifying." Harry declared, Blaise laughed.

"Shut up I can be..." Harry started, Blaise pulled the bottom of his ponytail.

"Sure you are, your horribly cute even covered in blood standing over a body." Blaise said, Harry pouted.

"Don't pout that's cute too." Blaise said, as Harry glared after him Blaise disappeared down the hall.

He wasn't cute dammit!

///////////////////////////////////////////

Kings Cross Station- Harry pov

They arrived in a shadowed alcove on the platform Harry was with Blaise, Death, and Sirius. Regulus didn't come as he had to be elsewhere, but that was fine Dumbles thought he was dead. Regulus would be plenty useful in the future. They had all agreed to stay still as Death scanned the crowd for one of the order members. It didn't take long for him to find Emmeline Vance, inconspicuously standing in the shadows near the front of the train.

It wasn't a coincidence Harry and his friends liked being in the cars closest to the conductor. The cars were quieter and more likely to be empty. As the students assumed they would be monitored more closely in those cars, versus the cars further back. Harry and Blaise went first with their trunks trailing behind them. Sirius and Death not far behind the two of them.

They stopped less than six feet from her hiding place. Harry turned and hugged Siri, being mindful of little Hedwig sleeping in his pocket, and did the same to Death. As they boarded the train he saw Sirius turn to Death. Making sure Vance would get a good look at his face. Before openly kissing Death right there on the platform.

Damn, he loved Sirius's flair for the dramatic sometimes. Oh, to be a fly on the wall when she told Dumbles.

They picked a larger car to sit in knowing the others would eventually find them. They stowed their trunks away and sat next to one another. It was then that tiny Hedwig popped her head out. She started making cute little screeching noises that sounded more like squeaking. She clicked her little beak and nipped at the finger he was going to pet her with. She must be hungry, he pulled a muggle Tupperware container out and resized it.

Earthworms were squirming about in some dirt. He conjured a spoon and handed them to Blaise. He fished her out of his pocket, cradling her tiny form to his chest gently.

"Smash some up for her." Harry said.

"Shouldn't you be doing this your her mom?" Blaise said, Harry smirked.

"Well if I'm her mommy, then you must be her daddy." Harry teased.

Blaise huffed, the skin around his neck darkening slightly. How cute he's embarrassed to be an owl daddy.

Using the spoon Blaise started mashing the wiggling mess. Wincing every so often from the squishing noise. Once it resembled a fine pate, Blaise spooned up a small bit and placed it to her beak. She nipped at it making cute little cooing noises. Blaise fed her until she turned away. She threw her head back and let out what can only be the owl version of a yawn. Before curling her body in, Harry placed her back into his pocket.

Not long after the others trickled in. They told both of them all about their summers. Susan had been with her Aunt Amelia during the break. Neville had gone to France with his Gran. Draco ended up at several Pureblood society events. Theo had avoided his Grandfather and read most of the summer. Pansy and Daphne talked about their joint shopping trips. Hannah and her parents had gone to Bulgaria to visit some distant cousins

Over an hour later they arrived at the platform. This time they followed the older students to the carriages. He heard Blaise gasp a little seeing the creatures that pulled them.

"There called thestrals, you can only see them if you've witnessed death." Harry told Blaise.

"I've witnessed Death alright, smooching your godfather." Blaise said, Harry snorted.

It was an interesting possibility, seeing thestrals from seeing actual Death the person. Versus just seeing someone die. It was very interesting indeed....

They exited the carriages and made their way up to the castle for the welcoming feast. They all had to stay at their original tables, no mixing houses the first day. Wouldn't want to mix up the new little firsties. He caught Dumbles giving him sidelong glances, Lockhart was also seemingly looking for someone in the crowded hall.

Harry suspected it was him that the fool was looking for. All well, Dumbledore gave his usual speech. They sang the god awful school song, well everyone else did Harry and Blaise stayed quiet. They started the sorting relatively normal, Luna ended up back in the house of Ravens. She oddly enough took the empty seat to Harry's left.

It didn't surprise him in the slightest, Luna always seemed to just know things. Maybe she just knew they would eventually be good friends again. Everything went sideways when Ginny, being the last to be sorted had the hat placed on her head. Harry felt sorry for the hat having to traverse the mind of a lying, cheating, murderous bitch. The poor thing might actually need therapy after being exposed to her.

"It had better be Gryffindor!" It shouted.

"WHAT, THAT'S NOT WHERE I NEED TO BE, SORT ME AGAIN YOU USELESS RAG!!!" She spat.

"Miss Weasley you have been sorted please join your house!" McGonagall said.

Ginny stamped her foot her hair flying about.

"NO, NO, NO I'M SUPPOSED TO BE WITH HARRY. SORT ME AGAIN, THIS IS RIDICULOUS I SHOULD BE WITH HIM NOW!" She shrieked.

McGonagall sighed loudly, as she gripped Ginny's arm pulling her away from the sorting hat.

"NO!!! UNHAND ME, DO YOU NOT KNOW WHO I AM? I NEED TO BE WITH HIM FOREVER!! LET ME GO YOU OLD HAG!!!!" Ginny shrieked, damn if she hadn't inherited that from Molly.

He hated her voice and her attitude. He was beyond embarrassed it was way worse than Ron's sorting. McGonagall drug Ginny straight out of the hall, as the whiny bitch kept complaining. He really couldn't wait to kill her.

The hall buzzed with the latest gossip. Another crazy Weasley ranting about Potter.

"Wow, another Weasley trying to take you from me." Blaise said.

"They'd never succeed. He has always been yours." Luna replied, in a cheerful dreamy voice.

Blaise looked at her funny.

"Trust me, Luna sometimes just knows things. Just go along with it, she's always looking to the future. I'd introduce myself, but she already knows who we are don't you Luna?" Harry said.

"Of course the Nargles have told me all about you guys. You don't have to worry Harry, she'll never get you." Luna said, Harry nodded of course Ginny wouldn't she was going to die.

And he'd take immense satisfaction in destroying her.

"Stick with us little moon and we'll treat you right." Harry said, Luna nodded and proceeded to sort her peas according to size.

Blaise looked at him questioningly, Harry gave him a look that said they'd talk later. The feast came to an end with Ginny and McGonagall still absent. Luna got up to join the other first years and looked back at him.

"Say hi to Death and Sirius for me. And give Hedwig a hug for me." She said, before she skipped along to catch up to the others.

"Harry how does...." Blaise questioned.

"Not here Blaise the walls have ears." Harry said, in warning.

Blaise gave him another odd look but followed him out. They didn't make it far before being stopped by two familiar redheads.

"Hello Harry..." Fred started.

"We're sorry our sister....." George continued.

"Is a complete embarrassment." They said, in unison.

Harry had forgotten, how much he hated when the twins finished each other's sentences. It was really very annoying.

"Not, a problem every family has that one embarrassing member. Don't forget to prank more people this year. I didn't get to see a single one last year." Harry said.

They grinned at him.

"Well do....." George started.

"Lord Raven!" Fred finished.

Harry raised an eyebrow at them.

"Really?? Lord Raven, whatever are you two talking about?" Harry asked.

"You've made an impression....." George started.

"That is memorable...." Fred continued.

"So we thought it fit." George finished.

"Okay...thanks Fred." Harry said.

They gave him a look of wonder.

"You can tell us apart?" George asked.

"Of course I can, you might look and sound the same. But your still two separate people." Harry said, the twins looked at him shocked.

"Even our own Mum, and other family members can't tell us apart." Fred said.

"Well, I think that says more about your family than you guys. They've known you since birth, they should know you guys by now. Anyway, Blaise and I have to go keep pranking." Harry said, as he and Blaise left them there staring after them.

Arriving at the dorms they skipped the beginning of the year party and headed to their room. They still had the same roommates as before but they weren't there.

"So explain to me about blondie." Blaise asked.

"Luna has seer blood she isn't the fraud Trelawney is. She doesn't have visions per se, she just knows things that nobody should know. Those Nargles Luna talks about, aren't actual creatures, it's what she calls the spirits who tell her things. Luna truly is smart, she makes people think she's crazy or weird. It does wonders for covering up her gift. Especially, since there is another war brewing. Even if she doesn't have the entire gift it runs in the bloodline she'll pass it to her children. Who have a fifty-fifty shot of manifesting as a seer. If not their gifts will be premonition or spirit based." Harry said, as he moved to start unpacking his trunk.

Blaise nodded, stepping forward and hugging him. Harry felt his hair tie come out and his hair fall freely.

"And what about this Ginny fiasco? How do you feel about seeing her again?" Blaise asked, running his fingers through the ends of Harry's hair.

"I'm over her romantically speaking, I don't think I ever did love her. Most of the time I was with her because I felt like I had to. It was what everyone expected and I tried but nobody could love that shrew. Emotionally, I still feel that betrayal every time I so much as hear her name." He said softly.

"So other then embarrassment, you felt nothing for her?" Blaise questioned, Harry rested his head on Blaise's shoulder.

"Other then contempt and murderous rage? Absolutely nothing, she means nothing to me and I can't wait to be rid of her. Why are you jealous?" Harry asked.

Blaise pull him even closer yet resting his forehead against Harry's leveling his eyes with Harry.

"Why should I be jealous, unlike that crazy bitch I actually know you. You don't have to repress yourself anymore Harry. I like you just as you are cute, compassionate, and a little bit murdery." Blaise said.

Damn it to hell, who the hell says stuff like that anyway?

/////////////////////////////////////////////////

Dumbledore's office- Dumbledore pov

He was awaiting, one Emmeline Vance a well trusted order member. Albus wanted to know how the Potter brat was faring so far. It was a shame his new guardian hadn't been there. Two birds with one stone as they say.

Albus sighed deeply popping a lemon drop into his mouth. The brat hadn't seemed any different at the feast. His attempts to tag the boy with mind-altering spells and behavioral spells seemed to have no effect. He'd even tried the potions, either they didn't work or somehow Potter knew. And simply wasn't drinking from the goblet, he'd specifically told the elves was for Potter only. He'd noted the boy was wearing, heavily glamoured rings but he couldn't see through the glamour's.

Albus was beginning to suspect that there was something about those rings, that was protecting him. Which was problematic if they're the rings he thinks they are. It wouldn't be possible to forcibly remove them. No, matter he'd find a way he always did. There were other options should anymore attempts fail.

And tonight's fiasco with his darling daughter would have to be addressed. How could he trust her with sensitive information or plans? Especially, if she was just going to screech it to the whole damned great hall? Albus shook his head, in the end she too was a means to an end. The trap that was necessary to secure the brat's fortune and priceless heirlooms. He looked up as his fireplace flared to life. About time, he'd been waiting over an hour for her.

"What took so long? I have been waiting! What could possibly be more important than our meeting?" Albus groused.

"I'm sorry sir I got held up with my niece at the Ministry. I would've sent an owl, but I felt you had to see it yourself." She said, he narrowed his eyes.

Either it was going to be very useful or very bad. And he'd had a very long bad streak recently.

"I stayed on the platform to watch just as you asked. When I saw him he seemed rather happy. You said he should be angry or aggrieved... so I was confused until I saw him. He's alive. Sirius Black is alive." She breathed.

"WHAT!" He shouted angrily.

He wasted no time and ripped through her Occlumency shields. Albus found what he was looking for quickly...he pulled back enraged.

"DAMMIT! CAN NOBODY DO ANYTHING RIGHT!" He shouted. 

Books flew off the shelves, windows shattered spraying the room with glass, even his desk cracked under strain. Damn it, why was nothing working! All his plans! He saw Fawkes fly off in alarm, he closed his eyes slowly reining his magic back in. He opened his eyes, magic under control as his anger simmered. Albus stood and caught sight of Emmeline laying on the floor.

He crouched down and checked for a pulse under his fingers. He was relieved to find she was alive, but bleeding from a gash in her head.

"Garmy!" He growled, an old scarred elf popped into his office.

"Yes, master?" Garmy rasped.

"Take this woman to Madam Pomphrey. Then clean up this damn mess!" Albus said, he strode out in a huff his ugly yellow-green robes swishing behind him.

He needed to find Moody and Diggle. And then they were going to pay for their failure.

////////////////////////////////////////////////

Sirius's bedroom - Death pov

Death pulled his adorable little Star into his arms. And kissed him gently, he didn't want to leave Death was enjoying himself far too much. They were in bed and he'd just finished worshiping his favorite constellation's body.

"I'm sorry I have some work to do." Death said, Sirius pouted at him.

"Don't you have other reapers to do it for you." Sirius asked, kissing his jaw.

Death smiled at him.

"Yes, but I still have to help I don't want to leave you either. In fact, I want you to scream my name as I lick every part of your body. And fuck you till until you can't remember your own name. But I must deal with this immediately. Plus, you now have something to look forward to when I get back." Death said, as he teasingly stroked him.

Sirius narrowed his eyes and groaned.

"You'd better...fucking tease." Sirius said, with a whine.

He kissed his Star's nose and cheek, before extracting himself from the tangled sheets. Death conjured some clothes on before stepping through one of his portals.

Death appeared again in his office and snatched up two gold coins sitting on his desk. He reopened his portal and transversed the open dimensional space before stepping through another portal.

He stood just outside of an invisible building sitting directly on a ley line. Death needed to visit a demon after all these two souls needed punishment. And Death was a very busy reaper he didn't have time to attend to it himself. Stepping inside the storefront he stood just in front of the desk. The room was lined with shelves laden with books, vials, jars, skulls, shrunken heads, candles, and other odds and ends.

"It's been awhile, Lord Death." A hissing voice echoed from the back.

A tall hunched over green-skinned, black horned demon hobbled in.

"Desyth, it's been at least a century." Death said.

"What can I assist you with today?" Desyth said, his sharp teeth bared.

"I need two souls put through the works." Death said.

"Dare I ask, what they did to deserve the harshest of punishments?" Desyth asked, curiously.

"Not if you wish to continue living Desyth." Death replied, sharply.

"How long?" Desyth asked.

"Two weeks, it'll give me plenty of time to take care of other business." Death said, the creature nodded.

"And what of my payment?" He inquired.

"What living isn't good enough for you Desyth? Some creatures are just so ungrateful to be alive." Death hissed.

The Demon clamped his mandibles shut and held out his hand. Death deposited the two gold coins into its hand.

He turned and promptly left the shop, the coins were vessels designed to hold souls. It started with Charon's form of payment, two coins on the eyes of anyone deceased. What the humans didn't know was that coins, were crafted for this purpose. One coin was for Charon and the other was for Death. The coins would store the soul of the dead person. But it also meant that Death had a near endless amount of gold and other valuables. He might not have to eat but his favorite coffees ranged anywhere from five to thirteen dollars. And that was just if he popped into America to buy coffee...well the cheap coffee anyway. He was convinced that demons make the coffee in Italy. It was so damn addicting! The price though...still worth it.

Diggle and Moody, would be spending a lot of time with a Createine demon. There bread and butter was torture and suffering. When a Createine demon took you to its lair, the lair was usually in a ley line. Time progressed differently in a ley line than in reality or even on the other side of the veil. Five minutes was the equivalent of a decade in a ley line. And he was leaving them there for two weeks. Of course, demons and reapers were immune to time flow.

Death would pick them up and see how he felt about torturing the fools more. He opened his portal and popped out into his storeroom. The potions demons and reapers used, had vastly different ingredients than that of wizards. Most of them were creature and human body parts. So yeah, he had some bodies in there but he was only in there for two specific bodies.

He grabbed Diggle and Moody, levitating one and dragging the other by its foot. Death pulled them into his ritual area, he vanished all of their clothes and flipped them onto their chests. He summoned his set of potions knives, he activated a rune that looked like an arrow piercing a half-moon. It's purpose was to drain blood from bodies and collect it. Human blood was, also used in various potions that Death used.

He took a short straight blade and carved the skin clean off of each of their backs. Once done, he spelled them dry and sewed them together. Death turned back to the bodies and started severing the ribs from their spine. Harry wanted them displayed, just right for his second morning of school. And Death wouldn't ever disappoint his little one.

Chapter Text

Ravenclaw Dorms- Harry pov

It was in the early morning hours, the sun was just barely peaking over the horizon. Harry was sitting at his desk already dressed for the day. Harry was about to write a letter and use the Deathnote. When the proximity ward he'd placed around his bed and desk warned him. Harry turned to see who it was his wand slipping out of it's holster.

"Whoa it's just me." Blaise said, before he stopped hands up.

Harry nodded, as he felt the other approach behind his left shoulder.

"What are you doing up this early?" Blaise asked.

"Making a letter for Rita and using the Deathnote." Harry replied.

"Dare, I ask who you are killing next?" Blaise asked.

"A very corrupt judge, to be more specific the exact judge that allowed Dumbledore to get away. He was barely given a slap on the wrist and told to pay a few fines. Court doesn't start at the Ministry until eleven. Plenty of time for Death to make a point." Harry said.

"And Rita?" Blaise questioned.

"She's going to do a little research on something for me. If it works, it'll be one more thing that will keep Dumbledore on the defensive. He can't bother me if he's too busy fighting off accusations and the mysterious enemy he can't find." Harry replied, Dumbledore would be busy indeed.

"You take great joy in fucking with, Dumbledore don't you?" Blaise teased.

"But of course, what comes around goes around. He's a disease that needs to be eradicated, before I'm done with him he'll be jumping at shadows. I won't be satisfied until I take everything from him." Harry said.

It was true, only then would he feel vindicated and thoroughly satisfied.

" You really are cute when you are a little murdery. Have you fed Hedwig yet?" Blaise asked, Harry smiled.

Blaise really was a good owl daddy. Hedwig loved staying with Harry and cuddling. But Blaise almost always fed her mashed worms the two were unbelievably cute together.

"She's asleep yet, there's going to be a surprise during breakfast time. You should get ready, she should be awake by then." Harry said, Blaise nodded and left Harry to his work.

Harry had Death create a very special surprise for Dumbledore. It was under a time-release spell, so no one would see it until it was time. Harry pulled the Deathnote out and wrote the man's name, time, today's date, and cause of death. He smirked today was going to be fun.

He stowed it away and started penning a letter to Rita. She might bulk at first, but Rita at heart was very much like a hellhound. She loved to create chaos and weasel out the truth. She seldom ever had to make her headlines up. The only time she did, it was mostly due to a lack of information or if she wanted to go after someone.

Harry told her there was a judge who let Dumbledore off and that his courtroom was open at 11 am. That way Rita would catch Death's next masterpiece. And he told her to also investigate Lockhart. Harry loved throwing Dumbles into a tailspin. And one of these times Dumbledore wasn't going to get off. Not that it mattered he was going to kill the old fool anyway.

Just as he finished Death appeared behind him.

"Are you done with the great hall?" Harry asked.

"Oh, yes, breakfast and a horror show." Death said, laughing.

Harry chuckled.

"And the judge?" Harry questioned.

"It won't take me long you cut the time frame a little short. But I can temporarily freeze time in the courtrooms with a very strong repelling charm, which will give me plenty of time." Death replied.

"Good, Dumbles is going to have a very hard time. I also want you to leave a time-released note for Madam Bones. After all, she'll be called to Hogwarts for breakfast. Then she will make it back in time, to try and shoo Miss Skeeter away. Before discovering yet another body connected to Dumbledore." Harry said.

Death smiled at Harry fondly while hugging him.

"Oh, how I love you little master and your deviousness." Death said, Harry smiled.

He truly did love Death as well, he was shaping up to be a very good dad. You know the kind of dad that lets their kids get away with murder, in Harry's case literally.

Death vanished in time for Blaise to return all dressed. Harry went to his bedside table, he didn't use the drawer for anything it was open and had a tiny nest. Harry had placed a woven twig nest and lined the inside of it with, a velveteen emerald cloth. Baby Hedwig was dozing, her big eyes opening and closing as she struggled to wake up. He cooed at her and petted her head. Scooping her up he held her to his chest like a baby.

Blaise brought over the container of worms. And began mashing some, before bringing a spoon to her beak. She nipped at it, still adorably sleepy. She only ate a spoon and a half spoonful, before he tucked her into his blazer pocket. He left the top open so she could pop her head in and out.

"Ready, to go?" Blaise asked.

"Yup, I'm ready for breakfast and a show." Harry said with a laugh.

They left the dorms and made their way down to breakfast. Harry was startled to see a raging Snape and several other teachers, rushing passed to go into the dungeons. Blaise leaned down and whispered in his ear.

"That wasn't it was it?" Blaise asked, curiously.

Harry shook his head. No, he hadn't planned for anything but the bodies today.

"No it's in the great hall. Unless Death knew we had potions this morning and left Snape something." Harry said.

"Doesn't matter, Draco will know what's going on later." Blaise said, Harry nodded.

Draco was a bit of a gossip queen. There wasn't much that went on that Pansy and Draco didn't know.

They finished their walk and sat down next to Luna. Who apparently just knew that it was his spot at the table.

"Morning Luna." Harry said.

He started to butter his toast and added raspberry jam.

"Morning, the Nargles told me you've been having fun again." Luna said, with a giggle.

Blaise gave him a funny look, Blaise still didn't know what to make of her.

"Well, little moon I hope they didn't bother you too much." Harry said.

He shoveled some scrambled eggs and grabbed a few sprigs of grapes.

"Oh, no I found it amusing actually. He still doesn't know it's you, he thinks it might be Death." Luna replied.

"Wait Death, or Azrael?" Harry asked a bit panicked.

That wasn't good...if Dumbles had stumbled on to his secret...everything would be for nothing.

"Azrael, he's frustrated because he can't find out anything on him. Nor was he even able to find where Azrael is. He believes that somehow Azrael is connected. Everything started happening after he surfaced. He thinks that Voldemort, had something to do with the Philosopher's stones disappearance though." Luna said.

Well, Dumbledore wasn't entirely stupid after all. But he wasn't going to find Azrael Peverell. Even if he did you can't kill Death, it's exactly why Death is his legal guardian. Anyone else, could be killed or put in jail, just like Sirius was. Harry saw his badgers walk in and head straight for them.

"Morning guys, this is Luna Lovegood." Harry said introducing her.

"Hi Luna, does anyone know what has the teachers pissed off?" Neville asked.

Harry shook his head as he popped a grape in his mouth.

"We can answer that." Draco said.

Harry's snakes were behind them, everyone got seated and said hi to Luna.

"So do tell." Blaise said.

"Well apparently, somebody decided to fill the potions corridor with gravy. It is literally covered in it, Snape caught it in time. And encased it in a barrier before it made it to his quarters, storeroom, and our common room. But they can't banish it for some strange reason. But that whole area from floor to ceiling has beef gravy in it." Harry snorted, he knew exactly who did that and it wasn't Death.

"I'm going to guess that potions class is canceled for awhile." Daphne said.

"I wish they'd gotten, the Defense Against the Dark Arts corridor. I so don't want to go to that class." Harry whined.

He loathed Lockhart about half as much, as he hated Dumbledore.

"But Harry he's so dreamy." Pansy replied, Harry in response made gagging noises.

She kicked him under the table as the boys of their group tried not to laugh.

Students filled up the hall talking about the twin's latest prank. Of course, he was the only one who knew they did it. Harry had been the one who encouraged them to prank more. The teachers all returned in various shades of disarray. Snape in particular looked ready to murder someone. Dumbledore stood at the front, everyone quieted down.

"Due to unfortunate events Potions class will be canceled until further notice." Dumbledore said.

Gasps rang out, a few of the girls screamed pointing at Dumbledore. The teachers turned and backed away in horror at the sight before them. Diggle and Moody were floating in the air. Bodies still naked, each of them had their lungs ripped out behind them to recreate the blood eagle. Held in between them was the stitched up skin from their backs, it looked like a messed up banner. It read 'FOR THE GREATER GOOD'.

They resembled ugly angels holding up Dumbledore's favored motto. Blood dripped from their 'wings', Dumbledore looked ashen... do you recognize them you old goat.

Everyone stared in transfixed horror, even heard someone retched. And the best part, by far was seeing Lockhart faint. Dumbledore finally gained enough control to turn back to the students.

"All classes are now canceled for the day. Everyone is to return to their dorms immediately no exceptions. The great hall is now restricted, all meals for the rest of today will be held in the common rooms. And no one is to go near the potions corridor." Dumbledore yelled.

Groups of students practically fled the hall. Harry, Luna, and Blaise were trailing near the end of the group. None of them were interested in getting trampled.

Harry, Blaise, and Luna arrived back at their dorm. Luna wandered off, and Blaise followed him. Once in their room, their roommates were in the commons, so they were alone.

"So what do we do with the rest of the day?" Blaise asked.

"Wait for the evening edition of the prophet." Harry said, nonchalantly.

"Ah, there isn't an evening edition Harry." Blaise said, confusedly.

Harry smirked.

"There is when there's a really big story. Murder at Hogwarts again and later murder at the Ministry courtrooms. Rita is going to be a very happy little reporter." Harry said, with far too much cheer.

///////////////////////////////////////////

Ministry DMLE main office- Amelia pov

She sighed deeply frowning at the stack of paperwork for the day. When she woken up... she'd had this odd feeling. That today was going to be a very long day. She was about to sit down when her door slammed open. Amelia glared at a very pale Auror Grey, the slim black haired witch looked ill.

"Ophelia are you okay?" Amelia asked, in alarm.

The other woman shook her head.

"We got bodies at Hogwarts again. And they're really pretty gruesome. But the worse part is one of them is Moody." Grey said, Moody hadn't been seen for days.

Which was unusual for him, Moody was a very dedicated Auror. A very experienced one at that, whoever killed him was very dangerous.

Getting up she left her office to find the apparition points. Damn, she knew it was going to be a horrible day.

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Grimmwald Place - Regulus pov

Regulus stood in the shadows cloaked and silent. Being here again in Grimmauld brought back memories of his mother. Memories he'd rather forget, the only good memories he had here were with Sirius and their father.

Otherwise, Regulus hated this old place. The only thing that was here for him, was currently in the tiny sleeping area of an elf named Kreacher.

Kreacher had been fanatically loyal to his mother and him. Now, he was just an old insane elf who took orders from a portrait. Regulus had zero desire to confront the left over remnants of his mother.  He decided to wait a little longer. He was rewarded when the elf left it's back hunched muttering under his breath.

Regulus hurriedly searched the small disgusting space. Before finding a bundle of rags wrapped around the locket. He stuffed the locket into his pocket and vanished back to Peverell Manor. He really needed a stiff drink.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////

Hogwarts Dumbledore's office- Dumbledore pov

"So here we are all over again Headmaster. I'm beginning to wonder, how many more bodies have to be removed from this school before they remove you." Amelia said.

Dumbledore silently seethed as Bones paced his office.

"And you have no idea how the bodies got there?" Amelia questioned.

"Madam Bones, I can assure you that neither I nor the staff had anything to do with this atrocity." Dumbledore replied, with hidden venom.

It was true he'd been monitoring the wards more closely since last year. He would've have known if something that vile had occurred on Hogwart's grounds.

"If I were you Headmaster, I'd keep my head down. If I even so much as find a single thing that points to you. I will make sure you revisit Azkaban for an extended stay." Amelia said, threateningly.

He narrowed his eyes at her retreating back. As soon as she was gone he swept the contents of his desktop to the floor in a rage. Who the hell did that woman think she was? He was the most powerful wizard in Britain! How dare she threaten him!

And who the hell was after him? He'd been careful to never use that phrase around anyone who wasn't an Order member. Even then none of the Order knew what it truly meant. No one knew that it linked him to his once friend.

So either the killer was one of his own or someone knew about them. Neither option was very good, what if he had a spy? But somehow, he just knew that it was his mysterious opposition.

////////////////////////////////////////

Ministry- Amelia pov

Amelia had just returned from Hogwarts, she already knew that what she'd seen. Would be the subject of her nightmares for a long time to come. Dumbledore knew more than he let on about what happened. The way he was acting...the thinly hidden anger. That man knew something and was refusing to cooperate. Amelia had a lot of power but even she couldn't drag a suspect in on suspicion alone. She walked to her desk and noticed a note laying on top.

Bones,

Skeeter is planning on interviewing a judge before court, courtroom 8 just before 11pm. If you want to stop her from harassing the judge you'd better hurry and get her.

The note had no signature, Amelia cast a quick Tempus and noted she had only a few minutes to make it. She moved quickly and just barely caught the elevator. Amelia exited the lift walking at a brisk pace and turned a corner. Standing next to courtroom 8 was Rita Skeeter in a plaid skirt, white shirt, a coat to match the skirt. Rita turned to see her and got wide-eyed she yanked open the door and ran in. She turned forward and screamed falling to her knees. Rita seemed horrified at whatever was in the room.

Amelia froze at the sight that greeted them inside. Inside pinned to the wall, was Judge Aimos Sutherland. He was wearing his court robes, a strip of black silk covered his eyes. His left arm, was holding a sword high, and another sword also protruded from his chest. His right hand was holding a set of scales, on one end was clearly a human brain and on the other was a heart. Sutherland had the same 'wings' that Moody and Diggle had.

On the defendant's table a pair of green eyes were facing the wall. Written in fresh blood it said: JUSTICE BOWED DOWN TO THE GREATER GOOD. There was that phrase again, what did it mean? And how were the victims connected?

She got over her shock, to exit the room and scream for the Aurors to come. As she turned around she saw Skeeter run down the hall. She sighed, yes it was going to be a very long night.

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Peverell manor- Death pov

My Death had forgotten how tiring murder could actually be. He was walking through the main hall and was headed upstairs. All he wanted right now was to spend time with his Star. He didn't even make it to the stairs, before Regulus appeared out of the shadows.

"It's done I got it." Regulus said, in a low voice.

Ah, Death had forgotten that he'd told Regulus to retrieve it. Regulus was very reluctant to face anything from his human life. In his opinion it wasn't healthy, Regulus needed to deal with his past. In order to have a future. Regulus fished the locket out of his pocket and handed it to Death.

"Any problems?" Death asked.

"No, I completely avoided Kreacher and my crazy mother." Regulus said.

Death was about to say something when Regulus cut him off.

"No, I am not dealing with them now. Mother is dead there is nothing to fix anymore and Kreacher has always been insane. Besides Sirius was the only family member that I ever wanted to see again." Regulus said.

"I just want, to make sure you knew death wasn't the end. While your mother may be gone Kreacher is still here, as are Andromeda and Narcissa. Just don't take too long you might regret it, later on." Death said.

He strode passed Regulus intent on finding his puppy. Peeking into their shared bedroom, he found it empty Death decided to check the gardens. His puppy favored sleeping under a massive elm tree, near one of the edges of the garden. Sure enough, Sirius was in his dog form stretched out his doggie tongue hanging out.

"There you are, I've been missing you." Death said, with an amused smile.

Sirius raised his dog head to look at him, before wiggling off his back. And running right at him. Arms full of dog he was rewarded with a face full of dog drool.

Sirius turned back laughing at him as he wiped away the spit with his sleeve.

"You think that's funny do you? Well, dog boy you had better run then." Death said, before he shifted into a large white-furred wolf and grinned at Sirius.

Death could in fact, shift into any animal he damn well pleased. Right now, all he wanted was to chase his puppy. Sirius seemed to get the idea and shifted back. Doggie tail wagging, he took off towards the trees Death bounding after him.

They ran through the trees, leaping over the downed trees, they got closer to a small lake. Death picked up the pace and tackled the black dog sending them tumbling through the sand on the shore. Death pulsed his magic out turning both of them back, Sirius was red-faced and laughing.

He kissed his Star stealing the breath from him. Death let his hands wander about until he squeezed firm buttcheeks. He smacked a cheek lightly, gaining a breathy gasp for his efforts. They broke apart, his Star was wild-eyed.

"Really out here?" Sirius said, in a teasing manor.

Death chuckled.

"What you mean you don't like being dirty? Because you seemed to like that ass tap just now." Death said.

He leaned down and licked down, from Sirius's jaw to his navel. Stopping to nip gently at the edge. Sirius let out a surprised yelp as Death flipped him over leaning over his back. Death lightly raked his nails down his back not enough to hurt. But more than enough, to cause Sirius to shiver.

He smacked his left buttock, watching it twitch. Death nipped at the back of Sirius's neck as one hand pinched a pert nipple and the other started stroking him. He tightened his grip as he bit down on Sirius's shoulder. A moan escaped, as Sirius's hips jerked back at Death's.

He released his shoulder leaning down near Sirius's ear.

"Be good little puppy and not wiggle around too much and I will reward you." Death rasped, tonguing Sirius's ear and nipping at the lobe.

He used a quick lubing and stretching spell before spreading him open.

"I've got a bone just for you my puppy." Death said, he did promise his dog Star a treat.

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Ravenclaw dorms- Harry pov

"Ewww, seriously." Harry said, wrinkling his nose.

Blaise gave him a funny look, they were simply relaxing on Blaise's bed. Blaise was reading and Harry was using him as a pillow.

"Dare I ask what's so gross?" Blaise teased.

"Death forgot to block our connection. The last thing I ever wanted to see, was them fucking next to a lake." Harry said, Blaise raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, don't look at me like that. They're my parents, picture your parents doing it." Harry said, Blaise's eye twitched as he made a face.

"Your right I could've done without that visual." Blaise replied, Harry snorted.

"Yours was only imaginary, I just got front row seating. If it was anybody else it would be hot." Harry said, Blaise just looked at him eyes wide.

"What! I'm twenty-four stuck in a twelve-year-old's body. I have to wait for my body to catch up." Harry defended.

Just then a scrawny barn owl swooped down in through the window. It dropped a Daily Prophet into his lap before flying off.

"MURDER AT THE MINISTRY!" It was splashed across the front page. Photos of the Judge's body were showcased at the bottom. With a smaller notation about the murders at Hogwarts.

No matter, if Amelia was any good at her job she'd connect the pieces soon enough.

Chapter Text

Ministry- Amelia pov

Amelia sighed in absolute frustration, she had been working late and now it was early morning. It seemed like all of her unsolved murders had some kind of connection to Dumbledore. In her line of work that was one coincidence too many.

Even though things pointed in his direction she had no concrete proof that he was responsible. She needed more than just theories to go after him. He was too well connected as was evident by his continued placement as Hogwart's Headmaster. Anyone else would've been fired or in jail by now.

And what the hell did this 'For the Greater Good' mean anyway? Amelia was missing something and she just knew it was the key to her mystery. On top of that Fudge was pissed that Skeeter had gotten away with crime scene photos. The last thing they wanted was for the public to start panicking about a possible serial killer. Serial killers were thought to be a muggle phenomenon that had no place in the magical communities. But the very definition was someone who killed more than three people. And if that's true then Grindelwald and Voldemort fit the bill...as did many of the deatheaters. Hell, even a small amount of her Aurors had killed people. So really the only thing that made them better than the others...was their morals. It was the only thing that really separated them from the monsters her department hunted. 

She'd tried to convince her brother to pull Susan out of that death trap. But he wouldn't hear of it, he was stalwart in his belief that none of this could be Dumbledore's fault. He said that this was the first time in a long time that Hogwarts had accidents. But they weren't accidents they were obviously murders.

Wallace was just being really stubborn or really dumb. What did she have to do, light an actual fire under his ass before he listened to her? She had the sinking feeling that something would have to happen to poor Susan before he did anything. By then it would be too little... too late.

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Ravenclaw dorms- Harry pov

Harry had awoken early as per usual Hedwig was doing her best to stay perched on his shoulder. Her eyes opening and closing as she tried to shake off sleep. He was merely staring out into space thinking of nothing in particular. He was startled to suddenly find Death behind him.

"Do you always creep around like that?" Harry asked, annoyed.

Every damn time too...one of these times he was going to put a bell on the man.

"Aww, little master you should know better by now." Death teased.

"Why are you here?" Harry asked, he hadn't written in the Deathnote since yesterday.

"Oh, I wanted to tell you that I'm going to be a bit busy. Some tropical storms hit and the flow of souls has doubled." Death replied.

Must be one hell of a storm to need Death to back up the other reapers.

"So no Deathnote then?" Harry questioned.

"Only for a week little master then we can start again. Besides, you have plenty to do besides murdering people." Death said, Harry raised an eyebrow.

True there was classes and homework. But he was from the future so...those weren't really good distractions. And if Harry spent most of his day plotting he'd be disturbingly mimicking his enemies. 

"It's fine, I have plans for the whole week anyway." Harry said, as he petted Hedwig's little head.

"Harry, who are you talking to?"

He turned to find Death was gone and a very sleepy confused Italian.

"Just Death, though he disappeared." Harry replied.

Blaise nodded and wandered off to the bathrooms.

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Unknown pov

What was so special about her? Why did he always hang around with her? She was crazy talking about Nargles and other imaginary creatures. She was obviously a freak who was clearly in her way. Nothing would stop her from having him.

He was supposed to be hers daddy had promised her. Her eyes narrowed, she'd fix that soon enough she clutched the black diary closer. Tom would help her.......she tucked the diary away and started writing on the wall with rooster blood. Soon they would all be afraid of her and no one would ever try to take him from her again.

Soon she would have everything she wanted and deserved. She started humming and grinned as her thoughts turned violent. Soon...

//////////////////////////////////////

Harry pov

Harry was with Luna and Blaise as they made their way to breakfast. Something was going on again though as a group of students was crowded around a wall.

'THE CHAMBER HAS BEEN OPENED AGAIN. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR BEWARE'. So it had started happening again already. Harry vaguely wondered if Ginny's unstable mind had sped up the time table a little. It didn't matter one way or another to him. Knowing the outcome before it even happened made it all too easy. I mean really how much could really be changed?

Filch picked that time to round the corner his gait unsteady with Ms. Norris trailing behind him.

"WHO DID THIS? Which one of you little monsters did this? I bet it was you little freaks. It's always you!" Filch yelled, as he advanced with each step till his bony finger made contact with George.

The other teachers finally came over McGonagall and Snape stopped mere feet from Filch.

"Mr. Filch do you have any actual proof that they did it?" McGonagall asked.

"No, but it's always them! Every time there is trouble it's always them." Filch spat.

"That would be a bit difficult as they were with us."

They all turned to Harry.

"Oh, and do tell us Mr. Potter just what it was you were doing. What were Gryffindors doing in Ravenclaw tower " Snape asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"We invited the twins to study with myself, Luna, and Blaise. They only just left our common room they wouldn't have had time to do this and be at our study group. Whatever that stuff is it's fresh... so fresh it's still dripping down the wall. Perhaps you should find Peeves." Harry said, suggestively.

Filch spluttered in complete disbelief. His face was red as he geared up to say something again. McGonagall held up her hand to silence him.

"This is something Peeves might do there is no proof they actually did anything Argus. Do not continue harassing them! Now go clean this up." McGonagall said, harshly.

McGonagall was always so protective of her precious little lions. Filch snarled in disdain before walking off in a huff, the other students also left soon after whispering as they went. The twins stood stock still staring at them.

"Well don't just stand there, I'm hungry." Harry said, before turning to walk off.

Harry noticed that the twins trailed behind all of them. They seemed like they were in shock... like they weren't used to someone sticking up for them. It was a distinct possibility as their mischievous natures often got them in trouble. People more than likely didn't understand them which was a shame. The twins were incredibly smart and even dangerous. Fred and George ha a lot to offer the magical world. But people like Molly only ever looked down on them. 

It would be quite a boon to get them on his side early. After all, they were just like Neville... they just needed someone who believed in them. He'd heard some of the awful things Molly had said to them when they'd left to start their shop. It had made Harry start to doubt her in his first life. Who says those things to their own children? Weren't parents supposed to be encouraging? It didn't matter because Harry appreciated the twins as they were. Plus, Harry knew that they had always had his back. Out of all the Weasley's the twins and Charlie were the only ones he could trust. The only ones Harry was a hundred percent sure would never hurt him.

Once in the great hall he found his section of the table already crowded with his snakes and badgers. They all said hello to Harry as he settled down into his spot. He noticed the twins had stopped and were looking at them.

"I know you two aren't shy, sit down." Harry said, as served himself some chocolate chip pancakes.

"Everyone this is Fred and George Weasley. They are nothing like Ron and Ginny and I hope they will accept my invitation to join us." Harry said, while pouring strawberry syrup on his pancakes.

Of course, Harry still hadn't told them all the truth. But he had to make sure they were all with him before he unveiled more of his motives. He felt someone's eyes on him...looking around he spotted Ginny. She was alternating between looking at him and glaring at her brothers. Jealousy thy name is Ginny...

"Fred?" George said.

"George?" Fred said, the two just looked at each other before shrugging their shoulders and sitting next to Neville.

"Good, welcome to my menagerie. As you can see I have quite a collection of friends." Harry said.

"We had..." George started.

"Noticed." Fred finished.

Ah, he wondered if he could break them of the habit of finishing each other's sentences. It really was headache-inducing after a long while. Breakfast was mostly a quiet affair. What little talk there was at their table involved homework. The incident in the hall was putting a somber mood on everything. Harry merely found it all amusing. Find bloody writing on the wall and everyone freaks out. Find bodies in the great hall and they act damn near normal if not a little quiet. 

Hogwarts truly was an odd sort of place. Because of the bodies yesterday they were all only attending two classes during the day. Potions were still out of the question, but Blaise and he had Transfiguration and History of magic for the day.

Transfiguration was.... well he didn't know really he'd been thinking about his plans for the night. Harry was going to retrieve the diadem from it's hiding place. Once Harry had it, he would only needed the diary. And he was going to savor that because Ginny was going to die soon enough.

No, things didn't get interesting until the end of History of Magic. Harry was packing his bag and was following Blaise out when Binns spoke to him.

"Mr. Potter may I have a word." Binns asked.

Harry nodded at Blaise and waited for the room to empty. He went to move closer when Binns held out his hand to stop him.

"Please, come no closer. I have been asked to speak with you on behalf of the other ghosts." The ghost man said.

"Oh, and what do the other ghosts want?" Harry asked.

"They are afraid of you... you stink of death magic. We can sense Death's aura on you" Binns said, while that wasn't news to Harry he wasn't aware that the ghosts could sense it.

" Mr. Potter, they wish to know if you'll hurt them. What I mean is, they wish to know if you will expel them." Binns asked, Harry raised his eyebrow.

It made sense the Hogwarts ghosts hadn't been seen much since he'd come to Hogwarts again. It also explained how the Grey lady reacted towards him.

"I can assure you, that I have no intention of harming any of you. I'm just here to go to school and if you could all keep the whole death magic thing a secret that would be great. We can co-exist peacefully together. If I freak them out they can avoid me they don't have to hide." Harry said, as Binns nodded seemingly pleased by his answer.

"Thank you Mr. Potter the others will be fine. We've never dealt with someone like you before. I tried to tell them you weren't dangerous to us but they needed assurance." Binns said, Harry turned on his heel and headed for the dorms.

///////////////////////////////////////////

A few hours later...Harry pov

It was truly ridiculous how long it took his roommates to sleep. Harry slipped out of bed and cloaked himself with Death's Shroud. It was far more effective than the invisibility cloak. No one would see him not even Dumbledore. Leaving the dorms he made his way to the seventh floor until he found Barnibus's tapestry. Harry paced back and forth three times thinking of the room for hiding things.

The door appeared and he walked into the room. It wasn't a coincidence that he'd brought an extra empty trunk. There were so many useful and rare objects in the room. Harry was incredibly surprised that no one had ever thought to smuggle some of them out. But first, Harry had to find the diadem.

Tom had hidden it here in this room right before his interview for a teaching job. He left two things behind the diadem and the Defense Against the Dark arts curse. Tom, at the time hadn't had much time to hide it. So there weren't any defensive measures in place. He could only surmise that Tom had cursed it much like the Gaunt ring. It obviously wasn't touch-activated or he would've been cursed upon touching it in his first life.

No knowing Tom, it was more than likely activated by wearing it. Who could resist trying out the long lost relic that endowed intelligence? He walked passed mountains of books, rusty weapons, vials of potions, and broken debris. Tom, much like the marauders after him. Had been arrogant enough to believe that only they knew Hogwarts in such an intimate way. But Harry had found places in the castle that he knew the marauders never had. Tom is and more than likely always would be a wild card.

He turned another corner in the maze finally recognizing the warped acid burned cabinet. A few feet away was that ugly warlocks head bust. And mere inches from that was the diadem, it was half-covered by books but still very noticeable. With how crazy this room was Harry was truly surprised more avalanches hadn't occurred.

He unshrank his trunk and opened it. Harry then began, sorting through the books on top first. He raised his eyebrow, as he found several rare books that were not only banned. But had also supposedly had every copy burned. He placed them in the trunk and finally laid eyes on the diadem.

It still looked the same the band was intricately woven silver. The crown's center had a raven perched on a banner the center of its body was a sapphire, 'Wit beyond measure, is a man's greatest treasure'. It was an absolute shame really... the diadem's magic had been corrupted by the Horcrux. It would never be used for it's intended purpose ever again. It would have to be destroyed once the Horcrux was extracted. Tainted artifacts could do a lot of damage...and given that the diadem's powers had to do with the mind...Well, it was best to just destroy it all together.

Harry unshrank a small wooden box and carefully levitated the diadem into the box. He shut the lid and activated the runes etched on the outside. Now that it was contained it couldn't hurt anyone else. And it's tainted dark magical signature was smothered completely. Harry couldn't risk Dumbles sensing it through the wards. It had been protected by the room because it was unplottable.

Harry then took his time looking through the items in the room. It truly was a treasure trove of amazing items. Harry eventually left with his trunk full he had one more stop before bed though. Harry went to the second floor looking for the Headmaster's gargoyle. Harry idly wondered if the office moved floors. In his first life, the office had been on the second floor. But in later years it, had been on the seventh floor. Sometimes Hogwarts reminded him of a muggle Rubix cube. It constantly shifted and moved hallways and rooms. Harry suddenly grinned as he thought of Dumbles. Had the old fool ever lost his office because it moved by itself?

He walked passed the gargoyle to a shadowed alcove. It had a bust of some ugly guy, behind him was a rune near the floor. It had wavy lines cut through with arcs of lightning. He activated the rune and watched the wall vanish. Harry cleared the cobwebs away and walked in. This obviously hadn't been used in some time. It was a secret passage into the Headmaster's office. He sincerely doubted, Dumbles knew anything about it. The layers of dust were testament to that much.

Harry hit what looked like a dead-end, he searched the wall and found the same rune as before. It was partially hidden by a wall sconce the wooden torch was long since deteriorated as only a few wood splinters remained. He activated the rune and cautiously stepped out of the entryway. He sent out a pulse of magic out, freezing the sleeping portraits and Fawkes. Harry moved freely about the office.

He grabbed the dish of lemon drops and banished them. Harry then took out another bag of lemon drops and refilled Dumbledore's bowl. They were laced with an odorless, colorless, tasteless potion. It would increase paranoia, up the chances for insanity and it caused delusions about the people he's close to.

It would be very helpful, if Dumbledore just decided to off his own people. Harry also replaced Dumbledore's extra stash of lemon drops as well as replacing Dumbledore's favorite tea bags. He had Death, watch Dumbledore for a few days now. Harry had been hoping to find out some useful information. But wherever Dumbles was hiding his plans it definitely wasn't in his office. Or Death would've told him, finishing up he went back to the still open passageway and shut the door.

He pulsed his magic again to release the portraits and Phoenix. Things were about to get very interesting indeed.

Harry grinned the old fool wouldn't know what hit him!

Chapter Text

Harry pov

Harry sat at breakfast table waiting while the others chattered but he wasn't listening. He just couldn't shake it off... the dread that something was going to happen today.

And for once this wasn't by his design. That being said, he was being extra observant of his surroundings. Harry felt someone tug at his sleeve he turned to his left. Luna was looking at him with a smile on her face.

"Don't worry Harry everything will be fine the Nargles say that you'll find me where the hydra roars." Luna said, cheerily.

He narrowed his eyes what the hell did that mean? Before Harry could ask her what she meant Luna got up and skipped through the crowd of students filing out for classes. He took one last look at the head table Dumbledore and Sinestra were missing.

Harry turned on his heel and headed out, he would finally have to deal with Lockhart. Perhaps that in itself was where the dread had come from. He pulled Blaise to the back of the classroom. He super didn't want to be noticed, by Lockhart he was a menace that much was obvious. Once seated, Harry thought back to what Luna had said. Even if Luna was a bit odd everything she said had meaning. The hydra?? It had to be in or around Hogwarts somewhere.

A Hydra was a three-headed sea serpent. So a portrait or a tapestry...a statue? He came out of his thoughts just in time for Lockhart to arrive.

"Good morning everybody!" Lockhart said, as he flashed his unbelievably white smile at them.

Harry rolled his eyes as every girl sighed and looked at the peacock dreamily. Lockhart really was quite similar to the bird he was definitely showy. Harry couldn't believe everyone seemed to like this fool.

"Today we're going to have a little test and the best part is it's all about me!" Lockhart said, his smile was still huge as he pointed to himself.

Harry resisted the urge to gag in disgust. The test appeared in front of them and he was immediately disgusted upon reading some of the questions.

It was like witch weekly, had thrown up all over their school work. Stupid things like what was Lockhart's favorite color? And how would you rate his smile? As soon as Lockhart's back was turned he used a duplication spell and made three copies tucking them into his bag.

Harry then proceeded to write exactly what he thought of this quiz was on every single line. Harry hid a smile as he thought about the letters he was going to write later. It did nothing to settle his mind, but it did greatly amuse him. Blaise was side eying him no doubt wondering what Harry was up to now.

Lockhart clapped his hands to get their attention. Lockhart had them pass all of their quizzes forward. Harry watched unimpressed as the vain peacock looked through the stack. He engaged some of them in conversation Harry didn't care though and zoned out.

" Mr. Potter, care to explain your answers?" Lockhart asked, Harry raised an eyebrow was this moron for real?

Was he offended? Merlin, Harry hoped so that test was an absolute joke.

"There is absolutely no educational value in your quiz. It was boring and gratuitously vain. Furthermore, why would I know a single thing about you? Why would I want to know about you? Your nobody to me...just another annoying attention whore. Perhaps you, should find a different job one that plays to your airheadedness and vanity." Harry said, coldly and entirely unrepentant.

He heard gasps and caught several of the girls giving him scandalized looks. The boys were trying to suppress laughter as they smirked.

"That will be detention, Mr. Potter." Lockhart said, Harry snorted this fool was nothing compared to Snape and Umbridge.

It would be a cold day in hell before he allowed this pathetic excuse for a man get the better of him.

Class ended shortly after and as he packed up Blaise hovered over him.

"What the hell was that Harry?" Blaise asked, in disbelief.

"Oh, I couldn't resist telling him off plus if my plans work I won't have to deal with him anymore." Harry replied.

"This is somehow an insane plan of yours again isn't it?" Blaise asked, he sighed deeply.

"I can't believe you even have to ask that. I'm joking, it didn't start out that way really. But I couldn't help myself the smug bastard makes it all too easy. Plus you know he deserved it I mean look at the damn quiz he gave us it was ridiculous." Harry ranted.

"Yeah, he does think pretty highly of himself." Blaise said, grimacing.

They had herbology next, everyone sat in a semi-circle at a safe distance from the Whomping Willow. They were sketching the tree and listening to Sprout talk. They wouldn't get to actually care for one until their seventh year. They were still on a short schedule so they went back to the dorms only to be stopped by Death.

"You need to find Lovegood she's disappeared." Death said, Harry narrowed his eyes.

"I think I might know where she is." Harry said, he almost made it out the door before his arm was grabbed and he was yanked into Blaise's arms.

"Were you just going to walk into a possibly dangerous situation alone." Blaise asked incredulously.

"It's not that big a deal...." Harry started.

"Yes, yes it is! Your not alone we're coming with you." Blaise huffed.

"Since, the castle is sentient we might have issues finding her. Magically warded buildings are way different than Magically sentient ones. The castle can hasten our progress or slow us down." Death said, as he grimaced.

"Wait Harry said he might know where." Blaise said, they turned to him.

"Yeah, I've only seen it twice... it's down in the dungeons it's a forked hallway. There are three passages, behind a large statue of a hydra I never had the time to explore them. There could be anything down there it's one of the disappearing sections. Luna said earlier that I'd find her where the Hydra roars. It's the only place in Hogwarts that has any reference to a Hydra." Harry said.

"There are three hallways and three of us. We'd have to split up either way we look at it." Blaise said.

"We don't have time for this." Harry said, as he moved passed them they followed behind Harry as swept out of the dorms.

Several hallways later Harry stopped at a pitch dark hall which was normally a dead end. He placed his hand out in front of him, he walked forward and found no resistance. Harry pulled out his wand and used a Lumos Maximum. And nearly jumped out of his skin, his fingers were mere inches from the hydra statue.

Its fangs were sharp and it's stone scales glimmered in the light.

"That is just fucking creepy and you wonder why, I won't let you go anywhere alone." Blaise said.

"So little master which way." Death asked, Harry glanced around and caught dim glimmer.

He moved quietly and cautiously forward. And bent down to pick up a necklace in the mouth of the third tunnel. A tiny moon pendant hung from a gold chain, he smiled his Moon was very smart indeed.

"Luna left us a clue, she told me not to worry." Harry said.

"You should let me go first." Death said, they looked over at Death.

"There is a basilisk loose somewhere in the school and Harry and I, are the only ones immune to it's gaze. And this area hasn't been inhabited in a long while. It could have anything from bogarts to legithfolds. Uninhabited places, steeped in magic are excellent breeding grounds for magical creatures." Death said, nonchalantly, as Blaise grimaced.

They followed behind Death as they went deeper down Harry could hear some water dripping. They walked for a while in the dark before entering a massive room. The ceiling had to go to at least the fourth floor. In the center of the room was Luna he rushed out to her prone form. She was unconscious, her face was bruised, her lip was busted open and her forehead were bleeding.

Harry untied her binds and was about to Enverate her when someone walked out of the shadows.

"Why would you come to save her, she's a nobody! But you came and rescued her anyway!" Ginny snarled, as she walked out of the shadows clutching the diary.

"Oh please, Luna is worth far more than you are. My question Ginevera, is how you ever thought I could love you? Sad, pathetic little Ginny. Your not ugly Ginny your personality is. You had better be careful you might get wrinkles from making that face."  Harry said, Ginny smiled darkly.

"It won't matter, once she's dead there will be nothing to keep us apart. Then Tom can come back and everything will be perfect." She said.

Insanity must be genetic in her family it would certainly explain a lot.

And that was when he caught sight of what was behind Blaise and Death. The color drained from Harry's face as he saw the basilisk it was just sitting there. No doubt waiting on its master's orders.

"Blaise don't turn around, stay very still." Harry said, Blaise froze.

But Death removed the silver bracelet from his right wrist. It glowed and elongated forming his scythe. The handle was black and the blade was covered in glowing purple runes. Sharp pointed spikes flared out on the back of the handle. Harry saw movement behind him as Ginny lunged at him.

At the exact same time hands grabbed Blaise pulling him out of sight. The basilisk shot forward as it tried to attack Death's back. Death dodged to the side as Harry recovered enough to stop Ginny from striking him. He blocked his face and with zero remorse punched her straight in the nose. Ginny fell off of him onto her back holding her face.

Harry got up and thrust his hand out wrapping it around her neck. She weakly tried to get his hand off, he squeezed tighter and lifted her a few inches off the ground. Before slamming her head down hard on the floor. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head... he then used a binding spell on her and stuffed the diary into his blazer pocket.

He looked up just in time to see Death who was literally staring down the basilisk. Now that Ginny wasn't distracting him, he could feel Death's magic permeating the room. And the temperature had dropped significantly. Harry watched as the basilisk shook it's massive head, almost as if it were trying clear it much like a dog. Lunging forward it snapping it's jaws Death dodged out of the way. Debris rained from the wall as the great beasts snout hit the wall that had been behind Death. Shaking it's head and hissing angrily it focused back on Death.

Black tendrils of Death's magic rose from the floor attaching themselves to its side. The basilisk struggled to try to shake them off. But they clung to its scales like sticky spider webs, until they spread to its face. It snapped its jaws, razor-sharp fangs gleaming with venom. Once the basilisk's head was entirely covered it stopped moving entirely.

Harry crawled over to Luna to check on her before he then glanced around. Where was Blaise?!!!

"Death where's Blaise." Harry asked, frantically.

"It's okay....."

"We got him."

He saw the twins and Blaise standing behind the statue near the tunnel entrance. Harry let out a sigh of relief everyone was fine. Nobody was dead and he'd retrieved yet another Horcrux.

"What are you two doing down here anyway?" Harry asked.

"We realized....." Fred started.

"Something was wrong with Ginny..." George continued.

" So we followed her down here." Fred concluded.

"Okay, everyone freeze. Death how long will that hold the basilisk?" Harry asked, as he eyed the unmoving beast.

"As long as I want it to little master." Death replied, transforming his scythe back into a bracelet.

"Good, take it back to the chamber and place it in stasis away from it's nest. While you're in their check for other creatures, I intend to explore it and don't want any surprises." Harry ordered, Death nodded and vanished.

"Blaise can you take Luna? I'll get Ginny and Fred...George we should talk. It's about time you both knew the whole truth about Dumbledore and your siblings." Harry said, as they nodded.

Blaise picked Luna up cradling her to his chest. Harry without his wand levitated Ginny next to him. He wasn't going to touch her again unless it was to torture the bitch.

They followed Harry out of the Hydra's tunnels and found themselves on the seventh floor. The others were confused, but Harry wasn't he knew that area moved about constantly. Now whether it was a coincidence, that they ended up next to Barnibus's tapestry. Only Hogwart's herself knew and was helping them.

"Wait, here." Harry said.

He paced three times in front of the door asking for a place to sit, as well as a bed, and some potions. The door appeared, Harry heard gasps of surprise behind him. He paid no mind to it, everyone reacted like this when they first saw it. Harry couldn't blame them though he himself had acted similarly the first time. Once everyone was inside, he dropped Ginny on the floor with zero care that she might be hurt.

Harry directed Blaise to the bed in the corner the room had taken the shape of a large sitting room. There was a fireplace, several plush chairs, and two couches. In the back was the bed against a 'wall' with a single bedside table.

Harry grabbed a red vial that appeared to be a pain relief potion off of the nightstand. As Harry was tilting it down Luna's throat he received their first question.

"What is this room?" Blaise asked.

"Well, the house-elves call it the come and go room. As far as I'm aware it's name is the room of requirement. It's in its own little dimensional pocket, I have no clue what enchantments are on it but it's unplottable. You pace in front of Barnibus's tapestry, three times thinking about what you need. Then the room provides it for you. It can't give you food, but otherwise it's potential is limitless." Harry replied.

They were all silent for a while as he applied healing spells and a refreshing spell. He ignored, Ginny entirely who was still trying to struggle in her binds.

"I didn't tell you about the truth of my life, because I wasn't sure how you'd react to it. Considering a lot of it has to do with Ron, Ginny, and Dumbledore. We used to be as close as brothers once upon a lifetime." Harry said, as he looked at the twins.

And so he told them... he left out the torture and murder bits though. It really seemed to sink in with the twins when he told them how Fred died. Harry actually stopped, for a minute or two to watch them glare at Ginny.

He told them that everything seemed to be some convoluted plan by Dumbledore.

"It...." George started.

"Makes sense now." Fred finished.

"That's how I felt too, like I had been missing puzzle pieces. And only afterward did any of it finally make sense." Blaise said.

"They did all that to you and now your back. It wasn't Voldemort that killed Ron was it?" Fred asked, Harry raised a surprised eyebrow at Fred.

More in surprise that he wasn't tandem talking with George, then that he'd figured it out.

"No, Voldemort didn't kill Ron or any of those other bodies found here at Hogwarts. I did...Moody and Diggle were dangerous they didn't care who they hurt. So long as they did what Dumbledore wanted. They almost killed my godfather... one day I'm going to kill that old man too. But first I'm going to take everything from him, he'll die with nothing. I can't let him be a hero to the light faction. My family is dead, I was abused, lied to, used, and then betrayed. And every ounce of pain I can possibly inflict on him I will. You have two options; You can except me or you can leave here without your memory." Harry said.

"Harry's going to make everything better you know."

Everyone turned to find Luna standing behind Blaise's armchair.

"Luna are you okay?" Blaise asked.

"Of course I knew Harry would save me in time the Nargles told me so. You should stay with Harry, he'll help you find what you've both been searching for." She said, talking to the twins.

The twins looked at each other.

"Luna sometimes just knows things guys." Harry said. 

"I think we know where we stand." George said.

"We never agreed with what they were doing. We overheard mum and Dumbledore talking about it. We just didn't know what to say to you." Fred said.

"Then you should know that my snakes and badgers don't know any of this yet. I hope they will help me someday to better our world. That being said Death." Harry said.

Death came in through the room's door.

"Yes, little one?"

"Place Ginny into stasis I will deal with her tomorrow. It is late everyone we need to hurry before we violate curfew." Harry said, they all nodded and walked out of the room.

Leaving a grinning Death with a horrified Ginny.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts-Harry's pov

"We'll deal with her later after classes today. There's no need to bring suspicion on ourselves for disappearing." Harry said.

"We want to be there." Fred said.

Blaise and him had just come out of the dorms to go to breakfast. And found the twins and Luna waiting for them.

"Of course, but the only safe place for it is in the chamber. The Chamber is below the ward line... any dark or threatening magic goes unnoticed." Harry said.

"We'll meet you after dinner then." George replied, Harry nodded.

They were all sitting around the Ravenclaw table for breakfast. Harry glanced towards Dumbledore and smirked at what he saw. His beard looked scraggly like it hadn't been combed today. His eyes were darting about like he was seeing something or looking for someone.

Harry idly wondered what had gotten to him first. The tea or the lemon drops? The goat was so full of himself that he truly believed himself untouchable. Dumbledore was a creature of habit and those habits are going to weaken him. It was a shame Death never saw Dumbledore doing anything for the Order. Harry would've gladly taken the information had it been in the fool's office. But then again it was better that he hadn't taken anything from the office.

Harry wouldn't want Dumbledore to find out that someone had broken in. Then he'd put extra security measures in place... no he'd use Dumbledore's own ego against him instead. He munched on his toast as he thought of what classes they had that day. Either way it was sure to be interesting with Hagrid.

Breakfast ended and everyone filed out... today they had Care of Magical Creatures and History of Magic. Harry was slightly annoyed at having yet another history class. They must be taking turns on doubling up on classes. They still hadn't cleared the gravy out of the potions corridor. And it was starting to stink, they had finally started to have the house elves carry buckets out to the forest's edge to dump them out.

The idiots had tried all kinds of magic to get rid of it. The more they tried with magic the more the gravy multiplied. The twins were brilliant in that regard, making it only removable by muggle means of cleaning.

Down near Hagrid's hut they gathered behind a fence and Hagrid brought out plants???? Since when were plants part of the Care curriculum? That wasn't until one of them moved and tried to strike at Hagrid. Hagrid grinned and patted the top the leaf... that was when he heard the hissing.

His eyes grew wide snake plants???? Sure enough, the top leaf spread out wide and twisted around. It was a cobra head with the body of a plant. Its hood was camouflaged to look like a leaf, the other cobras turned as they heard the first. They started hissing and snapping their jaws, he thanked Merlin that they weren't chatty. That was all he needed, was to try and ignore them. Talking to snakes was kind of cool except for the fact that they were boring. Regular snakes didn't have much to talk about. The magical ones though were really chatty...and sometimes really funny

"These here be Cobra Lilies, very dangerous. They're just as venomous as their snake counterparts." Hagrid said, Harry zoned out again thinking of later.

Sure he could torture and kill her. But he couldn't ignore the fact that she could be used for leverage. Not to mention a source of hair for polyjuice. Perhaps he'd see just how much, daddy dearest actually loves her.

Harry saw various new plans form in his mind, yes torture for awhile would do before he ultimately ended her. Oh..... he loved his mind, he needed to make a golem. She could be valuable after all. History of Magic was just as productive as it was also boring. He wrote his letters and folded up the copies of Lockhart's quiz. One for Lucius, one for Skeeter, and one for Fudge.

He would send them out later and watch the powder keg blow. Wind them up and watch them go! As class ended Harry packed his things up quickly.

"Hey, you mind telling the twins and Luna, not tonight. And can you post these?" Harry asked.

"Sure, but what are you going to be doing?" Blaise asked, Harry smiled.

"Ruining a peacock's night." Harry replied, Blaise smiled fondly shaking his head.

Harry split off from Blaise and headed to Professor Flitwick's office. The little half-goblin was his key to Harry's latest plot twist. He knocked on the door and waited, a soft enter reached his ears.

" Mr. Potter, what can I help you with?" Flitwick asked, Harry moved inside the office before shutting the door and taking a seat.

"I have detention tonight with Lockhart. And I'd like to take my detention with someone else." Harry said.

"Mr. Potter unless there is a very good reason. I can't interfere with another teacher's detention." Flitwick replied.

"That's just it Professor, I don't....." Harry started, as he snapped his head to the side his hair covering his face.

He made himself tremble a bit and pictured Sirius's body, on the ground dead. It worked as intended and caused tears to fall down.

"Harry, what's the matter?" The little Professor asked, and came around his desk to stand in front of Harry.

"I don't feel comfortable with him, he grabbed my arm and drug me around Florish & Blott's to parade around for the cameras. I told him to let me go that I didn't want to, but he didn't listen. If not for my Uncle, I would've been humiliated all over the papers. I don't feel safe with him please let me take my detention with someone else!" Harry pleaded.

Okay so he was laying it on a bit thick and Lockhart had done that in his first life. Harry had avoided it this time around, but it wouldn't matter soon enough. Either Skeeter or Bones would find the truth. So he wouldn't have to restrain himself from murdering the idiot.

"Oh, dear, I'm afraid the only other detention available is with Hagrid. Professor Snape, needs certain potions ingredients harvested." Flitwick said, Harry almost smiled.

"That sounds much better, thank you." Harry said, for good measure he hugged the tiny professor.

Harry was getting better at this though he didn't want to make it a habit. To emotionally manipulate people that was.

He left at a slow pace if this detention was anything like the last time he'd be seeing itsy bitsy spiders.

////////////////////////////////////////////////

Dumbledore's pov

"Stop, you can't be here your dead dammit!" Albus said, he could see her hovering just out of the corner of his eye.

Arianna had seemingly shown up earlier that morning. It had been decades since her death, why was she only now coming to him now?

"Now why would I do that brother dear. You got to live your life! You selfishly took mine for your insane quest!" She screeched.

"I'm sorry Ari, but I couldn't do it anymore!" He yelled, she grinned dementedly.

"You'll get yours brother dearest. And when he gets you, I hope that you feel nothing but agony for what you did to me!" Arianna said, he saw her vanish soon after.

Albus took deep ragged breaths, before opening his eyes and seeing Phineas Nigelis looking at him funny.

"What!" Dumbledore snapped.

"Who are you talking to?" Phineas asked.

"My sister who else? She was just right there!" He shouted.

"No, there wasn't anyone there....." Phineas said, before he was cut off.

"Shut up, what do you know you're a portrait!" Albus huffed, before sitting down and popping a lemon drop.

What did that old bag of dust know anyway! Perhaps, it wasn't possible for portraits to see ghosts? Now he just had to figure out who she was talking about. He already had one shadowy figure after him, could they be the same? And what did Arianna know about all of this?

/////////////////////////////////////////////////

Harry's pov

Death once told him that no matter how much we change events in time some things always remained the same. And tramping through the woods with Neville, knowing full well they were about to meet giant spiders. Well, this was just one of those events. Neville had surprise, surprise gotten detention from Snape.

Neville had gotten them all turned around and lost. Well, Harry wasn't really lost. He'd added a subsection to the marauder's map to include the forbidden forest. Being a forest, not a building he was unable to see others going in and out of the forest. He really needed to get that back from the twins and add the new sections on.

Unbeknownst to Neville, Harry spotted signs of spider activity. Large webs hung off branches and clung to tree trunks. Neville started getting nervous his eyes darting about. Harry glanced about looking for the large nest-like structure Aragog inhabited. He was the only Acromantula in the forest who understood and spoke English.

Sure enough Aragog moved forward from the shadows. His large spindly legs making clacking noises as he moved. Scuttling noises sounded around them as beady eyes shone through the darkness. 

"You are not Hagrid." Aragog said, large beady eyes regarded them it's large mandibles clicking.

Neville's eyes grew huge before rolling back into his head and falling to the floor. They'd have to work on Nev's courage another day. For now, though it worked out perfectly in Harry's favor. He needed to ask Aragog things that he didn't want to explain to Neville yet.

"No, I am obviously not Hagrid. But I would like to make your acquaintance." Harry said.

"You are steeped in death it clings to you. Why are you here little human." Aragog asked, Harry kept his attention split Acromantula were tricky creatures. They had zero problems attacking from behind.

"I want to know what your pal Hagrid does here in the woods?" Harry asked.

"He visits the creatures of course." Aragog said, as he eyed Harry.

Harry narrowed his eyes there had to be more to it then that.

"Does he ever come through the woods with an old man, long beard, glasses, really horrible colored robes?" Harry questioned, Aragog tilted his head and blinked his eyes.

"The blight to our eyes, yes, they walk through frequently. They even meet others near the forest's edge there is a path that leads to a rocky overhang. The eyesore often meets people there where no one can see." Aragog said, mandibles clicking.

"That was very helpful we will be leaving now." Harry said, he heard more clicking noises this time as Aragog stepped forward.

"You are not Hagrid, you are not welcome here! " Aragog boomed, Harry sighed of course it would be just like last time.

Harry smirked.

"Go ahead Aragog you said it yourself I smell of death. Are you really going to allow your children to be slaughtered just because of your dislike for humans? Because all I see, when I look at you is potions ingredients." Harry said, with a smirk.

"You may stink of death, but there are more of us than you." Aragog replied.

Well, he did warn them.

Harry focused his magic and spread it outward in a protective bubble dome. Before levitating Nev on his left side. He unshrank his extra trunk,  which he'd recently had Death add a miniature dimensional pocket to the trunk. It made storage crazy but so worth it. Plus, he had an idea for the Acromantula parts. After all, Harry had to woo a potions master to his side. What better way to do that then rare ingredients that were too expensive on a teacher's meager salary.

Not deterred by his protective spell they advanced forward in a massive furry wave. He started moving as the spiders took running leaps at him. He moved his fingers much like a puppeteer, as thin strings of Diffindo flowed from his hand. Blood, guts, and venom splattered the shield as Harry advanced forward. As he went Harry summoned legs, eyes, even mostly intact carcasses, and stuffing them into his trunk. This was turning out to be a very lucrative year for him. Rare books, articles, and now rare ingredients too.

Harry kept walking briskly they were long gone from the spider's nest. A few determined ones persisted, but they weren't a problem for long. Harry started summoning, the potions ingredients on their list before they both emerged near the lake. Harry dropped his shield spell, stowed his trunk and took a seat on Hagrid's front step. He Re-enverated Nev and watched as Neville shook his head.

Harry saw the exact moment, Neville remembered the spiders. Because he looked around and unconsciously backed into Harry. Neville jumped back and looked at Harry wide-eyed.

"Spiders..." He said, shaking.

"It's okay Nev, I got us out and found all our ingredients along the way. We're safe now, but we'd better not talk about the spiders. The teachers might give us more detentions for wandering, into their nest even if it was an accident." Harry said, as he watched as Nev think about it then nodded.

He knew Aragog wouldn't talk he'd killed a lot of his children.

They heard Fang howl in the distance as heavy footsteps followed. It wasn't long before Fang bounded up to them ears flopping.

"There you two are, where did you get ter?" Hagrid asked, Neville looked at Harry.

"We got a bit turned around, but we made it back. We got everything Professor Snape wanted." Harry said, as he held up both of their collection baskets.

"Oh, and Neville was very helpful he knew all the plants in the forest. It was easy to find everything and he helped us find our way out based on the plant's directional growth."

Neville just looked at him strangely. Hagrid took them back to the castle and left them in the entrance hall.

"Why did you tell him all that? I was useless just like I always am. I fainted, fainted while we were surrounded by those things." Neville said, angry though Harry could see that he was still upset.

Harry hugged Neville, he hoped that it would be enough to convince Nev that everything would be alright.

"I have no desire to be anyone's hero I want to be left alone. But you have so much potential, I want you to believe in yourself the way I believe in you. Don't listen to Snape, or your Grandmother, you are amazing. When they start insulting you just think of rain. Think of the sound it makes as it falls on the leaves of a plant. That is your serenity, serenity is an elusive state of mind. It's right between anger and fear, if you can reach that. Then nothing will stop you." Harry said.

Neville gave him a small smile, he wasn't going to let them hurt Neville again. Neville was going to learn how to roar whether he was a lion or not.

"Go on Nev, we got ten minutes before curfew. I don't think any of us want to get detention again anytime soon." Harry said.

"Yeah, definitely not." Neville said, dryly.

The walk to Ravenclaw tower was way too long in his opinion. Answering the riddle he stepped into the common room.

Harry sighed... he was beyond tired. He quietly started up the dorm steps and moved passed his already sleeping roommates.

"You look a bit worse for wear."

He caught sight of Blaise sitting on his bed.

"It was nothing really just gathering potions ingredients." Harry said, intentionally leaving out the slaughter of giant spiders.

"So Acromantulas are nothing now?" Death said, as he slid from the shadows.

Harry glared at Death, while Death merely chuckled.

"Acromantulas? He's right, what the hell were you thinking?" Blaise asked, looking upset.

Harry rolled his eyes.

"I was thinking I'd question a giant spider about his good pal Hagrid. Which got me rare potions ingredients and I learned Dumbles is meeting people in a hidden spot near the forest's edge." Harry replied, taking off his muddy shoes.

"I should've known you would somehow turn detention into one of your insane plans! You can't do anything normal can you?" Blaise said.

"Get used to it, love it or leave it." Harry said, coldly before he turned to Death ignoring Blaise entirely.

"I need a golem constructed in the chamber, ready for tomorrow. Any longer and her absence will be noticed." Harry said.

"As you wish little one." Death said, before he disappeared.

Blaise watched him for a second before silently going to bed and yanking the curtains closed. Harry stripped out of his clothes and released his hair from its tie. He used a refreshing spell and dressed in his pajamas. Harry sat on his bed and looked down at his ajar bedside table.

He watched little Hedwig, who decided to lay on her back with her tiny claws hidden in her fluffy baby feathers. He petted her tiny head.

"Baby girl some days I just wish I could let it all go. And then I remember everything that happened and I can't help it. The anger and pain rush through me. And I have no choice but to keep going." He said.

She cooed at him nipping at his finger, regarding him with big sleepy eyes. Yeah, quitting wasn't an option.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts-Harry's Pov

Today was the day that Harry was going to decide Ginny's fate. She really should've stayed away from him...she just had to believe her father's bullshit. It's just as Harry had always believed nature is far more powerful than nurture. Ginny's nature was to be a deceitful cow that needed slaughtering. But first he'd use her in much the same way she had him. Harry finished sealing his stack of letters. He was tired of Skeeter and Bones not getting Lockhart taken care of. How hard was it to prove the idiot was a fraud? Did he really have to do their jobs for them?

He'd had Death dip each sheet of paper into a very special potion. It was called Verum Scientificum, or in English, Truth of Memory. It was a fascinating hybrid of truth serum it helps the person who touches it recover memories. Or to be more specific obliviated memories taken from someone. It's why Harry, was wearing gloves handling the parchment delicately. The most fascinating part though was that the main ingredients were demon parts. To be even more exact, parts of a demon who eats memories. Harry was sending them to all of Lockhart's victims. They would one by one regain their memories. Soon they would all come rushing to their respective Ministries. They more than likely ignored Harry the first time... that wasn't a very wise thing for them to do.

"Your done, excellent." Harry said.

He tilted his head to the left seeing Death standing in the shadows. It always fascinated him how the shadows seemingly clung and swirled around Death. Were the shadows alive? Or was it just some weird manifested quirk of Death's unique magic?

"Get these to their intended recipients, is it ready yet?" Harry asked.

Harry handed the stack of sealed letters to Death. He really did feel sorry for Lockhart's victims...but then again Lockhart made Crabbe and Goyle seem smart in comparison. For those people to fall for Lockhart's charm...well it was beyond disgusting.

"Yes, it's on a raised and warded platform in the Chamber. We wouldn't want Dumbledore or anyone else feeling that kind of magic." Death replied.

Making the kind of golem he needed was considered very dark indeed. 

"It's empty too nothing else alive down there except the occasional rat." Death said, off handedly.

Harry had asked Death to check the Chamber of Secrets for any other creatures. He figured there wouldn't be any others the basilisk ensured that no others could dwell in its nest.

"Good, I want you to charm those letters to burn after they're read. We wouldn't want evidence after all, now would we?" Harry said.

"No, we most certainly do not little one." Death replied.

It was at that moment that Harry saw Blaise wake up. They hadn't spoken much since the conversation last night. Blaise saw them and made no comment choosing to go shower. Harry glanced back to where Death was standing previously to find it vacant. He sighed deeply and instead made his way over to Hedwig's nest.

She was no longer a tiny fluffball of grey feathers. She was still small enough yet that she could still nest in his drawer. Harry fed her some mashed worms as he stroked her head. Today was going to be difficult...

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Dumbledore's Pov

Albus sipped his tea pensively a lemon drop was under his tongue. Ginny had been surprisingly quiet as of late which was quite the feat for her. She was always simpering over that Potter brat. He truly regretted telling her about him so soon in her life. Albus had no idea just how obsessive she'd become of Harry. He really should check on what the Potter boy was up to.

But those damn spirits kept distracting him! They were dead so how were they here? And why only haunt him now? Just as soon as he thought it the shadows shifted and parted. Two women walked out of them Arianna and now Lily had shown up.

"Get out!" Albus hissed.

He was seeing them everywhere now! The bathroom, his office, in the hallways, etc. Everyone who he asked, couldn't see them at all! They were right there making snide comments and hurling accusations at him. It simply wasn't possible...but his knowledge of ghosts or spirits was limited.

"Oh, brother dearest you know I can't do that. And neither can she you're plotting against her precious baby! Did you really think death would solve your problems!" Arianna laughed.

"Yes, Albus you just made it so you couldn't hurt us anymore! And you're supposed to be a genius, Ari he's a lot dumber than I remember." Lily said, tauntingly.

He snarled and threw his teacup at Lily's shady figure. The cup shattered on the wall making the portraits and Fawkes jump.

"Leave you blasted specters!" Albus yelled, they cackled at his anger.

Then as if to annoy him more they started singing.

("One, two He's coming for you!
Three, four you better Coloportus your door.
Five, six you better get up to your tricks.
Seven, eight defy your fate.
Nine, ten Death's hunting for your soul!")

His face turned ashen, Death! Were they trying to tell him he was going to die? He heard more of their cackling.

"Look Lily he's finally getting it! Genius my fanny!" Arianna crowed.

"Don't worry Albus we're all mad here!" Lily taunted.

*(Lol, my mind at 3 am is hilarious. I spent an hour and a half making a Harry Potter version of the Freddy Kruger song. Also Lily's last line was from Alice in Wonderland I believe.)

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Harry's Pov

Harry led them to the second-floor bathroom where Moaning Myrtle died. He had the twins, Blaise, and Luna trailing behind him. Harry hadn't seen Myrtle at all, since he'd returned which Harry was absolutely fine with. Myrtle annoyed him about as much as Ginny did... except he couldn't kill her again.

Although Death probably could, she wasn't causing him problems though. So he'd let her live her undead life for as long as she wasn't a nuisance. He walked in and circled the sinks looking for the tiny snake symbol. Harry hissed softly, to open the passage. He heard everyone but Luna gasp, she merely smiled at him with dreamy glassy eyes. Luna must be seeing something or conversing with her 'Nargles'. He hissed again and a spiral staircase came out of the sides of the tunnel.

Harry wished he'd thought of that in his first life. He had no idea how the house-elves had gotten the stink out of his robes the first time. Slytherin would've never done something as Plebian as go down a slide! Harry lifted his hand into the air above his head and used a Lumos Maximus. A glowing orb shined brightly in his palm, it lit up the disgusting tunnel. The others stuck close to him up until they finally reached the bottom.

The light hit the bleached whiteness of dead animal carcasses. The long looming shape of shed skin lined one wall, he came to the door and hissed a quick open before continuing on. Harry murmured a spell to light the torches lining the walls, Death must've done some cleaning.

The Chamber was much cleaner than it had been when he'd last laid eyes on it. The walls were clean of slime and algae and the floor had no water on it. He heard the twins jump a little as the snakeheads became illuminated. So much for that Gryffindor bravery huh. He continued down the walk ignoring the dramatics of his companions... they got off easy. They didn't have to fight a bloody sixty foot snake in here!

Harry had been completely terrified back then. But he had still managed to save Ginny's worthless hide. Harry came near the giant face of Salazar, frozen and wrapped in inky blackness was the basilisk. It's mouth was open, but held immovable by Death's magic. Right next to its open mouth was a terrified Ginny laying on the cold floor. Ginny's eyes were blown wide, tiny squeaks left her mouth as she tried in vain to release her binds.

Harry snorted Death had the best sense of humor, she was probably horrified all night long. It was poetic justice and irony in all it's snakey glory. 

"Aww Gin, Gin we thought you'd be happy to see us!" Harry teased.

He walked away from her to the raised alter Death had made. It had what looked to be a clay body that vaguely resembling a person. Good Death, had done everything but imprint the golem. That was just fine, he wanted to see the look of horror on her face once she realized it was going to be her.

"So the plan is to keep her alive for just a little while longer. I need her for the golem it'll look like her, act like her, and will follow all of my orders. The only catch is I have to keep her alive, so the golem in her place will spy for me. As for Gin, there are many different states of being alive and not all of them are pleasant." Harry said, with a devious smile.

"So she's going to eventually die though right?" Fred asked.

"Why yes, she most assuredly will. Her and her daddy are the reason why Fred died in my first life. I don't know about you two, but I'm not going to let her do it again. Not to mention what she did to Nev and myself." Harry said.

They nodded and gave her an almost freezing look, it was very cold.

"Would you like the first go my demon boys? After all, I bet mommy dearest favored her and Ron best. Did she berate and belittle you? Did mommy tell you that neither of you would ever be good enough?" Harry taunted.

He watched their eyes harden and George even clenched his fists at his sides. Harry now stood just in front of them.

"I believe in both of you, I think you could be powerful one day. That is if your willing to take that power by force. I think you're both very smart, I'm not like your mother. I see both of you for who you are, I see you separately. She treated you and your other brothers, awfully. While placing, Ronniekins and Gingin up on a bloody pedestal. Well, no longer... you two are the truly special ones." Harry said.

They regarded him with dark eyes, he saw their anger was very carefully leashed. Harry smiled at them softly...envy and emotional pain were hard things to forget. In a family like the Weasley's where there were so many children...getting attention was next to impossible. All of the twins older brothers were over achievers...they all stood out. Meanwhile, Ron and Ginny were treated far better than all of their siblings. As for the twins...they were like the family outcasts. They never received encouragement. They never heard a single word of praise from anyone. They weren't appreciated for who they were...Molly just handed him the most dangerous Weasley's and gift wrapped them for him.  

Harry turned away from them and levitated Ginny onto the alter next to the golem. The imprinting process would require her blood amongst other things. He made the bindings shift her restraints to restrain only at her legs and arms. Blaise came up behind him looking at her expressionlessly.

"Well, you wanted my attention you have it now. Did you really think that if you got rid of Luna you could have me? I've got news for you Gin... you targeted the wrong one. I'm pretty addicted to Italian Chocolate." Harry said.

Harry threw his arms around Blaise's neck and kissed him. He could hear outraged noises from Ginny, but he so didn't care. All he could feel was Blaise, Harry felt him hesitate before kissing him back. Harry broke away adoring the look of anger and the tiniest bit of longing on her face. He heard the twin's chuckle, he looked at them.

"Oi, Harry I think you broke him!" George teased.

Blaise was stock still his eyes were wide as he looked at Harry.

"You know I saw that one a mile away, but then Gin never was very observant." Fred said, casually leaning on George.

"Boys, I need her blood. No matter what you do to her on the alter she won't die. You've both had to suffer her far longer, than I ever had to." Harry said.

He couldn't wait to see what the twins came up with. They had just as much repressed anger as Harry himself had. 

They nodded, Harry stepped back near Blaise as they took positions on either side of the alter. He watched as they seemingly decided who went first. Fred took his wand and cast a Diffindo, her fingers on her left hand were lopped off. Her screams were muffled by her gag, blood dripped in rivulets down the table's side.

George went next and decided to Evanesco her leg away. This time producing more blood and tears which were now streaming freely down her face. Fred then waved his wand again and used a Reducto on her ribs, her body jerked up as she thrashed. My his little demons had a vicious side. But then Ginny, always brought out the worst in people... it was just simply her gift.

"Want me to fix her so you can play more?" Harry asked, casually.

They nodded at him, Harry touched the moon rune near the top of the altar letting his magic flow through. Ginny's body healed up the blood remained on the alter, however. Harry backed away ready to enjoy more of the twin's little show. George then used a Circumrota charm, to cause her leg one after the other to twist around backward. Which caused a lot of shrill screams as bones cracked and muscles twisted. Fred must've felt really, vengeful as he used a Defodio charm to gouge out her eyes.

They both backed away their faces unreadable. Harry was very satisfied they had performed wonderfully. Now it was time to finish the golem by imprinting it. Harry went to stand above Ginny's head, so he could touch her and the golem. The runes on the floor flared dark red under Harry's magic. His magic swirled around the altars dark and restlessly. 

The golem started to bubble as Ginny screamed through her gag. Slowly the clay began to morph into a perfect copy of Ginny. He then summoned her blood from the table.

It seeped into the golem's skin giving it a healthy alive glow. He touched another rune that was two curvy arrows intertwined his magic copied her memories. Harry bound them to the emptiness of the golem's mind. Harry withdrew and summoned a hidden box, it was wooden... perhaps oak?

It had inlaid gold leaves on the top of the lid he opened it. A bundle of black hair sat next to an exquisite Japanese tortoise-shell hand painted black lacquered comb. It had gold and pearl inlay, decorating the top with pearl white blossoms, and golden leaves.

Harry picked up the hair bundle, it was Capillos ex Mortuis or hair of the dead. The thing about legends was that some of them were true. The world had many races and as a result it also had many religions and gods. The Japanese have a legend about Izanami, basically she was the girl version of death. Well, at least she was after her so called 'death'. Originally she'd helped create that section of the world.

Anyway, Izanami had a very special comb set buried with her. Which until a few centuries ago was lost to "Yomi", the Japanese land of the dead. It's been sealed down there with a whole host of horrors, anyway Death stole her comb.

She is super pissed at Death now. So Harry didn't foresee himself visiting any of the Asian wizarding communities any time soon, so he was good. He needed her comb to weave hair, weaving a victim's hair in with the dead hair. Would bind that person's will or in this case the golem. Harry would be akin to a puppeteer, he could control the golem's every move. He would control it's mind and bind it to him.

Harry cut off a long thick strand of Ginny's hair, he parted it into two halves. He combed the black hair, before taking one end and braiding Ginny's hair with it. He did the same with the other end of the black hair. He combed and threaded his magic into each singular strand of hair. Harry placed the comb back into the box and cut the black strands in the middle, leaving him two separate braids.

Harry took one and placed it on the golem's chest and watched as it sank into the chest cavity and closed around it. Harry then took the other braid and started the runes up again. His magic peaked and intensified as he came closer to the end. Harry finished the binding a few minutes after that.

The golem's body and face bubbled and contorted until it took on Ginny's form. Ginny started screaming...the horror was clear on her face. As the golem opened its eyes and looked directly at her. Harry backed away as the golem sat up and then slid off the altar to stand in front of him.

"You're going to act normal, I want any and all information regarding the activities of your mother, father, and Order of the Phoenix. You will be discreet in giving me that knowledge. No one can suspect that you aren't Ginevra Weasley, now go back to your dorm and act normal." Harry ordered.

It tilted its head looking at Ginny, before it turned around and walked out the way they'd come in.

He turned back to Ginny and watched as all hope faded from her eyes. You wanted me...now she couldn't escape him.

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 Peverell Manor-Sirius's pov

Sirius was watching Azrael read through a large heavy looking tome. It was in a language that was like nothing Sirius had ever seen before. He had this nagging feeling that had been bothering him recently. Like Azrael was keeping something from him. They hadn't spoken much about one subject in particular. He knew theoretically that Azrael hadn't technically lied to him. No Azrael, like Harry lied by omission.

If you directly asked them about it they would answer. If not they simply said nothing or went off into a tangent. For all, Sirius knew they could know the meaning of the universe. And neither one of them would say a damn thing about it!

"You know where he is don't you?" Sirius asked, Azrael looked up at him.

"I know where a lot of people are, you'll have to be more specific." Azrael said, vaguely.

Sirius huffed in complete annoyance.

"The only one I care about looking for right now. Don't play dumb, it doesn't suit you." Sirius said, he gave Azrael a penetrative look.

"He isn't ready to see reason just yet, he's still caught in Dumbledore's web. Only your recent release has made him start to question some things. He will find you when he's ready to. I know you want Remus back and safe. But he's as lost as you were if not more so." Azrael said.

Sirius closed his eyes all he wanted was his friend back. Remus was his family...his brother in everything but blood. Azrael gathered him into his arms holding him close.

"You just have to be patient my Star. I promise you it won't be for much longer. I love you, I thought it would be easier for you to not know." Azrael admitted.

Maybe it was easier not knowing... it didn't stop the guilt from eating at his insides.

Chapter Text

Ministry-Amelia's pov

It was an absolute madhouse in here! Droves of people from Britain as well as several other countries were crowding the Auror HQ. They all claimed to have met with Gilderoy Lockhart. Then they lost large amounts of their memories afterward. They all claim that he stole their exploits and that one of Britain's most gifted was actually a fraud! Why would the gutless idiot do all of this anyway? Other than reputation and fame what did Lockhart gain from all of this? Or was that just it? Was that all that motivated Lockhart fame and fortune? 

Amelia didn't need any of this right now! Her stack of unsolved murders was almost as tall as she was! And now all of this hippogriff crap about Lockhart, they don't pay her nearly enough. The only good news was that she finally had a lead on her other cases she'd just received a letter.

It had warned her to be careful that he'd killed to protect his wrongdoings. But it claimed that Dumbledore knew more about the slain students, Moody, Diggle, and Sutherland then he let on. It also said that if she wanted answers about the 'greater good'. Then she should go to Nurmengard and see Grindelwald. What did Grindelwald have to do with everything? By itself it didn't make sense but with the missing information she was sure it would answer most of her questions.

Amelia knew one thing there were too many coincidences surrounding Albus Dumbledore. She didn't believe for a second that Dumbledore was innocent. She just had to prove all of it first. She'd get eaten alive by his sycophant followers in the Wizengamot. No, in order to take him down she needed absolute irrefutable proof. 

Amelia was going to find out the truth... right after she dealt with Lockhart. Amelia frowned, it was going to be another long day.

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Hogwarts-Harry's POV

Harry cooed softly at Hedwig her feathers were finally beginning to turn white. He truly hadn't known how much he missed her until she was back with him. Remembering her death always made his chest ache and eyes tear. She was going to have a better life now. If she died again, it was going to be from old age not from her protecting him.

He wasn't weak anymore! Harry was easily thrice as powerful as he had been originally during his second year. Feeling that he was being watched Harry looked up to lock eyes with Blaise. He had been in what Harry would call shock or contemplative silence since last night.

It was the kiss, Harry had known for a while that he had growing feelings for Blaise. Part of starting over had been promising himself that he'd be himself. That he wouldn't ever repress himself again. The real question was, did Blaise like him like that? Or was it still too early for Blaise to question his sexuality? Either way he'd let Blaise come to him no need to make him skittish after all.

Harry finished packing his school bag it was Sunday they didn't have classes. But Harry and his menagerie had a study group scheduled. He could do with a bit of normalcy after everything that happened. What better way then to spend time with his little pack so to speak. Harry flashed a half-smile at Blaise before leaving the dorms. He didn't want Blaise to think that everything was going to be different. Nor did he want to come off as angry or be put off by Blaise's silence. Luna joined him at the door and they went to breakfast together.

The others minus Blaise, were already holding court at his end of the table. Harry joined them everything was normal as the other students started coming in. Blaise joined them and conversation flowed easily. No one mentioned the silent distance between the two of them. Harry finished eating his porridge and was buttering his toast when he heard it. Giggling and loud laughter erupted through out the hall. Harry looked up in time to see the teachers, their hairs had turned different colors.

All except Snape who hadn't yet to start drinking his morning coffee. McGonagall had dark red hair streaked with black, Hagrid's hair and beard were lime green with bubblegum pink streak and had purple bows stuck in his beard. Dumbledore, in particular was amusing his hair was pink streaked with purple, his beard had turned blue with sparkles shaped like stars. Harry was grateful that he hadn't been drinking anything or he would've spit it up on Draco. He hid a smile, the twins were having fun again. Good to see, that their sister's torture wasn't affecting them adversely. His amusement turned to shock as Dumbledore became angry.

"WHICH ONE OF YOU BRATS DID THIS? I WON'T STAND FOR IT! EVERYONE IS ALWAYS UNDERMINING MY AUTHORITY! WORTHLESS ALL OF YOU!" Dumbledore yelled.

He left cursing while trying to comb the sparkles from his beard with his fingers.

Silence filled the hall as everyone teachers included were stunned. Whispers broke out and before everyone could recover. Auror Bones and three other Aurors came into the hall.

Harry saw her look around before her eyes landed on Lockhart. She narrowed her eyes and went straight for the head table. Lockhart started sweating visibly as he tried to act like nothing was wrong.

"Gilderoy Lockhart! You're under arrest for thirty counts of memory tampering, three counts of attempted murder, and multiple counts of fraud!" Amelia shouted.

Lockhart stupidly tried to run and fell flat on his face. As one of the Aurors had used a snare spell to bind his feet and legs. Harry smirked today was amazing a two for one special.

"Well Daphne, Pansy I told you he was a fraud!" Harry said, gleefully.

He kept on smirking even as the girls took turns kicking him in the legs.

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Sometime later.....Harry pov-

They were all sitting by the lake in small groups, but still together. Harry was with the twins and Blaise, the girls were really starting to like Luna. The other boys were together talking about quidditch.

"So are you going..." George started

"To explore it yet?" Fred asked, finishing George's sentence.

"The Chamber, I was thinking later on tonight. Why wanna come?" Harry asked, they waggled their eyebrows at him.

"Doesn't everybody want to cum?" They said, in unison Harry smirked of course they'd say that.

"Mmmhm, but of course. Anyway meet us a half-hour before curfew. It will give us plenty of time to get down there. Oh, and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty." Harry said, rolling his eyes as they snickered at him.

"Your wish is our command." George said, Harry shook his head at their antics.

They joined the others leaving Blaise with him Harry fidgeted a bit.

"Are we ever going to talk about it?" Blaise asked.

The breeze blew Harry's hair in his face, he cleared it away to find Blaise closer than before.

"Depends are you going to stop being so standoffish about it?" Harry asked.

"I don't know what this is...." Blaise said, as he broke off.

Harry smiled cupping his face.

"Did it feel good? Did it feel right kissing me?" Harry asked, Blaise looked into his eyes searching.

"Yes.." Blaise said, hesitantly.

"Then that's all that matters." Harry said, smiling.

He pulled Blaise down to meet his lips in a short soft kiss. He grinned into Blaise's lips as the twins started catcalling at them. Kissy noises followed shortly after.

"I knew it!" Pansy and Daphne said simultaneously.

He pulled away Blaise's face was darkened by a blush, this was good. He was keeping enough secrets from everyone. He wasn't going to lie about this. Besides who else was going to be Hedwig's owl daddy?

"Somehow I just knew they were a thing! Harry uses him as a pillow all the time!" Draco crowed.

"Well, yeah we even have a kid together!" Harry exclaimed.

He was determined to keep Blaise's skin, that lovely dark color when he blushes. Everyone looked at him with wide eyes.

"Don't you dare tell them dammit!" Blaise said.

He stuck his hand over Harry's mouth, Harry licked it. Blaise pulled his hand away with a disgusted face.

"He's a really good owl daddy, Hedwig adores him." Harry teased.

They laughed at Blaise, Blaise groaned in embarrassment.

"He even mashes her worms up in the morning and feeds her with a spoon while he coos at her. It's adorable!" Harry said, looking at Blaise fondly.

"Aww, Blaise your such a good daddy, does that mean you're having all of Harry's babies!" Hannah teased, Blaise spluttered...

"No, dammit if anyone's having anybody's, babies he's having mine dammit!" Blaise replied, Harry blushed while Blaise gave a horrified look as he realized what he just said.

"Blaise you might just wanna stop talking mate." Draco said, holding back a laugh.

"Yeah, he keeps talking like that he might as well propose marriage next!" Neville said, trying to stifle a laugh.

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Ministry Holding Cells-Amelia's POV

"So you're telling me that all thirty of them are lying, Lockhart!" Amelia exclaimed.

This was absurd did this puny idiot really think he could lie to her?

"Of course, they are all attention-seeking fools. Just trying to get a little bit of fame." Lockhart said, nervously.

Amelia huffed at his response.

"That's funny because their diagnostic spells. Came back with your, magical signature all over their minds! If anyone is an attention-seeking fool it's you! Why..., why would you do this to these people?" Amelia asked.

There was no logic to it as far as she could see. Lockhart squirmed in his chair straining against his bonds. He broke down and started sobbing openly.

"You don't understand!" He choked out, his distress became even more evident.

"Then make me understand! Make me understand how you became this monster. Make me understand why you ruined all of these people." Amelia bit out.

"I was so tired of being invisible, I wasn't always this pretty you know. I had to use several spells and potions to enhance myself. And it finally worked, people actually saw me! But I couldn't stop, I wanted more! I wanted everyone to adore me! I overheard Silas Mulligan talking about his adventures with mermaids. Everyone was listening to him, hanging on to his every word! My jealousy consumed me and I waited until he was alone. I questioned him extensively about his exploits, before taking his memories. Believe it or not, it's the only spell I'm actually good at. That's when I decided to travel the world and you know the rest." Lockhart admitted, as he sobbed.

"So out of jealousy you stole other people's stories and their memories and called them your own. That's sick! There are other ways Gilderoy, Merlin you are a fool. I hope it was all worth it for you. Because you won't be, seeing the light of day anytime soon." She said.

She walked away in absolute disgust as she yelled for Auror Duwitt to take him away.

Amelia had wasted enough time already on this utter stupidity. She had a much bigger fish to fry as it were. Lockhart was going away for a very long time. Obliviates were a controlled Ministry spell. Due to the fact that it's supposed to be permanent. Needless to say all of Lockhart's victims were being watched. And mind healers were going through their minds. Too many Obliviates, to the same person could do irreparable damage to the people who were affected. It was as she said nobody just remembered.

So then how had they all recovered their lost memories?

Sentencing was up to ten years for one transgression of Obliviates. But all the other charges he had for fraud and child endangerment.... Lockhart had so many victims that he wouldn't leave Azkaban for almost a hundred years. He wasn't going to live long enough to see the end of his sentence. Nothing would ever be worth seeing the inside of Azkaban for.

Oh, Gilderoy how far you've fallen...

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Hogwarts/chamber of Secrets-Harry's POV

Harry was down in the antechamber of the chamber of secrets, Blaise and the twins once again accompanied him.

"So where's this hidden entrance?" Blaise asked.

"In his giant stone mouth." Harry deadpanned, Blaise's eyes widened for just a second.

"Aww, look George little raven lord's boyfriend is worried." Fred teased.

"Harry a sixty-foot one thousand-year-old basilisk nested in there. What if there's more?" Blaise asked, his concern evident.

"Relax I had Death check for other creatures. Nothing is alive down here except for Ginny's horrific ass." Harry said.

The twins snickered and Blaise glared at them.

Harry didn't bother to wait for Blaise's protests. As he hissed at Salazar's statue to 'Open'. The mouth fell open, not missing a beat he climbed up through its mouth. It was surprisingly clean in the tunnel Death must've cleaned in this area as well.

Harry reached the top of the large tunnel. And was met with complete pitch darkness. Lifting himself up and out of the tunnel's entrance. Harry conjured torches and lit them. Bluebell flames lit the torches casting an eerie glow revealing a massive chamber. There were more bones lying about on the stone ground.

Harry had no idea who or what the bones were from. It looked like this chamber was the basilisk's nest. He spied a door nearly hidden just beyond where the basilisk would've slept.

Harry heard the others coming up through the tunnel. He briskly crossed the space being careful to not trip on any bones. The door was wrought iron and of course it had snakes on it with ruby eyes. He hissed at them and started moving, just as Fred and George pulled Blaise through.

"Wait, Harry!" Blaise shouted.

He walked through lighting torches as he saw them and there was yet another door. This time there were no snakes on it, it was just a normal average door. He snorted at the thought of anything Slytherin being average. Harry pushed it open revealing a pitch dark room.

He lit the torches and revealed a large study. Books lined the walls, various trinkets, scrolls laid in stacks. A large desk stood in the center, carved snakes climbed up the sides. Harry lit the fireplace just behind the desk. Harry jumped as someone yawned. He looked around and saw no one until he spotted a portrait over the fireplace, a much younger Salazar Slytherin peered down at him.

"Well, it's been a very long time since anyone found me, fifty years to be accurate." Salazar said.

"Harry who are you talking to?" Blaise asked, as he came up behind Harry and froze staring at Salazar.

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Unknown POV

He was running naked streaked with mud and blood. He had to escape...he had to get away. He didn't know what the other wolf wanted...why was it so persistent. But the full moon had left him drained and tired. His limbs ached all over. He couldn't let himself be caught!

He had to find his cub... he just had to make it. Why, was he chasing him? He had to keep evading him as long as possible. His wolf was whining and snarling in the back of his mind, why was Moony acting like that?

Why keep chasing him? Most people would've given up by now.

He had to apologize, he dearly hoped his cub and Padfoot would forgive him.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts/Chamber of Secrets-Harry's pov

"Merlin's balls that's Salazar!" The twins had just come in.

Harry held in a snort as Salazar glared down at the two redheads.

"Who let Gryffindor's in here, break anything in here and portrait or not I will destroy you." Salazar hissed at them.

The twins blinked at him giving Sal the most innocent look they could manage.

"How did you know they were Gryffindor's?" Blaise asked.

Salazar gave a long-suffering sigh.

"Because only one of Godric's brats would have the nerve to talk to me like that." Salazar said.

As he narrowed his eyes continuing to glare at both Fred and George.

"You know we have...." Fred started.

"A potions professor that can glare like that!" George deadpanned.

Harry smiled at their antics, leave it to them to offend a founder and somehow insult Snape in the same sentence.

"I let them in though I had no idea they were going to be like this. Before you ask Tom is not my father." Harry said

Pre-empting the inevitable question, Salazar's eyebrow rose.

"If you are not my heir's child, how did you get in here?" Salazar questioned.

"One of your daughters married into the Peverell line which later had Ignotus Peverell marry a witch from the Potter line. The parseltongue has been dormant in my line until it manifested in me. Making me an indirect heir as Tom's cousin." Harry said.

"Interesting, what has happened to him? It's been so long." Sal asked.

"Dumbledore is what happened! He weakened him with various spells and potions while Tom was here at Hogwarts. His mind became unstable, Dumbledore even managed to hit him with a rather violent mind breaking curse. Dumbledore blocked all paths to political power for Tom. And impersonated Horace Slughorn, so he could tell him about Horcruxes. Tom mangled his soul and was rendered insane." Harry replied.

"Dumbledore the Transfiguration teacher. Tom spoke angrily of him often he did this?" Salazar asked.

"Yeah, and the worst part is he's Headmaster now. With a Phoenix familiar which I believe doesn't belong to him. Phoenix birds prefer kind people, or grey, or even light people to bond with. Dumbledore is a vile twisted waste of space. Who abuses his powers as Headmaster and is the so-called light lord." Harry said, Salazar sneered in disgust.

"What is the Phoenix's name?" Salazar breathed.

"Fawkes why?" Harry asked, curiously.

Sal closed his eyes.

"Fawkes is Godric's familiar every founder had one. Fawkes was meant to help the Headmasters of the school. Rowena's is the giant squid it's job is to protect the Lake and prevent the drowning of students. Mine is the basilisk her name is Nilexi, she was meant to be an Offensive protection for Hogwarts. Helga's giant badger should be protecting the ward stones." Salazar said.

"Wow, we didn't know that!" Blaise exclaimed.

"Wait, I understand how Fawkes is still alive. But what about the other three?" Harry asked.

"The badger remains in an enchanted sleep. Unless the wards or castle are in direct danger. Hogwarts herself will awaken them when she needs it. The basilisk is a magical serpent breed it has a very long lifespan. But when it can't get food it feeds off the ambient magic from Hogwarts, the squid does much the same. So they're allowing that monster to be in charge of Hogwarts?" Sal asked, Harry smiled bitterly.

"Yes, they are. He has his claws in deep! Either no one can see it or he uses mind-altering spells and potions to gain their compliance." Harry said, anger seeping into his voice.

Salazar hissed in anger.

"Tom is just one of many he victimized. He made Tom so crazy he killed my parents, sealed their wills, and made himself my magical guardian. Then left me with my abusive muggle family all the while he stole from my vaults. I've been trying to stop him, but I've only succeeded in getting him booted from the Wizengamot." Harry said, coldly, Salazar narrowed his eyes.

"You have to free Fawkes before you remove him as Headmaster. If he's forcing a bond on Fawkes, then he'll have no choice but to obey that monster." Salazar said.

"I will, can I ask you something Sal?" Harry asked.

"You might as well." Salazar said.

"Is it true that you hate muggles?" Harry asked.

Salazar closed his eyes, his face crumpled in anguish.

"I once had four sons and three daughters. My youngest boy Alexander was only five years old. He'd wandered off into the woods to play. His sisters were supposed to be watching him. He'd been playing with a small wood pixie. Alexander chased it into the forest crossing our ward line." Salazar stopped, as he had difficulty talking.

He started again voice shaking.

"I went to the ward line to see what had disturbed it. Only to find my son's stuffed snake doll laying there. Fearing for his safety I went into the woods myself. I used a point me spell and found him, but I was too late. While Alexander had been playing he'd done some accidental magic. He'd conjured bubbles to catch his little pixie friend. A muggle hunting party had seen him do it. They pulled the wings off the pixie and killed it. While one of them was doing that another, had pinned my son down, he..." Salazar broke off.

"He...he strangled Alexander... by the time I had reached him.... Alexander's tiny hands had fallen limp, after clawing scratches up that vile man's hands and arms. I snapped I killed two of them and the third, the one who hurt my baby, I asked him why? How could he hurt an innocent child? And he said to me that the child was an unnatural freak that was evil. I killed him too and picked up the limp body of my child. I held him in my arms drenched in the blood of his murders. And I stayed like that frozen in place until my sons found me near dawn still holding him." A sob escaped Salazar.

"So I threw myself into finishing Hogwarts. Letting my work consume me so I could numb my anguish. And when I wanted stricter secrecy laws and tighter laws regarding the families of muggle-born students. My friends, my fellow founders practically demonized me. Made me seem like some kind of heartless monster. And after years of fighting I sealed this chamber and never returned. Only Hogwarts herself knew of my pain she's sentient because of us. We'd poured so much of our magic, our hopes, and dreams into her. While your here please be careful with the books. The preservation spells on the chamber are strong, but be delicate. I no longer feel like talking." Salazar said.

With that Salazar left his frame.

"That's so sad, it actually makes sense now." Fred said, wiping away a stray tear.

"Why doesn't anyone know about this?" George asked, voice grim.

"Because the victors write history and the losers are often depicted as evil or even blamed for the deaths that resulted from the battle. Salazar himself said he was tired of fighting with the other founders. Salazar lost the battle and the victors, the other founders, wrote history. Monsters aren't born they're made." Harry concluded, as he decided to browse the titles on the book spines.

"But that isn't fair! Salazar isn't a monster they pushed him into it!" Fred exclaimed, Harry smiled bitterly.

"Life isn't fair Fred and we only have bits and pieces of the story. For all we know the other founders might not have known about his son. All they might have seen was an angry man trying to restrict muggles and muggleborns. They failed to see the grieving father, who wanted to stop future atrocities to magical children. Salazar's need to keep his feelings private may be why his relationship with the others was destroyed so thoroughly." Harry said.

Silence hung in the air the others didn't seem like they wanted to explore anymore. And honestly neither did Harry.

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Austria/Nurmengard castle-Amelia's pov

Amelia looked up at the looming form of Nurmengard castle. Home of Gellert Grindelwald as he was the only prisoner in the castle. The Austrian minister had deemed it to be used only for the worst of the worst. There was sick kind of irony imprisoning Grindelwald here in his own prison.

She'd been informed that only one Auror was allowed in to feed Grindelwald. She was also told to stay away from the bars not even the house-elves were allowed near him. The elves left cleaning supplies for the former dark lord. He had to clean his own cell if he wanted it clean. She could only imagine how degrading that must feel to him. The man was used to everyone bowing down to him. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Amelia was with one of the Austrian Aurors, they were just about to enter the castle when she saw it. Those damn words were carved above the door 'For the greater good'. Her eyes widened yes this was the place. She would finally get some of the answers that she so doggedly pursued.

Upon entry the, entrance hall was dusty and had large cobwebs hanging from the stairs and parts of the ceiling. It was ironic really, the place was once beautiful considering its horrible past. Up a large spiral staircase and down a dusty hallway to an elevator hidden in the shadows.

"Just how many cells are there here?" Amelia asked.

"Approximately 136 cells, only one is occupied." He said, in broken English, his voice heavy with an accent.

She nodded, something about the man was off. She wasn't sure what, he was older maybe in his late 70's or early 80's. Still young by Wizarding standards, short white wavy hair, brown eyes, and sharp cheekbones. A scar ran from his eyebrow, through the eye and ended, near the corner of his lips. He still had both eyes, whatever happened to him, it was a miracle that he hadn't lost the one.

The elevator stopped and opened to a large room that was bisected by floor to ceiling bars. There standing near the tiny window was Gellert Grindelwald.

"My a visitor, how unexpected." He said.

"I wish I could say the same I was led here. Tell me about this 'the greater good'. What does it have to do with Albus Dumbledore!" Amelia asked.

She was startled as he laughed long and deep.

"Someone has been telling Albie's secrets it would seems. I could tell you that man's whole life story if I wanted to. But what's in it for me miss..." He asked.

"It's Madam Bones and I'm the current head of Britain's DMLE. And I will determine if anything you say is useful. Perhaps some better conditions in your cell." She said, baiting him knowing he wouldn't fall for it.

He smirked.

"The greater good was the motto for my followers. But the phrasing doesn't sound like me now does it. So pray tell who does it sound like to you?" Gellert said.

He gave her an imperious look, she looked back at him waiting patiently for him to elaborate.

"Oh, Albus came up with that bit. The truth is that Albus Dumbledore... Mr. Great Light Lord was actually my friend, my lover, and my co-conspirator." Gellert said, he laughed again.

The shock must've shown on her face.

"Now tell me Madam who tipped you off." He asked.

"I was investigating three murders, all were vicious the scenes had your little motto on it. Then yesterday someone sent me a letter. That said if I wanted answers I should come here and ask you." She said, pursing her lips.

He laughed again loud and long.

"Someone knows Albie's secrets and is killing people and using our old motto. He tried so hard to bury me and all of our secrets. Oh, Albie should've killed me he has more than enough followers. Gustav, I'm ready to go!" He said.

"Who are you..."

Her words cut short as she was hit with a binding spell her body hit the cold stones her head smacking it hard. The last thing she saw was the Auror she'd come with and Grindelwald's grinning face.

"She's perfect, her face will serve me as well as Percival Graves did. Careful now I want her alive a little longer." Gellert said, as her vision whited out.

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Hogwarts-Dumbledore's POV

He was sipping his tea and munching on his lemon drops. How was he to stop the specters from visiting him! It was affecting his moods and making him act strangely. People were starting to notice dammit.... people were asking questions!

Albus idly flipped through a tome about spirits good and evil. So far he hadn't found much of anything useful.

His thoughts were interrupted by unwanted visitors. Arianna and Lily were back floating in through his bookcase.

"Oh, brother dear your old friend is free! Oh, it's going to be so much fun around here from now on!" Arianna exclaimed.

"Oohh, is it that friend Ari?" Lily asked.

"The very same!" Ari said, joyously letting out a cackling laugh.

"I hope he kills you... you should've never betrayed him. But then your good at betraying your friends!" Lily said, screeching at him.

"GET OUT! GET OUT NOW, YOU BLASTED CREATURES." He shouted.

He'd been so angry his magic had lashed out and the books had fallen from the shelves.

Fawkes was squawking in surprise and all of his trinkets had tumbled to the floor. Albus sighed tiredly... wait what old friend???? Arianna had only ever met one of his friends. His face grew ashen as he stood suddenly and made for the floo.

Chapter Text

Unknown Location-Grindelwald's pov

Gellert sat there looking down at her unconscious form. Gustav had whisked them away immediately after his escape. Now he could only hope she'd been foolish enough not to tell anyone where she'd gone.

Albie had betrayed everything that they were, after so many years of being together. Gellert would come for his dear old friend, he just needed his people back. He should've never made that blood pact with Albie promising never to hurt each other. Hurt was such a broad word though too bad he'd learned that the hard way.

Albie didn't hurt him physically... no he'd hurt him emotionally. Sluggish movement came from the unconscious woman before she opened her eyes. She blinked squinting before attempting to struggle.

"Tsk, tsk Amelia now your just being rude." Gellert said, she focused her gaze on him.

"Why, why are you doing this to me?" She asked.

Her voice trembled with fear slightly while her face still held contempt. He tented his fingers and looked down at her.

"Your going to be my new face!" Gellert said, as he grinned madly at her as her face shone with horror.

"I see your terrified, don't worry I won't be killing you....yet. I will be taking your place Amelia, much like I did with Percival Graves." Gellert elaborated, she simply looked at him.

"Whose Percival Graves?" She asked, Gellert laughed.

"Albie tried to destroy or cover up everything about me. Percival Graves was the head of the DMLE in America. I used human Transfiguration to impersonate him. I achieved a lot being my dear pal Percival. He's dead by the way, everyone always wondered what I did with him." He said.

"So what your just going to be me than? What are you trying to accomplish?" She asked, fear lacing her voice.

"Yes, I'm going to be you. And I'm going to destroy Albus Dumbledore for what he's done to me. There truly is a fine line between love and hate, we just hate each other more violently than most people. Then I will pick up where I left off destroying the statute of secrecy and taking over our world. I don't even care about the deathly hollows anymore." He said.

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Hogwarts-Harry's pov

"How the hell did that happen? He's supposed to be locked up with no human contact. She was supposed to be safe going in there." Harry said.

Theoretically nothing should've gone wrong at all. But it would seem that his luck had run out.

"Gellert has been planning his escape for some time now. She's still alive, he'll have to keep her alive for however long he plans on impersonating her." Death replied.

They were talking on the train Harry was headed home for Yule or Christmas as it were. His friends had taken portkeys back home leaving him alone to travel the train. Sure there were other students but he didn't care about them.

"It doesn't matter this can work in our favor. We've been using guerrilla tactics to keep Dumbledore's focus off of me. The insanity is working incredibly well too. But this way Dumbles will be too focused on staying sane and combating Grindelwald. He'll let Tom and I slip right through the cracks. Place a reaper with Amelia, if he tries to kill her we'll save her." Harry said.

Death nodded.

"Besides worst-case scenario is they forgive each other and team up. That's not likely to happen given how much Dumbles destroyed Gellert's life. Besides, neither of them knows I have you. And I have my own dark lord I just have to piece him back together." Harry said, taking out the Deathnote and writing two names in it.

He'd gone too long since the last time. Time to drive Dumbles even more crazy so many flaming chickens to kill so little time. Tick, tock Dumbles tick-tock.

"Who am I killing this time?" Death asked.

"Now where is the fun in telling you before it's time? After all, this is Dumbledore's Christmas present. It's going to be a bloody good Christmas." Harry said, smirking.

Now he just had to sit back and stir the cauldron so to speak.

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Peverell Manor-Death's pov

He'd just come back from meeting with his tiny master. Death still had a lot of work to do. He still had to go capture his little one's Yule presents. Death still had to speak with Regulus immediately as well. He turned a corner and practically ran into him.

"Ah, Regulus, I was looking for you." Death said.

"Oh, and whatever for?" Regulus asked, as he leaned back against the wall his arms crossed.

"Your going to retrieve two people from the Forest of Dean tonight. About 1:30 am and wear clothes you don't mind getting messed up. Make sure they're clean and ready to surprise my tiny little master." Death said, looking at him pointedly. Regulus raised an eyebrow.

"Do I get to know who they are?" Regulus asked, curiously.

Death chuckled.

"They'll be your everything, they will also be the only two humans in the forest." Death said, vaguely.

Regulus gave him a look of disbelief as he walked away. Yes, Death still had to catch his master some presents. But first, he wanted to cuddle with his dog star. Death didn't make it far however.

"Oh, by the way Sirius is off training with some of the other reapers....so no cuddles for you." Regulus said, smugly.

He turned back to find a smug Regulus walking away. Death sighed deeply, well at least he had some presents to hunt.

Opening a portal he came out at a park not far from Private Drive. Harry's whale of a cousin was there bullying a small child with his rotten friends. The poor red-haired child trembled as they insulted him and kicked at his sides.

Death knew there was a lot of evil in the world. But he felt that the worst kind of evil was the ones inflicted by others. The things that human beings did to one another truly disgusted him. The abuse, racism, rape, murder, slavery, greed, etc. It was all so horrible, some human beings made demons look like saints in comparison.

Death waited until the child had escaped and Dudley's friends had vanished. Before he stalked forward and used a sleeping spell. Death watched as the human garbage fell to the ground with a thud, a small dust cloud poofed up upon impact. Death drug Dudley through the portal without levitation, he reserved levitation for when he actually cared about the person.

He left Dudley in a disheveled heap down in the Peverell Manor's dungeons. Death went back through the portal he had two more presents to catch. Death found Petunia in the kitchen getting dinner ready. She was rummaging around a cabinet looking for something. She rose from the ground a frying pan in hand... she caught sight of him and tried to scream.

Her eyes widened in fear as she realized no sound came out. Petunia swung the frying pan at him trying to hit him. She missed as he grabbed her arm and bent it till it broke. Her face scrunched in agony, he pulled her through the portal still holding her arm. And shoving her in with Dudley and last but not least, Vernon. He secretly hoped that Vernon, gave him issues... he deserved the most pain out of all of them.

He went back this time to find, Vernon who was angrily standing in the kitchen. Confused about his lack of dinner. He lumbered over to Death his face a purplish-red.

"Who the hell are you? Where is my family? What did you do with them you freak?" Vernon yelled, spit flying.

Death merely stood there waiting, Vernon apparently didn't care for this and threw a punch at him. Death dodged and kicked him in the stomach. Before slamming him into the wall and repeatedly smashing his head into the wall.

"Not so tough now that someone can actually fight back." Death said.

He grimaced and started dragging Vernon through the portal. That was weirdly satisfying, landing back in the dungeons he kicked Vernon in with the other two.

"Why are you doing this? Who are you?" Petunia sobbed.

"If you can't think of a single reason of why you are here then you're all truly horrible human beings." Death said, as cold anger permeated his voice.

He let his magic permeate the air before twisting and ensnaring their forms.

"Your presents for my little master. Until I can give you to him, you'll just have to suffer the same way you made him suffer. You're going to feel every broken bone, every bruise, every time he had to starve. You are going to feel every ounce of loneliness, pain, and despair that you so callously gave to him. And your fate now belongs to him." Death said, giving them one last look of utter contempt before leaving.

He turned and walked out as their screams permeated the air.

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Weasley Borough- Golem Ginny's pov

She walked calmly into the kitchen where her mother and real father were.

"Albus do you really think he'll come for us?" Molly asked, distress clear in her voice.

"I don't know my dear, Gellert was always unpredictable in most everything he does. But we can expect some form of retaliation from him." Her father replied.

He looked awful, his eyes were oddly glazed and his beard unkempt. Dumbledore looked right at her and looked as if he was seeing right through her.

"Ginny dear it's not really a good time." Molly said.

"It's alright mom, I wanted to apologize to father for how I acted at the sorting feast. I want you to know that I am ready to participate in your plans. I was selfish and entitled, you have enough problems without me being one too." Ginny said.

They blinked at her in surprise.

Ginny hugged each of them before leaving the room. She stopped just outside of the cracked door to listen.

"My that was strange." Molly said.

"Yes, it was perhaps she's finally grown up. It would make most things easier if I didn't have to worry about her destroying my plans." He rasped.

"What are we going to do now Albus, we have two dark lords and a third unknown enemy." Molly said, her voice was slightly shrill.

"Tom has been unusually silent I can't seem to find him anywhere. Our unknown enemy is active but I'm unable to track them. Gellert will stay beneath our notice for now. At the moment though Gellert is the biggest threat he knows too much about me." Dumbledore said, Ginny heard rustling and a scrapping sound as Molly took a seat.

"Albus, what did you do that was so bad that he knows about it?" Molly asked, concern crossing her features.

More chair scrapping and a thud sounded.

"I don't have to explain myself to you! Everything that I am can be ruined by that man! I covered my ass and broke more laws then I want to admit. Paid off people and the press and it will all be for nothing if Gellert talks. Dammit, I should've never sworn that pact to never hurt him." Dumbledore said.

Ginny heard him sigh before speaking again.

"I will have to get the Order to investigate possible leads into Gellert's location. Until then we continue to act normal we can't afford anymore fuck ups." Dumbledore said.

Ginny heard the fireplace roar she started walking to her bedroom. Her master will be so very pleased.

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Forest of Dean-Regulus's pov

It was just after 1 a.m. and he was bored beyond words. Who was he waiting for? And why in the damn forest? Regulus walked along a frozen lakeshore. The moon was too bright as last night had been the full moon.

The forest was oddly silent like it was holding it's breath waiting. Regulus sighed deeply, he just didn't know what to do anymore. Things were so crazy now with Harry, Sirius, and Death. He wasn't sure where he fit into the world anymore. It was like he was being drug along for the ride. And Regulus was the only one who didn't seem to know the destination.

The silence was shattered when two figures ran through the tree line. A thin man was naked covered in mud, scratches, and blood. He looked positively feral which was the best term. His shoulder-length hair was brown maybe since the mud obscured the proper natural color. Regulus thought he saw streaks of grey in there as well. The second figure was a large wolf it's grey fur shone in the moonlight.

It was staring at him with intelligence that normal wolves simply didn't have. It was scenting the air and then moved forward. The feral man flinched and grabbed onto Regulus's leg hiding behind him.

He looked down again and was met with amber eyes that looked familiar.

"Remus?" Regulus asked.

Mild shock turned to recognition which turned back into shock.

"Regulus? Everyone thought you were dead." Remus said.

"The rumors of my death don't matter... why is he chasing you? And why didn't you just apparate away?" Regulus asked.

The wolf decided to sit on its haunches and watch them.

"I don't know why he's been chasing me for months. I lost my wand and my personal things in a fire that destroyed my home. I couldn't find work so I went to some of the werewolf camps. But I just couldn't connect with any of them. So I've been going from area to area. Two months ago, after spending time with another pack I noticed him following me. He never turns back or talks to me he just keeps chasing me." Remus said.

Regulus looked back at the wolf who was still watching them listening.

"Your a blood-born aren't you?" Regulus asked.

The wolf cocked it's head before giving him a wolfy smile. The wolf glowed before shifting into a tall blond man, well-muscled, with blue eyes so clear they were almost white.

"I don't want to hurt him." He said, gruffly.

"Then why were you chasing him." Regulus asked, as he narrowed his eyes.

"I was following my instincts, him running from me just made my wolf want to chase him more. He's my mate, by the smell of things he's not my only mate." The man regarded both of them with sharp eyes.

Regulus sighed and spread his senses out feeling the life forces of animals only. Death had been right they were the only humans in the forest.

"Okay so since you don't want to hurt him. Your both coming with me, Harry wants to see you Remus." Regulus said.

Remus's eyes went wide with tears.

"My cub....you know where he is? Please I need to see him." Remus pleaded, Regulus nodded.

"Hey Wolfman I assume you wanna come too?" The blond man narrowed his eyes.

"Of course I want to come, I have to sort out things." The man said.

Regulus rolled his eyes and reached out grabbing the man's arm. Remus was still clinging to his leg as Regulus dragged them all into the void.

Chapter Text

Peverell Manor-Regulus's PoV

Regulus sighed deeply they had just come back from the woods and Regulus was tired already. The mysterious blond man was sitting in a chair across from him only wearing a borrowed pair of blue jeans his smooth hairless muscular chest on display. While Remus was finishing cleaning himself up. His intense light blue eyes were looking seemingly right through him. Who the hell was this guy?

He'd been entirely silent since their conversation in the woods. Why had there 'chase' lasted so long? Usually mates didn't beat around the bush, they practically mated immediately. Unless, there was an issue so to speak and the blonde was a blood-born. Regulus seriously doubted that the man was the problem.

He'd bet anything that the problem was all Remus. He just wouldn't accept his wolf. Taking wolfsbane was basically poison to werewolves sure it helped keep their minds. But the trade off was that they were shortening their lifespans significantly.

Regulus heard a door close and the one they were sitting in open. It was a bedroom, a floor above where Harry and the others were sleeping. Remus stepped in wearing one of Regulus's dress shirts and boxers. His clothes hung off Remus's small frame, he glanced around at them. Undoubtedly trying to discern, what was going on with them.

"Okay, now Remus you can tell me why you've been running away from him for so long? Wolf courtships are usually reciprocated immediately being a blood-born he should've caught you by now." Regulus said.

Remus actually looked unsure his eyes darting to the blond man.

"I will say he's very resourceful he made traps and used mud to deaden his scent." The blond guy said.

Remus bit his lip and unconsciously moved closer to Regulus.

"I didn't know why you were chasing me! My nose didn't pick up on anything like that!" Remus said, as he wrung his hands.

"That's because your wolf is weak, the fact that you couldn't even scent your mate is just horrid. It tells me that the wolfsbane did more damage to you than I suspected." Regulus said.

The blond man growled when Regulus said wolfsbane.

"Your poisoning yourself! Why?" He said, standing up.

Remus slid closer till he was practically on top of Regulus's lap. The black leather couch they were on groaned in ominous protest.

"I don't want to be him dammit! I don't want to hurt people, it's the only way to keep my mind while being turned!" Remus said, desperately.

Regulus sighed, this was going to be a very long night and a fight to be sure.

"Okay, both of you stop! First, who the hell are you?" Regulus asked.

"My name is Dante Drake and you were right in the forest, I am a blood-born." Dante said, Remus just kept looking between them.

"Alright what the hell are you two talking about?" Remus asked, confusion lacing his voice.

Dante looked at him a single blond brow rose.

"Blood-born, is the term used to refer to a born werewolf. There are two kinds: the first is that you're a direct bloodline heir to the original werewolf. And the second is someone who is born to two werewolf parents. As a side note blood-borns have longer lifespans. Some of them age very slowly to the point that some of them stop aging altogether." Regulus replied.

"How is it that you don't know that you are a werewolf, Remus!" Dante said, his voice rough.

"I hate it, I hate what I am and I only know enough to survive!" Remus yelled, leaving Regulus's side to stand.

"Well, that much is clear I bet the pain during transformation is excruciating?" Regulus asked, Remus nodded at Regulus.

"It's the wolfsbane poisoning you, that and your hatred of your wolf. It has made your wolf want to inflict the maximum amount of pain as possible. Your wolf is literally destroying you from the inside out. You've lived with other werewolves Remus! None of them look like Moony, your wolf is sick and in pain! If you keep this up you won't have a very long life with your cub." Regulus said.

Dante huffed in agreement and became interested in the last part that Regulus said.

"Cub?" Dante questioned.

"Yes, Remus is talking about his friend's son he views him as a cub." Regulus answered for Remus.

Remus remained silent and obviously angry.

"Remus, my brother, and Harry have missed you. They want nothing more than for you to live here with them. Dante clearly wants to work out something with you so let's all go to bed. And in the morning we'll surprise Harry and talk again." Regulus said.

Dante agreed and walked out heading to his room. Remus nodded still very upset before he too left the room. Regulus sighed and made his way to his own room this was going to get complicated.

Death was right about Remus not being able to see the truth just yet. He couldn't even accept himself let alone everything they had to tell him.

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Death's office-Death's POV

Death watched through his scrying bowl seeing the end of Regulus's conversation, Remus would need work. Remus had been raised to hate what he was that and Dumbledore hadn't helped much. His behavioral spells and mind potions only reinforced Remus's negative view. It was no surprise really Dumbledore hated creatures in general. Dumbledore viewed muggles as only slightly better than creatures.

Death walked away from his office and into the ritual room in Peverell Manor. Remus would need cleansing and so would Snape when he finally joined them. He began by retracing the rune circle he needed. Before he carefully charged the circle storing the needed magic. Death then unshrank a trunk from inside his robes it had all the necessary ingredients. He unpacked jars, bundles of bones, and a large rectangular see-through case.

It was filled with primordial ooze that he'd charged on a ley line. He knew Lupin's bindings would be weak. But Severus's would probably be harder to remove. He had constant exposure to the old goat. Death would've had to get creative with Severus being a potions master, that he was he could detect potions and poisons.

Personally if he were to do it he'd wait until Severus was injured or asleep. It would then be much easier to tag him with spells. Death finished stocking the table he was using before fishing out a tin and a bag of colorful yellow candies. A small vial of pinkish green powder followed as soon as he found it.

He summoned a small clay bowl and started a fire under it. A quick water summoning charm filled half of the bowl then he dropped in two tablespoons of the powder. Death then stirred it five times clockwise and three times counter-clockwise, the solution bubbled and fizzed before he left it to simmer.

Death was making a new batch of teabags and candies for Dumbledore. This new batch would be a little more potent than the last. The goat wouldn't just see wraiths no, the wraiths would be more anchored to him. Meaning the wraiths, would be capable of touching him and anything in the physical world. They would still be invisible to everyone but Dumbledore.

It would also attract more wraiths to him. The real question was just how many of the goat's victims would show up? The only downside was that the wraiths can't kill the goat unless they scare him to death. Harry went back and stirred the solution before placing a sealed burlap bag of candies into it. The fire flared for a minute before he lifted the dripping bag out and dried them. He spelled them to look and taste normal before retrieving the tin.

Death opened it and pulled out empty tea bags and a bag of tea leaves. He used a freezing spell to cool the substance immediately. It solidified before he tapped it with the spoon shattering it into small crystalline chips. He then spelled the chips the same color as the tea leaves.

Death started making teabags, each one had a teaspoon of the crystallized solution. He smirked in delight things were going to get interesting. Death then disappeared to pay Dumbledore a late night visit.

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Peverell Manor-Harry's POV

Harry had awoken earlier than normal. He just couldn't sleep he didn't know why. Something was going to happen again. And this time he didn't have a bad feeling about it. Hedwig and Charon were actually nestled in the same nest near his window. His precious girl had grown and while she still preferred the company of her "parents". She had recently decided to be curious about the large crow.

Charon, on his part tried to resist the cuteness that was Hedwig. Harry snorted in amusement thinking about the man Charon acted like. It would be like if Luna decided to randomly cuddle with Snape. And Snape would roll his eyes and give a long-suffering sigh while averting his eyes. That was what Charon and Hedwig were doing she was doing her best to cuddle under his wing.

While he stubbornly perched there like a statue he didn't care at all for the little owl trying to get his attention. Charon just kept glaring at Hedwig. Charon was the only one immune to his baby girl's charms. Even Death's eagle-owl Dust, let Hedwig cuddle under his massive wing.

Harry had been contacted by the Ginny golem, it relayed what it knew so far. The only useful bits were Dumbledore's health updates. And the fact that Dumbles had focused his attention on Grindelwald. Everything was going as planned despite Gellert's escape. He would ask the twins when he got back if they overheard anything more useful. The reaper Death placed to watch Dumbledore's forest meeting place hadn't come up with much either. Either the Aragog had told Hagrid or Dumbledore wasn't meeting anyone.

He was slightly frustrated with the information flow, but that was alright for now. Harry slipped down the stairs and into a large sitting room that had his favorite stuffed leather chairs. Harry summoned an elf and had orange blossom oolong tea with a dash of honey to drink as he got comfortable. The door opened, he didn't look up as it was probably Death or Regulus. They too had a habit of being up early. When silence followed the shut door he opened his eyes to see Remus???

His hair was longer than the last time he'd seen him, it was still light brown with flecks of grey... Remus looked like a slight wind would blow him away. He was dressed in, what Harry, recognized as Regulus's clothes. A dark button-up, and black slacks, that hung off him painfully so. He sat his teacup down and stood up, his bathrobe fell to cover his legs as he stepped forward. Remus almost seemed frozen while looking at him.

Harry made it mere inches from Remus before throwing his arms around the man. He'd missed Remus as much as he'd missed Sirius. They were his 'dog'-fathers'. He'd lost them, far too soon to death. Remus unfroze and hugged him back with surprising strength before pulling back.

"Remus...how? How did you get here." Harry asked.

"Regulus found me running through the woods from Dante." Remus replied, Harry rose an eyebrow.

"Whose Dante?" Harry asked, Remus blushed and looked away embarrassed.

"Apparently my mate, though I can't smell him. Regulus, seems to think the wolfsbane has damaged some of my senses. I even feel a little bad I set a few traps to slow him up and I know it hurt Dante at least twice. I could smell the blood ironically, apparently I'm not in tune enough with my wolf to sense him though." Remus said.

"So do we get to meet him?" Harry asked, in a teasing tone.

"Of course, he might still be sleeping...but not with me!" Remus blurted hurriedly, color rising in his cheeks.

"Wow, if your blushing now at the mere implication, just imagine the real thing." Dante said, with wink and came into full view, he was all the way dressed this time.

In a dark green muggle t-shirt and faded blue jeans, his feet were bare and his blond hair was neat. Remus spluttered in embarrassment.

"And you must be the mysterious cub, I keep hearing about, Harry is it?" Dante asked.

"Welcome to Peverell Manor, we have a lot of catching up to do." Harry replied.

They were interrupted again by a sleepy Sirius, followed by Death who came in. Sirius yawned and opened his eyes, he looked at the room. He caught sight of Remus a huge smile broke out on his face. Sirius practically picked Remus up with his hug which was innocent enough. But a growl emanated from Dante's chest. Sirius froze like a startled deer.

"Dante cool it, it's just my brother who is already in a relationship. They are Remus's family there is no threat or competition, no one here is going to steal Remus from you." Regulus said, as he breezed into the room and sat one space away from Death on a couch.

Chapter Text

Peverell Manor-Harry's Pov

After the initial awkwardness from Dante's growling they all had breakfast. While everything seemed normal there was an undercurrent of something between Remus, Regulus, and Dante. Harry could feel that Death was amused by the situation. It wouldn't surprise him at all if Death knew what was going on.

"Remus, Sirius, Azrael, and Dante would you all meet with me after breakfast." Harry asked.

Sirius merely nodded while stuffing a waffle in his mouth. Remus said yes quietly and Dante merely inclined his head while sipping his coffee. Harry was amazed the cup hadn't broken yet...Dante had some rather big hands. The cup looked so tiny and fragile grasped in his hands. He finished his pancakes and downed the last of his orange mint oolong tea.

Harry excused himself and Death followed behind him. After a short walk to the hidden door and down into the Peverell catacombs. They went to the ritual room where Death started setting up and Harry waited for the others. Regulus came soon after with the others in toe.

"Remus I'm so glad your back, but before you stay with us. We need to check you for spells and you may even need a cleansing." Harry said.

"What?? Cleansing for what? Harry what would I need that for?" Remus asked, Regulus sneered.

"Because you've been exposed to Albus bloody Dumbledore that's why." Regulus said gruffly.

Remus looked confused and went to say something about it but Sirius cut him off.

"It's true Dumbledore isn't who we thought he was. He had all kinds of spells and potions on Harry and I. Regulus died because he asked for that man's help. He left me in Azkaban knowing I was innocent for thirteen years. Dumbledore could've gotten me a trial Rem he was head of the Wizengamot." Sirius said.

"Died, but Regulus is right here." Remus said, still confused about everything.

"I died alright, but I didn't stay dead. I'm a reaper now I'm not alive and I'm not dead. I'm the furthest thing from human now because of him." Regulus replied.

"That explains why you don't smell normal... not bad just not normal. But why am I here exactly?" Dante asked.

"The cleansing process can be very painful. If Remus needs it we don't want you to feel.....protective over your ahh, mate." Harry said awkwardly.

"Yeah, that's a good warning I definitely would've taken offense." Dante said.

Dante leaned back against the stone wall and watched them.

"Wait so then what is going to happen exactly?" Remus asked.

Death, no doubt was bored beyond tears. Let loose some of his magic coating the room and everyone in it. Everyone but Harry, Sirius, and Regulus shivered violently. They had all been exposed to Death's magic before. But for Remus and Dante it was the first time they'd ever felt it.

"Well, he is more devious than we gave him credit for." Death said.

His voice had broken the utter silence. Sirius's face took on a dark look his eyes becoming steely.

"What did he do to Moony?" Sirius asked, anger apparent in his voice.

"He's got the old goat's magic alright. And normally certain spells would have to be renewed regularly. But Dumbledore linked the spells to his magical core. Remus's core is fueling the spells Dumbledore left behind. It's really going to hurt taking those off." Death finished.

"What exactly were those spells for anyway?" Harry asked, curiously.

"Basic loyalty spells, a few obliviates, and behavioral reinforcement." Death said.

"Behavioral reinforcement???" Sirius asked, alarmed at hearing that.

"Yeah, it reinforces certain things like Remus's hatred for his wolf. Or his distrust for dark magic it can even affect his self esteem. Harry and Sirius had had similar variations on them. Though I suspect he did yours differently. Because he knew he couldn't keep track of you. Dumbledore's hatred of creatures is a very well guarded secret." Death said.

Remus looked shocked and confused.

"Yes, Remus will be needing a cleansing. His monthly transformations were never supposed to be painful. If his bad feelings regarding his wolf hadn't colored his view. Remus could've bonded with it and kept his mind without poisoning himself. The wolfsbane potion is only meant to help new werewolves. Over time they stop taking it because they don't need it. But then there are a few like Remus who can't handle their condition. They deny their wolf entirely and use it like muggles use drugs. They don't know or don't care how badly they hurt themselves." Death said, before moving back into the ritual area to get ready.

Sirius went over and hugged Remus. The man was still clearly upset and Dante looked like he was torn. He probably wanted to comfort Remus but wasn't sure of his welcome.

"I know it's a lot to take in at first. But we have so much to tell you Rem. The pain will just knock you out and when you wake up we'll be here for you. We'll help you understand and accept yourself and everything else." Sirius said.

Remus just stood there in Sirius's arms eyes glassy, distress coming off his body in waves.

Harry honestly couldn't blame him. He'd felt that way too but only after he'd finally been freed. Harry finally saw the truths that Death had made him see. It can be very devastating to learn most of your life is a lie. And that your the equivalent of a puppet to someone else. Sirius walked Remus through to the ritual circle.

Ritual Room/Peverell Manor-Remus's pov

How could any of this be? Everything was just so wrong and confusing. He held onto Sirius for all he was worth. He had just wanted to find his cub and Sirius to be with his family his pack. Now everything was falling apart around him at an alarming rate. The tall white haired man approached them again.

"Everyone needs to leave except for Sirius. One of us will tell you when he's done." Death said, Dante hesitated but allowed Regulus to pull him away.

Too soon everyone was gone leaving just the three of them.

"Remus, I need you to strip down please and lay in the exact center of the room. I don't need Sirius's help he is here for your comfort." Azrael said.

Remus nodded, he was used to being naked. Being a werewolf clothes were...optional at best and a hinderance at worst. It didn't stop him from feeling self conscious however. Remus hesitated briefly before taking off Regulus's clothes.

He found that he couldn't look either man in the eyes. As he lowered himself down in the center of the circle. Remus took one last look at a worried Sirius before closing his eyes. He braced himself mentally for what he knew was coming. He'd been in pain before...this would be nothing new to him.

Ritual Room/ Peverell Manor-Sirius's pov

Sirius watched Rem lay down in the ritual circle. Anxiety ripped through out his being he wanted so badly to be next to Remus. But it was just like every full moon before this he was helpless. There was nothing he could do to stop the pain all Sirius could do was watch.

Azrael started chanting in Latin as the runes glowed with green light. The air stirred and the magic rose, he had to bite his own hand to not move forward. Remus's back had arched off the ground with his mouth open in a silent scream.

Azrael came forward hold a container of black tar like ooze, he poured some into the apex of the circle where the runes were clustered heavily. The ooze creeped around the circle meeting from end to end. Before it shot out towards the center in sticky tentacles, where a now unconscious Remus lay.

It coated and encased Remus then bubbled and evaporated into a purple haze. It swirled and took the shape of a large timber wolf. It would've been beautiful if Sirius hadn't seen Remus was in pain. Remus was convulsing before ultimately stopping and curling in on himself. The mist wolf circled around and landed on the ground. Before solidifying into a light brown wolf. Moony???? He didn't look at all like the deformed wolf creature he'd seen every full moon.

Moony looked him in the eyes before turning back into a mist and jumping back into Remus's body. The circle went dead and he turned with pleading eyes to Azrael. Azrael nodded and Sirius rushed forward to check on Remus. He was breathing fast but was mostly alright. Sirius scooped Remus up and after covering him in his outer robe. He then walked out through the door. Sirius didn't make it very far as everyone had decided to wait.

"So is he okay?" Harry asked, looking at Remus's limp body in Sirius's arms.

"Yeah, he probably won't wake up until tomorrow. It's fixing the damage done by the wolfsbane and fixing the emotional damage that will be hard. He's spent so long hating his wolf that it will take some convincing for him to accept it. Luckily Remus isn't alone he has you and Harry to support him. And even better both of his mates are here." Death replied.

Dante nodded, but Sirius still looked confused. Regulus had long since disappeared down the hall.

"Wait, whose the second?" Sirius asked.

"Regulus." Death said.

"Does he know that?" Harry asked.

"No, I've hinted about it but clearly he hasn't picked up on it yet." Death said.

"That still doesn't make sense Remus went to school with Reg, how come Remus didn't know?" Harry asked.

"Regulus wasn't of age yet, that and Remus couldn't sense him. He's been denying his wolf since the beginning... he's ignored almost all of his instincts. The wolfsbane did further damage by Remus's over exposure. That's why he also didn't recognize Dante for what he was. As a result his wolf is hurting him the only way it can in retaliation. His transformations were the wolf's rebellion. The extreme pain was all it can do to Remus for denying him." Death said, in a bored tone.

"So...we have to get him to accept and bond with his wolf then?" Sirius asked.

"Yes, the pain will go away for future transformations. He will heal and so will his wolf once they are one. Remus won't ever have to worry about hurting anyone ever again." Death said.

Well, that was a relief! That was going to be a boon when they had to inevitably talk to Remus. He loved Rem but this was ridiculous! At this rate if Remus didn't stop he may never live to see his cub grow up. Let alone possibly have and meet his son. They had failed Harry as godparents but there was still time to do better and be better for Theodore. 

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Peverell Manor-Regulus's pov

He'd left Sirius and the others to wait for Remus there was just something so wrong. Regulus didn't know what it was he just knew something was wrong.

So he went back to the largest sitting room where Sirius had started decorating earlier the night before. Sure it could all be done by magic or house elves. He just needed a distraction... something to do with his hands. So he started stringing strands of silver garland letting his mind wander.

"So you didn't stick around."

He turned to find Dante behind him. He picked up a box full of carefully wrapped glass ornaments.

"Why would I he's Sirius's friend not mine." Regulus replied, dismissively hiding his feelings of uncertainty.

"He's our mate, you should've been there with him." Dante said.

Dante growled at the blank look Regulus was giving him.

"No, he's your mate. Reapers don't have mates we're dead! That's it you can't play house with something dead!" Regulus said, a touch of anger in his voice.

"Well, it seems like Remus isn't the only one in denial about what he is. You truly believe that death was the end? That you can't have another life?" Dante asked, disbelief in his voice.

Regulus chose to be silent and continued to hang the delicate baubles. Dante gave a short bitter laugh.

"Your, pal Azrael is proof that there can be life for your kind. Don't do this to yourself, you're missing out on so much. Don't reject life before you've actually lived." Dante said, his voice quiet.

Before he left door the slamming behind him. Regulus sighed why did everything have to be so damn complicated.

Regulus was really starting to miss his uncomplicated life.

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Grindelwald's pov

He looked at himself one last time in the mirror. He looked just like her and with a voice changing spell and a mimic charm his voice now sounded just like hers.

Gellert glanced down at a terrified Amelia and smirked at her. Before turning and walking out, he'd had Gustav go looking for the remnants of his old guard. Gathering a winter cloak off his chair he apparated away.

He reappeared in a weak area of warding not far from the large golden statues in the British ministry's atrium. They really should be more careful after all anyone can just waltz right in. But then the Ministry as a whole was bloody arrogant fools. They thought themselves to be utterly untouchable.

Gellert took a moment to review the information he'd gotten from Bone's mind. He made his way to the lift that he rode alone. Once on the correct floor he tried to remain unnoticed. He might have memorized some of Amelia's memories, that didn't mean he wanted to draw attention to himself. Gellert didn't know them so trying to act like Amelia would be difficult.

He found her office and stepped in locking the door with her wand. It didn't suit him in the slightest but then any wand was a poor substitute for the 'death stick'. Sitting at the desk he found the stack of files the woman had amassed on her desk. Little Amelia had been very busy it seems. Now who else wanted to kill Albie as much as him?

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Death's pov

The dungeons were certainly lively with Harry's relatives screams. He'd decided to check on them before getting two more guests. Harry had given him two more people to play with.

Death opened a portal to appear in a dark corner of the Hog's Head. He watched Aberforth shining a beer stein and not paying attention. He shot a sleeping spell at the unsuspecting man and watched as he crumpled to the ground glass shattering. Death collected him easily and made his way back.

He placed Aberforth in the cell a few feet from the Dursleys. He shut the door and disappeared yet again. Death appeared in a small living room. A woman sat on the couch with a wine glass clutched in her fingers. She was shaking as her black hair fell around her face. Tears flowed freely as she shakily poured another glass.

Poor little Hestia Jones, she'd been very close with the late Daedalus Diggle. She'd taken the death of her friend hard, harder than a normal friend would take it. Poor girl she never did tell him about her feelings. And even when he finally killed her she wouldn't be reunited with him.

He waited until she fell asleep on the couch. Before he bound her and brought her back with him. Once back in the dungeons he placed her next to Aberforth. He had everything he needed for tomorrow night. Now he had a beautiful Star to go cuddle with.

Chapter Text

Peverell Manor- Sirius's pov

His hands were so cold, Sirius rubbed circles into Remus's icy hands. Azrael told him several times that it was just a side effect from the cleansing. That Remus would be alright when he woke up. That didn't stop him from biting his lips worriedly and spending the whole night watching over him. Sirius had lost so much and so many already and he was determined not to lose Rem again.

Remus was a sickly pale and laying completely still. The flutter of eyelids was the only sign of life. To find out that Dumbledore practically almost killed Remus. To say that Sirius's emotions at the moment were jumbled was an understatement. Concern and worry warred against the anger and devastation. For that reason alone he was glad the others had left. Sirius didn't feel like talking which no doubt worried the others. Sirius wasn't a quiet person by nature...so for him to not talk was never good. Nor did he feel like having everyone look at him with worry. It was Remus that they needed to worry about right now.

Sirius wasn't even sure what to think about the whole mate situation either. His best friend and his brother and some weird guy from the woods? He chuckled lightly, only Remus would go for a wolf run and come back with two mates. Sirius's thoughts turned to Regulus who he'd known for a while now that something was wrong.

He couldn't claim the closeness that they once had with one another. Sirius knew logically that the two of them had changed drastically. But Sirius could still tell when something was bothering Reg. Regulus was more standoffish now more than he ever was before. Regulus didn't talk as much and now he even went out of his way to avoid everyone.

Sure Sirius had tried talking to Reg, but he always got interrupted while asking him. And Regulus would just vanish before Sirius could say anything more. He sighed deeply, since Azkaban life had become more complicated. But he couldn't deny that he loved his life now! His cub, brother, and now Remus had all been returned to him. And Azrael was just amazing.

If you'd asked Sirius before Azkaban if he'd be in love. Let alone with Death himself, he would've called them crazy. Sirius heard the door open he turned to find Harry his long hair was a wet loose mess. Harry was wrapped up in a soft blue bathrobe gazing down at Remus.

"He hasn't awoken, has he?" Harry asked quietly.

"No, he hasn't been awake since the ritual happened earlier." Harry nodded.

He sat on the side of the bed and brushed the hair away from Remus's face.

"Why does he hate Moony so much?" Harry asked.

Sirius sighed and grasped Remus's hand a little tighter.

"It has to do with his parents and Dumbledore of course. Remus really doesn't like to talk about any of it. We're going to have one hell of a time getting him to bond with Moony." Sirius said, Harry narrowed his eyes.

"What do you know about them, Siri?" Harry asked.

"His mother Hope was a nice kind person, I only met her once though. Rem always said, that she didn't treat him any differently after his attack and that she still loved him. She was a muggle though... I think she worked with insurance. His father was the main problem, I believe his name was Lyall he worked in the Control of Magical Creatures department at the Ministry. His opinions about creatures in general was what angered Greyback to attack them. I didn't even get that from Remus either. I had to find old newspapers and Ministry documents just to learn that much. He's very tight-lipped about all of it. I can't say I blame him if Lyall is the reason why Remus does this to himself. Then Remus has thought about himself like this since he was a child." Sirius finished.

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Peverell Manor-Harry's Pov

Harry really didn't like where all of this was going. Could it be that Remus was abused after he was turned? A creature prejudice father who suddenly has a werewolf for a son. Harry could easily see where this was all going to end. Being abused by the Dursley's, had left him with many scars both mental and physical. Was it just his imagination or was Dumbledore collecting specific people for his side?

Sirius, Snape, Remus, and Harry himself all with horrible childhoods. And that's not even including Tom, who was also mistreated and survived the bombings from WW II while living at the orphanage. Was it because the old goat, thought that they would be easier to manipulate? His thoughts were interrupted by Sirius who was yawning loudly.

"Siri you should go to bed he'll be alright. You can get a good few hours in before present time, you love presents remember. Oh, and Death got Remmy a whole new wardrobe. It's also your present to Remus. We had a discussion and realized that Remus might be too proud or ashamed to just accept things from us. But as a present he'll have a harder time saying no to it as he'd find it too rude to decline." Harry said, Siri smiled sadly.

"Yeah, we always had to do it that way too. We all loved him, everyone deserves to be treated like a human being. It took a little insight from your mother to get us to realize this. James and I just thought he was being stubborn at first, not accepting clothes and books and the like from us. But we understood it with her help. I felt a similar kind of shame when Azrael started coming to see me. The fact that he had to clean me up and dress me, it was embarrassing at first. The fact that I was too weak physically and magically to do it myself, well it was a horrible feeling for me. I realized that Rem, must've felt similar when we took care of him after the moon. We had the best of intentions helping him. We just never considered that he might feel shamed." Sirius trailed off.

Sirius shook his head and looked at the far wall.

"Besides, Azrael is gone right now he said you gave him a job to do? So yeah, I probably won't sleep too good without him anyway." Sirius said, as he squeezed Remus's hand before standing.

"Yeah, sorry he's going to deliver some bloody Christmas gifts to Dumbles. And drop off normal gifts for me to the Zabini's, even with feather light charms and shrinking the items I feared the owls might have a hard time." Harry said, smiling.

"Wow, so unless you're gifting your little boyfriend a mountain of presents. I'm going to assume you really like his family." Sirius said.

Harry turned away hair falling in his face as his cheeks grew warm. Sirius laughed softly, before picking Harry up off his feet and hugging him. Harry huffed why was everyone so freakin tall? Every time he got a hug everyone always, managed to practically lift him up well except Luna. Sirius put him down and said goodnight before shutting the door quietly.

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Death's pov

He'd just come back from dropping off the packages that his little one wanted to be delivered. And now he had some arts and crafts to do. Death dragged Hestia along as she tried to struggle against her bindings.

"Don't worry it won't be much longer all of your pain will be gone soon enough." Death said.

He wasn't going to be cruel about it. His little master just wanted their bodies displayed in a certain way. She was just unlucky however as he needed some human blood for one of his other projects. Hence why she was still alive at that moment.

Once in the ritual room he laid her down on a smaller circle than the one used on Remus. Death almost felt sorry for her, almost, as he looked at her tear-stained face. He simply grasped her head on either side and twisted till he heard a quiet snap. Death then activated the circle and cut her wrists open.

The blood would be gathered by the circle which connected to a dimensional rift. Said rift sits just above his blood collection pool, in his potions and ritual room near his office. Death went back down to the holding cells for Aberforth. Death did the same thing to him now he just had to wait a few minutes for the blood to drain. Then Death would start making his display before rigor mortis sets in. It would be quite hard to do what he has to especially, in Aberforth's case if the bodies stiffen. So he decided to pop back down the hall to check on the Dursley's.

They were wide-eyed and shaking as he approached them. They scurried back, like scared cockroaches until they hit the back wall. Death had removed the curse that he'd originally left them with the one that made them feel everything they had put Harry through. Death let his magic loose to drape all over the three of them. Petunia screeched as she felt it, he chuckled he wasn't even going to hurt them.

Death was just cleaning them up so that they would be presentable to his little master. He then strolled back to his other projects, just as he'd predicted, they were finished bleeding. Death vanished their clothes and he started humming jingle bells, as he started twisting their limbs.

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Hogwarts/Morning - Dumbledore's pov

Albus was dressed in his favorite set of red and orange robes sucking on a lemon drop. He was relatively pleased at the moment. Lily, Arianna, and James had been gone for a few days. While he should be suspicious of their absence, he'd take their silence as a good thing.

Maybe now he could focus more on everything else going on. As he came down the stairs and into the entrance hall he popped another lemon drop in his mouth. He met Minerva at the bottom, she'd been very suspicious of him earlier. He knew that the recent events had shaken a lot of her beliefs and trust in him.

But she hadn't made any effort to stop him or leave the Order. So only time would really tell with her. Albus actually liked Minerva and didn't want to tamper with her like the others. But if she gave him no choice...well. They went to enter the great hall. It was early so they would be the only ones in there. Upon opening the doors Minerva let out a scream at the scene in front of the teacher's table. His face grew ashen, Albus nearly choked on his lemon drop, at the sight of Aberforth and Hestia.

Hestia was wearing a flowing white dress her hair was free, her right hand was held high holding the sword of Gryffindor. A halo of light sat atop her head, her other hand held a scale, one side had a human heart in it, and the other had a picture in a frame.

A picture he recognized all too well it was of him and Gellert when they were younger. It was of the first Christmas they had spent together to be more precise. Aberforth was the worst, Hestia was at least recognizable. Aberforth however...if he wasn't his brother he'd never recognize him. He was held suspended his feet bound together, his arms were completely twisted, around his body.

One hand was visible on his hip where it had rested after the arm came around his body. His other hand appeared just above his head, it had a tree topper shaped like a star. His eyeballs, hung free from their sockets. Ornament hooks pierced his skin, dangling white ornaments with pictures on them. With a closer look Albus realized with horror that they had more photos on them.

Some of them were with Gellert, a few were pictures of him and Molly together. But the worst one yet was the two hanging off of his brother's earlobes. One had him standing just outside the Godric's Hollow, the night the Potter's died with Peter Pettigrew. The other one was of him standing on the shore of Tom's inferi cave with Regulus Black.

Garland and tinsel were also wrapped around his body, all in all, he looked like a fucked up Christmas tree. Albus suddenly, remembered Minerva's presence as she gasped at the horrid sight. He carefully removed his wand out of the folds of his robe and shot a sleeping spell at her.

She crumpled to the ground, he had to obliviate her and change her memories. He had to get rid of the bodies... and just as he was about to lock the great hall's doors. Arianna and Lily appeared giggling, as they danced around the "tree" and "angel". James sat in his chair grinning as he watched the two women and cheered them on.

"BLAST YOU, DAMNED, GHOSTS GET OUT OF HERE!" Albus shouted.

"Oh, what's the matter Dumbledore! Enjoy the festivities he left them just for you!" James said.

He... which he? His mystery shadow man or Gellert? Either way the bodies had to vanish. Albus couldn't afford anymore scrutiny then he already had.

"Aww, what's the matter Albie? Everyone pays the price eventually, did you really think that everything you did wouldn't come back in spades?" Arianna teased.

"Of course he didn't Ari he's too arrogant. Death is ever so anxious to greet and judge you Albus. You fucked everything up and now the people you screwed over will have justice." James said.

With a smirk James drew Lily close and danced with her around the tree.

Fucking ghosts!!!

Wait Death??? Actual Death... were he and Gell right? 

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Peverell Manor same time- Harry's Pov

Even short on sleep Sirius was like an excited child, he was prancing around the largest sitting room. He was currently tossing about red, green, and silver confetti. While Harry, Death, and Regulus sat in the couches holding coffee mugs. They were trying not to wince at Sirius's behavior and his volume. They'd come to a silent agreement to let Sirius do whatever he wanted.

Since this was his first holiday in well over a decade. But it was way too early for all of this madness, the sun hadn't even peeked over the horizon yet! Dante shuffled in with a shaky looking Remus who was clinging to his arm.

"Rem are you okay? Do you need help?" Harry asked, Sirius immediately stopped what he was doing.

"I tried to get Remus to let me carry him, but he wouldn't let me as thin as he is I was afraid I might hurt him if he struggled." Dante said, he sat Remus down on the sofa next to Harry.

Dante stayed close to his other side while Sirius walked around and stopped in front of Remus.

"Rem, how are you feeling?" Sirius asked, softly.

"Like I got trampled by a herd of hippogriffs... everything hurts." Remus replied, with a groan.

Sirius gave him a worried look.

"Well, now that everyone is here we can give out presents. Sirius has been super hyper waiting for them." Harry said, still trying not to wince.

"Yes, let's do this already I'm getting a headache from the confetti." Regulus said.

Harry had noticed that the confetti was made out of some kind of shiny paper or foil. It was very eye-catching and very annoying trying to keep it out of their coffee. Sirius went about sorting out all the gifts to the respective people. Harry's eyebrows reached, his hairline at the large amount addressed to him.

Death handed him two, that he said needed Harry's attention first. The tags on the box were from Mrs. Weasley and he had three separate letters. Using his wand, Harry went over the box and found a lot of compulsion charms. Harry scowled before opening, the box with his wand he found a sweater and some biscuits. The sweater also had some compulsion charms and some behavioral spells.

With a quick pass over with his Lord rings, over the biscuits. It revealed they were laced with some kind of potion or poison. Harry gave the box to Death who promptly got up and tossed it in the fire. Harry did revealing charms. for all three letters, of course. Dumbledore's came back with tracking spells and more compulsions.

When will those morons realize they don't work anymore? It was almost lazy, like Dumbledore truly believed Harry to be dumb enough to get ensnared by them. Dumbledore's consisted of wishing him a happy holiday. And trying to convince him that the Weasley's weren't that bad. He further stated that Harry should go visit his relatives who missed him deeply. Harry snorted, he knew for a fact they didn't miss him.

The second one was from Ginny. Since real Ginny was in a magical coma in the chamber of secrets it had to be from golem Ginny. She told him that Dumbledore had been stopping by even more frequently. And that the Order had been coming and going, from the Weasley's house at odd hours. So far Dumbledore hadn't trusted her enough for anything useful just yet. 

But it was good to know that the Order was becoming more active. Harry just needed to know the identity of the other members. So that Harry could use the deathnote more often if he used it too much someone might catch on. Not that anyone would ever connect them to Death, that didn't mean that someone couldn't figure it out. The odds of that happening were less than one percent at best.

So far Amelia was the only one investigating the murders that he'd orchestrated. The third letter was from the Ministry notifying him of the disappearance of his muggle relatives. Harry grinned, this was just too good they were missing! He gave the letters to Death who tossed them into the fire as well.

Nobody, else besides Death and Regulus had seen what had happened just now. And he wasn't going to ruin everybody else's good moods with Dumbledore's bullshit. Harry sincerely hoped Dumbles liked his present a lot of effort and thoughtfulness had gone into it.

Harry had received : three books about magical plants from Neville, he received the papers for and licenses for a newspaper from Luna. He got a box of vials containing potions ingredients from Theo, and dragonhide gloves from Daphne. Three pairs of cufflinks from Pansy, and some quidditch gear from Sirius. Books about obscure rituals from Regulus, and a soft cashmere scarf from Hannah. Three silver and gold hairpins from Blaise, and Susan gave him a collection of plushies. One was a large Raven, with a banner hanging off its neck that said Harry's menagerie. Harry pulled out two lions, three badgers, two ravens, and four snakes. They were smaller in size, and each had a little collar, that had each of his friend's names on them. Just near the bottom of her package, was a small one, that looked like Hedwig. He smiled and pickup "Blaise's" raven that had a tiny secondary tag, that said "best owl daddy". Harry laughed out loud, causing everyone to look at him. His friends, just loved teasing Blaise about their shared "baby". It never failed to get Blaise blushing. Someone cleared their throat and Harry looked up, to see Death was looking at him.

"Little master my gifts for you are in the dungeons when you are ready to play with them." Death said.

Hmm, now which people did he get for Christmas he wondered briefly. Until a smirk spread across his face, a letter saying his relatives were missing that came on Christmas. Oh, yes the Dursley's time was long overdue.

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Sometime later- Harry's pov

After a breakfast of Christmas cookies and fruit cake Harry was on his way to the dungeons. Harry grinned upon seeing them, Death had told him what he'd done to them so far. Honestly, it was a very creative punishment for them. He vaguely wondered if they had learned anything from the experience. Nah...they probably learned nothing at all.

"Hey, guys did you miss me?" Harry asked, they looked at him in shock.

Before Vernon's face turned red and he stomped over to the bars.

"Freak get us out of here!" Vernon roared.

His face had turned an ugly shade of puce as Harry continued to smirk at them.

"I don't think so Vernon, your playing by my rules now. And It's about time you all pay for what happened to me!" Harry said, watching their faces.

He decided, that he'd play with Petunia first. Harry cast sticking charms to Dudley and Vernon. While he bound and levitated Petunia out of the cell slamming the door behind her. Just down the hall back in the ritual room where he found the room set up to his liking. Death had brought his favorite torture altar with an assembly of knives and needles.

Harry laid her down on the altar and watched as the binds spread thin and only secured her hands and legs. He then made sure to strip her while also placing thin swatches of white cloth to cover essential areas, that Harry so didn't want to see. He then saw fit to let her speak, but only when he wanted her to.

"Auntie Tuney, I've always wanted to ask you why? You are just smart enough to realize that you aren't leaving here alive. So you might as well tell me the truth for once." Harry said, she glared at him before her face went slack.

"Why do I need a reason, you're unnatural, destroying our lives from the very first we took you in!" She said, venom lacing every single word he narrowed his eyes.

"Tsk, tsk Tuney, we both know there's more to it than that. So I'll ask you again why!" Harry asked, his voice firmer.

He had his suspicions about why he just wanted to hear her confirm it.

"Your mother we were once so close her and I. But once our family found out she was magical it was like I didn't exist. Our parents fawned over her for being so damned special! And worse yet she was leaving for that fancy school, leaving me behind alone. Even that weird kid Snape from down the road got to be special. I was left behind, our parents always seemed to look at me with disappointment after that. Over the years we talked less and less, so my resentment for her grew. I didn't even invite her to my wedding, not that it mattered because our parents didn't come to mine either. But they were so happy and ecstatic after attending hers. We ceased all contact after that. I didn't hear about her again until that old man came to drop you off. He said she'd gotten herself, blown up by somebody and it served her right!" Petunia said.

Jealousy that was what he'd suspected from the beginning, but how do you just stop caring about someone? If they were as close as Petunia described then how could she just not talk to her sister? It did explain her irrational hatred of all things magical though. Harry grabbed one of his needles and jabbed it into her throat out of spite. A gargled scream ripped from her throat. Her eyes went wide with shock as blood flowed in rivulets down her face. Harry had heard enough of her pettiness she should've been happy for Lily.

Harry had to admit though if what she'd said about their parents was true. Then they were in the wrong too and just as responsible for her actions. Monsters weren't born they were made through life and experience. It all goes back to nature versus nurture issue. That being said, he believed that no one person was inherently evil.

Harry himself was the nicest person possible before coming back. Now he tortured and murdered people after what was done to him. Granted, he also planned on making their world better by fully taking up a position as the neutral lord. Things would change, but first he had to destroy the cancerous corruption that ran wild in their community.

If it happened to benefit his plans for revenge well that was just a side bonus. Harry turned his attention back to Petunia and started a bone splinting healing charm. Good if your bones are actually broken, bad if not. He watched as the bones twisted and broke trying to heal what wasn't broken. Some of the bones even burst through her skin. He loved finding different ways to repurpose spells. Harry then decided to cast an Augamenti Maximus, that came out in a rush instead of a tiny stream over her face.

Harry could recall a childhood memory of her trying to drown him in a bathtub. If it hadn't been for some accidental magic he wouldn't have lived to see age five. So he felt no sympathy for her as she choked and gurgled. He stopped the spell and reset the runes, she healed immediately afterward gasping for breath. So Harry started a weak fire spell, she'd placed his wrist and hands over the open stove burners a few times. She did this because he'd burned breakfast by accident. He started running, his wand along the skin of her palms. She struggled in her binds and screamed as the skin bubbled, peeled, and blackened falling off in strips.

Harry did the same to her other hand. And even a few spots on her legs and shoulders. It truly was a feat of magic, that he was still alive to be able to go to Hogwarts let alone be an adult. He healed her again and brought his container of needles closer. One time Petunia had been forced to take him with her to a friend's house. While Dudley played with a puppy he'd been sitting there too afraid to do anything. Harry knew what would happen if he wasn't good enough and of course, the adults had forgotten about him.

Petunia's friend Nelly had brought out finger sandwiches, Nelly took Petunia away to see her newest silver tea set. He couldn't help himself, he was so very hungry. So Harry looked around cautiously and took two of the sandwiches and hid behind the couch. Harry ate them as fast as he dared, his stomach protesting at the first food he'd eaten in days. Harry thought that it would be better if he could get a few more and wrap them in the napkins. Surely just two more wouldn't be missed so he'd crawled out. Harry didn't see anyone, so he reached for the platter again except he hadn't heard Petunia come back without her friend. She'd grabbed a sewing needle from a spool of yarn and stabbed it through his hand. He learned long ago, that crying or screaming would only make it worse on him. She pulled it out and wiped it down with a napkin. Harry hid his hand in his oversized sweater in time for Nelly to return.

Looking at the needles now Harry wasn't sure where he wanted to stab her the most. So he started with her hands, pinning each finger down like a butterfly specimen. He mirrored everything on her other side. Before he started placing them in her eyes. When he was satisfied she looked like an ugly porcupine with metal quills.

He decided to end it, Death had made sure that each of them felt every ounce of pain they had inflicted upon him. Harry was satisfied with her end now. He canceled the runes keeping her alive and used a severing hex, to cut deep gashes into her arms. Blood sprayed out hitting his chest, but Harry didn't care. He held her gaze until the moment her heart stopped and her breath ceased. Harry smiled feeling the weight of her presence in his life disappear. Whoever said there, was no satisfaction in revenge never had his life. Harry decided, that Vernon and Dudley could wait. A nice long soak in the tub sounded divine right about now.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter Text

KingsCross station- no pov

People were waiting in small groups while some were by themselves. They were waiting to board the trains for work or perhaps maybe even a trip. Women gossiped, men in suits tapping their feet impatiently checking their pocket watches. Two little girls were skipping back and forth between columns, an elderly man was reading a newspaper and smoking his pipe.

It was the holidays so the station was very busy. Nobody saw the danger that lurked in the inky shadows. Nobody saw the men hidden away in dark red robes. Their faces covered by hoods the Alliance symbol on their fronts. As soon a train arrived and people exited the train they spread out.

Unaware of the danger people bustled about in a mass crowd. They drew their wands and carefully made sure to be out of each other's path. Three of them erected a barrier and then all hell broke free. Killing curses and severing curses, flew freely, blood sprayed and people screamed running for the exits they couldn't reach. A few of them even boarded the train, picking off people as they were found hiding.

And just as suddenly as it had started it became deathly quiet. The men disapparated and dropped the barrier bodies lay strewn about blood dripped from the walls. Not a single person survived...

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Gellert's Pov

Gustav had just left after reporting to him that it was done. He'd just gotten out of prison and needed to send dear Albie, a message that he couldn't ignore him. Gellert tented his fingers pondering his next move the current dark lord was nowhere to be found. Which was interesting considering he could feel that the current lord was dead. Unlike Albie, Voldemort was a chosen lord much like Gellert himself had been. He'd been spending a lot of time as Amelia, many of the Ministry employees think that Albus is nuts. No, activity whatsoever... just a missing dark lord and an old man many thought senile.

That's not to say he hadn't met a few of Albus's sycophants, he'd met plenty of those. Gellert had to admit Albie had covered his ass quite well. Hardly any information, about himself was in the Ministry's archives. The Ministry seemed to be divided into groups, those who support Albus, the death eaters hidden about, the neutral, and the idiots who seemed to think Fudge was a good horse to back. Merlin help the fools who thought Fudge was worth backing. The man was beyond dense...or perhaps selectively stupid would be a better phrasing. 

It wouldn't be hard to cause chaos here, that place was a powder keg waiting to blow. How Britain was still standing was an absolute mystery to Gellert, this kind of dysfunctionality shouldn't even work. No matter Albie will remember him soon enough for now, he needed to find out who else was playing with Albus. If it wasn't Voldemort then who knew all of Albie's dirty little secrets? The problem was that Albus was too arrogant believing himself untouchable.

He'd been that way as well except for he'd learned from his mistakes. Prison tended to do that to a person, making them think about why they were there. And how it all could've been avoided, he never should've made that pact with Albus. Then he'd be dead and nothing would've stopped Gellert, he was brought down by love of all things. Completely ridiculous he sneered.

No matter things would happen soon enough. Regardless of Voldemort's living status...if he didn't meet the requirements to be a dark lord... Every chosen lord had a specific task that lady magic wanted fulfilled. The task was to be done as payment for the powers granted to each lord. You complete the task and all is well...if you don't well no one knows what happens. Just that it's heavily encouraged to not piss off lady magic. Now if a lord not only fails to complete their task but neglect their followers...their people. Well, the backlash isn't pretty and is heavily warned against. But it also leaves a power void that can be filled by another. If Voldemort continued to remain silent...and didn't fulfill his task. It only helped Gellert more in the long run.

Then it would be all too easy to retrieve his former title. So long as Voldemort neglected his position....it would be up for grabs for anyone. Well, anyone who knew how to curry the favor of the lady magic. The real question was if he could retake it...what would lady magic ask of him? What she wants...may not be possible for him to give. If the price was against what he'd striven for...what he'd murdered for...Then Gellert would have to settle for being a dark lord in title only. He would be denied access to all the magic that every chosen lord is granted. 

Of course that may well gain nothing but scorn from lady magic. For now it would Gellert would wait and gain his people back. Knowledge was power and right now Gellert needed power. 

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Harry's pov

Harry was currently setting the altar back up so that he could have a little fun with duddikins and the whale. There was a sense of lightness after he'd dealt with Petunia. It was hard to explain but the feeling had been very close to relief and happiness. She couldn't hurt him anymore nor could she spread her hate around.

He hoped his mother was giving her hell for everything she'd done to him. Upon bringing Petunia's lifeless body back into the dungeons this morning Dudley had fainted and Vernon grew pale before turning his usual reddish-purple.

Vernon threw his body against the bars reaching and struggling against the bars. Harry smirked as he simply froze Vernon and hauled Dudley out. Harry revived Dudley who blinked his eyes open slowly, not quite sure where he was. Dudley tried to move his hands and started panicking, when his hands and arms wouldn't move. His eyes finally landed on a smirking Harry.

"You, I knew you were bad! How could you do that to mum? You really are a freak!" Dudley shouted.

He glared at Harry, the smirk never came off of Harry's face. Harry merely walked closer to him.

"No, Dudley if anyone here is freakish it's you and your family!" Harry said.

Dudley flushed red, Harry glared at him and started again.

"You walk around thinking you are better than everybody else. Roaming around the neighborhood bullying innocent kids. So Duddikins why did you do that?" Harry asked.

Harry was just curious to see if there actually was a reason why. Harry doubted it, Dudley wasn't a deep person he was about as shallow as a kiddy pool.

"Why does there have to be a reason?" Dudley spat, disgust on his face.

Harry looked through Dudley's mind not finding anything useful. So he really was a bully just to be a bully. That was just sad and pathetic on levels Harry didn't want to think about.

He'd called Harry a freak, but at least he didn't get off on hurting people weaker than him. Everything Harry did in regards to his revenge was a business transaction... it was all personal. A grin spread across his face as Dudley cringed at the sight. Dudley had loved playing, 'Harry Hunt' with his disgusting friends. Well, let the punishment fit the crime so to speak.

"Death!" Harry said.

Death appeared behind Harry, who merely turned around while Dudley jerked back and squeaked.

"Little master I see that you are playing well with others." Death said, sarcasm heavy in his voice.

Harry snorted.

"I need a maze for Dudley, but sorta like the altar. So he won't die while we're playing. He used to chase me around a lot. Let's find out just how he likes being the helpless prey." Harry said, as tiny notes of suppressed anger showed in his voice.

Death lifted an eyebrow.

"Do you think, I just have random things that you want laying around all the time?" Death asked, sarcastically.

Harry gave him an imperious look, before Death sighed.

"Yes, I do have something similar but it's not mine. It's an ancient replica that is similar to the one the minotaur was held in. It's Greek in origin and... well it can be cleaned and booby-trapped." Death said, his shoulders slumping.

Harry grinned.

"Super I think Duddikins, could use some exercise. We make him unkillable and if something eats him, well that's twice the fun." Harry said, with a grin.

Death simply looked at him.

"Oh, little master nothing you ask for surprises me anymore." Death said.

Harry gave him the most innocent look he could muster.

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Dumbledore's pov

Albus sat at his desk sipping tea. He was exhausted he'd just finished getting rid of the bodies. Most didn't know it, but Hogwart's grounds had been used many times over as a battleground. Thousands of dead wizards, goblins, centaurs, and even a few dragons were buried right under their feet. Hogwarts was a historic school, but few knew of its bloody history.

Two more bodies, wouldn't make a difference in the grand scheme of things. But Hogwarts had fought him every step of the way she'd stopped the staircases from moving. Moved various corridors to other areas so he would get lost in unused sections. Eventually, he'd found the ward stones and buried them in the dirt there.

As if that wasn't annoying enough the castle continued to rebel as he made his way back to McGonagall. He still needed to tinker with her memory of this morning. He'd even gotten his foot caught in practically every stair! He was headmaster dammit!

This pile of rocks was supposed to be loyal to him and do everything he told it to. Once he'd made it to McGonagall's rooms the castle refused to let her wards down so that he could get to her again. At the time Albus had deemed the bodies more important and had simply, taken her to her quarters. Thank Merlin she wouldn't be capable of waking on her own or he'd have a lot of explaining to do. Even after finishing with her memories he had to go back to the great hall.

The house-elves had rebelled and refused to clean up the pooled blood. In the end, Albus had cleaned it himself and thank Merlin it was the weekend and a holiday. Everyone had slept in, Minerva and himself were the only early risers. But that was way too close, had it been any other day he wouldn't have been able to cover it up. Albus didn't need two more bodies connected to him, it was bad enough that he'd had to shelve his plans for Potter and Riddle.

Gellert himself was the main threat, he knew far too much about him. And those blasted ghosts he'd found nothing as to why they were haunting him. Nobody else could, see or hear them but he could and if anyone heard what they said to him... it would be bad. He'd have to find Gellert first before he could fight back otherwise he was just left to sit and wait. His thoughts were interrupted by the floo going off. Tonks tripped out of the grate her hair was purple today.

"Miss Tonks, why are you here?" He said, his eyebrow rose.

"It's awful there was a massacre at Kingscross station the muggle half." She said, as she got up off the floor.

"WHEN!" He shouted.

"Early this morning around four or five am." She replied, in confusion he paled.

"Was there anything special about the scene?" He asked.

"Umm, I'm not sure..." She trailed off, as he grabbed her arms and shook her.

"Remember harder dammit!" He shouted, her eyes went wide.

"The wall... the wall!" She said, shock evident in her demeanor.

"What about the wall Tonks? I need to know!" Albus said, angrily.

She looked at him with shock and a little fear.

"The wall there was a message in blood, 'It said for the greater good. Did you miss me Albie?'." Tonks said.

He backed away from her and started pacing back and forth with wild eyes.

"What does that mean exactly?" She asked, tentatively.

He turned to her as if remembering her presence.

"You stupid girl we have two dark lords to fight now. Just count yourself, lucky that Voldemort hasn't surfaced yet." He shouted, before he started pacing again and mumbling.

Tonks didn't bother him again and backed out of his office door.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Harry's pov

This was awesome! Death really did make the best dad in the world. Harry was spoiled and he loved every second of it. Death had set up this maze that existed through a dimensional pocket space. They literally floated over it, with Harry snuggled into Death's arms.

The creatures and other traps were wicked! He'd decided to do both Dudley and Vernon, this way there would be loads mental trauma too. They were back in the real world, as Death had insisted he ate before spending hours torturing the last of his family. Harry was still cuddled up on Death's lap talking quietly.

"Wow, someone looks comfortable." He looked up to see Sirius come in.

"I am how is Remy doing?" Harry asked.

"Not too bad, he's sorta been how do I put it going at it with Dante. And I don't mean in a sexy way either, Dante doesn't know Remus like we do. He just went for the throat so to speak and started up about Moony. Man, I thought I didn't have any tact." Sirius said, Harry snorted.

"Yeah, he just met Remus. Talking about Moony is not something Remus wants to talk about. And on top of that Dante did it on his own, he didn't have you or me there. Of course, Remus is going to react badly to him sticking his nose in." Harry said.

They ate in relative quietness everyone else seemed to be out, or not sociable right at the moment. That didn't damper Harry's mood in the slightest, Death followed him after breakfast. Dudley and Vernon were already waiting near the maze. Death floated them just high enough to have the entire view, of the maze. They couldn't die in it, but they would end up back at the entrance if they sustained too much damage.

Death released the binds on the two of them. They looked around confused as to where they were since the maze was in a dimensional pocket. There was no sky, no wind, and the only water was in the maze. Harry watched curiously, waiting for them to reach the first set of obstacles. It was a large row, from side to side of barbed wire.

It was too tall to walk over, but impossible to go through without cutting yourself everywhere. Harry watched them try to turn around, but neither of them found a way out. The walls were simply too tall to scale without footholds.

The two of them decided to stay where they were instead of going through the wire. That didn't sit right with Harry though, he wanted blood and pain. All the times they beat him, every scar, he wanted them to feel helpless... worthless even. He'd had Death look through Vernon's mind, the only reason for his behavior. Was an extreme dislike for all things different. For everything that didn't fit into his perfect cookie-cutter, white picket fence life. And that disgusted Harry more than anything at least Petunia was a jealous bitch.

But Dudley and Vernon, were like this by choice and refused to believe they were wrong for their beliefs. These two were pathetic in every way! Death had told him what Dudley had been up to when he caught him. So he decided to have Death, summon a Cerberus to walk up behind them.

It started to growl and the two turned around their faces paled with wide terrified eyes. With nowhere else to go and nowhere to hide they ran for the wiring, as the Cerberus snapped its jaws. It barely missed, the two of them as they tried to delicately move through the wiring. Their clothes were ripped and both were bleeding from scratches. Death stopped the Cerberus from going any further, they rounded a corner and stopped to catch their breaths.

They didn't notice that they weren't alone as an Acromantula, crept down the wall towards them. Dudley saw it first as he let out a shrill scream at seeing the spider. The look of terror on Vernon's face, would bring Harry comfort for years to come. They took off running as the spider chased them into an open space with a pool of inky black water. The fools ran into the water up to their ankles thinking the spider wouldn't follow and it didn't.

But they forgot that they were bleeding the idiot fools. Blue scaled arms shot out of the water and dragged them down. Merpeople struggled and clawed at their bodies until one of them started stabbing at Dudley and Vernon with a spear. The pain made them lose the last air in their lungs, they started choking and gasping as their bodies drown. Both of them reappeared at a different location in the maze to start again.

A dry desert like area stretched out in front of them. Dudley tried his best to his best to hide behind Vernon. Their eyes roved around looking for any of the strange creatures they'd just seen. Vernon nodded at Dudley as they tried to stay close to the wall. They moved slowly...both of them looked absolutely terrified. It was too little too late for them however. Because the moment they had appeared giant beady red eyes had tracked their movement.

Harry held his breath in anticipation as he saw the first movement. Just under the sand something massive was moving towards the unaware duo. Vernon was too focused on not loosing sight of the wall as they advanced. And Dudley did nothing but follow his father helplessly. So neither was looking back out at the vast dunes of sand. The creatures spikey tail pierced the surface first before the sand fell away to reveal it. A scorpion the size of Aragog stood watching the still unaware idiots. It's pincers were huge and it's eyes were easily the size of basketballs. It's sleek armored body was all black against the tan of the sand.

Oh, Merlin those fools were making it too easy for the scorpion.

It clicked it's pincers finally drawing the attention of Dudley and Vernon. Dudley screeched and tried to back up further into the wall. Vernon froze as he stared back into the creatures eyes. Harry grinned as Death floated them down a little lower.

"Vernon! Dudley! Welcome to my world bitches!" Harry shouted.

Vernon and Dudley scowled at him...the scorpion however hadn't even looked in Harry's direction. It scuttled forward and missed Dudley by mere inches with it's tail. Dudley screamed as he got up shaking a pincer smashed into the ground near him. Like idiots they took off and ran out into the sands. It scuttled after them surprisingly fast for it's size. The scorpion kept trying to strike with it's tail but missed them narrowly. Tick...tock it was only a matter of time. Those two weren't very healthy and they most definitely didn't exercise. They would tire soon and become scorpion food before the maze reset.

The scorpion burrowed down into the sand and disappeared. Meanwhile Dudley and Vernon had slowed down gasping for breath as they looked around. The dunes were quiet and unmoving as they rested briefly. Harry almost cackled as he saw the sand start to move just fifty feet away and closing in fast. Death rested his chin atop Harry's head and was grinning mischievously.

"Oh, little master you have the best ideas!" Death crowed.

Their talk drew Vernon's attention as he looked from them and finally saw the moving sand. 

"Dudley run!" Vernon shouted.

They started running again despite how tired they were. The sand erupted just behind Vernon as it speared the man right through the chest with it's tail. It caught Dudley with it's left pincer and started squeezing. Dudley came apart in a shower of gore as Vernon too took his last breath. The area shifted and swirled as the maze's magic kicked in and shifted again.

This time they landed in a series of dark tunnels. Harry narrowed his eyes and that was when he heard it. Incoherent hissing was coming from nearby. A smooth long and sleek shape came into view. Harry squinted in the darkness trying to see what the creature was. He got distracted as Vernon and Dudley awoke and looked around. Death touched the wall closest to where they floated. Light streamed trough various openings in the ceiling. The chamber was revealed rather than the earthen tunnels Harry thought it was. 

He shifted in Death's lap as flashbacks to his first trip into the chamber of secrets. His eyes widened as he could finally make out the massive shape of Nilexi. Harry hadn't gotten around to trying to talk to her just yet. 

"You took Nilexi from Hogwarts! The old man didn't see you did he?" Harry asked.

Death shrugged and tightened his arms around Harry.

"No, he was too busy hiding bodies to notice anything. Besides the Chamber is below the ward lines...the goat wouldn't have sensed me serpent-napping her." Death replied, nonchalantly. Like it wasn't a big deal that he'd kidnapped a sixty-foot long a thousand tear old serpent.

"Why did you even bring her here? It would've been easier to kidnap other creatures for the maze!" Harry said.

"She was in hibernative-like coma. I thought she could use a little fresh air. The only draw back was that Nilexi is used to the pipes in Hogwarts. I was worried that sunlight might be bothersome to her eyes. She's lived in the Chamber her whole life." Death replied.

Harry sighed he wouldn't begrudge her, her freedom. In the sewer pipes of Hogwarts for a thousand years...that was way more horrible then the cupboard. At least Harry got to leave the cupboard...Nilexi never escaped her prison. He vowed to one day take Nilexi from the Chamber...there had to be a way. Splashes of water gained his attention as Vernon and Dudley started walking. Slowly they walked just by the open passage where Nilexi was waiting. The secondary lid of her eye covering it's deadly affects watched the unaware people as they moved just inches from her. Harry saw her large tongue flick out to taste the air after they had passed.

"SSS Must kill...need to be strong enough for master's return SSS" Nilexi hissed.

She slithered behind them dislodging the water in the tunnel. Until they walked into a large area that was tall enough for Nilexi to rear up. As Vernon tried to pull on some bars blocking a grate Dudley noticed they weren't alone. Dudley turned his head to the right and went pale as a sheet. Nilexi tilted her head to fix him with milky bight yellow slitted eyes. Yes, that second eyelid was useful...but ultimately ruined the look of her eyes. He backed into his father's back which made Vernon smack into the grate and wall. 

Cursing the fat man turned to give his son a piece of his mind. Upon seeing Dudley like that with his eyes fixed on something. He finally saw the massive snout of Nilexi mere inches from them. Nilexi opened her mouth showing off her impressive fangs before lunging. Dudley had barely managed to escape as Nilexi swallowed Vernon. Harry clutched Death's arm as Nilexi brought her head up and blood dripped down her snout. Dudley was running from wall to wall looking for a way out. Nilexi's tail was still within the tunnel they came from so going back was impossible. But even Harry could see that the room was a dead end.

She watched Dudley running and reared her head back readying for a strike. He never saw it coming as Nilexi struck again fast. She actually bothered to chew a little with her teeth before swallowing. The crunch of bones reminded him of just how close he'd come to dying like that. It just made Harry even more angry at Dumbledore for forcing him into all those situations.

"You'll put her back into the Chamber right?" Harry asked, softly.

Death crushed him in a hug.

"Yeah, she'll go back to sleep and we'll wake her up later. We can't guarantee that she won't turn on you Harry. Until we know she has to be in a place we can contain her. I know it bothers you to keep her locked away like you had been. But if you don't want your little friends hurt she has to sleep. Later you and Tom can take her away when we know for sure someone can handle her." Death said.

"I know you're right...I just..." Harry stopped.

"You hate seeing someone or something innocent being used and imprisoned. It all goes back to how you yourself were treated. The best thing we can do for her is keep her asleep in the Chamber." death replied.

Harry nodded and rested his head against Death's shoulder. The maze shifted again and dropped the horrified and shaking forms of Dudley and Vernon on the ground.   

They stood in a forested area the maze walls were still visible, but trees and grass were under their feet. They took a moment to rest, all the while gasping and looking around for the next horror. Standing Vernon decided to lead them cautiously into the trees. Both of them tried to be as quiet as possible, but it wasn't enough. From the shadows of one of the walls a minotaur emerged hefting a large gold and black double-headed great axe.

"This time let them die." Harry said, dispassionately.

Death nodded as they both watched with bated breath.

Vernon saw the minotaur and jumped to his right as the axe came down. A howl broke through the wood as Vernon ran after Dudley, they turned corner after corner. Until they hit a dead end... horror crossed their faces as they turned around shaking. The minotaur stomped into view, axe gripped in its hands, a shadow shifted behind it.

A tall two-legged creature with grey skin and black fur, its eyes were red and its snout was snarling vicious razor teeth. Spindly long and sharp claws clenched at its sides.... a Wendigo. Dudley was brave enough to try and run around the minotaur.

It dropped the axe and backhanded him into a wall before advancing on him. Dudley's crumpled body hit the ground hard with a thud. A scream left his body as the Minotaur brought his axe down on Dudley for the final time. Vernon had it much worse, the wendigo didn't even give him an opportunity to run. It tackled him to the ground as it sunk its teeth into his shoulder and tore into Vernon with it's claws. Blood and viscera coated the ground and walls.

Harry found the irony rather funny, Vernon had been a glutton...he was always eating. Now Vernon was the one being eaten. Harry smiled, that feeling of peace coursed through him. This was the closure he'd needed from the very beginning. They had taken great pleasure in hurting him...in chasing him. It was why he chose this punishment for them. Death took Harry back to the Manor and dropped Harry into Sirius's lap, still wrapped in Death's cloak.

"My you are cuddly today any special reason?" Siri asked.

"No, not particularly." Harry said.

"Little one don't forget to pack your trunk up tonight. Hogwarts misses you little one." Death said, before he disappeared.

Tomorrow was the day Harry returned to Hogwarts for the rest of the school year.

He had to check on the real Ginny, after all, he'd been neglecting her to finish other projects. And that simply wouldn't do at all. Harry needed to talk to Salazar as well. But most important of all he had to figure out how to kidnap Snape at the end of the year.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry had finished packing earlier last night, currently he was just sitting in his room thinking. So much had changed from the original timeline. Death had confirmed as much when Harry had asked this morning. But it was still a bit disturbing to see first hand the changes wrought by his little murder spree. In the original timeline Tom had killed Grindelwald.

It had surprised Harry greatly to find this out. It was a difference that Harry had thought wouldn't make a difference. Now Grindelwald was out hunting Dumbles and had kidnapped Amelia. Amelia was supposed to be safe and Amelia was safe for the moment. Or so according to the reaper in charge of her safety that was.

Grindelwald might be focused on Dumbledore right now, but Harry had no doubts that he would resume his previous activities. The recent massacre was proof enough that he wasn't going to stop afterwards. The fact that no Aurors were aware of what happened until it was far too late smacked of his influence as Amelia.

According to Death a large amount of Aurors had been dispatched to four separate sites, due to reports of suspicious activity. They don't send entire squads for just suspicious activity, no it had supposedly been deatheater activity.

It was as brilliant as it was stupid in its simplicity to make the Ministry literally chase their tails. Grindelwald was using the obvious political division and using it to his advantage. Bones had a spot on the Wizengamot, he idly wondered if Grindelwald would use it to wage war against Dumbles from the inside. 

Harry was torn from his thoughts by an obviously frustrated Sirius, who came to tell him it was time. Sirius and Death took him to the train platform, yeah they could just drop him at the school's gates. But then Harry wouldn't get to catch up with his friends. And he actually liked the friends he had now. At least he knew that they weren't using him like Ron and Hermione had.

Harry hugged Siri and Death before making his way to the train. He was looking forward to returning to his home away from home.

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Dumbledore's Pov

Books crashed to the ground as Lily dodged just out of his reach. She and Arianna had been annoying him relentlessly today everywhere he went. Everything Albus did they were there to torment him. Even in the blasted shower! They had stolen his shampoo making him trip out of the shower to get it back. He'd bruised up his legs to hell and back from that fall.

Albus had tried to trim his beard a tiny bit and ended up taking off almost three inches! They had taken his trimming scissors and cut it unevenly before dodging out of his reach. He couldn't even get dressed, in peace they kept stealing his robes and making gagging noises at the colors.

This time they had stolen the items off the top of his desk. And replaced them with large chocolate bunnies that weirdly resembled, Albus in their faces. How the blast did they even do that? They were ghosts, ghosts can't do magic! Perhaps, the house-elves were helping them? Could the house-elves even see them? The portraits and other people weren't able to see them.

So to say he'd lost his temper was an understatement. He took another swipe at her before tripping over one of the chairs in front of his desk. They cackled at him, Merlin his damn back hurt. Before he could get up Lily hovered over him.

"I can't wait to see you die!" She shouted.

Lilly scratched his chest from shoulder to middle. Albus thought he was okay until the burning started. He touched where she'd scratched him and came away with blood. 

His eyes widened in shock they could touch him now! Hurt him! How was that possible? Ghosts couldn't affect the living unless they were poltergeists. The problem was that not many spells actually affected ghosts let alone poltergeists! Albus would try an exorcism...but since these spirits in particular just weren't normal. He'd be risking Ministry scrutiny if he did an exorcism. That form of magic was highly regulated thanks to laws he himself passed.  

It was maddening that they kept bothering him. He hissed out a pained breath as he rose from the ground. He was going to have to lie to Poppy. Albus closed his eyes and sighed deeply, this was not how he pictured today going. He had to get rid of them soon... they pissed him off and unnerved him.

Stumbling to the door he growled in contempt. They'd completely side-tracked him for the day. The Dursley's had gone missing recently. Normally he wouldn't care, but it was hard to regain control if his pawn had nowhere to go. He still couldn't locate any information on Peverell, and the goblins refused to help him. 

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Sirius's pov (Warning adult content coming)

"I don't want to keep arguing with you about this! Why can't you just accept that I don't want to!" Remus yelled.

Sirius rubbed his temples Dante had decided to try again. And now Azrael and Regulus were standing next to him. Sirius was so sick of hearing the same shit over and over. It had almost become a daily thing!

"It's not that bad your wolf is a part of you." Dante said, he was surprisingly calm.

"Has it ever occurred to you that I might be scared!" Silence reigned after Remus's quiet reply.

"There's nothing..." Dante started, but Sirius interrupted him.

"Enough!" Sirius shouted, he couldn't take another day of this.

They all looked at him their eyes wide. He turned to Dante first.

"You need to stop, he is obviously upset. Yes, he needs to be pushed but you have to draw the line somewhere. You don't even know Remus so instead of yelling at him. You should be asking him why he feels the way he does." Sirius said, he then turned around to Remus.

"And you need help Rem that shit was killing you. Worse yet it made Moony hurt you every full moon. If you really care about Harry and the rest of us then you need to fix this. Because I won't let Harry watch you die slowly because you were too stubborn to do it. You have a chance to be happy here Rem don't throw it away. If bonding with Moony means you get to stay with us, then it's not a choice its a necessity." Sirius said, trying to soften his anger a bit.

Remus just looked at him in shock. But Sirius wasn't done yet he rounded on Regulus next.

"And you, what the hell is wrong with you? You're smarter than this Reg, why do you think you don't deserve to be happy? Just because your not normal anymore doesn't mean that life isn't worth living. Reapers might not have mates, but werewolves do. And once Remus actually bonds with Moony, he'll recognize you the way Dante did. You have two people right here that want to be with you. If you didn't want to live you should've just stayed dead. I know that sounds bad, but living with no hope and fooling yourself into believing you have no future. What kind of life is that? Your trying to take the cowards way out. You died a hero and you have a second chance at everything. You are so lucky don't waste it." Sirius said, finally he turned to Azrael.

"When was the last damn time we had sex? I know your job is super crazy, but I need more than cuddles! Stop being interested in their drama I only get so much time with you as is. But you are more, concerned with these three idiots!" Sirius shouted, he grabbed onto the collar of Azrael's shirt.

"Sex now! Before I start strangling stupid people!" Sirius demanded.

Everyone just kept staring at him as he dragged Azrael out of the room. Seriously it was like living in a really bad muggle soap opera. It was really bad when he was the most stable and responsible adult in any given situation. Sirius didn't even know where he was going right now, so he just pulled Azrael into a random room. It was a sitting room with two leather chairs, a large rug, and books lining the walls.

Sirius was so done waiting, he shoved Azrael against the door kissing him hard. Sirius broke away and ripped at Azrael's shirt. Buttons flew off, Sirius wanted some skin now dammit! He kissed Azrael again, pulling him back further into the room. Sirius missed the rug, however and they overbalanced and fell. He landed on top of Azrael and laughed. Azrael brought his hand up, to caress his jaw looking Sirius in the eyes.

"My Star you know that I love you right?" Azrael asked.

"Of course I know that recently even though, you've been close. You just felt so far away and even though, I knew you were busy. I just felt like I was being selfish wanting you with me. People need to die I can't keep you from that." Sirius said, eyes closed face sad.

"No, you aren't being selfish Sirius. Its been a very long time since I've had any kind of relationship with anyone. I'm not used to going to an actual home and having someone wait up on me. I'm not used to people missing me and wanting to be near me. People find my magic and my presence unsettling. I promise that I will try to be here for you more often. " Azrael said.

Sirius couldn't help the slight jealousy that rose at the mention of other people.

But he had to concede that Death was crazy old, not that his age showed. But the promise of more time together did warm him up a little more.

"Good, cause I shouldn't have to turn crazy and kidnap my boyfriend for sex. That's just wrong on so many levels." Sirius said, as he leaned down and kissed him again.

This time a little softer and slower. He felt a small amount of magic and knew their clothes had disappeared. Azrael pulled away from him.

"What no magic lube?" Sirius teased, Azrael leveled him with a smoldering look.

"And If I said, I wanted you to sit on my face and let me tongue you open instead." Azrael said, Sirius looked at him face hot.

"Don't worry about smothering me don't need to breathe to live." Azrael said, with a wink... good Merlin. Sirius yelped in surprise as Azrael, turned him around to face his feet, gripped his hips and spread his legs apart. Another bit of magic, undoubtedly to clean him up before a tongue started licking just behind his balls. And slowly trailed a wet path down as he felt a nose part his cheeks.

Sirius let out an involuntary gasp as a slippery tongue poked at his hole. His hips moved a little trying not wiggle too much. The hands on his hips tightened slightly harder and pulled his hips all the way down. Sirius bit his lip and finally relented, grasping himself, he summoned a lube bottle and lathered himself up. Tightening his own hand, he used short fast strokes, he felt hot so close... Until he felt Azrael's magic coat his cock and tighten. Sirius groaned... really????

"Magic cock ring really?" Sirius said, giving Azrael an annoyed look his hips moved up slightly.

"Of course did you really, think I'd let you cum that quick? No, my Star you wanted to be fucked. It defeats the purpose of spending more time together, if you just cum love." Azrael said, laughing at Sirius's disgruntled face dammit.

A smack to Sirius's right cheek made him moan and shift his hips forward. Azrael chuckled and dropped his hands from Sirius's hips. Sirius shifted till he was facing Azrael again and crawled on top of him. Azrael fumbled around for the tube of lube, Sirius grabbed his hand.

"What makes you think I want lube, maybe I want to feel the burn, maybe I want to feel the ache afterwards." Sirius said, he looked Azrael in the eyes never breaking contact.

As he grasped Azrael's length, lined it up and slowly sank down. His hips shifted inch by inch, until his ass hit pelvis.

Sirius bit his lip as he adjusted to the feel, hands came up to hold his hips. He was so going to have a bruise tomorrow and he'd love every minute of it until they vanished. Sirius braced himself and slowly moved, up before taking a slow grind down. If he couldn't cum until Azrael did he'd make it sweet torture. Sirius tightened his grip on Azrael and went as slow as possible.

"Fair enough, little Star." He chuckled, before gripping Sirius's hips hard and thrusting up at a faster pace.

Oh, thank Merlin... wait he stopped?? Azrael locked Sirius's legs under his arms and rolled them, over pinning Sirius down.

Azrael pulled his hair back before kissing him, before burying his face into his neck. And nipping down Sirius's collar bone, while thrusting his hips. A few thrusts later Azrael bit into his shoulder, he felt the magic on his cock snap as they both came together.

They breathed heavily as Azrael collapse on top of him, Sirius dropped his legs and wiggled off of Azrael's cock before cuddling him close. Not caring that they both had cum spread out all over their stomachs.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////

Regulus's Pov (just after Sirius and Death left)

After Sirius had taken Death out they sat in silence not sure how to feel. Regulus knew that his brother was right it was stupid to be afraid to live again.

"Are you really scared of being alive?" Remus asked, his green eyes regarding him.

"Are you really scared of your wolf?" Regulus countered feeling oddly defensive.

Hurt shone, in those green eyes before Remus became silent again. Regulus sighed, dammit now he felt bad.

"Yeah, I am because everything that I was, was so horrifically stolen from me. So yeah, I'm afraid of getting attached to people again. Afraid of trusting people again in my life One doesn't just forget being eaten alive by Inferi. So it's really hard for me to just live again." Regulus said, not looking at the other two.

"But that's crazy!" Remus said.

"Just about as crazy as being afraid of yourself and make no mistake your wolf is apart of you." Regulus retorted, Remus fell silent again.

"I'm sorry I kept pushing you Remus, I just wanted you to get better. Without your wolf, you can't even properly recognize us as your mates. I've been looking for you both for so long I got frustrated." Dante rasped, speaking for the first time.

Remus seemed to be fighting with himself about something as his expression kept changing.

"The night I was bitten by Greyback, might as well have been the day that I died, at least to my father. He worked at the creature regulations branch in the ministry. His opinions about creatures were bad to say the least. Greyback took offense to something he said or did, and the following full moon he came for me. I had been careless, I'd forgotten what night it was and snuck outside to eat peaches off my favorite peach tree. We had three of them lining my mother's garden. I had brought a book out to read and enjoy the night air. I'd done it hundreds of times before and never got caught." Remus stopped, his voice wavered.

"I didn't see him standing there hidden in the forest line he must've turned nearby. I didn't see him until it was too late, he ripped into my shoulder biting to the bone. My screams woke my parents up. And my father used a slashing hex, that cut open Greyback's back and shoulder his blood splattering all over me. He ran off, my mother tried to reach me but my father held her back. He pulled her into the house, leaving me out there bleeding and crying on the ground." A sob ripped out of Remus's throat.

"My father came back for me, but his eyes were cold he wouldn't even touch me. He used a water spell to rinse off the blood before levitating me into the house. Inside my mom tried to come closer and he yelled at her not to. He just took me to my room and left me there, he didn't even bother to heal me. I passed out from the pain. Only to wake up two days later, my mother was washing me with a cloth. That was when she told me that I'd be a werewolf, for the rest of my life." Remus stopped and breathed, Dante, reached his hand out to tentatively grasp Remus's.

"If it hurts, we can talk about it more later, don't push yourself too far." Dante said, Regulus nodded in affirmation.

Regulus had thought his mother was a complete monster as it turned out Remus's father was far worse.

"No, I have to do it now or I might never get up the courage to tell it again. My parents never seemed to fight about anything until my accident. Late at night when, they thought I was asleep they'd start fighting. My mother thought, he was being too cold and how could he treat me that way? He said that she was too soft, that I wasn't their son anymore that I was a monster now. And about how embarrassed he was at work now because of me. My father hardly ever talked to me again after that. When he did look at me it was with absolute loathing, I honestly think my parents might have stayed together because of me. They were on completely, opposite sides about my condition." Remus said, his shoulders trembled as he tried to hold back tears.

Merlin, Regulus could definitely sympathize with that. No wonder Remus had such an intense hatred for his wolf. As a child, you learn practically everything from your parents right down to their beliefs. To find out that Remus's parents couldn't, even agree on the proper treatment of their son. Well, Dumbledore had an easy time reinforcing Remus's hate for his wolf. Making it all the easier for him to manipulate Remus for his own purposes.

It explained why Remus didn't want to confront the issue. He'd been told practically his whole life that he was a monster, he'd only been six or seven years old. The damage, mentally speaking can be extreme at that age. When the child is still developing personality and learning self-confidence. Then some guy out of the blue shows up and challenges everything you think you know. Well, Remus's pain and confusion about everything was understandable.

"That's awful! Greyback didn't come back, to mentor you into the pack as he should've did he?" Dante asked, Remus just shook his head.

Remus looked miserable and rung out he didn't know, what to make of all this. But Regulus did know that he owed it to himself and Remus to try this crazy three-way. They just had to take care of the wolf shaped gap between them. They were silent for what seemed like forever before Remus spoke.

"What's it like? I mean when you turn." Remus asked, voice quite.

"Its almost like, how some wizards are Animagus it's a smooth transition from wolf to man. No pain, or bone-cracking and that isn't just because I'm a blood-born. Fully merged werewolves have smooth, transformations too. Our wolves look like oversized Timberwolves, while yours looked sickly and a little deformed. When I turn, me and my wolf are one his thoughts and mine coexist. So I never have to worry, about hurting anyone I keep my mind the whole time." Dante replied, as he had one of Remus's hands cupped in his large hands.

Dante rubbed at the top of Remus's hand, the sly wolf was doing a good job listening and comforting Remus. Remus looked up from his thoughts and stared straight into Dante's eyes. Determination slowly came into Remus's eyes.

"What do I have to do?" Remus asked.

"Remus you don't have to push yourself, I'm just happy we got his far." Dante said.

"You don't understand, Sirius was serious if I don't I might not get to see my cub. Harry might not be my son biologically, but he's mine. I wasn't here for him before, believing Dumbledore was taking care of him. I let Harry down, I wasn't there for him and they hurt him." Remus said, his voice low.

"So then what does Remus have to do exactly?" Regulus asked.

"It's very similar to Occlumency or Animagus training, he'll need to spend a lot of time meditating. But instead of protecting his mind, he's going to find Moony in his mindscape. If Remus can convince, Moony to forgive him then his magic, will do the rest and bind them permanently." Dante replied.

"Is it going to hurt?" Remus asked.

"I can't say with certainty that it will be painless. You have to convince Moony to merge with you, however given your history Moony might be hostile. And any wounds he gives you will happen for real, so if he attacks you don't let him have an opening for your neck. Since Moony is apart of you all wounds, inflicted will be manifested by your magic." Dante said.

"Oh, simple they say, except you know I can still maybe die from it." Remus said sarcastically.

Regulus sighed three steps forward and five steps back, but progress was progress.

//////////////////////////////////////////////

Harry's pov

Everything had been relatively normal as far as the welcome back feast. The only thing that had caught his interest, was Dumbledore who winced every so often when he moved. His eyes kept watching for something unseen, Harry hid a grin behind his hand. Death did say he made the potion lacing Dumbles's, lemon drops more potent. Apparently the wraiths could now touch the old goat instead of just taunting him.

Harry had been keeping watch over all the papers, there was no mention about Aberforth or Hestia's bodies being found. He did see brief small articles that, listed them as missing however. So the goat must've, discovered the bodies alone and disposed of them. Death would know for sure, but it was obvious that he had. Or Rita would've crucified, Dumbledore all over the front headlines.

That being said he'd just finished, saying hello to Ginny. Harry had left her neglected while he was on holiday. He'd made sure that she missed him, her screams had made him very happy. The golem had followed him and the others down into the chamber. The golem had watched, dispassionately as her life model was tortured. Harry needed to reassign orders to it every so often. He'd left both of the Ginny's with the twins and Luna.

Blaise was with him, he walked a wide berth around the still frozen basilisk. Harry merely smiled, in amusement at his antics. When Death did something he didn't half-ass it by any means. That being said, the basilisk wouldn't awaken until he wanted it to. Harry was just glad she was okay after her trip to the maze. They stepped into Sal's study and lit the torches, Sal himself was dozing in his chair.

"Evening Sal." Blaise said.

Sal's eyes popped open and looked about before stopping on them.

"Harry your back and with your little friend." Sal said.

"Yeah, I was hoping you'd be willing to teach us. We need all the help we can get in preparation for Dumbledore. The school doesn't even offer dueling classes anymore!" Harry said.

"Well that's just outrageous! How are any of you expected to protect yourselves? How are you supposed to take your exams! This is not the Hogwarts we founded." Sal said, seemingly shocked.

So Tom hadn't told him about the state of the teaching curriculum. Either that or Tom hadn't bothered, to check the previous school records. Since Dumbledore took over many classes had been discontinued.

Conjuring, Advanced Runes, Spell crafting, Rituals, Elemental magics, Heir-ship classes, Dueling, Advanced Defense, Experimental Potions, Experimental magic, they had at one point even had a Necromancy class. So many useful classes and Dumbledore, stopped every one of them and that was just the classes he'd been aware of! He'd bet money there were, more that haven't been around since before Tom went to school!

It was ridiculous! Not only that research at the Ministry records, procured even more of Dumbledore's treachery. Many of the laws restricting creatures, had been proposed by him had passed. As well as many of the restrictions on dark magic. Dumbledore would propose them and have one of his lackeys, bring it to vote so that his name would remain clean.

He'd also looked at the records, for creature attacks for the last hundred- fifty years. A hundred-fifty years ago, creature attacks had been incredibly rare with numbers of one to as high as five people a year!

The years that followed had also seen low numbers, but as soon as the creature restricts from the past and Dumbledore. Those numbers had gone into the, hundreds! As more restrictions were added, the more the numbers grew, Harry wondered how no one noticed this trend.

"Yes, you all need my help then?" Sal asked.

"Yeah, if you don't mind." Harry replied.

"In the basilisks nesting area, one of the walls has a small snake statuette. Hiss at it and it will open up to a training room, I have a portrait in their as well. I will teach you a spell that can only be used on portraits. It works sort of like astral projection. It will grant me a temporary ghost-like form, it will be more beneficial if I can watch your spell work. And help you improve." Sal said.

"Alright I will go get the others, then we'll see you soon." Harry said.

With that they made their way back into the antechamber. The sight that greeted them was well was one hundred percent Luna. The twins had apparently allowed Luna a turn at Ginny. She was currently sitting on top of Ginny's prone body. Her hands were bloody, as she was using what appeared to be a set of butterfly knives. The handles were black, the sharp blades were a metallic dark blue, she was currently cutting off fingers.

That wasn't the disturbing part if you could believe it. No, the disturbing part was that Luna was giggling rather creepily while doing so. Like the ones you hear in certain horror movies or in your nightmares perhaps. Ginny's screams echoed, throughout the chamber as Luna moved on to cutting off chunks of skin.

"Luna love, I know you are enjoying yourself but Sal wants to train us a bit." Harry said, Luna looked up and smiled at Harry dreamily.

"Of course the Nargles told me we'd be seeing Salazar soon." Luna said.

George helped her down from the altar as Fred reset the runes and healed Ginny up. Harry led them back through to the basilisk's nest as they split up, wands lit with Lumos looking for the statuette. Fred found it hidden dangerously close, to the basilisk's sleeping area. Harry went over and hissed a simple 'open'. And watched as the pedestaled statue sunk into the floor, and the wall behind it started moving similar to Diagon alley's entrance.

Harry sent a mild Incendio at the nearest torch as it lit up a small portion of the room. Blaise moved backwards into George's, arms as a figure became illuminated, in front of them. Harry lit more torches and let out an amused laugh, as training dummies stood immobilized, in a row directly across from the door. Salazar was standing arms crossed in a portrait overlooking the room smirking in Blaise's direction.

"Glad to see you made it, I was starting to wonder." Salazar said.

Sal took notice of Luna who still had blood,on her and was sandwiched in-between the twins.

"Well, welcome to my chamber, my lady. Was that you causing that awful girl to scream?" Salazar asked.

Luna giggled again at Sal.

"Well, of course it was me. I wanted to serenade Harry with the screams of one of his betrayers." Luna said, twisting a strand of her blond hair around a bloody finger.

"Yes, little moon is rather protective of me?? Her motives are her own, she sort of reminds me of Tinkerbell, but you know a torture-murder version." Harry said, offhandedly.

Everyone looked at him in confused curiosity.

"Tinkerbell is a fictional character from a muggle Disney movie. She's a little blond pixie and well Luna kind of fits the description. You would totally agree if you'd seen it. I got to see it when Dudley watched it. He used to be obsessed with that movie, we watched it every time we were at Mrs. Figg's. The most ironic part is, Dudley's whole family hates magic but he loved watching a movie about it." Harry said.

It was true put her in a green dress, do her hair up, they would look quite similar.

"Anyway, the best way I can help you would be to have a temporary apparition-like form. You simply, rotate your wand in a circular arc while pointing at my portrait and say 'Effigies Illa Renovetur'. I know it's a mouth full, but most older spells had long incantations." Sal said.

It took two tries from Harry before a mist started flowing from the portrait, Sal's image started to evaporate. The mist gathered and formed Salazar's body until he resembled an average ghost.

"Excellent job, Harry now we need to fix up this room so that you can properly use it. If it wasn't for the preservation charms these would be rotted out." Salazar said.

And so it started Sal taught them how to repair the dummies and how to animate them for practice. They spent a good amount of time talking about what each of them knew.

While Harry was, more knowledgeable than the others he still participated in some of the standard spells. Sal was trying to explain, to the others that everyone was capable of wandless magic. Salazar was instructing them, on the best methods to achieve easier success. Harry himself wished, that he'd had Salazar when he was learning to harness his magic wandlessly.

It would've saved him a lot of time, they were relearning somethings while also learning new things they'd never heard before. Like how all of the founders, had been considered mages which were the most powerful class of wizards. When they said they had never heard of such a thing Sal had sworn to educate them even more.

Mages had the ability to channel their magic into any weapon and use it for battle. Sal said that Godric used his sword, Rowena had been an archer, Helga used Ear Daggers, and Sal himself used a quarterstaff.

Sal told them of the early years, when Hogwarts had been a fortress rather than a school. How they had protected their magical brethren from harm. And how things had changed in their time to be safe enough for children to attend. Most of what they learned that night was history, but they learned none the less. And Harry couldn't wait until the others were close enough to him in knowledge if not ability.

So just after 2 am they all snuck back to their dorms, Harry had stayed behind to instruct the golem and question it. As it turned out Dumbledore had taken her to several locations. Some of them were people's houses, and some were of sites linked to Tom.

Harry narrowed his eyes, why was Dumbledore bringing Ginny to places Tom would've hidden something? Was Ginny the back up to him? That didn't even make sense!

Or was it because if the goat failed, to convince Harry to participate that he'd hope Ginny would seduce him into it? That wouldn't even come close to working, but Dumbles wouldn't know that. Either way, he instructed it to continue to please her father and to remember as much as she could.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Time flowed rather quickly between classes, friends, and Sal's training that it was now the end of the year. Dumbledore had spent too much time running down leads and looking through muggle accident, reports looking for any signs of Gellert. Dumbledore had also been visiting more locations where Horcruxes had been hidden previously. Golem Ginny had told him how Dumbledore had gone off on a rant about how it wasn't possible for them to be gone.

The mystery houses, he'd taken Ginny along to had been potential Order recruits. As for their training with Sal it was amazing! Sal had been helping them with their wand movements, posture, and even their pronunciation. The others were also capable of doing wandless spells for up to the fourth-year curriculum. Sal had even personally, taught Luna more creative ways to use her butterfly knives.

Harry was brought out of his thoughts as Hedwig hooted at him from the window. She had gotten so big she couldn't nest in his drawer anymore. After spending time with the school owls she had learned to hunt for herself. He was so proud of his baby girl! Her feathers were now entirely white.

"Hello, baby girl are you excited to return home and see your pals Charon and Dust." Harry asked, she nipped at his fingers and hooted happily at him.

Harry chuckled, picturing how disgruntled Charon would be to have her back. Charon was still resisting his girl's charms, he still glared at her and had taken to going out on flying trips to get away. At the time Hedwig hadn't flown too well just yet.

She'd still been getting used to it and hadn't dared to fly after him. It could just be Harry, but either Hedwig didn't like it when other birds didn't like her or she had a little birdy crush on him. He wasn't an expert by any means, but she was trying way too hard to get Charon's attention.

"Why don't you start flying for the manor, I will see you there in a few days." Harry said.

She butted her head against his hand before turning and taking flight again. Hedwig as a bird would take at least a few days for flight. Up until he'd come back, to Hogwarts from Christmas/Yule break he hadn't sent her out on deliveries.

Harry always used the school owls or called Death. He didn't know how or at what age, the owls were taught to send post. Maybe next year he'd let her take the post, for now her test was to see how long it would take her to get home.

Harry already had his things, packed up and ready to go. He was just missing one thing though. A very grumpy potion's master was what Harry needed, he had a dark lord to glue back together. Severus Snape, just so happened to be the glue that Harry needed for his jigsaw puzzle. Blaise was just walking back into the dorm and caught him on the way out.

"Where are you going?" Blaise asked, Harry grinned mischievously.

"Oh, nowhere special, just have to go kidnap someone." Harry said, nonchalantly.

Blaise's eyebrow rose.

"Do I even want to know?" Blaise asked, Harry contained a laugh.

"Probably not." Harry said, Blaise sighed and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.

"Don't get into too much trouble without me. I will see you on the train then?" Blaise asked, Harry hugged him.

"Yup, I will be done with my kidnapping before the train leaves again." Harry said, giving Blaise a devilish smile.

They parted and Harry made his way out of the commons and down the halls to the dungeons area. He rounded a corner until he found the portrait that hung in place over the potions master's rooms.

It was of some potioneer that Harry had never heard of his grey eyes regarded him, his expression blank. Harry moved forward and touched the frame letting his magic coat it. The man in the portrait froze and the door popped open. But Harry didn't step forward, he could see the strands of magic and the floating runes that made up the wards.

He could've had Death get him through it, but Harry needed practice. One of the things Sal, taught them was the basics and value of warding things. While Harry's practical's, were good his theoretical runes knowledge was up to sixth-year curriculum.

Harry only just managed to manipulate the warding, without breaking it to allow him through. He stepped through and settled himself on the couch to wait. Harry wasn't left to wait long, however as Snape came into the room carrying a stack of books. If he was startled, to see Harry lounging carefree on his couch he didn't let it show.

"Potter, how did you get in here?" His voice held a touch of anger.

"Well, Severus we want you to come to stay with us this summer." Harry replied, grinning at the now scowling professor.

"What makes you think I want to go anywhere with you?" Snape asked, a sneer came across his face.

"Death." Harry said.

Death appeared just behind Snape as if sensing him. Severus turned in surprise to see Death looming behind him. Harry snorted, Snape was just lucky Death wasn't wearing his usual cloak and toting about his scythe.

"Keep our guest company while I say goodbye to the others for the summer." Harry ordered.

Death nodded and grabbed Snape's arm before his wand could come out, he fell limply into Death's arms.

"I will see you soon little master." Death said.

And with those parting words he opened one of his portals before vanishing with Harry's unconscious teacher.

Harry, though curious didn't look around. He'd learned his lesson, in his first life about snooping in Snape's things.

In retrospect Harry had needed to see those memories, he needed his perspective challenged. He needed to see that his father, Dumbledore's fault or no wasn't perfect. Everyone who talked about his parents had nothing but nice things to say. Snape had nothing nice to say about Harry's father, he'd also never given Harry any special treatment.

He'd be lying, if he said Snape's death hadn't impacted him. No, Snape's death had haunted his nightmares and had left him all sorts of guilty. Severus had stuck his neck out so many times to save him. In the end he'd never gotten free of Voldemort or Dumbledore.

Not this time, this time Snape was going to live whether he wanted to or not. Harry was going to free him, from both of them if not to assuage his own guilt. But to do so in honor of his mother who would no doubt want him to save Severus.

He made his way to the great hall to eat lunch before the train.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Regulus's pov

Regulus walked around looking for anybody to talk to out of boredom. Dante and Remus were out in the garden practicing meditation, for his future encounter with Moony. Sirius had gone out to do some errands before he had to pick up Harry.

Was it too much to ask for some decent company. He cursed under his breath. Regulus had gotten so used to being around everyone, that he rarely found himself alone anymore.

He decided to stop in a sitting room on the second floor to catch a nap. Regulus opened the door and immediately his eyebrow twitched, really! Death was sitting there on a leather sofa drinking tea with was that??? Snape?? Severus was gagged and bound sitting on the sofa. Snape himself looked surprised to see Regulus as well.

"Do I want to know why Severus is in his current situation?" Regulus asked, Death smirked at him.

"Little master said, that he'll be with us this summer. I'm merely keeping him company like I was asked to." Death said.

"And the bindings?" Regulus asked, Death gave him a look.

"Oh, those are for his safety." Death said, giving Regulus a sinister look.

Regulus looked back at Snape who had turned silent as he observed him.

"Maybe I should look after him we have history and his world is going to fall apart around him. Can't we at least make him comfortable while he waits? I mean he can't escape the property just let me have his wand. And you can go find Sirius and cuddle him until your a little less...feral? Is that I don't...I'm going to stick with feral. You look scary right now poor Sev is only human." Regulus said.

Death looked at Regulus, he came to some kind of decision. Regulus looked at Snape and watched as dark tendrils of magic, that ensnared the bound man.

The bindings dissolved and the gag came out as Severus coughed. Death tossed the wand to Regulus and strode out. Severus straightened up and stared at Regulus.

"Your supposed to be dead." Snape said.

Regulus was so sick of people saying that to him, yeah he'd died. Moving on was a little hard when everyone kept reminding Regulus of the most traumatic night of his life.

"So people keep telling me, but I'm sitting here now. Proof positive that not everybody stays dead." Regulus said.

He poured his own cup of tea not bothering to add any cream or sugar. He never liked overly sweet tea or coffee, Sirius used to tease him for being weird.

"Why does Potter want me here, where am I anyway?" Severus asked.

He watched Regulus keenly, he'd always been a good observer.

"It might sound a bit crazy, but he wants to help you Severus. The things he's going to tell you will undoubtedly confuse you and it will certainly alter your perspective. If you are leery about trusting him you can trust me Sev. I wouldn't let anybody here hurt you." Regulus said, sipping at his tea. 

Now he just hoped that Severus still cared about him. Time did funny things to people's emotions and memories.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Harry's pov (back on the train same time as Reg pov.)

"You could come to visit my family this summer you know." Blaise said, everyone was sitting in their train car.

Harry was currently cuddled up to Blaise's side his arm wrapped around, Harry while his hand casually sat on Harry's hip.

"Mmmhm, I know but the sooner we get Tom back the better. We need everyone we can get and I like our odds better with Azrael and Tom. It sets a whole new standard of don't fuck with me, I've got a deity, a dark lord, two werewolves, and multiple reapers, and soon to be one potions master. Plus I still haven't used Luna's present." Harry replied.

He briefly glanced around nobody else was actually paying attention to them.

"Maybe next summer, although your sisters and mother are just going to love how cute we are together." Harry said, with a chuckle at the expression of horror that graced Blaise's face.

"What that didn't occur to you? I mean Pansy and Daphne still coo at us, you seriously think your mother and sisters will be any different." Harry teased.

"On second thought do you need me this summer?" Blaise asked, with pleading eyes.

"As much as I want to keep you as my personal pillow it would be the same with Sirius." Harry said.

With a laugh as he got pulled closer and kissed Blaise and of course Pansy noticed.

"Aww, so adorable." Pansy said, as the twins started whistling Harry turned to look at them.

"You guys are so juvenile, are you going to do that every time?" Harry asked.

"Wait what do you mean personal pillow?" Blaise asked, sounding affronted.

"Always, sleep better with my favorite pillow...you." Harry deadpanned.

Awws coursed around them, as Blaise rolled his eyes at them.

"You guys are all trolls you know that." Harry said.

"I protest I definitely smell better than a troll and look better than one too." Draco said haughtily.

Everyone laughed, Draco's vanity was indeed a well-known fact. Harry was surprised the girls didn't make more of an effort to protest.

They drifted back into quiet conversations leaving the two of them alone again. It wasn't long after Harry could spot the train station in the distance, another year gone. And one more year closer to his goals. He just had to strengthen his power base, before he could do anything other then the guerilla tactics he'd been using on Dumbledore so far. And the others his friends that didn't know, the truth about anything.

There was only so long that he could keep everything under wraps. The biggest question was whether or not they would accept and stay with him. Harry had to concede that just because they might accept it, didn't mean they wanted a part in it.

Harry said goodbye to the others as Blaise came with him down to the platform. Harry was surprised to see that Death was with Sirius as he'd specifically said to keep Snape company. Blaise hugged him and this time, he only kissed Harry's cheek before turning around looking for his mother.

"Nice." Sirius said, his tone was teasing.

"Shut up!" Harry said.

He knew his cheeks felt hot, didn't mean he wanted to be called out on it dammit. Harry instead turned his attention to Death.

"I thought you were staying with our guest." Harry said, pointedly.

"He's with Regulus, besides I was told that I might be scaring him something about looking feral??" Death replied, making air quotes with his hands, Harry snorted.

"Oh, you mean that murdery look you get when you don't get enough Sirius? Yeah, I was a little distracted I didn't notice." Harry said, with a grin.

Sirius had a slight dusting of pink going on. Harry couldn't help it he had to tease Sirius back dammit. Since Siri, had been so kind to poke at him so to speak.

"You should be thrilled Siri! If he gets frustrated from not being around you. Then you must have the greatest ass, in the universe you know cause he's Death a deity." Harry said, Sirius gave him an indignant squawk.

Harry grabbed Sirius's arm and Death's before they vanished off the platform.

They landed in the entrance hall, Harry didn't waste any time and made for the stairs.

"Wait, who's our guest?" Siri asked.

"I'm not really sure if you will react well to him. Just let it go Siri and enjoy your time with Death, remember the best ass in the universe." Harry teased.

He made his way up the stairs not looking back at Sirius. As Harry heard Death's laugh echo up behind him.

"He's right you know." Death said, laughing as he gathered his Star up in his arms.

Upstairs Harry found the correct sitting room and opened the door. Regulus was sitting just across the coffee table to the opposite sofa which held a very grumpy potions master. He sat down next to Regulus, making himself comfortable before looking at Snape.

"My you look ever so thrilled to see me, Professor." Harry said, Snape's eyebrow rose.

"Whatever would make you think that since you kidnapped me against my will." Snape replied, snarkily.

Harry smiled at his sarcasm.

"Well, I had to make sure you were away from Albus Dumbledore. The walls in Hogwarts, have ears and only certain areas are safe to talk. So I brought you to my Manor so we can talk about which sides of the war we are on Severus." Harry said.

Snape eyed Harry before giving him an imperious look.

"And what do you think you supposedly, know about anything?" Snape sneered.

"I know that Dumbledore made you swear an unbreakable vow. I know you asked Voldemort, to spare my mother at the expense of my life and my fathers. And I know that Albus Dumbledore isn't a good man, he's a monster worse than even Voldemort. I have an offer to make you if your willing to listen." Harry said.

"How do you know any of that?" Snape asked.

Harry was going to answer when Regulus spoke.

"I told you he would tell you things and I told you that those things would challenge your perspective. You should listen with an open mind Sev. Because once Harry puts the jigsaw puzzle back together. Everything will make sense I can promise you that." Regulus finished, before getting up and leaving the room.

"Let's get this over with, whatever this is." Snape said, his voice resigned.

"It's a long story, but like Regulus said things will make sense. I believe we should start many decades in the past...." Harry said.

And so Harry started he told Severus about Grindelwald and Dumbledore's, ill-fated relationship. About the obsession the two men had with the Deathly Hollows, an obsession that spawned a war.

Harry fast forwarded to Wool's Orphanage where Tom Riddle grew up during World War II. How Tom's experience in the muggle world would later influenced his views and made Tom want to change their world. Harry told him about the day Dumbledore came to Tom and told him about magic. And how Dumbledore, would later disguise himself as Horace Slughorn and telling Tom about Horcruxes.

Dumbledore would later go on to block every opportunity for Tom to gain political power. And the final attempt on Tom's part to do something good, by being a teacher. Once again Dumbledore viciously took that chance from Tom. Fast forward again to the year Snape and his parents attended Hogwarts for the very first time. Harry spoke about his belief as to why James, his friends, Lily, and himself, had been selected to be part of Dumbledore's plan. It all boiled down to Peverell blood. And Harry suspected that was why the people in James's life were targeted.

Then Harry told Severus about the set up, that was Trelawney's interview. That Harry suspected the prophecy was a fake. And that it was no coincidence that Severus heard said prophecy. After all who has a job interview, in a pub frequented by unsavory people of ill repute? Harry then told Snape about the events of that fateful Halloween. That Voldemort had indeed kept his promise by asking Lily to move aside three times. And Harry spoke of her sacrifice, of the sacrificial magic that saved his life that night.

Harry told Snape about his first life and what happened the night everyone betrayed him. He finally told Severus about how he'd unwittingly become the Master of Death. How in his desperation Harry ran straight into Death's arms. He paused for the briefest of moments before telling Severus about reliving his life. About his discoveries at Gringotts and the revelations that followed.

Harry told Severus about Tom's Horcruxes. He followed it up by telling Severus of the magical bindings, mind-altering spells, and potions. After that Harry told Severus about his discoveries involving Sirius, Remus, and himself. And how Harry suspected, his parents had been influenced in the same way. Harry told Severus about how Regulus died and who had left him for dead.

And finally, Harry told Snape how he himself had died out of loyalty for a man who was the reason Lily was dead. As Harry finished he looked up to see Snape was frozen in place. They had talked so long that it was dark outside. Harry moved stretching his legs as they screamed at him for sitting so long.

"Severus...Severus!" Harry said, Snape finally looked at him like he'd seen something awful.

Severus's face was paler than usual. Shock would be the best term for what Snape looked like currently.

"I believe that Dumbledore found a way to alter you as well. Over the years, have you ever been injured or unconscious in his presence?" Harry asked, he watched as clever dark eyes came to a conclusion.

"After every meeting with Voldemort and my school years. I eventually, learned how to properly protect my mind " He breathed shakily.

"I want to offer you a place by my side, Severus. I can take away the dark mark, you can live here with me and the others away from Dumbledore's reach. You could brew potions for me and continue your research. No, more teaching brats you can be a true potion's master again. You would have a job, a safe place to live, and you wouldn't even have to fight anymore. And all I'm asking for in return, is potions and one singular favor. I will give you some time to think about everything." Harry said, before he got up and stood next to the door.

"Oh, and Severus it's ok to wander the house now. Just know, that if you try to leave before you decide it won't be good for your well being. Just so you know, I'm aware of the life debt you owed my father. I would rather have you here willingly join us, but I'm not above using it to gain your loyalty. Other than the potions and my one favor you stand the most to gain from this deal, Severus. I suggest that you take it." Harry said, before he turned back around, and disappeared down the hall.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////

Severus's pov

He'd been able to keep his composure at the very least. It was a crazy story, a story with too many accurate facts to be fiction. It explained so much, about Potter actually and his distant standoffish behavior. The unexplained maturity that Severus had seen displayed multiple times. He saw this and chose to sit back and watch instead of tormenting Potter. Severus had been surprised to find out that Harry understood his message first year.

Harry's personality was so far removed from James and even Lily herself, that Severus wasn't sure what to make of Harry.

But if everything was true and most of it he knew was, then Severus needed to rethink his alliances. But first, he needed to talk to Regulus. He would be an unbiased source and could confirm how he'd died. Severus stepped into the corridor cautiously before walking down it slowly. He opened a few doors along the hall but found them empty. Cursing Severus realized, he should've asked for the names of the house elves.

Turning around he walked down the hall again looking in rooms until he encountered a staircase. Again Severus moved quietly and cautiously down the stairs and nearly jumped out of his skin. Regulus appeared suddenly from a previously empty dark corner.

"He did warn you it would be bad to leave didn't he?" Regulus asked.

"Harry did mention that, but I wasn't trying to leave I was looking for you. No wand, no point me spell, kind of have to search the old fashioned way."  Snape said.

Reg cracked a half-smile before deliberately leading them back to the original sitting room.

"You have questions no doubt." Regulus said.

"Is it true, what Harry said about your death?" Severus asked.

Regulus's eyes flashed with the briefest amounts of anger before becoming calm.

"You mean did, Saint Dumbledore actually leave me to be eaten alive by Inferi. Yes, he did leave me to die alone in that hell hole. Harry is right, Dumbledore has been orchestrating this for quite some time. He's come to the conclusion, that It may have been in an effort to gain access to the Peverell's secrets. Dumbledore has been obsessed with the Deathly Hollows and their powers for a very long time. James and Harry are line descendants, Dumbledore, Harry believes became too impatient waiting for the hundred-year mark." Regulus said.

"Hundred-year mark?" Snape asked.

"It's when no heir or lord is named in a family after a hundred years. The name and family possessions are given to the nearest living relative usually a cousin. In this particular case it would be the Potters. Now hearing everything from Harry you now know, that the story of the three brothers was true. What Dumbledore doesn't know, is that in order to be a Master of Death he would have to be related to the Peverell's to even qualify. It was Death's way of containing the powers gifted to the brothers and insuring, that few would ever have the right to control him. Dumbledore is fighting, a losing battle Harry can't die now, and Death can see the past and the future. Harry is giving you a way out of it all he's ensuring your survival. You really are getting a pretty cushy deal, Sev I suggest you take it." Regulus said, looking Severus in his eyes.

"That being said, I should take you up to the room Harry wants to be yours permanently should you accept." Severus sighed.

It was going to be a long night he followed after Regulus.

Chapter Text

Dumbledore pov

"I need you to go to these locations each group will take three apiece. Gellert used to go to these places rather frequently if you should actually find him do not engage him in any way. Instead gather whatever information you are able to get. He is dangerous more so than Voldemort he will kill you without hesitation. In addition, I need everyone to keep their ears open for any news involving the murder of muggles." Albus stopped, that was more than enough for them to know.

"That being said I have a lot to do, we will have another meeting next week on Thursday." Albus said, wrapping up the meeting.

The remaining Order walked out in small groups until only Molly and Ginny remained.

"Father what of the Horcruxes?" Ginny asked, that had been troubling him for a very long time.

"I do not know truthfully, they should've been at the locations I took you to. The fact that they are gone is baffling to me as Voldemort hasn't surfaced yet. There is no other explanation as to why they would vanish." He said.

"But doesn't that mean that Voldemort is alive?" Ginny asked. 

He turned to her surprised at the question.

"Yes, possibly but one of his followers could've known about the Horcruxes as a failsafe." Albus replied, which wasn't bloody likely Tom trusted no one. 

Bitterness seeping into his stomach... none of this was supposed to happen.

He'd planned this for years and it was all falling apart. Gellert had to die and when he was gone he'd get back on track with Harry and Tom.

"Ladies, if you will excuse me I need to take a trip to Azkaban. I need to be sure that the incarcerated death eaters are where they are supposed to be." Albus said.

It wouldn't do for him to lose sight of Tom simply because he hasn't shown himself. Tom could be back already biding his time and plotting how to get his followers back.

Albus hummed to himself tossing a lemon drop into his mouth before disappearing through the floo network.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Remus's pov

Hmmm, he awoke slowly and lazily. Remus stretched his legs and tightened his arms, which he belatedly realized were wrapped around someone. Opening his eyes, Remus was face to chest with Regulus. And behind him Dante had made him the little spoon so to speak. They hadn't done anything in an intimate way, but they had been sleeping in what Harry liked to call a 'puppy pile'.

Remus couldn't believe, his luck he had two mates instead of one and he had Harry and Sirius back. His happy feelings, left him just as suddenly as they came. As he realized today was going to be the day, that he would confront Moony. Dante had reassured him, that if it went well once would be all it took. He didn't want to think about having to attempt a bond more than once.

They had a week left before the full moon came, apparently he'd have to manage it before the moon. Full moon wasn't an ideal time to bond with Moony. As his past treatment of Moony would cause him to be more violent than normal.

Remus carefully wiggled out from in between the two sleeping men and exited the bottom of their bed. Somehow both, Regulus and Dante had both migrated into his room and made themselves at home. He felt his cheeks grow warm, as he remembered having to expand the bed to fit them all.

He walked into the bathroom and started up the large dark green marble tub, that dominated a large section of his bathroom. Remus started unbuttoning his shirt when he stopped, as he caught the sight of his body in the mirror.

Remus could admit to never being vain a day in his life, but he couldn't help but look at himself. He noticed that, he had gained some weight, nothing drastic as he was still rail skinny. But enough that he didn't see his ribs sticking out anymore.

"Just realize your sexy Remus."

A soft chuckle sounded behind him as he saw Dante turn off the tub.

"No, nothing sexy about me at all. I just noticed I couldn't see or feel my ribs poking out." Remus said.

Turning and huffing as he saw Dante had helped himself to Remus's bath.

"Nonsense I like short guys with sexy scars." Dante said, snarkily.

"Whatever does it for you, but thanks so much for stealing my bath." Remus said.

He looked down at Dante with an unimpressed look. Remus let out a surprised shout as Dante grabbed his arm and pulled Remus into the tub still in his clothes. He coughed as he scrabbled up Dante's chest, and he buried his face into his bare collarbone.

"You jerk!" Remus said.

He smacked Dante's chest as he felt Dante's laugh shake his chest.

"Wow, I leave you guys alone for five seconds and we progress to naked tub times? You could've at least let me watch." Regulus said.

Regulus walked in casually stripping his clothes off and heading for the enclosed shower stall.

Remus turned away as he caught sight of Regulus's well-toned body. He wasn't bulky like Dante, but he wasn't like Remus either. Regulus was lean, but still obviously strong the view while amazing made him feel subconscious.

Up until recently he'd been too skinny, he was heavily scarred, and the shortest of the three. Remus was ordinary looking and next to those two he was forgettable. If they all weren't mates, he sincerely doubted that either of them would even look in his direction. Something must've shown on his face as Dante gave Remus a worried look.

"Remus are you okay?" Dante asked, his voice was soft.

"I'm fine it's nothing of importance really." Remus said, hoping he sounded convincing. 

Instead of looking at Dante he started trying to get his wet clothes off.

Remus just knew that no matter, how much he tried to hide it Dante would notice something was really off. Dante finally decided to help him and he watched as his clothes made a wet splat on the floor. Remus sank down, in the bubbles as much as he could and tried to relax. Which was hard to do, considering he was sitting on a very gorgeous and very naked man.

"Is it about Moony, because it will be okay Remus." Dante said, rubbing at his arms.

"Uh, yeah that's it." Remus said.

He could tell that Dante didn't believe him in the slightest.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Severus's pov

Waking up was strange and horrifying as everything came back to him. It was his fault, if Harry was right he'd played right into Dumbledore's plans. And Lily was dead because of him. Out of everything that was said, that and his own death had stayed with him in horrifying clarity.

Severus was very observant and Potter's body language never changed once. Other than emotionally there was no deception from him. Harry knew things that nobody least of all Harry himself should have never known. Like Severus being bullied and his alcoholic abusive father, Harry shouldn't have known those things.

Not even Lily had known about his father, he would've been truly floored if Harry had told him about his father's death. His father was the reason why his mother Eileen was dead. She was a smart woman and a capable witch. Why, she never fought back he'd never know Tobias was only a muggle.

Severus still remembered the day he'd come back from hanging out in a nearby park. To find the muggle authorities in front of his house. He knew that the monster had done something to her. He'd asked The first friendly looking officer, he could to see what had happened.

They said, it was an accident that she must've fallen down the stairs. It wasn't an accident she still had fresh bruises from the night before. They said his father was asleep Severus knew otherwise. Most of the neighbors knew Tobias was a drunk. Luckily he'd already had his birthday, the month before it was Christmas break of his seventh year. So he waited until Tobias had fallen asleep after drinking. And opened the cabinet that held the collection of unopened scotch bottles.

There were ten of them sitting in the cabinet. Severus couldn't help the bitterness that welled up inside of him this cheap scotch-whiskey was the catalyst to her death. And they would be the catalyst to his father's death as well.

Severus grabbed a random bottle and with a lighter melted the red wax to reveal the top of the cork. He used one of his mother's sewing needles that were thick. He punctured the cork and hollowed out a small opening that was barely visible. He'd taken a flask of magical Belladonna out of his school trunk earlier.

 With a dropper Severus fed it through the tiny hole. He had to do it a few times before he saw it drip passed the cork. Severus used the sealing wax from his trunk and melted some back, over the top of the bottle. He then moved the bottles around so the contaminated bottle was mixed in well with the other bottles.

Severus went back upstairs as quietly as possible back to his room. Magical Belladonna was more potent than the muggle variety. It would kill within minutes of ingestion. The thing about magical plants is that they don't show up in medical testing. With it being common knowledge of Tobias being an alcoholic. They would make a logical conclusion. That Tobias had drank himself to death.

By the time Tobias would drink it Severus would be hundreds of miles away at Hogwarts. And Tobias had three weeks later a Ministry representative came to Hogwarts. Yes, Eileen had never tried to fight Tobias. And Severus had always suspected that it was her way of protecting him.

She was alone cut off from her family, she often suffered his wrath instead of allowing Tobias to touch Severus. Every time a Potter came into his life they turned his world upside down. He got up and went for a shower, he had a feeling today was going to be a long day.

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Harry's pov ( approximately an hour after Severus)

"Is it ready for Severus?" Harry asked, as he sat across from Death in his study.

Harry didn't tell the others that he had his own office. He needed another place besides his bedroom and the dungeons to be alone.

"Yes, it's ready for him. You are absolutely sure that he's going to agree? The more we change the timeline the more uncertain the future becomes. Honestly, your future is the only one I can see accurately now." Death replied, sipping orange blossom oolong tea.

"I'm confident that Severus will accept willingly he's a Slytherin at heart. He's smart enough to see that he's the one who will benefit the most from our deal. If not the life debt he owes my father transferred to me. Which means, push comes to shove we get a potions master. I feel like he'll trust us more if I let him come to us willingly. It will help, that we'll be treating him far better than Dumbledore and Voldemort ever did." Harry said, as he nibbled at a blueberry scone.

"What about Remus today?" Death asked.

"Severus will simply, have to go with you and get cleansed. Something tells me that I will be needed for Remus's wolf bond more." Harry said.

It was true he felt like something was going to happen. They sat in silence as Harry shifted around the property papers he'd been reviewing. He heard the pop of a house-elf and didn't think to look up immediately.

"Harry Potter, sir I brought you your guest." He looked up to see Mipsy, standing with Severus, Death had simply vanished.

"Severus, how was your night?" Harry asked.

"Fitful at best I want to know what your goals are. The others here though far older than you all seem to defer to you. I want the whole picture before I agree to anything." Severus said, watching him with intense dark eyes.

"My you are smart enough to figure out that I'm back for more than just revenge. I will give you a clue there have always been three." Harry said.

He let loose his magic, that he kept leashed and shielded so no one could sense just how powerful Harry actually was. He watched Severus's face go slack as an unrestrained moan involuntarily left him. Harry carefully masked his magic once again.

"You've felt power like that only twice before haven't you? I am the new neutral lord and both Dumbledore and Voldemort have endangered magic. The neutral lord is the sword and the shield of lady magic. I must stop more magic and magical blood from dying. Dumbledore isn't to be trusted he has failed his duty as the light lord. Voldemort only failed his partly due to extenuating circumstances." Harry said, Severus regarded him quietly.

"So that means they are what followers?" Severus asked.

"In essence yes, they are the beginnings of what's to come. Every lord starts small they have to build a power base up. I'm not doing too bad so far I have two werewolves, Death, the twins, Luna, and multiple reapers. Our numbers Death assures, me would outnumber the death eaters and the Order members. And I'm not even finished gaining my allies just yet Severus. But it will comfort you to know that I intend to ask Draco and Lucius to join me as well eventually. So you won't have to fight against your once lover and your child." Harry said, he saw Severus stiffen.

"I don't know what your talking about." Severus said, his voice cold.

Harry smiled he was still stubborn in the end.

"I know for a fact that Narcissa can't have children she found out too late. I know that before darling Lucy got engaged the two of you were very intimate. I know that in order to save face Lucius asked you to have his baby Draconis. She blood adopted him after the fact, she's his mother in name and a few drops of blood only. The question is, does Draco know your not his godfather but his real mother?" Harry asked, silence greeted Harry's question.

"Poor Severus, suffering alone and in love with his best friend. It must've hurt to have Lucy ask you to bare Draco knowing that you wouldn't get to have Draco or Lucius. But I can fix that you know, Narcissa could have an unfortunate accident that will leave Lucius very single. She took everything that should've been yours. I am willing, to give you everything you want Severus. Unlike the other lords, I actually care about my followers. You see, I don't have to lead through fear and manipulation like Dumbledore. I don't gain adoration through torture as Voldemort did in later years. My followers care for me as much as I do them. They would die for me willingly, they trust me wholeheartedly and follow me anywhere. My mother, still cared about you even after the two of you parted ways. She would want me to save you Severus and I think she would want you to be happy." Harry said.

Severus's eyes followed him as he walked from behind the desk.

"I want to heal the damage done to our world because of Dumbledore, Grindelwald, and Voldemort have brought about. Did you know, the average person knows anywhere between ten to twenty-five people personally. All I have to do is change one person's mind. And they in turn will try to change other people's minds. It's a chain reaction at it's finest. I want you to trust me Severus, trust that I want what's best for you. Your getting, a far better deal from me than the other two." Harry said

Severus still looked stiff, but was obviously thinking.

"Will Draco be safe?" Severus asked.

"I give protection and shelter for those who need it. Draco can make his own choices. So long as he's with me I will try to keep him out of harms way." Harry said.

"I accept, what is this favor you need?" Severus asked, eyeing Harry.

Harry smiled at him.

"It will be a few days before I collect that favor. You will not be harmed or affected in any way. I insist that Death check you over and cleanse you if necessary. I can remove the dark mark when your recovered." Harry replied, nonchalantly.

"Death!" Harry said.

He tilted his head to the side to see Death standing just over his shoulder.

"He's all yours, I need to finish some paperwork before seeing Remus and the others. Place him back in his room afterward and tomorrow we can work on retrieving Severus's personal items from Hogwarts. I believe Dumbledore is scheduled to visit the Ministry around noon time." Harry ordered.

"Wait, how do you know when he'll be out?" Snape asked.

"Oh, Severus did you really think that you were the only spy walking around Hogwarts?" Harry said, he would admit that Severus had a very good mask.

But no reaction, is still just that a reaction. One thing was for sure, Severus didn't know what to make of him. Death grabbed Severus's arm again and disappeared.

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Remus's pov (approximate time ten minutes after Harry's meeting)

Remus was out in the garden near the center fountain, he breathed in and out trying to find calm. Dante was sitting a foot away with Regulus and Sirius just inches from him. He kept trying to focus, but the quiet conversation of the others, kept pulling him out of focus. Someone touched his hands, he opened his eyes to see his cub sitting cross-legged in front of him grasping Remus's hands.

"You can do this Remus, close your eyes and focus on my voice only. One by one eliminate all other sounds around you until I'm the only thing you can sense or hear."

He breathed deeply and emptied his mind of all distractions, no voices, no chirping birds, no wind, just Harry.

"Now I want you, to reach into your inner mind and manifest your mindscape." Harry said.

Remus looked around in the vast darkness trying to find what he was looking for. Until he saw a small pinnacle of light. Remus floated to it and touched it, he felt like he was being pulled through a tube. He dropped to the ground?? Remus looked around a forest surrounded him.

"Focus, Remus you have to find Moony." Harry said, he sounded so faint...he sounded so far away.

How was he supposed to find Moony? The trees stretched endlessly in every direction.

"Remember to trust your senses." Harry again...senses...

Remus stood still and listened this was his mindscape so the only living thing in it was Moony. Breaking sticks sounded in the distance, he turned his body towards that direction.

He still stayed in that one spot, Remus inhaled deeply and smelled water?? It was coming from the same direction, animals and people tended to migrate and populate near water sources.

Remus opened his eyes and started walking towards the sounds. He pushed branches out of the way and stepped carefully to avoid any roots. Remus marveled at the fact that everything felt so real, to the forest smells, right down to the texture of the leaves. Remus pushed back the bough of a large pine tree to see clear blue skies and a lake.

The shoreline was rocky, he looked around trying to see Moony. Walking around a boulder taller than him, he saw a large Timberwolf. It was laying on its back rubbing against a large fallen tree limb. A smile came to his face, watching the grey and white wolf wiggle around trying to itch it's back. Remus must've made some kind of noise, as the wolf froze mid-motion before rolling over and gaining it's paws. Moony locked eyes with him and let out a threatening growl his hackles rose and his teeth flashing.

"Moony, do you know who I am?" Remus asked.

Man that was a dumb question of course Moony knew who he was. Moony bared his teeth even more before taking a single paw forward. Crap that was a spring stance.

"Moony no!" Remus said, as panic gripped him.

Moony made a running jump at him, he brought his left arm up in time to block his face. Remus fell to the ground as Moony's heavy weight bore down on him. Remus blinked, as he saw blood dripping down his arm. Moony had his arm in his mouth the teeth clamped down shaking his head. This caused the skin to rip even more.

Pain lanced up his arm as Remus tried to focus on what to do. If he moved too much he'd be perceived as either prey or a threat. Remus thought, he'd seen some recognition in Moony's eyes. Moony knew exactly, who he was and was acting volatile like Dante said he would. Remus had an idea, a very stupid idea he would have to earn his place. Pack hierarchy demanded as such.

Remus brought his right hand up and dug his fingers into the skin on Moony's back. He gripped hard earning a yelp, as he rolled them over throwing Moony off. Remus, got to his feet just as Moony rose again and made to circle him. Remus knew what Moony was thinking, that he was injured, that he'd be easy to deal with. That being so, Remus knew instinctively that Moony would try for his left side again.

He purposely left his side open and sure enough Moony lunged forward and bit his shoulder. Moony racked, his clawed paws down Remus's chest. The pain became worse as black crept up along on the edges of his vision. He used his arms to hold Moony in an awkward hug pressing Moony into his chest hard.

Light erupted from where their bodies touched his vision blurred. As he saw what looked, like Moony melting or perhaps his paw, really did rip into Remus and disappeared under his flesh. The light grew more intense, as he felt his skin ripple oddly before hitting the ground hard.

"Remus!!"

Someone shouted all he could see was a blurry shadow as darkness engulfed him.

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Harry's pov

Harry placed his hand on Remus's chest in the center and directed his magic into his body. It had gone so horribly wrong one minute he was watching Remus meditate. The next second, he saw Remus's arm suddenly break open. Harry saw his shirt rip at his left shoulder almost as if, Remus were being mauled by something invisible.

Soon after he saw a single claw mark shred the skin on, Remus's chest before a blue glow encompassed his body. Then it was almost as if, Remus had been flung his body flew back and hit the garden's stone path. Sirius freaked and started yelling his name. Regulus had to pull him off and restrain him so Harry could get to him.

Harry summoned, three vials of potions and focused on re-knitting the skin on Remus's shoulder. Which was easily, the worst of Remus's injuries. Harry stopped only long enough to spell the contents of the vials into Remus's stomach. Two blood replenishers and a single dose of pain-relieving potion level four. Which was administered only when the patients had some of the worse kinds of injuries.

Harry refocused and continued to heal torn muscles, nerves, and flesh. Thankfully Remus, he didn't have any broken bones, once Harry was satisfied with healing the obvious wounds. He used a medical scan spell that came up clean. Remus would be sporting a new set of scars which were now a shiny pink.

"Regulus, you can let him go now." Harry said, before he rose from the ground and turned to them.

Sirius hit the ground immediately next to Remus cradling his head. Regulus stood there, with a look of helplessness Harry had never seen on him before. Dante's eyes had turned decidedly wolfy in nature.

"He's alright guys I healed him and gave him the maximum strength pain-relieving potion. Regulus, Dante obviously is kind of feral at the moment. Take Remus to his room and clean him up." Harry said.

He was very glad indeed that he'd opted, to stay with Remus for his merging.

With the way the others had acted it would've been very bad if he hadn't. Harry tiredly made, his way back to the door holding it open for Regulus as he carried Remus in. Sirius wasn't far behind, but Dante hung back.

"Dante are you alright?" Harry asked.

"I...I can't be human right now." Dante said, his fists were clenched his shoulders were shaking.

"So don't be, put your fur on until you can handle it." Harry said, Dante gave him a scrutinizing look.

Before Dante's skin rippled, a soft glow came through his skin before Dante's wolf stood there. If he learned anything, it was that fur made it easier. Sirius always drew comfort from Padfoot.

"Come on wolfy, I'm sure Remus will appreciate having you with him even in fur." Harry said, as he let the wolf walk in front of him.

He and his furry companion went all the way up to Remus's room.

Where he saw Sirius sitting on the ground knees pulled up to his chest, eyes wild. Harry heard the water in the bathroom shut off, so he pulled back the comforter back and waited. It only seemed like moments, but was actually several minutes as Regulus emerged wearing a new shirt and pants holding Remus.

Remus was only wearing dark blue boxer shorts and had an oversized white dress shirt, on which clearly wasn't his. Dante jumped on the bed practically crushing all of the pillows but one. Harry huffed as he leaned on the remaining pillow on Dante's side. Regulus carefully placed Remus down before climbing in the bed himself and pulling the comforter up. Harry looked back, to find Sirius more aware but rooted to the spot.

"Sirius...Sirius! If you can't handle it put on your fur." Harry said.

Sirius, hesitated before shifting into Padfoot and jumping on the other side of the bed. And laying down, his doggie head resting it on Remus's chest. Harry sighed tiredly before sitting in a plush chair in the corner he was just going to rest for a bit...and closed his eyes.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry awoke and stretched, surprisingly he felt refreshed and took stock of his surroundings. He remembered falling asleep in the chair in Remus's room last night somebody must've taken him back to his room. He gingerly stepped off the edge of the bed preparing to fall back if he felt dizzy. Normally, it would take a lot to tire him out magically speaking.

There was just something about healing magic that always left Harry drained every time. Harry knew that with his magic he was unlikely to be a healer. His magic was too strong... too combative. Or he could've simply used too much magic while healing Remus. He'd found out early on in learning wandless magic that he had a tendency, to use too much magic for spells that hardly required any at all.

Harry walked into the bathroom to prepare for the day... he had a lot to do today. He finished up quickly and dressed to go out a little later. He wasn't one of those people that needed to change clothes, five damn times a day. Blaise said, his oldest sister changed clothes three or more times a day. She had a new outfit for every meal or even just for tea!

In his study Harry went over to pet Hedwig, who must've arrived late last night. She cooed at him nipping his fingers and burrowing closer under Dust's wing before closing her eyes again. Sitting at his desk Harry started writing a missive to his account manager. It was about refurbishing one of his many properties. Harry had plans to eventually turn the land and house on it into a werewolf preserve. He wanted it to be a safe place much like Harry's Manor was.

Remus of course was his inspiration for Harry's latest interest. Remus was a very good teacher and yet nobody wanted him teaching their kids because he was a werewolf. The prejudice everyone had towards creatures of any kind was unbelievable. Remus couldn't even get a job he had to rely on friends or somebody to actually take pity on him. Which had to hurt the man's pride greatly. Harry truly believed with an established community and some work. He could teach them how to be either self-sufficient or give them some kind of job through himself.

People when they think of creatures they think they're wild savages with no education. It was ignorance at it'd finest, ignorance he wanted to stamp out immediately. Once finished with that he sealed it and started another letter to Luna asking for her to visit.

He had gotten a very useful gift from her in the form of his own newspaper. She had just given him another way to manipulate the media, besides Rita that is. It was as he said, he just had to change one person's mind. And they in turn would change or influence other's opinions. Or at the very least it would make everyone start to question things.

Finally, Harry started on his third letter which was addressed to Arthur. Oh, he wasn't planning on mailing it just yet, but he would soon. Dumbledore was living on borrowed time as it was. One couldn't have so many powerful people out to kill them and hope to survive. Besides Arthur, actually was a good guy, he wasn't like the other Order members. He deserved to know the truth that Dumbledore and Molly had tried so hard to cover-up.

Harry allowed his magic to flow across the surface of the paper drying the ink before turning it over. He took out a calligraphy brush and a flask that contained the potion, he'd used on the letters Lockhart's victims. He unstoppered it and carefully brushed the potion coating the entire back, he once again dried it. Harry took a set of dragonhide gloves out of his desk and started folding and sealing it before tucking it back into his desk.

Harry decided to go check on Remus before going to see Snape and getting breakfast. He took his time wandering to their room and was poised to knock when he heard it. An unmistakable moan, his face flamed, seriously they couldn't have used a silencing spell? What was it with his 'dog-fathers' trying to traumatize him with their sex lives?

Well, at least he didn't have a vision of it like, he sometimes got when Death and Sirius got together. There was only so much Occlumency shields could block out, his bond with Death wasn't exactly normal it was unique to say the least. Harry turned on his heel, Severus it was then!  He made his way up to the next floor up. He knocked on Severus's door earning a curt 'enter' before opening the door.

Surprisingly Severus wasn't wearing his teaching robes. Which Harry was convinced had some kind of spell on them that made them move the way they did. No, a simple black turtle neck with black slacks, and his shoulder-length hair gathered at his nape. It was probably the closest thing to casual he'd ever seen Snape in.

"Morning Severus, you will be accompanying Azrael today to gather your things. I need you to not tell anyone where you are going. I will be contacting Draco and some of my other friends for a visit. In a few day's time I will be telling them as well. That being said since you will be staying with me Sirius and Remus are also living here. They have been different since their own cleansings. They shouldn't be problematic. That being said, there is always the option to be a bigger man should they be childish." Harry said, giving Severus a pointed look.

"If they leave me alone I will leave them alone." Severus said, indifferently.

Harry smiled good he'd hate to have to punish full grown men for acting like petulant children.

"Good, then I believe Azrael and Sirius are rather lonely at breakfast right now." Harry said, with a smirk as Snape grimaced.

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Remus's room (just before Harry's visit) (warning adult content coming)

Remus awoke feeling warm and very sandwiched in between his two guys. They were so wrapped around him, he doubted he could move without waking both of them. It was truly absurd how small he felt in both of their rather impressive arms. It was odd as well that he didn't feel any kind of pain.

The last thing he'd remembered was Sirius's voice screaming and Harry's face leaning over him. The damage that Moony had done was bad... not life-threatening but bad. He sincerely hoped that it had worked, he'd always been afraid of what Moony could do.

"I can hear your loud thinking in my dreams." Regulus said, his voice rough from sleep.

"I would think loudly in another room, but I'm very cozy at the moment." Remus said, he felt Dante shift behind him and let out a soft growl.

"You are both, too loud for it being this early. Rem how are you feeling?" Dante asked, burying his face in Remus's nape.

"Better than yesterday that's for sure." Remus replied.

"I should hope so, Moony got you good, you freaked everyone out by the way. Especially, Sirius, he handled it worse than we did. He wouldn't talk just sat there with his knees cradled to his chest, his eyes were strange to say the least. Death had to take him away shortly after we fell asleep." Regulus said.

Sirius had always been there for him well barring prison he had been anyway.

"I will definitely see him soon, I didn't want him to worry. I have something I want to ask you guys." Remus said.

Going forward he knew he'd have to deal with some of his insecurities.

"Go ahead." Regulus said, sharing a look with Dante over his head.

"Would you guys...would you guys even want to be with me if we weren't mated?" Remus asked.

He closed his eyes the silence in the room felt deafening in the wake of his words.

"Do you remember my third year at Hogwarts at all Remus?" Regulus asked, him looking him in the eyes.

"Nothing specific why?" Remus asked, he looked at Regulus with searching eyes.

"It probably didn't mean much to you since you were always nicer than your friends. It happened near one of the abandoned classrooms on the fourth floor. I had gotten lost and cornered by Macnair and Avery. It was before I started hanging out with Severus and by extension Lucius. The other Slytherins either ignored me or treated me like some kind of pariah because of Sirius. Most of the time they just said awful things to me. But sometimes they would hex me or destroy some of my things. They shot stinging hexes at me and laughed when I hit my head on the wall trying to shake them off. And you just appeared out of nowhere and you gave Avery buck teeth and a donkey tail. Then you turned Macnair's hair bubblegum pink and cursed him, with the worst case of acne I've ever seen. You came up to me and healed the stings and took me to the infirmary for my head. Nobody besides Sirius had ever protected me. Do you know it took a whole year, for Macnair to be rid of that acne. I never forgot that day and I wanted to talk to you and thank you for doing that. But I never did get up the courage to talk to you. So yeah I would've totally dated you before the whole mate thing happened." Regulus said, a soft smile on his lips as he kissed Remus's forehead.

"I saw you for the first time, in the Cambridgeshire pack, you didn't see me but I saw you. You were healing a child who'd come afoul of a bear trap. It had nearly severed the kid's foot off. His own parents couldn't even calm him down. But you somehow made that kid stop crying. You made this orb, with a floating bird flying about, and he was so distracted that he didn't even notice you were healing him. No pain potions, no Skelgro you healed that kid, and taught his parents how to make a splint the muggle way. You taught them which herbs they could use, for fevers and sickness. Most adult werewolves almost never get sick, but the kids they get sick pretty easily. It puts so much strain on their little bodies. I watched you play with those kids and teach the pack things that helped them. I asked around about you, the shy lone wolf who travels, around and helps the packs he stays with. I thought you pretty amazing, before I caught your scent. Don't you get it you don't have to be model gorgeous or whatever bullshit standard, of beauty you hold yourself to. You're it's you...your just you. Even after Dumbledore poisoned you with his bullshit you, still tried to help people. It's your personality and soul that make you beautiful" Dante said.

Remus had a sneaking suspicion that his face was anything but a mess.

"Remus...mate with us." Regulus said, they actually wanted him.

"Yes..."

Dante leaned down and kissed him, he felt hands wandering and caressing his body. As Regulus seemed hellbent on marking his neck and collarbone with little nips. When Dante pulled away Regulus started kissing him. Remus just barely registered that his boxers had disappeared as hot wetness engulfed his length. He let out a breathy moan and froze as he thought he heard footsteps.

"Did you guys hear that?" Remus asked.

They looked at him and shook their heads before returning to him. Regulus dropped down on his back until Remus was in between his legs. He slid down until he was level with Remus's pelvis before taking him into his mouth. Meanwhile, Dante started messaging his hips before summoning lube and started working him open. Regulus released him and peered around Remus's side.

"You or me?" Regulus asked, looking at Dante.

"Might as well be me, since I'm back here." Dante said.

Regulus moved up until he was perched against the pillows.

"Rem, darling care to give Regulus a little attention?" Dante said.

He knew he had to be blushing, he leaned down and engulfed his erection swirling his tongue about. Remus spread Regulus's legs apart as he continued his ministrations. Dante finished what he was doing before slowly inching his way in passed, the tiny ring of muscle.

Remus hollowed his cheeks and dug his nails into Regulus's hip. It was different with two rather than one he mused. As Remus arched his back, he'd never been this full before. He was so close just then Regulus jerked his hips making, him gag a little as he went a little deeper. Remus took his hand and started fondling Regulus's sack a little.

Remus let out a moan as Dante started stroking him, with his hand to the rhythm of his thrusts. Remus squeezed and gave one final suck before Regulus came, he followed soon after. Dante held on and gave a few more weak thrusts before he came as well.

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Weasley home- George's pov

George followed closely just behind Fred. As they came down the stairs it was nearing lunchtime. They saw their mother cutting some beets and onions at the kitchen counter. She turned to them and gave both of them a peculiar smile. The same smile she wore when she wanted something. He looked at Fred seeing that he knew also something was up.

"Boys, your friends with that, Potter kid aren't you?" She asked.

George narrowed his eyes at her back as she stirred the stew.

"Yeah, why?" Fred asked.

Knowing Dumbledore's obsession with Harry and how Ron and Ginny had been, drafted to hurt Harry. George looked at Fred, he knew one thing neither of them were participating in her scheme. George nodded, at Fred as he grabbed a box from his pocket.

It was a knockout pastie, it rendered anyone who consumed it unconscious for up to twelve hours. Fred dropped it into their mother's teacup and stirred it in.

"Well as you two know Harry, has a very important destiny and since the loss of your brother we need your help. The Order would like to extend an invitation into our ranks. We want you two to keep an eye on Harry and report to us." She said.

As she took a long drag of her tea, before turning again to stir the stew. George saw a dark look pass over Fred's face. And he knew that he himself had to have similar look.

"Mum, Harry doesn't need to be watched." Fred said.

They watched her turn back around her face red. As they braced themselves for one of her shrill shouts. When they saw her stop and freeze before her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Neither of them made a move to catch her as she hit the floor.

"It was only a matter of time before..." Fred started.

"We had to leave." George finished, they nodded to each other and split up.

Fred went upstairs to pack their trunks up. And George wandlessly levitated Molly to the couch and draped a blanket over her. It would be the last act of kindness either of them would ever give to her. George then walked back into the kitchen and took the stew off of the burner. Hungry or not they couldn't trust that she hadn't done something to it. He stood and waited for Fred who met him at the steps.

"We need to go to Harry. We can't take the floo they can trace that. We'll have to take the Knight Bus to the Leaky so we can owl Harry from the alley." George said.

Fred nodded, they took one last look around their childhood home. This was no longer their home just one more loss thanks to Dumbledore.

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Harry's pov

Harry checked his papers again before readying himself for a trip to Diagon. He had an appointment with his accounts manager Rotgutt, when an insistent tapping noise hit the window. A small barn owl was perched on his window ceil. Hedwig hooted with irritation as she glared at the intruder. He let the owl in earning a hiss from Hedwig. As he took the letter from it, it flew off not even waiting for a treat. Harry looked at Hedwig with a raised eyebrow.

It was from the twins, something had happened with Molly and they couldn't go home. He snagged a sheet of parchment off his desk and sent a reply back to them so they could meet him at Gringotts. He sent it out with Dust and made his way down to the entrance hall. Death and Sirius were coming with him to the alley.

"We're going to have another two guests here at the house." Harry said.

"Who are we adopting into our menagerie of strays now?" Death asked.

Harry smirked there was that word again that always seemed to apply to him.

"Fred and George of course, nothing makes me happier then pissing off Molly and Dumbles." Harry said, with barely hidden glee.

Sirius blinked at him before Death grabbed them all and they disappeared into the void. They landed in the side alley next to Gringotts. A shiver ran through him as Harry remembered what happened to Sirius here. And Sirius himself looked completely ashen. Harry grasped Sirius's hand and flashed a weak smile as they exited the alley. He caught sight of the twins standing in the shadows trying to avoid being seen. Harry took the stairs two at a time with Sirius and Death trailing behind him.

"Fred, George I'm so sorry to hear about your family. If you don't mind accompanying me inside to do some business then we will all go home together." Harry said.

They nodded at them oddly quiet as they followed Harry in. Harry and his entourage made for the side door Rotgutt, was just exiting to greet him. Once in Rotgutt's office he summoned extra chairs for everyone.

"Ah, Lord Potter-Peverell it has been far too long. Am I to assume that discussion of your business is, alright in front of your guests." Rotgutt said.

"It has been a long time master goblin and you are correct in your assumption. Now the property I've selected will need the wards expanded and renewed. As well as a thorough cleaning and some space cleared for future construction. Were you able to purchase the land parcels nearby for me?" Harry replied.

"I was able to purchase the forest land just adjacent to yours. We can do the warding for a fee of thirty-thousand gallons. And the cleaning of the property and manor grounds can be done for a thousand-gallon fee." Rotgutt said, his lips spread in a vicious grin.

"Hmm, how about twenty-five thousand gallons for warding and five-hundred gallons for the cleaning." Harry asked, as the others looked at him like he was crazy.

Rotgutt grinned savagely, his sharp teeth on display.

"You are lucky I like you, little lord. I will go set up the details for you, is there anything else?" Rotgutt asked.

"Can you also invest five-thousand gallons, into that French vineyard we were discussing previously." Harry said.

The goblin nodded and stepped through a door behind his desk. Harry turned to the others to find everyone but Death staring at him.

"What?" Harry asked.

"You just haggled with a goblin Harry, they hate wizards." Sirius said, looking at him.

"What can I say I'm irresistible." Harry said, smirking.

"So Harry said, something happened with Molly, what happened guys?" Sirius asked, looking at Fred and George.

"She wanted us to join the Order and betray Harry, she was making lunch. You don't know mum like we do, she'll do anything to get what she wants. We've seen her obliviate dad and we've seen, her mixing potions into his food. So when she turned her back we slipped her a knock out pastie into her tea and just grabbed our stuff and left." George said.

"After everything our family has done to Harry we couldn't stomach staying with them any longer. Why do you think our older brothers work so far from Britain. Honestly, we were hoping you would know how to get us disowned. We don't want the Weasley name anymore." Fred said, averting his eyes.

That certainly made sense, he'd always wondered if it was because of the family as a whole. Or if it was because they wanted to be as far away as possible from the stigma their name carried.

"You could always get blood adopted by someone. You can't get emancipated without some kind of money and you don't have a place to stay." Death said, Sirius swatted his arm and glared at him.

"Did you really have to bring up, the Weasley financial state that's incredibly rude all things considered." Sirius said, with a hissed at Death.

"It's okay Sirius we know our families poor. But who would adopt us anyway?" George asked, Harry grinned madly as they all looked at him.

"Do you guys still have the Marauder's map?" Harry asked.

As he held up his hand to stop Sirius from talking. The twins looked at him with wide eyes.

"Harry, how do you know about our map?" Fred asked, Harry smirked again.

"What if I told you, I know who all of the Marauder's true identities are and that two of them are living in my Manor right now." Harry said, laying the bait.

Fred and George looked stunned, while Sirius looked confused and Death smirked as he knew where Harry was taking this.

"What I'm saying is that Sirius, here is Padfoot and the Black bloodline could use some new blood." Harry said.

Harry grinned at the twins, who were looking at Sirius in awe. Sirius had a bewildered expression on his face as he eyed the twins.

"The twins can shed the shackles of the Weasley name and we get back at Molly, by stealing two of her sons." Harry said, looking at Sirius pointedly.

"Come on Siri, they are just like you were trapped in a family who doesn't support them. Who would turn on them if they ever decided to be their true selves? You were lucky enough that my grandparents let you stay with them. You can thank them for helping you by, helping the twins." Harry said, he could see that Sirius was thinking about it.

Rotgutt brought back his papers as he read and signed things, he kept an eye on Sirius.

"Yeah, why not I don't see a problem with any of it." Sirius said, the twins grinned, but otherwise remained silent.

"Good, then you should do it before Molly wakes up and tries to get them back. Death can drop me off, I need to see how Severus is doing anyway." Harry said.

He was surprised that Sirius didn't make a face or say something. Either Sirius had truly grown-up or his dislike for Severus really was all of Dumbledore's fault. Sirius nodded and took the twins with him to find his own accounts manager.

Death hugged him close as the two of them vanished and reappeared at the Manor. Harry took a moment to feel the wards, ever since he'd taken ownership of the Manor he could literally feel it. Harry also discovered, that he could feel the people in the house and where they are.

Harry felt three people in the garden and one lone person in an upstairs bedroom. Severus was no doubt the one upstairs, he hadn't been very social with anyone since he came to the Manor. Severus talked to Harry and Regulus, but everyone else he seemed to be avoiding.

He'd only seen Sirius once and that was with Death and himself. Severus always seemed to be alone Harry had also noticed that in his before life, as well. Harry couldn't help but wonder if that was by choice though. It was either a bid to protect people or maybe Severus simply just didn't want to be around people. Harry knocked at the door and entered when asked.

"Severus, how is everything going?" Harry asked.

"Well, enough at the moment just sorting through my things." Was the reply he received as Severus continued to sort through a trunk with books.

"Did Azrael show you the greenhouses and potions lab?" Harry inquired, Severus actually looked up at him.

Harry smirked, he had Severus hooked now.

"No." Severus said, rather curtly.

"Well, would you like to take a break and I will show you to them. Besides you could probably use some fresh air." Harry said, looking at Severus pointedly.

Severus sat the books down that he'd been looking at. Harry smiled and walked out the door again feeling his presence behind him. Harry decided to go to the lab first and went down, the black marble grand staircase. Just behind the staircase easily hidden from view was a door that was hidden by shadows. Harry stepped through and walked into a large room, white oak shelves lined the walls with brewing supplies.

Empty vials and mason jars were lined neatly against one wall, the black granite counter below it had rows of measuring glasses. The center had two black granite islands in the center, the cabinets below them were also white oak. They had cauldrons in them made from varying materials standard black, silver, gold, pewter, and crystal. Oddly enough the one that was made out of crystal was brought from Death's office.

Apparently it was from Pompeii after the lava had cooled. Death theorized that the cauldron being made by magic, had an odd unexpected reaction to the lava and crystallized it. All of them, but the crystal one had varying sizes, neatly stacked from biggest to littlest. The second island had various kinds of utensils, ladles, and stirring spoons in varying types of wood.

Knife sets also in varying metals, for cutting and dicing were in velvet-lined cherry wood boxes. And the far wall was left bare so that the cauldrons could brew there. Harry watched as Severus looked around and inspected the quality of everything. Harry knew the lab was well stocked with everything a potions master could possibly need. Even Hogwarts, didn't have a lab like Harry's and he knew it.

"What about the ingredients?" Severus asked, eyeing a small stack of old potions texts.

Harry smiled and led Severus to the door beside the first counter with the jars. Inside was floor to ceiling bookshelves, made of dark mahogany wood. Jars of ingredients suspended in liquid, vials of powders, jarred animal parts, and diced plants. All of them were neatly labeled, with their contents, including the jars of Acromantula parts.

Harry had also taken some of the shed basilisk skins and cut them down to one-foot by one-foot squares. Harry would've milked for venom too, but decided against it as he didn't quite trust Severus just yet. Harry watched his reaction upon finding the spider parts and basilisk skin. Disbelief covered Severus's face, as he ran his fingers over the scaled hide. It could've been because of the size of the scales present on the shed skin or just that Harry had it to begin with.

"Don't worry Severus, you have unlimited access to this lab, you will have plenty of time to explore it. Let's walk through the greenhouses now." Harry said.

As he went to the third door that opened to the outside of the house. Two feet from that door was the first of the greenhouses that lined the hidden back section of the house. There were four in total, each had potions ingredients of varying kinds growing in small pots. Most of them were in large rectangular trough-like pots though. The fourth even had special growth conditions. It had a ceiling sort of like the great hall's at Hogwarts, you could charm it to constantly show the moon. It was for special ingredients, that only bloomed in the moonlight or during a specific lunar phase. Severus spent time walking through every greenhouse occasionally examining the plants as they went.

Harry saw the sky start to set in shades of red and purple. He convinced Severus to come in with him as the time for dinner approached. Upon walking through, the entrance hall he saw Sirius come down the stairs.

"Siri, how did it go?" Harry asked.

"See for yourself, Harry." Sirius replied.

As he looked back at the staircase to catch Death and the twins coming down it. They now had the trademark coloring that the Black's were known for. Their freckles and tanned skin were gone replaced with smooth, unblemished skin. Their hair was black and their noses were a little smaller, and their cheekbones a little higher.

"Do you..." Fred started.

"Like what you see?" George finished, as they teased Harry.

"Much better!" Harry teased back.

"Are those the twins?" Severus asked.

"Yup, Sirius just finished blood adopting them at the French Ministry. You know since Dumbles outlawed almost all forms of blood magic, in Britain." Harry said.

Severus's eyes grew big as he looked back at Sirius with a 'are you serious' look.

"I know it's shocking right, I never thought Sirius would ever procreate." Regulus said, laughing at the dirty look Sirius shot his way.

At that point everyone was down in the hall teasing Sirius as the group went to the dining area.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry dodged to the right and used a Stupefy, Death merely stepped to one side. Harry used Avis to summon birds to fly about Death while he cast a Bombarda Maximus at his feet. As the birds cleared and the ground exploded Death just stood there, smirking at him. Bolstering the strength of his shield charm Harry then cast an Incarcerous, followed by an animal summoning spell.

Large Bengal tigers appeared, he tagged them with an Oppugno spell, two of them lunged outright as the other three circled and followed soon after. Harry used that distraction to cast an invisibility charm on himself.

Harry then holstered his wand and placed his palm on the ground. Harry started channeling his magic and manipulating the ground into an undulating mass. Spikes speared through the surface at random intervals, he knew Death would dodge. So at the very least he could try and catch Death by accident. Harry jumped on a rising platform of the earth, just as Death tossed a slashing hex, where Harry used to be.

He kept dodging from floating earth chunk, to earth chunk as he used his magic to continue to alter the ground below. Harry hit solid ground again and cast a layered shield charm, before casting another Avis just as Death jumped to the ground himself to obscure Harry's trap. Harry saw Death falter and fall to his knees as the quicksand, he'd been forming subdued Death's legs and hands. Causing Death to fall on all fours in the sinking muck.

A boisterous laugh left Death as he freed himself and sat down next to Harry. Harry, in turn slumped against Death's back as he cleared the hair away from his face. Harry heard cheering shouts and looked over to find they, had attracted a crowd. He cursed under his breath, he had forgotten that he'd invited his little menagerie over for a visit.

Blaise actually ran out to him picking Harry up off the ground and into a hug. Draco, Pansy, Theo, Neville, Daphne, Susan, and Severus stood together looking shell shocked. While Luna, Hannah, the twins were cheering for him. Even the other adults were sitting off to the side watching the whole time. It was a testament to how focused Harry was, that he didn't even notice they had company.

Harry let himself be dragged over to the others and pulled into more hugs.

"That was crazy!" Theo said.

"Where did you learn all of that?" Neville asked, his voice held awe.

"Which part exactly?" Harry asked.

He had only just recently started working on elemental manipulation. He knew that Tom at least didn't use it... he was unsure about Gellert. And he could only recall Dumbles using was a few fire-based spells.

"I don't think he's asking about the normal spells, Harry." Blaise said, arm still wrapped around his waist.

"If you are talking about the earth manipulation, I just started learning it this summer." Harry said, as he looked over and smirked as he watched Sirius check Death for injuries.

Regulus and Remus were trying not to laugh and Dante gave an approving growl. Death looked a bit disgruntled before giving Sirius a look of fondness. Harry turned back to the others.

"Meet me in my study Mipsy knows where it is, I'm going to go freshen up." Harry said.

Everyone finally took a good look at Harry and saw that he was covered in mud. They all split apart into two separate groups. Blaise stayed with him and made himself at home on Harry's bed after using cleaning spells on his own clothes.

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Gellert's pov (somewhere in the woods of Austria)

He had just returned from the British Ministry and started walking around the Gruner See or "green lake". The wards near this particular base wouldn't allow for him to apparate inside. Thus he was left to take a walk each time he left for business. Sure Gellert could use a broom, but he loved seeing the woods and breathing the fresh air. It was insane what one missed when being in prison for so long. He saw a disturbance of birds coming from the skies above his base something was very wrong.

Gellert started running through the trees cursing colorfully. He saw some of his followers battling with what looked like Austrian Aurors, he narrowed his eyes. His base was well hidden, in a tunnel system underground, either he had a mole or Albie must've been telling secrets.

Gellert had underestimated Albie before and had paid for it. He had assumed that Albus would think him too smart to go back to old hideouts. But that didn't seem to be the case, which meant he'd have to get more creative in the future selection of hideouts.

He killed one Auror with a slashing hex to his back, which cut open the back of his neck. Once his people saw him they rallied around him and started teaming up, to finish the last five standing. They filled him in on what had happened, four of his men had returned from a scouting mission.

And they had been ambushed by ten Aurors in winter cloaks. They were, however able to tell him that three people apparated away once the Aurors had engaged them. So somebody had been watching them and he had a feeling that it was some of Albie's people.

"Pack everything up we can't return to this location, now!" He shouted, as they scrambled to obey him.

As soon as they had gathered everything, including Madame Bones he let loose some Fiendfyre and watched it sear the insides. Oh, somebody was going to pay for this. They followed him back to the green lake's edge and apparated away.

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Dumbledore's pov- Hogwarts

Albus sipped his tea a smile was hidden behind its rim. His people had returned from Austria just as Aurors went to secure the Green lake location. He hadn't been sure that Gellert, would return to one of his undiscovered bases. But he had been rewarded for double-checking the location. It was only a matter of time before the Austrian Ministry would contact him with news from the Aurors. Not even a pouting Arianna had been able to ruin his mood as she floated near Fawke's perch glaring at him.

All the little Deatheaters were secure in Azkaban, he was still unable to find a trace of Tom. And to make things more worrisome he hadn't seen Severus in two days. While not unusual in itself. He had a bad feeling where Severus was concerned since Albus had noticed Severus's absence. Albus really should go down to his rooms and see if Severus was there. He placed his cup back on the saucer and was about to stand when his Floo flared to life spitting out a frazzled looking Molly.

"Molly, whatever is the matter?" Albus asked, her as he took in her disheveled appearance and wild eyes.

"They are gone, Albus! I was talking to them and they are gone!" She said.

He looked at her not understanding, who she was talking about exactly? His face turned ashen as Arianna floated behind Molly and gave him a vicious grin.

"Who, who is gone?" He asked.

All the while he kept his eyes on Arianna not trusting her for a second.

"Fred and George they are gone! I told you they were too irresponsible to be trusted!" She said, her voice shrill as she paced in front of his desk.

Ah, the twins he hadn't had high hopes that the two would join them. But the Order was severely lacking in members. If somebody hadn't been killing them off and others like Lupin couldn't be found at all. If nothing else they would've been valuable spies, to monitor the Potter child.

"Calm yourself, Molly tell me what happened exactly." Albus said, popping a lemon drop in his mouth and rubbing her back.

"I made lunch it was just the three of us as, Percy is spending the summer with Bill and Arthur was at work. I was going to ask them to join, the Order and had even mixed some of those potions you'd given me into the stew. We were talking and they objected, to my statement about Harry needing to be watched. When I turned to yell at them, for being absurd I passed out everything had just gone black. I woke up on the couch the house was dark and Arthur was already asleep and I went to their room. Albus everything, but the furniture was gone!" She shouted, this time he detected anger in her voice.

"I gave those brats everything! I slaved away living with my deadbeat husband taking care of all of them and this is the thanks I get!" She shrieked, as she paced in front of Albus's desk.

"Molly, I'm sure they didn't run away they have no money. They probably went to a friend's house to stay for a few days, I'm sure." Albus said, using his most reassuring voice.

He knew of her absolute disdain for Arthur, but that had never colored her judgment of her kids before.

Her words begged to differ though, did she truly resent her other children because they weren't his? Did she not feel any motherly feelings for her other children or was it just the twins in particular?

"They did this to me! I don't know how they did it, but I know they knocked me out! They have embarrassed me for the last time Albus I want them gone! And Arthur is going to ensure that. I might not have the power to disown them myself, but he can." She said, her voice shrill.

It wouldn't be the first time that Molly, had Imperio'd her husband and then obliviated him. Albus had no doubts that she was serious he just didn't care enough about what happened to Arthur's children.

In fact, the number of people he actually cared for could be counted on one hand. He made no effort to dissuade her from her intentions. Albus already had far too much to deal with as was, he didn't need her drama too. He hoped that the Aurors were successful in their endeavor.

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Harry's pov

Harry finished drying off his hair fell loose down his back as he wrapped himself in a bathrobe. He stepped out and smiled as he saw Blaise standing in the center of his room, with a rope that had one end that was frayed. Blaise dangled it in the air in front of Hedwig, she ran on her long legs and attacked the end of the rope.

He'd seen one of the neighbors cats do that, but this was the first time he'd ever seen an owl do it. How did he have an owl and not know just how long their legs were? Harry leaned against the door frame, watching the two of them play a soft smile gracing his features. Leave it to his girl to find her daddy immediately. She lunged for the rope again as he pulled it up in the air. Her claws struck it digging in as he dangled her there with her wings flared.

Blaise picked her up and cradled her against his chest. He ran a hand through the feathers of her chest as she cooed at Blaise. He then retrieved a container off of Harry's vanity set and fed her what looked like some kind of meat. Harry walked up and stroked her head gently.

"You are such a spoiled girl! What is your daddy feeding you huh?" Harry asked, her.

She nipped at his fingers affectionately in response.

"Fatty tuna, we had sushi last night. I had one of the house elves wrap some up for her since, I was coming over." Blaise replied, as he pulled Harry in with his free arm.

"You can go ahead and sit with the others I'm just going to get ready." Harry said.

Blaise kissed Harry's cheek before leaving the room with Hedwig still cradled in his arms. Brushing out his hair he left it in a loose ponytail held together with a blue silk hair tie. He put on a black cashmere sweater with blue jeans and black socks. Harry decided against wearing shoes as, he had no plans to leave for the day.

He put on the resurrection stone, his two lord rings, and the necklace Blaise gave him. Harry left his room and moved down to the other end of the hall, where his study was. Upon opening the door the quiet conversation stopped as they all turned to him. Harry walked through and sat at the desk and smiled upon seeing a, sleeping Hedwig nestled into Blaise's side.

"I invited all of you here today to give all of you a choice. I would like to reveal to everyone the truth about myself and ask you all a very important question. Some of you have already answered that question." Harry said.

He looked around and gained a nod from each of the twins and a dreamy smile from Luna. Harry spread his magic out to Ward and lock the door before letting his magic loose entirely. Their eyes were big as they regarded him and so he told his story again.

"Now you can join me and help liberate our world, or you can leave without your memory. And you will simply be nothing more than my friends. I hope to gain an alliance with the dark lord. Upon his resurrection if I succeed you, won't have to choose between your families and me. Draco, I know you've seen your godfather here he's agreed to join me already." Harry said. He looked around at their faces, Harry knew his snakes would catch on to what he was doing. Harry's badgers looked torn as they looked at him.

"I know I'm asking a lot from all of you. But know that this is your choice none of you have to follow in your parent's footsteps. Fred and George, have already decided their futures and have forsaken their given names. They are the newest members, to join the Black family through a blood adoption. This manor is a sanctuary, it offers safety and shelter to those who need it." He said, as he moved to sit by Blaise and petted Hedwig who gave him an irritated hoot.

They talked quietly around him... the others were asking Fred, George, and Luna questions. He zoned out ultimately waiting for their decisions to come.

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Death's pov

Death finished drawing the ritual circle he needed, there were two bands of runes all neatly drawn. Smaller circles were outlined around the inner circle, he went back and placed each item in a circle the last item placed was Slytherin's locket.

He then preceded to take the ritual chalk and draw ritual circles on each wall. It was unlikely to be a problem, but the extra shield runes would prevent any errant soul shards from escaping. He finished the last one with care before he grabbed the final item. It was a leather choker, it had five emeralds so dark they almost looked black. They were rectangular and snakes were woven around them with delicate filigree in silver.

It was the lost half of Slytherin's locket, the locket was meant to hang just below the choker as a set. The locket had been lost to the Gaunt's and the choker was well hidden, in the slowly rotting remains of what was once Salazar's home.

Death circled around before standing just above the outer circles, he started by activating the shield runes. He started chanting in the long-forgotten dialect that once upon a time, was widely known by the practitioners of death and soul magic. Now it was no more and was more forgotten then even Latin, as far as dead tongues go. The runes lit with a bluish-white light. As the outer rune ring started moving counter-clockwise, the inside rune circle moved clockwise. Each of the smaller circles glowed with purple light one by one until they connected with the center. As he reached the height of the ritual spectral forms of Tom Riddle appeared behind each Horcrux.

They were all different ages, the youngest being the smallest shard which had been in Harry. They all screamed dropping to the ground as they were sucked into the center. A sharp blinding light came from both the locket and choker. The rune circle flared red as the magic receded leaving the broken remains of the Horcruxes. Nagini was still nestled in her bubble, she was still alive but breathing heavily.

Death healed and calmed her before returning her back into stasis and banishing the mangled Horcrux remains. He gathered up both parts of the necklace and placed them in a velvet lined box.

Soon Tom Riddle would rejoin their world and the resulting chaos would keep Death entertained for quite a while.

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Harry's pov

Hannah and Susan had hesitated in their decision, but with a few questions they decided to stay with him. Harry told them about Salazar and the Chamber, as they all made plans for the following year. Neville was the most surprising one though, he had expected a fight of some kind. Instead, he had been the first of everyone to agree to Harry's plans. Harry had been working with Neville recently to boost his confidence. Neville like the twins just needed just one person to believe in him.

Everyone had sworn to never reveal the contents of their meeting. They all filed out one by one, Draco stayed back to confirm a future visit with Severus. And Blaise stayed for some quality cuddle time. Sirius was horribly amused, as he teased them up until the moment he too departed. Tomorrow Harry, would finally call in that favor from Severus. His bond with Death told him the soul remerge had worked now he just had to finish securing his allies.

Before going to bed he sent out the letter he'd written for Arthur Weasley and one more letter to Rita Skeeter. All hell was going to break loose tomorrow and Harry couldn't be happier he smiled as he snuggled deeper into his pillow. 

Chapter Text

Molly's pov

She held the vial up gazing into the murky violet depths thoughtfully. Upon further discussion with her darling Albus, it was decided that she should use a very obscure potion for Arthur. He was indeed right trying to disown a child using the Imperious, stood a high chance of backfiring on her. However, he also said that this was far more reliable for what she needed. While also giving her even more control over Arthur.

She needed them gone for good! Molly didn't wish them dead, they were still her children even if she loathed to admit it. But it seemed like every day that went by they only brought more and more disappointment and shame to her.

There was only so much she could handle! They were trouble right from the very moment they drew breath in this world. She had tried to be a decent mother, but no those little heathens were so ungrateful... so very problematic. No matter, Albus had assured her that it was a foolproof plan. There was no way he'd be able to fight it off as weak-minded as Arthur was.

Molly scrambled the eggs as she mulled over the best way to give the potion to him. Surely not the eggs as it would discolor them... the tea maybe? Arthur wasn't that observant or he'd be able to tell just how much she hated him. Yes, the tea would be best it would mask the taste and the color quite nicely.

She plated up the food being careful to use a mismatched mug for Arthur. It wouldn't due for the wrong person to drink the potion. Albus had been very clear that the skill needed to brew this ancient potion was well  beyond normal brewers. So she would only have one and only one shot at this so nothing, could go wrong. Arthur came in dressed for work and sat down at his usual spot at the table. She brought over his food and tea before grabbing her own breakfast.

"Morning Mollywobbles, where are the kids?" He asked.

"Oh, they are all visiting different friends for a few days." Molly said, he gave her a surprised look.

"Even the twins?" Arthur asked, she hid her disdain behind her tea mug.

"Yes, it surprised even me dear all they left was a note they didn't say if it was that, Jordan kid or the Oliver boy." She said.

He shook his head and focused on his food she frowned as he didn't sip at his tea once. He picked through the mail that was addressed to him until his fingers touched a thick envelope. She huffed but opted to be patient he always drank his tea getting up she went to refill her own mug.

Arthur's pov

Something about the envelope drew his attention like it... was incredibly important that he read it first. He looked up to see Molly was busy in the kitchen again before opening the mysterious letter. Before he could even read the letter, he froze clenching his teeth together he suppressed a cry of pain. He clutched at his head as his vision swam, all the while Molly didn't seem to notice anything was wrong.

Arthur closed his eyes as a headache started to blossom, images flashed before his eyes and voices started booming in his ears. His eyes widened as he stood shakily on his feet. Arthur lost his footing as he crashed into the table he heard glass shatter and food fly. It was at that moment that Molly noticed his distress, but instead of helping him she smiled at him viciously.

"Good, it's working you are going to do exactly what I want now. I want you to disown the twins, they've disappointed us for the final time. With the twins gone Ginny, will be the only child left to care for as Percy just graduated. Then I want you to go kill yourself, I don't care how so long as I no longer have to deal with you. I will finally get to be with him and won't have to pretend at this farce of a marriage any longer." She said, in a cold voice.

Arthur was shocked, so the images were true she really had betrayed him in every sense of the word. What was worse she clearly expected him to do as he was told like so many times before.

He didn't even think he just acted instinctively and lunged forward at her, kneeling form and wrapped his hands around her neck. He squeezed harder as she tried to pull his hands off of her neck. How could she do this to him? He had loved her in the beginning and had worked his ass off to provide for their children and this was how he was repaid!

With imperious and obliviate spells... with lies and adultery. And to make matters worse that note had said, that his two youngest weren't even his. She tried to reach into her pocket for her wand and just as she grasped it he slammed her head into the corner of the kitchen cabinets. He squeezed even harder as she weakly tried to stop him before stilling entirely. He smacked her head into the floor one more time for good measure before releasing her limp body. Looking down at her unmoving form the only thing he felt was a great sense of relief.

He looked at the mess and saw the letter he snatched it up and stuffed it into his robes. He walked over to the hallway and looked at himself in the mirror, he cleaned his clothes up with a wave of his wand. Arthur closed his eyes and breathed deeply before he walked over to the floo and stopped. The family clock shimmered oddly...was that a glamour?

He took out his wand and poked at it feeling the magic, instead of disturbing it. Anger went through him as he felt Dumbledore's magic on it. That clock was a family heirloom and it had been defiled by Molly and her lover. Disgust churned in his gut not just for them but for himself how could he let this happen? How could he be so weak? Using the strength of his family magic he broke through the strong glamour.

The hand that would've held Ginny was blank! Was it blank because she wasn't his? Ron's would've gone blank as he'd died...but that didn't mean he was his child either.  Fred and George's were strange as well they were blurred, so their pictures could barely be seen. Alarm went through him, were they even okay? Did Molly do something to them? He touched his lord ring and focused on each individual member of the family.

He felt Bill, Charlie, and Percy with no issues what so ever. But when he felt for the twins the connection was weak or muted once again concern filled him what was going on? He looked at the time cursing under his breath he had to make it to work.

Arthur glanced back his late wife before pushing over more furniture, the more it looked like a struggle the better. He walked out the door leaving it wide open so it looked like someone had busted in. It didn't matter if the neighbors found her or he reported her body himself later. Either way, he'd be at the Ministry far away from the sham that was his family's home. Once work was over he was going to find out what happened to his boys.

Harry's pov

Harry sat at his desk sipping his tea, he had woken up early. Harry was just too wired he couldn't wait for the coming chaos. He turned his head as he caught sight of Death in the periphery of his eye.

"Good morning Death anything yet?" He questioned.

"Your letter stirred up quite the reaction from Arthur. And it couldn't have happened at a better time as well." Death replied, Harry raised his eyebrow.

"Oh, do tell." He said his curiosity spiking.

"She was about to give him a very old potion, the potion itself is a recipe that dates back to Atlantis. Dumbledore either got really lucky and found a priceless potions tome or he stole it from someone who did. I'm the only one who should have a copy of that particular book in question. It would've given Molly almost entire control of him, the potion was designed to be used on the mentally disturbed. Before Atlantis disappeared it's second, to the last ruler had instigated a war with a nearby colony on the mainland. Anyway, he was so unstable that his family and his people had decided to convince him to stop. When he refused in order to protect his family and his people his younger brother started plotting. Because his brother, was the lord of the family he couldn't stop him. He loved his brother and didn't want to hurt or kill him to stop the bloodshed. So with the help of their high council and a potions master they came up with this potion. It basically made the recipient more susceptible to suggestions, particularly the mentally weak or mentally unsound. He then convinced his brother to give up not only the war, but his lordship and throne as well. Since potions aren't considered magic they could be used to manipulate family magic to an extent. So long as the potion wasn't poisonous or a love potion the family magic wouldn't fight against it so long as the lord remains unharmed." Death said.

Harry just looked at him, if he hadn't sent out that letter the night before. Arthur, weaken mentally by a long history of obliviates would be a puppet to his wife. He nodded at Death to continue.

"Anyway he touched your letter, before he could ingest it and well he snapped. He strangled her and smashed her head into a cabinet as well as the floor." Death said, casually.

His eyes widened at Death's statement. Sure he was going to kill Molly eventually but this... he hadn't planned on this at all.

"He cleaned himself up and left her body there to look like a break-in. He went straight to work and has been there for well over an hour doing paperwork, as if nothing had happened." Death said.

Harry decided not to tell the twins about what had happened, because what they didn't know they would react to appropriately to upon questioning. But Arthur....Harry wouldn't have ever guessed that the nice gentle man had an ounce of violence in him. Harry too had thought himself incapable of his own acts of violence that he'd committed. Sometimes people were just pushed too far.

"And my other plot?" Harry asked.

"The morning edition of The Prophet hasn't been out for delivery yet, but it has the article dearest Rita wrote. Took up the whole front page, I will be amazed if the goat gets out of this unscathed." Death replied.

"Good I may just frame it if it succeeds."  Harry said.

A soft knock sounded at the door, he gave permission for entrance and was greeted by Severus.

"Severus I'm so glad you could join me." Harry said.

"You wanted something?" Severus said.

Severus looked like he was on edge about something. Hmm, someone was grumpy without his morning coffee.

"Yes, it's time for me to cash in that favor I asked for." Harry said, Snape regarded him carefully.

"Oh, and what frivolous task am I to complete for you?" Severus said, sarcastically.

Harry smirked at his question.

"Now is, that any way to talk to the person who gave you literally everything you could possibly desire?" He teased.

Severus merely raised a brow and gave him an expectant look.

"I need you to wear something for me, I would do it myself except I'm not compatible enough to do so." Harry said

He motioned to a silent Death to hand him, a mahogany wood box and he passed it on to Severus.

"You want me to wear necklaces? What for?" Severus asked.

Hmm, his grumpy Potions master was awfully, short in temperament today.

"As you can already tell both necklaces are magical in nature, but only one contains a soul." Harry said.

He waited for some kind of protest or even just a reaction really, he received neither.

"The soul in question was ripped apart several times, I have pieced it back together. But I lack the correct glue so to speak in order to close the cracks and fissures in the soul, it needs to be near you. Your magic and soul have higher compatibility than even my own do. Proximity with you will allow your own personal ambient magic, to heal the soul. I should tell you, that he can't hurt you or possess you in any way. It will take less magic than a Lumos, for the soul to consume daily." Harry said.

He watched as Snape narrowed his eyes looking down at the necklace thoughtfully.

"Who is it exactly?" Severus asked, Harry smirked.

"You're entirely too smart Severus, it's another one of Dumbledore's victims. If you recall correctly I told you about what happened to the dark lord. He never achieved anything he set out to do because of Dumbledore. Tom, like you and the others were tampered with early on. You can heal the damage Severus with his sanity restored and his magic healed. He has the potential to further my own plans. Never fear you are mine Severus, I take care of all those who trust and follow me. Tom will not hurt you or make you take back the dark mark. If my mother's death was the basis for your defection. I must remind you that he did try to honor your request. She was just too stubborn and she refused to let him kill me." Harry said.

He watched Severus intently as he ran a finger along the edge of Slytherin's locket an odd expression adorning his face.

Severus even when  displaying emotion he could be entirely unreadable. Harry saw the moment when he gave in as he picked up the locket first and clasped it around his neck. He tucked it under his collar, he seemed to hesitate as he picked up the choker. He noticed that Snape shivered once the clasp clicked shut. Suddenly a knock sounded at the door. Before he could answer Sirius stuck his head in.

"Pup you have got to see this newspaper!" Sirius said, excitedly.

Harry snorted when Sirius just ignored everyone else and thrust the paper in his face.

"Did you just breathe fire at Dumbledore, like an angry dragon? There is no way Rita got that information from anyone but you." Severus said, upon catching the headline "DUMBLEDORE THE NOT SO LIGHT LORD".

He perused the article before giving it to Severus who actually gave him a surprised look.

"I'm surprised we can't hear Draco and Barty cackling from here. Those two always love anything that disparages Dumbledore." Harry said, without thinking about what he said.

That is if Barty Sr. was letting him read things these days. Taking away Barty's books was a favorite punishment for his son. Both Severus and Sirius looked at him shocked.

"Barty?? What do you mean by that?" Severus said, while Sirius was giving him an intense hurt look.

Whoops, he didn't plan on saving Barty just yet.

"Yeah, he's alive we just have to rescue him from his demented ass father." Harry said, trying to figure out what was wrong.

"And you didn't think that, that was something I might want to know!" Sirius said, angrily.

"Sirius, what on earth is your problem since when do you care about one of the deatheaters?" Harry asked, confused did he actually miss something.

"You said we would have to rescue him, explain." Severus said, as he yanked on Sirius's arm and pulled him down to the sofa next to him.

Sirius surprisingly didn't protest at his treatment by his once enemy.

"His father left his, terminally ill mother in a permanent human transfiguration. She took Barty's place in Azkaban and later died, Barty has been in the care of his insane father ever since. Said father has the habit of locking him up and using the Imperious on a regular basis. I had intended to get Barty eventually after I achieved certain things." Harry explained.

"So you knew he was with that abusive monster and just left him there to suffer!" Sirius yelled.

"So you knew, I'd be left with abusive monsters if you went after Pettigrew and you went anyway! Where I spent sixteen years of abuse by those people instead of with my godfather. Said godfather who supported Dumbledore and never questioned him and then died leaving me alone again! Nobody saved me dammit and now your all up in my face about Barty screw you!" Harry retorted, he rose and walked out slamming the door behind him.

Oh, Death had told him plenty about what happened to Barty and honestly compared to his own abuse. Barty had it downright good in comparison. The nerve of that man! Getting angry at him! So he forgot about Barty, Sirius knew what kind of monster he was fighting against. Sirius knew everything that he'd endured and yet here he was angry with him. But Harry was more disappointed in himself he was supposed to be strong now and instead he let Sirius get to him.

He felt tears gathering in the corners of his eyes, dammit. Harry went to his room locking the door and warding it, he let the tears flow now as he laid down on his bed. He didn't even know why he was crying, tears were useless they didn't help or make anything better.

He sat up leaning against his headboard, he took off his shoes and wiped the offending moisture from his cheeks. Harry looked up startled as something hit his arm, he looked down to see Hedwig butting her head against him. He scooped her up cradling her against his chest. He squeezed her gently before kissing the top of her head as she cooed softly and soothingly at him.

"You know he didn't mean it right?"

There was only one person who could just walk through his wards like they were nothing. Death sat down next to him and reached out to stroke, Hedwig's head.

"Yeah, I know he didn't mean it on purpose the look of horror on his face was obvious. I'm angrier that I let him get under my skin, I should have a tougher hide than this. It just... out of everybody I expected him to know that I, thought things through. That if Barty was in true danger we would've retrieved him much sooner. I'm not some heartless monster, I'm one person something or someone was bound to slip past my notice. I'm not a fucking god!" Harry said.

"It's good that you acknowledge the fact that you can't do it alone. You are shouldering a lot Harry, I understand how you feel, but Sirius doesn't know how much you are doing. Nobody but you little master knows just how much work I have to do just as I understand just how much you have to do. Harry, you have to start delegating some tasks to other people. You're trying to do it all and only relinquish control when you have no other choice. It's stressing you out and affecting you emotionally. What's the point of having followers if you, don't trust them?" Death said.

Harry had to admit, Death was right he was taking on too much. He was juggling his goals, his revenge, his schoolwork, and his training. Harry worked more than he relaxed and he was always tired.

"Let them prove to you that they can handle it, Harry." Death said, Harry nodded thoughtfully.

"I need you to retrieve Fawkes and somehow hold him. Once Dumbledore catches wind of the paper he'll do one of two things. He'll stand his ground and try to weasel his way out of trouble as he did before. Or he'll get spooked and run for it, honestly I'm hoping he'll run. I did promise Sal, that we'd save Fawkes from Dumbledore's grasp." Harry said.

"Good, it's a start but you have other people to trust Harry. I will always be here for you Harry." Death said, before hugging Harry carefully as he still had Hedwig in his arms.

Harry nodded and buried his face in the feathers a top her head. He breathed deeply and did his best to clear his mind.

Death's pov

After leaving his little master he opened a portal and stepped through landing in Dumbledore's office. He silently approached the sleeping firebird and placed his hands on either side of the perch. He weaved his magic into a bubble and encased the sleeping bird. He then froze him in place before picking up the bubble and cradling it gently in his arms.

His task done he stepped back through his portal leaving just seconds before Madame Bones and her Aurors showed up. 

Meanwhile at Hogwarts...Dumbledore's pov

Albus walked down into the dungeons he was looking for his missing potions master, who hadn't been seen in over a week. It wasn't unusual for Severus to be gone this long if he was caught up in a brewing. Even so he usually surfaced long enough to have his coffee or ask Sprout about ingredients.

So to say after a week of not seeing hide nor hair of his potions master, Albus wanted to know where the man was. He stopped in front of the portrait that led into Severus's personal quarters. He expected to have to strip the wards off of the door except there were none. He inspected the frame and even asked the portrait, how long it's been since he'd seen his occupant.

Albus was shocked to learn that Severus hadn't entered in nearly two weeks. Opening the frame he went in only to stop, the furniture was covered in sheets. All of Severus's personal, belongings were just gone, he walked into the bedroom and bathroom. Everything was gone, this couldn't be happening he couldn't leave him! Albus should've bound Severus tighter to his side. How dare he do this to him? Albus rushed out of the quarters and into the main hall he was about to go up to his office, when an angry McGonagall stopped him.

"Albus, what is the meaning of this? Is any of this true?" She yelled, as she thrust a paper into his hands 'DUMBLEDORE THE NOT SO LIGHT LORD'.

He scanned the article disbelief showing on his ashen face... somebody knew. He'd bet anything that Gellert was behind all of this. It detailed his entire relationship with Gellert and even speculated that, Albus might have something to do with Gellert's break out. 

"Mini I really have to go it's important, I mean can we really trust what the paper writes." She narrowed her eyes and huffed.

"These things keep happening Albus and they're all linked to you! Everything is too much of a coincidence!" She said.

Albus didn't have time for this he started walking away she grabbed his arm to stop him. Frustrated he let his wand slide into his hand casting a quick shield charm at her stomach. She flew back and hit the wall with a sickening crack she crumpled to the floor.

He knelt down and felt for a pulse at her neck, good she was still alive. He would fix her later, right now he needed to get back to his office. He made the trip as quickly as possible making sure that he took a route with no portraits. Once in his office he turned around and was met with two Aurors and Madame Bones.

"Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest, your charges will be pending upon further investigation." Bones said.

Dammit, all to hell he looked at Fawkes's perch and realized it was empty. He used some wandless magic and made the wall behind them explode, he grabbed his emergency portkey. He was just distracted enough that he didn't notice a tracking charm stick to the bottoms of his robes. A smirking Bones was the last thing he saw before he was whisked away. Albus landed in the Weasley's living room and walked down the hall.

"Molly! Molly where are you?" Albus asked, as he walked into the kitchen to see the room in complete disarray.

The table was laying on its side, the chairs were laying haphazardly about, broken glass and food were strewn all over the floor. And Molly was laying on the floor unmoving. He knelt down to check on her and his hand made contact with cold clammy skin. Who could've done this?

"Well, it just keeps getting better and better, now we can charge you with murder and assault."

He turned to find Amelia and the Aurors behind him, he reached down to get his wand and found it gone. He narrowed his eyes, they must've disarmed him when he was occupied. Using wandless magic, he cast a Bombarda Maxima at their feet before he ran out the door and apparated to Aberforth's house. Albus stripped off his outer robes and then apparated away again.

Gellert's (Amelia Bones) Pov

Oh, this was just precious Albie was in so much trouble. He suppressed a laugh as he got back on his feet and regarded, the red-haired woman's body. She had clearly been dead long before Albus got here, it was just too perfect though. What were the odds that Albus would walk into a murder scene!

First, someone had blown their little secret. Then Albie assaults another teacher and he in turn resisted arrest and apparated directly to a dead body. Albie looked plenty guilty, Gellert honestly couldn't have done a better frame job himself.

It would seem that he had competition in the revenge department. The Aurors bustled around him oblivious to the once dark lord standing, among them. No, matter there were ways to make Albie come to him, he would have to draw him out.

Harry's pov

Harry moved the papers off to the side and pinched the bridge of his nose. His Luna had given him his own newspaper and it was set to be released soon. Harry called it the 'Illuminating Illusions', he wanted it to cause the sheep to think. Too many people went through life just blindly excepting things without questioning them. The paper would have columns for political discussions, old or grey magics, quidditch, and his personal favorite 'Banned Contraband'.

The Banned section brought up certain illegal or banned spells and potions. So long as he didn't post the incantations or recipes, the Ministry couldn't call what was written illegal. The first one was going to be about, blood magic or more specifically the useful healing spells that require the blood of the castor. Dumbledore had done a mighty fine job brainwashing the sheep into thinking it was bad.

So if he could just publish, his thoughts and research findings it may garner more support. And if not support then make them truly think, about it. Harry wanted people to be curious, to question the laws that governed all of them. He had spent a good amount of time studying their laws looking for loopholes.

Harry knew it would bring controversy and he knew the Ministry couldn't touch him, for what was printed. The thing was the powers that be don't like to be questioned about anything. The people who did, dare to be free thinkers were labeled terrorists or traitors. They wanted to smother people rather than hear their voices. It was why he hated politics so damn much. A knock sounded at the door. He murmured a quick enter as pulled out a stack of parchment.

"Harry."

It was Sirius his voice sounded uncertain.

"Yeah, Siri it's okay come in." He said.

"I... I didn't think it through earlier. You know that sometimes I say some harsh things and not mean it." Sirius said, Harry got up and walked over to him.

"Siri I know you didn't mean it. I have so much going on with school, training, revenge, Blaise, and all my goals. It's just too much all at once... I need to delegate more and have some, downtime. I forgot about Barty in the grand scheme of things and I'm sorry about that." Harry said.

"Harry you are an amazing kid and I agree that you are doing, way too much. Go out with Blaise, hang out with friends, do something normal you need a break. I didn't tell you why I was angry you couldn't possibly have known." Sirius said, Harry sat down on the sofa and Sirius followed suit.

"Then tell me why this bothers you so much." Harry asked.

"Did you know Barty's cell, was next to mine in Azkaban? Ours was the only cell like it in the entire floor we were on. The cells are usually four brick walls, a window, and a door. Mine had three walls and a set of bars on one side, that sectioned off another cell. That cell had two rows of bars, the front with a door and the side that bordered mine." Sirius stopped.

"It was how I came up with my escape plan. The bars were too close together for a man to fit through. But a starved dog could make it through easily. The problem was my magic kept me just healthy enough to not die. So starving was really hard at first. But I spent a lot of time talking to Barty." Sirius said, he stopped again his hands shaking, and his eyes far away.

"We were the only two at the end. I always felt so horrible that the dementors affected him. I had Padfoot... he was just exposed. When they came he always reached his hand through the bars. And he'd run his fingers through my fur for comfort. Anyway, the point is all we had was each other. And when he died.." Sirius said, his eyes misted Harry reached over and clasped his hands.

"It was very devastating for me to lose him in that horrible place. And to find out he was alive and possibly hurt...and that you knew and didn't tell me. It just hurt a lot...it didn't even occur to me that you, didn't know. I'm sorry... I didn't even think about your situation. I didn't mean to imply that I cared more about what happened to him then you."  Sirius said, Harry hugged Sirius close rubbing at his back.

"Siri I'm going to get him back for you. I promise." Harry said, he would get Barty back. And if it just so happened to coincide with his plans for Tom then so be it.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry walked clockwise around a lavender bush stringing fairy lights as he went. Sure he could've done it by magic or house-elves, but he really needed to keep his mind off of other things. He really had been stretching himself too thin trying to do it all. So that was why he, was in one of the furthest corners of Peverell manor's gardens.

He was setting up the small corner for a date night of all things, Regulus had wanted to do something nice for his mates. It had only just now occurred to Regulus that the three of them didn't really know too much about one another.

Which as smart as Regulus was, well it was... surprising... it took so damn long. They just skipped the whole dating thing and moved into the sex/bonding stage too quickly. Harry himself didn't have room to judge as, his own past relationships were a disaster. He was so lucky to have found Blaise this time around.

The fact that he hadn't scared Blaise away was a miracle on the scale of Merlin. Not everyone could say that their other half was okay with the whole revenge, torture, murder thing. Which was just amazing so Harry was going to put some time into their relationship this year. The two of them, were coming up on their third year at Hogwarts. Hogsmeade was available to them now so dates would start to be a more prominent part of his life soon.

Harry had spent more time trying to stay alive than he had being a normal teenager. Harry really had missed all the fun of dating and sneaking out...well sneaking out for things unrelated to Voldie at least. And now that Dumbles was on the run and stripped of his political power. Harry now had time to work on all his relationships. He was still planning on training with Sal and the others, he wanted to be more cohesive with them.

He always believed that, Dumbles and Voldie were too heavy-handed with their followers. Neither of them treated their followers correctly, which resulted in a lot of traitors or they followed out of fear. Harry planned to have a softer approach, which he hoped would lead to a stronger bond. Harry strung the last set of fairy lights around an ancient-looking yew tree, on the lower branches and trunk. He finished lowering his arms and rubbing at them as they started to ache.

He'd been sparring with Death earlier that morning and even though he was healed, it didn't stop his body from giving him hell. Harry walked over and started setting the green wrought-iron table that had little Thestrals carved into it. He had promised to help Regulus by setting up the garden. Regulus himself was with Sirius and his mates keeping them busy. Sirius was still a bit weird after the whole Barty thing, he was quieter which was just weird.

A quiet Sirius was just unheard of, Sirius was always so happy and definitely loud. This Sirius reminded Harry far too much, of Sirius's broken self from his first life. He wanted Sirius to be happy this time around. And to add to the weirdness of the situation Death was silent as well. That in itself was really disturbing to Harry it was almost as if Death, had become an introvert again. Death had come a very long way since he'd first met him.

Death had become more sociable and expressive with his emotions. So to see Death distant and silent unsettled Harry, Death was his unmovable rock in the shitstorm of everything around him. Hell, Death had been with him through everything including long before he'd become his master. Harry was the last blood descendant of the Peverell's besides cousin Tom, that is. And only a blood Peverell could be Death's master. It was Death's way of limiting how many people would have the ability to control him. Until Harry came across the Hollows and bonded with them, Death hadn't been able to interfere with Harry's life. But that didn't stop Death from being there with him. He had always been there unseen, as Harry's own personal guardian angel. And now he was Harry's avenging angel and unofficial father figure.

The muggle Bible states "As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." This was very true for Harry, he feared nothing not even evil itself so long as Death walked with him. So to say that Harry was bothered by this was an understatement.

"So who is this all for?" He glanced around to see Draco coming up the paths behind him.

"Regulus is cooking dinner for his mates so they can have a date." Harry replied, a raised brow greeted his explanation.

"How does this include you exactly Harry?" Draco asked.

He walked around the other side of the table, as Harry started folding napkins.

"I needed some downtime so I started talking to Regulus. And we got on the subject of his relationship, well I mentioned the whole lack of personal knowledge bit. I mean they went straight from meeting, to having sex and bonding less than a week later. Regulus decided he wanted to do something romantic for his mates and asked for some ideas. He's keeping them busy, with Sirius and I'm setting up the garden. Then later tonight he's going to personally cook for the three of them. Before you ask, I'm doing it without magic to try and keep my mind off of things. All this mindless decorating is actually helping a little." Harry said, as he layered the table with, preservation charms and anti-vermin wards.

No bug, bird, or woodland critter was going to ruin Regulus's dinner date, that Harry had worked so hard to set up. A smirk made its way onto Draco's lips.

"Does Blaise know you're doing romantic things for other people?" Draco said, teasingly, Harry continued to place out drinking glasses.

"Why, yes Draco he does as I wrote him a very long letter this morning. It detailed my plans for this coming year which include many plans for alone time with my Italian teddy bear. So how is Severus feeling? I know you didn't come to visit me Draco." Harry said, as he pushed the chairs back into the table and started walking back up to the house.

"He's doing pretty good, actually if I didn't know him like I did I'd ask what you did with my godfather. Did he get a makeover?" Draco asked. Harry shook his head and smiled.

"Not that I'm aware of, but your right he's looking much better than when he came."  Harry replied, Draco snorted.

"Yeah, his nose, teeth, even his hair look different. And he seems to have loosened up quite a bit as well." Draco said.

"Could be the bathroom products they're in everyone's bathroom. Granted they have different scents, but they are all the same brand, a very expensive brand that is. His are a bit more expensive though, as they can't have anything in them that would react negatively with the potions he brews. It's definitely done wonders keeping the potion's fumes from greasing up his hair. As for his loosening up, I have to assume it's because he lives here now. Here at the Manor he's stress-free and doesn't have to worry about Dumbledore or Voldemort anymore." Harry replied.

"Yeah, you basically made a paradise for him here. Unlimited access to a library that rivals the Blacks, greenhouses to grow whatever plant-based ingredient he needs, and a potion's lab I'm surprised he didn't drool over. And he hated teaching kids, which was so very obvious. I'd say this is the closest thing to happiness that could've ever happened to him. He says, your planning on bringing father into the fold eventually." Draco said, Harry nodded.

"Yes, I think that having some of Voldemort's loyal followers ally with us will make negotiations a little easier. Hopefully, he will trust them enough to consider my offer of joining forces. I'm hoping your father will agree willingly of his own accord. If not it won't matter so long as I can convince the dark lord, one way or another he'll be joining us shortly. By the end of this coming school year, we should have the dark lord resurrected. Have no fear Draco you won't have to choose between your father and me. We're family dear cousin, I want to help you as I've helped the others." Harry said, Draco looked at him with guarded smoky grey eyes. Harry smiled and turned to him.

"You should know that I take very good care of my things, Draco and that includes my people. Neville was lacking in confidence and was timid at best, I helped him find his inner strength. He's bolder and far braver than he'd ever been. Neville's spells and his schoolwork have improved immensely. Luna is...well she's Luna, but she too has found acceptance. She's free to be herself when she's with all of us. The twins were stuck in a family that didn't appreciate their genius. They were looked down upon by their mother and some of their siblings, now they have a new family. They can be themselves without fear of rejection. So Draco what is it that I can help you with?" Harry asked.

"I..." Round grey eyes looked at Harry as if searching for something.

"It's okay Draco, you've been raised in a society that has planned your whole life out before you were even born. Forced to believe the same feelings and views your parents, have about the world. It must feel so suffocating not having very many choices. So Draco I want to know what it is that you want, not what you think your father wants, what you want." Harry said.

"I want...I want my father back, I mean the way he was before. Uncle Sev used to tell, me about how he'd take me everywhere after I was born. I'd either be in his lap or resting in his arms as he worked. And he was always so attentive to me. Then something changed he spent more time at work and less time with me. And my mother wasn't much better by the time I was six the house-elves, were almost exclusively taking care of me. I hardly saw either of them and suddenly our big lively Manor, seemed so cold. I tried everything I thought, I could to make him love me again...he's so far away. I want my father back, I want him to notice me, to remember that I'm here." Draco said, grey eyes looked curiously wet, as he looked at Harry.

Harry narrowed his eyes, before gathering Draco's hands into his.

"I will get your father back Draco and he'll have no choice, but to look at you. He'll have no choice, but to acknowledge you and trust me Draco he will be proud of you. Just give me time and trust, until then we can train. We can make you stronger Draco and believe me, there are many different kinds of strength." Harry said.

A sudden change of character, now why did that sound like the Dumbledore special?

Arthur's pov

Arthur threw water onto his face and cradled his face in his hands. It had been an eventful few days and he felt a bone-deep exhaustion. So many memories had been ripped from him, so many truths had been hidden away. Auror Sanders, just finished telling him about the investigation into Molly's death. He was relieved in a way as his shock was genuine when, he was told they believed it was Dumbledore. No, one suspected that it was Arthur who killed her. He dried his hands on his pants and breathed deeply. It served the old fool right for ruining his marriage.

He started walking out of the Ministry, ignoring the looks of pity directed at him. He went to an apparition point and apparated to Diagon Ally, he had an appointment with the goblins. Arthur hadn't informed Bill, or the other boys about Molly just yet. He had to find out what had happened to Fred and George first. Molly had done so much damage to their family and the twins had born the brunt of it. She had favored Ginny and Ronald. She seemed indifferent to Bill, Charlie, and Percy. And she outright disparaged the twins, could it be that they chose to leave the family willingly?

These thoughts kept playing over and over in his mind on a loop. His children had suffered for his weakness and now two of his biological children were missing, and Ronald was dead. He walked down the still mostly empty streets of Diagon. Climbing the stairs of Gringotts seemed like it took forever, dread pooled in his stomach. There were only a few people standing around, he went to the first open clerk and was walked back to Razorback's office. He spotted the old goblin at his desk, Razorback had been the Weasley accounts manager for almost eighty years. It never ceased to amaze him, how agile the elderly goblin was whenever he went to his vault.

"Mr. Weasley, what is it I can do for you today?" Razorback asked.

"Ah, I need to find out what's wrong with my kids. I...mean to say that my familial magical connection, to two of my children seems off or damaged. I suspect my late wife might have something to do with it. Is there any way you can find them or fix this issue?" Arthur asked, Razorback nodded.

"We can do both, for all that the wizards disparage our magics we will always have a closer bond to magic. It will be five hundred gallons for tracking them and seven hundred gallons, fourteen sickles, and ten knuts for the examination of familial magic." Razorback replied, Arthur's eyes bulged he didn't have that kind of money, he narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Molly had always claimed that she was using the money to care for their kids.

But then how were his children all in possession of second-hand items? Sure things had been stretched thin, but at the very least somethings like quills and inks could be purchased new. Sure they could only afford the cheapest, but still the twins and Percy shouldn't have been using their sibling's leftovers. So what was really done with the money? She'd always favored Ronald and Ginny best, most likely because they were Dumbledore's children, not his. Could she have used it on them?

"Master Goblin I can't afford that!" Arthur said, as shame crept upon him.

"Actually, Mr. Weasley you can as it turns out, your wife had a separate account. She didn't leave a will of any kind, so anything that she owns would be transferred to the spouse or Lord of the family." Razorback said, the goblin pulled out a sheaf of parchment and handed it to him with its clawed hands.

Arthur skimmed over the details of Molly's account, his eyes widening where in the name of Merlin did she get all of that money? Dumbledore perhaps?

No, the Dumbledore's weren't a rich family, old but not nearly old enough to garner respect from higher society. Was this where all the money had gone over the years? Some of his boys had practically worn rags and here she was, hoarding money! It was more than enough to live comfortably on, plenty enough to outfit all of his kids with new supplies and clothes and still have a good amount left. Had he ever really known her? He was finding more out, about her after death than he'd known while Molly was alive.

"Can I have the familial magic done first and then decide on whether or not the tracking one is necessary." Arthur asked.

"But of course Mr. Weasley and is there anything else you will be needing from me?" Razorback asked.

"Yes, make sure all of Molly's possessions, money, and holdings are integrated with my account. I also want to make double sure that I'm the only one with access from now on." Arthur ordered.

The little goblin nodded and led him down a hall before leaving him alone.

Death's pov

Death was in his office, his fingers steepled as he stared into the void beyond. He wasn't used to feeling so damn much, his Star and his little one had made him softer. A feeling that had brought dissent through the reaper ranks. Many thought that if this continued he wouldn't be able to remain objective. Death sighed and summoned, the orb that encased the firebird he'd taken from Dumbledore.

Enslavement spells were incredibly hard to remove considering how parasitic they were. If the poor creature, hadn't been a phoenix it would've died by now. As it stood Death surmised that it had to go through its burning phase more often as the creature's magic tried to destroy the bonds.

If the bond is mutual the creature and the wizard's magic, should coexist without issue. Unwanted bonds were toxic, especially to a Phoenix as they were the personification of light and life. Death sent tendrils of his magic, to pierce the bubble without breaking it. It swirled about the bird as it made a stabbing motion at it, sparks immediately burst forth.

He continued to prod at the bird looking for a weak spot in Dumbledore's spell work. More sparks arose and burst in the air around the sleeping Phoenix, it almost reminded him of muggle fireworks. The struggle continued for several minutes before the sparks died down. The bird within burst into ashes, he wasn't concerned however as he portaled back to the Manor.

Death stepped into Harry's office where he found his little one's, snowy owl dozing on her perch. He placed the bubble on the shelf nearby and burst it, the ashes and a small body fell out. For just that small, second the baby bird didn't move before it opened its eyes.

"Hello little firebird, your free of him now do you remember Harry?" Death asked, a feeble nod and a tiny cry.

"I know you still remember him, from his first life as time magic doesn't work on you. This is Hedwig, who I hope will care for you while you are so vulnerable." Death said, as he picked up, the little bird gently and placed him inside a large nest.

Hedwig watched him with curious eyes, she hopped down from her perch and walked closer to the little bird. She stepped into the nest and nudged at Fawkes with her beak.

"That's it Hedwig he's just a baby right now, but in a week or so he'll be fully grown. Until then take good care of Fawkes, okay little girl." Death said.

She nipped at his fingers, before wrapping a wing around Fawkes pulling him closer. He smiled and summoned Phyre fruit, Phoenixes and other fire-based creatures loved the fruit as it was sweet and spicy.

He mashed the fruit with his magic before placing the oozing mess in front of the little Phoenix. If it were possible for a bird to wrinkle it's beak, much like a nose, Hedwig was doing just that. She covered her beak with the topmost, feathers of her wing. He chuckled at her look of displeasure. Normal creatures magical or otherwise, didn't care for Phyre fruit. Its scent burned the nostrils and the taste was like a cross between hot peppers and mangoes.

"Well, now what is this?" Harry said, as he walked up from behind him.

"I fixed that Phoenix you had me steal, he had to go through a burning phase after I freed him. Right now he's just a chick, Hedwig seems to like him." Death replied. 

They both looked at the birds in question as Hedwig cooed at Fawkes. As she tried to encourage him to eat the fruit mush, despite her dislike of the fruit. She kept him tucked under her wing, the whole time.

"You know just because, he has feelings for Barty doesn't mean that he loves you any less." Harry said, softly.

Death closed his eyes looking out the window just beyond the bird's nest.

"I know it's just...I feel very strongly for Sirius and I don't...know how I feel about all this. I'm a very powerful being Harry, magic unfortunately is too easily influenced by emotions. I don't want, to hurt anyone who doesn't have it coming. If I lose control of my emotions I can't guarantee that my magic won't lash out. So I've been doing everything in my power not to think about it." Death replied.

"I understand that emotions are still very new for you. But wasn't it you who told Regulus to move forward and try to reconcile, with his existence and his family? I'm not saying that you, should just accept all of this without a care for your personal feelings. But that doesn't mean that things won't change and who knows maybe it will be for the better. I mean have you thought about a three-way?" Harry asked.

Honestly, he hadn't thought about it like that. Death certainly wasn't a prude by any stretch of the imagination, he just felt like he would somehow lose Sirius to Barty.

Being an immortal was hard on the people you cared about, they tended to vanish in the blink of an eye. In a way, he was grateful that Sirius was a reaper now. So that he wouldn't have to watch him waste away and fade before his eyes. It's why he tended to not get close with anyone, after all what was the point?

"No, that hadn't occurred to me, all I could think about was that I might lose him a second time. And then I started wondering if there was something wrong with our relationship. I know I work a lot...I just thought he knew, that he was the most important person to me besides you." Death said, Harry smiled.

"Maybe you need to, do more than be around more often. You should try for some date nights and Sirius has many talents, but mind-reading isn't one of them. Even if you feel like it's obvious sometimes, Sirius just needs to hear how you feel. Talk to him instead of awkwardly freezing him out." Harry said, Death looked at his little one surprised.

His little master never ceased to surprise him at every turn.

"Your probably right Harry." Death said, his Star was his world.

And he knew that he would do anything for Sirius.

Sirius's pov

Regulus had just excused himself from their conversation about Dumbledore's latest, blunder with Molly. Dante had long since slipped away to get some air leaving just him and Remus.

"You've been distracted lately Siri, what's been eating at you?"  Remus asked, Sirius closed his eyes and rubbed the top of his hands.

"Why would you think that Rem, I'm fine everything is fine." Sirius said, Remus snorted.

"You don't even believe that line of Hippogriff shit, so don't expect me to. How long have we known each other? I know you Sirius, I know something isn't right and I'd bet money it has to do with Barty. And not just Barty something is wrong with Azrael, as well just tell me. You know, that I love you Sirius not everything has to be a fight." Remus said, softly.

Well, he'd tried to keep all of this to himself so that he could have time to think. Time to figure out, all of his tangled emotions and the very last thing he wanted to do was hurt Azrael.

"Barty's cell used to be next to mine at the end of our block. He was the only person who was anywhere near me. The nearest prisoner was about five or six empty cells from us. We only had each other for company and when I thought he died it hurt a lot." Sirius said, Remus gave him a knowing look.

"Do you have feelings for him?" Remus asked, Sirius pursed his lips and closed his eyes before looking away.

"I don't know, but it's something because I definitely feel different about him versus how I feel about you. You are like my other brother and definitely my best friend. But he's in a grey area, that even I don't entirely understand." Sirius said, in confusion, Remus smiled at him.

"At least you know that much Sirius, I was afraid that you wouldn't even deal with it until it was too late." Remus replied.

"I'm not fifteen anymore, I don't go from boy to girl and back again anymore. I'm no longer leaving strings of broken hearts in my wake." Sirius said.

Remus got up and switched over to the couch Sirius was on and pulled him into a hug.

"Good, Pads I'm so glad to hear it." Remus said, the door opened and Sirius glanced up to see Harry.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Lupin here is late for his date." Harry said.

Sirius let go of Rem and grinned at the adorable look of confusion on his face.

"Come on Rem, Regulus went to a lot of trouble to do something special for you and Dante." Harry said, Remus looked back at Sirius with uncertainty written on his face.

"It's okay Rem I'm good, really." Sirius said, giving Remus what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

Remus smiled back and patted Sirius's back before following Harry out.

Regulus's pov

He walked around a sitting Dante and poured merlot wine into each of their glasses. So far everything was going well he just needed Remus now. Regulus went back to the main door and into the kitchens to grab the serving cart.

Regulus had previously loaded it with their dinner and dessert, he double-checked the preservation spells. Everything looked good as he gathered the necessary serving utensils, it was just going to be the three of them. He wasn't so stuck up despite his upbringing, that he couldn't serve himself. Regulus pushed it through to the outside doors and carefully, went down the twisting paths to the back corner.

He smiled as he saw Harry bring Remus down who was grinning and joking about something. Regulus stopped next to his chair and turned to pull Remus into a hug as Harry, snuck away.

"You did all this for us?" Remus asked.

"Of course I did, I thought we could all use something different. We kind of rushed everything before we really got to know each other." He replied.

"Well, Rem you should sit clearly Regulus went to a lot of trouble for us. Plus it smells divine whatever it is." Dante said, as he sipped at his wine glass with a grimace.

"You don't like the wine?" Regulus asked.

"It's not my first choice in alcohol but it will do. Really, it's not a big deal I'm not that picky the taste was surprising." Dante replied.

Regulus sighed, the whole point of dates was to get to know people and that was a perfect opportunity to share with them.

"Oh, and what kinds of alcohol do you prefer Dante?" Remus asked, good job Remus coax him into opening up.

Regulus smiled as he plated up, some shrimp scampi in a white-wine sauce with tomatoes and onions.

"Mostly Whiskey or Bourbon, wines are either too bitter or too sweet for me it's why I don't drink it." Dante replied, picking up his fork.

"What about you Remus...Regulus?" Dante asked.

"Wine is fine by me I really don't drink that much." Remus replied.

"Beer and Scotch are what I normally drink" Regulus replied.

"Wow, this looks really good what is it?" Remus asked, Regulus sat back down and gathered the proper fork.

"It's Shrimp scampi, for our main dish we will be having Lemon-pepper chicken breast, and for dessert chocolate truffle cheesecake. I wanted to make sure there was some chocolate on the menu somewhere, someone has quite the sweet tooth for chocolate." Regulus smirked, when Remus had a light dusting of pink on his cheeks.

"So Dante...what's..." Remus stopped talking.

"He means to ask about you, in general since we don't know as much about you as we do each other." Regulus said, giving Remus a smile.

It was true out of the three of them he could count on one hand how much he knew about Dante. Over a short amount of time, a lot of his life had come out and even Remus's had. So far Dante's life before meeting them was a mystery.

"All you had to do was ask. I wasn't being purposefully vague guys, I'm just surprised nobody asked. I just got adopted immediately into your strange family and nobody even questioned it." He said looking at them.

"My favorite color is green, I don't have a favorite food, and apparently I'm really bad at small talk." Dante said, as he tasted the Scampi for the first time.

"Do you have any siblings?" Remus asked.

"My brother Leander who is younger than me. And two sisters Kiara and Salem, Salem is older than me and Kiara is our youngest." He replied.

"So then why were you alone? Where are they?" Regulus asked, curiosity causing him to ask without even thinking.

"Nothing bad we just went our separate ways. Sometimes we send letters to one another, but it is few and far between. We aren't fighting or anything we just reach out when we can. I love all of them, but you guys won't have to worry about meeting them any time soon. Our parents are long gone so you don't have to meet them either. We moved around a lot through the UK, so I kind of grew up all over." Dante said.

They finished up the last of their Scampi.

"So are they Bloodborne's too then?" Remus asked, as Regulus served the chicken up onto their plates.

"Well, since it tends to run in werewolf families yeah. All my siblings are too, though Kiara likes to spend more time in her fur than the rest of us. We all went to a small, German magic school, called Kobaltstern.  Bloodborne's don't age in the same way normal werewolves or even people do, I'm actually older than I look."  Dante said.

Regulus nodded being one of Death's reapers he knew that much already. He suspected that the explanation was more for Remus than himself.

"Wait, how old are you exactly?" Remus asked, curiously.

"Uh, it's been a while I don't celebrate my birthday but given the year approximately eighty-five." Dante said, blinking as he thought about it.

Remus's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline briefly as shock showed on his face.

"I know I look damn good in my old age, our family has a long line of Bloodborne's who stopped aging completely. But don't worry little love, mated pairs share their life force with their mates. Your mated to me and a reaper, between us our shared life span could be damn near infinite." Dante said, casually as if he didn't reveal something crazy.

"Does that mean I will outlive my cub?" Remus asked, voice shaky.

"If you are talking about Harry than no his bond with Death actually prevents him from dying. As for his aging well, it's up to Harry really what age he wants to stay after growing up. Of course it's also up to Harry just how long he chooses to live. In the case of any children we might have, they'll be hybrids so they'll be unique for sure. Even better Sirius, is like me now so you'll always have him as well." Regulus said, he was really hoping that sounded comforting to Remus.

"Well, who wants chocolate?" Regulus asked.

Oh, he really hoped that didn't sound as awkward to them as it did to him.

Severus's pov

Severus was currently in his lab brewing potions, he was stocking the Manor's supply before moving on to his own experiments. He had five cauldrons out, in various stages of simmering, the island tables were covered in jars and cutting boards. As he finished mashing the newt eyeballs he needed a shiver went through him. Severus looked up and glanced around the room, it felt like someone was watching him.

He unconsciously touched the emeralds on his necklace. Before looking around again and going back to prepping the ingredients. Had he been like Death or Harry, Severus would've seen the spectral form of Tom Riddle. Tom was standing, just next to Severus's right-hand side gazing at him thoughtfully.

Harry's pov

Harry sat at his desk pondering his next move. Oh, he said he was going to take a break from his revenge alright. Harry however said, nothing about not furthering his other plans. It had been far too long since he had used his deathnote. And there were plenty of corrupt people still walking around who needed dealing with.

"I know that face your plotting something."

Harry looked over from the section of wall he'd been staring at to see, Death perched on his desk.

"How do you know, it isn't something innocent like what I'm doing tomorrow?" Harry retorted, Death snorted.

"You don't smile like that when your planning something innocent. I thought you were taking a break?" Death asked.

"I'm taking a break from revenge, I never said I was taking a break from everything." Harry replied, Death chuckled.

"Leave it to you to leave loopholes open for yourself. Dare I ask what you are up to now?" Death asked.

"You'll see soon enough, I however have another task for you or should I say two. I want your reaper to retrieve Amelia from Grindelwald and either you or another reaper need to retrieve Barty as well. The longer Barty remains, in captivity the worse I fear for Sirius's mental state. As for Amelia's retrieval Grindelwald won't be able to pose as her any longer. My plans for the next, deathnote victim will force him to relinquish her form and force him into action. I can say who I want to kill someone besides you right?" Harry asked.

"Of course you need only name them and of course the manner of death. It will certainly shake things up a bit." Death said.

Harry knew that Death needed a distraction at the moment. Clearly, he hadn't talked to Sirius just yet.

"How is Tom doing?" Harry asked, gazing out the window.

"He's taken corporeal form and has been watching Severus. He's given up on being angry and has started watching Severus. So don't be surprised if you see the ghostly form of Tom, wandering about. I already warned Regulus who told Sirius. Since they are reapers and you are connected to me, all of you can see into the beyond. Some spirits never gain enough power to be seen. The ones at Hogwarts being exceptions as they manifest off the ambient magic." Death explained.

Harry nodded things would most definitely be shaken up very soon.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov

Harry carefully kept his face neutral and his eyes averted so as to not appear like he was staring. He wasn't the only one Sirius and Regulus were too. Death, however made no effort to hide that he was staring. Everyone was eating breakfast, Severus was talking to Regulus about his latest experiment. All the while Severus had no idea that someone was standing behind him listening intently to their conversation.

Tom's translucent form was standing just behind Severus listening to everyone talk. They agreed not to tell Severus of his new companion. They also didn't want Tom to know that they could see him. Well, everyone but the twins, Dante, Remus, and Severus at least. Harry believed that Tom hadn't tried to wander off due to curiosity, rather than the anchoring spell to the necklace.

Harry would compare the necklace to a muggle shock collar. It wouldn't hurt Severus, but if Tom got too far from him... Everyone seemed to believe spirits or ghosts can't feel pain, those people never met Death. Death can hurt you dead or alive and he thought it would be fitting that it felt like the Crucio. Tom so loved to torture his followers with it, it was actually a favorite of his. It was irony at his finest if you asked Harry.

So since everyone was trying not to stare at Tom, it was easy as Tom would believe they were looking at Severus. Still he felt a little bad that Severus wasn't aware of his new clingy friend.

Harry was actually surprised that Severus hadn't mentioned anything odd yet. As Tom grew stronger he'd be able to manipulate surrounding objects much like a poltergeist. With the exception, of anything that would harm Severus mentally or physically. Harry turned to see Death still brazenly staring at Tom. He glared at Death kicking his leg, all the while Death smirked sipping at his Cinnamon Cappucino.

"Death don't you have some things to take care of for me?" Harry asked.

Harry looked at Death pointedly, a single silvery brow rose as Death looked at him.

"What things?" Sirius asked, looking between the two.

"Some errands that only he can accomplish, but I'm sure he will have plenty of time to talk." Harry replied, rising and excusing himself.

He went to his office and immediately opened the bottom drawer of his desk. This was where Harry kept the deathnote under a truly vicious amount of wards. He opened the ornate cover and turned to a mostly empty page. Harry wrote down two names each had a date, time, and cause of death.

And in the case of the second name, the person responsible for the death. It was one of Harry's favorite functions of the deathnote. He wasn't kidding when he told Death he was going to force Grindelwald out of Amelia's form. Harry was sure Death would welcome the distraction with all that was going on with him and Sirius.

He heard soft melodic chirping and looked over to see Hedwig grooming Fawkes. The fiery red feathers had sprouted up overnight, phoenix's took approximately a week to be fully grown after a burning.

"Morning baby girl, how is Fawkes doing today?" Harry asked, he petted her head gently as she hooted and nipped at his fingers.

Her wing came out pulling Fawkes closer, Harry smiled she was such a good girl. He looked at her astonished as she stayed in the same place hugging Fawkes close. The tips of Fawkes's new feathers had tiny flames burning on them. Hedwig seemingly wasn't bothered by it at all.

Harry placed a finger near a flaming feather and immediately pulled it back. He sucked on his burned finger in confusion. Hedwig still sat there cradling the firebird as if the flames weren't burning against her body. He made a mental note to ask Death to examine her, she should've been burned too and...yet she was unhurt.

Harry returned to his desk and pulled out his file on the werewolf sanctuary. The goblins had recently finished warding the fourteen square acres of forest, surrounding an old mansion. He had high hopes that soon the property would house hundreds and eventually become an all werewolf city. A place where werewolves could live without fear or prejudice.

The vampires, goblins, and multiple other creatures had established societies. They had rulers and representatives, but werewolves lived separately in various packs. They had no established laws, no one to speak with the wizards to ask for equality. And in turn wizards believed them to be savages, monsters without humanity. By establishing, a central gathering and electing a council of Alphas he believed that his sanctuary was the answer.

And in turn the werewolves would look upon him favorably, for championing them. They too would be ready-made allies, who would be ever so grateful to him. Perhaps his newspaper could do an article or two, about creatures and creature laws. His goal was to make them think after all and what better way than to shove it in their faces.

Things were easy to ignore if one didn't think about them. Wars, sickness, racism, rape, drug addiction, sexism, genocide, etc. All of these things were just a few that a vast majority, of humanity chose to ignore. Easy to believe that, these things won't happen to you or your family the same way they happened to others.

But if one gives them no choice, but to look at the horrors and inequalities only then can change stand a real chance.

Sirius's pov

Sirius walked back to his room feeling oddly empty inside. What does one do when they were torn between two very important people to him? How could he possibly choose? Did he really have no other choice, besides pick between them?

Was there no middle ground? He didn't even notice when he walked into someone whose arms immediately encased him. His cheeks grew warm in embarrassment, as he looked up to see Azrael looking down at him.

"I'm sorry I wasn't watching where I was going." Sirius said, absorbing the warmth and comfort of being in his arms.

"No, need to apologize I intentionally put myself in your way. I just thought you would see me coming and stop accordingly. I want to talk to you about the...dragon dancing around between us." Azrael said, his heart beat faster as he bit his lip and nodded.

They both went into their room and sat on the end of the bed next to each other. He rubbed his hands together nervously not looking in Azrael's direction.

"Sirius...Sirius look at me!" Azrael said,  Sirius turned his stomach-churning as he braced himself for the worst.

There was only so much one relationship could handle. And so far he'd, been the one who'd caused problems. Would Azrael leave him this time?

"I'm not leaving you my Star, I need you to know that. You and Harry mean so much to me that it would be incredibly devastating to me to lose either of you. I don't care how you feel about Barty, for better or worse he was there for you." Azrael said, gathering Sirius's hands into his own rubbing at the palms and tops.

"But doesn't this bother you at all?" Sirius asked, confused.

Hell, if the roles had been reversed he knew he'd be bothered... maybe even heartbroken. Azrael was stronger than him that much was apparent.

"It does bother me Sirius to think that maybe I or our relationship isn't enough for you. Yeah, it bothers me a lot but I don't want you to leave me."  Azrael said, softly.

Sirius didn't know why, but he felt angry at that moment. Not at Azrael, but at himself for being such a complete fuck up emotionally. He was like a stampeding Hippogriff, all he did was destroy the people and things around him.

"You idiot it's not you it's me, I'm the one that's a complete wreck. I'm always doing this, I'm always sabotaging all the good things that happen to me!" Sirius cried.

He brought his hands up to frame Azrael's face before speaking again.

"It's me that spends every waking moment wondering if you'll get tired of me. Wondering why this beautiful, powerful creature could possibly ever want me. When he could have literally anybody." Sirius said, Azrael looked at him intensely.

He moved forward and kissed Azrael roughly. Before pulling back it felt like Azrael was looking straight to his soul or so it felt.

"If you need him to complete you then so be it we could always have a third." Azrael replied

Shock filled him as Azrael pressed his forehead against his their eyes level with one another.

"What if that's not what I need from him? I mean what if, my feelings for him don't lean that way?" He asked, gazing into Azrael's eyes.

"Then I will help you figure it out, whether you need closure or another love it doesn't matter to me. I will be here with you throughout everything... whatever you need... whatever you want." Azrael said.

Azrael's hands framed his face, a thumb swiped away a stray tear.

"I won't leave you my Star if you won't leave me." Azrael whispered.

"Forever." Sirius said.

"Forever." Azrael replied, kissing him again.

Arthur's pov

Arthur was sitting in Razorback's office nervously awaiting the gnarled old goblin. Razorback was talking to a goblin named Rottgut about where the twins had gone. He'd tried sending letters to them... the letters either went unanswered or the owls couldn't find them. And if they couldn't be found it was either because of owl-redirection wards, or they magically changed their names. If they changed their names it would be almost impossible to find them without knowing their new names. He was comforted by the fact that he could just barely feel that they were alive with the family magic.

He had talked to his other boys as well and told them what he'd found out. He obviously omitted the part where he killed their mother. And had told them to contact him if the twins contacted them in any way. He had even told Ginny, coldness seemed to sink into his stomach when he thought of her. She wasn't his, she wasn't family and yet he'd been tricked into raising her. He couldn't deny that he cared for her and Ronald, that didn't mean that he didn't feel bitter. And the worst part was that he had a sneaking suspicion about Molly "convincing" him to marry her.

His memory while fractured and healing, had real memories and fake memories. It was hard to know if what had happened was true or not. All he knew was that once he figured it all out, he would work on the relationships with his kids. Arthur looked up as Razorback ambled into the office hand on his lower back.

"Lord Weasley, I have found the answers in regard to your sons. Master goblin Rotgutt will send out a letter to one of his clients. It appears that your sons, chose to forsake the Weasley name and were blood adopted by one of their friend's parents. I believe this is the reason why your familial magic can just barely sense them. This was officiated in Rotgutt's office, a little over an hour after a fight with their mother." Razorback said.

So it was true, Molly really had driven them away as Arthur had suspected when he couldn't find them. He had talked to all of the twin's friends that he knew of and none of them could tell him anything.

"And you say he's going to contact the person they are staying with?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, he will the Lord in question is one of his larger accounts and one of the oldest. As such his privacy is a high priority for us, we will contact you or your sons will soon. If it helps Rotgutt, wanted to let you know that they are being cared for and want for nothing with their new family."  Razorback said, Arthur shut his eyes.

A dull ache of pain came from his chest as he held back tears of relief and sadness. Of course, they were happy and better cared for. He had failed them as a father and a provider. He was too weak to protect himself from his shrew of a wife let alone protect them.

Would they ever forgive him?

Death's pov

Death hovered in a sitting position waiting for his expected target. He sipped at a chocolate mint mocha as he saw the man he was waiting for. As it turned out he was Charlus Rutherford, who worked in the Department of Magicals and Children.

It was a small department that functioned similarly to children's services, in the muggle world. Their job was to monitor the safety and well being of magical children, as well as creature children. Some kids came into creature inheritances earlier than their majority, in the cases of severe trauma or severe abuse. Children like Tom and Harry should've never been left where they had been.

Charlus wasn't old enough to have been around for Tom, but he had been in charge of checking up on Harry. Charlus, however had been paid off by Dumbledore to falsify documents and of course 'forget' to visit. As such Harry had been left alone with his abusive relatives with no help or even hope.

His little one only wanted it to look like an accident, but once he was dead he belonged to Death. And there were plenty of torturers in the underworld who would gladly keep Charlus, for a while. Charlus was about five-four with short greying blonde hair and hazel eyes. He was currently waiting on an international train to Germany, as it turned out he was going on vacation. He was too cheap to buy an international portkey, nor was he strong enough magically to apparate that distance.

Death smirked as he sent out a tendril of his magic just a mile down the tracks where a train was refueling. He jammed and then broke the brakes and with a little push, the train started moving downhill to the station. Meanwhile, the oblivious people on the platform talked and paid no attention to the single man at the end. He sent out another tendril of magic to slice the straps and side of Charlus's bag.

Papers, inkwells, and folders fell to the ground scattering. Charlus cursed and bent down to try to gather his things. He repaired his bag with his wand and tried to spell away the splattered ink that coated everything. Death sent out one more tendril and spelled a very import paper with a compulsion charm, an anti-summoning spell, and sent it hovering just above the tracks. Charlus saw the paper and its seal realizing it was important and tried to summon it.

When it failed, he growled in frustration as he climbed down to the tracks. He reached up trying to grab onto the elusive paper, his foot got caught on the rail's edge and he fell. Cursing he got to his feet again and tried reaching up again, as it hovered just out of his reach. He was so distracted he didn't see the train as it slammed into him. His body exploding, in a rain of blood and gore a few shards of teeth flew out. And sailed passed Death before landing on the ground in front of a brunette haired witch. Screams erupted into the air, as he sent one more tendril of magic out to ensnare the confused spirit standing over his mangled body.

Curiously enough, no one even thought to wonder why a runaway train just stopped immediately after hitting a man. With the force and momentum the train could've easily traveled, another two or three miles before stopping. He chuckled and drank the last of his coffee, he had a soul to drop off before he went to find his next victim. He had to give it to his little one it was certainly vicious, but not enough to save him. Nobody hurt his little master, nobody... and now that he could interfere in Harry's life nothing would ever hurt him.

Argile's pov

He moved unseen in the shadows at Grindelwald's current hideout. Which was ironically an abandoned building in muggle London. Of course, it had been cleaned up and outfitted with furniture. Argile was waiting for Grindelwald to leave for the day so that Amelia would be alone.

He had brought her food and spelled her clean, so she wasn't filthy from her captivity. Half the time Grindelwald's men forgot that she existed, she would've been starved if not for his care.

His boss finally wanted her retrieved which was a relief, he was getting unbearably bored. Argile watched as almost, all of them except for five left the base. He waited just to be sure that no one would return for anything before moving towards her prone form.

Argile carefully picked up her sleeping form into his arms bridal style and opened a portal before stepping through. He emerged inside of Death's office and immediately his brow rose.

Since when did Death have a bed in his office? Maybe for his new lover perhaps? Either way, it would save him the hassle of summoning a couch or bed for Amelia to sleep on. He cast a wandless sleeping spell, over her to ensure that she didn't wake. He knew her memories would have to be altered to an extent if she was going to be released.

Argile dissipated the magical bindings around her frail form and brushed the hair away from her face. He truly wished her the best of luck before turning and disappearing into the, endless stacks of papers in Death's office.

Death's pov

Death had wondered whether or not his little one was actually serious when he suggested this to Severus. Currently he was waiting for Narcissa to come down to the "blue" parlor as it was called. Narcissa had tea and either read or socialized, with friends here.

The walls were a rich royal blue color, the carpet was a dark navy blue, the sofas were a greyish blue, the throw pillows were navy and gold in color. All of the furniture in the room appeared to be walnut. Bookshelves lined the sides of the walls, a coffee table with intricate carvings of roses sat in between the sofas.

The chandelier had what looked like aquamarine crystals dangling from the ceiling. And the final item was a fireplace carved out of black obsidian with a fire cheerily burning. As for himself, he was sitting on the sofa she preferred to entertain guests on.

He didn't have to wait very long people were creatures of habit and she was no different. She walked in carrying an ornate black book with silver corners. Her blonde hair was pinned up, in a wavy low bun that brushed her shoulders. She had chosen a lacy black dress, that hugged her body like a second skin. It ended just below her knees, the straps were low on her shoulders. She didn't appear to have chosen an outer robe or shawl for the day.

Death waited for her to sit down and wait for a house-elf to bring her tea tray. He let loose his magic and it swirled around her, she froze in shock as her eyes darted about looking for the source of her uncomfort.

He then entered her mind and taking control her body went limp and her eyes glazed over. He left sticky black strands of his magic  to cling to her like spider webs. He implanted a very strong desire, to go surprise her husband at the Ministry. Death smirked, before opening a portal and stepping through to the Ministry. He landed directly in a chair that was for visitors in Amelia's office.

The table next to him was empty so he summoned a small stack of paperwork from his desk. Death might as well get some of his own work done before Grindelwald showed. About halfway through his stack Grindelwald finally came in looking like Amelia and took a seat at the desk. Grindelwald appeared frustrated and maybe even angry, as he looked through the files on Amelia's desk. For the little over a month and a half, Grindelwald had been laying low.

He'd been gathering information and causing a rift among, the Aurors. It wasn't hard the Ministry, had large amounts of Deatheaters and Order members. And besides them there were the normals. Either way, there were too many differences that were easy to exploit.

At first glance, Amelia's desk looked like a normal office desk overloaded with paperwork. To a keen observer it looked much different however. Strewn across the center were wanted posters and missing people reports. The wanted posters had one Albus Dumbledore staring up at any who looked. As for the missing person reports, Grindelwald believed that some of Dumbledore's more loyal followers disappeared with him. If you find the puppets the puppeteer will always be close behind them.

It was a sound strategy that had low risk and high gain if it succeeded. Truthfully, Death could just kill both of them but his little one wanted his vengeance. And so Harry's intricate game would continue until he got what he desired.

Death let his magic reach out and glide along the floor like creeping vines. It wrapped around Gellert's legs and moved up his chest until he couldn't move anymore. Confusion and anger played, across his face before Death tore into his mind not caring if it caused pain.

Gellert's eyes became glassy as Death's magic receded until nothing, but a fine layer of sticky black webbing remained. It was time for Death to be the puppeteer now as he rose from his chair so did Grindelwald. He stepped out of the office, Gellert not far behind, he ensnared three more people who followed their eyes glassy.

Death led them through a portal he opened up and stepped out into the hallway, leading to the Department of Mysteries. There Narcissa stood a cloak wrapped around her waiting patiently. He directed the three Aurors to stand and wait just around the corner. He then kept Narcissa frozen, her awareness returned but he didn't allow her to speak.

Frightened eyes took in her surroundings noticing that while nobody was there. She also realized she couldn't move at all. Narcissa let out a scream that, she was horrified to find out that no sound came out. He did the same for Gellert who was also confused but strangely calm. Death refocused on Narcissa as he spoke for her.

"You're not Amelia!" She said.

Death could feel her fear and frustration as the words that came out weren't the ones she wished to speak. He made Gellert give a twisted smirk as he gazed back at her.

"Of course not you stupid woman!" He said, as Death dissolved the illusion that made Gellert into Amelia.

A dawning horror shone on her face as she realized who she was with.

"What did you do with her?" She asked, a cold look was her answer as he gazed at her still form.

"Oh, I'm going to do what I'm about to do to you to her. I can't let you live now that you know who I really am and I can't take the chance that you told someone. So poor little Amelia, is going to die as well just as soon as I'm done with you darling!" Gellert said, he bared his teeth and snarled.

Death smirked, leaning back against the wall his arms crossed and his fingers dancing as he pulled on the sticky webbing.

He controlled all of their speech and all of their actions. Death had Gellert draw his wand and deliver a few vicious, slashing hexes to her helpless form. Death let her scream knowing that no one would come until he allowed it. He made Gellert back her into a wall while still slashing at her blood sprayed the walls and screams reverberated down the empty halls.

Finally, she slumped against the wall her chest, face, and neck were horrific. A piece of skin from her face slowly slipped then fell, from her face revealing ravaged bloody insides. Parts of her jaw bone were revealed as well. Narcissa wasn't beautiful any longer, she looked like she'd been mauled by some wild thing. He froze Gellert to the spot and released the Aurors down the hall. Death then let Gellert go as he started moving the blood, small rivulets of blood started creeping up the wall. Gellert stared at the blood in fascination as it began to spell words.

Once it was finished, it read "It's all for the greater good right, Gell?". Gellert was so caught up in watching Death's theatrics that he failed to see the confused Aurors turn the corner and come upon the bloody corridor. Once over their shock they took in the blood-covered man standing there.

"Drop your wand and step away from the woman." A shaky voice asked, as the three approached wands out their faces pale.

"You know I don't think I will!" Gellert replied.

He pointed his wand at the ground and freezing the floor until it was covered in ice. He then cast a simple Obscurus and strode away as the two men and one woman, struggled to keep their footing trying to run after him. Death smirked, as the two men smacked into each other before falling to the ground. The red-haired woman, however was smarter and stayed on the icy ground. She sent out a walrus Patronus and sighed deeply as she tried again to gain her footing. Death turned his head to the side and saw Narcissa's soul standing in the hallway watching everything unfold dispassionately.

Her eyes darted up to look at him cautiously. He smiled and held out his hand to her, she seemed unsure for a moment before moving forward and grasping his hand. He took her with him back to Amelia's office and left a note on her desk before leaving with his new guest still clenching his hand.

Severus's pov

Something was going to happen he could feel it... something really bad. It was a feeling he'd had all day combined with the feeling that he was being watched. It was unsettling to say the least. Severus was in the library, reading a very old book about potions ingredients.

It was a couple of hundred years old and written in old English. He was looking for a certain item that he hoped would stabilize his potion. He'd seen it and had only heard it being referenced in older texts.

And if the text was to be believed, he would have to confer with Harry and his guardian about getting it. The older male Azrael, seemed to know just about everything it never hurt to try.

If Azrael couldn't find it, Severus would have to find another solution. It was at that moment he looked up in confusion as he felt an odd tugging feeling. It was insistent like someone was trying to get his attention.

Severus looked around in the dimmed light of the library and saw nothing. He closed the book and gathered his notes in a hurry with one more glance he left the room oddly shaken.

Tom's pov

Tom grasped, his chest as pain engulfed his ghostly body. His limbs shook with tremors, he gritted his teeth and just barely made it to his feet. His hands flew up to his throat, it felt like someone was strangling him. He wheezed and struggled as he was pulled through walls and staircases before landing on the floor of Severus's room.

Tom pulled his knees to his chest as his body still shook from the pain. His neck felt sore, he brought his hand up to his throat and pulled it back in shock. His hand was coated, in a sticky black substance, his eyes widened.

Was it even possible for ghosts to bleed? Tom knew that he definitely felt pain, he tiredly looked up to see Severus climb into bed unaware of his presence. He'd been experimenting with his new form all day. First, he'd tried to possess Severus to gain a temporary body. He received a whole lot of pain for his effort then he had tried to move things. Tom was partially successful, though the items didn't move very much.

And lastly, Tom had tried to find Nagini and experienced the worst pain he'd felt in a long time. Apparently, he wasn't allowed to get too far from Severus as the pain intensified if he got more than six feet away. This frustrated him to no end, he'd been a spirit before and he'd never once felt pain. What was worse was that he could bleed now.

At first, when consciousness had returned to Tom he was overwhelmed and confused. He was curious about what had happened and the people who resided here. He was shocked to find out just who he was 'existing' with. Tom knew he wasn't alive by any stretch of the imagination, but he also knew that he wasn't dead either.

He'd been angry at everyone and everything that happened. Tom spent a few days thinking about everything and was shocked that he felt similar. The Potter boy had taken up a good strategy, for fighting Dumbledore. Those were things that he might have done, had he not been so stupid to do what he had done.

This particular strategy hadn't even occurred to Tom and he was supposed to be a genius. The Horcruxes had sounded like a good solution at the time, but they were his downfall. They had weakened him to the point that he couldn't even do wandless magic anymore.

Tom felt himself calm, his body no longer shaking with no small amount of effort he floated over to Severus's bed. He still felt awful and decided to lay down next to Severus, hoping that he wouldn't accidentally phase through it. Tom allowed himself, one last look at Severus's sleeping form before everything went black.

Death's pov

As the saying goes 'No rest for the wicked', he'd been out damn near all day. Night had long since fallen as he stepped out of a portal into the Crouch estate. He crept down the pitch dark hallway to the very end where he phased through the door. Crouch Sr. was a paranoid old man, he refused to let Winkey oil the hinges on his bedroom door.

Death smirked at that thought, he must truly be terrified that he'd be attacked in his sleep. He let his magic flow out and engulf the man putting him into an even deeper sleep. Death then levitated him out of bed and into an open portal.

Death left him sleeping on the floor of his office the bed was decidedly too good for him. He went back through and walked out near a mostly hidden door it led to what used to be a wine cellar. He walked silently through the darkness until he came upon a squared off section bordered by bars.

He stepped right through them and looked down at the filthy injured man. Barty laid prone on his stomach in a pile of straw his pants were tattered and he wasn't wearing a shirt. Fresh bloody marks, glistened even in the darkness.

Most wouldn't have seen it even with good night vision but his eyes weren't like other people's. Death put Barty into a deeper sleep before picking him up and cradling him close to his chest.

Death left once again back to his office, his thoughts centering around Crouch Sr. He'd pay for this that much was assured, he laid Barty down next to Amelia. He looked down at the three of them, this wasn't at all what he'd had in mind for that bed. Visions of his beautiful naked Star, coming to his mind, Death sighed heavily. As he turned back to his desk, he had a lot to get done before his little master called again.

Chapter Text

Severus's pov

He shifted on the bed and let out a groan before cracking his eyes open. Severus felt so warm and comfortable that he closed his eyes again. Admittedly he hadn't slept this well since he was last with Lucius. He tried to move and roll over, but froze as he couldn't move. 

It was almost as if someone was holding him, but he knew that he'd been alone. And there were no hands or arms present that he could see. Severus counted to ten and breathed deeply before opening his eyes again. He moved his body with more force until he rolled off the bed and onto his hands and knees.

He got up and and looked around seeing nothing on the bed or floor. A shiver went down his spine as he turned to look around his room.

Nobody was in sight, he went back to the bed and grabbed his wand from under his pillow. Severus used multiple revealing charms that came back negative. Had he used a revealing charm specific to spirits he might have noticed his guest. A very disgruntled, dark lord had been tossed on his ass on the other side of the bed.

What the hell was going on? First, the weird feelings of being watched and now it felt like something had been sleeping with him. Severus rubbed at the emeralds in his necklace as he closed his eyes again. He breathed slow and deep as he listed potions ingredients in his head. Feeling calmer already he moved to his bathroom to start his day. 

Severus would have to talk to Potter...everything was a bit too odd.

Harry's pov

Harry had decided to take breakfast at his desk today. There was still some things that needed to be resolved and third year was approaching fast. He only had a few days left before he'd be back in Hogwarts and things undoubtedly would be different.

He grabbed the stack of letters on his desk and leafed through them. Harry heard a soft knock and saw the door open to Draco who looked just awful. He had purple bruises under his eyes, his hair was sticking up in places, and his clothes looked rumpled like he'd slept in them.

Harry knew there was going to be issues with his choice in victims. He didn't think that Draco would come to him though. Out of all their shared friends he figured he'd be one of the last choices for comfort. Draco moved slowly and dropped onto the sofa to Harry's right side.

"Please tell me you didn't have something to do with this?" Draco asked.

Harry knew what he was asking about and it went without saying, that he was going to have to lie. Harry was only going to tell him so much, Draco was still blind to the secrets of both his parents.

Draco's adopted mother was no saint and if he knew about the things written in her diaries. Well Draco would definitely still be crying, but for different reasons. It was hard to find out that someone you trusted wasn't who you thought they were.

"You'll have to be more specific, Draco I've done a lot of things. And I've played a roll in many others, I haven't even seen the paper yet this morning." Harry replied.

He wanted to see just exactly what Draco knew. Draco gave him a narrowed eyed look like he wasn't sure if he believed Harry.

"My mother was murdered at the Ministry yesterday!" Draco cried.

Harry tried to convey sympathy with his expression, but knew he had probably failed. Harry felt no remorse for what he'd had Death do and he wasn't about to feel guilty now.

"And why would you think that I had anything to do with that?" Harry asked, innocently.

"Please...tell me it wasn't my fault because of what I asked of you?" Draco asked, ahh, there it was.

That was why Draco suspected him immediately. Although blaming himself for her death hadn't occurred to Harry. He got up and moved to sit next to Draco.

"Listen to me Draco, you are not the reason why your mother is dead. Azrael was at the Ministry taking care of some things for me. He told me that one of the Aurors identified Grindelwald as the one standing over her body. Azrael only knows that, because he overheard them talking when he went to see Madame Bones. Some of the Aurors originally believed your father did it, but he was in a Wizengamot meeting. Because they suspected your father, they refused to release information about her death. And as for what you asked me, I had someone doing a fair bit of snooping. What you said to me last time made me suspicious, it sounded an awful lot like what happened to everyone else. Dumbledore has a habit of changing people whether they want to be changed or not." Harry said.

Draco seemed to deflate almost instantly as his shoulders sagged and he leaned heavily on Harry.

"Azrael has a unique skill of just walking in where ever he pleases, wards be damned to gather information for me. He found a series of your mother's diaries, I didn't read them all the way through. I just skimmed and looked at certain dates. Draco, your mother was very...well I think it's best if you read them for yourself. But your father's behavior, will become more clear and so will your mothers. It's...bad Draco I'm so sorry. When your ready to know the truth I will give them to you." Harry said.

He wrapped an arm around Draco's back and hugged him awkwardly due to the position they were in.

"Draco, do you want Severus to come here?" Harry asked.

A few drops of what could only be tears soaked through his sleeve where Draco had buried his face. A nod was the only response he'd received so far.

"Mitzy!" Harry said, as the little elf popped into the room.

She was one of the younger house elves who seemed to be almost shy.

"Mitzy can you tell Severus, to come to my office. Tell him that it's important please." She nodded, her ears flopping back and forth before she popped away.

After a few minutes of silence, he heard the door click open and saw a shadow appear next to them on the floor. Harry saw Severus sit on the cushion on the other side of Draco.

"Dragon what's the matter?" Severus asked, Draco made no effort to answer him so Harry did.

"We just found out that Narcissa was murdered and poor Draco needed some comfort. From what Azrael said, many of the Aurors favored Lucius for it even though he was in a Wizengamot meeting. Which had over a hundred witness to Lucius's presence. They chose to withhold certain facts from the public while they investigated. Azrael heard them say that Grindelwald was seen covered in blood in the same corridor." Harry said, he saw Severus's face become paler than normal.

Even Tom seemed a little off, though his face was mostly still. Ahh, Slytherins, the masters of micro expressions that could mean everything and yet nothing at all.

Another knock sounded at the door. He saw Sirius poke his head in looking around, his eyes widened and he looked at Harry before popping back out into the hallway. Harry looked at the other two and slipped out of the room. The two of them definitely needed time together, he really did want what was best for his friends. And not only was Narcissa, in the way of Draco and Lucius she was in Harry's way.

Draco was his cousin... and at this point besides Sirius, Regulus, and Bella; Draco was the only family member he had left. Harry fully admitted that he would do what was necessary to protect anything and everyone that was his.

"So that looked really awkward. Is something going on?" Sirius asked, watching Harry.

"Narcissa died at the Ministry under suspicious circumstances." Harry replied.

Either Sirius had gotten better at hiding his emotions or her loss didn't effect him at all. Sirius nodded and leaned against the wall looking down before he focused on Harry again.

"So the goblins sent me a letter this morning about Fred and George. I guess Arthur wants to see them or talk to them, I don't want to force them to go. At the same time Arthur's free from Molly's influence and I feel like they should talk to him. I know it's a bit hypocritical considering the whole fucked up relationship with my own parents. But it's too late for me to do anything about it, have they mentioned anything about how they feel about him?" Sirius asked, biting his lip.

"I believe they feel mostly pity for him if anything else. They saw what she was doing to him and they chose not to interfere. That says something about how they feel, they either did nothing out of fear or they just didn't care. My favorite little demons aren't callous monsters just talk to them. For all we know their indifference to their father could be a coping mechanism. The worst they could say is no and honestly I wouldn't blame them." Harry said, Sirius nodded and sighed.

"Why couldn't it be pranks or quidditch?" Sirius said, shaking his head Harry smiled.

"Because life is never that easy Sirius, I know the whole parent thing is new to you. But your lucky in a way because the three of us are almost entirely self reliant. The twins practically worship the Marauders your one of their heroes. They respect you and Remus a lot and honestly think about yourself. I mean how would you talk to a teenage Sirius about his parents. You might be surprised by what you figure out." Harry said.

Sure it was too late for reconciliation with Sirius's living parents, but that didn't mean that Sirius didn't need closure. And there was always the portraits of his parents it wouldn't be the same. But if it brought Sirius to a healthy emotional state it was well worth it. Harry just hoped Sirius never found out about one of Death's other powers

Death's pov

For the first time in a long time he really felt like he needed a vacation. Death put his feet up on his desk and leaned back in his chair. He'd just finished the last of his tasks that little master had assigned him. Crouch Sr. was currently in a magical coma down in Peverell manor's catacombs. Amelia's memories were altered and she for the first time in over a month was sleeping in her own bed.

When she awakens, she will simply believe that she was sick for awhile. He'd given her multiple false memories of work so she didn't suspect anything odd. No one had made the connection between Grindelwald and Amelia. So she would get to keep her job and her life intact. Barty was healed and was currently laying on the bed in Death's office, he too was in a magical coma. Barty had been malnourished, his core damaged, cuts, bruises, and several layers of compulsions.

While what Barty lived through paled in comparison to Harry it was still bad. Not to mention Barty was never treated for his exposure to dementors. All in all, Barty would recover with time and then Death would have to help Sirius deal with the fallout. Until then he would simply have to not look at that corner of his office. It wouldn't be hard, his paperwork was never finished. Give it a few hours and they would multiply again, Death rarely saw that corner anyway.

Death decided to go back to the Manor, opening one of his portals he stepped through. And just barely missed running directly into his little one.

"Wow, dare I say it you actually look tired." Harry said.

"Well, that would be impossible since sleep isn't required for me." Death replied.

"So is everything going well?" Harry asked, walking along the hall on the way to Harry's own office.

"Yes, Amelia is fixed, Barty is healing, and Crouch Sr. isn't suffering yet but he will. Oh, and Ginny has been screaming herself hoarse. She started to disassociate with her situation so I made sure that not even her own mind was safe. When are you killing her again?" Death asked, casually.

Harry walked into his office and sat on the corner of his desk.

"Whenever I stop feeling vindictively satisfied at her pain. Her and her mother caused a lot of problems and pain. Molly is beyond my reach now, but Ginny I'm not nearly done with her. Ooh, before I forget Hedwig is somehow immune to fire. Any thoughts on why that is?" Harry mentioned, Death raised a silvery brow.

In truth Death hadn't done much other than pick up her egg. He did it before it could be taken by the shopkeeper, Hagrid would later purchase her from. Death went over and looked at her, on the surface she looked like a normal owl. But normal owls weren't exactly fire proof without being special some how. He placed his hand down to allow her to hop onto it, now that he was holding her he could read her better.

Death let tendrils of his magic poke at her as she hooted angrily and flared her wings digging her talons into his wrist. He grinned down at her finally figuring out why she was... so very special indeed.

"Oh, you might want to torture Dumbledore all the harder once your done playing with him. Your baby girl isn't even an owl!" Death crowed, Harry looked at him.

"Then what is she?" Harry asked, eyeing Hedwig carefully.

"She's a very young, ice spirit or in simpler terms an elemental spirit. She's so young that she herself has no idea what she is. Hedwig really does believe that she is an owl until your bond is complete she won't become aware. The older a spirit is the more aware it becomes, she's literally a newborn. Hedwig died in her last life before she could ever reach her full potential. Elemental spirits take many forms and for ice spirits there are snow foxes, snow owls, polar bears, snow rabbits, and even penguins." Death said.

Harry gave him a surprised look.

"And you didn't know this how?" Harry asked, sarcastically.

"I might know practically everything, but even I'm capable of mistakes. I only did a cursory scan of her egg to make sure that she wouldn't hurt you. I didn't delve deeper, there was no reason to do so. Every indication lead me to believe she was no more than a simple owl. The good news is that she's extremely compatible with you. Your core relates to earth and water based spells, and technically ice through your affinity for water. I doubt you'll actually use her for battle purposes as you love her far too much to risk her, but it is a possibility. Your bond with her is already pretty strong. Like anything, with time and training...the two of you could be very strong. Don't forget that eventually that special egg I gave you will, also hatch." Death said.

He could tell by Harry's reaction that he'd forgotten all about the Wraith egg sitting on his window ceil.

It was no matter, give or take a few more years the egg will hatch. Well, unless Harry advanced in his training so far that he'd trigger it earlier. When trying to hatch a Wraith dragon, the wizard in question had to be strong enough to bond. It would kill both of them if Harry wasn't ready, not that his little one would remain dead for long.

It was still something that could damage his core and even Death had his limits as far as healing went.

"I'm very grateful I didn't get a penguin people would definitely laugh." Harry said, as he grinned at Death.

Penguins really were funny little creatures. Nope nothing at all terrifying about penguins.

"Oh, but you would be so fierce looking together. You can make people laugh to death." Death teased.

"Yeah it could be even worse...  I could've been just as terrifying with a snow bunny." Harry snarked.

"What's this about funny bunnies?"

He saw Harry break down laughing against, the wall as Severus stood there staring at both of them.

Death grinned madly, Severus was so stoic and stern that phrase alone should've never come out of his mouth.

"We were discussing, how terrifying it would be to have a bunny or a penguin for a familiar." Death said, casually.

The single unimpressed dark eyebrow rose as he eyed them both.

"Yes, terrifying indeed. Harry I need these ingredients for my experiment." Severus said.

He watched Harry read the list before having it shoved into his hands.

"What do you think Azrael? Can we find those?" Severus asked, handing the list to Death.

Death read the list and was surprised at the contents, some of these hadn't been used in potions in well over fifty years. The creatures and plants weren't extinct per se, but they were annoying to acquire and dangerous for anyone normal to obtain.

"Severus what exactly are you trying to create?" Azrael asked, curiously.

"An advanced modified Skel-Gro. Normal Skel-Gro regrows bones, my potion functions similarly except it has nothing to do with bones. Mine if successful will regrow and repair organs, well, organs that aren't the heart or brain. It will also repair damaged tissues, veins, and cartilage. The potion will breakdown fat cells already present in the body and use them to, quickly repair damaged organs. Right now I've had partial success with rats, but they didn't live long afterwards." Severus said.

My that was different, there were millions of ways to use magic and not a single one repaired organs.

His little one looked surprised as well at Severus's project. It truly had been a tragedy that Severus's talents had been wasted teaching at a school. Death took a moment, to look beyond the dour man to where Tom stood.

The look on Tom's face spoke volumes about what he was feeling. Yes, the wizarding world had been greatly deprived of one of it's most brilliant minds. Tom had originally placed him there as a spy and Dumbledore had let him go to waste never seeing Severus's true worth.

"Harry I've been having some odd experiences recently." Severus said.

"Ah, so he is finally feeling a little better." Harry said, Severus gave Harry an unsettling look.

"The more he heals the more active he'll become. You might see objects move by themselves as he grows stronger. You may also feel like you're being watched, he is anchored to you so he can't leave you at all. So of course he will spend a lot of time watching you. He can't hurt you mentally or physically so there is nothing to fear from him. He needs your ambient magic, to heal the rifts that he tore his soul into. And then and only then will he be capable of truly living again. Soul magic is very tricky and unbending, I can't speed up the process nor can I alter it." Harry said.

Something seemed to connect, with the man as a fine almost unnoticeable pink dusted his face. Before vanishing, Severus was once again pale and unreadable.

Grindelwald's pov

He growled in frustration as he finished filleting the skin off the back of some random muggle man. Bodies lay strewn about the ground, all killed in varying kinds of savagery.

Some so mangled and torn up, that they didn't resemble anything human. Gellert breathed heavily his clothes were saturated with blood and viscera. He heard a faint moan and turned, to see the red-haired man he'd thought he'd killed when he first arrived.

He was brokenly trying to crawl away, his efforts hampered by his broken leg and the wide slash that went from his collarbone to the back of his right shoulder.

Disgust flitted across Gellert's face, as he savagely delivered a severing hex that finished separating the man's arm from the shoulder down. His head soon followed, Gellert started walking to the tree line leaving bloody footprints in his wake.

The events at the Ministry had riled him up, whatever had happened he hadn't been in control. Gellert hadn't been able to move or say the words that he'd wanted to say. Then his transfiguration, had come undone like it was nothing.

Gellert had reinforced his transfiguration, he should've been the only one capable of undoing it. It didn't make sense at all and the blood it had moved by itself. Nothing alive, had been in that corridor but himself!

Was this the mysterious person who had waged war against Albie? He knew one thing was for sure, the presence of something other was there. It felt cold and even vicious and that of course was the worst part. He'd actually felt afraid... for the first time in a long time.

Fear had given away to anger and he'd apparated to a muggle park in London. Gellert couldn't help it, he literally just let go and the bloody massacre he'd just left behind was the only evidence of his rage.

Once he'd successfully cooled off he apparated away, back to his hideout. Walking through the main floor was an experience as many of his followers took in his appearance. They were long since used to his brand of violence though that didn't stop a few of them from looking sick.

Gellert trudged up the stairs to his office and went in leaving smears of blood on the doorjamb and knob. He went to his adjoining personal rooms where he felt his anger bubble back to the surface. He briskly walked back to his door and stuck his head out.

"Where is she!" He bellowed...

In Amelia's house, she shifted and turned over in her bed. Before falling back to sleep, oblivious to the murderous dark lord's shouts. Not knowing just how, close she'd come to death just hours before.

Harry's pov

It had been hours since Draco had departed and Severus had returned to his labs. He'd given Draco his mother's diaries and now all Harry had to do was wait for the fall out.

Harry started sorting through his school supplies and started packing his trunk. There was only one more day before they would return to school. Harry couldn't help, but wonder what this year would hold for him. Dumbledore was on the run and Sirius had already been liberated from Azkaban.

Maybe it will be quiet for a change? Harry snorted in disbelief at himself, there was no such thing as quiet where he was concerned. He folded his school robes as he pondered Draco's future mental state. He knew a breakdown was in his future... it was how Draco would handle it that Harry was uncertain of.

It would either break Draco or make him stronger and more focused. Either way Narcissa, would soon be out of his way entirely leaving Lucius to him. Soft hooting grabbed, his attention as he looked over to his window to see Hedwig. She was standing with her legs extended fully, she was glancing at the wraith egg.

The egg itself was a dark blue with swirling white designs. Hedwig flared her wings and pecked at the bubble of Death's magic that encased it.

Fawkes who was almost entirely an adult again was sitting on the window ceil, behind her. He was watching her intently, before looking at Harry and trilling a few happy notes. Harry refocused, his attention on Hedwig who was now flapping her wings and digging her talons into the bubble.

"Baby girl what in the name of Merlin are you doing?" Harry asked.

She determinedly tried to attack the bubble, as she let out an agitated series of screeches and hisses.

Hedwig landed back on the window ceil, her feathers fluffed up making her look like a poofed up cat. She glared at it fiercely before clicking her beak, Fawkes bravely nudged her with his head.

Soft comforting notes sounded as he tried to calm her. While she was distracted, Harry took the opportunity to inspect the egg. He picked up the egg and was startled to see the white patterns on the egg's surface were moving.

The bubble held firm as he prodded at it. Was it closer to hatching? Or was it Hedwig's presence that caused the reaction? He had already surmised that his soon to be dragon friend would have some kind of affinity for water or ice.

It wasn't every day, that one was given a blue egg and also accidently made an ice spirit a partial familiar. He hadn't paid much attention to the egg, since he'd received it so Harry couldn't say for sure if it was normal.

Perhaps, it was close to hatching? Maybe she could sense the creature inside and was jealous. His girl often got angry at other birds who weren't Charon and Dust. She wanted to be his only bird apparently, and she was only willing to share him with the other two. He was still surprised that she didn't have a problem with Fawkes. 

He spoke to snakes not birds, it was all just a guess on his part. Harry shrugged and stored the egg in one of his more secure compartments of his trunk. The last thing he needed, was Hedwig attacking it while he wasn't paying attention.

Sirius's pov

Sirius stood nervously outside the twin's rooms, they had managed to find two bedrooms with adjoining doors. Remus had said, that it was important for the boys to have their own separate rooms. Since they had never had that option before.

He couldn't imagine having that many siblings and being packed into a tiny house with two people a bedroom. Regulus was the only sibling he needed and he was perfectly fine with that. What concerned him the most was the twins had been quiet.

Sure they came down to meals and chatted with Harry and Remus, but otherwise they had been silent. And those two were as mischievous as all get out, if it were James and him, the silence would be for plotting. Some of their best pranks, had been concocted during brief periods of silence.

Or it could be infinitely worse, they could be stewing in their own emotions. A lot had happened with their family and he was surprised by their silence, where their other brothers were concerned.

Sirius was under the distinct impression that they actually got along with the other Weasley boys. He knocked gently as he tried to curb his anxiety, rustling noises were heard as Fred opened the door.

"Siri, what brings you to our lair?" Fred said, a grin on his face as he walked away from the door.

Fred went back to the bed, where George was stretched out on his stomach with a book in front of him. Fred was laying similarly with a different book.

"Well, the goblins have sent me an interesting letter. Arthur wants to talk to the two of you." Sirius said, silence was the answer to his statement.

They looked at one another as a whole host of emotions crossed their faces as they had a silent conversation.

"Boys, you don't have to talk to him if you don't want to. I wish I had your opportunity, my father is dead and only a portrait remains. Even if I talk to him it won't, entirely heal the damage that my mother did. Arthur is still alive you can still fix things or break things off. But at least you can have closure one way or another." Sirius said, as he remembered the fractured relationship with his father.

They looked down then back at one another.

"I don't know about Fred, but I think that I need to see what happens. We ran from our family and our home so we wouldn't betray, our friend and everything we believe in." George said, as he looked back at Fred.

Sirius nodded, this was good at least one of them was thinking about it.

"Yeah, George we do need to do this. And we haven't talked to the others in awhile." Fred said, as he looked from George to Sirius.

"Ok, we'll meet with him tomorrow before all of you leave for Hogwarts. It's been a little crazy so I had Azrael, pick up your school supplies. Next year we'll go and shop together so both, of you can pick out whatever you want. If it helps he tried to pick out, things that the two of you would like. My question is do you want Harry and Azrael to come with us, to see him?" Sirius asked, they had another silent conversation between them.

"Yeah, we would like them to come too." George said, as he bumped shoulders with Fred.

"But if we're doing this, we would like you to do something." Fred said.

"What's that?" Sirius asked, curiously.

"We want you to talk to your dad too. We know he's dead, but that doesn't mean you can't fix somethings. Portraits have many of the same memories as their likenesses. Maybe its time for you to heal." George said.

"And all you have to lose from this is your pain. At least you can say that you tried." Fred said, as he sat up at the same time as George.

Harry was right all along he did learn something about himself from all of this.

"Yeah, your both right Harry even tried to get me to do the same thing." Sirius said, he was surprised to be hugged into a twin sandwich.

"My should I be jealous?"

They let go of Sirius like a bludger, had been tossed at them. Azrael stood there smirking as he leaned against the doorframe.

"No, nothing to be jealous of my DarkKing." Sirius said, with a wink.

He'd tried to give Azrael, several cutesy pet names much to Death's bemusement. The shadows had a tendency, to cling to Azrael like living spider webs. Which was why he, was Sirius's beautiful shadow king.

A chuckle sounded as Death watched the twin's faces.

"Mmhmm, good because I've killed for a lot less than that." Azrael replied.

The twins gave him an innocent look before grinning madly Death smirked back and came closer.

Azrael pulled out some small items that started growing as soon as he put them on the floor. Their school supplies and school clothes were wrapped in brown paper.

Azrael then came to Sirius and pulled him up from the end of the bed. Sirius received a slow gentle kiss as he was pulled closer.

Chapter Text

Malfoy Manor-Draco's pov

His mother...wait no his adopted mother. Once said that the Black family madness manifested in many ways. And each incarnation of madness was unique to each Black. Draco believed that Narcissa was one such. Draco wanted...no needed to believe she was sick, because otherwise she was just a narcissistic hateful bitch. Ironically, he knew more about her in death then he had when she was living.

After visiting Harry, Draco had decided to read some pages of the first diary. He found that he couldn't stop reading after that and part of him just wished he'd burned the awful things. Draco sipped at the scotch he'd taken from his father's office. He laughed bitterly as he threw the very last diary into his dressing mirror. It shattered raining glass along the floor, he caught sight of himself within the shattered shards. And judging by how he looked the mirror wasn't the only one that was shattered. His hair was disheveled and very obviously needed a good wash. His eyes were blood-shot and puffy and Draco was still wearing the clothes he'd had on at Harry's. Had it been one day? Two? Draco didn't even know anymore. 

Narcissa seemed to hate just about everybody. It was how she talked about Draco and her marriage that had left him hollowed out. She spoke of no one fondly save for in her earlier diary when she mentioned Andromeda. Apparently they had once been very close and Andromeda running away had hurt her a lot. She out right hated her father, who pretty much didn't want any of his daughters. He found out that his godfather...was actually his mother. Narcissa absolutely despised Severus mostly because of Lucius, but also Draco too. She had always wanted a big family. When she found out that she couldn't have children it devastated her. And when Lucius asked, Severus to surrogate for them it was like a slap in the face to her.

She already suspected that Lucius hadn't really broken up with Severus. Apparently the two of them had been a 'thing' since Hogwarts, not that many people knew. Lucius swore to her that he was no longer seeing Severus intimately. Narcissa seemed to believe that Severus was the reason why Lucius was always at 'work'. She was obsessed with finding proof so she could get divorced. It's no surprise to Draco, his parents were never very touchy feely. They never kissed or hugged, instead they stayed as far from each other as possible. They even had separate bedrooms on opposite sides of the Manor.

Traditional Wizarding bond marriages were biased against women which was pretty typical. In the event of divorce or infidelity the women had more to lose. If the man asks for divorce he only loses money. Lucius would have to pay her double what was in her personal vault before their marriage. If Narcissa wanted divorced she would gain no money and would likely, never marry again.

Well, at least not within Pureblood society her infertility would make her unattractive for marriage. And if she cheated she would lose social standing and all rights to their children. She would lose both the Malfoy and Black names for the transgression. Nothing would happen to Lucius if he were to do the same. So long as their were no children created from the affair he could get away with it.

Draco thought this was incredibly unfair, but it was just how things were. Draco drank more scotch, if Harry succeeded things would change. And Draco wanted to stand with Harry when he did. Her feelings about Draco hurt... quite a bit actually. Narcissa was always very critical about Draco she knit-picked everything. From his clothes, to his posture, even his behavior and the way Draco moved. But no matter what, Draco always thought she loved him. She never said so or even showed it, but he always thought that she did. In Pureblood society, no one showed emotions it was simply how they were raised.

And Narcissa was from one of the oldest Pureblooded families. So it didn't really bother Draco that she had never never said it. But she had completely shattered that notion, she hated Draco too.  Deep down she resented that Draco wasn't hers. She hated raising the child of her romantic rival, Draco was an unfortunate reminder of everything she couldn't have. Narcissa thought he was clingy, whiny, and pathetic.

After reading that he'd hoped, against hope that it was all some how 'the madness' of their family. But deep down Draco knew it wasn't and that hurt the most. He'd always tried to please his father because Draco looked up to him. He'd never tried with Narcissa because he always thought that she cared. He let out a bitter laugh, their was no pleasing his father nor could he please Narcissa. It had taken him far too much time to see this.

Oddly enough, Draco had never felt that way about Severus. He'd always felt safe and loved no matter what with Severus. The irony wasn't lost on Draco, that he felt the most loved and comfortable with his real mother. 

What bothered him more then anything else was... that nobody told him the truth. Did they really think Draco so weak that he couldn't handle the reality of his family? Well...then again he was a complete wreck and drinking a lot. So maybe they were on to something, but dammit why did he have to find out like this?

He ran his fingers through his greasy knotted hair before getting to his feet. Draco stumbled around his room, not even caring that he was cutting his feet on the glass. He left a trail of bloody footprints behind him as he finally located his wand. He cast a Tempus and swore colorfully, he only had two hours to get ready. Two measly hours, to look and act like his whole world wasn't as shattered as his mirror.

Harry's pov

He walked briskly down the staircase to meet Fred, George, Sirius, and Death. Harry had just finished double checking his trunk before joining them. They were on their way to meet Arthur, before going back to Hogwarts. Harry observed the twins, neither seemed nervous or anxious. They had remained curiously silent not once contacting their brothers, or ask to visit anyone. Which was odd as they were at one point a close knit family albeit with many secrets, but still a family. Fred and George just cut their family out and so far haven't looked back. It was a little strange, but ultimately Harry couldn't blame them. 

When someone's alienated, they're alienated sometimes sorry isn't enough. Sometimes people, things, and relationships were just broken. And no amount of apologies could fix things. Arthur was in for a rough road in his quest to regain their trust. Their behavior had greatly concerned both Harry and Sirius. But Harry knew from personal experience that somethings were better left alone. Fred and George needed to find their own closure and come to their own conclusions.

"Morning little master." Death said, his arm was casually draped around a smiling Sirius.

"Don't you mean little disaster? Morning Pup!" Sirius said, pulling Harry into a one armed hug.

Harry looked around where was Remus?

"Hey where's Remus? I thought for sure he'd come to see us off." Harry said, a look of confusion on his face.

Remus had really changed he was more affectionate with everyone. And he really seemed to love hugs in particular. Sometimes the way Remus hugged people, it was almost like he was afraid they wouldn't return.

"Still asleep according to Regulus, he's been tired a lot lately. I just thought he was having a bit too much sexy times, but it's more then that. Remus growled at me the other day for waking him up. He was sleeping on one of the couches and at our age, I just knew his back would be killing him later. Dante says Remus has also been craving meat more often, which is really strange. Since its no where near the full moon. Oh, and he was eating pickles dipped in chocolate the other day." Sirius said, his face scrunched up in disgust.

Harry's eyebrow nearly merged with his hair, the twins looked horribly disgusted, and Death merely looked amused. Harry narrowed his eyes as he looked pointedly at Death who only looked more amused. Death knew something the rest of them didn't.

"Let's go guys we only have so much time for this meeting. We don't know how long it will take and we have a date with the Hogwarts express." Harry said, as he grabbed Death's free arm, Fred and George followed suit.

Death opened a dark yawning void his preferred method of transportation, Harry closed his eyes. He didn't want to be dizzy from their trip, he braced himself as they were whisked away. They landed in a the alley behind Ollivander's, when he was sure he was stable Harry pushed away from the others. He made his way into the main road of Diagon. 

The usually bustling shopping district was empty and definitely a little creepy. They were set to meet Arthur at a café near Fortescue's. The 'Witcher's Brew' was owned by Madame Malcolm's sister Agatha. It was a small shop painted sky blue, the trim was white, and the roof tiles were a dark green or maybe dark brown. The patio area was lined with small white tables, that had intricate bouquets, on top of them. The bricked walk way had chips of colored glass, that was random in pattern. The wall closing off the patio area, was overflowing with flowers of red, blue, white, and pink draping down the sides.

The inside had a very obvious expansion charm, the inside was too big to match the size of the outside. The tables inside were oak, in a far corner was a small stage that held a piano, the walls were a rich pinstripe of green and white. A single middle-aged witch greeted them they mentioned meeting someone and she pointed them to the back corner. Arthur was sitting in a corner table that was obscured from view upon walking in. They ordered some drinks and went to join Arthur.

Harry, Sirius, and Death sat at a table adjacent to Arthur's. And the twins went to go sit directly at Arthur's table.

"You both came...and brought Harry and Sirius, who is the other man?" Arthur asked, as he gave Death a once over.

"That's our other dad, Azrael Peverell Harry's guardian." Fred replied, Arthur looked hurt, at the mention of another "dad".

"Other dad, do you mean besides me?" Arthur asked.

"No, Sirius adopted us after we asked him. He's dating Azrael... so he's technically our other dad." Fred said, George for his part remained silent gazing at Arthur with a penetrating gaze.

"And the two of you are okay with this? I mean, don't you want to come home and be with your family?" Arthur asked, Harry knew that had been the wrong thing to say.

He saw George's hands fist under the table. 

"If we wanted to come home we wouldn't have gotten adopted by somebody else." George said, icily, it was the first George had spoken.

Arthur looked hurt by the statement, he was going to start talking when their drinks arrived. Once she was gone Arthur started again.

"I'm sorry about everything that happened. Your mother wasn't the woman I thought she was. I know that's not a good excuse, I'm at fault too. I wasn't their for you two, when I should've been. I saw and heard things and I kept telling myself that she would never do that. I was in denial about the things going on. I'm still struggling to make sense of it all, I have real memories and I have fake ones. I don't know what's real or what's a fabricated lie. But I do know that I want my kids back with me." Arthur said.

Fred looked unsure and George still looked angry.

"I wasn't the best father, I should've stuck up for the two of you more. I should've questioned how Molly was handling things. I let the two of you down, I'm so sorry..."Arthur said, the sorrow and regret evident.

That however didn't sway George in the slightest he stood suddenly his fists still clenched.

"You have the nerve to be upset! Do you have any idea what we suffered? We spent our whole lives feeling unwanted in our own family! All we ever heard was how much of a disappointment we were! Our own mother told us, we should've never been born! And people wanted to know why we wanted to leave! Everyone wondered, why we could just turn our backs on our family! Sorry isn't nearly good enough." George said, his voice was cold and angry.

Fred grabbed George's arm to get his attention they shared a look before George stalked off.

"It'll take a little more time for him to come around if at all. All we've ever had was each other and George suffered a lot to protect me. Sometimes mum took it... a little too far, I always scolded him for doing it. We share everything... so why not pain? He's always felt like you knew and just did nothing to stop her. We weren't the only ones, why do you think Charlie and Bill got as far away as possible? You left us with an mentally unstable woman! We know mum covered a lot of things up, but you literally just admitted that you turned a blind eye. We suffered for that, all of us did except for GinGin and Ronniekins. It's going to be awhile before he cools off, in the mean time I have to decline further contact. I won't ever abandon him, it's George's forgiveness you have to earn not mine." Fred said, as he left to go find his twin.

Arthur looked shattered and lost, they slipped out never once looking back.

They caught up with the twins who were standing in front of Ollivander's. The two were hugging and talking about something, more Fred then George really. George just stood there listening allowing the embrace from Fred. George spotted them first and waved them over as Fred stepped back.

"Sorry guys, I just couldn't keep it in any longer. I know it's not all his fault and that he has a right to be upset too. I just..." George stopped.

"George it's okay, your upset if anyone understands it's us. We would never judge you for walking away." Sirius  said, nodding at Death and Harry standing off to his right.

"Azrael it's time to go, I really don't want Arthur, trying again if he sees us." Harry said, he knew that the twins would talk if they wanted to.

For now it was for the best to let it go. They could come back again when everyone involved was more stable emotionally. He grabbed Death's arm, the others crowded around him and grabbed on for the trip to the platform.

None of them noticed they were being watched.

Unknown pov

A petite brunette witch watched the group interact. She had wanted to approach them, but thought better of it as something was obviously going on. There was still time, how much time she truly had no idea.

She had to find her and those boys were her best hope. Her daughter was all she had left, tears threatened to fall as she was reminded of her loss. 

First her daughter disappeared, then her husband was murdered at the park.

She would find her and bring her home, she just hoped her daughter was still alive.

Unknown pov #2

He watched from his point of cover. How was it that they didn't know that they were being watched? And not just by him, but by a brown-haired witch and another unknown man. His little raven was slipping... perhaps he was too comfortable. It certainly wouldn't do arrogance could be anyone's down fall. 

He'd keep watching the little Raven lord, for a little longer before making his presence known. He was truly looking forward to seeing what Harry would do next.

Harry's pov

They arrived at the platform where the crowds were sparse as it was still early enough. Hardly anybody boarded the train this early, Harry looked around taking note of his surroundings. Something had felt wrong while they were in Diagon Alley... it was like they were being watched. Or so it had felt to Harry, it was probably just paranoia as Death hadn't reacted at all.

He saw Draco standing next to Lucius, what was odd was the way they were standing. Draco always looked at his father while Lucius always seemed to be looking anywhere but at Draco. This time it was Draco who was looking anywhere, but at his father. And Lucius, for once was actually looking at Draco with a look of puzzlement. Harry held back a laugh, seriously, now he wanted to pay attention to Draco. Did daddy dearest actually realize something was wrong? Lucius always seemed to be so blind where Severus and Draco were concerned.

Harry turned and hugged Sirius and Death before moving in Draco's direction. The twins followed behind him flanking Harry on either side. Draco, eager to be away from Lucius met them half way. Lucius look out at his son, concern on his face until he caught sight of Sirius and Death. It didn't surprise Harry, both of his adopted dads were very eye catching. It was the way, Lucius looked at them though that was interesting. It held curiosity as well as suspicion... Harry couldn't figure out why. As far as he was aware, Lucius and Sirius never had any major issues. 

Harry was going to have to keep an eye on it. They boarded the train and headed to their usual compartment. Harry sat quietly watching the others, Draco was quiet and withdrawn, and the twins were playing exploding snap. It wasn't long before they were joined by Daphne and Blaise.

"Why is it so quiet in here? Did somebody die?" Blaise asked, Draco glared at him before standing and pushing passed the two.

"Wait what's going on? Did I miss something?" Blaise asked, confused at the glares thrown his way.

Daphne huffed and moved to follow Draco down the hall.

"You really don't know?" Fred asked.

"No, I just thought it was really weird that it was quiet. Did something happen?" Blaise asked.

"Guys, Blaise lives in Italy he wouldn't have seen it in the paper. I don't think Draco told him what happened." Harry said.

It was true Blaise didn't subscribe to the Daily Prophet. That and his relationship with Draco was rather strained. Some how Blaise hadn't managed to notice which was baffling to Harry. It was so obvious that their was a division between the two.

"Narcissa was murdered at the Ministry by Grindelwald, who was only recently discovered missing. He escaped some how and apparently the Austrian Ministry, are even bigger morons then ours. How do you not notice a maximum security prisoner, disappear for damn near three months?" Harry said.

The look of horror on Blaise's face was confirmation enough, Draco had said absolutely nothing.

"Merlin, are all the Ministries that stupid?" Fred asked, Harry snorted and George shook his head.

"For whatever reason, some how idiots are elected to positions of power. It's a trend that baffles me to no end. They should have I.Q. tests for anyone joining a position of power. I mean really, who in their right mind elects Fudge minister? He's weak minded, easy to manipulate, easy to bribe." Harry said, it was true the trend continued in the muggle world as well.

Politian's were in it to line their pockets and seldom did what they were supposed to.

Their were good ones, but sadly most of them never achieve what they promised. Bribery and corruption ran rampant, as the people suffered for their selfishness. To say that Harry hated politics was an understatement. 

Draco's pov

He just couldn't do it... at least not at the moment. Draco had always considered Blaise his brother, but dammit he was dense on rare occasions. Blaise just didn't seem to have time for him anymore. Sure they hung out with everyone else, but they never spent time alone together anymore. He would never begrudge Blaise time with his family or with Harry. But come on, he hadn't even written Draco once this passed summer.

And with everything that he'd found out about Narcissa and her death. Well, he was having a hard time dealing with it all. Draco walked to the very last car on the train, it was used for the overflow luggage. He found a wall that had nothing in front of it and sank to the floor, leaning his back against the wall.

"You must really be upset to not notice me behind you."

Draco looked up from the floor to see Daphne.

"Upset doesn't even come close to how I've felt recently." Draco said, bitterness seeped into his voice.

She lowered herself down gracefully to sit next to him on the floor.

"Then tell me all about it, Draco. It's more than just your mom isn't it?" She asked.

"It's so much more then that Daph. She's not even my mother and she definitely didn't love me. I found some of her diaries, I always thought she loved me. No, matter how bossy or critical she was with me, I always thought she loved me. To hear how she really feels...it hurts Daph." Draco said, biting his lip and looking away.

"Oh, Draco that's really horrible. But don't let her bitterness change how you feel about yourself. My mother always called Narcissa, a hateful shrew. I sat in on a few of their visits, the things she said about people about...you. I realized mom was right, I never told you because I was afraid. I didn't want you to think I was lying, I wanted you to find out on your own. I just never thought you would find out like this. Honestly, I think she hated herself the most and took it out on everybody else." Daphne said, she reached out tentatively and held his hand.

"But she's right Daph, I am whiny and annoying. I tried so hard to be the person I thought my parents wanted. Then I tried to be different, after hearing about how I was in Harry's first life. She's right I am pathetic, always looking for attention." Draco said, he shook his head and looked away from her.

"No Draco she isn't right. Instead of being the person you think everyone else wants, be who you want to be Draco. Think about who you want to be, because you're the one who has to live with yourself. Nobody else matters Draco and besides I like you as you are. Change only comes, when we want it to not when others force us." Daphne said, she gathered Draco into a hug.

He held onto her tightly and narrowed his eyes determinedly. Draco was going to be his best self, but by his terms and no one else's. He didn't need anyone else's opinion or approval, it was just sad it took him so long to realize. Draco pulled back and stood pulling her up as well. His affection for her grew as did his respect for Daphne.

They walked back to the train car hand in hand. At that moment for the first time in a long time, he felt loved. And it was all thanks to the girl walking beside him.

Harry's pov

It wasn't long after Draco and Daphne left, that the rest of Harry's menagerie showed up. Harry had managed to comfort Blaise who was now determined to make it up to Draco. He was talking to Neville, when Draco returned with Daphne. Draco immediately got pounced on as he was pulled into hugs by the girls. Luna didn't move as she was sitting on Harry's lap, he was braiding her hair.

She did however offer a smile as she continued reading. Draco for his part, took it better than Harry thought he would. Draco however, didn't acknowledge or even look at Blaise. Harry sighed deeply, he would have to monitor this little issue. Harry might have plenty of allies of the undead variety, but he still needed his friends. Mostly because of their connections, but he did care for them too, either way he couldn't afford a division. 

The trip to Hogwarts progressed uneventfully after that. But Harry couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen. On the carriage ride up to the castle Blaise, caught his eye. Harry could tell that he knew something was up. He shook his head at Blaise a clear sign they would talk later. Right now, Harry and his little menagerie had to act "normal" for the feast.

Harry had made it clear to the others to never speak of certain things out in the open. And everybody including Harry himself had to call Death, Azrael. All it would take was one person who took the information as seriously. Then all of his plans would unravel and Dumbles and Grindelwald would be on to his secret. One never knew just who was on whose side. It's why Harry, always warned everyone about the walls having ears. All it could take was an invisibility charm and someone could sneak in before a silencing ward were erected. 

Until Harry was more familiar with people specific revealing spells, all talk about certain things was restricted. Only down in the chamber, did Harry feel safe enough for meetings and training. The ride up to Hogwarts was a bit awkward as silence plagued their little group.

At the feast Professor McGonagall greeted everyone with the usual speech. And little Professor Flitwick sorted the first years. But Harry wasn't paying attention to them, no his gaze was fixated on the two new Professors. A women sat in Severus's former seat she was Asian and very beautiful, but that wasn't what caught his attention. No, it was the way she felt... something was off about her. She seemed to radiate coldness and Harry could sense... that she wasn't human. She was wearing a Hanfu, from her shoulders down to her waist was black with little swirls of gold stitching near the sleeve ends. The bottom half was a deep blood red, her hair was done up with pins of gold and silver. The rest of her hair appeared to reach her lower back. She had black finger nails, red painted lips, and her eyes were done up with black kohl.

She was trying her best to ignore McGonagall who tried to ask her something. The man sitting in the Defense Professor's seat was equally eye catching. Though Harry didn't sense anything like he did with the women.... something wasn't right about him either. Harry couldn't pin down what it was though, but he did know it didn't feel threatening. He had blond medium length hair that was tied back with his long bangs framing  his face. His eyes were amethyst purple that almost looked grey in certain lighting. He wasn't wearing teaching robes like the others no he was wearing a black jacket. He had it open at his throat, his trousers were the same color, with dark brown boots. 

Harry looked around self consciously as he'd been studying the two for quite awhile. Everyone else seemed just as fascinated with their new Professors as Harry himself was. As the last child was sorted, McGonagall stood up.

"We have two new Professors joining us this year. For Defense we have Professor Tatsuya Raiden and our new Potions mistress Professor Fuyu Yuki. The forbidden forest is still forbidden. And a warning to all students please don't go exploring abandoned classrooms. They aren't safe and we are going through the process of cleaning them. Otherwise be safe and enjoy your dinner." She said, before sitting back down.

All through out dinner the sense of wrongness plagued Harry's senses. Either way Harry was sure whatever it was would reveal itself soon enough.

Peverell Manor-Sirius's pov

He sighed deeply, as he thought about what the twins had asked of him. Sirius sipped his whiskey thoughtfully, truthfully he felt like it wouldn't matter. But he had promised them that he would. Sirius wasn't nearly as angry with his father as the twins were with Arthur. It still upset him, just thinking about seeing Orion's portrait.

"A knut for your thoughts." Azrael said, appearing off to Sirius's right side.

"The twins wanted me to do something and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I mean...I don't think it's worth the effort, but I promised them. After all they've been through, I don't want to become a liar in their eyes." Sirius said, as he patted the couch next to him inviting Azrael to join him.

Azrael watched him for a few seconds before sitting down next to Sirius.

"What is it, our little demons are asking for?" Azrael asked.

"They want me to talk to my father's portrait." Sirius said, his feelings where his birth family were concerned were muted.

He truly hadn't cared for any of his family except, Regulus, Andromeda, and Alphard. At one time Sirius would've included Orion, but honestly he just didn't know. Sorting his emotions since Azkaban was always frustrating. Sirius had spent so long trying not to feel anything, so that the dementors wouldn't come. That and he'd separated himself from his stronger emotions, their were times when Sirius still just felt so empty.

"Ah, to deal with some of your issues. Why didn't you just ask me? I could raise his spirit it would be a whole lot better then talking to a poor imitation of him." Azrael said.

"Wait you can do that? Of course you can, duh, your Death. Still why didn't Harry tell me? He knows there's a lot of people, I would like to speak with again." Sirius said, confusion marring his face.

Why wouldn't Harry mention it?

"I can raise any spirit... within reason that is. So long as they aren't older than five hundred years, after that the spirit is less likely to come when I call. They just don't care about the world of the living anymore, and I'm inclined to leave them be rather then force them. My bread and butter is death magic, soul magic is a close second, and my mastery of sprit magic is slightly weaker. Sprits no longer have a soul, they remember things and retain personality. Otherwise, they are just shades or shadows of the original person." Azrael said, as he shifted on the couch.

"That still doesn't explain why, Harry feels it's necessary to omit this specific ability of yours. Granted, you're Death so this should've occurred to me. But Harry's always so...up front about everything since telling us the truth. Why is this in particular a secret?" Sirius asked, he was more confused then hurt.

"Sirius, it has nothing to do with you personally. I just think Harry didn't want people to ask about it. Everyone has someone that they've lost to death and if everyone knew...Then everyone would be asking. I know it doesn't entirely make sense, just think about it my Star who is dead to Harry? Who are his most important people that he knows that are dead?" Azrael asked, clearly Azrael already knew the answer.

Crap of course... he could kick himself.

"James and Lily." Sirius breathed, saying their names, was like being kicked in the gut.

It hurt even just thinking about them, Sirius had no idea what he would say to them. It made a little more sense now. Harry had no memories of his parents, he has no clue how his parents would react. The only things Harry knew about his parents was from other people. Maybe Harry, was afraid James and Lily would judge him. Or maybe that they wouldn't love him, which was absurd they had loved Harry so much.

"That makes a little more sense now. We really need to talk to him about this though it's just not healthy. And yes I know it sounds weird for me to be concerned with what's healthy. Is he coming home before Yule?" Sirius asked.

"Oh, yes we have a date to make Tom 'live'." Azrael said.

"Good, now spill what you know about Remus. I know that you know so you might as well tell me." Sirius said, giving Azrael a pointed look that left no room for argument. Azrael smirked before pulling him into a kiss.

"Hmm, it does seem a bit odd doesn't it? Weird cravings, weight gain, mood swings, and nausea, whatever could that possibly be?" Azrael teased, trying to keep in a laugh.

Holy fuck...was Remus? Sirius looked at Azrael in disbelief.

"Does Remus know?" Sirius asked.

"You know for creatures with incredible senses of smell they sure haven't noticed. I'm surprised Dante hasn't noticed, but then again there's a chance he's never been around a pregnant person. Their hormones and body chemistry change so much that their scent changes. As for Remus... I don't think he's noticed." Azrael said, letting out the laugh he'd tried so hard to keep in.

"So which one is it? Whose the lucky daddy?" Sirius asked.

"I once told Harry, that no matter how much a timeline changes certain events still happen. Some events are infinite, in that they happen across the multiverse and space time continuum. And Harry's godson little "Teddy" Lupin will always exist. He just needed a new mommy and daddy, after all  only the Blacks have metamorphmagus's. So you're going to be Uncle Sirius very soon." Azrael said, his eyes widened, uncle...

"My concern is about what decision Remus will make." Azrael said, hugging him close, as he shook the shock off.

Now Sirius was just confused, what decision? Azrael seeing his confusion offered him a small smile.

"Harry always believed that he was only chosen to be Teddy's godfather, because you and James were dead. Harry's says it doesn't bother him, but it's painfully obvious that it does." Azrael said, as he grabbed Sirius's glass and drained the whiskey from it.

Surely that couldn't be true...could it? Did Remus really make a choice like that? Sirius couldn't ask Remus, he would have no recollection of the previous timeline. Nobody did, save for Death and Harry. Harry at times was a complete mystery though. How anyone could be so intelligent, strong, and confident; yet still be so insecure and damaged was beyond him. 

"Yes, a conversation is long overdue." Sirius said, as he stole his glass back filling it up once again. 

"How's Barty doing?" Sirius asked, Azrael sighed.

"He's still in his healing coma, but he should awaken soon." Azrael said.

Sirius nodded absently and jumped slightly at the sound of shattering glass. The tumblr Azrael had been holding had slipped from his hand. Azrael looked shocked, his pupils were blown wide, Sirius waved a hand in front of him. No, response at all what the hell? Sirius grabbed, Azrael's shoulders shaking him gently.

"Babe...Azrael are you okay? Please be okay!" Sirius said, as panic started setting in, what was happening?

He was startled to feel a grip on his forearm. Sirius looked back at Azrael's face, he was blinking as he became aware again.

"Oh, thank Merlin are you alright?" Sirius asked, framing Azrael's face with his hands.

"No, I'm not...I can't see." He said, What???? 

"Your blind!" Sirius said, as distress seeped back in.

"No, not literally, but something's changed in the timeline. I can't 'see' it, the only time I can't 'see' is when the event has to do with Harry or myself." Azrael said, he looked disturbed.

Which of course only concerned Sirius more.

"You couldn't 'see' it, but you could feel it couldn't you?" Sirius asked.

"Yes, and it doesn't feel good." Azrael said, now Sirius was really concerned.

Anything that disturbed Death wasn't good at all.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts-Harry's pov

Blaise and he had just finished dressing and were ready to head out for the day. Over the past few weeks things had turned from normal to strange. It was nowhere near winter time. Yet several hallways and staircases had been frozen solid in thick sheets of ice. Harry had noticed the teachers were acting up too. As in the way they had when the Chamber had been opened by Ginny and Tom. The teachers seemed to think it was all some kind of prank, Harry had overheard them talking about it once.

As far as Harry knew, none of the other students had noticed a change. None of this sat right with Harry, no clearly something was happening. He also still felt like someone was watching. That and the strange feeling he'd been having... that feeling of dread, that he couldn't shake.

"Harry...Harry, hey are you alright?" Blaise asked, Harry looked over giving Blaise a smile.

"I'm okay, just lost in thought. Things are still so strange and I still have this really bad feeling." Harry said, biting his lip.

"Your right, what do you think is causing all this?" Blaise asked, his tone serious.

"I'm not sure and that's part of what's bothering me. I keep getting this distinct feeling of danger, not to mention the feeling of being watched. It's still so strong, but I'm always alone and all revealing charms come up negative. I also keep feeling a deep cold like feeling, it almost feels like Death when he uses his wild magic. But I know it's not Death and none of the reapers will approach me. I think that's because of Death though, still it feels so cold so very vicious." Harry said, what was happening?

Not knowing was the worse part, Death said things would change.

Harry had always found comfort in 'knowing' the future from his past life. He had meddled with the timeline too much, events were happening that hadn't before. What was worse though was Death didn't know either. Direct events involving Harry were a blind spot in Death's abilities. Harry was too closely intertwined with Death and Death's magic. Death couldn't 'see' his own future, because his future was infinite and always changing. Death had recently discovered that he couldn't 'see' Sirius's now either. Harry was pulled out of his thoughts as Blaise hugged him.

"Let's just go to breakfast we'll figure all of this out, we always do." Blaise said, rubbing Harry's back.

He knew that time would eventually reveal all of the answers. As they started down a staircase, Harry stuck his arm out abruptly stopping Blaise. An ear splitting screech sounded in the air, Harry grabbed Blaise's arm. Harry pulled him into a shadowed alcove, out of sight from the hallway. They stayed there for several minutes being as quiet as possible, they emerged only after hearing voices. Harry could definitely make out McGonagall's voice, Harry stopped Blaise again. 

He disillusioned both of them and kept hold of Blaise's hand. They walked around a corner to find the teachers standing in a group, their backs to Harry and Blaise. Harry pulled Blaise to a statue of a Hippogriff and crouched down pulling Blaise with him.

"I can't believe this happened again, what do you think is doing it?" Flitwick asked.

"What makes you think it wasn't a student? What about them Weasley brats, they're always up to something. Hell, maybe one of these brats has a violent streak to them." Filch said, anger evident by his voice.

Harry suppressed a snort, violent streak was putting it mildly.

"Do you really think a student is capable of this?" Sprout said, gesturing to the corridor.

It was covered from floor to ceiling in thick sheets of ice and on the floor, in the middle of the teachers was Mrs. Norris. The cat was frozen solid, in a morbid ice sculpture. And it wasn't just the cat, the portraits on the nearby wall were also frozen inside their canvases. 

"We need to keep this under wraps for a bit. There is no reason to panic the students just yet. Only some animals and portraits have been harmed. Has anyone noticed anything strange?" McGonagall said, her face pinched in irritation.

My what a very Dumbledore thing to do, perhaps she'd been exposed to him too long.

"No, not really, besides the frozen areas." Sinestra said, the others nodding in agreement.

So nobody was going to notice that the new professors were absent from their little meeting?

"Are they alive still? Can we revive them?" Flitwick asked, curiously.

"I'm not sure, but we can try it. It could be similar to petrification or it could be more sinister." Madame Pomphrey said, as she kneeled down to inspect Mrs. Norris.

"Then we should try on one of the portraits. If anything goes wrong, then at least they aren't technically alive." McGonagall said, she nodded at Flitwick who followed her to the wall.

Harry couldn't make out what spells they used, but the effect was instantaneous. The portrait unfroze, but the canvas disintegrated inside it's frame. Blaise gasped in surprise, but it went unnoticed as the reaction from the teachers covered it.

"We can't try that with Mrs. Norris, what's to say that it won't happen to her too." Sprout said, her hands shaking.

"Quiet everyone, Pomphrey take Mrs. Norris to the hospital wing. Sprout and Sinestra try to unfreeze the floor and ceiling. Flitwick glamour the portraits to look normal. Until we figure out what's causing all this, we need to make everything normal. There is now going to be a staff meeting, we need to research whatever this is. We need to find a way to revive them without having them disintegrate." McGonagall said, she pursed her lips, clearly not happy. 

Harry narrowed his eyes, this only brought more questions then answers.

Peverell Manor potion's lab-Tom's pov

Tom watched the man, he'd slowly become attached to as Severus crushed asphodel. Tom hadn't been given much choice in the matter however. Tom had spent a lot of time listening, to everyone around him. What he'd noticed had startled him. He'd never paid much attention to his potion's master, something that he was now regretting immensely.

Severus was incredibly intelligent and had his own unique beauty. Sure Tom had known of Severus's abilities, but he'd never appreciated Severus as a whole before. He had never once looked in Severus's direction, for anything but barking orders. No, Tom had a whole new appreciation for the man as a whole. Never in his whole life had he ever wanted to touch someone. Not nearly as much as he ached, to touch Severus.

Tom could feel himself gaining strength every day, it wouldn't be long now. He would return with a vengeance and this time Dumbledore would pay the price.

This time nothing was going to stop Tom. He would finally achieve everything he'd set out to do. This time he hoped his lovely potions master would be at Tom's side.

Now all he had to do was be patient.  

Malfoy Manor-Lucius Pov

He sighed deeply, putting away the paperwork he'd been staring at. Lucius hadn't managed to get anything done he was so distracted. Something was wrong with Draco. Ever since Narcissa had died... Draco had been acting strangely. Draco was much quieter then normal which was incredibly worrisome. Draco was never quiet about anything... really. Maybe it was his fault? Narcissa never approved of Lucius spoiling Draco and spending so much time with him.

But surely his absence would've affected Draco sooner then this right? There was so much that Draco didn't know. And honestly Lucius didn't know how to tell him about them. How do you tell your only son, that his grandfather pretty much sold them like cattle to the dark lord? How do you tell a child, that his mother isn't his mother? How was he supposed to tell Draco, that his godfather was his mother? How could he tell Draco, that he stayed away because Lucius couldn't stand Narcissa? Lucius had spent less and less time at the manor to avoid his shrew of a wife. But that also meant that he was avoiding Draco by circumstance. There was just so much he needed to tell Draco, but the words just froze in his throat. Some days Lucius just felt like he was drowning. 

He knew it wasn't fair to Draco and that his little dragon missed him. It was his fault he'd allowed Narcissa to come between them... to chip away at their relationship. Lucius stood and left his study making his way to Draco's room.

Draco didn't know it, but when Lucius was upset or hurt he'd go to Draco's room. Lucius would sit at the end of the bed,  sometimes he would watch Draco sleep peacefully. Unaware, of his guilt ridden father trying to hold it all together.  Some days that was all Lucius could do, drink a little more and hope his life didn't fall apart. Sometimes Lucius would just sit there and hug the blue-gold dragon plushie to his chest. Lucius had given it to him, when Draco was only four months old. As he grew Draco had carried the little dragon everywhere, he couldn't sleep without it. 

Lucius found Draco's attachment to it amusing. Lucius himself had carried Draco around everywhere after he was born. He'd been so proud of his little dragon, showing him off to everyone he could. Some days he even took Draco to work with him. He remembered doing paperwork with Draco in his lap. Lucius had conjured some colorful bubbles and Draco was swatting at them with his pudgy little hands. Or all the dozen or so times Draco had played with Lucius's hair chewing on the ends. His little dragon had been such an adorable baby.

Lucius needed to reconnect with Draco, he owed it to him after being absent for so long. He opened the door and was shocked to see the room in disarray. He knew that Draco didn't like having his room cleaned, while he was at Hogwarts. The house elves would then only clean it after Draco, made sure nothing was misplaced. So finding the room not clean wasn't a surprise. No, it was the broken glass and bloody footprints that caught his attention. What the hell happened in here? Lucius walked in further looking around he spotted a book, covered in shattered glass. 

Curious he walked through the shards and bent down to pick it up. As he moved to get up he saw the other side of the bed, on the ground was more books. The books didn't look like library books and they were all the same. Or so they looked, next to them was Lucius's missing scotch decanter. So that was where it had gone... a sinking feeling settled in his stomach. Dread crept up on him, why would Draco be drinking? 

He sat on Draco's bed, the black leather bound book was in his hands. On a hunch Lucius opened it, his eyes widened as he realized it was a journal and not just anyone's journal...Narcissa's. Oh, dear Merlin Draco...knew. 

Office-Death's pov

He hummed absently as he banished the stacks of files away. Death might find doing paperwork boring, but at least he wasn't the poor fool who spent eternity filing them. He paused, his quill hovering over a file as he heard movement. A faint moan sounded, curious Death stood and walked around his desk. The bed nestled in the corner had the silhouette of a person sitting up.

Ah, Barty had finally awoken and was looking around confused. His eyes widened as he looked at Death silently. He refrained from laughing, good thing Death wasn't wearing his cloak and carrying his scythe. Barty would've had quite the fright looking at him.

"I see your awake and very confused. Sirius will be very happy to see you, but first I think you need to soak in the tub. You haven't moved in quite awhile so your muscles are aching aren't they?" Death asked, knowing full well they did from lack of movement.

"They do...where Sirius?" He asked, his voice scratchy.

Death summoned a glass of water and watched the man guzzle it down greedily.

"Sirius is doing very well, he was proven innocent and was released. He's healthy and happy living with his godson. But I know you would much rather know where your master is. He's not alive, but we're working on restoring him." Death said, pushing Barty back down onto the bed.

"Just relax... you're safe now. You haven't moved in well over a month and that's not counting 'family time'." Death said, watching as Barty's eyes flashed dangerously.

Ah, so he does remember time with dear old dad. No, matter that was exactly why he'd taken Crouch Sr. Harry was adamant that his 'allies' were taken care of. Death knew his little master was devious, but this was genius. Help them settle their issues or scores... make them care for him. And in return Harry garnered their unshakable loyalty. And if not loyalty they would feel like they had to pay Harry back. The more and more time people spent with Harry the more enthralled with him they became. And the best part was his little one wasn't consciously aware of how manipulative his behavior was. It was a sound strategy that strengthened bonds amongst his allies. He would give it to Harry...his unique approach to gaining allies was effective and different then the Lords that came before him.  

Death made sure Barty was asleep again as he picked him up and carried Barty into another room. Death's office really was like a maze, endless stacks of paperwork, doors that moved and disappeared, dark artifacts practically falling off shelves. He'd recently brought a tub up here so he could spend time with his Star. His Star's little friend, would need to soak for a bit. One didn't just lay still for a month, without muscle pains or muscle atrophy. Death sat on the side of the tub, as he filled the basin and plucked a vial off a nearby shelf. It had small white crystalline chunks, that were a mild form of muscle relaxer.

Death sighed, just when he thought he'd get something done. 

Chamber of Secrets-Draco's pov

Everybody was down in the Chamber which was a first. Harry had only ever brought them down in small groups. Theo, Pansy, Neville, and Susan were practicing spells in the dueling room. The twins were down in the atrium where all the snake statues were. They were plotting something over a bubbling cauldron. Luna was keeping Ginny company, her screams echoed throughout the chamber. Hannah and Daphne were reading in Salazar's study trying to decipher the old- English books. Draco had no clue where Blaise and Harry were and he honestly didn't care.

Draco himself was alone in the basilisk's nest leaning against a wall. Idly he wondered when Harry would deal with the great hibernating beast. I mean how long could Death hold it? Well, maybe that was a dumb question. It didn't matter to him, it wasn't his problem in the slightest. Draco slowly lost himself to thought, his father was suspicious and he would be questioned. His father was many things, but stupid wasn't one of them. Draco still found it ironic that only now his father paid attention to him.

Draco had to admit that he'd needed the moment of clarity. Narcissa had died, lifting the veil of lies and making Draco come to terms. He'd needed to let go, Daphne was right. He himself, was the only person Draco had to please. He didn't need anyone's validation or attention. Draco was much better off now and felt a whole lot lighter for it.

"My you're awfully quiet."

Draco turned to find Blaise standing there. Blaise came a little closer to Draco observing him as he waited for an answer.

"I have a lot to think about lately. And I don't particularly want to talk about it." Draco said, his voice sharp and empty.

He seriously hoped Blaise, would get the hint and leave Draco the hell alone. Blaise let out a loud sigh.

"Draco, I'm sorry okay I didn't know about your mom." Blaise said, looking at Draco oddly.

Draco let out a bitter laugh that reverberated off of the cold stone walls. If only this was just about Blaise's poor choice in wording.

"You don't know much do you, Blaise? And why would you, this is the first you've spent any time with me. All summer long, not a single damn letter! And our meetings at Harry's don't count. You spent most of your time attached at Harry's hip and the rest with your family completely ignoring me!" Draco said, shaking his head.

What was it that Blaise just wasn't getting?

"Draco, stop acting like a child! It wasn't nearly that bad!" Blaise said, a look of frustration on his face.

Draco just closed his eyes and pushed off the wall.

"You know Blaise, you were always like a brother to me. You've always been an important part of my life. I don't care if you have other friends, or spend time with Harry. But I have always been there for you no matter what. It didn't matter how busy I was, I always made time for you. So not hearing from you, for most of the summer that hurt a lot. I wanted to tell you so badly, but I thought why bother? He obviously doesn't care, if he did he'd be here with me suffering as much as I was. Isn't that what best friends are for? And big surprise, I was right, Blaise! You would rather stand here, calling me a child then admit that you are wrong! I'm clearly not important enough for you anymore, Blaise. You can do what you want, I'm done..." Draco said, walking away and heading to the training room.

Blaise had become someone Draco didn't recognize anymore. He walked in completely ignoring the others in favor of throwing everything he could at the dummy. Draco only stopped long enough, to repair the poor thing before annihilating it again. He could feel the others staring at him with concern. The thing was Draco just didn't care anymore all he wanted was to be left alone.

Draco felt like he was adrift with no one was there to save him from drowning. All well...what was the loss of yet another person he thought he could trust. Draco ignored the ache in his chest as he let go.

Peverell Manor-Sirius's pov

Okay, seriously that was just disgustingly gross.

"Rem, what the hell is that?" Sirius asked, looking at the bowl in his friend's hand.

It was completely blasphemous to ice cream, he tried to keep a straight face.

"Rocky road, with chocolate sauce, chili powder, and steak! I really wanted steak and chocolate!" Remus said.

Remus hummed happily as he dipped seriously under cooked steak chunks into it. Undercooked was...an understatement really, the steak looked raw. That was just wrong on more levels than Sirius wanted to think about. He grimaced and tried to not gag at the awful sight. 

"Ahh, Rem, you don't think some of the things you're eating are a bit odd? I mean you never ate stuff like this before." Sirius said, hoping Remus would take the hint.

Everyone experienced pregnancy differently. And Remus obviously wasn't sick, just tired and eating strange things. The raw meats thing, just had to be a werewolf thing. Sirius had never heard of a pregnant person eating raw meats. Seriously, was he going to have to point out the obvious? Remus narrowed his eyes at him.

"Yeah, now that you mention it...it's been a little odd. But so good...I wonder why I never tried them before." Remus said, cheerily eating more steak.

"How is mostly raw steak good? Not to mention you hate Rocky Road Remus. Those two foods don't even go together! Yesterday, I saw you dunking donuts in cheese sauce! That is so unbelievably wrong, I don't know where to start! Rem this isn't normal! I don't mean to be offensive, but you've gained a little weight. And you're growling a lot... like feral wolf growling. Remus you've never been like that! Just think about what that sounds like to you?" Sirius asked.

Remus looked at him frowning... please don't make me say it Rem...

"I don't know, maybe a strange reaction to the coming moon." Remus said, looking down at his bowl unsure.

"Seriously Remus! The moon isn't until almost the end of this month. You've never had any strange reactions before. I mean come on it's so obvious, Remus...I think you're pregnant." Sirius said, so maybe he was being a little insensitive.

But come on...their were so many clues. And Remus was clearly struggling to understand so he just had to say it. He had to point out the Hippogriff in the room. Remus's eyes bulged, in a state of shock pending the revelation. Remus looked at the bowl before rubbing his stomach thoughtfully. He stood up.

"I have to...ahh...go do something." Remus said, rushing out the door.

Sirius shook his head, well at least Remus was aware now. He ran his fingers through his hair what a life he led. A styrofoam  coffee cup appeared in front of him. Sirius followed the arm with his gaze up to Azrael's face. 

"You look like you've had a lot of fun and without me!" Azrael teased.

"Oh, lots of it. I literally had to spell it out to Remus. I mean come on, blaming it on the moon he's never acted like this before. Not to mention the food...It's just a little crazy. So what did you do today?" Sirius asked, smiling warmly at his cute death deity.

"Just more of my paperwork...etc. But Barty did wake up today." Azrael said, chuckling at Sirius, he just knew he had a stupid grin on his face.

"Really! Can I go see him now?" Sirius asked, excitedly.

"He went back to sleep, he has some very sore muscles. Being in a bed not moving for a long while can be bad. I gave him a good soak and moved him here to the Manor. He should be awake enough for visitors tomorrow." Azrael said.

"That's really great, but Harry isn't here to give him the usual welcome." Sirius said, thinking about his godson.

He knew Barty wouldn't be able to stay unless he joined. Harry was very particular about who was allowed to know what.

"It's not like I can't kidnap, little master whenever I feel like it." Azrael said, sipping at a salted caramel macchiato.

Sirius cuddled into his death-bunny, death-bunny he kinda liked it. So far Harry and he, were the only ones that got to experience Death's soft side. The only people who could say they actually snuggled with Death. Sirius smiled happily as he closed his eyes. Soon he'd get to see one of his friends again...soon.

Chamber of Secrets-Harry's pov

Harry wasn't at all surprised that Blaise had literally stuck his foot in his mouth. Draco was just too different, in a way he'd grown a lot since Harry's first life. That and he'd seen the aftermath of their conversation. That poor training dummy got annihilated and Draco didn't even notice the others. Draco could actually be terrifying if he actually put some effort into it. At the moment Harry, was just tired of the damn sulking! It was really all Blaise, Draco had been silent surprisingly.

And Harry knew exactly how Draco was feeling. After all, he himself had been ignored for an entire summer by his so called friends. He sighed, looking down at Blaise who had his head in his hands.

"Blaise, you just need to let it go right now. Draco's in a difficult place right now, one where you can't reach him. Yelling at him and calling him childish isn't going to fix anything." Harry said, as he sat down next to Blaise.

"I know...he's just so different now. Part of me just thought he was being a self-centered brat. But...I just don't know anymore, I actually miss the old Draco. At least I could figure out what was wrong with zero effort." Blaise said.

"Draco's going through a lot right now and he's really grown up a lot. He just found out his mother wasn't his mother after her death. He found out that she never loved him at all and that she found him pathetic. On top of that Draco, finally realized that he didn't need anyone's approval. It's tearing him up right now pretending like everything's alright. He just had his whole world turned upside down. He needs a little space to figure himself out." Harry said, he could definitely sympathize with Draco.

"I didn't know any of that, Merlin...I didn't know." Blaise said, he sounded so broken.

"You just need to let him deal for a bit Blaise. He's just different now and I can't say I blame him. I can sympathize with him on multiple levels, so I know what I'm talking about. Let it go...he needs time, time to grieve the life he lost. Don't be so hard on yourself, we're only human Blaise we make mistakes. And that's okay, because we learn from those mistakes." Harry said, as he pulled Blaise close.

He cuddled his upset boyfriend rubbing his back.

"Everything's going to be alright." Harry said, softly, in his most soothing voice.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts-Harry's pov

Sometimes Harry wondered if all magical schools were like Hogwarts. Well, in the sense that every year was dangerous or deadly. He also wondered just how dense his classmates were.

That included his friends, how could they not notice something was wrong? If they did, they certainly didn't give any indication of knowing about it. Harry had taken to wandering the halls in the early mornings. Much to Blaise's displeasure as he worried far too much. It seemed like the attacks were happening around those hours though. So he left long before Blaise was awake to investigate.

Harry wasn't a magical creature expert. Nor, was he self-centered by any means. But nine times out of ten, if something weird happened it was usually due to Harry. Creatures and teachers seemed to always want to kill him. It could just be a strange coincidence, but Harry believed it unlikely. Hogwarts was reputed to be mostly safe with very few incidents of injuries or deaths. Every year Harry went to Hogwarts, the amount of injuries and fatalities went up. And not all of them were his fault either thank you very much.

He walked down a hall and around a corner pausing to listen for any noises. He was disillusioned so he wasn't worried about being seen, but the creature always screeched. Harry was currently on the fourth floor wandering aimlessly.

Harry started walking again as he watched the walls, looking for the first signs of frost. He really should've been looking at the floor though. His feet slipped out from under him, landing Harry square on his ass. Cursing softly he tried to get up, but froze as he saw the far wall.

A humanoid hand with inky black skin and sharp clawed black nails was on the wall. Harry just barely caught sight of it before it's owner disappeared. What the hell was that? Harry finally gained his footing and slid to the wall. But he was too late, the creature was gone and the corridor was empty. Well, empty except for the mist that clung to the air. Harry went to turn around, but stopped upon seeing the wall. 

It was marred with a single deep claw mark. The stone surrounding it had blackened like it was burned. Five distinctive marks, whatever it was it had human-like hands. Looking up he caught sight of the hallway. Once again the hall was coated in thick sheets of ice, from floor to ceiling. But unlike last time, the portraits weren't the only victims. Frozen in the very center was a girl and the bloody baron????? How do you freeze a ghost?

Harry glanced around listening intently everything seemed quiet for now.

"Death." Harry said, softly not sure if the creature was still near. 

"Little master, are you alright?" Death asked, he'd appeared with his back to the morbid ice sculptures.

"Ahh, what the hell does that and that?" Harry asked, as he pointed to the wall and the frozen figures.

Death tilted his head as he inspected the wall first. He finished and practically glided to the two frozen people. Death moved around them placing his hand on each of their chests. Harry saw Death's eyes narrow, before moving to the wall and touching the frozen portraits.

"You don't think it could be a Dementor do you? I mean that clawed hand I saw looked pretty similar." Harry said, Death got really close to Harry.

"You saw it? Describe everything." Death said, now Harry was really curious.

So Harry told him what he saw, all the while watching Death.

"So...is it a Dementor?" Harry asked, yet again, granted he'd never heard of a Dementor screeching.

But Harry didn't know everything, for all he knew it could be possible. But wouldn't a Dementor be compelled to attack people. Dementors weren't sneaky or subtle in the slightest, it would've been seen by now.

"While they eat souls, this creature definitely isn't one of them. Dementors are only capable of producing frost, this kind of ice they just can't produce this much. Even in large groups they aren't capable. We're looking at Fae, Demons, or elemental spirits. Maybe not even Fae, they're dead you know. The girl and that ghost they have no souls. Dementors can only feed off of the living, the Baron is a ghost. Ghosts possess maybe one to two percent of the soul they once had. Spirits of the dead don't have that, it's why they can't manifest. The same can be said for the portraits, magical artistry is technically a form of soul magic. They have the 'essence' of a person and soul, while not having either." Death said, while looking at Harry oddly.

"But how is it able to freeze ghosts and portraits? I mean the portraits can move in-between frames and ghosts are intangible unless they want to be solid." Harry asked, still confused as to how it was possible.

"I'd wager, the element of surprise... it freezes them. Then it eats their souls leaving behind empty vessels. The Baron will likely dissipate and never be seen again.... I don't know about the portraits. And the girl is very dead the body seldom survives having the soul ripped out." Death said.

So they were looking for a creature, that could eat the soul of anything and freezes it's victims instantly. 

"The professors tried to unfreeze a portrait and it disintegrated right inside the frame. What's going to happen to the Baron then, he doesn't have a body." Harry asked, this was crazy!

What on Earth, besides Death, could kill people without bodies?

Maybe that was why Harry felt the cold so often. Harry was used to the cold chill of Death. He thought from the very beginning, that the coldness felt like Death. Was it possible the creature was some undead thing? But more importantly, how were they supposed to stop it?

"I'm not sure possibly disintegration, but more likely that he'll fade away." Death replied, looking at the claw mark intently.

"Do you know what it is? How do we stop it?" Harry asked, when even Death wasn't sure it was unsettling. 

"I vaguely recall dealing with something similar, but I can't place it. I'm over a millennium old Harry, I have to occasionally take memories out for storage. Well, at least the less important ones. I keep them in a secure vault that is organized similarly to a library. I would have to look them up and possibly even reference several tomes. But it's going to take time for now I need you to be careful little master. If this thing attacks you I don't know if I will be able to save you. I might not be capable of bringing you back if it takes your soul. Tell your little friends to go nowhere alone... have at least groups of four. Limit your late night and morning wanderings. If you need to meet in the chamber, call me to take you back. I'm serious Harry...I can't 'see', the timeline is skewed all to hell." Death said, thoughtfully.

"Okay, but promise me that you'll tell me as soon as you know for sure. And definitely don't tell Sirius and Remus, they will freak." Harry said.

And they would put Harry in a bubble charm with cushions. He knew full well that the two of them wouldn't be entirely cool with what was needed. 

"Of course, I don't want my Star upset. He's doing well you know with everything. Sirius is even talking to Caleb, he's a reaper that used to be a psychiatrist." Death said, with a smile.

"That's amazing, I'm happy for him really. So much is happening, what are we going to do?" Harry asked.

" We continue as we have with caution. I will be visiting you in your dreams again. I was going to wait, a little bit longer. But...recent events are going to force my hand. I will start teaching you the basis of my magic." Death replied.

"Which parts?" Harry asked, curiously.

Death had been adamant that Harry wait. And on top of that Death's abilities stretched from soul magic to death magic and everything in-between.

"We'll start with necromancy and work up to rituals. I also want to start training you. That means more magical sparring, weapons training, hand to hand, elemental, and pet training." Death said, as if he hadn't just suggested this madness.

That was a lot to do even if he was sleeping.

"The pet thing might be for the best. Hedwig had a strange reaction to that egg you gave me. You know that strange dragon one. It partially changed color. And she attacked it with her claws." Harry said, Death smirked.

"I told you it would hatch only when you were magically powerful enough. You're moving up the timeline considerably. The egg may hatch very soon...we need to get you up to speed with Hedwig. Until then stay out of trouble, little master." Death said, Harry gave him a look of disbelief.

"Easier said then done. You do realize trouble finds me." Harry said.

"You certainly have a point. Okay try not to accidentally run into anything dangerous." Death said, as he disappeared.

Harry snorted seriously.

Peverell manor- Sirius's pov

Sirius tried to stop himself from grinning. He was sitting innocently on a couch. He was listening to, Remus give his mates the business. After the initial shock, Remus had made a point of telling certain people off. Dante looked like a kicked puppy and Regulus glared at him over Remus's shoulder.

Bored Sirius turned to the door a smile gracing his face. Barty was casually leaning against the doorframe. Amusement evident on his features. Sirius stood leaving the wolfy inquisition to join Barty in the hall.

"Well, that was fascinating." Barty said, his voice scratchy from being unused.

Sirius smirked as he started walking Barty followed him slowly.

"Fascinating, if you're not used to this kind of stuff. Life gets a little strange being in Harry's life. A pregnant werewolf telling off my brother is tame in comparison." Sirius said, going down the main staircase.

If Barty was anything like Sirius, he was sure Barty would appreciate outside air. Being locked up unable to escape. Well, the outside was one of the things Sirius missed most.

"At least you seem happy though. That is quite the change from the last time I saw you." Barty said, walking slowly.

His bare feet sinking into the grass as he walked next to Sirius.

"Yeah, a lot has changed recently. I've finally reached happiness, but for how long? It seems like I only get a mere taste, before having it ripped from me. But I'm not the only one who has suffered without it. Azrael says you escaped one prison only to be locked up again." Sirius said.

It was true Harry had also said as much. His poor friend hadn't even been able to taste freedom. No, Sirius had been lucky compared to his friend.

Sirius had spent a long time agonizing over his feelings. Azkaban had scrambled Sirius's very being, before spitting him out broken yet remade. Harry, Azrael, and Caleb had been a huge help to his damaged self. He had figured many things out. Including his strange feelings towards Barty which Sirius concluded, was just a friend. 

"Yeah, daddy dearest still didn't love me. He was just unable to let me go, he could've remarried had more kids. Had another heir and yet he couldn't just let me be. No, instead he tried to fix me, mold me into the son he wanted. The imperious helped him, but the affects never lasted I would return to myself. Which only made him angrier and more resentful of me in general. I started wondering if I would die down there in that cellar." Barty rasped, and gripped onto Sirius's arm suddenly as he almost fell. 

Alarmed, Sirius summoned one of the tables and chair sets from the back half of the garden. He helped Barty sit....he was such an idiot! Barty just woke up, he wasn't ready to be moving around. Had he been in pain? Did he hide it from Sirius intentionally?

"Damn, it if you weren't feeling well you should've told me! I'm such an idiot, I didn't think...I'm so sorry!" Sirius said, shaking his head and closing his eyes.

Could he do nothing right? Why did it always feel like he'd messed everything up some how?

"Stop! Stop...Sirius, it's okay. I'm the one who pushed it too far. I wanted to go out and I think you knew that I wanted to." He said, his breathing coming out in ragged gasps. 

"Mipsy!" Sirius shouted.

A pop sounded as the little elf, came into view from behind Barty. Her ears flopped about as she looked at the man who wasn't feeling well.

"Yes, master Black what can Mipsy be doing for master?" She questioned, wringing her hands in her pink-pinstriped dress.

Harry had insisted that the elves have proper cloths to wear. Of course, all the elves thought they were being set free. But after some talk and many tears from the elves. Harry convinced the elves to accept them as uniforms.

"Uhh, are you in any pain Barty?" Sirius asked, eyeing the man worriedly.

"Aside from my legs feeling like their on fire, no I feel drained mostly." Barty replied.

"Mipsy bring a pitcher of water and get Snape." Sirius said.

The little elf bobbed her head ears flapping as she vanished. She popped back, with glasses and the pitcher he'd asked for before popping away again. She reappeared with an irritated potions master. Snape glared at the little creature before finally looking up and seeing Barty. He moved forward, his hand brushing against Barty's forehead. Sirius watched helplessly, concern etched into his features. Snape pulled out his wand and went through several diagnostic spells. 

"Any pain? Dizziness or nausea?" Snape asked.

"No, nausea. But I am a tad dizzy and my legs feel like they're on fire." Barty replied.

"Elf, go get my bag! Drop it and you will regret it!" Snape hissed, as a terrified Mipsy popped away.

She reappeared carrying a black leather messenger bag, trembling as she handed it to Snape.

Snape dug around before pulling up a rack, that resized once it passed the zipper. Vials of potions and various plants sat neatly on the shelves all labeled meticulously. He selected a headache potion and a mild pain potion. Sirius watched him feed Barty, each vial before helping Barty drink a glass of water.

"Are you hungry at all?" Snape asked, Barty.

Sirius could practically smack his own head, why didn't he think of that?

"A little." Barty said, Snape looked back at Mipsy who was waiting.

"Mipsy, get some kind of broth...maybe some bread. No spices or veggies, his stomach might not hold it otherwise." Snape instructed, as he pushed the rack of potions back into his bag.

Mipsy left again and Snape gathered his bag.

"A portable potions lab? Sense when do you carry around one of those?" Barty asked, watching the dour man.

"Since it's my job and mastery. I always have it shrunken in my pocket though it was in the lab. I had to restock it. Luckily I didn't have any potions brewing before being kidnapped by an elf." Snape said, glaring at Sirius.

"I heard you were brought to the manor. I rightfully assumed that you couldn't handle having too many people around. So I figured I would wait for a visit, has anyone told you anything yet?" Snape asked.

Sirius was content to merely observe their conversation. He would simply fade into the background of the two men's conversation. Sirius didn't know that the two were friendly.

"Only that one guy...the one with silvery-white hair. He said that Sirius was here and that our Lord would be returning soon. I don't remember anything else other than before events." Barty said.

"Oh, yes, that is Azrael Sirius's companion." Snape said, taking up the third seat that came with the table.

Sirius watched as the dark haired man unconsciously, played with the locket's chain. Snape brushed his fingers along the choker's gems before dropping his hand. 

Snape started talking about some of the things Barty missed. But Barty was also watching the necklace curiously, was it possible that Barty could sense his master? Sirius saw a blurry outline of a person before Tom manifested just behind Snape. The shattering of glass, gained his attention as Sirius looked back at Barty. He'd just barely seen the movement out of the corner of his eye. Barty's hand had jerked knocking the glass off the table. Curiously at the exact second that Tom appeared, Sirius narrowed his eyes. Was it possible that Barty saw Tom manifest? Harry said that only the reapers and himself would be able to see Tom. 

Interesting...something to interrogate his lover about later. Mipsy picked that moment to show up again snapping her fingers and banishing the mess. She left chicken noodle soup for Snape and himself, broth for Barty. She left and came back with another pitcher of ice water and plates with soft honey-wheat bread with butter for each of them. 

"You need anything else, master Black?" Mipsy asked, as she avoided looking in Snape's direction.

"No, Mipsy that will be all for now." Sirius said, as the relieved elf nodded before disappearing again.

Slovenian border near Italy- close to Villach- Dumbledore's pov

He sighed deeply as he looked out at the Villach alps, from a densely wooded area. Albus had tracked Gellert to a base near Villach, the problem was that it was a new base. One that he had no previous knowledge of. Albus shivered as he pulled his winter cloak closer, the temperatures seldom rose above twenty-degrees Celsius.

England was warmer then this place, why did Gell have to love cold places? Yet another thing the two of them had never agreed on.

Albus liked something warmer and Gell preferred colder climates and woodland. He would hand it to his ex-partner, if Gell didn't want to be found he'd definitely make you work for it. 

"Dumbledore, the others have spotted movement to the far North. And this time it isn't woodland critters." Tonks said, he looked at her miserable form.

The Order had fallen on hard times. They were forced to hide like rats something that didn't sit right with him. 

Gellert was the criminal and yet he walked around with impunity. Albus and his people had to hide and run from their homes because of that man. Which destroyed all of Albus's carefully laid plans. 

"Tell the others to track it, the rat might lead us to their base." He said.

He wasn't going down without a fight and once he was through with Gell. He'd return for Tom and Harry. 

Chamber of Secrets-Harry pov

Dinner had finished not too long ago. Harry and his menagerie were down in the Chamber. Once everyone was settled, Harry himself settled a top the hibernating basilisk's head. Harry had a habit of sitting up there when he wanted space. The others still wouldn't go anywhere near it, which was fine by Harry.

"Has anybody noticed anything odd going on? Perhaps the professors acting weird? Anything at all?" Harry asked, it was a long shot but he had to know if they had seen anything.

He watched them look at one another chattering quietly. Well, everyone but Luna was, she was staring at Harry. Her eyes were glazed a smile plastered on her face.

"No, none of has noticed anything weirder than normal." Neville replied.

So they were definitely going to have to work on observational skills.

He was rather disappoint in the Slytherins. If anyone of them would've noticed he would've thought they would. 

"So nobody noticed the teachers are making their rounds more often? And nobody else noticed that they are all away at meetings recently? Or how about the fact that somebody has gone missing and nobody noticed." Harry said, sarcasm heavy in his voice.

This was a boarding school for crying out loud, those were the gossip capitals the world over. If somebody stubs a toe, everybody knows by lunch! So Harry found it hard to believe someone could disappear and nobody knows. Especially, since that girl was a new first year. They gave him a surprised look, Harry shook his head and ran his fingers through his bangs.

"Blaise and I have come upon several frozen corridors. Thick sheets of ice from floor to ceilings, even the portraits were frozen in their frames. We even saw the professors attempt to unfreeze a portrait, which disintegrated in the frame. This morning I left the dorms to wander about and discovered another frozen corridor. It was a good thing I was disillusioned. I saw the creatures hand as it left. It froze the bloody baron and a first year, I think her name was Myra. I called Azrael, who examined them and the claw mark. I was told that she was dead and not just dead souless. He told me her soul was ripped from her body. And that her body eventually froze until it too died. He also said that it was unlikely we would ever see the Baron again. Nobody is to wander by themselves, stay in groups of four or more. No, wandering passed curfew anymore. And Azrael will be taking us back to our dorms. Neither Azrael, nor myself know what this creature is. But it eats souls and its been eating the soul fragments from portraits and spirits. Myra is it's first human victim. The fact that the professors have said nothing, makes it even worse. That is all I need to tell you, everyone be careful." Harry said, as he closed his eyes and massaged his face. 

He could feel a headache coming on, fucks sakes when did it get so complicated? Oh...wait probably when he decided killing Dumbles wasn't enough.

"Are you okay Harry?" Blaise asked, as he joined Harry on his perch.

"I'm alright just tired and frustrated, which isn't a good combo for me." Harry replied, he sighed.

"You went without me, that thing could've taken you! Or it could've eaten your soul! What were you thinking?" Blaise asked, Harry narrowed his eyes.

"I was thinking that I'm strong enough to handle things myself! I was thinking, that Death won't take my soul so if I kick the bucket it will be alright! I was thinking that I didn't need anyone to hold my damn hand!" Harry snapped.

"I'm going to choose not to take that personally. I'm just worried about you, I know you can handle it. But that doesn't stop me from worrying about you. You're doing so much and it has to take a tole on you. This creature more then any other. It scares me because, for the first time you don't know what's going on. So what do we do now?" Blaise asked, Harry hugged Blaise. He knew Blaise didn't mean to make him snap. By Merlin's balls, he didn't need protecting! 

"I think we should use this creature business to our advantage." Harry said.

Yes, that would buy him some much needed time.

"What do you mean to our advantage?" Blaise asked, in confusion.

"I mean the professors have gone to incredible lengths to cover this all up. What if we contact the school board and they temporarily close the school. I could then catch up on certain things. A few weeks or maybe even a month if we're lucky. That way I can work on getting Lucius, talk to Barty, bring back a dark lord, and train with Death in person, and get rid of Ginny." Harry said.

"How are we going to do that?" Blaise asked.

"Oh, Blaise darling. Don't you know by now if I want it to happen it will." Harry said, grinning mischievously.

Later that night Ravenclaw dorms-Harry's pov

Harry laid down trying to relax, he started listing potions ingredients. His eyelids started drooping and minutes later Harry fell asleep. It could've been minutes or even hours. When he felt the cold darkness encase him. 

"Little master, eager to see me it would seem." Death said, as he manifested by Harry's left side.

"Of course I finally get to learn something useful." Harry said, Death let out a chuckle.

"Well, we should definitely find Hedwig." Death said, Harry's brow rose.

"But we're asleep, wouldn't I have to wake up to find her?" Harry asked.

"No, Harry you have a partial bond with Hedwig. I want you to close your eyes and look inward to your magical core." Death said, Harry closed his eyes, breathing deeply.

He turned his focus inward with little difficulty. Harry had found his core, just as he had many times before. It glowed brightly before him, a chill broke out over his skin was he cold? The last time he meditated to stretch his core, it had been warm, now it just felt cold.

"Good now look for an off shoot, like an extra thread or a separate branch. It might even be different color or even a different temperature. Once you find it trace to it's source and you will know where Hedwig is." Death said, just over Harry's shoulder.

He looked around in confusion all he felt was cold, so much for a different temperature. An off shoot? Like tree branches? Those grew in many different angles. So Harry changed his view, he looked to the left of his core then to his right. He was confused now where was it?

"I don't see it." Harry said, confused.

"It's there trust me. Also check the bottom, top, or back." Death replied, amused.

Harry almost face palmed, of course why didn't he think to check those? In his defense he was navigating his body, in his mind with his mind. Harry checked the bottom and top of his core. He found nothing new. Harry rolled his eyes, of course it would be in the last place he look. Sure enough, in the back just behind his lungs. Was a small thread dully glowing blue. 

"Got it." Harry said, in triumph.

"Good now follow it to Hedwig." Death said.

Harry looked to the other end of the thread, he didn't see anything, but his own insides. How was he supposed to follow it? Harry gently probed the thread with his mind and gasped as the darkness around him disintegrated. He struggled to keep his feet, disoriented his surroundings slowly came into focus.

The Ravenclaw dorms? Hedwig was supposed to be in the owlery. He looked around but didn't see her perched anywhere. Death told him to find the source, if the source is Hedwig then she had to be with Blaise. Harry had landed just in front of Blaise's curtained bed. He quietly pulled the curtain back and almost cooed at the sight that greeted him.

Blaise was asleep as cute as ever, but Hedwig was perched on a pillow just above his head. Her head must've drooped down, because her head was laying on Blaise's.

Some how he wasn't surprised at all, she was Harry's but she was always with Blaise. It wasn't a bad thing really and he couldn't blame her, he liked cuddling with Blaise too. Now he had to take her without waking up Blaise.

Wait, could he even do that? He himself was still asleep, clearly having an out of body experience. Harry shrugged, guess he'd find out now wouldn't he.

He moved Blaise's pillow a slight bit, as he reached to pick up Hedwig by her feet. He prayed that she wouldn't awaken. Harry didn't want to explain to Blaise, why the two of them were clawed up from a very displeased bird.

Just when he thought, he could get her away without waking her. A single yellow eye popped open to look at Harry, he smiled at her pulling her closer to his body. Harry closed Blaise's curtains and turned away but stopped, now what did he do? He obviously couldn't go back the way he came.

"Death...Death!" Harry whispered, the room around him seemed to splinter and shatter.

His body felt like it was being pulled through a tube. Harry suddenly felt solid ground under his knees. He could hear Death's chuckle of amusement, as Harry shook his head.

"Hello little ice spirit! I see your displeased, but don't worry I only want to help." Death said, with a coo as Hedwig glared at him flapping her wings.

"So now what?" Harry asked, glad that Hedwig hadn't dug her claws in.

"Now you have to find her magical core. Hedwig will awaken and the two of you will have a complete bond." Death replied.

Death himself was sitting crossed legged in front of Harry, reading a heavy looking book. Harry had no idea what language it was in.

"What are you reading?" Harry asked, the curiosity getting the better of him.

"It was originally a scroll, but the Washi paper was damaged when I received it. Too damaged to repair with magic, it was very delicate. So I rewrote it in sturdier journals. Most of my collection is incredibly old, so I rewrite them rather then risk destroying them trying to read them. It's from Japan's Heian period which lasted from 794-1185. It's possible I could've encountered this creature much earlier. But there isn't a whole lot of text from before that. Most ancient texts are in hieroglyphs, or they told stories through drawings or paintings. Something is telling me that it's from this time period, the memory is slippery though. There were fewer people back then, I needed less reapers and went out on collections. I've been everywhere. And that's the problem it makes it harder to track a single memory. But something told me to stay with this era and to check my Chinese and Japanese section. I've encountered it before, I know it." Death replied, distractedly turning the pages.

"Don't worry too much about it there is plenty of time. Besides I think, we can use the attacks to my advantage. Tom is recovering faster then I thought, Barty's awake, and I still need to kidnap Lucius. My time table just sped up. But I have a plan to temporarily close the school, just enough to catch up." Harry said, as he smoothed the feathers on Hedwig's chest.

"Now, you need to do what I told you to do." Death said.

Harry rolled his eyes and brought his right hand to Hedwig's chest. He closed his eyes and channeled a small amount of magic to his hand. Harry pulsed his magic and waited to see if Hedwig's would respond. At first he didn't feel anything, but the beat of her heart... then he saw it.

A dull white light under his palm. The strong smell of pine trees and winter air wafted through the air. Slowly the glow intensified wrapping around his hand in a possessive loving way. Until the glow finally burst, whiting out Harry's vision and knocking him back.

Harry rubbed his eyes and shook his head. His vision cleared and his eyes widened. Hedwig...she was beautiful.

"Baby girl, look at you! My gorgeous girl." Harry said, in awe.

Hedwig's feathers had turned into a translucent icy white. The light shined on them making them reflect rainbows and shimmered flecks of silver. They reminded Harry of ice. He caught the tip of one of her wing feathers. He pulled his finger back sucking on it, the tips were razor sharp.

Her talons were longer and seemed even sharper then ever. Her yellow eyes, had turned a glacial blue they were so light they could almost be white.

Hedwig for her part sat their looking at him imperiously. Harry was startled to hear Death laugh as he too looked at her.

"Congratulations, Harry the bond is complete. Now, you should have an easier time learning water and ice based spells." Death said.

"Hey, Death why was my core cold? I just remembered my earlier meditations and it was really warm." Harry said.

"Yes, you're bonded to me. I knew their was a possibility, your magic would change the longer it was intertwined with mine." Death replied, watching him.

"Good, to know...are we learning anything else?" Harry asked.

"Think we can try one more thing." Death said.

He waved his hand and two bowls of water appeared.

"So I'm going to show you. Elemental magic is finnicky it's best cast without a wand. Which you've learned when doing earth magic." Death said.

Picking up one bowl and blew on the surface gently. The water froze in the bowl, he turned it over and the ice popped out. It was shaped perfectly like the bowl. Death then placed a hand over the bowl, the water rose into the air gathering into a ball. Harry watched as it became solid ice in the palm of Death's hand.

Death then placed both ice chunks back into their respective bowls. They turned back to water, almost instantly. 

"Little ice spirit, it's time for you to return to your own dreams." Hedwig hooted, her body shimmering before returning to her original form.

She slowly faded away leaving just the two of them. Death returned to his book leaving Harry to his own devices. Sometimes he really hated Death's teaching style, Death just expected you to figure it out. Harry determined that it might be easier to do the second form. He placed his hand over the water trying to focus, his brows knitted. Harry looked at the water, he had only managed to make a ripple. 

Harry tried several more times, but was unsuccessful he huffed in annoyance. Death laughed at him.

"It's time I sent you back little master." Death said, Harry nodded feeling drained.

Death placed his right hand on Harry's chest and pushed, surprised. Harry fell backwards through the floor. Light faded and darkness engulfed him as he continued falling.   

Chapter Text

Harry's pov-dreamscape

He saw the blood bright and glistening as it sprayed across the snow. A well placed cutting hex was the end to one man's life. Harry sat next to Death as the two of them hovered in the air above the battlefield. Death had been teaching Harry theory on Necromancy, when Death had asked Harry if he wanted to watch. Normally he wouldn't have even done so as Harry had better things to do. But there was no way he was going to miss the Dumbles vs. Grindelwald's standoff. The Order had finally found Grindelwald's latest hideout and made their move.

Which was pretty bold as the Order had less members in comparison. The Order had some decent duelists, but not all of them were entirely ruthless. That was where Grindelwald's people had no trouble. They were just as crazy as their Lord. So far Dumbledore seemed to be playing it safe by hanging in the back around the fringes. Grindelwald, however cut a bloody swath through the middle. He had some of his closest followers around him in a ring. They watched his back cutting down any who flanked them.

"It's interesting, I never pegged Dumbledore as a coward. He's just hanging around the edge only fighting if necessary. Smart if you're trying to save your magic reserves I suppose. But I thought he'd be more upfront. Meeting Gellert in the middle, sometimes I seriously wonder. I mean how they ended up partners in more than just the bedroom." Harry said, trying to keep an eye on each man.

This would be valuable insight into each of their dueling styles.

"You expected anything different? He uses potions and mind altering spells to control people. That's the very definition of a coward with a god complex. Most normal people would just accept it when others don't agree. Dumbledore can't accept that other people may be right. He can't accept being wrong or not in control. He and Gellert had much in common, completing and complimenting each other in turn. Gellert may be ruthless in his rule and his handling of the enemy. But he couldn't apply that same ruthlessness to his lover. His greatest mistake was promising never to hurt Dumbledore. That was his downfall in the end. As Dumbledore betrayed his weakness. You may think Dumbledore's tactics are cowardly, but you can't deny they're effective." Death replied, as he gathered yet another unfortunate soul.

Harry could smell fire and ash, and yet none were present on the current field. Due North one hundred kilometers was a small village. Or that's where one should be as the fire raged through the abandoned buildings.

"Parts of the battle spilled over into the streets and nearby forest. Things came to a head here, but not before several innocent souls were killed." Death said, as he continued his collection.

His scythe was laying across their laps glowing with a purplish aura. The runes hidden along the handle and blade glowing a soft yellow. If Harry didn't know any better he'd think he was awake. Experiencing the battle and being separate from his body was odd. Harry's eyes tracked the movement off to his right. It wasn't alive he knew that much, as the wispy figures came closer to them. They had come from the village to meet Death.

Death's gaze never left the field as the spirits gathered to be absorbed by his scythe. Harry tried to ignore them as his eyes roved around searching. His eyes focused on Dumbledore who was finally moving into the fray. A witch died from a flesh burning curse right in his path. Harry was suddenly grateful he was an astral projection at the moment. The smell of burning flesh and blood would've choked him otherwise. Dumbledore advanced from the left skirting around multiple duels. He had his eyes fixed on Gellert with a look of loathing, at the man he'd once loved and betrayed.

Dumbledore struck as one of Gellert's guards was distracted. One shield charm and a well placed Bombarda at their feet was all it took to displace them. All the while Grindelwald stood still his eyes defiantly glinting as they gazed at Dumbledore. Grindelwald's guard struggled to get up again, groaning the ones left alive, moved away from the two men. Dumbledore smirked his eyes glittering with malice.

"You can't hurt me Gell you promised." Dumbledore said, in obvious triumph.

"You forget too easily Albie, hurt has a rather broad definition. Last I'd heard the killing curse was painless so you won't be hurt by me!" Grindelwald said, his teeth bared in a snarl.

Dumbledore narrowed his eyes before sending a bone breaking curse out. Gellert dodged and erected his own shield, returning a string of disembowelment and blood boiling curses. All of which were absorbed by Dumbledore's shield. The two of them traded blows as the ground under them shook from the sheer amount of magic. Dumbledore managed to transfigure some nearby rocks and boulders into humanoid rock men. As he returned several more spells. The rock men battered at Grindelwald's shield, it shattered just as Gellert had finished raising the dead around him as Inferi. The dead met the rock people in a an outright charge.

The two men continued to exchange spells, as the monstrous strength of the Inferi ripped large chunks out of the rock people. The strange shrill sound that came out of the rock people was akin to screams. Dumbledore finished the last movement of the Firestorm, as the Inferi broke through his defensive. The fire spread out in a ring burning the dead as they rushed at him. As the last Inferi were destroyed and the fire died down their eyes met. Before they could move to continue the Austrian Aurors finally showed up. Glaring at one another one last time they both signaled to retreat.

"Well, that was certainly something else." Harry said, Death raised his brow as he laughed at him.

"You see two Lord level duelists battle and that's all you have to say?" Death said, grinning at Harry. Harry glared at him without a reply.

"It was a lovely distraction though. I still haven't found the memory yet or a book reference." Death said, as the final souls made their way towards them.

Some of the incoming Aurors had died as the two factions retreated.

"That's okay I have another assignment for you instead. I want you to follow each of the two new professors. I know you can't do it all the time, but I really think it's one of them. Check their rooms as well, something is wrong with them I can feel it. I also want you to deliver those letters I wrote last night. We're going to get the school temporarily closed. And I've got the perfect love note for Dumbles. Ginny has outlived her purpose. It's time for her to die, I'm sure that you'll continue her torture in the great beyond?" Harry asked.

"Of course, little master. She'll be joining Diggle and Moody in Desyth's den." Death replied, as the world around them faded into blurs of grey.

Harry's vision swam as he struggled to keep his eyes open. It was dark...so dark. Death's grinning face was all he saw before everything went black.

Harry startled awake his breath ragged and his eyes wide. He looked to his window, the sky was still dark. Harry got up and padded quietly to the bed next to his. Moving the curtain he got up onto the bed, the curtain closed behind him. As Harry got comfortable, a sleepy Blaise pulled him closer into his chest. He kissed Blaise's shoulder and wrapped his arms around him. Warm and tired Harry didn't fight it as his eyelids drooped. A smile graced his lips as he curled as close as possible to Blaise.

Peverell Manor- Tom's pov

A growl of frustration left him as he watched Severus fight sleep. His lovely potions master was taking orders by postbox. It was an excellent idea to gain money, but it had left Severus drained. He'd just finished most of the brewing required for a massive order for Saint Mungos. The last three were simmering now as the culmination to a three day brewing spree.

He truly hated how little influence he had. Tom had watched Severus brew non-stop without eating or taking much of a break. It was complete lunacy, why didn't anyone check on him. And now Severus was fighting sleep as he sat down for the first time in hours. As he'd learned his limited abilities, he tried his hardest to not scare the man. So instead of trying to wake Severus. He waited until Severus fell asleep his head cradled in his arms.

Tom moved about levitating books back onto their shelves. Adding ingredients and stirring the potions as they finished. He bottled the potions and attached the labels accordingly. Tom then put out the fires and put away ingredients. Looking around one last time he sank to the floor exhausted. His spectral form flickered, he'd used up too much energy. Well, at least Severus was safe and finally sleeping. The rest of the mess could wait.

Some hours later....Tom awoke, taking stock of his surroundings he realized Severus never woke up. They were still in the potions lab and Severus's back and neck would pain him horribly upon waking. He stood and willed with all the power he had left to touch the other man. Tom ran his hands down Severus's back, rubbing out any knots he found. As he started rubbing his shoulders and neck, Severus finally shifted and moved. He muttered something incoherent as Tom continued to massage his back. A blurry eyed Severus looked around in confusion.

Peverell Manor-Severus's pov

He opened his eyes and looked around in confusion. Had he fallen asleep? Severus focused as he checked the counters and cauldrons. Hadn't he been finishing three final batches? He didn't remember finishing them let alone bottling them. Where were all the ingredients, he remember several sitting out on cutting boards? Everything was dirty still but all the ingredients, books, potions bottles, and labels had been moved.

Severus shook his head he'd been working too long if he couldn't remember finishing them. Standing up he groaned as his muscles protested he yawned and stretched. A shiver ran through him as he felt like he was being watched. Severus glanced around again seeing nothing, he never spooked easy. But something about the room felt strange. He could vaguely feel the remains of someone's magic in the air. It was familiar somehow, he just couldn't remember whose it was. Shivering again he left the lab wondering what had happened and why didn't he feel worse for sleeping like that?

Hogwarts-Harry's pov

Harry stretched out his toes curling as he opened his eyes. How long had he been asleep? He heard a soft laugh behind him and turned over to see Blaise with Hedwig. Standing he made his way to the two of them. Harry's desk had been moved from the wall and was set with two places with two covered platters to the side.

"Wow, is there something I should know?" Harry asked, trying not to smile.

"Yes, Hedwig and I have been together for awhile now. We're both leaving you for each other." Blaise deadpanned.

Harry laughed as he moved closer to pet Hedwig.

"Well, that explains a lot cause Fawkes and I were doing the same." Harry joked, Hedwig flared her wings and glared at him.

"What? You stole my boyfriend first!" Harry said, laughing as he smoothed her feathers.

Hedwig had a little birdy crush on Fawkes that Harry just found adorable. Charon his raven was ecstatic now that she wasn't fixated on him anymore.

"Death said that she can feel my emotions and occasionally my thoughts. Makes sense why she likes you so much. I like you, she likes you, and we both think you're an awesome pillow and cuddle partner." Harry said.

He kissed Blaise's cheek, Blaise himself looked a bit embarrassed. Which of course was even more adorable.

"Wait what time is it? Aren't we late for class?" Harry asked, he didn't really care about the class so much as the detention he would get for missing it.

"We have double History of Magic, Draco and the others will cover for us. Binns doesn't seem to notice if anyone's missing anyway. Lets just enjoy our time together." Blaise replied, as he uncovered the dishes.

One platter had sliced cheeses while the other half had sliced fruits. The second had stacks of french toast neatly sliced with a small creamer pitcher of maple syrup. Blaise brought up containers of pumpkin juice and iced lemon zucchini water.

Harry smiled, Blaise had remembered that Harry didn't drink pumpkin juice much anymore. It was almost too sweet for him to drink sometimes, plus it was always offered during meals. The house-elves had taken to placing a flagon of flavored water next to him. It was just a refreshing difference, after all there was only so much Earl Grey and pumpkin juice one could drink!

"What other classes do we have for the day?" Harry asked, as he bit into a piece of juicy pineapple.

The flavor burst on his tongue, the flavor making him hum in pleasure.

"Potions, Defense, and Ancient Runes." Blaise replied, before sipping his juice.

Not too bad overall if History was eliminated, though they still had potions. It wasn't bad per se...it was just different in the sense that he could feel something wrong. Professor Yuki was quiet and very helpful, unlike Slughorn or Snape. But Harry could feel that she was a creature, the only real question was if it was her or Professor Raiden that was freezing people? Harry had no problems with creatures that is unless they wanted to kill him. He sincerely hoped Death would figure it out soon not knowing was always the most frustrating part for him.

"So what is Death having you learn recently?" Blaise asked.

Harry smiled, Blaise was always so supportive of him.

"We've been dream training again, I've been learning how to use Hedwig as part of my dueling strategy. I'm still leery about all of it as it hurt so much to lose her the first time. But it will be good practice for when I get my wraith dragon. Death's been kicking my ass all over my dreamscape during our hand to hand training. You have no idea how many bruises I have to heal every morning. Don't even get me started on how much I ache the next morning. I'm still having trouble freezing things, at most I've only been able to produce frost. It would help if Death was a little more instructive. He just shows me how and then completely ignores me for the most part." Harry replied, huffing.

I mean really telling him to freeze something without having any instruction on water manipulation. Harry's repertoire of water based spells was almost non-existent. Augmenti alone just wasn't good enough for combative purposes.

It was just another thing on a long list of things that never seemed to end. Harry's research was suffering the most from his stay at Hogwarts. He couldn't just disappear whenever he wanted to. Although it wouldn't be a half bad idea to have golem made. Or even to work on the Gemini spell, which produced a doppelgänger that would work just as well. Truthfully, in the very beginning, Harry had thought about leaving a golem in his place permanently. And then taking an aging potion to come out as Lord Peverell himself instead of Death.

But that plan in it's long run had some inconvenient drawbacks. The largest drawback being that Dumbledore would be in possession of a golem made with Dark magic... Harry's magic. Also golem's required blood and hair from the original. Blood, hair, and traces of Harry's magic could be used for several things...bad things...like controlling him or cursing him. Those things could also be used to track Harry anywhere. Not to mention a skilled Legimens would be able to tell the difference between Harry and a fake.

With Dumbledore out of the school with no access to Harry, it made the plan slightly less risky. With Severus on his side and no other Legimens at Hogwarts well...either way really. And Harry could admit to himself that he wanted to stay for the others. He wanted to spend time with them and Blaise, his odds of doing so were less if he did so. Every so often though it would give him more free time.

"I would expect as much, he's Death he doesn't teach people. Teaching them is very counter productive if he's supposed to kill them. Every spell or ritual has an in depth explanation for a reason. It's also possible that Death thinks you're smart. He may be trying to push you to your full potential." Blaise said, as their dishes vanished from Harry's desk.

Harry sighed, smart or not didn't mean it wasn't utterly maddening. They started getting ready for the rest of their classes. While packing his bag, Harry tucked the deathnote into the secret section of his school bag.

He also had secret sections for his trunks and other school bags. Sure they had cost quite a bit, but it was worth it in the end. The deathnote wasn't the only thing Harry owned that needed to be secure. Warded and password protected only Death and Tom would really stand a chance of opening them. His password was a phrase that was a mix of parseltongue and the language of death. Even if Tom got curious and figured out the first, only Harry and Death spoke the language of the dead.

This particular language was only ever spoken by true necromancers the ones chosen by Death himself. Sure anyone who found spells or rituals for Necromancy could preform them. But they would be at half strength or not functional at all. Without the language it just wasn't the same, it was a perversion of magic. And the side-effects...well...Merlin help the moron who did it.

Blaise chatted about the latest letter he'd received from his mother. Normally Harry would pay attention even if none of it interested him at all. But as they got closer to the dungeons a sense of foreboding came over him. All of his instincts screamed at him to stop... to not go down further. Harry shivered at the cold that suddenly sank deep into his veins. It was then that he noticed Blaise had stopped talking and had unconsciously crowded closer to Harry. He looked around not seeing any signs of ice or frost and found none. They rounded a corner and realized they had made a mistake. They had to have made a wrong turn as the hallway didn't look familiar.

Harry grabbed Blaise's hand and pulled him around to the way they had come. The feeling of foreboding only grew worse with every step. And just as they walked in front of an alcove, something grabbed hold of his arms and legs. Before he could warn Blaise his mouth was blocked and Harry could only watch in horror as Blaise too became constricted. Arms came out from the shadows and pulled both boys in. Blaise was panicking and trying to struggle next to him. Why wasn't it hurting them? That's when Harry felt it a deep icy cold. The corridor became darker, mist flooded into the hall from seemingly nowhere. Blaise stilled next to him as both boys watched in horror as the floor iced over and crept up the walls. It came then...a clawed inky black hand came into view first...the creature.

It looked like a mummified corpse! Long dark grey hair flowed freely around it. It's mouth was a vicious lipless slash on it's face. The creature's eyes were nothing but empty hallows, it was also wearing a tattered white kimono. It's skin was shriveled and inky black in color, it stopped moving entirely as it hovered in one spot it's feet never once touching the floor. The creature tilted it's head to the side before stopping and looking at the opposite wall from where they were hidden. It had turned so dark in the corridor so fast that Harry hadn't seen the portrait.

It was the portrait of a dark haired aristocratic man. The man like Harry was stunned at the sight of the creature's approach. Harry watched in morbid fascination as the creature started inhaling with it's mouth. The portrait screamed as a wispy form started to come out of the portrait. The spirit struggled as the creature tried to suck it in, ice crept up from the wall and started to encase the portrait. And as suddenly as it started it was over.

The creature backed away from the wall and turned away gliding back the way they had come from. Slowly the icy cold that had ensnared Harry's senses vanished, the feeling of dread lessened. In that split second of clarity he remembered that something or someone had them captive. Minutes later whoever had them seemed to feel safe enough to leave the alcove. As they were pushed forward Harry realized, whatever was blocking his mouth was furry and very strong. In a fast flourish Harry was released landing hard on the ice slicked floor. He saw Blaise fall next to him, as a cracking noise sounded. It wasn't loud, it just seemed like it in the deathly silence. Harry looked around the hall and then dared a glance at the alcove. It was empty...that crack it couldn't have been apparition. No apparition was aloud in the school's wards, only Death seemed capable of defying that rule. Honestly most rules didn't apply to Death at all really.

He heard a gasp of pain and turned to see Blaise cradling his left wrist. Harry crawled closer not trusting his ability to stand on the icy ground.

"What's the matter is it sprained or broken?" Harry asked, as he pulled Blaise's hand closer.

"Broken." Blaise replied, his teeth gritted and his other hand clenched in a fist.

Harry used his other hand to feel the affected area. It was definitely fractured Blaise must've landed on it trying to catch himself. He brought his hand to just above the broken bone, he muttered a quick 'Episkey'. Once finished Harry gently rubbed the area and received no pained protests.

"Harry what the fuck was that?" Blaise asked, his voice breathy.

"I don't know...I really don't know. That will teach us to go early to class though. My question is why was the creature out hunting? It always seemed to hunt around 3 am. It's too early in the day, it's not even noon yet!" Harry replied.

The creatures behavior was strange, why change it's hunting habits? Was it trying to throw them off?

"Is it possible that it's starving? I mean the castle only has so many portraits to eat. Maybe the creature's trying to catch wayward students, their aren't too many students up past 1 am. And trying to get a teacher would be too risky." Blaise said, as he moved to brace himself against the wall.

Harry moved to stand as well picking up his bag and steadying Blaise.

"I didn't think of that! It's a good thing we're going to get the school closed. Hopefully no new victims will get hurt." Harry said.

They walked slowly over the ice and followed the voices of their classmates to the correct hallway. They came up at the back of the group, their class was the first potions class of the day so they were only waiting on Professor Yuki. Susan and Hannah joined them in the back.

"Where were you guys? You missed first period." Susan asked, Harry snorted in response.

"What's there to miss? Another goblin war? Seriously, all any student does in that class is sleep or catch up on assignments. I self study and make a year worth of notes based on the other wizarding schools curriculum. I actually want to pass our owls and newts tests." Harry replied, Blaise didn't look at all surprised.

"Really, that seems like a lot of extra study. Where are you finding the time?" Hannah asked.

Before he could answer the door opened and everyone filed in.

Settling down at a table in the back with a clear view of the board Harry unpacked his textbook. Blaise sat next to him doing the same his hand was a little shaky. Harry grabbed his hand and held it rubbing the top with his thumb. He looked up into Blaise's eyes, conveying as much comfort as he could. It wasn't like the basilisk incident, they'd had time to get over that before being normal. They'd just been attacked and barely escaped, then they went straight to class. Blaise was holding up pretty good if that was the only thing wrong.

Blaise squeezed his fingers and bit his lip. Professor Yuki stepped up in front and began writing instructions on the board. Today she was wearing a simple dark blue Hanfu with a black silk sash. Her hair was done up in the maru-mage style, simple silver pins held it together. They were going to brew the Girding potion, which gave consumers extra endurance. Professor Yuki gave a brief history of the potion and answered questions about it. With a sharp nod Blaise and one of every other pair went and retrieved the ingredients from the store room. Harry began setting up their cauldron and cutting boards. The potion required doxy eggs, fairy wings, dragonfly thoraxes, and flying seahorses.

Blaise quietly returned and started prepping the ingredients. Normally they would take turns brewing and prepping and today had been Harry's day for prep. He sensed though that Blaise just needed to keep himself busy. It was entirely possible that Blaise might not make it through all their classes. Sometimes Harry forgot that not everybody was like him. People get upset and scared...just because Harry was numb to all the craziness didn't mean Blaise was. Any normal person would be shook up from an encounter like that. Aside from his taste in boyfriends... Blaise was relatively normal. Feeling eyes on him he looked up to see the sharp eyes of their professor watching him. There was just something unsettling about her gaze that made him shiver. One thing was for sure it was going to be a long day.

Death's pov (before Harry and Blaise left the dorms)

He'd been following that blond man, Professor Raiden since earlier that morning. After watching the battle in Austria, he'd gone to the Defense professor's rooms to have a look around. Death had looked through the desk and bookcases finding nothing of interest. The Defense classroom was devoid of anything interesting as well. So he decided to return to the professor's office and wait. And since then he'd followed Raiden about. It was dreadfully boring really, he'd only started his assignment with this teacher, because it was usually the Defense teacher that wanted to kill Harry. He'd just sat through a mind numbing class for first year students. And was following Raiden out of his classroom into the halls.

At that unfortunate moment Peeves flew through and dropped smoke bombs. They explode in bursts of rainbow colored powder, Death shielded his eyes with his arm, cursing he glared at the floating poltergeist.

"If I catch you, I will reap your soul." Death said.

His glamour fell, their was no point in maintaining it since it was covered in rainbow dust. Scared Peeves flew through the nearest wall, he shook off as much powder as he could. Looking up he realized he'd lost the professor, he cursed colorfully as he glared at the wall Peeves had disappeared at. No, matter their would be another chance to observe the man. He had one more assignment besides also checking out Professor Yuki.

He opened a portal and walked out into the ministry's atrium and walked to the golden fountain. Casting some quick advanced disillusionment spell on the golden fountain. To the streaming masses of people the fountain appeared normal. He then cast a strong sticking spell to the floor and sat down on the fountain's rim to wait. Death was waiting for Melissa Hargrove, a twenty-three year old halfblood, with curly Auburn hair and brown eyes. What was most unusual about this woman was that she was Umbridge's protégé. He was actually glad that his master chose her, he didn't know it but he had just prevented a massacre.

In the original timeline Umbridge had spent some time with the centaurs of the forbidden forest. It had left quite an impression on her young assistant who was frothing for blood after the incident. For some ungodly reason she idolized Umbridge. Either way, a few years after the time Harry fled his timeline Melissa went on to pass several more laws. All in the name of her idol, those laws were heavily prejudiced against centaurs. Resenting the wizards encroachment in their society had led to an uprising. In the end two centaur herds were massacred and several Aurors lost their lives. Hate really was an emotion Death didn't care for.

The things that people did to one another was truly despicable. And hate was a wasted pointless emotion that begot violence for violence's sake. Ahh, there she was. Hargrove was headed his way carrying a stack of files. She walked right into the disillusioned area and fell face first to the ground, her files and wand flew out in front of her. She got up scowling and looking around to see who had tripped her. Death started using a strengthened cutting spell used for construction, on one of the statues. Melissa tried to move again but stumbled as her one foot was stuck. Frustrated she searched her robes for her wand, not noticing the teetering statue above. Just as she looked up the statue collapsed onto her, crushing every bone in her body. He released his spells and waited, her spirit reached him just as the screams tore through the atrium.

A crowd gathered around the scene, somebody in the back actually asked if she was all right. Death snorted, if being reduced to a bloody pulp with shattered bones was okay. The statues were solid gold and the centaur was the largest, making it the heaviest. He'd picked that one for the irony alone.

He opened a portal and appeared just inside the bedroom of Professor Yuki. Knowing his little master had her class soon, Death knew that he wouldn't be interrupted. He started looking through the nightstands finding them empty. The vanity top was empty all save for a mirror. A silver framed oval mirror whose glass was a solid black. Why did she have a dimensional scrying mirror? Curiously he searched the drawers on the vanity and came up with nothing. They were all empty! Death had expected to at least find some of the intricate hairpins the professor favored. He moved to the armoire and opened it up. His eyebrows rose, he thought their would be more! I mean it was a woman after all there should be more then eight changes of outfits. Four white Hanfu and four white kimonos. Harry had always said that she wore very colorful outfits. There wasn't a single stitch of colored silk anywhere in the armoire. Just as puzzling was the lack of shoes there were none. The only thing in the bottom was a black lacquered chest.

Opening the lid his eyebrows rose again. It was empty except for a full set of skeletal remains, that would've been normal save for one distinct feature. The bones were blackened as if they been burned. Talk about skeletons in the closet! He smirked and shut the armoire before becoming translucent and gilding through several walls. He stepped out of the back wall of the potions classroom right behind where his little one was. He moved down the rows settling next to an unsuspecting pair of Hufflepuffs. He watched the students before turning to look for the professor. To his surprise she was looking straight at him! Nobody but Harry or one of his reapers could see through his glamour. Death was always invisible, always present, but invisible unless he wanted to be seen.

She was definitely suspicious.

Sirius's pov

Sirius was no stranger to bouts of depression. He had them off and on for years, long before Azkaban ravaged him. It had started again just after the impromptu lunch in the garden with Barty and Snape. That had made him feel bad almost instantly. Maybe it wasn't bad maybe it was more like...jealous. Sirius only had two friends now, all the others refused to speak to him now innocent or not. All he had was Remus and Barty, Azrael didn't count as he was his lover. And Harry was his godson, Regulus was his brother. Logically speaking Barty was his own person so of course he had other friends. Friends that he grew up with, friends he went to school with, even friends he fought beside.

Maybe it was just his new life, he just seemed to get everything that made him happy. Harry, Azrael, Remus, Regulus they all made him happy. Sirius had no idea why he just expected Barty to spend time him. Barty had just woken up and his mind was healing from yet another trauma. Sirius was amazed the man was so sane after everything that had happened to Barty. Sighing he sipped at the salted caramel macchiato, the warmth seeped into him.

Sirius was currently sitting out on the patio of the 'Witch's Brew Café'. He'd volunteered to retrieve Remus's latest craving. Regulus had bought a very expensive box of truffles from the newest shop in Diagon. Of course neither of them mentioned the price as Remus would protest too much. The shop was called 'Trifling Truffles' which was very popular in France at the moment. They opened up just a few doors down from Gringotts. Remus really liked the caramel clusters, vanilla custards, and chili pepper chocolate ganache truffles. 

"It's been a long time cousin."

Sirius rose fast drawing his wand and turning.

"Andy?" Sirius said, bloody hell Andy hadn't talked to him since before Harry was born.

Honestly he'd expected to find Bella behind him despite her incarceration. 

"Yeah, I...you look well." Andromeda said, as she sat down at the other chair.

He looked at her this time taking in all the details. She looked like hell, she had bags under her eyes, her brown hair was limp and dull looking. Something was wrong...

"Andy not to be rude but why didn't you owl me? I've been out of prison for a while now." Sirius asked, it was true he'd expected to hear from her for along time.

She was the only family he could stand besides Regulus.

"I didn't know what to say...I believed what they had said back then. And when I found out that whole time you were innocent, I was angry. Not at you, but at them and myself. Sirius you were never like the other Blacks. I just...there is no excuse for why I believed it so easily. And now I'm ashamed to ask you for your help. I've been coming here everyday since I saw you with Harry and that silver haired man. Any letter I sent always returned to me so, I waited to see you again here in Diagon." Andy said, looking down at her clasped hands.

"Help with what Andy?" Sirius asked, he was still confused about what she needed. Why was he the one she went to?

"They're gone Siri!" She said, as she started crying in earnest.

Alarm he stilled, who was gone?

"Andy, who? I don't know what your talking about." Sirius asked, as he grabbed her hands rubbing at them in a soothing gesture.

"Ted was murdered in a park with a bunch of other muggles. And Nymphadora, disappeared with Dumbledore and a few other Aurors. I'm so worried about her, it's not like her to not contact me." She said.

 She grasped hard on his hands as a fresh bout of tears fell down her grief strickened face.

"Oh, Merlin Andy I'm so sorry. Ted was a good man who didn't deserve to die like that. What is it though that I can help you with?" Sirius asked.

That was all terrible and such he just didn't know what she wanted from him.

"I need your help to find Nymphadora." Andy replied. 

"How am I supposed to do that? Andy I need more information, because so far nothing but your husband's death is making sense." Sirius said, I mean what was he supposed to glean from the previous conversation? 

"When Dora went without contacting me I went to the Ministry hoping she was just busy. They told me she hadn't shown up in weeks, and that they terminated her employment as such. So I went to her apartment and she wasn't there. Some of her clothes were missing but everything else was still there. I finally read her diary, she was with the Order and had left when Dumbledore disappeared. She hadn't said a single thing to me. No letters or owls at all. I went into her guest bedroom and was shocked beyond words. The room was bare save for a desk, and plastered all over the walls were pictures. Pictures of you and Harry. Even that Lord Peverell and blurry photos of Grindelwald were on those walls. There was even an entire wall dedicated to Voldemort and various deatheaters. From what I could gather from notes, Dumbledore's going to deal with Grindelwald first. Then come back and get Harry, who he believes is being 'controlled' by Lord Peverell. He wants Harry to deal with Voldemort like he's supposed to. There was a prophecy mention...it was all so overwhelming. I can't believe my baby is following that man! Dumbledore speculated that your boyfriend may be the source that was slandering him in the media. Whether that's true or not Dumbledore is convinced of it. That means Dora will be with him and I can try to talk her out of this madness. I...guess that I'm asking to stay with you." Andy finished.

"Whether any of that is true it's not up to me alone. I live with him and Harry now, it's not my house I will ask on your behalf. She's got it Andy...the Black madness can manifest as extreme loyalty...she could be like Bella. Bella's a zealot, nothing and nobody could change her mind about her perfect master. Dora really truly believes in Dumbledore and she shouldn't. He's dangerous and manipulative to the extreme. Do you honestly believe you can reason with her? If anything I think she'll rebel more once she knows you disapprove. Look what happened to me, he will sacrifice her if Dora isn't useful anymore. I was just lucky he didn't kill me." Sirius replied.

"I know Sirius, I have to try she's my daughter! She's all I've got left in this world besides you. I can't lose her too, not without trying to save her first." She cried.

He closed his eyes hoping he wasn't making a mistake that would put them all in danger.

"Let me talk to him first, I will contact you. Be careful nothing is what it seems the lines of light and dark have blurred. Don't trust anyone Andy." Sirius said.

"Of course thank you!" Andy said, Sirius hugged her until she stopped crying.

Sirius watched her leave his feelings twisting and roiling. This wasn't the relief or solace he'd set out to achieve. He turned and apparated away. 

Back at the manor Sirius climbed the stairs slowly. He really hoped Remus wouldn't notice anything was wrong. He found the sitting room that Remus had a habit of napping in and quietly let himself in. A smile graced his features upon seeing Remus. One of the sofas had been transfigured into a bed. Dante was wearing his fur, his massive head was laying on his equally big paws. Remus was laying on his side facing the door. And Regulus was spooned behind him, face buried in Remus's neck, his hand resting on Remus's bump. Both of them were using Dante as a large furry pillow. 

Grinning mischievously, he summoned a magical camera and snapped a photo. They were just too damn cute together. Sirius moved closer but stopped when he heard a low growl. A single wolf eye opened regarding him. Sirius reached in his pocket and took out the shrunken boxes of sweets. He resized them and placed them on the table next to the impromptu bed. Still being watched he, used a quick Accio on the blanket they'd fallen asleep on. Sirius then used it to cover the two of them, before placing a kiss on both of their foreheads. He earned another growl for his effort.

"Oh, hush Regulus is my brother and so is Remus in everything but blood." Sirius said, quietly glaring at Dante.

Geeze, bloody wolf there was literally nothing to be jealous of. 

Harry's pov-Hogwarts

Harry was drawing swirling loops along the side of his notes. Blaise had calmed down and made it through Ancient Runes with him. Now they were in Defense and taking notes about Gytrash. Their was a large covered rectangular item covered in a thick sheet. All the windows were closed and covered by curtains. Professor Raiden stalked along the the front and center talking.

"Does anyone know what forms it takes on?" Raiden asked.

He called on Mandy Brocklehurst.

"It can become a horse, crane, mule, or dog. But it seems to prefer it's dog shape as it's sighted the most." Mandy said.

"Excellent Miss Brocklehurst, five points to Ravenclaw. Can anyone tell me why this creature is dangerous?" Raiden asked, this time he called on Hannah.

"Aside from it's venomous bite if you're clawed it's said to be a marking for the Grimms to come hunt you. If they don't outright attack they lead unsuspecting people to their deaths." Hannah replied.

"Right you are Miss Abbot, five points to Hufflepuff. Now who wants to see one?" Raiden asked, amused at excited and horrified faces around him. 

"Now these creatures prefer darkness so I will light the room with bluebell flames." Raiden said, as the room suddenly went dark. Harry jumped slightly as a hand grabbed his, slowing his breathing he turned his head to his left where Blaise was. Suddenly blue balls of flame hung about the room lighting it eerily. Wait...what the hell? It had to be a trick of the light right? Professor Raiden's shadow had pointy triangular ears a top his head. Looking at the man himself, there were only normal looking human ears.

Raiden pulled off the sheet revealing a rectangle shaped transparent cage. In the center was a large dog like creature. It's eyes were dark like the endless depths of night. The gytrash lunged at the side, it's sharp teeth gleaming eerily in the light. It's forked tail thrashed about agitated.

They practiced the Verdimillious charm and sketched the creature. After they left the two of them spent time in the library. Neither of them mentioned the events of earlier that morning. But when they left for dinner, both of them were vigilant. Harry for once didn't want to look for the creature, he'd seen all he'd needed to.

Dinner was a practice in patience as his friends chattered around him. It was fortunate that he and Blaise were both naturally quiet people. Otherwise the others would've worried about their lack of participation in their conversation. Harry let the others know about visiting the chamber tonight. Just after eight o'clock they all traveled to the 3rd floor girls room.  And descended down into the depths of the chamber. As everyone split off to do their own thing, he called for Draco. Blaise told him he'd be in Sal's office and walked away as Draco approached.

"Draco have you spoken with your father yet?" Harry asked, watching Draco intently.

"No, I know he's aware something is wrong. Though he probably only thinks it's about Narcissa's death. Why do you ask?" Draco replied.

He could tell that Draco was confused as to the reason why Harry wanted to know.

"Good, I have an assignment for you Draco. I want you to bring Lucius to me, whether he's conscious or not that's up to you. I only wish to speak with him, the worse that will happen is a possible obliviate. If you fail the worse you will receive is my disappointment, think of it as a test." Harry said.

"A test? Am I the only one?" Draco asked, his brows pinched together his face unreadable.

"You're the only one I've given a task to. Blaise, Fred, George, and Luna have already proven to me that they will do what's necessary. The others will be tested tonight, I will know soon enough just how dedicated they are. Our guest has outlived her use and will be spending time with Death very soon. Every time the others play with her you, Daphne, Susan, Theo, Neville, Pansy, and Hannah are always away. This needs to be done before we move deeper into my plans Draco. I don't want anyone to hesitate, hesitation is death. They will kill or imprison us because we dared to defy them." Harry replied, Draco nodded his face solemn. 

Harry walked over to the basilisk taking his normal seat a top the great beast's head. 

"Everyone please come here." Harry said, as everyone but Blaise gathered around Harry, Ginny, and the basilisk.

"Our guest has outlived her welcome, our golem is virtually useless. Tonight I ask you to do something for me, something I myself would do for any one of you. I gave this girl a chance to prove that I wasn't right about human nature. She betrayed me yet again like I knew she would, it's her nature after all. She was willing to do whatever to took to get me. Even if it meant love potions and false marriage contracts. I don't know how you all feel, but to me love potions are just rape plain and simple. The victim can't consent nor are they given any choices, as they are slaves to the monsters who claim to love them. And in my past life all she wanted was my fame and fortune. She, Ronald, Hermione, and Molly conspired to blame me for Neville's murder. And she did that only after cheating on me and having another man's child. She is selfish and greedy doing whatever it takes. Her nature didn't change even when I did my best to distance myself from her family. If this were to happen to any of you, I would kill them in your defense. I would make sure they regretted ever laying eyes on you." Harry said, pausing to look at their faces.

"I need to know if your justice matches my own. This girl would've gotten away with Luna's murder. That's what she set out to do that day last year. And due to her stupidity I almost lost Blaise to the basilisk. But my special demon twins saved him from death. Ginevra doesn't deserve your pity, she deserves to continue her suffering. The table will prevent her death, today she will die again and again. I want you to feel as I feel. See what I see when I look at people like her. I want to protect our world from people like her. I will do my best to not use the same tactics as our late dark lord. But I'm afraid that many people will still die despite my best effort. Each of you will have one last go at our guest. You need not torture if it doesn't suit you, but one simple kill is all I ask for. I want to see how you care for me, and how you deal with one of the monsters that hurt me. As a leader I promised you would never have to do something I myself wouldn't do." Harry said, and with that he took out his wand 'Avada Kedavra'. 

He watched dispassionately as the life left her body, only to jerk back to life mere seconds after. 

"Show me how loyal you are, in war death is inevitable. But she will serve a purpose, she will make sure you don't hesitate. Because our enemies won't, they will kill us or take advantage of us. I need to be certain how much you believe in me." Harry said, putting his wand back into his sleeve. He watched them curiously waiting to see if anyone broke.

"Harry may I have the last chance?" Luna asked, her eyes bright and her smile unhinged.

"If the twins don't object you may have the final blow." Harry replied, as he saw her grin grow wider, as something dark entered her eyes.

"George and I don't care if Luna finishes her. We've said and done enough to express ourselves." Fred said, draping an arm around Luna, George too added his own arm.

Interesting, how close were his little hellcat and his favorite demons? A pale Theo moved forward, delivering a cutting curse soon followed by a blood boiling curse. Ginny's neck and arm slashed open, blood surrounded her head like a demented halo. Belatedly he realized that she was choking on her own boiling blood.

"Good job Theo, I am pleased." Harry said, as he summoned some sofas from long abandoned rooms.

A quick 'Scrougify' later and he had Theo sitting down. It would seem that Theo was indeed different then his father and grandfather. Both of which served the dark lord faithfully, Theo himself didn't seem to have the gumption. His hesitation and pale demeanor spoke loudly about his ability to handle this. But that was okay not everyone could do what he asked. In life or death situations, one always has to make a choice. Kill or be killed, they were children in a war that wasn't of their making. And they would all be in the thick of it no matter which side. Their parents cared not for what they inevitably pushed their children into. Harry truly wished he could teach them a different way. But he had to prepare them for the horror they might face. He cared for all of them in turn and wanted nothing more then their happiness and success. 

These were his people and if he was to protect them, first he had to teach them to survive without him. Neville, Susan, Daphne, and Hannah hesitated. But became less afraid of trying after seeing Ginny live through Theo. Pansy was actually brave enough to try for a weak 'Cruciatus', he congratulated her trying and told her that she needed more intent behind it. Harry might loathe Bella, but she was correct when she told him that he'd have to mean it. The stronger the intention, the stronger the spell work. Magic had a strange relationship with emotions that never ceased to amaze. Especially, since it made wandless magic even more dangerous. It was the main reason Harry kept such a tight reign on his temper. He looked up to see Pansy use 'Furnunculus', which gave Ginny a lot of painful boils. 

She then used a very weak 'Confringo', that normally made things explode with fire. But in this case Ginny's boils all popped at once, leaving the skin red and covered in pus. Followed by a 'Duro' spell, which hardened the pus on her skin. Pansy muttered a spell he'd never heard of, but the hardened pus broke into chips and sank into Ginny's skin, a scream leaving her lips. Pansy must've grown bored as she uttered the killing curse. Harry smiled at her as she joined Fred, George, Neville, Susan, Daphne, and Hannah on the couches. Draco and Luna were the last two, although Draco didn't have to do it. The blond boy however always seemed to have a bit of a competitive streak to him. Even more so when it came to Harry, Blaise, and Pansy. It was almost as if he had to prove that he was just as good as they were.

Draco seemed to debate about what to do. He settled for a bone breaking hex directed at Ginny's arms, shrill screams erupted from her. He continued with an 'Avis', as the  birds that came from his wand viciously pecked and ripped at her skin. Interesting...Harry only ever used that spell as a distraction. But this was rather creative in it's simplicity and very useful. Draco then chose the some kind of freezing spell which froze the bloody mess of skin. Ginny's skin blackened from the cold, he then followed with his own blood boiling curse. Her skin was now had and interesting complexion. It was red and pink in patches. While other parts were black from the cold, and blue in other areas as bruised began to form. Draco finished with his own killing curse and sat next to Daphne holding her hand.

Luna smiled dreamily her eyes glinting and she skipped over to the now healed Ginny.

"Did you miss me?" Luna said, in a soft voice.

Ginny's eyes grew wide as she tried to struggle, when she stopped Ginny tried to stay as far away from Luna as she was able. She gave him a pleading look, no doubt hoping Harry would take pity on her. Luna started with quick and precise cuts of 'Diffindo', causing Ginny to whimper and struggle weakly. She then used a 'Periculum' spell, which conjured hot sparks that danced on Ginny's skin making it burn on contact. Luna must've warmed up as her next spell was 'Defodio', which gouged out Ginny's eyes and parts of her face. Strips of torn flesh hung loose in certain areas. The screams echoed throughout the open space. Yeah, that spell was meant for cutting rock or steel. He'd scream too if it had been used on him.

Luna continued by summoning quills, the kind everyone wrote with, and dropped them. Each quill stabbed Ginny in different spots all over her body, before using 'Cruciatus' of her own. Except unlike Pansy her spell wasn't weak. Ginny screamed from the force of the spell, as some of the quills dug deeper into her skin instead of falling out. Luna stopped to stand before Harry.

"Will you make it so I can kill her for real?" Luna asked, her clothes covered in blood spatter and her eyes bright with mirth.

"Of course." Harry replied, using wandless magic to turn off the effects of the alter Ginny laid on.

Luna moved back to Ginny smiling serenely, as she grabbed each quill stabbing it deeper before pulling them out. Ginny sobbed and was begging Luna to just end it already. Luna waved her wand and conjured an ornamental urn. It was emerald green with bands of gold, the lid had a snake's head baring it's fangs. Harry's brow rose at the unusual choice, but watched as Luna used a 'Diffindo' to cut open Ginny's top and bra. The screaming started again as Luna made precise cuts, under Ginny's ribs. Luna put her wand in her pocket and thrust her hands up through the incision. Harry saw Neville get up and he vomited, wincing Harry continued to watch Luna. Ginny gave a strangled cry as she stopped moving for the last time. Luna pulled on something in Ginny's chest cavity, before pulling her hands out.

Cradled in her small hands was Ginny's heart, which she placed in the urn smearing blood down the sides. Theo joined Neville as he too got sick from watching. Harry looked at the others, they were all pale. Susan and Hannah were shaking and leaning on one another. Daphne looked like she was crushing Draco's hand, and the twins merely sat there looking indifferent. As Theo and Neville went back to their seats, Luna approached Harry. She kneeled down on the filthy floor with the urn held aloft.

"She tried to steal your heart without ever asking if that was what you wanted. So I'll give you hers so that nobody ever dares to steal what isn't theirs." Luna said, rising and holding the urn up high enough to give it to Harry.

She 'Scrougified' herself and offered another smile before skipping over to George and sitting on his lap. An eerie image appeared in his mind that made him shutter. The action had made him think of Bella doing something similar, and sitting on one of the Lestrange brothers. His little moon's behavior sometimes eerily echoed Bella in ways Harry didn't want to think about. 

"Excellent job Luna, I wasn't expecting a gift. I need volunteers now to help me pose the body. The school needs to close for a little bit. Blaise and I encountered the creature and we were very lucky to have not been seen. I have no idea what it was but we watched it suck out the minor fragments of soul left in a portrait. I could have Azrael help me like always, but I believe it's time that everyone starts playing their part. Azrael and I have been doing the bulk of the work. Operating in the shadows we single handedly ruined Dumbledore's reputation. We took his power, and made him no better then a rat. So I ask again, how far will you go to see my vision of our future become reality?" Harry said, as he shrunk and pocketed his new urn.

Still pale Theo rose to stand next to Harry. Draco, Fred, George, and Luna followed coming to stand just behind Theo. 

"Good, everyone else you did well. I am not disappointed that you chose not to help with the next part." Harry said, levitating and disillusioning Ginny's body.

He motioned for the others to follow, it was late in the early morning hours. A quick tempus told him it was just hitting 3 am. They followed behind Harry who was leading with the Marauder's map floating in front of him. Out in the entrance hall Harry stopped and wandlessly placed a proximity and a strong repelling charm.

"Fred I need you to go paint on the wall, I have a message in mind for Dumbledore." Harry said, as he walked closer to Fred and whispered in his ear.

With a nod he went to the wall indicated and conjured red paint to start his task. 

"Draco and George I need you to freeze the walls and floors just like the creature. Don't worry about it melting, I will add the finishing touch." Harry said, as they nodded and started moving.

"Little Miss Moon, care to help me with the body?" Harry asked, the smirk he received was his reply.

Luna held her in place as he applied some enchantments. With a grin Luna let go and took out one of her butterfly knives. She finished her task as, Harry summoned two items placing them in Ginny's hands. He then went to help Draco and George finish freezing the room. Everyone gathered around him to view their work. Harry used the strongest disillusionment spell Death taught him. He added a proximity timer, which he connected to Madame Bones. The final touch was a spell that dispelled foul smells. It wouldn't do for anyone to sniff out the body before showtime.

With a final smirk, Harry nodded at the others as the disappeared into the darkened castle. Ironically, only death had made Ginny beautiful.   

Chapter Text

Harry pov

Smiling softly Harry watched Blaise sleep a little longer. He honestly didn't give two fucks if anyone thought him creepy at that moment. He was sitting just on the edge of the bed, thinking about the events that would follow later. He'd been unable to sleep properly last night. Even a cuddle with Blaise wouldn't have settled his mind enough to sleep. Harry gently caressed Blaise's face before leaning down and kissing soft pliant lips. The subtle movement of lips under him let Harry know Blaise was waking. Well, that and the hand on his ass and the other hand on his nape pulling him closer. A tongue explored his mouth lazily before pulling a part. He just knew his face was red as Blaise smirked up at him.

There was just something about Blaise's kisses that made him feel...so...well Harry didn't know how to describe it. But they were amazing compared to every kiss he'd had before. Could it have been the gender? Sure he'd been repressed and all but did it really make that much difference? Kissing Cho had been...wet in an unpleasant way. And kissing Ginny hadn't been bad really, it was just that it was cold. Maybe cold wasn't the best description...lacking any kind of feeling or passion. Maybe it was because deep down Harry knew that he never loved her. Maybe it was the feelings he had for Blaise that simply made it better then the rest. Then again maybe Harry was a bit biased, since he'd only kissed three people his whole life!

"Well, good morning to you too Blaise!" Harry teased.

"Me! You're the one who started it, I just finished it!" Blaise replied, grinning up at Harry.

He smiled as well letting the soothing safety of Blaise's presence ground him. Everything was going to be fine! The feeling of being watched hadn't left him, Harry had simply stopped mentioning it. Harry hadn't missed the concerned looks that the others and Blaise gave him whenever he mentioned it. The last thing he needed was a concerned boyfriend and friends watching him like hawks. What was worse though was not knowing if they believed him or not. Was the concern for a possible threat or because they thought Harry was being paranoid? Either way, he wasn't going to mention that it felt like more than one person was watching. 

Not only that but the watching made Harry feel like he was being hunted. It was unnerving to feel this way... Gentle fingers ran through Harry's hair, bringing his attention back to his companion. Blaise was looking at him with concern written plainly on his features.

"Harry are you okay? You didn't sleep last night did you?" Blaise asked, as he pulled him into a hug. Burrowing closer and breathing in Blaise's scent, Harry sighed.

"I'm fine...I just couldn't sleep last night." Harry replied, Blaise gave him a questioning look.

"There is a lot going to happen today! I just couldn't settle in...besides I got to watch you sleep. And let me tell you...I find it super cute you dream about me too. You said my name quite a bit...makes me wonder what you were dreaming about!" Harry teased, grinning madly at his blushing boyfriend.

Blaise smacked him with a pillow before getting out of bed and heading to the dorm bathroom. Smirking Harry followed suit getting ready for the day.

He had a show to get to after all and with the schoolboard coming to witness it! It wouldn't do to be late. 

Sirius pov

He bit his lip nervously as he waited for Andy to come. Sirius knew for sure that Harry would be angry for doing this without his consent. But it was Andy! She was family and she'd asked for his help. So stupidly enough Sirius was here leaning against the wall, just on the other side Gringotts. The same alley he'd died in, Merlin that seemed like a lifetime ago! So much had changed since that fateful day. Sirius wouldn't change a thing about what happened. It might seem strange but Diggle and Moody fixed a problem that he'd not seen coming. He was in love with actual Death...Death who didn't age or die. 

Eventually, Sirius would've realized how little time he'd actually have with Azrael. Sirius's mortality would've broken them apart or ended with a very sad lonely old man. Those two rat bastards gave him eternity with Azrael. And that was something that he would never regret. That didn't mean that his fight was over, not by a long shot. Something was coming and it was going to endanger his pack...his family. Hell, even Snape was one of them now. Life was only possible if they all survived this until the end. He saw movement just to his right, his wand slid from the holster as he turned. Sirius let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

It was Andy and she wasn't alone. 

"Andy what is this? Why is he here too?" Sirius asked, she didn't say anything about an extra person.

Then again the twins might be happy to see him.

"He wants to find Dora too and see his brothers. I know I should've asked first before bringing him. But once he heard I was leaving to see you, he insisted." Andromeda replied, her eyes wide and pleading. 

"Please, I owe it to Fred and George to be there for them. Finding Dora would just be a side quest for me. I don't think she knows what she's gotten into." Bill replied.

Sirius pinched the bridge of his nose. 

Harry was going to be so pissed at him. The dog house wouldn't even come close...once Harry was done with him.

Harry's pov

For once the walk to the great hall with Blaise and Luna was uneventful. No creatures, frozen corpses, or frozen corridors to happen upon. The ambient magic of Hogwarts seemed to be holding it's breath waiting. They entered the great hall to see their friends already gathered at Slytherin table. It wouldn't be long now, Death had whispered in the ears of the schoolboard. 

He grabbed a few slices of toast and some scrambled eggs. He noticed that everyone seemed quiet...subdued even. Harry knew that last night would change things between them all. There was no way to go back now. Half way through his eggs he saw Death creeping along the edges of the room. He was going to warn Blaise that they were here when he saw Professor Yuki and Raiden. Both of them seemed to be tracking Death around with their eyes. Interesting...one didn't just see or even sense Death. Death usually revealed himself when he chose to, when he was glamoured only Harry and the other reapers could see him. 

He grasped Blaise's hand under the table and squeezed it to get his attention. Dark eyes turned to him, Harry nodded and returned back to his breakfast after releasing Blaise. He sipped at his tea casually as the first scream sounded just outside the doors. Harry watched as the Professors, with the exception of Yuki and Raiden, rushed for the doors. Curious students soon followed gathering around the doors to see what was the matter.

Harry and Menagerie knew exactly what they would see. There was no need to gather round and see Ginny's corpse. They had left the hall in a strong timed glamour with equally strong scent dampening spells. The room was of course frozen and the wall held Harry's message dripped in red. 'Did you really think you could hide from me? There is no place I can't find you! It's all for the greater good right?' . Dumbledore thought his daughter was safely at his side, he'd pay good money to see Dumbledore's face once he realized she was dead. The golem would die and disappear without a trace, giving Dumbledore the illusion that his enemy literally stole her from right beneath his nose. Never once suspecting that she'd never been with him at all.

Ginny herself was in the center of the hall, suspended by magic. She was naked from head to toe with rose vines winding around her body. Strategically placed rose blooms preserved her intimate areas from view as well as the hole in her chest. Her arms were outstretched clasped together holding a skull, a dead raven perched atop the skull. It's beady eyes staring at everyone eerily. Luna had used her knives to peel off the skin and muscles, from the left half of her face all the way down to her left foot. Exposing her skeleton and organs, magic kept all of them in place, giving the crowd a morbid look at what laid beyond. Another skull sat just below her feet, along with two pictures of two missing Aurors, and a note that said 'You'll find the rest of us here...Dumbledore killed us.' A picture of tree line behind the Potter's house in Godric's Hollow. A red X marked a spot not more then twenty feet from the front door. A torn dirty piece of fabric with crossed wands, was laid just in front.

The night Harry's parents had died Dumbledore had been watching from behind the trees. James had asked two of his Auror friends to check on their property every so often. A fact that he kept secret from his wife, friends, and Dumbledore. They had seen the end of the attack and had approached the house just as Sirius appeared. After all three of them found the bodies, the other two stayed inside. While Sirius carried Harry outside bundled in blankets, his forehead bleeding. Hagrid came soon after taking Harry, while Sirius made the worse mistake he'd ever made. Once gone Dumbledore killed the other two men. The only people besides Dumbledore who knew that Sirius was innocent. Hagrid was just an easy to manipulate hapless pawn, who suspected nothing was wrong.

Dumbledore buried Auror Christian Penward and Auror Peter Robards, and finished Sirius's frame job. The two Aurors were listed as missing and eventually forgotten. But Death knew the truth, and it didn't sit right with Harry that those brave men were never brought home. That their families didn't know what happened to them all this time. No, it was time that they were properly buried and that Dumbledore should pay for their death's. They would find a unique journal in one of the men's tattered robes. It had magically preserved the events that led up to his death. Robards had kept a journal detailing an investigation into Dumbledore. It also mentioned his meetings with James who was very suspicious of Dumbledore near the end of his life. The same journal that Robards had been writing in when his partner showed up. That proved the two had been on their way to check on the Potter's property that fateful night. 

It was the existence of this journal that Dumbledore had no knowledge of. And in his haste to hide the bodies he forgot to search the men. Now, Dumbledore's mistake would prove fatal as two of his victims would speak from beyond the grave. If the old goat had any followers left, he was sure to lose them now that the skeletons were coming out. In the end Ginny's last act was the further exposure of her monstrous father. Sadly enough for Ginny, death was the only thing that made her beautiful. It was her personality that had made her ugly, maybe not on the outside, but Luna had made her point all the same. 

No matter how we look on the outside, we are fundamentally all the same on the inside. Death is the one debt that everyone must pay, it is how we use our lives that matter. Harry had tried to give Ginny a chance, one that she unknowingly squandered. While simultaneously proving to Harry that human nature never changed. People didn't change unless they wanted to and Ginny made the same mistake she had the first time. She had crossed him and Harry doesn't forgive as easily as he once had.

Glancing around the horrified crowd Harry locked eyes with a very white Lucius Malfoy. Harry smirked at the horrified man as Harry broke eye contact to turn to the others. The other board of governor members were either speaking with McGonagall or looking at the body white faced and frozen. Finally, the heads of house and the perfects started taking students away. Harry shot a small encouraging smile to Draco, before following Professor Flitwick back to their tower. 

Everyone stayed clustered in the common room talking about the latest discovery. Which due to the implications would cause the school to be searched by Aurors. Harry was sure they would find the frozen bodies of the Hufflepuff girl and Mrs. Norris. In turn the school will have no choice but to close pending investigation. Dumbledore wasn't here to cover things up or stall anymore. His favorite Auror would come in and handle yet another Dumbledore murder mystery. Harry really was fond of Amelia's inquisitiveness and her dogged pursuit of the truth. 

Drowning out the distressed cries of a second year, he sat quietly braiding Luna's long blond strands. Blaise was sitting quietly next to them his mind seemingly wandering. They weren't kept waiting long as Flitwick returned.

"Everyone, I need your attention!" Flitwick shouted, as the voices around the room died to turn and give Flitwick their attention.

"Do to some very tragic events, Miss Ginevera Weasley, who has been missing since Dumbledore disappeared. She was the unfortunate victim of an unknown assailant. I will be sending out emergency letters to all your guardians. Within the next two hours everyone must be packed and ready to leave. Letters containing lists of assignments will be sent to each respective student. As well as a list of supplementary books to assist your homework. Please finish all assigned work and assigned reading and note taking. Practical's for the assigned work will be tested upon the school's reopening. In the mean time any who need emotional support can come speak with me." Flitwick said, as he left for his office.

"Blaise, Luna would you like to spend our vacation at my manor?" Harry asked, as the people around them continued talking in loud volumes.

"Of course I would Daddy won't have to disrupt his expedition after the Crumpled Horned Snorkbacks." Luna said, a smile on her face.

"I'm sure my mother won't mind, it will save her the trouble of petitioning for an international portkey. She never was very fond of the Italian Ministry, she thinks all of them are unbelievably stupid." Blaise replied, as he stood to go upstairs.

Harry finished tying off Luna's french braid with a blue silk bow. He helped her up and they split up at the spiral staircases. Back at his bed Harry double checked his bed, desk, and side tables. He'd packed the night before since he couldn't sleep anyway, Harry just didn't want to leave anything behind. Satisfied that everything was packed he used a feather light charm and shrunk his trunk stuffing it in his pocket. Harry went to his desk to pick up a sleeping Hedwig, who had once again refused to sleep in the owlery. 

Sitting on Blaise's bed he stroked the feathers on her head. Soon he would be back home to finish what he'd started months ago...Tom.

Tom's pov

He growled in frustration as he watched his potions master. Severus Snape took workaholic to a whole new level.  Logically it could just be a transition from Hogwarts's heavy teaching load. He'd been brewing and researching on and off, in two to three day increments. Tom could definitely tell that Severus was happier and way less grumpy. It was currently day three of one such research span, and apparently his Severus forgot he was a wizard.

He was carrying a heavy stack of books down the main staircase. He followed close behind Severus as he carefully made it a few steps down. Severus must've miss judged a step as he unbalanced and started to fall back. He grabbed Severus from behind preventing his fall, but the books fell in a cascade down the stairs. Tom was expecting Severus to struggle or freak out, since nobody could see him. But he only felt the limp weight of the other man in his arms. Frowning Tom lowered Severus to the step and leaned him back. His eyes were closed as he laid there.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, as he grabbed Severus's wrist.

Tom had been borrowing small bits of magic from the other man. Whatever kept him bound to Severus, also prevented him from taking large amounts of his magic. It would cause Tom pain every time he tried, but he didn't have much choice. He couldn't summon a house elf and nobody else was around. Using a wandless diagnostic spell it came up clean of injury, but detected a fever. 

Cursing colorfully he winced as pain enveloped him, he finished picking the books back up. Breathing shallowly Tom gritted his teeth as he picked up Severus bridle style. The books trailed after him as he cursed every step. At the bottom he stopped, he felt awful like he'd been Crucio'd. He just had to make it around the corner and into the potions lab. Tom braced himself for the pain and made his way around the side of the staircase. Thankfully Severus had left the door open earlier, stumbling in he gratefully dropped the books on a countertop. Tom caught sight of his refection in the glass of the back windows. 

His image was flickering erratically, fuck. If he didn't hurry he'd pass out and drop Severus. Taking a glass beaker Tom transfigured it into a chaise lounge, wincing he placed Severus down gently. Breathing through the pain Tom's body shook, he couldn't stop just yet. Cursing Severus's lack of self care, he took another beaker and a spoon transfiguring them. Darkness edged in at the sides of his vision. Tom covered Severus in the new blanket, and propped his head up on the pillow he'd made. Gathering the last amount of strength he could, Tom summoned a fever reducing potion. He was able to pour it down Severus's throat. Tom fell to his knees as his vision blacked out and the vial shattered. 

Death's pov

Down in the Peverell catacombs Death was preparing for a ritual. He'd already precisely marked the runes necessary and was gathering the other objects off the table. In the center he placed the Philosopher's stone. On the North point of the circle he placed Tom's wand, to the East he placed a femur bone from his father. To the South, Nagini sat angrily glaring at him, and to the West he placed the Gaunt ring which contained the resurrection stone. Making sure he'd brought back enough primordial ooze, he turned back to the angry serpent. Death idly wondered if he could fix her so to speak. As a maledictus, she was cursed to stay in her inhuman form. It would certainly be interesting if he could, Harry's reaction alone would be amusing, let alone everyone else's. Tom was the only one besides Dumbledore and Grindelwald that were still alive, and knew the truth of her affliction.

Double checking his work he leisurely strode down one of the tunnels. Death wasn't in a hurry at all, his little master wouldn't be home for many hours yet. The good news was that he finally remembered. And their little pest problem would be dealt with accordingly. Several twists and turns later he was back at the entrance to the manor. Becoming intangible he slipped through the walls and floors of the manor until he found his Star. 

Sirius was in the kitchen stirring what appeared to be a white sauce. Linguini noodles were boiling in water as Sirius picked up a pan of seasoned shrimp. Dumping the shrimp into the white sauce and stirring them in. Death moved closer and wrapped his arms around his Star. A soft hum and kiss to his cheek was Death's greeting.

"Making lunch yourself instead of the elves? Why whatever is the occasion?" Death asked, as he planted kisses along Sirius's throat. 

"Well, I thought we could have lunch together...before Harry comes home." Sirius replied, as he flicked his wand draining the noodles.

"Oh, and why is little master coming home early?" Death asked.

Oh, he knew his little one was up to something. He just didn't want his Star to know. When it came to his bond with Harry...nobody could compete. As much as he wanted to tell Sirius what was going on, Harry didn't want him to know.

Harry only wanted the others to know so much. It didn't mean that it didn't hurt having to lie to his Star.

"Ginevera Weasley is dead and all the students are coming home. But you already knew that didn't you?" Sirius asked, looking at him eyes narrowed.

"Of course I always know when someone dies." Death replied, off handedly as he leaned against the counter.

"That's not what I meant and you know it! It has something to do with Harry! Don't lie to me! Is he in trouble? What's going on?" Sirius yelled, as he tossed the wooden spoon he'd be stirring with.

"You can't possibly understand." Death replied, his voice taking on a cold and dangerous edge.

He saw Sirius's face crumple and he started shivering. His face softened, as he moved forward pinning his Star to the counter. He enclosed the smaller man in his arms rubbing his back.

"I love you more than you could possibly know. But my bond with Harry is absolute. It spans timelines and multiple universes. If he tells me not to tell you, I can't. Know matter how much I want to I can't. I know you are concerned and angry. But I will protect him, I know that won't stop you from worrying. He needs all of us to be stronger. He will need us...all of us if we want to help him. Harry needs you more then anything. Just be here for him, it isn't that he doesn't trust you. He doesn't want to lose you again." Death said, as he held his Star.

Reaching out with his magic he finished stirring the sauce before turning off the flames. He released Sirius who looked wrung out.

"So this lunch, what were you making for me?" Death asked, hoping to change the subject.

"Well, you are a tough one to cook for. Since you can't eat food without being sick. Given your taste in bitter drinks or well coffee in general. I decided to learn how to make some of them." Sirius said, as he made his way to the refrigerator.

Pulling out two pitchers and sat them on the kitchen island. One was a medium brown, with ice and orange slices floating about. The second was a darker brown without ice.

"I made iced Neem and Ginger tea. And the second is an iced Italian dark roast with peppermint." Sirius said, turning to grab his plate that he set beside.

He heaped noodles onto his plate, before ladling sauce over top of it.

Sirius turned around and stopped as he nearly collided with Death. He took the plate from Sirius setting it on the island. Turning back around he pulled his Star close kissing him gently.

"Wonderful treasure, time has been so cruel and dark before I found you. You make me the best version of myself... you make me feel human." Death said, smiling as he breathed in the scent of his Star. 

"So how hungry are you?" Death asked, lustily looking at his Star. 

"It can wait a little longer." Sirius replied breathless...that's all he needed to know.

He kissed Sirius again this time a little rougher, nipping at his lips. His hands fell to Sirius's hips his fingers made their way under the fabric of Sirius's pants. Palming the growing hardness, he wrapped his fingers around the girth and squeezed. Death pulled away from Sirius's mouth to trail kisses down his neck as he unzipped his pants. He slid down Sirius's chest as he finished pulling the jeans he was wearing down revealing dark blue boxers. With a pleased hum Death licked Sirius's cock through the fabric. Sirius let out a soft whine as his hands tangled in Death's hair pushing his face against his crotch. 

Death chuckled at his impatient Star, working the offending fabric out of the way. He licked Sirius from root to tip before engulfing him. Sirius let out another needy whine as he deftly massaged his balls. Sirius's hips rocked forcing more of himself down his throat. A firm smack to a taunt asscheek earned Death a yelp and a glare. He smirked unrepentantly around Sirius, before firmly holding Sirius's hip to the counters edge. Continuing he hollowed his cheeks and actually started humming. The language of Death much like parseltongue, used parts of the vocal cords that non-speakers weren't capable of. He grinned as Sirius tried to buck his hips harder at the sensation. His Star didn't last much longer before cumming. He swallowed every last drop before releasing Sirius and pulling his pants back up.

"Hmm, I may only drink one cup of the iced coffee I'm rather full now." Death said, smirking over the edge of the cup he'd started drinking out of.

"But I thought you were thirsty?" Sirius asked, confused.

Oh, his little Star could be so oblivious sometimes.

"I was I just finished my main course, the coffee is just dessert." Death snarked, as he watched Sirius.

He saw the exact moment when Sirius realized what he was talking about. His mouth was agape and his face was red with embarrassment. Death laughed at his poor Star who looked like he could combust on the spot.   

Harry's pov

The landscape flew by in a blur, accenting the way their day had gone so far. Rushed was putting everything mildly, the entrance hall and carriages had everyone pushing to get there first. Which had annoyed Harry greatly, nobody acted like this with dark lords or basilisks running about the castle. Apparently dead bodies warranted more of a rush to the exits. He snorted in indignation, the lack of survival instinct people had amazed him. Looking away from the window Harry took stock of everybody else.

Luna was reading the Quibbler, Daphne was talking to Pansy quietly, the twins had their heads down talking lowly. Theo was sleeping his head resting on Blaise's lap, Hannah and Neville were grinning and talking about Neville's newest plant, Draco and Susan had been taken home by their respective parents. Harry hoped Draco had a plan because he needed Lucius by tonight. 

"Are you alright?" Harry turned to Blaise.

"I'm fine really." Harry replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear.

"I'm just asking. You look distracted about something." Blaise said, looking at him with worry.

"Of course he is Blaise! Harry is about to complete one of his long standing goals tonight. The Nargles are excited about what's to come!" Luna said excitedly.

"Wait, what's coming?" Pansy asked confused.

"Why the dark lord of course! He'll rise tonight and help Harry change everything!" Luna said, giving Harry a dreamy look.

Everyone save for Blaise, Luna, and the twins looked shocked at Luna's declaration. 

"I don't care about us aligning with the dark lord. But he better keep his dogs on tight leashes, if the Lestranges fuck up I want them. What they did to my parents was more evil than anything the dark lord has ever been accused of." Neville said.

"You may have to fight me for Bellatrix though. I have my own grievance with her crazy ass." Harry said.

It was true she might not have killed Sirius this time around. But that didn't matter as the look on Sirius's face haunted his dreams as he fell through the veil. Bella would pay for Sirius and Neville's parents, her failure would be their gain.

"Even if I lose Bellatrix to you, there are still two Lestranges left to be punished." Neville said, his face was sad, but his eyes reflected murder.

Interesting, the little badger had teeth and claws.

"Nev, are you going to be okay with Barty?" Harry asked, curiously.

Barty was only the look out that night, he never actually participated in the torture of Neville's parents. That being said Barty had done nothing to stop it either.

"He wasn't the one that hurt them. The others did though, it should be fine if I ever bump into him." Neville replied, biting his lip and looking down at his lap.

Harry nodded, this was better then he was hoping at least. He didn't need yet another blood thirsty follower. Luna and the twins were more than enough as was. How Tom had dealt with so many unhinged people Harry would never know. It took a special kind of person to tolerate crazy, well that or they were equally as crazy. Sighing Harry dropped his head onto Blaise's shoulder. His lack of sleep had finally caught up with him as he closed his eyes. 

Harry's dream.....

He opened his eyes and immediately knew he was still asleep. Where the hell was he anyway? Harry had first seen the sky...or what could be mistaken as the sky. There were trees in either direction he looked, until they ended with the same swirling purple-grey matter that made up Death's office walls. Did that mean he had somehow traveled to a pocket dimension? No, this wasn't real it was definitely a dream. Now where the hell was Death? Harry's dreams often featured some kind of training from Death.

"Death!" Harry yelled, waiting he looked around and was puzzled when Death didn't appear immediately.

A shiver went through him something was wrong, Death always came when called. Harry stood up from where he'd apparently been sitting. Turning he came face to trunk with the most massive tree he'd ever seen. It's branches disappeared seemingly above the skyline. Harry had never felt this small since he'd first looked up at the walls of Hogwarts. Harry stepped back further to look at it more closely, well forget Hogwarts. The trunk was so large and thick it could easily contain Hogwarts and the Ministry comfortably several times over. Up in the branches lanterns hung with bluebell flames shining eerily.

A howl ripped through the quiet of the trees as Harry heard the pounding of something heavy running. He backed into the tree trunk wishing he had his wand with him. It didn't matter though Harry was capable of wandless magic and had used it often in his dreams with Death. As the noise got louder and the barking snarls came closer, Harry tried to erect a shield charm. But to his utter horror was unable to do so as only a few sparks came out of his palm.

"Sorry little Darkling you can't hurt me with my own powers." A woman's voice said. 

Looking up from his hand he saw someone in the shadows. Other shadows lower to the ground moved forward. Dogs??? There were hundreds of them surrounding Harry. The taller figure moved forward to reveal a woman. She was maybe 5'7', black loosely curled hair, with green eyes. She was wearing a purple dress that clung to her like a second skin. The fabric glittered in the flame's light like stars.

"What do you mean your power? Where am I?" Harry asked, his eyes darting around looking at the dogs.

"They won't hurt you and neither will I. That power is mine... I gifted them to my chosen. My name is Hecate, and I've been waiting along time to speak with you. I sense that you have many questions I cannot answer them all." Hecate said.

The freaking goddess of magic wanted to speak with him? Why??

"My Death has been lax in teaching you I see. No, matter that isn't why I brought you here Harry. The three Lords are chosen by me specifically as mother of magic and guardian of thresholds. Do you know why I brought you here to my domain?" Hecate asked, her voice silky and pleasant.

"Does my presence here mean that you've chosen me for something?" Harry said, already suspecting why she had brought him here.

"Of course little Darkling, you are here as I have need of your services once again. There has only ever been one neutral lord since the dawn of time. He who has been reborn again and again at always the right time. Death told you your soul was special. What he didn't tell you is that it is as old as his own soul. Harry you are one of the children of Nyx and grandchild of Chaos. Human souls aren't capable of being split over ten or more times without insanity. But a master soul, or the soul of a deity, can be split across hundreds of universes and timelines. You were killed shortly after swearing to serve as my permanent neutral lord. Finding your older brother Death wasn't a coincidence little Darkling. Death is the only true neutral entity in existence. He is the only one who can help you in the task that is to come." Hecate said, moving closer to his frozen form.

"I want my chosen...neigh my children to stop suffering. So much has happened to them in such a short time frame. They never truly healed from being torn apart by their precious wars. So many lost bloodlines...so much wasted magic. I don't care about your quest for vengeance little Darkling. So long as you change our world for the better. Tom was given a similar task, one that never came to fruition thanks to Albus Dumbledore." Hecate said, her voice taking on a hard edge as she spoke his name.

Harry was stunned...never in all of his wildest dreams had he ever imagine this. He was a reincarnated soul who happened to be one of Death's siblings??? Did Death know about this? Of course he did Death knew fucking everything about everything! 

"I know this is hard to take in but I need you now. Just know that you have my blessing and that I'm sorry you suffered through what you did. But I promise you when this is all over Harry, you will have everything you've ever wanted." Hecate said, a sad smile on her lips.

She moved even closer to Harry until she was mere inches away, before placing her hand on his right shoulder. Harry gritted his teeth together as pain shot through his shoulders and back. His vision became blurry as a scream erupted from his lips. The barking howls sounded as darkness over took him.

Draco's pov

He closed his eyes summoning up every ounce of his pureblood mask. Draco had been taken from the school after Ginny's body was displayed all over the entrance hall. Stepping out of the floo he silently prayed to Merlin that his father would talk a little longer to McGonagall. Brushing of stray floo powder on his shoulder, Draco briskly walked up to the stairs taking them two at a time. Once in his room he leaned on the closed door breathing in short bursts. In an effort to calm himself before the inquisition, Draco started cleaning his own room instead of calling an elf. 

A flick of his wrist banished his bed sheets replacing them with emerald green sheets, navy blue pillows with silver trim, a navy blue comforter with crisscrossing silver lines. Draco used a cleaning charm to dust all the furniture in the room. Feeling much calmer then he had when entering, Draco placed his wand on the end of his bed. Bending down he carefully picked up the journal covered in glass. A scowl crossed his features as he remember the day everything changed for him. Shaking his head to clear it of thought he continued to gather up the rest of the journals. He was unaware that he wasn't alone anymore. Placing the journals on the bottom of his bed he picked up his wand. Carefully he cast a 'Reparo' at the vanity, being careful not to hit the glass, so the spell wouldn't rebound. 

It was then as his image cleared in repaired glass that he saw him.

"Since when do you clean your own room?" Lucius asked, as he regarded him.

Draco suppressed a snort, what did father actually think he knew about him? He was almost never home to even see let alone 'know' Draco. In some ways Lucius really was a stranger to him. 

"How do you know I haven't done it before? It's not like you pay any attention to what I do anyway." Draco replied, trying to keep the bitterness he felt from seeping out and into every word he spoke.

Flicking his wand he pointed it at the floor cleaning and shining the marble. Draco looked anywhere but at his father who was watching him. 

"Draconis, how could you ever think that I don't know what you do and don't do." Lucius said.

"Oh, I don't know the simple absence of your person or maybe the fact that we hardly speak to each other at all." Draco replied, levitating books from his nightstand to his bookcase.

"Draco I assure you that nothing so childish as mere 'absence' is the reason why." Lucius said, his gaze flickering out the balcony doors.

There it was again that word 'childish', did they really think so little of him. Did they really think he was an ill-tempered child who threw fits? Draco knew he'd changed a lot in the past years. Changes that started with Harry and Daphne, that Draco knew whole heartedly that he needed. That didn't mean that it didn't hurt to have people refer to him as such.

"I don't believe we have anything to talk about then." Draco said, his voice cold.

Unshrinking his trunk he placed it at the end of his bed. A tired sigh sounded from behind him.

"Look I know we aren't used to talking about things. But I have a lot to tell you and I really don't want to argue about it." Lucius said, moving a closer to where Draco was standing.

Turning around to face his father for the first time in a long while.

"If you really want to talk I'm going to need something from you first." Draco replied, surprise showed on Lucius's face.

"Oh, and what's that?" Lucius asked.

"Come with me to visit Harry tonight and talk with him. Listen to what he has to say and then I swear I will talk about anything you want father." Draco replied, schooling his features into what he hoped was a neutral expression.

He could hear his own heart thundering as silence reigned between them.

"And this will suddenly make you more agreeable to listen?" Lucius asked.

Draco could tell that his father wasn't exactly thrilled with the prospect.

"Of course." Draco replied, as he turned on his heel heading back to the floo.

Harry's pov 

He hissed in pain as his shoulder and arm grazed Blaise's upon his awakening. 

"Harry are you okay?" Blaise asked, concern on his face.

Gritting his teeth and clutching his shoulder, he pushed away Blaise's hands.

"It's nothing I must've just smacked it when I woke up. It's not that big of a deal I've felt way worse." Harry said, trying to assuage the worry that was directed at him.

"Are we almost there yet?" Harry asked, hoping to change the subject away from him.

Blaise gave him a look that said he was very aware of his little tactic.

"Yeah, we're about to pull into the station now." Daphne replied.

Everyone stood and gathered their things from the luggage racks. Harry ignored the concerned looks coming from Blaise and Neville as he pulled down his trunk and shrunk it. Without looking back he exited their car and went out on the platform. Harry didn't even care if they were following him, after everything he'd just learned...he just needed space and Death. He spotted Death in the shadows not far ahead. Just as he was getting closer Harry stopped...there it was again. He turned from side to side observing the crowd. He'd felt it again that feeling of being watched...it was unnerving. Nobody was paying close attention to Harry. Someone invisible? But surely Death would sense it and know somebody else was here.

Just then Fred, George, Blaise, and Luna caught up to where he was standing. His skin prickled uncomfortably as the feeling only seemed to intensify before vanishing. A spying charm maybe? No, Death was very perceptive about intrusive foreign magic. Still ignoring the others Harry moved the last few feet and practically knocked Death over as he stepped into Death's arms. The others came and grabbed onto Death's arms as they vanished into the darkness of Death's portal.

They appeared in the main hall just below the staircase. Harry once again left the others behind as he made his way upstairs. There was something he had to check on before talking to Death. Once in his room he went to the bathroom turning on the light. He striped off his outer robes and struggled to get his shirt buttons open. A few of them popped off but Harry didn't care, as he finally freed his right shoulder. Turning just right he looked up into the mirror his eyes wide.

There on his shoulder where Hecate had touched him was two marks. One was clearly the mark of the Deathly Hallows, the second was a set of crossed daggers. The daggers had serpents wrapped around the blades, a single intricately designed silver key lay under them. The most interesting part was the flowers, vines surrounded both marks, which were side by side. They had blossoms of belladonna on them, the vines themselves had formed a figure eight as the marks connected. No, not a sideways eight...an infinity sign. Just as Hecate had said...a permanent lord...the mark of a neutral lord...infinity. 

"Harry, what the hell is wrong with..." Blaise trailed off as he caught sight of Harry's shoulder.

"When did you get a tattoo? And why are you acting so weird?" Blaise asked, as his fingers tenderly brushed the marks with his finger tips.

"It's going to sound crazy." Harry said, as he completely took off his shirt tossing it to the floor.

"Harry you're a time traveler from the future out for revenge and is permanently tied to Death. We left crazy behind a long time ago, nothing you tell me even surprises me anymore." Blaise retorted, pulling Harry into his arms and kissing him. They broke apart from their kiss.

"You know how I have dreams about Death who teaches me things. And you know how I wake up with bruises from it sometimes." Harry said, Blaise nodded.

"I had a dream but it wasn't with Death. I even called for Death and it was like he couldn't hear me. Anyway their was this huge tree, and dogs everywhere, and Hecate appeared out of nowhere. Blaise she touched my shoulder and I passed out in my dream. I woke up in pain with that mark on my shoulder." Harry explained, feeling off balance. 

"What does it mean exactly?" Blaise asked him.

"I have my suspicions but I really need to talk to Death before anything else happens." Harry replied, he moved passed Blaise back into his room to get dressed.

Harry wouldn't admit it out loud but that place had scared him. He had promised himself that he'd never be helpless ever again. He'd suffered so much at the Dursley's and with the Order. So being unable to use magic or call Death to his side had terrified him. Harry hadn't been in control of the situation. Harry had never been a control freak, not by any sense of the word. People had controlled him for so long...was it any wonder he craved control of his life? Harry didn't think so if anything it seemed the the most rational reaction given the circumstances. He finished dressing into a set of casual robes, before turning and pulling Blaise into another kiss. 

Breaking apart Harry told Blaise he was going to his office.  With the Deathnote tucked under his arm Harry walked into his office placing it onto of his folders. He went over to the windows and stopped in front of the bird perches. Hedwig was still flying back from Hogwarts. But Charon and Fawkes were both there, they were huddled together in a large twig nest. Fawkes opened one eye before letting out a sleepy trill in greeting. Charon let out a hissing noise in annoyance. Harry chuckled, of course his birds would all have attitude. Hedwig and Charon most of all, his girl had come a long way. He honestly missed the tiny fluff of feathers she'd been as a baby. She'd grown up entirely too fast for his liking.

A knock sounded at the door, he murmured permission to come in as he went back to his desk. The door opened to reveal Remus coming in. Wow, Remus had gotten big. Gone was his rail skinny professor, now the man was heathy and happy. 

"Remy, your looking good." Harry said, as he rounded his desk and hugged the man being careful around his stomach.

"How have you been Remus?" Harry asked, a snort and a shake of the man's head was all he got.

"Dante is being an idiot!" Remus replied.

The man huffed in annoyance.

"What did he do now?" Harry asked, was Dante stupid?

Whether Remus was a man didn't matter in the slightest. Even Harry knew better then to piss off a pregnant werewolf.

"He's acting like I'll break at the slightest brush from the wind. For Merlin's balls, the man won't even have sex with me! And don't even get me started about the other stuff. I'm pregnant not made of glass!" Remus said, an annoyed scowl on his face.

"Okay first that was way too much information about your sex life. Secondly isn't this his first kid? I mean he's a big guy...maybe he's just afraid he might hurt you by accident. Maybe he's afraid you'll lose the baby, he's lived with wolf packs his whole life. They don't exactly have healers Remus and even if they did they might not be that experienced. After all most people would throw a fit if they were healed by a werewolf. His fears maybe very real for him... don't be too hard on him." Harry replied.

It was true wolf packs didn't have access to the healers and supplies the general population had. It was do to prejudice and the stigmas associated with the creatures. So it was conceivable that the packs could've lost many cubs during or after birth.

"I didn't really think about it like that...surely he knows that wouldn't happen to me?" Remus questioned.

"Fears don't have to be rational Rem...that's why we fear them so much. Rationally Dante knows you would have much better healer here. But irrationally he can't help but fear for you. I think you just have to either let it go or try to confront and comfort him." Harry replied.

"Thanks, I needed that I think. Ah, you have visitors already and you might get pissed at Padfoot." Remus said, Harry tried to not be annoyed at the prospect of dealing with people.

"Find them and Sirius and bring them up please." Harry asked, as he went back to his desk.

He summoned a bottle of whiskey from the catacombs. Pouring it into a glass he sighed heavily he had a feeling that it was going to be a long night. He sipped at the bitter beverage the door opened again. Sirius, Barty, and Lucius came in. He was expecting them, what he wasn't expecting was for Bill Weasley and Andromeda Tonks to come in as well. That would definitely explain why Remus would think Harry would be pissed at Sirius. They didn't have many rules to follow, but the one rule was absolute. He told everyone that outsiders weren't welcome. The risk of exposure or betrayal were just too great. That was the exact reason why Harry and Death personally checked everyone.

"Harry I couldn't just leave her out there...she's family. I didn't know about Bill...I swear I was only bringing in Andy." Sirius said.

He would give it to his godfather, he tried valiantly to keep a cool exterior. Inside however he could tell that Sirius was really upset. Probably because he was torn between them and Andromeda.

"I told everyone in the beginning, nobody was to bring outsiders in without my permission. I'm bound by magic to protect those who reside on this property. Because this place is neutral ground I am honor bound to give asylum to those in need. But they must know that if they break the rules set out by the properties wards the penalty is loss of magic or death. You risked the security of everyone here and you kept it from me! You know why it's important that we have that rule Sirius. How do we know for sure they aren't spies for Dumbledore? How do we know Dumbledore didn't tamper with them?" Harry replied, his voice cold.

How could Sirius be so stupid? 

"Tamper with them?" Lucius asked, talking for the first time.

"Dumbledore has a habit of using mind altering potions and spells on people. Sirius, Severus, Remus, myself and a few others had been tampered with. Including several bindings on each of us as well as compulsions. Make no mistake you will find no love or loyalty to that monster within these walls." Harry explained.

Bill honestly looked surprised and Andy merely sat there not moving. Either the revelation was no surprise to her or something else was happening.

"Now what I have to tell you will never leave this manor. The wards prevent any information learned here from being shared without my permission. You will only be able to share things with people already in the know. The wards also detect malicious intent. By making it into the property you have already agreed to the terms of the wards." Harry said.

He received nods from everyone as he looked around the room. And so he told them his story conveniently leaving out the years most recent events. 

For the most part everyone took it well...mostly. Bill looked pale like he could be sick, Sirius was simply quiet, and the rest seemed unruffled by the news. Harry was surprised Andromeda had no reaction, as far as he knew she had no intimate knowledge of the war. He had expected Lucius and Barty to maintain their composures. Some might think badly of purebloods, but they knew how to train their kids. 

"At the risk of sounding treasonous, why would you actually want to bring the dark lord back? Furthermore why are we here?" Lucius asked, his eyes narrowed as he stared back at Harry.

"Au contraire, Lucius we both know you can't be treasonous. Voldemort was also one of Dumbledore's victims, the further he delved into dark magic the more mentally unstable he became. As powerful as he was even he succumbed to some of Dumbledore's manipulations. He is a true lord, chosen by lady magic to complete his task. I want him as a willing ally to my cause...I want to change our world as well. I brought the two of you here as well as Severus to represent the inner circle. When he returns he will need you with him, I have faith he will see it my way." Harry replied, well that and a sizable life debt.

Harry pieced his soul together, got Severus to heal said soul, and then he was returning him to life, as well as solving the immortality bit. To say that Tom would owe him was and understatement.

"Severus was right you are interesting." Barty said, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Harry.

"Bill, Andy the two of you know where this is going. If you want out you need to tell me now, because you won't be offered an out later. The worse that will happen is you get obliviated and dropped off in Diagon." Harry said.

Everyone here at the manor was here for a reason. But Harry could tell that the two were unsure about everything. 

"I want to see my brothers first...can I decide after that?" Bill asked, biting his lip as his eyes darted about watching Lucius and Barty keenly.

"Of course, you can I expect a decision by tomorrow." Harry replied, Bill nodded as he shifted about in his chair.

"I'm here for my daughter...she's with that monster. I don't know if I can save her, but I have to try. Every moment she spends with him she's in danger. The papers in her apartment seem to indicate that Dumbledore will return to oppose Peverell. My daughter will be with him, I will do whatever it takes to be there for her...to fight for her." Andy said, her posture was resolute and her eyes like steel.

This was a mother that would do anything to save her baby...just like his mother. He'd never doubted Andy, he just wanted to keep her from being entangled in this conflict. 

"Alright it's dinner time here soon so everyone lets go to the dining hall and eat. Later tonight around midnight we'll start the ritual." Harry said.

(Time skip)-after dinner

Harry could honestly say that, that was the most awkward dinner he'd ever attended. Everyone had been silent not even Sirius had made a noise. He was currently traversing the tunnels of the catacombs. Death hadn't been seen since he'd dropped them all off. Which wasn't surprising Death was only around people when he felt like it. Though he'd come a long way since knowing Sirius and Harry. Death still preferred not to mingle with the living beings very often. 

He heard angry hissing as he entered ritual room and observed the scene. All the pieces were in place around the circle except for one. Death was sitting in a chair with Nagini's head in his hand, the rest of her body was restrained by as mass of moving shadows.

"What on Earth are you doing with her?" Harry asked, as Nagini swore and made threats.

"Studying her magical core, though she's making it more difficult by thrashing around." Death replied.

"There's nothing to be done for her she's a maledictus." Harry said, watching the strange sight in front of him.

"Yes, well just because the humans don't know how doesn't mean I can't try. I can't imagine a person let alone a witch wanting to stay a snake all the time." Death said, running his hand down the length of Nagini's tail. 

"I had a visitor today, care to guess what she told me?" Harry asked, narrowing his eyes at Death.

Death stopped moving, his hair falling just so to block his face.

"I had wondered when she'd come for you." Death said, as he placed Nagini back in her bubble levitating her back into position.

"So you conveniently forgot to mention I'm some how your reincarnated brother? Or how about the fact that apparently I'm the only neutral lord ever? Or maybe how you lied to me and said their were only ten versions of me alive and walking about the multiverse?" Harry asked, anger tinging his voice.

How could he lie to him? Keep secrets from him? This was the same shit that made Harry distrust Dumbledore so much.

"I couldn't tell you just yet.." Death said, Harry cut him off.

"Couldn't or wouldn't tell me?" Harry asked, feeling rather vicious in his anger.

"I couldn't Harry there is a reason why mortals don't know about the divine! It can cause insanity amongst humans...your very lucky your little friends haven't lost it. Humans aren't meant to know everything for a reason. Hecate wanted to be the one to tell you. I promised her that I wouldn't tell you until she deemed you ready." Death replied.

Harry closed his eyes and did his best to stamp down on his anger. A promise was far better than blatantly lying to him. That didn't make it right between them but it eased him somewhat.

"On the bright side you may want to check on that egg later. It should be ready for hatching soon." Death said. Harry nodded numbly. 

"Oh, I also remembered what that creature is now." Death said, gaining his attention back.

"Yeah, what is it exactly?" Harry asked. 

"I was definitely right about the time period in question. Izanami had rebelled about her imprisonment and had stopped gathering souls. So I had to go and do it myself, one of which I knew was going to die in the mountains. However I got there too late as another creature had eaten the humans soul. His body was frozen solid, just like the ones at Hogwarts. The creature is a Yuki-onna, the damned spirit of a woman who died tragically in the mountains. If souls aren't collected they can become lost or demonic as their anger and pain corrupt and consume them. There is only two ways to escape them, make them fall in love with you or find their original dead body. The problem is that Yuki-onna always hide their human bodies. And this Yuki-onna is really old...the older a demon the more powerful it becomes. I saw a set of blackened bones in your potions professor's rooms. The bad news is I doubt she will keep them where she did before. Demons are capable of seeing me since they aren't human and hail from the otherworld." Death said, as he watched Nagini lunge at the bubble trying to get at Death. 

"What about the other professor?" Harry asked.

At the very least they now knew the identity of the more dangerous creature.

"Oh Raiden...if he wanted to harm you he could. He's messenger of sorts, as his kind doesn't mix well with yours otherwise. Your description of him was what gave it away that and what happened with the other creature. Only one yokai is capable of weaving space altering illusions. Though I think I'll let you figure that one out on your own." Death said, a mischievous grin on his face.

Harry glared at Death not at all impressed with his antics.

"Besides you need to go get Severus it's almost time." Death replied as he turned back to the ritual table.

Casting a quick tempus he was surprise at the time, if he walked he wouldn't make the deadline. Feeling the wards...he felt Severus down in the potions lab. With his destination in mind he apparated away. 

His knees nearly buckled as he landed in the potions lab. Righting himself he looked up to find a chaise lounge of all things in there. Severus must've wanted to take a nap, that didn't explain the exhausted looking form of Tom Riddle laying on the floor beside the lounge. Ghosts didn't sleep per se, they just looked asleep. They just didn't have enough energy to manifest properly, which resulted in black outs. Reaching out he touched the choker and locket on Severus's neck. Feeling out with his magic he sensed that Tom was still healed just 'tired'. Interesting...suddenly a hand shot out and grabbed his wrist. Looking up he met the deep obsidian orbs of Severus.

"Potter, dare I ask why your touching me?" Severus snarked.

"I needed to check on the soul as the ritual is due to start soon." Harry replied, moving away from him.

Snape looked around curiously confused for a minute.

"How did I get like this? Did you do it?" Severus asked, in an accusing tone.

"No, I assumed that you decided to take a nap. That's where I found you." Harry replied, his brow raised.

Severus gave him a look of horror.

Looking away Harry extended his hand. Severus gave him an questioning look.

"What are you waiting for? Take my hand it's the only way to get down there in time." Harry said.

Severus hesitated but placed his hand in Harry's.

Seconds later they dropped down into the ritual room just as Lucius, Barty, and Sirius appeared in the doorway.

Harry turned to ask for the necklaces when he noticed Severus and Lucius were staring at one another. It made sense Severus had literally disappeared off the map.

"Severus I need the necklaces." Harry asked.

Snape turned to him and removed the locket first. The choker followed soon after. Moving to the circle Harry draped the necklaces over top of the Philosopher's stone.

Stepping back Harry stood near Severus. Death stepped to the edge just above the North point. Death waited a full minute as it finally became midnight. In the language of death he started speaking.

One by one the runes from the North point lit clockwise in a shade of acid green. Death stopped to pour the container of primordial ooze over the Philosopher's stone. He started again, Harry noticed the ooze was being sucked into the stone turning it from red to purple.

The wand rose and levitated, the Gaunt ring rose up and the stone turned a darker shade of black a dark mist floated about. Nagini's bubble glowed the same green color as the runes as she withered around. And finally the femur rose and then disintegrated.

Death continued to speak, the air became thick with magic. Suddenly the ooze seeped out of the stone and started bubbling and moving. Slowly a form started to take form. Fascinated Harry couldn't take his eyes off of it.

Once fully formed the ooze turned the color of skin. Death stopped as the ritual finished. Laying on the ground naked was Tom Riddle, no older than thirty-five. Both necklaces were wrapped snuggly around his neck. The ooze and the Philosopher's stone were gone, sacrificed to form Tom's body. 

Everyone seemed frozen as tired looking red eyes opened and met shocked obsidian orbs.

Chapter Text

Harry's pov- Peverell manor

Harry crept down the hall as quiet as he could manage. After the excitement with Tom's resurrection everyone...even the Malfoys went to bed. Death had stayed up to provide care for Tom...who had passed out immediately after the ritual. The sun wasn't even up yet...but Harry wasn't able to sleep longer then the few hours he had gotten. So many questions swirled around his mind about yesterday's events. Once at Tom's room he slipped in quietly. Turning he saw Death lounging on a chair in the far corner by the closet.

"Little master, isn't it a bit early for you to be wandering around?" Death asked.

"Not really...I tend to wander when I can't sleep. But you of all people should know that already." Harry replied, as he conjured a chair to sit in.

Death merely watched Harry, his expression was blank.

"I need to know everything you've been keeping from me. I can't afford to be blind sided by anything else...if I can't trust you then who am I supposed to trust?" Harry asked.

Death had always been with him even before Harry had all the hollows. Knowing Death had been with him, brought Harry a lot of comfort. Yeah, he loved the others as much as he could. But after what happened in his first life, Harry just didn't have the same trust in people anymore.

"Your name used to be Arius...you were the youngest of Nyx's children. Arius means Immortal or Deathless, you had an affinity for souls. Arius could judge, create, heal, or destroy any soul he came into contact with. You would help me judge the souls that I would gather." Death said.

His eyes looked lost...remembering the past no doubt. And for the first time Harry felt the tiniest bit of pity for the immortal being in front of him.

He knew that Death had to regularly remove memories for archival purposes. To remember the beginning of everything...to lose the people you cared about. Harry could definitely understand why Death seldom hung around people. Why get to know and love them when you know you'll outlast them? Not only that but to have everyone scared of you...it had to have been lonely. At least Death had Sirius now to keep him company...and Harry too should he decide to stay longer.

"Every time I went out on a collection Arius would shift into a raven and ride on my shoulders. You were my only friend besides Charon and the only sibling that I actually cared about. You also helped Hecate bring balance to our universe. That is why Arius is the eternal neutral lord...who only appears when the universe needs him the most. Arius died one Samhain night when a greater demon from the deepest voids of hell tried to break free. There isn't much that can kill a god or even an immortal...but demon lords or greater demons are the only ones that have incredibly potent venom. Arius followed me and the few reapers I took with me that night. I told him to stay in my office...that it would be dangerous. Arius wasn't a fighter...he believed far too much in diplomacy and compassion. He jumped in front of me as the demon brought it's poison dipped claws down to strike at me." Death stopped, his voice wavered.

" My foolish...little one. He died in my arms not long after...Arius didn't know... He didn't know that the venom wouldn't hurt me. As Death I am unable to experience death...if I die the end will follow not long after. The older the godling the more immunity they have from demon poison. But Arius had only lived for a short two hundred years...deities must reach five hundred to withstand that kind of poison. He tried to protect me...if I'd just paid more attention that day. But you didn't die not all the way...your soul travels the multiverse and reincarnates regularly. Each time...each place you are needed you live again. And as Harry Potter...it was my only chance to bring you back to me Arius. The only way..." Death finished, his eyes still looked far away into a vast void that was the past.

This was honestly the only time he'd ever seen Death emote so much emotion. Well, besides when he was with Sirius. It was shocking...jarring even to hear about his first death. The only way?? Did he mean...the only way he could see me? No, Death said he hadn't been allowed to interfere with my life. At least not until Harry had possessed each of the hallows. Did he really give the three brothers the hallows after capturing him? Or did he allow himself to be captured, in order to leave the hallows in the mortal realm so that they would find Harry?

"The only way...what Death?" Harry asked.

"The only way I could leave a piece of myself behind. A piece of myself that would find you again...the only way I could have contact with you again. Deities can only have limited contact with humans...they usually become insane over time." Death replied. 

Neither of them spoke after that, the silence thickened around them.

"Wow, you know the twins were dead on when they called me that." Harry said, smiling.

"Called you what?" Death asked, a delicate silver brow raised.

"They called me the raven lord...or maybe it was raven king." Harry replied, Death laughed.

"You know because of Arius always accompanying me on collections ravens became associated with death. I must admit the irony is a little funny...I named my deathnote in his honor. Arius loved roses, they were his favorite flower. And out of all the creatures he could shift into he always chose ravens...though he was fond of panthers and wolves. He loved to read and sometimes he wrote poetry." Death said.

"That explains the books, skull, raven, and roses perfectly. I can't believe I never asked why your deathnote looked like that...or even why it had a name like Raven's Rose." Harry said.

Why had he never asked? Harry had always had a need to know things. He blamed it mostly on Dumbledore for constantly lying and leaving him out. The deathnote was instrumental in his plans. And yet it had never occurred to him to ask. What else had he missed? Harry suddenly felt bad for always griping about how unobservant the others were. And yet here he was...missing such an obvious thing.

Harry wondered if Death would've told him about Arius...if only he'd asked about the deathnote. He'd questioned Death's loyalty for not telling him about what he'd learned from Hecate. Death always seemed so calm...so unaffected by things. Arius was obviously a very delicate subject for him. He was never going to question Death's dedication to their bond again.

"Sirius seems to think Barty saw Tom." Harry said. 

"He shouldn't have been able to...humans don't have the sight for a reason." Death replied.

"Let me guess, insanity?" Harry replied.

That was always the answer Death gave when it came to why humans couldn't do or know certain things. Something about not being able to fully comprehend the Divine. And that Harry was lucky his friends weren't completely insane wrecks.

"Yes, that's usually why. Although it's possible if they've been near or experienced death and came back. Given his time with his father...Barty may have come close to dying. Those who return from the veil... always come back different. Ghosts are a different story everyone can see those if they chose. But Tom was no better then a shade...a wraith. Barty shouldn't have been able to see him. I'm amazed that Snape never saw him...he's been on death's door many times. Though his occlumency shields may have interfered...either way it's most curious." Death said, as he glanced over Harry's shoulder to check on Tom.

Tom for his part was still in his bed the only movement was his face. He seemed to be distressed or angry about something. Nagini raised her head and hissed comforting words towards the unconscious man. Harry had told Death to leave her in her bubble until Tom was awake. 

"Alert me when he awakens we have much to discuss afterwards." Harry said, he stood and with a final glance at Tom exited the room.

In the hallway Harry walked down to his study and shut the door. Moving to his desk Harry pulled out a sheaf of parchment and some ink.

He wrote quick notes to the missing members of his menagerie. After sealing each note he walked over to the slumbering group of birds. Harry gently stroked the top of Fawkes head, earning a happy sleepy trill for his efforts. Fawkes opened his yellow eyes and focused on Harry.

"Fawkes...I need these all delivered today." Harry said, he heard angry clicking off to his left.

Hedwig was giving him her best birdie glare.

"What? He can teleport! It would take you days to deliver these. Besides whose my favorite girl?" Harry cooed, Hedwig glared at him harder.

Oh...well she is the only girl out of the four. She was too bloody intelligent sometimes! He needed to meet with the others today, it just wasn't feasible for her or the other birds. Besides his favorite messenger was watching Tom sleep. Harry bit back a laugh...Tom was so damn afraid of death...and to have actual Death watch him sleep. Fucking priceless...Tom would be torn between horrified and fascinated. 

Sirius pov-Peverell manor

Sirius, Remus, Regulus, Dante, Bill, and Andromeda were gather in one of the sitting rooms. They were sipping earl grey and chatting quietly as everyone waited for Harry to be up and walking around. Movement off in one of the darker corners of the room drew his attention. A man emerged from the shadows he was easily 6'4', with short dark brown hair, and piercing hazel eyes. At first nobody seemed to notice as Sirius stared him down. He saw Dante stiffen and growl deep and menacing as he stood and regarded their visitor.

"Who the hell are you?" Dante growled.

"Me? It doesn't really matter who I am....the wards skewed my calculations. I am here to meet with Lord Peverell or Azrael if he's here." The man replied.

Sirius tracked his movement as the man went for the door...seemingly unbothered by the hostile werewolf. Andy's eyes widened in shock, she stood abruptly and grabbed the strange man's arm. She bravely stood in front of him.

"It's you! You're real...I thought you were imaginary, mother always said so. But your real! Why, did you leave me? I needed you and you just vanished!" Andy said, tears were gathered at her eyes.

Her thin form was shaking from grief or anger Sirius wasn't really sure. The man whose eyes had been unreadable...were dare he say it soft.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He said, shaking Andy's hand off and walking to the door.

"Dammit Argile don't walk away from me again! You owe me an explanation...you broke my heart when you disappeared." Andy yelled, a sob tore from her throat.

Sirius wasn't the only one frozen in shock. 

"Your human Meda... we can't stay with humans too long. And I couldn't stay with you even though I wanted to. I suspect it was due to Azrael's meddling that I ended up in here at all." Argile said, as he turned to look at Andromeda.

Andy still regarded him with angry eyes, he closed his and moved directly in front of her.

"Meda...it was my job to reap your soul when you were four and almost died from dragon pox. I didn't take your soul immediately...I waited two days while your life hung in between life and death. You saw me hovering around your bed...for whatever reason I just couldn't let you die. And just when I had resolved myself to finally do my job...your dragon pox induced fever broke. For the same reason that I couldn't claim your soul...was the same reason I came back and checked on you time and again. You were the first soul I ever hesitated to take. And to this day I still don't know why. I visited you way too often...and you became attached to me. Meda...the living aren't supposed to see beyond the veil. I didn't want you to be so attached that you might follow me into the veil. We were told by Azrael to never allow a human to see us...to follow us into the veil. Once you cross the boundary line it's instant death for living creatures. Only on rare occasions does a soul come back after crossing. And those souls never come back the same...what lies beyond isn't always pleasant. And the last time you saw me you wanted to follow me...and you almost succeeded. It was then I knew that I couldn't continue to return and check on you anymore." Argile said.

"I understand... I think, but I'm too old now to go off wandering across this veil. I want my friend back if he's not too scared to... that is?  Thank you for not letting me slip away...you were my best friend. Your the one who told me that I should do whatever I damned well pleased with my life...the life you gave me. I had left my family behind and had a beautiful daughter...and to know that I'd come that close to..."

She broke off and threw herself into Argile's arms.

Argile's pov

Damn him! Damn that bastard to hell! It wasn't a coincidence that he'd ended up here with her. Death couldn't just let shit go...no he had to get bored and meddle with people's business. 

Andromeda shifted in his arms and caught his gaze with hers.

"It may make no difference at all, but Azrael says I will be around the manor more often to report assignments." Argile said.

"Good...we have so much to catch up on. I do believe I'm keeping you from reporting in." Andromeda gave him a watery smile.

With a final squeeze he released her and finally made it out the door. He followed Death's presence up to the third floor. Upon entering the room he saw an unconscious man and a large snake in a bubble.

He turned his head to the right and met Death's gaze dead on.

"Why did you do that!? She was better off not knowing where I went!" Argile shouted, not caring in the slightest for the sleeping man.

"Oh, and who are you to keep it from her?" Death asked, looking rather bored.

"I'm trying to protect her! She almost followed me beyond the veil once! I will not lose her just because I became too attached!" Argile said, scowling.

"You're forgetting the part where it's her life too. You also just lied to her down there and yet you're up here pointing the finger at me. Let me ask you something...what do you think will happen when she dies? It'll be awfully confusing for her when she doesn't end up in the beyond." Death replied, grinning. 

Fuck...why couldn't he just let her go?

"Their is a reason why I warn against what you did. Argile, you should never have meddled with life and death. She was supposed to die, instead you shared part of your reaper essence with her. You threw the universe out of balance! Her soul shouldn't exist at all...and neither should her daughter. Balance had to be restored...so many people died in her place. How do you think little master will feel if he knows who died to allow for her existence? His parents, Sirius, Snape, Regulus, they all died before their times were up. And lets not forget the Longbottoms who live in a never waking nightmare. All of those people affected...because you couldn't let one little girl die!" Death said, eyes hard.

"No.... no one soul, can possibly make that much of an impact." Argile replied, surely one little girl couldn't... 

"Andromeda isn't your daughter Argile! Melania has been dead for four centuries. She may be Melania's spitting image...but Andromeda isn't Melania reborn. Melania is still in the beyond. This is exactly why I seldom allow for reapers to keep their living memories. It affects their judgment where souls are concerned. If you had simply asked me if it was her...so many tragic events and shortened lives wouldn't have happened. That is why I don't send you out on collections anymore! That's why you're more errand boy then reaper now...it's the only way I can punish you without unmaking you." Death said, moving closer to Argile's frozen form.

"I make the rules to protect my reapers...You are too old to still have these irrational attachments." Death said.

Irrational attachments what about his fucking irrational attachments.

"That's rich coming from you of all people! That kid and Sirius are prime examples of your irrational attachments!" Argile spat.

The man had some nerve to lecture him about this shit. 

Death's face hardened and frost spread out on the floor as Death's magic coated the room. Death stepped forward quickly and pinned him to the wall squeezing his neck.

"Don't ever forget whose in charge here. You are mine until I'm done with you! Do not question me again or I will do worse then unmake you!" Death said, his voice was low and menacing.

Death squeezed his neck one more time before dropping Argile and backing off.

"Now, do you have something to report or are you just here to be insubordinate?" Death asked, as he returned to his chair and gave Argile an imperious look.

Argile adjusted his shirt collar before coming closer to the chair.

"The bones you found in the potions professor's room are gone. She must've hidden them in a different spot. She did leave the castle but she must've known some how that she was being followed. I lost her in a woods near Hogwarts." Argile said.

Death narrowed his eyes, why was Death so interested in this woman and the literal skeleton in her closet was beyond him. She was pretty bland honestly...she hardly spoke and she didn't have a sense of humor from what he'd observed. Really the most interesting thing about the woman was the skeleton and the scrying mirror.

"And when you were snooping around was their anything interesting? A letter maybe? Hell, I will even take a muggle sticky note!" Death said, Argile could hear how frustrated the man was.

"Nope nothing at all just students assignments and teaching books. She doesn't have any diaries or journals either...even the room was bland. It's like she didn't decorate or personalize it in any way. Nothing at all... it's almost like a ghost lives in that room." Argile said.

Death shook his head.

"I was hoping to do this the easy way...little master won't be thrilled. She can see us when we're cloaked in the veil some how. If she leaves the castle again don't try to follow her instead start searching the surrounding rooms. The skeleton is too important to her...she wouldn't move it far. And she wouldn't risk shrinking it and carrying it around." Death ordered.

Death turned away from Argile lost in thought. Understanding the dismissal for what it was Argile opened a portal and stepped through.

Harry's pov

He made his way back up to Tom's room after visiting the library. He'd been researching tracking spells, specifically for finding people who are watching you. Harry had thought about a Foe Glass but it shattered as soon as he'd touched it. Sirius had been very surprised when it did...Harry wasn't surprised. He was just so used to having weird shit happen to him that it no longer phased him.

Death however had been unsettled by the occurrence as a whole. Apparently Foe Glass only shattered when those who were watching...were powerful. Or possibly Fae...the Fae spy on people for many reasons. But Death was certain the Fair Folk wanted nothing to do with Harry. Dumbledore and Grindelwald were still overseas and the yuki-ona was up to something just not involving Harry. Tom was currently sleeping upstairs...aside from that Harry didn't really have any enemies.

But someone was watching...possibly more then one someone. Harry wasn't being paranoid he'd felt them watching on the train platform. He knew that Andy had been one of his watchers. But the others....one felt appraising and thoughtful. The other one felt threatening and angry...but also something else. It was a strange emotion like... fondness. It had unsettled him enough that he practically jumped into Death's arms the other day. If his dream with Hecate hadn't thrown him off balance, Harry was sure that he would've been angry. More angry at himself for allowing his watchers to get under his skin. 

He stepped in through Tom's door and saw Death still sitting in the corner. Glancing back at Tom, Harry turned to move towards Death and almost slipped. Frowning Harry noticed the floor and parts of the wall had frozen over. Carefully he slide over to the chair Harry had left earlier. It was a testament on how used to the ice and cold Harry really was. If he hadn't been attached to Death he'd probably be freezing right now.

"Dare I ask?" Harry said, nonchalantly.

"Oh, merely me losing my temper with one of my willful reapers nothing more." Death replied, as he read a large tome.

"Were you successful in finding anything?" Death asked.

Harry was sure he already knew the answer. Death had been very clear that there wasn't much that could fly under his notice.

"You were right I didn't find anything new. It's just so frustrating...I don't like feeling this way again." Harry said, as he leaned his chin on his hand.

"What feeling precisely?" Death asked, softly.

"Feeling hunted...feeling helpless. I never thought I'd feel that way again after meeting you." Harry replied.

"You had turned into the hunter and are now disconcerted to be the prey once more. I will not lie it's bugging me too honestly. Their isn't many who would defy me and remain unseen and still breathing." Death said, his head move to the side as he watched something.

Harry turned around to see Tom sit up slowly rubbing at his temples. Nagini awoke from her nap and started hissing at Tom in a fast series of hisses that even Harry found hard to follow.

((Italics are Parseltongue))

"Nagini...knock that incessant noise off! I have a headache...we've been over this if you're going to speak...speak slowly. When you get worked up I can't always understand you." Tom said, in parseltongue.

"Marvolo these humans are horrible! They keep me locked inside this bubble thing...I'm hungry I want mices." Nagini hissed. Red eyes popped open and flashed angrily before he became composed.

"You are in that bubble so I can protect you and so you don't cause trouble." Harry hissed, as he got up and carefully walked closer to Tom's bed. Tom looked at Harry with surprise and curiosity.

"You speak the serpent tongue? I was under the impression that I was the last of my line." Tom hissed, as he assessed Harry. 

"Well, cousin Tom clearly that isn't the case or we wouldn't be conversing in this language." Harry hissed back with as much sarcasm as one can convey with hissing anyway. 

((Italics are Parseltongue))

"Harry Potter, I've been watching and I have to wonder why you would help me? I did kill your precious mummy and daddy." Tom replied, in English this time.

"I have my reasons for doing so. But I think you'll find that we have more in common then a few drops of blood. Hecate told me I wasn't alone in the quests she gave out." Harry said, as he summoned a few mice suspended in air.

He floated the mice to Nagini's bubble and pushed them in. Nagini hissed in irritation before twisting around to hunt her frantic prey.

"Oh...did the perfect light child somehow become the light lord? No, that couldn't be right as Dumbledore is performing in that arena. So what do you think you could possibly know about my quest?" Tom said, a smug smile on his lips.

"More than you apparently it would seem. Dumbledore isn't a true Lord chosen by Hecate...he's a fraud in every sense of the word. You however have also forgotten that there have always been three Lords. But I would never be considered the light lord...the old fool perverted and disrespected all that we stand for. I am the current Neutral Lord chosen by Hecate and marked as a Lord should be. Hecate has deemed my revenge against Dumbledore as just...he interfered where he shouldn't have. Hecate told me she isn't angry with you...she knows that Dumbledore had a hand in the failure of your task. We have very similar goals Tom, I think it would be more beneficial to work together in our endeavors." Harry said.

"And what makes you think I want to work with a child...albeit a fascinating one?" Tom asked, as he looked at Death still sitting in the corner.

"Because Tom...I hold all of the cards in my possession. I know things you could only dream of thanks to my partner. Truthfully I had thought to dispose of you if you wouldn't see reason. I won't have you in my way...but Hecate wants us to work together to fix our world for the better. But make no mistake if you don't want to comply nicely...you will find that I have other ways to make you stay with me." Harry said, a smirk gracing his lips. Tom glared at Harry in defiance.

"I always give people a choice on whether or not they join me. But that doesn't mean I won't play dirty if I have to. After all that resurrection of yours certainly wasn't for free. I had to give up a priceless artifact to make your existence possible and even gave you that immortality you so longed for. Think about it won't you, until then I have your wand and you are in my house. Any place I dwell in is a sanctuary for those who seek shelter from danger. Should you cause trouble here...Hecate, Azrael, and myself will be very annoyed." Harry warned. 

Harry turned on his heel and walked out of the room with Death close behind. He went down to the dining room where he felt Barty, Lucius, Draco, and Blaise. Either the others weren't awake, which he doubted. Or they hadn't come down for breakfast yet. Entering the dining hall he sat at the front of the table with Death to his right with Lucius next to him, Draco sat to Lucius's right. Blaise sat to Harry's right with Barty sitting on his other side.

"Morning Harry." Blaise said, his hand grazing the top of Harry's knee under the table.

"Good morning everyone. For anyone whose interested he's awake...give him an hour before you ambush him. Mipsy!" Harry said.

The small elf popped up next to him.

"Yes, master? What can Mipsy be doing for youse?" Mipsy asked, her ears flopping.

"Please take breakfast up to our newly awakened guest." Harry asked.

"Mipsy be getting that done for master" She said, popping away.

"Draco...Blaise the others will be gathering near lunch time so that I can address some things. It will be in the ballroom." Harry said, as he buttered a slice of toast.

"What about him?" Draco asked.

Lucius frown at his son's question.

"I will tell you about that later...they haven't talked with him yet." Harry said, pointedly looking at Barty and Lucius.

Draco nodded and went back to eating his scrambled eggs. The older men said nothing but shared a look with one another.

"Oh and Draco...I expect you to deal with your family issues. I want you focused on school and our goals...you've been quiet and withdrawn. It's affecting our dynamic as a group." Harry said, watching Draco become pale. The blonde boy nodded and purposely looked away from everyone.

"Barty I have a welcoming gift for you down in the catacombs that I'm sure you will love to be rid of." Harry said.

Barty looked surprised for a second before nodding. Silence shrouded the room. For once Harry was grateful for the quiet.

Bill's pov

His hands shook and his palms were sweaty as he stood outside of Fred's room. He wiped his hands nervously on his pants. Bill was trying to think about what he was going to say to them. What was their to say anyway? Dad had told him about how the two had changed since leaving. And he had no idea if they even wanted to talk to him. Nobody had heard from them since the day dad had met them in the alley.

Squaring his shoulders he knocked on the door. The sound of bare feet sounded on marble floor...before the door opened. Bill blinked startled at what he saw...dad had said they looked different...But he hadn't been prepared for how different. Fred stood in the doorway still wearing a set of blue pajamas. Instead of the startling red his hair was either a really dark brown or it was black. The freckles that had once been on his face were gone leaving flawless pale skin behind. And his eyes...they were no longer hazel in color. Instead they were steely grey. Bill had never met Sirius Black or any Black besides Andromeda...but Fred could've easily been Sirius's real child.

Blood adoption was truly fascinating...especially if someone was only adopted by one parent instead of two. You never know what genetic traits would manifest during the adoption.

"Bill? What are you doing here?" Fred asked, yawning.

"I...can I come in?" Bill asked.

Fred turned and glanced behind him before opening the door wider and walking in. Bill saw George sitting on the bed, his back leaning against the headboard. Fred sat down on the end of the bed and glanced between Bill and George.

"Why are you here?" George asked, his eyes pierced right through Bill's very being.

"I should think that that would be obvious enough." Bill replied.

"Well, to give you the benefit of the doubt say it anyway." Fred said, watching him closely.

To anyone who didn't know them the twins would look casual...comfortable even. But Bill knew that that wasn't the case at all. He could see the tension in their shoulders, the guarded blank expressions, and an darkness reflected in their eyes.

"I wanted to...apologize to you guys. I don't know what I did that made you two doubt me. Had I been fully aware of just how awful she was to you...I would've taken both of you with me. Even Charlie says he would've taken both of you and Percy to Romania too. Charlie and I support your choice to leave the family...but neither of you should've been put in that situation. I came to check out your friend Harry...I've come to realize that maybe I need to change how I think about things." Bill replied, looking at the two with worried eyes. 

It was true he didn't know why the two didn't tell him what was going on. And Charlie was just as clueless about mum's behavior being what it was. When they had lived at the Borough, yeah she'd been a little barmy. And maybe a little suffocating at times...but she hadn't been overly bad. Molly hadn't been overly affectionate with them growing up...but he could count on one hand how many times he'd actually been punished. Bill had noticed that the more siblings that he got...the more off her behavior had become. And by the time Ron and Ginny came around Bill only visited a couple of times a month. Once his apprenticeship started he maybe came around once or twice a month. Did they think his absence meant that he didn't care about them?

"And your not just saying that to get us to talk to Arthur right?" Fred asked, giving Bill a pointed look.

He winced slightly at dad's name...they truly didn't think of him as a father anymore.

"No, not at all. I'm here to support the both of you. Your anger with him is between the three of you and I won't interfere." Bill replied, looking first at Fred and offering a small smile.

He looked beyond Fred and found George staring at him intently. Bill had the distinct feeling like George was sizing him up.

"I won't speak for George but I...have missed you." Fred said, getting up and hugging Bill.

He held on to Fred for all he was worth...not knowing what had happened to them. Well, it had panicked and worried him to no end. They were his brothers and he was going to do everything he could to bring them back into his life.

"Fred has always been the more outgoing and easygoing of the two of us. He's also too quick to forgive everything...I don't just forgive people because they apologize. You never did anything to hurt us. But you weren't there for us since you left...how are we supposed to just trust you?" George asked.

"Honestly you don't have to trust me George...at least not immediately. I know just like dad and Charlie that we have to earn your trust again. Otherwise I just want you to know that I'm here for you." Bill replied, a stiff nod was all he got from George. 

"We have to meet Harry soon so..." Fred said, nodding Bill took the hint and went back out to the hallway.

The door clicked shut behind Bill and the breath he didn't know he was holding left him. Relief at not being outright rejected flooded through him. Hopefully the rest would come easier.    

Tom pov (earlier after Harry left)

Dammit, what the hell was wrong with him? He couldn't just stop and listen to the Potter brat...no he had to taunt Harry. The honest truth was that Tom didn't even know why he'd done it. From what he'd gathered since staying with Severus...the kid was not at all what he expected. He'd been expecting a loud brash idiot with no common sense. What he'd seen was a miniature version of himself. At least in personality if not in looks...and that white haired man felt very off. He felt dangerous to an extreme...his magic was wild and tasted like darkness and spices.

He'd have to be careful around...Tom thought Harry had called the man Death once before he 'awoke'? He couldn't really be Death could he? Surely not...though there was the story of the brothers and he knew every fairytale or legend had some truth to them. Not all of them but some of them... 

Even if that was true and the man had been Death...then how was Potter ordering him around? Previous meetings with Hecate aside, Tom was well versed in the fact that you didn't fuck around with the Divine. If the brat had met Hecate... then he would have no choice but to cooperate. Not that that mattered any...the brat was right. Tom now owed him for his resurrection...and the brat had hinted as much that he'd call his debit in.

So their really wasn't much choice in the matter. For now he'd bide his time and get back on his feet physically and metaphorically. Tom had noticed the weakness in his limbs immediately upon standing. Walking slowly he made his way to a shut door, which he hoped would be a bathroom. Cold marble greeted his feet as he stepped into the bathroom locking the door. Catching sight of glittering black marble tub he went over to start the tap. He sat carefully on the edge only now realizing that he'd been naked this whole time. Curiously he stood back up and looked into the huge mirror.

For the first time in nearly thirteen years he saw himself. His dark brown hair was mussed from sleep, his eyes were no longer hazel but a deep blood red. He appeared to be thirty or thirty-five in age. He was lean muscled...his ribs were definitely visible and he looked sweaty. Or maybe it wasn't sweat...parts of his body were covered in dried up patches of a greyish-purple substance. He raised a brow...perhaps the remnants of the potion used? He honestly didn't remember much from the ritual...he'd still been tired from helping Severus.

Speaking of his lovely potions master...he'd have to pay Severus a visit. Tom added a small amount of bath salts that smelled like lavender. He was definitely going to get new toiletries soon...no man let alone a dark lord should ever smell like a damn flower. Stopping the tap Tom gingerly lowered himself down and winced slightly. His skin was still quite sensitive it would seem. Gritting his teeth...he breathed in and out until most of his discomfort vanished. Leaning back he rested his head and closed his eyes.

Some of his thoughts felt odd...or disjointed. His Occlumency shields were a complete mess at the moment. He started by emptying his thoughts and shoring up the remnants of his previous shields. Memories while contained were still flitting around behind the shield in flashes of color. He started moving around and burying them in dark corners of his mind. He finished and opened his eyes. It would have to do for the moment, he didn't have time to completely fix his mindscape. Grabbing a folded rag from the tub's edge he started carefully scrubbing off. Turning his head he saw a shampoo bottle and scowled. It too was Lavender scented...not giving a damn any longer he harshly scrubbed his hair and scalp.

He rinsed off and got out feeling much better then he had before his bath. Wrapping the towel around his waist and padded out back into the bedroom. Tom stopped...what were the odds there would be clothes in the armoire? Walking over he opened it to find it stuffed with robes, shirts, pants, and shoes. Some of the items still had price tags attached. And curiously enough were in the designs and colors he normally wore. Checking the tags he also noticed they were in his sizes as well. Frowning he grabbed pants and a shirt, who the hell knew his sizes? 

Feeling a little unsettled he got dressed and turned back to the bed. It's sheets had been changed, a platter now rested on the side table, and Nagini was coiled up on a large flat rock in the corner. It must be charmed with heating spells...nothing made her happier then some place warm to curl up. He suspected that her life may have also contributed to it as well. Tom and Nagini had many things in common. She'd become something like an older sister or mother even. Nagini always worried about him and made sure he ate. She was perhaps the only person he truly cared about. And he'd tried on several occasions to look for a cure for her affliction.

As a Maledictus witch she was unable to turn back to her human form. The curse had a long history that usually only afflicted witches. Taking a seat on his bed he grabbed the lid off of the platter on his night stand. A bowl of yellow broth that was more then likely chicken and two slices of warm buttered sourdough. While it wasn't proper breakfast food...his stomach rumbled unpleasantly. The taste was rather bland, but that was probably a good thing. Tom hadn't had a stomach in thirteen years...spices and heavy foods would probably come back up. He was secretly glad that nobody had brought him oatmeal. During his time at the orphanage they hadn't had very much food to split among the children and staff. Oatmeal was unfortunately a food that had been inexpensive and rather disgusting without fruit, butter, or even brown sugar. Those items were just too expensive so the tasteless goopy substance was common at Wool's.

At this point in his life he'd rather starve then eat another spoonful of the offending goo. It wouldn't surprise him if his hosts had known that about him. After all they had known his sizes and preferred styles. Whose to say they didn't know about his dislike for certain foods? It was annoying that someone here knew him quite well...while he only knew about Lucius, Barty, and Severus. And even they didn't know those things about him...inner circle members or not. And Nagini wouldn't have told Potter...at least not now that she knew he was a speaker.

Either way he wanted to know just how much they knew as a whole.

Draco's pov present time

Draco sat on the couch his shoulders tense and his face as unreadable as he could make it. Father was seated in an armchair either thinking or staring off in space. His face was blank though Draco could see his jaw was clenched. They were waiting on Severus...or rather his mother. It was still so strange to think of his once godfather like that. But it was something he was more than a little happy about. 

He'd always been close to his godfather who paid way more attention to him then either of his other two parents. Father was always busy and at the Ministry and Narcissa...was there but not there for Draco. He'd always thought her behavior was odd especially compared to his friend's mothers. But now he knew it was because she was raising her romantic rivals child, while being unable to have her own. It explained so much about his 'not' relationship with her. That didn't mean that Draco wasn't nervous, he knew logically that this wouldn't really change anything aside from Draco finally 'knowing' at least officially anyway.

The door opened and he looked up to see Severus come in shutting the door behind him. He was dressed in a simple dark blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up and black trousers. His dark eyes regarded Draco. Ah, had father not mentioned why they were meeting? Severus either wasn't worried, had guessed already, or was very good at looking at ease. Which was something he'd envied about the two men in front of him. They were always so sure...so much in control. Meanwhile here he was hopelessly trying to emulate them...and failing miserably if Harry's past description of him was right. He'd been so disgusted with himself after Harry told him...that it had become his personal goal to be as different as possible. He wanted people to take him seriously...and not see him as a whiny spoiled child.

"Severus, I believe that it's time to settle some things. Draco unfortunately found Narcissa's diary set." Father said, looking into Severus's dark eyes.

A single nod and those dark eyes were turned on Draco.

"I'm sure you have some questions about what you read. I know it may be confusing for you and you're welcome to ask me anything." Severus said.

Anything?

"Even if it's not in those journals?" Draco asked, peering at him sharply.

There was a brief hesitation before he nodded at Draco, Father had a delicate brow rose as he looked at his friend. 

"Was anybody going to tell me or are you only doing this because you know I know already?" Draco asked, to either of them.

It was true...were the diaries the only reason why they were even having this conversation? If Father hadn't seen him with them would any of this be happening? Draco had planned to confront one or both eventually. 

"Draco we weren't really sure when we would tell you about all this. None of it was planned...it was a spur of the moment decision that saved Narcissa from being unmarriageable in the aristocracy. Something like that would've humiliated her and my father would've married me off to someone else. That was something I couldn't allow to happen...mostly because I knew there were worse choices then Narcissa." Father said, there was something in his eyes that Draco didn't recognize. 

"So he asked me...we had broken up after their engagement was coming to fruition. I had some unresolved feelings for your father and even though it pained me. I agreed to be a surrogate for them. Narcissa of course threw a fit about it. But Lucius reminded her that if anyone found out she'd more then likely be disowned and that nobody would marry her. Being raised as a pureblood she knew we were right. She would've been a pariah in the society that she was raised in. I insisted that I get to at least be your godfather so that I'd always have a place in your life. And even though I told him not to he did pay for a large chunk of my apprenticeship. I never asked him to...I did it because I still loved him once." Severus said, he was pointedly not looking at Father.

His Father looked sad and dare he say it regretful. It was at least nice to know that he hadn't had a price tag attached to his life...or existence. That at least on Severus's...no his mother's part it was out of love.

"From what I read was she sick? I mean some of the things she wrote made me wonder." Draco asked, some of the entries were kind of out there.

Some were paranoid, vicious, and on a few memorable pages somewhat unhinged. At the time it had made him wonder if she was like Bella. Father seemed to be thinking about something...he hesitated before answering.

"Once I was living with Narcissa full time...I noticed some things about her personality. I believe she had one of the milder forms of the Black madness. She would be perfectly normal most days...and then she'd have a bad day. Sometimes it would be something small...like her talking to people who weren't there. Other days she would be volatile and ranted about how everyone hates her and they all want to kill her. If you asked her who wanted to kill her, she would say 'THEM...THEY'RE WATCHING ME WAITING TO DRAG ME INTO THE DARKNESS!'. Other times she wouldn't recognize us. On one memorable occasion when you were just two years old she'd attempted to drown you. She thought you were a Changling...which may have been a crazy manifestation of knowing you weren't her child. It's why I heavily warded and forbade access to the fountain and garden pond. After that I was very careful to not leave you alone with her when you were younger." Father said.

Merlin's balls she tried to kill him! And that was the mildest form? Then what the hell was Bella the most extreme?

"And you left me alone with her!" Draco exclaimed.

"Only if I had no choice and I made sure the house elves were watching you and her closely. She never had the opportunity to try again and as you grew up she lost interest in you. I'm sorry Draco...I spent a large amount of time avoiding her... and for that I wasn't the father you deserved. I know that doesn't make up for anything at all. Her death was a blessing in disguise, as now we're both free from her." Father replied, Draco could see the regret and sadness on his face.

Father really did seem to regretful about it all. And that made Draco feel a whole lot better about everything. Especially since both of his parents were actually showing him genuine emotions. Both men were notorious for keeping their emotions in check and were incredibly hard to read.

"You know when I first found out I was devastated. But then I was just angry...angry that nobody thought to tell me. Angry that nobody thought I could handle knowing these things. But then I spent time thinking about it. And while I'm really disappointed with father staying away...I was really happy knowing Uncle Sev...was my mother. I kind of wanted to have a job with potions because of him." Draco said, looking at Severus.

Draco was pointedly not looking at his father, as he gazed at the surprised man in front of him. Something about the way he looked at Draco made him stand.

And before he knew it he was sitting in Severus's lap, with his arms thrown around the man's neck. After a brief moment of hesitation and shock... arms wrapped tightly around him. He honestly couldn't imagine what Sev was feeling right now. And if Draco felt tears fall on his neck...well at least he knew he was loved.  

Lucius's pov

His stomach twisted unpleasantly as he watch Severus cry into their son's neck. Out of the entire time he'd known the other man, Lucius had never seen him cry. It was unsettling to see the quiet proud man like this. Even on the few occasions the dark lord had punished him...Severus never cried out. Lucius had asked him about it once...there was no shame in pain. Full grown men yelled and screamed under the Cruciatus for a reason.

And Lucius would never forget Severus's answer..."I will never give anyone the satisfaction of knowing that they hurt me whether it's physically, mentally, or emotionally. Because that would give them power over me."

If he hadn't already been half in love the man he would've loved him entirely afterwards. He truly respected and cared for his unbelievably strong friend...and Lucius had never told him just how he felt. At the time he believed it better that way. Better to disappoint Severus then to give him hope. Severus didn't know that he'd actually gotten into a huge fight with his father over his arranged marriage with Narcissa. And that had been the first and the last time he'd invoked his father's wrath and the first time he'd tasted a Curcio. Otherwise he would've married Severus in a heartbeat...instead of the farce of a marriage that had led to this heartbreaking scene in front of him.

Knowing that some of that hurt was from him...was unbearable. He wasn't going to try to get back together with Severus, despite his newly single status. No, Severus deserved better then him...but maybe he should tell Severus about what happened. The last thing he wanted was the other man to feel like their time together was meaningless.

He vowed to do better by their son and Severus too. For what seemed like forever they clung to each other. Draco pulled away and stood with more grace and maturity then Lucius had thought him capable. He loved his son....but he could be clingy and whiny sometimes. Looking at Draco now he saw none of those things. And the truth was that ever since Draco ended up befriending Harry he'd been different...more sure of himself. And the best part was that Draco no longer looked to him to fix his problems. He'd heard from Severus on more then a few occasions that Draco, had a habit of name dropping him in a threatening manner.

"Sorry...I have a meeting to get to with Harry and the others." Draco said, Lucius watched as Severus withdrew back into himself.

Draco looked at him and he wondered if he too would get a hug as well. Instead Draco nodded at him and walked out the door. He pursed his lips and tried to keep the frown from his lips. It was his own fault that Draco didn't find Lucius huggable. They were practically strangers...and Draco couldn't remember from before.

Their bond as parent and child hadn't been nurtured. So it withered and this horrible empty feeling was the end result.

"I have some potions in stasis at the moment so...I too have to go." Severus said.

The dark haired man hadn't looked at him since they came in the room. He knew that he deserved this...that didn't mean that it didn't hurt.

"Aren't you going to meet with the dark lord?" Lucius asked.

He'd know about the unbreakable bond Dumbledore had forced on his friend. As a result no matter how Severus felt, he'd always be split. And now that Potter was angling for a alliance with the dark lord...well he thought Sev would be better off.

"No, why would I? My dark mark is gone thanks to Harry. The only person I have to fight for now is Harry....no Dumbledore...no dark lord. I'm as free as I ever will be...free to make better choices." Severus said.

He looked at Lucius one last time before slipping out of the room. Loneliness engulfed him...never before had he felt so alone as he did in this moment. 

Leaving the room himself he went up to the room where the dark lord was. He'd felt a mild burn on his mark...it was nothing close to the searing burn it had been near the end of the last war. Everything was still fixable as of yet...there was still so much he needed to tell Draco and Severus both. For now he'd play the part he was trained for. Breathing deeply he schooled his features before knocking.

Tom's pov

A knock sounded at his door, he acknowledged it with a sharp enter. Lucius came in, he was tense and stiff in his movements. That was odd but then again the man might have been expecting his more insane counterpart from the war. Barty was already there and had told him about his escape from Azkaban as well as his time with his father. 

"Ah, Lucius how nice of you to join us." Tom said, as the blond man sat stiffly in one of the three chairs the house eleves had brought.

It still annoyed him that he hadn't been allowed his wand back. He still had his wandless magic to use but he was going to wait if he had to punish them. The warning from Harry had carried more weight with the place being a sanctuary. Any place that a Neutral Lord stayed at long enough was considered a sanctuary...a place of peace.

It was most curious a thought though, what about Hogwarts? If Harry went to school for months on end did that qualify the school as a sanctuary? It would have to be something considered...after all it wouldn't do for Dumbledore to find his way in. Then it would be a whole ordeal about whether or not the old fool would be deserving of the protection.

"Where is Severus? I summoned everyone who is here at the manor." He said, both Barty and Lucius looked at one another.

"Is there something neither of you are telling me?" Tom said, with a glare. Both of them winced.

"My lord, when you assigned Severus to Hogwarts to spy...the old man...Dumbledore had him swear an unbreakable bond to protect Harry. A bond that interfered with his mission set out by you. Harry removed the dark mark and offered Severus sanctuary here. He is no longer one of us." Lucius replied.

A growl escaped his throat as he glared at the two men.

His Severus was gone...no longer one of his most trusted. Damn it, may that old fool burn for even making this possible. But he knew that he was mostly to blame...he'd never appreciated Severus at all. And Tom was the one to send him to that blasted school...and Potter. Logically he could see how the other man benefitted from the arrangement. The two men were clearly expecting some kind of violent reaction, he sighed and turned to Lucius.

"Well, that is sad and in a way my fault for putting him in that situation. I would like to talk to him still but for now it can wait." Tom replied, his jaw clenched as he let his anger go down to nothing but a simmer.

He still felt off mentally and emotionally...but he'd need to finish redoing his Occlumency shields. Lucius and Barty were watching him with thinly veiled disbelief. Was he really that bad in the end? Or did they just think him incapable of admitting he was wrong?

"So tell me about what I've missed since last I breathed air." Tom asked.

And Lucius complied since Barty hadn't been free of his father for quite some time. He learned about all the scandalous things Dumbledore had been accused of. About all the bodies that seemed to turn up at Hogwarts...that all seemed to have connections to Dumbledore. And Lucius told him about the things he'd learned from Severus and Harry. He was shocked though he hid it well, how the hell had the old man done those things? He was a chosen Lord and he definitely wasn't a push over when it came to magic. Yet, somehow the old man had gotten to him!

Now more then ever he needed to talk to Harry Potter again. Hecate forgive him for all of his failures.

Harry pov

Blaise flashed his white teeth in a dazzling smile as he twirled Harry and caught him back in his arms. He grinned right back as he pushed Blaise back into the wall and kissed him. Harry tasted the caramel macchiato on Blaise's lips. They had a small lunch of finger sandwiches and melon balls. Harry had drank iced water with mint and oranges and Blaise had the elves make him the macchiato. Harry was slowly starting to love coffee...or at least the taste of coffee on his boyfriend. A whistle sounded from behind them.

"Oy, Gred our little leader is having some fun." Fred said, teasingly.

"That he is Forge." George replied, ginning.

"And just what have you two been doing." Harry asked, not letting go or backing away from Blaise.

He didn't care who walked in...he wasn't about to jump away from his boyfriend like he was ashamed or embarrassed. He wanted everybody to know that he adored Blaise and that he wasn't some hidden secret. The two weren't overly affectionate in public....it was totally different in private. But lately Harry had felt that it wasn't enough. Of course everyone they knew...knew about their relationship. But he didn't want anyone least of all Blaise to think that it wasn't serious or even sordid. Harry wanted to show Blaise off to the whole world and if people didn't like it they could go fuck themselves. He'd promised himself that he'd work more on their relationship and he meant it.

"Nothing much really, working on a new product mostly." George replied.

Harry snorted, he didn't want to know what those two were up to. Daphne and Pansy walked and joined them and not long after Neville, Susan, Hannah, Luna, and Theo came. Draco hadn't shown up yet which made him frown. Did the meeting with his parents not go right? After a few more minutes of chatter Draco slipped into the room, obviously hoping he wouldn't be seen yet. Harry kissed Blaise's jaw and moved through the others to get to Draco. Draco didn't look upset, but then Harry had a harder time reading Draco recently.

"How did it go? I didn't push too hard too soon did I?" Harry asked.

Yes, he wanted to help Draco and make sure he wasn't falling behind. But at the same time he didn't want to force it too fast. It wasn't Draco's fault that Harry had been in a bad mood that morning. Harry had just wanted to get some of the drama taken care of. Yeah, he'd admit that he found some of it interesting. But ultimately it got kinda annoying after awhile.

"It...it went better than I thought it would. I just...missed Sev so much, I'm actually really glad he's my mother. The more I hear about Narcissa the more I think I dodged a bludger. Father and I are still awkward at the moment. But I'm confident that we can come together with a little more time." Draco replied, a small smile gracing his lips.

"That's amazing Draco! Come on." Harry said, as he nodded his head at the others.

Daphne immediately hugged Draco and brought him into the group. Harry went and conjured some chairs and sat down next to Blaise.

"So even though we're all in school still we need to do more. The whole reason for merging the dark lord with us was to benefit from his resources. Our schooling holds us back from doing anything major. I needed more adults and the reapers are only to be last resort allies. Their jobs are too important to disrupt at the drop of a hat." Harry said.

"But what can we do?" Hannah asked, twirling a blond strand around her index finger.

"Well, I would like it if Hannah and Susan would take over writing for the paper. And I think that together we can find something that suits each of us. I for one I think we could use more healers...the dark lords people only really had Snape for healing. You know since all potions masters have to have a minor mastery of healing as a supplemental skill." Harry said.

If he was right then what he just said should spark interestingly.

"No, way my grandfather says healers are just too weak to be actual duelists." Theo said, some half hearted nods joined in.

Except for Hannah and Susan who glared at the purebloods. Luna was merely playing with one of her butterfly knives. And the twins had said nothing at all.

"Oh, is that what you think of Severus then?" Harry asked, intentionally baiting his little snakes.

None of them said anything at that question.

"So let me ask you what's weak about having somebody's life being in your hands. You could save them or you could let them die. Your parents and grandparents are stuck in the past where such views were common place. Honestly they are the ones with true power, never underestimate someone because you think their chosen craft is weak. Those same people are the ones who believe that women have no place fighting. In the deatheaters there is what, Bellatrix Lestrange and Flora Carrow? There is a desperate need for women to establish themselves as more. Do you really want those purebloods to think that all girls are good for are looking pretty and having babies?" Harry asked, the girls looked rightfully outraged.

The boys looked like spooked deer, their eyes darted around.

"I don't feel that way but all of you have to admit that you have at least one family member who does. So why believe one out of date stereotype and not the other? Doesn't make sense does it? I told all of you that I would challenge your views...and the very core of your beliefs." Harry said.

Their was less rage and confusion now and more thoughtful looks.

"I like the idea of doing the paper with Hannah. The research alone would be endlessly fascinating. And getting to explore different points of views and debate things. Hanns, we can change people's minds without necessarily hurting anyone." Susan said.

His badgers still preferred the non-violent route and Harry loved them for it. Violence didn't always solve everything...but teaching people and stamping out ignorance. It would stop a lot of conflicts from never happening, not all of them but enough.

"I always wanted to be like Sev and work with potions." Draco said.

"Good, we could always use another brewer." Harry replied, smiling.

"I want to get a mastery for herbology and study new uses for plant material." Neville said, shyly.

"That's good Nev, we'll work on your dueling skills as well. I thought you might want to take over caring for the greenhouses here. Although you would have to work with Snape in conjunction." Harry said.

Neville nodded and smiled, he'd come a real long way. Nev was no longer terrified at the thought of spending time with Snape.

"We want to have our own joke shop." Fred said, George nodded next to him.

"That's good, the two of you would be out in the public with the people. I myself would give the two of you money to start in after you graduate of course." Harry said, he loved the twins.

But he didn't want them to run off and ditch school all over again. Harry had suspected that maybe they had done it to get away from their mother the first time.

"Wait, how could that be good exactly?" Pansy asked.

"Remember when I said everyone knows approximately thirty people personally? The twins would be able to interact and even influence any customers they have. I don't mean that in a nefarious sort of way. They have a chance to speak their minds and even change other people's minds." Harry said, as he watched them really think about it.

"Other then being a better duelist I think I want to work with fashion. Wizarding fashion in Britain is so out of date compared to France and the other countries." Pansy said, the boys looked confused.

"It sounds wonderful Pansy, like the twins you could help shape our future by changing our fashion. Every year hundreds of kids get their school robes done. Even the adults have to buy dress robes and the like. Personally I like some of the muggle fashions, I found it hard to move around in the robes. I often tripped on the bottom hem more then a few times. Now the American colonies of wizards, wear similar clothes to muggles. It's easier to move in and easier to blend in with the muggles. In fact for all of wizarding societies dislike of muggles...they've progressed immensely. In fact their people stopped wearing clothes like robes probably around the 1800s. The closest thing they have to robes are religious vestments or graduation robes. We're trying to shape the future and everybody needs clothes." Harry replied.

Pansy beamed at him clearly pleased that he'd actually listened and defended her.

"I want to do research for the DOM." Daphne said, looking a little unsure.

"Are you sure your father will let you?" Theo asked, everybody looked at him. 

"What it's true! Her father has a major stick up his ass. The man won't even let his daughters play quidditch let alone work at the department of mysteries." Theo retorted, Draco and Blaise nodded.

Thaddeus Greengrass was an overly strict man who thought he was better then everyone else. Granted most of pureblood society thought they were better, but Harry had had the misfortune to actually speak with the backwards buffoon. He'd never been so disgusted by anyone other then Dumbledore of course.

"Well, even so once she's married he has no say in her life anymore. Or she could always get disowned and get adopted what's one more member for the Black's or Potter's. She a human being who should have the right to do whatever she wants." Harry said, shrugging.

The girls smiled at him fondly, he looked around and saw Luna and Blaise. Both were quiet and hadn't spoken up about anything.

"What about you Luna? What is it that you want to bring to the table?" Harry asked, Luna was perhaps one of thee most unpredictable people he knew.

"Oh, I'll probably work at the Quibbler with daddy. But I really wouldn't mind working with or having a mastery for magical occult." Luna said, her eyes had that dreamy look to them.

Her smile was easy.

"Do we need anyone for that?" Pansy asked, Harry snorted.

He couldn't help it...Luna might seem a little off but she had other skills to bring to the table.

"Luna's ability to simply 'know' something can be rather handy. She needs a deeper understanding of her abilities. Incidentally it's not a very popular course of study as people like Trelawny make Divination a joke.  Not to mention she has other skills that are more useful to our needs." Harry replied.

He knew that last part didn't need any explanation. Everyone had seen just what Luna was capable of when provoked or asked.

"Wait why did you call it occult?" Hannah asked, she was looking at him rather confused.

"It's considered a branch of Divination here in the wizarding world. In the muggle world it's grouped together with several other topics and called occult. A lot of the muggles are fascinated by it, but they don't make it a main course of study. It's more of a curiosity for them then anything else. In fact they have Wiccans which are like witches...but they believe their power comes from nature. It's hard to explain really. There are so many topics that fall under this line of thinking. The muggles would consider Luna as some form of psychic.  Muggle culture can be plain odd sometimes and hard to explain." Harry said, he wasn't an expert about everything muggle. 

He'd spent almost all of his time with the Dursleys, most of what he knew had come from Death or Hermione. So he was really hoping he wouldn't slip up again and mention something he didn't know a whole lot about. It was easier to teach someone about magic, rather then teaching them something without magic. The questions that would come up Harry knew he might not know them. Some of it he himself didn't understand all the way. This was why they desperately needed a primary school that would teach both. So the muggleborns could learn about wizarding culture. And the wizard raised children could learn about muggles. Harry still maintained that it was ignorance that spawned dislike that purebloods had and vice versa. 

"Blaise darling, what about you?" Harry asked.

"I don't really know yet career wise...but I'm with you know matter what. And I could always improve my dueling skills along the way." Blaise said, shrugging.

Harry wasn't surprised by Blaise's answer. They'd talked about it before...but Blaise had more choices to work with then most people. The wineries and restaurants his family owned were lucrative enough as was. Blaise could easily run one or open more of them. And since he wasn't the oldest son or even oldest child he could do practically whatever he wanted. The only thing his sweet boyfriend was sure of was that he'd follow Harry anywhere.

"That's okay, we're only in our third year still. There's no real need to rush it, I just want a feel for what direction everyone is headed in. I want everyone to thrive in our group and giving out assignments is easier when I know what everyone can do. Until we have more freedom, the deatheaters and the adults that are allied with us will have to do most of the work. Everyone is keyed into the wards. So if anyone wants to do training, homework, or research just make sure to have these pendants on your person." Harry said, he pulled a box out of his pocket and resized it.

Inside were necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Each one had a Raven sitting atop a sideways hourglass, with a rose clutched in it's beak. Harry had thought about it pretty long and decided to mimic the necklace that Blaise had gotten him so long ago. Though he replaced the books with hourglasses...the hourglasses would represent infinity since time was endless. That and his Lord mark was ringed with an infinity symbol made of Belladonna. The dark mark while somewhat a good idea was flawed. You couldn't glamour it...which made it really hard to cover without muggle make up or bracelets. At least with these they could keep their group a secret a whole lot easier. And they could take it on and off so that just made it better. Once keyed to their magical signatures...even if someone were to take them, they wouldn't get access to the manor. As for the fact that the manor was a sanctuary as Harry resided in it...he wasn't about to advertise this little fact. He'd have to give protection and shelter to any that asked. And he had zero desire to split his focus from his revenge and future plans. Having extra unaffiliated people in the manor would be dangerous.

Well, not just security information wise...but deatheaters and the general populace don't mix too well. One day Harry would provide a proper sanctuary that would befit his status as one of the chosen three. But for now it was best to not to do so until a later time when hopefully everything would be different.

"These trinkets function similar to dark marks...but each person will be capable of taking them off at will. First and fore most we are a group of shadows...we are meant to go unseen. If no one knows about us then know one will come looking for us. I think it's a fatal flaw of the dark mark that it can't be covered up magically. I am so very proud of all of you and I know all of you are proud to be apart of what we're starting. But I need all of you capable of hiding if found out.." Harry said.

"But doesn't that contradict our need to change people's minds and spread our beliefs?" Theo asked.

"No, we can still actively work on changing people's opinions. Our affiliation need not be made public to accomplish this. We aren't in this for social status, fame, or our own selfish needs. We're in this to remake our world into a more acceptable place to live. We're in this to rewrite history and bring about peace and better education. We don't need to bring our goals about in a violent or manipulative way." Harry replied. 

It was true, his revenge aside there really was no reason for violence or war of any kind. Harry didn't start this so he could be more famous...he still wanted to help people even if he'd never trust anyone other then his closet people. That lingering part of goodness and hope held it's own against the rising darkness that often plagued Harry recently. He just hoped that his revenge didn't consume him in the end.

Luna, Daphne, and Hannah had gotten bracelets. Neville, Susan, Pansy, and the twins had necklaces. And Blaise, Draco, and Theo had chosen the rings. Harry could feel the hum of magic and felt it warm his skin. Each piece of jewelry was now synchronized with Harry's necklace and the wards. He'd give the adults a choice of jewelry as well later. For now though Harry basked in the comfort of feeling everybody.         

Chapter Text

Harry's pov Peverell Manor

He dodged to the side and parried a strike with his rapier blade. He preferred to use the Tachi katana as it gave him better reach without being overly heavy. Harry was outside sparring with Death, they had grabbed a set of blades off of a display in the house. Moving back as fast as he could Harry tossed three throwing daggers as Hedwig swooped down and needled Death with her icy quills. With practice Harry had learned that Hedwig could launch her ice covered feathers and regrow them. He grinned as one icy feather had cut a long thin slice into Death's cheek. He paid for that momentary amusement however. 

Moving quickly Death smacked him in the face with the swords flat side while delivering a kick to his stomach. Harry's back hit a tree trunk hard as he coughed and fell to the ground. His face was stinging and his stomach ached...his back felt like it was on fire. Death merely stood in front of him grinning as he looked down at Harry.

"Alright...I give damn it." Harry wheezed. 

Death picked up Harry's fallen sword and banished the two blades back where they came from. Harry tried to stand carefully, but his legs gave out from under him. Without a word Death scooped Harry up and started walking. The wind whipped his hair as the cold wild magic of Death washed over him. So that was why they were walking back to the house instead of using a portal. Death knew Harry wouldn't want to be carried or held once he was inside. It was Death's best chance to heal Harry before returning...the last thing Harry wanted was to be seen as weak. Especially, not with Tom wandering the manor in flesh and blood.

Death's magic caressed his skin a little while longer before pulling back and vanishing. Death stopped to put Harry down on his feet, having long since regained the breath he'd lost. Hedwig dived down and dropped onto his shoulder in her normal form. He petted the feathers a top her feathery head as she clicked her beak and glared at Death. Death merely rose a silvery brow at the daring little owl. Harry smiled at her fondly she might love Blaise more than him most days...but she was still very protective of him. The bond between them thrummed with worry, indignation, and anger. For a tiny little thing she sure did feel some very big emotions. 

The two of them had been experimenting with their bond under Death's watchful gaze. They could feel and exchange emotions now and Harry attempted to mind speak with her. He was unsuccessful as she understood human speech to a degree...she just couldn't articulate it back. Her thoughts were jumbled and she couldn't seem to figure out what human words to speak back to him. Though she could send him images of things...memories that helped convey some of her thoughts like "food". Harry would get an image of mice or of her hunting. Death said that with time he could teach Hedwig English words and meanings. Until then Hedwig would have to share with her visions.

Harry idly wondered if Godric had had similar troubles with Fawkes. Or did Fawkes's species of phoenix already know and recognize human language? Phoenix's could communicate by projecting his thought into someone's mind. Of course one would have to lower any Occlumency shields before hearing Fawkes.  Harry shrugged as they walked into the side door. Anything was possible he supposed...and they were different creatures. Hedwig was an elemental spirit...it was much different then a phoenix. Maybe he could ask Fawkes to teach her some human words. Hedwig would be able to understand a bird far better than Harry himself...birds of a feather and all that. 

Nobody greeted them upon their entry so Harry followed Death to the ballroom. Once inside Death gestured to the floor and Harry sat down and folded his legs under him.

"So instead of tiring your body out some more I'm going to exercise your magic. I did tell you I would teach you about 'my' Necromancy. I say 'my' as the kind that I am capable of is vastly different compared to what is said in the few books remaining on the subject. Your bond to me will make it far easier and yet far harder for you than anyone else." Death said.

Harry's brow rose wasn't that a contradiction?

"Why did you phrase it like that? That last sentence was a complete contradiction." Harry said.

"Your bond to me will allow you to skip several steps that ordinary people would have to take. Your understanding and knowledge will eventually match my own, versus someone who reads one of the seventy-five texts left in the world that reference and teach Necromancy. The hardest part is your magic level little master. You are quite powerful and as such I believe that you may have trouble channeling your magic accordingly. I should also warn you that it's possible to have mishaps...too little magic results in nothing happening...too much magic can alter the vessel or the vessel's spirit. And in worse case scenarios mutate or even accidentally summoning something from the beyond." Death replied, as he lowered himself to the floor.

"Something else?" Harry asked.

"Yes, did you really think spirits were the only creatures trapped beyond the veil? There are many beings in the beyond you have: spirits, wraiths, demons, fae, elves, other deities, etc. There are too many to really go in depth about at the moment. But I was referencing demons as they try every which way possible to come to Earth. They need to be summoned or they have to be powerful enough to breach the veil. That is why I can't be here with you on Samhain...the veil is simply too thin. The reapers and I must focus on keeping them from coming through. Void demons or greater demons are the second strongest. One of the Princes is far worse...they cannot be allowed out no matter what they promise you. I will give you volumes about this particular craft that is called Conjuration. And I will bolster your Occlumency shields beforehand. I would rather prepare you in advance before you try to bring back something other than an animal." Death replied, as he summoned a bird.

It was a small Starling bird who stood still despite the panic that set in as it flapped its wings. Death stroked its head and Harry watched as it fell over...it's tiny body was stiff.

"Now, I want you to place hand over right where mine is." Death instructed.

Death moved his hand off of the bird and Harry placed his own in its place.

"Do you feel it?" Death asked.

Furrowing his brow Harry tried to focus on the sensation in his hand only. All he felt was the cold feathery body under his hand. Which was odd he expected the bird to be warm as it had just died seconds before. Maybe when Death did it...the body simply felt different versus a natural death? With Death's magic being cold it really shouldn't have surprised him.

"Look deeper Harry...just like with Hedwig. It's there...reach deeper." Death said.

Harry closed his eyes and reached with his magic this time. A thin layer coated the little body until he felt it...a tiny fluttering pulse. His eyes flew open in shock...there was no way it was alive. So then why did it feel like it had a pulse?

"I see you found it...you aren't feeling a pulse I can assure you. It is the Starling's soul...contrary to popular belief one's soul doesn't immediately leave the body after death. Now since you're not me...a small sacrifice is necessary. And you will need a talisman and the proper incantation of course." Death said, as he rummaged around the inner pocket of the black jacket he was wearing.

He eventually pulled out a small wooden box that was made of what looked like holly??  Death resized it and placed it down in front of Harry. Harry picked it up and immediately realized that it wasn't holly wood at all. The smooth whitish-yellow box was bone! What kind of creature had bones this size? A brief flash of the basilisk and the horntail came to mind. Honestly he'd never really thought about it. It was kind of terrifying to think that there were more creatures out there somewhere that were bigger even then those. It's why Harry had a healthy respect for magical creatures in general. If it can kill you...then you probably shouldn't mess with it and respect the creatures boundaries.

Opening the plain lid he saw a necklace nestled inside. Capillo Ex Mortuis, hair of the dead was blackened and braided to form a 'chain'. Hanging from the hair were small bones that could only be finger bones...or animal bones maybe. Black feathers and blood red beads sat on either side of each bone that dangled from the hair. And the center 'pendant' was the bleached white skull of what looked like a bird.

"Every Necromancer must have a talisman that helps ground and protect them...that and when used with rituals it will bring you closer to death. As my little master you are neither dead...nor are you alive. Your soul straddles the veil making you in a sense a bridge between worlds. That is why you will have it much easier than others. You are to always have your talisman when we train in this. You will not need it to form a bond with death like other Necromancers need. You are mine already...but it will give you a certain sense of protection while traversing the veil." Death explained. 

"So talismans protect you and form the bridge to the other side. And it's used for all rituals despite...my lack of need?" Harry asked.

I mean he was pretty set...his bond with Death transcended life and the veil.

"You're wearing it anyway because I don't need to worry about you summoning a hellhound. Or something equally dangerous and you not being capable of containing it correctly." Death said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

With a grimace Harry slipped the talisman over his head and rested it on his chest. Immediately a warm rush of dark magic seeped into his body as his own magic rose to meet it and mix with his own. 

"Okay now place your hand back over the Starling and find it's soul again." Death instructed.

Harry placed his hand over the Starling's feathered side. Reaching with his magic he felt the small flutter of a pulse that was it's soul.

"Now repeat after me in Latin 'Parvus Vitae Et Resurrectionis Erimus' then when you have it mesmerized repeat the same phrase in the language of the dead." Death said.

Harry closed his eyes and repeated the incantation again and again in his mind.

"Now, cut open the pad of one of your fingers. You need precisely four drops of blood as a sacrifice." Death said.

He pulled a wickedly curved dagger out of his sleeve. It's bronze surface gleamed in the light revealing tiny runes carved into the blade and hilt.

 Harry sliced a small cut into his thumb and dripped the four drops onto the small bird. After that he repeated the incantation out loud in the language of death. The body under his hand gave a jerking flutter before settling again. Harry opened his eyes and frowned at the still stiff starling. He was sure that he'd said it right...so why wasn't it alive?

"I suspected that might happen, you put too little magic into it. Your pronunciation was good you just used too little magic. If I had to guess you tried to use only as much as you thought would fit in its body?" Death asked.

"Yeah, I didn't think it would need very much so I barely used enough for a Lumos." Harry replied. It was sound logic surely a small creature like that didn't need too much? With his habit of accidently using too much magic...he always tried to use less then he thought necessary.

"Here I'm going to hold the correct amount of magic and manifest it in my hand. I want you to feel it and repeat it by using the same amount." Death said. 

Death cupped his hands together and Harry watched as his hands glowed and manifested an orb. Soft blue light emanated from it, Harry gently placed two of his fingers on it. Cold magic engulfed Harry's hand as frost crept up to his wrist. Oh...it was more like the amount needed for a Bombarda. Which is shocking considering that took enough magic to fill two and a half Starling birds. Well, at least for Harry anyway. He'd had to temper his magical output until he could do spells up to 5th year with the least amount of magic possible. It didn't mean Harry was weaker or the spells were underpowered. It was simply that it was the necessary amount to function correctly for him. If anything he had to be careful that he wasn't too rough while sparring...he held back a lot of what he could do. Harry just didn't want to hurt his friends or Sirius...with Death though...Harry had no hesitation. He gave it all to Death and then some. 

Harry sighed and looked back down at the small creature. Centering himself Harry cut his thumb again and massaged out the required four drops. Saying the incantation again in the language of death...he placed his other hand back on the Starling's body. His magic flowed seamlessly from himself to the tiny bird. And this time the bird did more than flutter...it furiously flapped its wings and chirped in distress. Surprised Harry took his hand back and watched as the bird flew around the room looking for escape.

He was so entranced with watching the little bird that it took him a moment to register the clapping he was hearing. Turning his head deathly emerald green met blood red.

"My you are full of surprises Harry Potter. That is the quickest I've ever seen anyone grasp resurrection, even if it's only a little bird. Myself is of course included...though even I was unable to completely bring a person back. All my experiments resulted in Inferi...I admit to still being skeptical despite hearing your lord status. But no one who is wholly light would drowned themselves in the darkest of taboo magic." Tom said, moving into the room.

"Tom I see that even the presence of Death wasn't able to keep you away...despite your fears." Harry replied, smirking at the elder man.

Tom's eyes narrowed as he regarded them.

"And why would I simply take your word that...that being next to you is Death." Tom retorted, as his eyes watched Death.

His glare fell from his face and was replaced by surprise as Death pinned the man to the wall. His arm was pressed to Tom's throat and the glamour had slipped from the entity's eyes. Molten silver with otherworldly blue swirls met blood red. Death's true gaze even unsettled Harry who was entirely comfortable with Death. It was because Death's eyes pierced the soul and could see everything. Everything good...everything bad, he could see it all no matter how hard a person tried to hide it.

"Watch yourself Thomas Marvolo Riddle...I know all there is to know about you. And while my little master gave you immortality that doesn't mean you can't die. You won't age and you won't grow sick, but that doesn't make you invulnerable. Because when you do die your existence is mine! Did you really think there would be no consequences for what you did? If Hecate and my little master didn't need you...your life and soul would be forfeit to me. So remember that as you live your new life. Because your future actions may save you from a fate far worse than death." Death hissed.

Frost creeped up the wall and coated the floor at their feet as the temperature dropped in the room. Death gave Tom one last penetrating glare before dropping the man to the floor. Tom doubled over coughing and wheezing his eyes wide. Death smirked before leaving the ballroom, Harry refrained from laughing just barely. Dumbledore and Voldemort had made his life hell once. And Harry was thrilled that he could see at least one of them brought to their knees. Harry wished that it could've been him who had done so...but at least he got to witness it. Knowing that Tom was one of Dumbledore's victims didn't lessen Harry's anger towards the man. Even if Tom hadn't killed his parents...his insane counterparts had made his entire life difficult. Harry leashed his anger and brought it down to a simmer. He wasn't that irrational damaged little Gryffindor any more. Letting his emotions run wild had only made it all the easier to use him.

Ravenclaw Harry may be but that didn't mean he suppressed his Slytherin side anymore. If anything he used it now more than ever...that didn't mean that he didn't regret his placement. He liked Ravenclaw just fine...but he'd never stopped wondering how different everything would've turned out otherwise. Especially now that he was friends with so many of the Slytherins. But he couldn't change that now Ravenclaw was the only place Harry could go that wouldn't be detrimental to his plans.

"Still underestimating me at every turn, I'm curious is it just because you're that arrogant or because of my age? Because we both know that you were quite the threat yourself at a very young age." Harry said, as Tom rose back to his feet.

"Perhaps it is so. I saw first hand some of what you were capable of by being attached to Severus. And yet a part of me can't help but challenge you at every turn. I think we have a lot to talk about." Tom replied.

"Then let's take this up to my study where it will be more comfortable." Harry said.

Remus's pov-Peverell Manor Remus/Dante/Regulus rooms

Remus growled throatily, before throwing his head back he clenched his hands on the edges of the tub.

"Remus are you okay in there?" Dante yelled from the bedroom.

Remus froze as did the gifted tongue that had been wrapped around him. Dante wandered in dressed in nothing but faded blue jeans that hung low on his hips. His mouth watering from the chest on display...he swallowed thickly as he looked away. He was supposed to be angry with Dante not ogling him! I mean come on pregnant wasn't the equivalent of dead! He had needs too and having two mates meant Moony had twice the fun. Well...usually anyway Dante was still being weird about the whole pregnant sex bit.

"I'm fine just enjoying a nice bath." Remus replied, well a little more than enjoying. 

"Have you seen Regulus anywhere? I was hoping that all of us could talk maybe?" Dante asked, Remus frowned it really was hard staying mad at this man.

"Ah, he's kind of busy at the moment but once he's done we can talk." Remus replied, trying to keep his eyes from straying to the water.

It wasn't for not though as an amused Regulus moved under the water. Exasperation filled Dante's face as he looked at Remus unimpressed.

"Is he in there right now?" Dante asked, clearly annoyed and upset.

"Maybe???" Remus said, lamely.

"Well, that's just great. Come find me when your done with whatever your doing in the tub. That is if you care enough to talk about it." Dante said, he left door slamming behind him.

Regulus finally popped up from the water between Remus's legs a hand resting on Remus's stomach. 

"Well, he's pissed off isn't he. I don't see what the problem is if you and I are intimate. It's his hang up he shouldn't get pissed when we're together without him." Regulus huffed.

"I know love, we just don't know why he's so adamant about all this. And it's not like we haven't tried to talk to him before about it. It's not fair that he's accusing us of not caring when he's the one that refuses to talk about it." Remus sighed.

"You think we should go after him?" Regulus asked, eyeing him.

That traitorous blush was undoubtedly on his face. 

"No, you're not done yet love." Remus replied smirking.

He hooked his right leg over Regulus's shoulder and used his left hand to push Regulus back under.

Remus growled as he was taken back into Regulus's mouth and devious fingers went back to work. He gripped the edges and curled his toes as a finger brushed against his prostate. Regulus hallowed his cheeks suddenly ripping a ragged growl from his throat. It didn't take much after Regulus started in earnest  he came gripping the edges of the tub...head thrown back.

Regulus popped up again licking his lips and kissing him fiercely. Remus groaned as he pulled away from Regulus.

"What's the matter?" Regulus asked, concern etched into his face.

"Someone decided now was a good time to wake up lay on one kidney and kick my bladder." Remus said, a little put out.

Regulus laughed grinning madly rubbing Remus's stomach still smiling.

"Not even born yet and already ruining our sex life." Regulus teased.

Remus snorted as he too smiled at Teddy's antics. Gripping the edges of the tub Remus tried to get up on his knees...but failed miserably as he slipped a little falling into Regulus's arms.

"Love if you wanted to be held all you had to do was ask!" Regulus laughed.

Remus glared at him as he gripped the other man's shaking shoulders.

"Just kidding I reckon the little one says it's time to use the restroom." Regulus grinned at the 'what do you think' look on Remus's face.

He groaned miserably as Regulus lifted him up and gentle sat him on the edge of the tub. Regulus grabbed an oversized towel and wrapped it around him drying the top of his stomach and planting a kiss on top. He helped Remus stand so he could take care of business.

Remus grumbled as he finished with the loo. Damn kid had him pissing like crazy all the damn time. He grabbed a fluffy blue robe out of the towel cabinet and covered himself just in time for Regulus to come out of the tub.

"I would've helped with that problem you know." Remus said, smirking as he gave his full attention to Regulus's exposed and wet lower half.

"Oh, it didn't take long. You have no idea how hot the noises you were making sounded." Regulus teased, as he thoroughly kissed a blushing Remus.

Wandering hands caressed his sides and gripped his ass. Breaking apart Remus placed a hand on Regulus's chest.

"Stop that now...we got to go find Mr. Grumpy Wolf and sort things. Or else he's just going to be more hurt because he thinks we don't care." Remus said.

A sigh escaped Regulus's lips...he didn't blame the man for feeling that way honestly. Dante had lived with werewolf packs his whole life. That being said not all werewolves were social creatures. Half of them only knew the basics of primary school...Dante was exceptionally well learned as he'd had a full education unlike some wolves. But He still found it difficult expressing certain things or even recognizing social cues.

So of course talking with Dante was frustrating sometimes as a result. He walked out into the bedroom to find it empty, moving to the closet he put on some slippers and sat on the bed to wait. A few minutes later Regulus came out dressed in the clothes he brought in. Black pants, a navy blue dress shirt, with black loafers and charcoal grey socks.

"It's a shame you had to cover up." Remus said, winking.

"Oh, don't worry I assure you that I only wear clothes so as to not traumatize the others. If we were entirely alone I would have no problems being naked. Besides could you imagine how dramatic Sirius would react to it?" Regulus said, smirking.

"I can see and hear that conversation...Merlin that would be hilarious though." Remus said, grinning.

He got up and linked his arms with Regulus, Regulus pulled out his wand and used a quick 'point me' spell to help find Dante. The house was huge and that didn't include the catacombs, garden, greenhouses, or the surrounding woodland. They walked down the main staircase and out one of the side doors. Skirting the gardens and greenhouses they came to the forest's edge.

"Babe, you might want to stay here and let me get him." Regulus said.

What did being pregnant suddenly mean he was incapable of walking in the woods now? Seriously he didn't need two mates acting irrationally.

"Why would I need to stay here? I'm perfectly capable of walking into the woods with you." Remus huffed.

He wasn't an invalid dammit! He wasn't so fragile that a stray breeze could knock him down!

"Remy, it isn't because I don't think your capable. But there are a lot of hidden tree roots and holes in the ground from animals. Twisting your ankle is one thing sense you can't see your feet. But if you fall and land wrong on your stomach...Teddy could get hurt. Granted he'll probably be here by next month with the way he's growing in there. But there is no reason why we should rush him out early Love." Regulus said, looking at him worriedly.

He sighed...logically Regulus was right he hadn't thought of those things. And he never wanted to be the source of his cub's pain or premature birth. It had only been a few months and yet he looked damn near seven or eight months along. Azrael hadn't been kidding when he said werewolf gestation was faster than humans.

"I hadn't thought of that when we walked out here. Plus, I'm in a bathrobe and slippers so this admittedly wasn't my smartest idea." Remus admitted.

Regulus pulled him closer into his arms. Kissing him gently Regulus backed away.

"Foolish Gryffindors always trying to save the day." Regulus teased, before disappearing into the trees.

Remus huffed and started walking back around the gardens. Thank Merlin there were a few hidden gates around the sides or he'd have to walk around rather then through the garden. He'd stopped Apparating some time ago and hardly ever used the floo. Magical transportation could admittedly be jarring. And not everybody landed on their feet as his other cub Harry knew. So going anywhere became rather exhausting especially since he had extra weight to carry around. And Merlin forbid if he wasn't near a bathroom...Teddy either laid on or kicked his bladder and kidneys. One thing was for sure he couldn't wait until he could see his feet again and didn't have to pee a hundred times a day!

Harry pov-Peverell Manor Harry's study (same time as Remus's bath time)

Settling down on the sofas that sat across from one another in Harry's study. They both simply stared at each other neither giving up on their impromptu staring contest.

"I want to see it...your lord mark I mean. You've already seen mine from my resurrection...if I'm to work with you and change my plans I want proof. Knowledge of Hecate can come from anywhere and your powerful friend...well it's best to know." Tom said, still keeping eye contact with Harry.

Harry snorted...the real question was what hadn't he seen at Tom's resurrection. He'd seen the two keys crossed with snakes wound around them. Hemlock leaves sat just below the keys. It wasn't a normal tattoo anymore then Harry's was. The magic Hecate used was very distinct much like Death's was. It was undeniable that the mark was hers and at the time Harry had risen his brow at the location. While Harry's had appeared on his shoulder where she'd touched him...Tom's was on his right hip. It had made him wonder why Hecate would touch him there? 

"Yes, well you didn't leave much to the imagination. But if it will speed this all up then I see no reason not to." Harry said, grinning.

He removed the outer robe as it wasn't needed anyway. Unbuttoning his shirt he only removed the right side just enough to uncover his shoulder. Turning slightly to give Tom a look...it took everything in him not to jump at the feeling of fingertips touching the mark. Harry felt Tom move away and busied himself with righting his shirt.

"Yours is decidedly...different compared to mine." Tom commented, watching him intently.

"So's yours, mine appeared where she touched me. What did you do... come on to a goddess Tom? A hip isn't exactly a place normal people touch while talking." Harry replied smirking.

Tom scowled at Harry, and Harry merely continued smiling.

"I would never do such a thing! I fell..." Tom stopped. Harry laughed...

"You fell...and that required hip touching? How cute, dare I ask how you fell?" Harry asked, horribly amused.

It wasn't every day he got to tease the 'terrifying' dark lord.

"No, that is none of your business!" Tom hissed and glared.

"Ah, well then what about Severus? He's my business and I have to wonder why such a 'feared' dark lord seems to be avoiding him. I mean he does have a death glare unmatched by anyone besides Death himself. But I would think with the way you were looking at him that you would want to talk to him?" Harry said, smirking at the annoyed glare he received.

"He might be yours for the moment...but I intend to speak with him once everything is more settled. I cannot think of him, acclimate myself to current events, deal with you, and rebuild the ruins of my empire. Hecate wants us to work together...I don't like it but I don't have a choice anymore. So lets at least get this hashed out so I can scratch it off the dark lord to-do list." Tom said.

Harry's lips twitched in a ghost of a smile. My...my Tom did have a sense of humor.

"Aside from my revenge, which Hecate has deemed entirely justified. I have many more ideas for equality of rights and the restructuring of the government. Besides all that I've been restoring two of my other properties. One as a werewolf preserve and the other as a possible school. I already own a media outlet that's been gently pushing boundaries." Harry said. 

Harry could see the curiosity that briefly flashed over the other man's features before it smoothed over. Yes, he decided that Tom need not know the reasons behind his revenge.

"Do those rights happen to cover more than your furry friends?" Tom asked, red eyes narrowing.

"Of course they do...the laws in England are beyond stupid. We're currently the laughing stock of the wizarding world thanks to Dumbledore and other fools. He has our country jumping at shadows with his fear mongering. Those aligned with the dark deserve just as many rights as the creatures do. And don't even get me started on how far Britain has fallen as far as education goes! Hecate fears for her children of magic...she fears that Britain will fall under it's own stupidity." Harry said.

"She fears that much for the balance of power...I'm not surprised. You are right about the education being wholly unsuitable. But my plans end with me in charge of everything, I need to know how this will play out in the end?" Tom asked, watching Harry intently. 

Harry briefly realized that he wasn't intimidated by Tom's scrutiny. The Harry from before might've felt that way in his past life. But he didn't feel that way now, for the first time Harry really did feel like he was Tom's equal. 

"I could care less about running the place Tom. I want to ensure that change is coming... I was going to let you have the Ministry's reigns. That is so long as you stick to the task Hecate has given us. I have a more vested interest of reforming our educational system and of course to ensure the balance of everything. Hopefully, we will find a new light lord who will work with us to fix the imbalance of our world. Until then there will be a power void. As well as a decent amount of people trying "to fight our so called oppressions". Light witches and wizards aren't always the most open minded of people. And with a new lord for them we may be able to avoid another civil war." Harry replied.

It was true with a new lord they would have someone to champion them. He knew it was hypocritical, considering the Dark had gone so long without their own voice. But Harry was merely thinking of the possibility for less bloodshed and fewer losses of life. Everyone deserves a voice...everyone deserved to have rights. Harry knew that it would be a daunting task but he was up for the challenge. He didn't want Teddy or his own future children to grow up in the world he had. His chest ached as he thought about his own children and the Teddy he'd left behind.

No, none of them would live in fear of who...or what they may be in the case of Teddy. Teddy had been too young yet and hadn't shown any signs of being a werewolf. But Teddy had been no more than four years old...from a few conversations he'd had with Dante he found that it varied. A child with one werewolf parent, who wasn't a bloodborne, had a fifty-fifty shot of being normal or furry. But if they had two werewolf parents it was a pretty much a guarantee. 

Although his Teddy-bear was even more special this time around. This time he had one werewolf parent and one reaper parent...that alone would make for an interesting hybrid. But if Teddy also turned out to be metamorphmagus from Black family blood... Well, he was certainly going to be a special little man.

"If it helps, when we get to that stage, we would consult together any major changes. Otherwise we try not to step on each others toes...our goals are similar enough. And so long as Hecate gets what she wants the two of us can co-exist. I know your not fond of the idea Tom but as you said we have no choice. Now since I am still in school growing my power base. I need you and the few adults loyal to me to do most of the heavy lifting. Continue weaseling your way into the Ministry for now. As for your imprisoned followers Death can control Dementors so it's as simple as me giving an order and retrieving them. However, I positively despise Bellatrix. You will keep her on a very tight leash if she is in my Manor! I will not be held accountable for my actions should she cause trouble. That and one of my followers had his parents tortured into a coma because of her. So the Lestrange brothers as well should be on their best behavior. Which brings up another subject." Harry said.

"That is acceptable as I know she gets...overly excited. What else is there?" Tom asked, as he eyes Harry.

"Punishment...we will not punish each others people. Faction leaders are responsible for correcting bad behavior. That being said again, this Manor is a Sanctuary. If they violate the rules neither Hecate or I will be merciful. The punishments' for breaking Sanctuary law is death or loss of magic. Everyone whether they know it or not agrees to the rules when they enter the property line." Harry said, narrowing his eyes at Tom.

He knew that Tom's people would have a harder time following the rules. Especially, Bellatrix...he was counting on her to fail...Neville would take such sweet pleasure in insuring that she never breathed again. Not only that but Harry had a suspicion that Neville was destined for something great. Death always got a strange gleam in his eye when he looked at Nev.

"That is acceptable we might have issues as you'll be in school and communication will be harder. Though far easier at least now that Dumbledore is gone...it takes little imagination to assume he watched your mail?" Tom asked. Harry snorted.

"Of course otherwise how does a famous person get no fanmail? Not even a letter from Gringotts for Merlin's sake. I knew nothing of our world when I first came to it, well at least the second time around I  was much better. Time travel is really easy when Death favors me so. But that doesn't mean that I will be abusing that little ability. The past is the past and it should remain so...however my extenuating circumstances...allowed for its use. I know your curious but remember what happens to nosy curious cats?" Harry said, smirking.

Yes, Death didn't like it when outsiders poked their heads into his business. Harry himself had a never ending fascination with just how and what Death knew. As one of the oldest beings in existence his knowledge was vast and varied. The things Death must've seen and the endless reaches of the galaxies...the multiverses alone! He was bound to always feel some kind of fascination for the deity.

The other man scowled, either because of the answer or that Death was involved. Or maybe Tom was jealous that Harry had an ally like that.

"As for communication owls are acceptable now that Dumbledore is gone. And Death comes and goes when I need him...he is my second and more than capable of running my faction when I am indisposed. So you had best get used to seeing Death. We share a seldom used ability to exchange thoughts, both of us prefer to talk in person though." Harry said, watching Tom think about what he said.

No doubt Tom, found Death just as fascinating as many others did if the look he was getting was anything to go on.

"So how is it that a teenager ended up with such a powerful...ally?" Tom asked, his red eyes boring into his own. Harry's lips twitched at Tom's curious gaze, the man was attempting to understand him. Tom could try to understand all he wanted but unless he found out about Harry's first life. He would never come close to entirely understanding Harry's motives.

"I told you already dear cousin...some fairytales are true. Especially the ones that originate here in the magical world." Harry teased. The annoyed look that followed could've killed.

"Three brothers who succeeded in trapping Death...each receiving a very special gift. One of Slytherin's daughters married into the Peverell line, until the three men in question are born. Ignotus Peverell bearer of the Cloak married one of their cousins by marriage the Potters. Slytherins bloodline gift ran thin until I was eventually born. Cadmus Peverell bearer of the resurrection stone, which you later idiotically made into a Horcrux. Had a wife, a son, and a daughter...it was the death of his wife that made him ask for the stone. His daughter later remarried back into the Slytherin line which lead to the Gaunts inheriting the stone which became the Gaunt ring. Her brother had perished from a bad bout of dragon pox at just barely sixteen. Not just anyone can be Death's master Tom...in order to limit the power anyone could have over Death...only those with Peverell blood can apply. I say apply because Peverell blood alone is not the only thing needed to gain Death's loyalty. The Peverell in question must pass certain qualifications. Death refuses to reveal all of them but one of them is that you have to die and return. Your obsession with immortality took you out of the running. The horcruxes disqualified you but one must also accept death instead of avoiding it. I have no fear of what lies beyond...death isn't the end it's the next great adventure...literally in my case. Which is why I was the perfect candidate...it's why my lord mark includes the sign of the Hallows. Which is part of the Peverell crest, Dumbledore and Grindelwald took and perverted it thinking no living descendants still existed. But it is also Death's mark..." Harry ended.

"So that is why the mark matches Grindelwald...but that doesn't explain why the two of them would use it. There are a lot of pureblood families who are in a similar state with next to no heirs. So why then would they choose this particular family? I mean aside from the legend and the interesting rumors of necromancy it's a normal family." Tom replied.

"The two used to be partners as in more than allies...the two were constantly attached at the hip. Both of them brilliant and idealistic...they fueled each others obsessions and passions. Which only became worse when Grindelwald gained possession of the 'Deathstick'. Finding an actual Hallow made them want to find the others...to control Death. But as Death was clever nobody knew of the special requirements. So they were chasing an unachievable goal...even if they gathered all three neither of them would've mastered them. Dumbledore found out the hard way when the Deathstick disappeared once I was dropped back in time. He had become the new master after disarming Grindelwald. But both of them had once been stupid in love with each other. They made and unbreakable vow to never 'hurt' or kill each other. The hurt part was a little broad in nature...but that is why anytime they duel it never ends in death. Well, at least their deaths anyway." Harry said.

Harry's lips twitched at the look of disgust on Tom's face. Either from the thought that anyone would want to be with Dumbledore or...perhaps the pact that ultimately stopped them from harming one another permanently.

"Just when I think I've heard it all...you tell me something else entirely." Tom said, dryly.

"Aww, come on Tom life would be boring if you knew everything!" Harry teased, earning a scowl from Tom.

"So my followers?" Tom inquired, Harry's brow rose.

He'd been expecting more push back from Tom...this was rather unexpected. 

"I will speak to Death about orchestrating it. In the meantime fix your love life and catch up with the rest of us." Harry said, pulling Tom's wand from within one of his robes inner pockets.

Grinning at Tom's glare he sat behind his desk an obvious dismissal.

"Oh, and try not to antagonize Death. He'll use any excuse to destroy you which means definitely steer clear of Sirius Black." Harry warned.

The last thing he needed was for Tom to do anything big or small to Sirius. Like look at him or breathe too close to him.

"Dare I ask why Black specifically is to be tread carefully around? And will that extend to my people as well?" Tom asked, a single brow rose.

"Well, unless they have a death wish or desire to have their souls eternally punished it would be wise to tread carefully. My lovely godfather is Death's boyfriend...Dumbledore made the mistake of having two of his lackey's kill Sirius. They succeeded however Death ensured Sirius would always be with him. And the two idiots in question are spending an indefinite amount of time suffering with a ley-line demon. Honestly, he was going to leave them for a week...then he forgot about them. So when Death remembered them he decided to simply keep forgetting about them. The time flow in a ley-line is crazy...I believe he plans to destroy their souls instead of sending them on or reincarnating them. My bitch of an ex-wife is in there with them, they should've never touched Sirius and I." Harry said, with a cheery grin on his face.

Tom hid a wince admirably...however Harry saw through the calm exterior. It never hurt to forewarn about possible future acts of stupidity. Especially, if Bella may be coming or going through the Manor. Her relationship with Sirius and Regulus...or lack thereof was bad to say the least. And with Remus pregnant well...better safe then sorry.

"So tell me how you plan to achieve this Ministry take over?" Harry asked, Tom nodded and started out.

Of course he would have to make sure that some of his deatheaters were still in position. But overall it wasn't a bad plan of action.

Dumbledore's pov ( Hajduboszormeny, Hungary) 

Things of course still weren't going Albus's way. One of his newer recruits Frederick Killian was healing the spell damaged gash in Albus's side. They had just returned to the dingy little inn on the outskirts of Hajduboszormeny. After their last encounter with Gellert, they battled in a small farming community just next to the Austrian/Hungary border. They ended up in Hajduboszormeny as it was one of the few places in Hungary he'd actually been to. He hissed as his skin finally knitted back together, Frederick moved away and tended to one of the others.

Gellert seemed to be on a murder spree with his people tagging along. As far as he could tell their movements were erratic and none of them seemed to be connected to Gell personally. So he'd been at a loss as to what the other man had planned. Looking around the room only sparked his anger more as he looked at his injured comrades. Most of the original order was either dead or murdered by his mysterious enemy. And now that he was a wanted fugitive...recruitment was much harder. If this trend continued he'd have no followers left...Albus briefly considered using some of his old tricks.

He was rudely jarred from his thoughts as Tonks had tripped on her robes again. She landed just at his feet...her eyes bloodshot and her appearance ragged. He glared at her as she recoiled after looking at him.

"Get up you stupid girl! I don't need worry about tripping on your worthless hide!" Albus growled.

Scrambling to her feet she disappeared around the corner. Oh, what he wouldn't give to have competent followers!

Yes, if the pathetic girl was one of the best he had left...then he would need more. And the news from Britain wasn't much better either. Returning was going to be annoying...his enemy had been busy. How they had kidnapped his daughter right from under his nose was beyond him! Not to mention the bodies he'd hidden by the Potter's house had been unearthed. At this point he'd have to obliviate and Imperious half of Britain's wizarding population. Tom also hadn't been active either...which was disconcerting. He'd planned it all out perfectly...Tom should've been resurrected again. And yet the man was still missing from the battlefield. All his contacts could tell was that Harry was alive and very quiet. 

Albus needed to end Gellert...he knew far too much to be allowed to live. He just needed one of his followers to be competent enough to take him in a duel. Albus stroked his beard thoughtfully...if the boy could fight one dark lord then why not two? He moved slowly to his room with plans forming in his mind rapidly. Whether Gell was dealt with or not he was going to get the boy back under his thumb by sometime next year. 

Regulus's pov ( Peverell woods)

Regulus huffed angrily as he nearly fell as his foot caught on a hidden fox hole. Bloody wolf just had to be a pain in the ass and come out here! Thank Merlin he'd convinced Remus not to come in here with him! Still following his wand he stepped over a downed tree. Shortly after he came to a clearing with a lake and sandy shoreline. Regulus spotted Dante sitting on an outcropping of rocks staring at the water's depths moodily.

"For someone who wants to talk you literally went to the one place that we couldn't talk properly! Did you even think about the fact that Remus can't go traipsing through the woods to find your sulking ass!" Regulus yelled, as he walked up his arms crossed.

"I didn't thi..." Dante started.

"No, clearly you weren't thinking about your pregnant mate. I damn near broke an ankle stepping in a fox hole looking for you! What if that had been Remus?" Regulus asked, his eyes narrowed on the blonde's slumped form.

"I thought I'd be back at least to the gardens by now. Plus the two of you were awfully busy without me. I just started walking and wasn't paying attention. I really do want to talk with both of you...I just...I know my distance is hurting him and this is hard for me to talk about." Dante said, his blue eyes looking at him with anguish.

"We've been trying to wait patiently for you to figure this out. You really did hurt him you know...with his childhood and self-esteem. Remus had a hard time just believing we both wanted to mate with him. Not to mention that he feels fat right now! Then you pull this and split us apart...and we were doing so good before this. You just stopped any sexual contact as soon as you found out he was pregnant...how did you think he was going to feel? Because to him it was like you suddenly lost interest. You have no idea how long it took me to convince Remus that...that wasn't true." Regulus said, as anger simmered just beneath the surface.

Remus was an incredibly sweet man who deserved better then the lot he'd been given. His self view was so fucking skewed from his father and Dumbledore...it was unbelievable. How could Remus not know he was beautiful even with all the scars? It just boggled Regulus's mind sometimes.

"God...is that what he thinks?" Dante asked, his face crumpled.

"In the beginning Remus did...now he's wondering if it has something to do with the baby. You stomp around barely spending time with us...you get angry when Remus chooses to be intimate with me...and every time we try to ask what's wrong you growl at us or walk away. And then you accuse us of not giving a damn! We can't read your mind Dante! We can't understand or help you if you don't let us in!" Regulus huffed.

Dante looked at him with sadness and disbelief.

"I'm going back to the Manor and when your done sulking like a child you can find Remus and I." Regulus said, he knew that had come out a bit harsh.

But enough...was enough already their relationship was suffering. 

He opened one of Death's portals and stepped through to the top of the central staircase. Another quick "Point Me" spell led him to Remus who was in the kitchen. Remus was wrapped up in a soft looking dark green blanket. He was sipping tea and making his way through a chocolate bar. He looked up and saw Regulus and smiled softly.

"Did you find him?" Remus asked.

"Yeah, I did and gave him a piece of my mind while I was at it. I told Dante that he could come find us when he was done acting like a child. His behavior recently is unacceptable...especially right now when all of us should be happy. We have a cub on the way...we should be together planning things. And he's just so standoffish that it's really crushing all the happiness...not to mention it's divided our relationship." Regulus replied, shaking his head.

Remus stood and hugged him close.

"I'm so sorry love...you had to deal with all my insecurities and Dante's behavior, and neither of us thought about how you must be feeling." Remus said.

"It's okay really...I knew it would be harder having a relationship with two people. And I don't mind if either of you lean on me when your upset. I guess... I thought that I had everything handled better. I don't want you to be worried about anything right now." Regulus said, as he kissed Remus's cheek.

"Yeah, I didn't really think about it either."

They turned their heads to see Dante standing just in the doorway.

"I know that I hurt both of your feelings...I honestly...I have such a hard time talking about this." Dante said.

"I think we need to take care of this in a more comfortable place." Regulus said, as he tighten his arm around Remus.

They walked out of the kitchen and down a hallway near the main staircase. Dante opened one of the doors to reveal a small sitting room. It was clean but hardly anyone used it besides Death. He guided Remus around the coffee table and sat on plush white sofa. Dante sat on next to them at the end of the sofa...Regulus suppressed a sigh. Dante was as far from them as he could be without sitting on the loveseat across from them. Regulus and Remus sat quietly waiting for the man to finally speak. It took a few minutes of bated silence.

"I know that what I'm feeling is illogical...but I can't help but be afraid. I mentioned my siblings to the both of you, what I didn't tell you was that two of my siblings died before birth." Dante said, his eyes were glazed and fixed on the far wall.

Remus let out a startled gasp and his hand reached out to grasp Dante's limp hand. Dante didn't even seem to notice as he stared forward blindly.

"Our mother ended up pregnant a year after Kiara was born. Everything was fine there was signs that said otherwise...we were moving through the Fichtel Mountains in Germany. We were so deep in the woodland and we hadn't encountered a town wizard or muggle. And we made camp as the air chilled and the sky darkened. She went into an earlier then expected labor...the baby was...it was stillborn. She was so heartbroken...she refused to give us the baby for burial. I will never forget her tortured cries...my father tried his best to comfort her. Right before she passed out from exhaustion she made my father promise that we wouldn't leave the baby behind. In the end we had a funeral pyre and kept the gathered ashes." Dante stopped, as a single tear escaped.

"Two years later she was pregnant again only three months along. We were encamped in the Primorye forest in south-eastern Russia. The hunting party myself included had gone off to gather wood and hunt for deer and rabbit. The only ones left at camp had been our elderly, children, and of course the few pregnant pack members my mother included. Normally we would never leave the camp so unprotected. But we were comfortable there we felt safe as the only werewolf pack in the forest. Winter had been harsher than previous years so we all went to find as many resources as we could to stock up for awhile. We never sensed them...we never would've left had we known. Hunters had come into the woodland...werewolves fetch a high price in the dark markets...even more so if they caught a bloodborne. They didn't know anything was wrong until some of the cubs went missing. My mother went to look for them near where they were last seen. She yelled for them and they didn't come so she turned back for camp. She ran back into camp not noticing that it was deathly quiet. In the center of camp all of the missing cubs were in a cage except for a little girl named Anya who was only three years old. Six men with wands and swords wearing thick cloaks and furs. The largest man had little Anya clutched to his chest with a silver hunting knife under her neck. She was squirming and crying as the knife burned her skin. The adults were seemingly frozen as they watched horrified as the horrid men threatened to harm the cubs if they resisted. They wanted the adults to get into a second cage they had pulled up behind them. As none of them were fit to fight they were either heavily pregnant or old. Another woman Eliza had tripped and fallen to her knees...one them was going to kick her not caring that she was with cub. My mother pushed him away as another grabbed her from behind. Two of the elderly men tried to help her...it devolved into a free-for-all. By the end of it the hunters were dead...but at a severe cost. Several of the elders had perished...the swords and knives had all been silver. All of the cubs but Anya were unharmed...she suffered severe burns to her neck and shoulders that scarred. My mother was wounded the most severely of the survivors. She'd been stabbed in her shoulder and abdomen with one of the swords." Dante stopped again. 

Remus was obviously distressed as he shook and cried. Regulus rubbed his back as Remus clutched Dante's hand.

"They thought she would die from her injuries. But she pulled through and woke up four days later to hear some very devastating news. The sword that pierced her abdomen...it...she lost that baby as well. Our pack healer also told her that the silver damaged the surrounding tissues so much that while she lived she would never bare anymore cubs. It had also damaged the surrounding muscles and had chipped her hip bone. She was told that she would have a permanent limp when she walked. She didn't just lose her baby...she lost her chance to have future cubs...she lost her ability as pack Lupa to help our father protect our pack. It was horrible to witness her grief and devastation. She was never the same after what happened. I know that this situation isn't the same thing....that Remus is safe and has access to a far better healer. I just...I feel like I might hurt you and maybe the cub if I forget myself while we're together. I never want to see Remus grieving the loss of a cub...not like my mother...and especially if it was my fault. Werewolf pregnancies are so delicate..." Dante stopped, as he suddenly had a lap full of Remus.

Bloody fucking hell...no wonder the guy had issues. He continued to rub Remus's back and kissed a stray tear falling from Dante's cheek. At least now that everything was out they could come together again.

Tom's pov- Peverell Manor potions lab

He stood covered in disillusionment spells watching from a shadowed corner. Severus was adding several vials with different numbers on them to several water dishes in tanks filled with mice. It would seem his lovely potions master was experimenting with a new potion. Thinking back he did remember the man say something about a potion to regrow organs. 

Tom still hadn't been able to go talk to him yet. And Severus wasn't trying to hide the fact that he was avoiding Lucius and him. Surprisingly Severus talked often with Barty...he'd no idea the two were friendly. He stifled a growl as he thought of them. Perhaps they were too close? Tamping down on the jealousy that threatened to surface from the mere thought. It felt so strange to feel the gambit of emotions for someone else. Oh, he'd had plenty of lovers in the past. But he'd never felt anything for them at all, they were just bodies that sated his desire temporarily. This time though was different...Severus was different. He had healed Tom's shattered soul and kept it close and protected. Not to mention it was Severus's magic that was the only one that could heal Tom. They shared a high percentage of magical compatibility which was the closest thing to "soulmates" that wizards had. It was such a rare phenomenon that the last recorded pair had occurred some hundred years ago. Not everyone had a compatible partner however which was why it was so rare.    

Severus started writing in a journal as he observed the small furry creatures. Tom couldn't help but think that the other man looked odd without Slytherin's locket and choker draped on his slender neck. Placing his hands in his pockets, his thumb brushed over one of the emeralds of the choker. He'd been wanting to give it back to Severus, but didn't know where to start. Tom had never apologized to anyone before let alone for what he'd put Severus through. How does one apologize for demeaning, Curicoing, and placing someone in an impossible and dangerous position?

Feelings were never really his strong point, he'd always viewed them as a weakness. So loosing his ability to feel emotions had been one of the more favorable side effects of horcruxes. Now though...Tom realized just how badly he'd damaged himself. His soul had been crazy, lonely, and broken until Severus saved him. 

The real question was did he deserve Severus after everything that he'd done?

Harry's pov-Peverell Manor Harry's study

"So it's going to hatch soon and be a dragon?" Blaise asked, as he looked at the large egg floating in a bubble.

"Yes, and this one is going to be mine." Harry replied.

Blaise gave him an unimpressed look.

"What do you mean this one? You have a raven, a phoenix, and an elemental ice spirit owl!" Blaise huffed.

"I only meant sense you stole Hedwig from me! And your already proving my point!" Harry snapped.

Hedwig was perched on Blaise's shoulder her feathered head was nestled in the crook of Blaise's neck. Blaise dropped his hand which had been unconsciously petting Hedwig. Harry's eyes softened as he looked at his baby girl.

"She is such a daddy's girl. She always picks you to cuddle with...Hedwig was my first friend before I came to Hogwarts. Hedwig literally died for me in my first life...I'm just a little jealous that she seems to prefer you to me now. I don't know... I'm just being stupid I guess." Harry said, looking away he turned to put his ice wraith egg on the desk.

Death had looked at it and predicted that it would hatch sometime next year.

"Well, that's because as a bound familiar she's linked to your soul. She feels your emotions stronger than even you do. So is it really so surprising that she would prefer to be around or cuddle the same person you prefer?"

Harry turned around to find Death with Sirius perched on his lap.

"I knew about the bond being that strong...I never thought that kind of emotion would carry through it." Harry replied.

Was that it then? Did his romantic emotions towards Blaise carry over? Elemental spirit or not surely it wouldn't translate back right? 

"If your wondering if Hedwig's attachment to him is born of your own romantic feelings. Animals don't know what those emotions mean, but they know what affection is." Death said, horribly amused at Harry's thoughts.

"So if Hedwig is loving up on her favorite daddy it's because he's your favorite daddy!" Sirius said, grinning and laughing.

Merlin, Harry shifted so his bangs shadowed his face. Looking under the fringe of his hair he saw Blaise was in a similar state of embarrassment  and Death winked at him.

"What do you guys even want anyway?" Harry snapped. 

"How about you tell me why you haven't summoned your parents?" Sirius asked.

Dammit, who the hell told him that? One look at Death told him everything he needed to know. Harry glared at the entity who simple rose a single silver brow.

"I have a duty to not take advantage of Death's power. Just because I can doesn't mean that I should." Harry said, irritated that Death would  tell Sirius.

And technically that was a lie he used Death's powers all the time

"But they're your parents Harry...they loved you so much and would be happy to see you." Sirius replied, he glanced at Blaise looking for a little help.

"Not that I don't respect your choice Harry...but I would give anything to talk to my father again...to say goodbye." Blaise said, Hedwig cooed at him bumping her head into his cheek.

Harry's eyes softened as he looked at the two of them.

"Don't be so sure that they'll love me. I know what I am and I know they didn't die to protect me so I could be this person." Harry said.

Everything he'd done since coming back was for his revenge or to protect people from the ones he was killing. Death understood and his friends were okay with it all. But he'd intentionally not told Sirius and Remus....all the others knew about Harry's side activities.

"But that's crazy pup your amazing of course they would." Sirius said, Harry could tell that he was upset now.

"You don't know everything Sirius!" Harry snapped, he was very quickly running out of patience.

Sirius's face went from upset to serious.

"What don't I know Harry?" Sirius asked, his tone of voice left no room for argument.

"Maybe you should just tell him Harry." Blaise said, Harry turned his head to look him in the eyes.

Harry turned back to Sirius and sat back onto the edge of his desk.

"I told you I came back to change everything and that I was getting revenge against Dumbledore. What I didn't tell you was how I was doing it. I've been using some of Death's abilities to orchestrate accidents and murders." Harry said.

Merlin, what if Sirius doesn't love him anymore? Could he handle losing Sirius emotionally?

"You've been killing people and he's been helping you? And clearly your boyfriend doesn't look surprised. Am I the last to know?" Sirius snapped, as he stood shrugging Death's arms off of him.

Feeling unsettled and tamping down on his feelings as they threatened to overwhelm him. Panic tried to claw its way up as he tried to hold himself together. No...no...no he couldn't lose Sirius. Harry could hear talking but it just sounded muted like he was underwater. He couldn't hear anything but the pounding of his own heart.

Blaise's pov-Harry's study

"Harry..." he said, softly.

Sirius was yelling at Death in the background, but all he saw was the frozen form of his boyfriend. Something wasn't right.

"Guys shut up! Something's wrong!" Blaise yelled, he brushed Hedwig off his shoulder as he crossed the room to just in front of Harry.

He put his hands on Harry's face framing it.

"Harry?...Harry???" Blaise asked, he knew it Harry had been too still.

"What's wrong? What's happening?" Sirius asked, upset.

"I think he's having a panic attack. This is all your fault he was so afraid of telling you! He was afraid you would treat him differently or not love him anymore. And Death should've just let it go instead of interfering!" Blaise yelled. 

Sirius actually looked properly upset but Death was unreadable. He knew that Harry loved them but sometimes he just wanted to wring people's necks. Harry was good at hiding his emotions but these are the people that are supposed to know him best.

Blaise pulled Harry into his arms and carried him bridal style to the sofa. He rearranged Harry until his head rested on his shoulder and Harry was sitting comfortably. Blaise rubbed his back and whispered in his ears. He told Harry that it was okay. And that he loved Harry even if no one else did. All the while he glared at Sirius over Harry's head.

"This doesn't seem like a normal panic attack. He's not hyperventilating or freaking out." Sirius said, trying to reach out and touch Harry's back.

Blaise tightened his hold on Harry as he glared harder.

"Not all panic attacks are the same it varies from each individual. Harry doesn't hyperventilate he disassociates. Harry's aware of his condition and is very careful not to trigger one. I asked him to tell me what it felt like once. He said that it was like everything stops. He can barely hear as if everything is muted but the frantic pulsing of his heart. And he goes into this trance like state...you can yell and scream and call his name but he won't hear you. And the whole time he's just unnaturally still. It can last for minutes or even hours, and when he comes out of it he withdraws back into himself. He can't even remember what happened sometimes." Blaise replied.

"How do we help him? This isn't hurting him is it?" Sirius asked.

"No, as I said right now he can't hear us at the moment. He's going through derealization it's almost like being disconnected from his body and his surroundings. He's here physically but he's just disconnected and still...so very still. His breathing only changes if he's been in this state for too long. Some people who go through this don't even recognize family or friends. I just talk to him and keep him warm while I monitor his breathing." Blaise said.

"How do you know so much about this...even I didn't know about it." Sirius asked, as he knelt down on the floor and stroked Harry's hair.

"I found him like this before...at first I thought he'd been hit with a spell or something. When a Priori Incantatem didn't work I freaked a little bit. Fortunately for my sanity his attack didn't last very long. I did some research about it so I could ground Harry if it happened again. He told me that he'd had them since his childhood. Harry had learned to cope and hide it from everyone including his relatives. His Uncle Vernon is a major trigger for it...after he killed Vernon it hasn't been a problem since. But apparently losing Sirius is also triggering. If Regulus hadn't told Harry that Sirius was okay and alive after you died in Diagon...he definitely would've reacted bad. Killing the people who hurt and betrayed him...and in certain cases tried to kill or frame him for murder...it's really helped him. His nightmares are nearly non existent and most of the triggers he had are gone. Anyone who says revenge is bad has never had Harry's life or lived through what he has. It's a miracle these aren't more frequent then they are." Blaise replied.

He noted that Harry's breathing had started going erratic. Shifting his hand from Harry's back he replaced it on his neck. Harry's pulse was fluttering fast under his fingers as his breathing came out in harsh gasps. 

"Sirius hold his back up." Blaise ordered.

He pulled Harry away from his chest and leaned him back on his haunches with Sirius supporting him. Blaise once again used his hands to frame Harry's face. Harry's eyes were moving now but they were confused and darting around. His breathing was still harsh and fast.

"Easy...it's okay...everything is alright. No one will hurt you...focus on me...on my voice. Nod if you can hear and understand." Blaise said, Harry nodded jerkily.

"Focus on my voice...listen to how I'm breathing...count each breath and match me." Blaise said, as Harry's eyes focused on him meeting his own eyes.

After a few minutes which seemed like eternity, his breathing evened out. Tired emerald eyes looked at him...Harry's awareness slowly returned to him. 

"It's okay I don't mind, I love being your favorite pillow anyway." Blaise said, a small smile graced Harry's lips as he got comfortable his head resting on his shoulder again.

Harry closed his eyes and sagged in his arms as all the energy left Harry's body. He looked up to see Sirius no longer upset but was...assessing him quietly.

"Is it safe for him to sleep right after?" Sirius asked, watching them.

"Yeah, so long as his pulse evens out and his breathing isn't bad." Death replied, for him.

"You really love him don't you." Sirius said, looking at him.

"Yeah, I do...it's hard not to. I'm fine with what he's doing you know. The more I learn about his past and the people who hurt him...the more I want to kill them myself. From the second time I met him on the boats to Hogwarts, I felt the need to protect him...to be near him. It sounds crazy I know. I even stabbed Moody in the eye for calling him a whore. So no I'm not bothered by what he's done, Harry isn't a malicious person. He had his reasons for all of it. If Hecate and Death are alright with it who am I to argue with the divine? I believe him when he says they're dangerous especially in Dumbledore's case. What are you more offended by the fact that he killed people or that you were one of the last people to know?" Blaise asked.

Sirius shifted on the floor leaning back on Death's legs, Death hadn't moved from his standing position since Blaise had grabbed Harry.

"I understand that we can't always avoid death...wars of any kind take lives. I think I'm more upset that he didn't tell me or trust me. And it's even worse when said boyfriend of mine didn't tell me either. It's a point of contention between us as is. But how could he ever think that Remus, Lily, James, and I wouldn't love him. I've killed too I was an Auror for Merlin's sake. And my mother might as well have been hellspawn. Remus didn't exactly have prize winning parents either. We would've understood or at the very least heard him out." Sirius said, he stood up next to Death.

"At least I know he's in good hands with you. Tell him I'm not mad and I'm not leaving him...and that I love him. But this conversation isn't over. Oh, and make sure your trunks packed McGonagall sent a letter. It's back to school tomorrow." Sirius said, he sighed and draped his arm around Death's waist.

"I still love you too...I just wish you could tell me everything. You have a hard enough job as the boss. But even the boss has to talk to somebody when he needs it." Sirius said, to Death as the pair of them walked out.

There was truly never a dull moment where his love was concerned.

Death's pov-Peverell Manor Gardens

Death wandered the maze of greenery as he waited for Argile. Passing an ancient yew tree Argile appeared next to him and didn't break stride.

"So what have you learned?" Death asked.

"Still no luck on finding the skeleton you're looking for. However, I did manage to partially eavesdrop on a scrying mirror conversation. I was careful to not just hide in the veil but suppress my essence. I couldn't get too close because I was afraid to be noticed. But the Yuki-onna was speaking to a woman and they said Harry's name. It wasn't hard to realize that she was obviously at the school for him. But I also heard them mention you curiously enough." Argile reported.

"That is curious were you able to hear more?" Death asked.

They knew of him and his master...that didn't bode well. Someone was pulling this creatures strings and had obvious designs against them. Interdimensional scrying mirrors could only be used by divine entities, prince level demons, fae, and high elves. The only thing they had going for them was: That they knew someone was after them and that it was a woman.

"No, I would've had to have been on top of them just to hear. I was half phased through the floor hidden in the shadow of a piece of furniture." Argile said. 

Well, that was something to think about when surveilling them. Death hadn't thought of that when he himself had watched the two professors. It was still more than they had to go on before.

"Where have you looked for the bones?" Death asked.

"Her personal quarters, the potions classroom, potions storeroom, and a few of the abandoned rooms why?" Argile asked.

He gave Death a confused look.

"The only way to kill a Yuki-onna is to destroy it's remains. By destroying them you don't just destroy the creature, you severe their connection to the other side and whoever may be puppeteering them. If she is after me she may try to get Harry first or use one of his friends to get to him. He returns tomorrow and that will return him to the victim pool. Try scouting for foreign magic...demonic magic or even transfiguration. You may have literally walked right by it without noticing it." Death ordered.

"As you wish." Argile disappeared mid stride.

Was it possible that Harry's watchers were also linked to the Yuki-onna? Or was it possible that more than one entity had an unusual obsession with his little master? Either way things had gotten more complicated and dangerous for the both of them.     

Chapter Text

Harry pov - Peverell manor

Harry carefully pulled out his deathnote from the dark depths of his desk. Harry then wrote the poor unfortunate fools name onto the crowded page below. It had been a busy couple of years for the deathnote.

"You gave everyone quite a scare last night." Harry almost flinched in surprise.

Death was sitting on the sofa to the left of his desk's side.

"It wasn't my intention to scare anyone. I have it under control and felt that it wasn't necessary to worry anyone with." Harry replied, tersely.

It really wasn't anyone's business but his own...besides the issue was handled.

"Tell that to Sirius! He feels horrible because he didn't know about it. You might be a time traveler, but remember that you're still young in this timeline. Sirius and I are technically your guardians...I always suspected there was more side effects to your abuse. I let you you have as much privacy as is possible for a bond like ours. But you surprised even me Harry! And lets not forget how inadequate Sirius feels at the moment. Sirius feels you like don't trust him...and worse yet like he failed you. I can handle you having secrets. In fact I expect it from you, but Sirius is different. He and I have had several spats over the secrets the two of us share without him. Can you at least promise to tell Sirius if your having any medical issues?" Death asked.

Harry scrubbed his face with his hand. This was way more drama then he wanted to deal with right now. What the hell was the big deal anyway? He was fine...and it wasn't nearly as bad as it was. Harry had expertly hidden his affliction for a reason. Weaknesses were easy prey for anyone to take advantage of. It was something he couldn't afford as he was still growing his power base. 

"I will promise him that later, if I know him like I think I do he'll hunt me down and insist on talking about it. In the grand scheme of things it was so insignificant that it really didn't seem important. Now I need two things: first I need to go down to Knockturn Alley before going back to school later tonight. And second I don't care when you do it...but the Azkaban break out for Tom. Honestly, I would rather deal with the pest infestation we have at Hogwarts first. Tom can't even function as a full Lord just yet. He needs to get his information and plans straight before we dump a bunch of crazy followers on him. It's a complete recipe for disaster that I wouldn't be here to help deal with. And Remus looks like he's going to pop soon...so maybe try to wait for awhile. At least by the end of my school year." Harry said.

He so didn't need to separate crazies and angry werewolves from fighting. His patience wasn't infinite in the slightest. 

"As you wish little master" Death said.

It took a moment to realize that Death had vanished. Sighing Harry stood and made his way back to his room. Unsurprisingly he found Sirius sitting on his bed when he returned.

"I wish I could say I was surprised...but I'm not all things considered." Harry said.

"Well, I guess one of us was surprised at least. Are you going to tell me what all that was all about?" Sirius asked, resting a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezing.

"It really wasn't that big of a deal honestly. I've had them for a long time and I'm really good at avoiding them. They started happening right around the age of six or seven. I would freeze up at the worse possible times and end up triggering an attack. Since my relatives died I've had next to none and my nightmares have been occurring less and less." Harry replied, nonchalantly.

Sirius pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut.

"Harry if something is bothering you, you need to tell me about it. Your sitting here acting like your feelings and issues don't matter at all. Harry you shouldn't have to down play everything! If your doing it for mine or Remus's benefit...just don't! We want to be here for you...we want you to rely on us. I know your used to only being able to trust Death...and I know a lot of people have betrayed and hurt you in the past. Harry you can trust me...I love you and want nothing but the best for you." Sirius said.

His eyes burned as he blinked back the unwanted moisture. Before he knew it he was in Sirius's lap with his face buried in the other man's neck.

"I've known your parents for a very long time. I know your afraid of what they will think of you...regardless of what they say I love you. And I'm going to be here for you whether you want me to be or not. I still feel like you should see them. It's the only chance that you'll ever have pup...even I'm going to talk to my father." Sirius said, as he rubbed Harry's back.

"Only your father?" Harry teased.

He couldn't imagine being Walburga Black's child...her personality left a lot to be desired. Harry remembered all the times she'd wake up and screech awful things at anyone in earshot at Grimmauld place. If certain hints dropped by Death were true, he honestly didn't blame Sirius...he grimaced.

"There is no way in hell I'm talking to that demon bitch ever again. She's done enough damage as is, I mostly want to ask Orion what happened. When I was really little he was a good dad even when Reg was born Orion was still a good father. And then he started disappearing more for work and when he was home he was too busy. Or so mum said...we were left with her more and more. Well, the rest is history as it were. But I can't help but wonder if what she said was true or if something else happened." Sirius said. Harry moved out of his arms to sit back on the bed.

"I believe Death once told me not to think about the where's, why's, and could've been's. He said it could drive any sane man crazy. And it really doesn't help that Dumbledore interfered as often as he did. Was everything real or just another manipulation? I understand why you would question the behavior change given what we know now. But Dumbledore has never been interested in the Black family as a whole. In both instances of this reality he only had contact with you, Regulus, and Nymphadora. I just don't see any possible motive as to why he'd tamper with Orion." Harry replied.

Sirius stood throwing his hands in the air.

"You have to admit it's unbelievably suspicious! One doesn't just change their behavior like that and if not Dumbledore then what about my mum?" Sirius asked, looking down at his feet.

"Sirius if your implying that your father may have been influenced by your mother I doubt it. All lord rings protect against minor forms of mind manipulation. You know that! Honestly, if not for their arranged marriage I doubt he'd even be with her. Have you ever thought that it was Orion's choice? I mean Lucius did the same thing going to work more often to avoid Narcissa. Knowing your mother like you do...don't you think maybe that's it? Or hell he could've actually been busy. Just...don't go looking for connections and making assumptions about them. Siri don't overthink it all to death is all I'm saying." Harry said.

Harry was really trying not to be annoyed at Sirius's worry. Dumbledore had his hand in just about everything...but for once the old goat was innocent. Death was right it was far too easy to fall into the  'what if's'. And seeing Sirius get worked up thinking about all the possibilities....it was a little upsetting. Especially, since Harry himself would be doing the same without Death helping him. 

"I know...it's really hard not to think those things. I remembered him differently and I really need to know. I told the twins to try and fix things with Arthur and I promised them I'd at least try with dad. I'm not going to walk away this time around...I hate to admit it but I think that I need this pup. And I don't think I'm the only one." Sirius said, giving Harry a pointed look.

"I see where your going with this and if it will stop people from trying to push me into it then fine." Harry replied, as he got up and looked around his room.

They were leaving back to school after their last minute trip to Knockturn. And he didn't want to leave behind anything that he might need. That and he really just wanted this conversation to end.

"I don't want to push you into anything...is that the way you really feel?" Sirius asked.

Harry turned and looked into the man's sad and concerned grey eyes.

"It's hard not to feel that way Siri. Your pushing it even though what happened last night should've been enough to convince you to stop. I'm just not ready to face them just yet...and if you want to talk to them then by all means do so. But why can't you just leave it be for now?" Harry asked.

It was horrifying enough to think that he might lose Sirius again last night. The small abused child in him wanted nothing more then to see the parents he'd longed for. The practical jaded adult in him said to leave it be...that he didn't need anyone's approval. Least of all his long dead parents...it really was something that tore at his emotions and shredded his resolve. Somethings were just better off not being said or done. Sirius gave him a hurt look before looking away.

"I just want to help pup." Siri said.

Harry sighed getting up and moving in front of Sirius.

"I know you care about me. But you of all people should know what I'm like. You were an independent child who cared little for other's opinions. I'm way past where you were and then some. Your instincts and morals make you want to protect and care for me as if I were a real child. Never forget that I am the furthest thing from a child...at least mentally anyway. My body may be that of a young teenager. But my mind is that of a war hardened adult who suffered countless betrayals. I watched you die in my first life....you and so many others. Part of me just wants to keep you and everyone else here locked away in this manor. Because I am beyond tired of being left alone and I don't want to lose anyone else who matters. You want to be a parent to me...and I have no problem letting you. But I'm okay...or as okay as one gets with everything that's happened. One day I'll be alright, but I need you to let me handle what I can. I promise that I will come to you when I need it." Harry said, before hugging Sirius tightly.

Sirius kissed his forehead and rubbed his back.

"I'm never going to stop worrying about you pup. I feel like I have so much to make up for in my absence." Siri said.

Harry scowled and pulled away.

"None of what happened to me was your fault! Dumbledore wanted me under his control and needed you out of the way. I'd rather have you in Azkaban then have you be dead. He would've eliminated you somehow no matter what. Don't you ever feel like you have to make things up to me. Don't blame yourself for something that was out of your control! I did that when you died in my first life, I blamed myself for events that I couldn't control. And Dumbledore and my so called friends did nothing to dissuade me of that notion. It took years and my eventual meeting of Death to change my thinking. I used to think I was better off dead...because at least the people who died for me would be alive. But Death told me that some events can't be changed no matter what. Some people were meant to die and nothing I could've done would've saved them. Up until he said that I'd carried their deaths with me. For the first time in a long time I felt like I could breath." Harry said, he didn't feel like a hug right that second.

But he allowed Sirius to do so knowing the man needed it.

"Alright I'm going to go and see if the other kids are packed and ready to go." Sirius said, as he released Harry and left the room.

Harry sighed and moved out of his room shutting the door with a click. He walked through the halls and down the main staircase to meet Death and Sirius.

"Where are the others? I thought they would be coming as well?" Harry asked.

"I asked the others if they needed anything at the Alley and all I got was Remus wanting chocolate. So it'll just be the three of us and afterward we'll drop you off at the platform. The others will get dropped off by Regulus and Severus." Sirius replied. 

"What about Blaise?" Harry asked.

It was a bit strange that Blaise would miss the chance to be together. Sirius grinned...

"He's staying so he can firecall his mother and siblings before going back to school. Don't tell me you miss your sweetheart that much." Sirius teased.

Death chuckled as Harry's face heated up.

"No, just curious is all. We should get going so we aren't late later on." Harry said, he moved into Death's arms and ignored the huff from Sirius who had to grasp Death's arm instead.

That's what Siri gets for teasing him dammit. This time instead of closing his eyes he decided to watch as one of Death's portal's engulfed them.

It was a decision that he regretted almost immediately. Death had warned him to always keep ahold of him no matter what when they travelled like this. He said that the creatures of the void wouldn't hesitate to take him. In the inky blackness Harry could see shadowy figures were moving around. Faces and arms pressed into the darkness around their path. Some of them coming mere inches from touching one of them. Death pulled him in closer and hissed as one became brave and tried to grab at Harry's cloak. Fear gripped him as he practically scrambled up Death's body. Light pierced the darkness as they stepped out into Knockturn alley.

"Harry are you alright?" Sirius asked, he was looking at Harry with concern.

Harry looked around and realized that Death was literally holding him with a single arm. Harry's arms were wrapped around his broad shoulders, his legs gripping at Death's hips, and his face was buried in Death's neck. Embarrassed Harry dropped his legs and pulled away from Death.

"Babe, what the hell happened? Is he okay?" Sirius asked.

Harry shuddered and shook his head.

"It would seem that he decided to be curious and see exactly what was in the void." Death replied.

Sirius shuddered and gave Harry a sympathetic look.

"Yeah, I looked once and never looked again it's why I still apparate mostly. I'd rather spend time with the dementors...they're less creepy then what's in there." Sirius said. 

"You warned me but how come it was like that? You said they wouldn't dare to come near you." Harry said.

He was grateful that his voice didn't sound as shaken as he felt.

"Normally 'they' are completely docile and unaware of the reapers who move through the void. But your fear excited them and made them brazen. It's why I always have people close their eyes and I levitate them through the space rather than let them walk." Death replied. 

"Why did the trip seem longer than it normally is?" Harry asked.

It was true it seemed like it had taken forever.

"It was mere seconds but your fear may have made it seem like it was much longer." Death said.

Harry nodded and breathed deeply before stepping out through the Alley. Death followed closely at his back while Sirius walked away towards Diagon to get Remus's requested treats. A few streets later Borgin & Burkes came into view, picking up his pace he made it to the door. Inside he immediately made for a warded section of books...completely ignoring Borgin who had called a greeting to him. Death simply followed inclining his head at the other man. 

Harry scanned the shelves carefully for the book he'd come here for. He stopped near the end of the bookshelves down near the floor. He bent down and pulled the book from the shelf. Carefully he flipped through the ancient tome before handing it to Death. Off of the same shelf he picked up 'Conjuring darkness', 'Advanced Runes Through the ages', 'Nature's Fury: Elemental Manipulation'. Satisfied with his selections he came back to the counter to see Borgin watching him curiously. Death placed the stack on the counter and watched as Borgin rang them up. When Borgin got to the last book he stopped and eyed Harry.

"Interesting reading choices young man...this one though I'd really advise against." Borgin said.

The book was easily the oldest of the texts that Harry had picked up. But it was also considered the darkest of them as well. It was written in a fusion of Sumerian and Sanskrit...which in no way daunted Harry in the slightest. It was what Death called the closest thing to a complete guide when it came to Necromancy. Harry had wanted to study more about the subject without taking from Death's private library. His friends and other allies might know about Death...but Harry wasn't going to make them even more curious about the entity. Besides Death's texts weren't even remotely readable not even by accident. The language of the dead was truly beautiful, but even deader than Sumerian...no pun intended. If they caught him with it he'd always have the excuse of 'not' knowing what it was. And if it was confiscated at least it wouldn't be one of the priceless works of art and history that graced Death's bookshelves. That and the older the text the less likely he could duplicate it without writing it longhand himself. Older texts were very delicate and even preservation charms could be dangerous depending on age and composition material.

"I know exactly what that is and I'm well versed in it's dangers." Harry replied coldly.

Sometimes it really grated at him that people underestimated him so much due to his age. Or rather the age of his body.

Borgin nodded as he finished wrapping the books and looked all too happy to see Harry leave after paying. They stepped out into the Alley as weak sunshine tried valiantly to come through the cloud coverage.

"Well, that was quick I thought I was going to have to wait for the two of you." Sirius said, as he approached from side street. 

"Did you get what Remus wanted? It's nothing strange right?" Harry asked.

Remus's craving had made his stomach turn more then once.

"No, normal flavors only. Reg says that the really gross food phase must be over with since Rem's only asked for regular food. No, extras added in thank Merlin! At one point Rem was adding chili powder to just about everything!" Sirius said, grinning. 

A shudder went through his body as Sirius laughed and Death smirked. The trio went back to the dark alley they'd arrived in originally. And as Harry grasped Death's arm he closed his eyes and felt them disappear into the void.

Argile pov 

It would seem that his hunch was entirely correct. Death had told him that his little master had sensed more than one powerful presence watching him. So Argile had decided to follow the three without telling them of course. He'd flitted about the alley while still being concealed within the veil. He'd felt something off immediately as his master and Harry had approached Borgin & Burkes. Argile had decided to remain hidden as he tried to pinpoint the source of the power. 

He could vaguely remember feeling it somewhere else before, but the memory was fickle as it evaded him. Several moments passed as he scanned the area from the rooftop he'd been perched on. Oh, there it was! The Alley directly across from Borgin's it was pitch black! No light penetrated the darkness that lurked there. It was just unnatural for anything outside in broad daylight to be so dark you couldn't see anything. It was completely unnatural....maybe it can't be seen from the ground?  Most curiously of all was that his master hadn't noticed at all! Death was easily one of the most powerful entities in existence....and yet he'd seen nothing. How was that even possible? 

Unless....no!

Maybe their original hypothesis wasn't so far fetched after all. Only another deity, servant, or angel could hide from Death. Immortal beings never warranted Death's attention at all. In fact unless someone questioned or messed with Death...he left them alone and they in turn did the same. His eyes narrowed...sighing he did the second most stupid thing he'd done in his reaper lifetime. In order to see who or what it was he'd have to risk getting closer. If he got too close no matter how deeply in the veil he hid the other being would know he was there. Argile watched the darkness as he jumped from one roof to the next moving away from the Alley. 

He didn't want to chance the other being seeing or suspecting him. He'd been standing on that roof scanning the area for awhile now. Though unseen to the mundane eye it would be clear to the being that Argile was looking for something or someone. So he leapt to the opposing building across the street before doubling back. Argile then dropped down into a regular looking side street just on the other side of the dark alley. He carefully traversed through the veil and through to the other side of the street into the alley. 

At first he couldn't see anything through the dense darkness. As his eyes adjusted Argile shifted restlessly...slowly he made out the the outline of a figure standing there. By the height, bulk, and stance it was clearly a man. He was standing near the mouth of the alley with his back to Argile. There was that feeling again like before...it was oppressive and thick in the air. The man's head turned slightly back as if he were listening...before his head turned back to the store. Argile made the third most stupid mistake he'd ever made. He needed to be even closer...close enough to either see the man more clearly or at least identify what he was.

Because the man certainly wasn't human nor was he a reaper. He creeped closer until Argile was less than a foot from where the other stood. He shouldn't have gotten so close....he should've stayed back..... he should've been more prepared for an attack....

In a blink of an eye he'd shifted and backhanded him as Argile hit the wall dazed. A single hand shot out and wrapped around his neck. Argile's hands tried to pull at the hand to get it off. His legs scrabbled for purchase as he tried to get free. He might not need to breathe but he was vulnerable like this. The man leaned forward and stopped near his ear.

"You shouldn't have come here little reaper...you should've kept on running." He whispered into Argile's ear. 

A scream was trapped in his throat as hot steel pierced his shoulder. His hands left the other man's arm to scrabble at his back. He scratched and pulled at something soft that came off in his hands. Searing pain radiated from his shoulder as his vision started to blur. The man dropped him to the ground before vanishing without a trace. Looking up from the ground he blurrily saw his boss and his little master walk right past the alley. With what little strength he had left Argile crawled through a portal and collapsed on the other side...

Death's pov

As they stepped from the shadows and onto a busy platform 9 3/4. Harry looked around and spotted Severus and Regulus standing with the twins, Blaise, and Luna. They moved to meet the little group half way. Not long after that Draco came and was flanked by Lucius, Daphne, Pansy, and Theo. He watched as his little master entered the train with all his little minions following.

The other adults gathered around Sirius and him.

"What are we doing next boss?" Regulus asked, looking at Death.

"I have an assignment to take care of as soon as this conversation is over with. Regulus and Severus will be going elsewhere however. Severus needs supplies that he can't grow at the manor anyway. I want the two of you to wander around Knockturn and Diagon. Harry wants to put out feelers in the political arena soon. Any information large or small could be the perfect leverage. Lucius I assume you desire to speak with your master after this. He will probably give you a similar task as well...Sirius can take you with him back to the manor." Death replied.

Nodding Regulus looped his arm with Severus and disapparated. Lucius glared venomously at Sirius as he moved to do the same. Sighing he too disappeared back into the void...he walked out into the Department of Mysteries at the British Ministry. Invisible to all he made his way down to the magical creatures holding cells. The department studied XXXXX type creatures....the ones that were incredibly dangerous. For all their blustering about the Ministry being fair and just...they were anything but.

Today Death was here for Armand Carnitine, an unspeakable that was the current source of his little master's ire. The man wasn't just studying the creatures...he was torturing them for nothing more than his own sick pleasure. The man was currently sketching their newest acquisition a Nundu, that was trying it's hardest to breathe it's toxic fumes at the barrier. Armand wasn't alarmed in the slightest as he looked up and then back at his sketch pad. The lithe leopard creature hissed and swiped at the barrier between beast and man. Harry knew the creatures were dangerous...but that didn't mean that anyone should abuse an animal. Death looked at the cell next to the Nundu, a Manticore was staring right at him. It's golden slitted eyes regarded Death with a calculating gaze. It's human like face tilted to the side, his lion's mane was fluffed up, and it's scorpion tail was rigid.

Death grinned at the creature mischievously as he got closer to the cage. Now why could this creature see him? Manticores while dangerous weren't creatures of death. It's eyes followed his every move suspiciously. All the while Armand was unaware of the interaction happening right under his nose. Death stunned the creatures as he took out one of his throwing daggers. The roars of a Zouwu covered up the scratching of his dagger as he took off several runes surrounding the edges of their cages. The Ministry was about to have a really bad day. He finished weakening the Manticores cage before working on the Nundu's. 

Stowing his dagger back into his boot he decided to sit and float near the ceiling. He snapped his fingers... the stunned creatures shook their heads. Moments later the barrier that served to block the cages openings failed. Armand still unaware kept sketching as the two beasts stalked closer to him. The Manticore's tail struck and pierced through Armand's shoulder as the Nundu lunged at his side. Screams broke through the sudden quiet that had settled over the room. The Nundu ripped off an arm as the Manticore ripped out his throat. Blood sprayed the wall and pooled on the floor...voices came from down the hall. The Manticore raised it's head growling before running down the hall, the Nundu took one last bite before following.

Armand originally wasn't meant to die in today's accident...circumstances changed however. He was only the first of many that was to die today at the Ministry. Death whistled as he trailed after the beasts... he stepped over bodies and gathered souls. A busy day indeed...

Sirius pov- Peverell Manor

After grabbing Malfoy they appeared at the bottom of the main staircase. He was about to walk forward and almost slipped and fell. Regaining his balance Sirius looked down and froze. Laying on the floor was Argile in a pool of blood! Lucius who had immediately seen the man laying there, unlike Sirius, had moved to the fallen man's side. Lucius turned Argile over onto his back. A strangled pained gasp left Argile as Lucius tried to heal the damage. Except the damage wasn't healing as blood poured out.

"Mipsy!" Sirius shouted.

The little elf appeared and shivered as she caught sight of the injured man.

"Master..." She squeaked.

"Mipsy...take him upstairs into one of the empty bedrooms. I'll go to the potions room and get some blood replenisher." Sirius said, moving towards the potions lab door.

Inside the lab he went to the storage room...scouring the shelf he grabbed a few pain relievers, blood replenisher, and a bezoar. Sirius had grabbed the last item as the wound hadn't reacted to healing. Some poisons wouldn't allow for healing until the poison was neutralized. Mipsy was waiting for him as he stepped out. She grabbed his arm and disapparated to the bedroom.

Lucius was still trying to close the wound in Argile's shoulder. Blood had seeped through the cuffs of his shirt and cloak. The sheets on the bed looked even worse than Lucius did. He looked up at Sirius and snatched the bezoar out of his hand. He forced it through Argile's clenched teeth and messaged his throat. Bloody hands took a blood replenisher and forced that down as well. Lucius kept trying to heal the wound to no avail. Sirius placed the rest of the vials on the table.

"Keep trying Lucius I'll find Death okay. Try pressing some towels or something into the wound." Sirius said, his voice quavered.

Death had business at the Ministry today...something about a lot of souls departing today. Sirius stepped through the void and stepped out nearly slipping again. The portal had dropped him onto a pool of tacky blood. He saw the savaged remains of what once was a man as he heard distant screams. Carefully he stepped around the body and ran down the hall. Seeing more downed bodies he followed the bloody trail to another corridor. Seeing a flash of silvery white hair disappear down yet another hallway. The screams got louder as did the shouting voices. 

He ran down and around the corner and nearly ran into Death's back. The shocked entity turned around to look at him.

"Siri, what are you doing here?" Death asked.

Sirius was going to speak when he went pale at seeing what was behind Death. A large Nundu was ripping open a man's stomach pulling out the entrails and digging in.

"Sirius...what's the matter? Why are you here?" Death asked again.

Sirius tore his gaze away from the creature.

"Lucius and I found Argile bleeding in the foyer...we can't get the bleeding to stop! And we can't heal it!" Sirius said, distressed he stood there stiffly.

Death pulled him into his arms and the darkness of the void engulfed them. Opening his eyes he saw Lucius still crouched on the bed pressing a towel onto the shoulder wound. His shirt was soaked and his face had blood on it, the bottom of his long hair had blood matting it.

Death moved to the bed and vanished the top half of Argile's clothes. He placed his hands just over the entrance wound...the soft glow of blue light emanated from below his hands. He repeated the same process on the exit wound on Argile's back. Death stepped back and was distracted by something in Argile's hand. Lucius though looked incredibly tired... banished the blood covering Argile's body. Sirius gasped as Death's work and the wound was revealed. Blackened veins surrounded the puncture wound of what looked like a sword's entrance wound. A bluish-white circle of runes had encircled the wound and hovered just above the skin.

He looked at Death and saw him inspecting the largest black feather he'd ever seen.

"What did you do...I tried everything I could think of." Lucius asked, the man almost sounded drunk.

Magical exhaustion sometimes mimicked the effects of drinking.

"I placed the wound in stasis and temporarily stopped the bleeding. The poison is stopping it from coagulating as well as stopping it from healing. The rune circle will also prevent the poison from spreading further. This isn't your run of the mill poison either...it shouldn't even be beyond the veil." Death replied, as he studied the feather.

He then put the feather up to his nose and inhaled.

Sirius's eyebrows merged with his hairline as he watched the deity. Why the hell was he sniffing it? Death vanished on the spot not even bothering to use his portals like normal.

"Mipsy, clean up the sheets and wash up Argile." Sirius ordered.

He grabbed the vials of pain reliever and blood replenisher and spelled them into Argile's stomach. He looked at Lucius who was just sitting there stiffly. Sirius walked around the bed and gently placed his hand on the blonde's arm. Lucius didn't really react as he tiredly gazed at Argile.

"Malfoy...Lucius come on." Sirius said, glazed grey eyes looked back at him. 

Sirius tugged at his arm and slung his other arm around Lucius's back, as he directed them into the side bathroom. Sirius left Lucius near the door and went to the tub to start the bath water. He tossed in some bath salts and turned back to Lucius. He seemed to be watching Sirius but still didn't look like he was all there.

"Luci...are you okay?" Sirius asked.

The tall blonde man didn't answer as he stared off into space. Sirius sighed and unclipped the cloak and let it fall to the floor. He started unbuttoning the outer robes and let those too fall to the ground. Which revealed a once white dress shirt, he pulled the bottom out of the waistband and started unbuttoning it. Smooth pale blood stained skin slowly came into view, he unbuttoned the final button and ran his hands up to Lucius's shoulders. His gaze followed his hands as he was startled to meet Lucius's now focused gaze. The look he was giving Sirius was strangely intense as he dropped his hands and backed away. Fighting the embarrassed blush that was undoubtedly on his face he turned to busy himself with turning off the water.

"I see your back to normal now. You're a complete mess...finish undressing and I'll have Mipsy bring you some clothes from Severus's room. I'll take my chances with a pissed off Snape rather then an angry dark lord." Sirius said, the dark lord and Snape were the closest in height to Lucius.

He didn't even look back as he moved as fast as he could away from the blonde.

What the hell was that? He just wanted to help Lucius since he didn't seem like he was all the way there. Oh, Merlin what the man must be thinking right about now! Their wasn't anything there between them...at least not on his end he loved Death. But if anybody had seen what had happened...it definitely looked incriminating! He buried his face in his hands and sank to the floor of the hallway. All he had wanted to do was help...he hadn't meant anything by it. Sirius had done it dozens of times for Remus after the moon, and Death after a long day, and on a few occasions for Harry when he was too tired after training and a Scrougify simply wouldn't cut it.

There was nothing overtly wrong or even sexual about it. Maybe it was just because of the way Lucius had looked at him? Or maybe it was the fact that even though they knew one another...they technically didn't know each other that well. One thing was for sure he was going to have a difficult time looking Lucius in the eye. Standing up he went down to the room he shared with Death and took his own bath. After all going to see a werewolf while being covered in blood wasn't a good idea.

Regulus pov-Knockturn alley

Regulus moved out of the corner of a seedy pub. Severus and he had split up and wandered back and forth between the two alleys. So far he'd heard nothing worth political blackmail...hopefully Severus had learned something. Otherwise this trip would be a wash, stepping back into the alley he saw Severus casually leaning against a wall. Nearby a group of three wizards were talking unaware of Severus's presence.

The man wasn't even disillusioned and yet none of them seemed to notice. It was something he'd often admired and was jealous of. Severus could be the center of attention without trying or he could melt into the shadows and be entirely unseen. There were times when Regulus wished he could've been more like Severus. Like when the older Slytherins had made their snide remarks about Sirius...and even Bella when they knew she couldn't hear them. Or when they bullied him because of Sirius. He loved his brother but their were times when he shamefully wished he'd never been related to Sirius.

Severus and Lucius had eventually taken him under their wings. They still messed with him but not as badly and neither had a problem dealing with Bella. There were times when he wished to be as invisible as possible....time and a few growth spurts later. Well, that was all in the past now and nobody bullied him now. The three wizards moved on past where Regulus was standing. Looking up he caught Severus's eyes, with a nod Regulus crossed the street to join Severus.

"Anything of particular interest?" Regulus asked.

Severus shook his head and started walking.

"Not unless you want to know the latest Witch Weekly gossip." Severus snarked.

His voice was just dripping with contempt for the no doubt boring conversations he'd had to endure.

"I'm afraid I did no better, unless your curious about what Alfred's smuggling on the dark market?" Regulus replied.

"No, I have no desire to find out what illegal beasts he's smuggling now. I can't believe the man hasn't been caught yet as is. He's as bad as Hagrid is and then some. No, other than finding out which illegal potions ingredients are in stock nothing worth mentioning." Severus said, shaking his head.

"Well, shopping districts may be a hub of people...but not always worth gathering intel at. I would've been incredibly impressed if we had found something on the first trip. So...how is everything going with Draco and Lucius?" Regulus asked.

He'd be lying if Regulus said he didn't have a small inkling about the two older men. Though Draco being Severus's kid never actually occurred to him. Severus's lips thinned as he turned away.

"Draco has been handling it surprisingly well all things considered. And Lucius and I haven't spoken since the night we told Draco the truth. It...brought up a lot of unresolved things between us." Severus said, rounding a corner with Regulus not far behind.

He moved out of the way of some rude wizards and came back to Snape's side.

"Truthfully, it doesn't surprise me that the two of you were together. For all of the bullshit that the Malfoy's preach about blood purity...Lucius was remarkably different. The whole thing with Draco though I wasn't expecting that. What's mini Lucius like anyway?" Regulus asked.

If it wasn't for Harry, Regulus seriously doubted he'd ever had met Draco. Even now having the kid wander the manor and they'd never spoken directly. Regulus could easily admit to being curious about his little cousin.

"He's smart and cunning when he feels like it. Draco has or should I say had an over romanticized view of Lucius. His father this and his father that...it was beyond annoying sometimes. Combined with his whining and spoiled attitude. But he's really grown up recently and shown far more maturity and grace. I love him....I really do he's just so naïve and I blame Lucius for it. He's sheltered Draco since birth and never told him anything. I wanted Draco to be smarter then both of us. To make far better choices than Lucius and I...now he's caught up with Potter. I know he's the lesser of two evils and that Draco has really changed since meeting him. But that doesn't stop me from worrying about him." Severus said. 

Regulus nodded          

Harry's pov-Hogwarts

The train ride had flown by relatively quickly as everyone talked about their break. Even the carriage ride had been faster than what Harry remembered. And now they were in the great hall clustered at the Slytherin table. His eyes strayed to the teachers table before stopping at Raiden's relaxed form and narrowed.

Harry was beyond tired of playing games, he wanted answers and he wanted them soon. Hanging back and waiting was really starting to grate at his patience. Tomorrow...he'd confront the man after class. And not even his missing timetable was going to deter him. The longer they waited looking for the bones the closer they came to having another victim. Another victim that Harry wasn't willing to sacrifice...he wasn't Dumbledore. Harry wasn't going to use people and throw them away afterward. No, no more lives will senselessly be lost to the machinations of those who opposed him.

Harry was so caught up in his thoughts he missed being watched by two people. Blaise shifted next to him drawing his attention and finally noticing the concerned look directed at his person. He grabbed Blaise's hand under the table and squeezed it. He gave the most reassuring look he could to the other boy. Harry stood and made his way out of the dining hall. He needed to be down in the chamber tonight and knew the others would cover for him. The halls were empty with everyone still at dinner. A few staircases later and a short walk down a deserted hall and he was in the girl's bathroom. Hissing a an 'Open'  and 'Stairs'  before disappearing down the entrance tunnel. Shedding his outer robe and blazer jacket, he rolled up his sleeves and pulled out his wand. He could feel the elder wand pulse and call out to him. But he ignored it and used his normal wand. He spent the better part of an hour destroying the training dummies in the dueling room. Salazar watched him silently only interrupting to correct his form or wand movements.

Once satisfied that his mood was calmer he went back out to the main chamber. The basilisk still slept in the corner reeking of Death's magic. Someday he'd wake Nilexi up and find a way to take her from the chamber. He patted the side of her frozen head and moved to one of the pools of water. As it turned out the snake heads that lined the walkway were charmed to pull water from the lake for Nilexi to drink. So there was pools of water on either side of the main walk in. He stopped just at the edge...his shoes mere inches from the water. Channeling his magic through his hands he pulled a stream of water up to his right hand. Then he just...let go. Harry stepped onto the water without sinking and standing on the surface. The streams of water coiled around his body like a snake as he stood in the center of the water pool. Harry had been practicing with small amounts of his bath water over the past few weeks. He decided to play with it a little. The streams came together and changed forms in the air around him. Fish made entirely of water swam through the air, the many heads of a hydra were next as they thrashed and rose up, tiny little fairies danced inside bubbles. He'd come a very long way since he'd started elemental manipulation. And even farther since Death first showed him how to freeze water. It had become easier after Blaise had suggested just playing with it. He thought it would be easier for Harry if he did what he did best...wing it. So Harry started to just try to make shapes.

Harry loved Death but he wasn't the most hands on teacher. When it came to everything but Necromancy, Death just showed him once and just expected you to figure it out. It was frustrating sometimes...but ultimately Harry thought he was better for it. Death didn't give him all the answers he made Harry work for it. Every spell...every book...every project Death made him figure it all out for himself. The water swirled around him taking the various shapes of creatures. He walked on the water freezing it with every step back to the stone floor. He turned back and looked at the frozen streams of water. Satisfied with his progress he let the water melt and fall all at once, causing the water to churn and splash. Grabbing his robe and blazer he headed to side wall on the other side of Nilexi's sleeping form. It had taken awhile but Harry had found some of the hidden passages that lead up to the castle. It had never made sense to Harry that there would only be one entrance in and out. Even if it was below the ward line and you could apparate in and out...it just seemed inconvenient to him. Salazar wasn't just a founder he was a teacher and a head of house too. He would have to make it back up to the castle quickly in case of emergency. The doors were well hidden through out the chamber. He'd discovered one that lead out to the forbidden forest, another dropped out on the second floor, and the third was the most useful of all. 

Harry had unwittingly discovered what Salazar called Rowena's Hallway. He had to climb up a stairway until a door appeared at the line where the wards began. Opening it Harry had found a long corridor filled with doors on either side. Each door had a plaque that labeled just where it appeared. The hallway just like Rowena's other creation, the room of requirement, was unplottable and seemingly was always empty. There was a door for every floor, every common room, and even for every teacher's office. Salazar said that due to the castle's size and moving staircases, it made it incredibly hard to traverse the castle in a hurry. Which is why there were also doors for the library, kitchens, infirmary, astronomy tower, there was even a door for the greenhouses. It made it even easier to move around the castle unseen...but was risky he had no idea which teachers knew of the hallway and which ones didn't. The doors were peculiar though as outside of the hallway the doors didn't exist. 

Harry stepped out of several doors before and noted where he stepped out. Each time he found that their was no door once he stepped out. It would vanish and leave nothing but a wall behind. Harry concluded that the hallway must function as another pocket dimension. He had a similar theory about the room of requirement, since pocket dimensions couldn't be plotted. Anyway he believed the hallway was a pocket dimension within the center or heart of the castle. The hard part was finding the hallways entrance again...it seemed to shift around each of the floors much like the staircases do. Harry had even asked Sal where they all were and only received a smirk for his troubles. The house elves didn't seem to know when he asked them. He chose the doorway that let out into the Ravenclaw common room just in time for curfew. He turned back as the door vanished from the dark shadows of a bookcase. 

He climbed up the dorm steps to his shared dorm and gently closed the door behind himself. His other two dorm mates had their curtains drawn and their lamps out. Harry walked quietly passed them to the still lit lamps of his and Blaise's beds. Blaise had his back to the headboard with a book in his lap and Hedwig cuddled into his side. Harry smiled at his girl shaking his head and dropping his bundled jacket and robe on his bed.

"Are you okay Harry? You left early from the feast and we had to tell Flitwick that you weren't feeling well." Blaise said, Harry combed his fingers through her feathers.

Hedwig clicked her beak not once waking up.

"I'm fine...just frustrated with everything. I'm not used to doing nothing, I've plotted behind the scenes...but this Yuki-oona has forced me to sit back. We've got school and training to distract me...I guess I'm not used to letting someone else handle things. Argile still hasn't found the bones yet and we only have a few short months before school is out again. It's making my skin crawl...I can feel the danger. And yet I can't deal with it or do anything really. Death says we can only kill her if we destroy the bones first. In the mean time we what? Wait for more bodies to drop and hope she doesn't get someone I actually care about? It's maddening is what it is! And we still don't know why she's here other then the fact that she's here for me." Harry said, huffing in annoyance.

"Wait when did you find out she was here for you?" Blaise asked, crap he'd forgotten to tell him.

"Uh, during break Argile overheard the creature speaking to someone on an interdimensional scrying mirror. She mentioned me and Death but otherwise he couldn't get close enough to hear anything really useful. Well, at least the person she was talking to was female. But that was about it as far as we know at the moment." Harry replied, as he moved to change into his pajamas.

"And you didn't tell me why again? Harry you can tell me anything...you don't need to sugar coat it for me. I'd rather you told me the truth no matter how bad or shady." Blaise said, Harry smiled as he settled on the bed next to Blaise.

He did tell Blaise far more than he told anyone else besides Death and Tom. It wasn't from lack of trust or anything...sometimes things just happened and Harry reacted accordingly. And sometimes he forgot to mention those things after the fact.

"I know Blaise...things just happened. And with Tom's resurrection and everything else it just kinda slipped my mind a little. It has zero to do with trust and everything to do with having my attention split in so many directions. I have so much still to do. So many plans...as well as school work. Sometimes I wish I'd just skipped returning to school again...and then I remember you and everyone else is here. That and it would be too complicated using either a golem or faking my own death and coming up with a whole knew identity. Either option would've tipped my hand much too soon. Or given Dumbledore leverage in the case of a golem. I just...it gets tiring real fast. But I know someday it will all be worth it in the end." Harry replied, he laid down until he was laying on Blaise's left side.

Blaise snorted and maneuvered an indignant Hedwig into the soft velvet lined nest in Blaise's top drawer.

He shifted to lay on his side and pulled Harry into his arms again. Sighing Harry just barely remembered to use wandless magic to turn out the lights and shut the curtains. Not long after he drifted asleep listening to Blaise's heartbeat. 

Barty pov- Peverell Manor

He closed the book on 'Ritual Transfigurations' he'd been reading and placed it on the table. Getting up he winced as his leg twinged in pain. Even after all the bed rest and healing his leg still wasn't the same. While Barty didn't limp he was still moving too slow. He had to get back into shape so that he could serve his Lord. Being here with the others and his Lord had been...some of the best days he'd had in a while. Moving slowly he started down the hall and down a few more staircases. Finally he arrived at the black marble staircase going down to the first floor. This place had too many rooms and too many bloody staircases!

The little lord had said something about having a present for him in the catacombs. He looked around the entrance hall...catacombs...now how did he get to those? What was the damn house-elf's name again Missy? Misty? Mipsy...!

"Mipsy!"

The little elf popped up in front of him smiling.

"What can Mipsy be doing for master's guest?" Mipsy asked,

"Your master says there is something in the catacombs for me?" Barty asked.

Mipsy nodded her head, her ears flopping.

"Yes, master did leave you a present. Mipsy was told to take youse down to the catacombs. He said to not let you lose the way down there! Master and Master Death haven't explored the full length of the catacombs. So it be unsafe to wander from the main path!" Mipsy replied, she waved her hand in a beckon to follow.

He followed her to the secret catacomb entrance and was immediately weary. The tunnel was dark and he could feel the cold trying to seep into his bones. He shivered and kept a keen eye on the little elf. Something about this place...this tunnel...told him that he didn't want to be lost and alone in it. The elf was holding a ball of flame in it's hand and looking back every so often at him. The walls shimmered and glittered as the light caught them. Whatever stone it was carved out of it was beautiful. Without the light the stone looked almost dark purple or black. But with the light it glittered like the night sky...specks of iridescent blue shone against the darkness of the rest of the stone.

After a time the tunnel opened up into a larger room that seemed to be packed with ritual supplies. Floor to ceiling shelves decorated the walls overflowing with jars, vials, ritual daggers, bones, ritual chalk, crystals, candles, books, even large bundles of various clothes. He furrowed his brow as Barty tried to remember a ritual that required special cloth. None came to mind as Mipsy moved passed the room and continued down the hall. The wall opened up again after a short while this time the walls has shelves with weapons. The fire light bounced off the walls and weapons bathing the room in an eerie light. An Armory? What on Morgana's green earth would a set of catacombs need an Armory? Weapons that weren't wands hadn't been used in centuries for combat. Most magical folk didn't have the magic necessary to channel through the weapons.

Well, at least not in recent memory anyway. There were rumors that the founders were capable of it. But it was never confirmed for anyone other than Gryffindor's sword. The artifact existed but hasn't been seen in centuries. Not to mention that kind of warfare just didn't happen anymore. Most wizards considered it barbaric and only a few of the older pureblooded families teach the heirs how to use swords. It was a shame really. He himself had wished to learn but his father didn't see the point of it. It had squashed that particular interest into the dirt. But then his father never cared much for what Barty wanted. It didn't stop him from trying to self teach himself how to use daggers. He'd never be a master or even very good at it but it was a small comfort. Being helpless without his wand for so long had...had negative side effects. Besides the werewolves and vampires seldom ever used wands...and that's if they were even capable. Vampires simply couldn't though one or two anomalies happened in recorded history. And werewolves mostly weren't allowed an education unless they lived outside of Britain.

That being said he'd always been fascinated by mage and wand lore. Ever since Ollivander told him the wand always chose the wizard...he'd been obsessed! For Barty it was the why...more so than the magic. Why did only certain cores or woods choose that particular wizard? Why not another wizard? A lot of Ollivander's wands were similar in cores and woods. Brother wands were more common than most people were aware. Ollivander used dragon heartstring, unicorn hair, and very rarely phoenix. The woods varied but the cores were generally the same. Barty wouldn't be surprised in the least if half of Britain had each others brother wand as a result. Almost everybody got their wands there. But most of the darker families went to shops in Knockturn or even other countries. The wands abroad had more core choices and better choices of wood. Ollivander was simply too set in his ways as had his father and grandfather before him.

His original wand had been from Ollivander because his father wouldn't hear of going else where. It had been ash wood with dragon heartstring. Ash wood was usually matched with stubborn, arrogant, and not easily swayed people. Barty could easily admit that his younger self had been all those things and more. Once he threw himself all in to something nothing would sway or stop him. It was just one more thing his father hated about him. He sneered at the mere thought...why did he care about what his failure of a father felt? He shook his head and palmed his new wand as he kept walking behind Mipsy. Sirius and his silver haired companion took him to Knockturn. He'd found a match with a blackthorn wood and Zouwu fur. Honestly, he had thought that no wand would fit him as well as his first. But had been pleasantly surprised none the less. His core was seldom ever used at all since it was considered too volatile. Blackthorn is usually quite gifted with the dark arts. Though blackthorn was also said to choose someone who'd gone through many hardships. As well as being ever in danger and decidedly warrior like. Perhaps his stay in Azkaban had effected him more than he thought.

Or had he himself changed since the last time he was free? Barty could truthfully say he wasn't the same man who went into that awful place. They rounded a corner and walked into an alcove that had several cells barred off in the rough hewn walls. Mipsy led him to the last and he caught a glimpse of his 'gift'. A vicious grin came upon his face...the little lord brought him a great present indeed. Seeing his father laying unconscious on the floor. Anger and hate flashed through him like fiendfire. 

"Mipsy, will take youse to a special room just beyond here. It has very special table that won't allow someone to die. Mipsy, will show youse yes she will." Mipsy said.

The little creature snapped her fingers and he watched as his father started levitating after her. It was another small walk with a few more twists and turns. He couldn't keep the smirk off his face as he walked behind the two. The little elf didn't seem to care that Senior's head or other limbs would hit the sides of the tunnel on occasion. Usually house elves were more careful when transporting something. They finally hit what appeared to be the end of the tunnel. In the domed room was an altar that took up the center of the room. As Mipsy placed his Senior down onto the top of the altar he curiously looked at the runes. He recognized a few that stood for healing but the others....he'd never seen anything like it!

"Mister Barty sir watch me real quick so I can teach youse how to use special table." Mipsy said.

His brow rose...most elves would never talk to a wizard like that in a demanding tone. Besides he could study the runes at another time. 

"This one here is to heal the wounds on the person." Mipsy said, she pointed to the half moon symbol. 

"This one here will let you finally kill when your done. Or you could just take him off of the table." Mipsy said, she pointed to an odd rune that looked like a heart with lines through it. The lines were wavy and flowing straight through.

"This one here will release the binds Mipsy activated." Mipsy pointed to two connected runes. One was meant to bind and the other translated to shadow....shadow binds?

"Mipsy, is going to leave you to it Mister Barty. Youse call me if youse can't find your way out. Otherwise Mipsy come get you when dinner be ready." Mipsy said.

He nodded as she vanished from view. He looked down at his father and sneered he'd been waiting a long time for this. Even at the height of the last war when he wanted nothing more...he...Barty just couldn't do it. He had no such feelings now...not after what that man forced him to go through! His wand came out of his pocket and he cast an 'Enverate'. He watched as Senior started moving groggily and opened his eyes. It took a few minutes for the man to look around before he stopped on Barty.

"YOU! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE NOW! LET ME GO!" Bartemius roared.

"Oh, daddy dearest that's not going to happen! I'm in charge now and I have a bone to pick with you." Barty replied.

Bartemius strained against his binds. 

(Unbeknownst to Barty, Mipsy had brought down another person. She popped away silently. Red eyes fixated on Barty as he moved deeper into the shadows of the room) 

"I knew I should've left you to die in that hellhole instead of her!" Bartemius said.

Well at least the asshole finally admitted it. That didn't mean that it didn't still bother him a little.

"Curcio" Barty incanted.

He watched as his father twitched and struggles trying to hold back a scream. This spell was in his opinion the best way to make him understand how Barty felt. The unforgivables thrived off of emotions and the Cruciatus loved hate and anger. Barty had that in spades for his pathetic father. He released the spell and the man sagged down to the stone breathing shallowly.

"Tell..tell me why dammit! Why, isn't anything I ever do good enough for you?" Barty asked, trying to keep his temper.

"We should've killed you at birth! You were the worst thing that ever happened to me! Every moment you breath you disgrace our family!" Bartemius roared.

"You could've had more children! Hell, you could've actually made an effort as a father! But no you choose to blame me for everything! Did it ever occur to you that I'm the way I am because of you father? No...the great Bartemius Crouch Sr would never admit to his own failure. You couldn't just leave me be!" Barty replied.

Bartemius scowled at the implication that it was his fault.

"I only needed one heir for the family...it was supposed to look good politically so I could become Minister. And by the time I had thought of having another child your mother fell too sick. Your actions are your own and I had thought that I taught you better. Better...than bowing down and kissing the robes of a monster forever ruining our families reputation!" Bartemius yelled.

Barty saw red...how dare he...how dare this pathetic excuse of a man say that about his lord! He cast a blood boiling hex and took satisfaction in the shout that followed.

"You are no son of mine! I was a fool to think that I could change you. You are nothing to me and haven't been since you forced my hand and sentenced you to Azkaban!" Bartemius said.

The man gritted his teeth at the pain not once looking at his son. 

"Then you sentenced an innocent man! I didn't do what I was convicted of! I tried to explain it to you but you wouldn't listen to me! But then again when have you ever listened to me? Do you know what it feels like to be betray someone the way you did to me? Oh, sorry I forgot that you don't give two fucks about your only child. So do you want to know what my lord is to me? No, well too bad! He's like my father! And I wished everyday that it was true. Nobody ever understood me quite like he does! He always encouraged me and taught me things. You can't even stand to look at me let alone be in the same room for more than five minutes! He actually bothered to help me when I needed him. And you have no idea how devastating it was to watch him lose himself...to watch him lose his sanity...his sense of worth! And I could do nothing for him! Azkaban wasn't great but I had Sirius and I clung to the only other person I knew that had shit parents. Sirius...who understood what it was like to have someone constantly try to change him! Who knew what it felt like to be innocent and stuck in that place! But you took him from me too...along with my free will! You know what the funniest part was...that even under the Imperious I still wasn't the perfect son you wanted! Your right I'm not your son...because I can't accept you as my father." Barty said.

Every word that had come out had felt like a weight that left him. He could feel the anger drain from him...but the resentment was still stronger than ever. In that moment he realized the man in front of him meant nothing. For so long he'd let his father's actions effect him. When really he should've completely disregarded everything. Barty had let this consume him when really...he just needed to let it all go.

To let go...

Opening his eyes he canceled the hex and used another Curcio. As a scream erupted from the man...for the first time he felt nothing. Not even the resentment that Senior had spent years building up in Barty. This man was nothing compared to what Barty had survived. The only people's opinion he cared about was Sirius and his lord's. Nobody else mattered...certainly not the pathetic man in front of him.

He moved on to a few slashing hexes but they didn't bring him any joy. He'd never been one to enjoy torture...and it had been wonderful in Bartemius's case. But without the anger, pain, betrayal, and resentment anymore...it was just hallow. But he continued with a few more of the nastier spells. He stopped and waited for Bartemius to go silent. He put some of his magic into the rune. Barty raised his wand.

"It's time for me to let go...I hope you burn somewhere in the darkest depths of hell." Barty said.

A familiar green light lit the end of his wand.

"Avada Kedavra"

Let go...

Someone grasped his right arm...he turned abruptly and almost dropped his wand. What the hell was the dark lord doing down here...and smiling at that!

"I did promise you that you'd never be alone. That someone who could understand you would always be with you. I want you to know...that no one has ever cared about me before. You stood by me even though it must've broken your heart to see me that way. I might not like that Potter brat...but he's given me another chance. And I want you to be at my side." Tom said.

The dark lord was smiling at him! He watched as his lord walked off to the right following the runes at the bottom of the altar. He turned with the intention of standing by the tunnel. That was when he caught sight of Sirius. Sirius who was leaning against the tunnel's entrance. How long had he been there? Sirius pressed a finger to his lips...as a sign to be quiet. Sirius turned around and walked into the darkness.

Death's pov

After finishing his collection of souls at the ministry he'd returned to his ritual room. It was attached to his office and it had another entrance that led to his potions lab. He had to make an anti-venom for Argile. The poison coursing through his veins was some nasty stuff...demon stuff. Only a greater demon would posses this kind of poison. It was obvious by the shape of Argile's wound that it was from a weapon though.

But it was the feather that had given him pause...only one creature has wings and wielded swords. The question was where Argile had come from and why was he antagonizing one of the Fallen? It was beyond bizarre. The Fallen didn't usually cause trouble or even cross over that often.

He grabbed some powdered Runespoor eggs and measured the exact amount out. Death carefully dropped the powder in and stirred twice clockwise and four times counterclockwise. Asphodel soon followed as well as a measured dose of precious anti-venom. The anti-venom was precious because it was incredibly hard to kill a greater demon. As such supply of it was relatively small...which was why he was brewing an amplification potion. It would help the anti-venom become stronger without using more than three small drops. A few miscellaneous demon body parts later he was stirring clockwise again. Death pulled out his stirring spoon and placed a stasis spell over it. It would need to simmer on a low flame for exactly ten hours. 

It was good that he'd managed to contain the damage and poison in a small area. Otherwise the anti-coagulated properties would've slowly killed Argile. It was why Lucius had, had such a hard time trying to stop the bleeding. If Argile had been human he wouldn't have survived. There wasn't much that could kill a Reaper...but this poison was one of them. Until Argile returned to consciousness the answers he needed would have to wait.   

Chapter Text

Hogwarts Ravenclaw dorms- Harry pov

He opened his eyes and yawned quietly. Harry carefully extricated himself from Blaise's arms and got up. He pulled the blanket back over Blaise and opened the curtain. Their other two roommates were already gone. Some days he wondered if Anthony and Terry went out of their way to not interact with them. They never seemed to want to hang out or study together. That was one thing he did miss about Gryffindor, he had Blaise and Luna here. But everyone else was scattered about the other houses. 

He looked out the window seeing the golden rays of sunlight. He was up later than he normally was, casting a quick 'Tempus', it was a little after eight. Harry turned back to the bed and walked around it. He pulled the drawer to the nightstand open a little more. Hedwig was laying on her tummy, her head turned to the side, and her long legs stretched out. Harry smiled as he ran a few fingers through the feathers on her head. A sleepy indignant hoot sounded as she swiveled her head to glare at him.

"Aw, baby girl it's time to wake up." Harry teased. 

Hedwig continued to glare at him as he scooped her up. He pulled aside the curtain to the bed.

"Go wake up your daddy." Harry said, he grinned.

He placed her down on the pillow next to Blaise's head. Harry gathered up his things for a proper shower. He'd just made it into the bathroom when a surprised shout and a thud sounded. Harry snickered and disappeared into the bathroom. Turning on the shower stall he striped out of his robes from yesterday. Other than taking off their shoes both of them had fallen asleep in their clothes. He'd just stepped in under the spray when Blaise came in scowling. 

"Morning sunshine!" Harry said. 

Blaise gave him a less than impressed look. 

"Did you seriously have to have Hedwig wake me up?" Blaise asked.

Blaise turned on the stall next to Harry's. Blaise took no notice or he simply didn't care if Harry was watching. He striped out of his clothes and caught sight of Harry staring.

"Do you like what you see Corvo?" Blaise asked.

Harry looked away face on fire as Blaise chuckled.

"Back to Hedwig she was a menace! She was using her beak to groom my eyebrows. When I woke up surprised her beak hit the side of my forehead! Not to mention the fall from my bed!" Blaise said, glaring at him.

Harry lost it as he dissolved into giggles. Blaise threw a loofah at him and turned away to his shower. He leaned back his head to rest on the wall. He finished lathering up and rinsed before grabbing his towel and stepping out. After drying off and pulling on his uniform and using the spells to refresh his teeth. Harry left the bathroom and wasn't surprised at all to find Death perched on his desk.

"To what do I owe this visit to?" Harry asked. 

He went to his trunk and pulled out his bag before rifling through his books.

"Oh, I just thought I'd tell you that Barty liked your present. And Argile was attacked yesterday." Death replied.

Attacked? When...how?

"What happened is he okay?" Harry asked.

Was it Dumbledore? Grindelwald? Or did the Yuki-oona catch him snooping?

"I'm not really sure what happened actually. Argile is still unconscious, he'd been poisoned and stabbed. Somehow he made it back to the manor where he was found by Lucius and Sirius. Sirius had to come find me while I was out at a Collection. I put the wound into stasis and stopped the poison from spreading. The anti-venom is mixed into an amplification potion. It'll be done simmering here in about an hour or so. But I did find a large black feather, now the feather smelled heavily of Angel essence. But only the Fallen have black wings and the poison was of a greater demon. Aside from Hell and the other side of the veil...this poison shouldn't exist. What Argile did to piss one off I don't know...but he isn't stupid. He wouldn't go looking for a fight intentionally. But most concerning of all is that Angels of any kind fall under the divine. Any being classified as divine can operate without my knowledge. I can't sense divine creatures the same way I can other beings. The Fallen while no longer part of the heavenly host are still divine. Other deities are just as untraceable to me. Us other worldly beings try not to step on each others toes. Conflict can get messy really fast amongst my kind." Death replied. 

What the hell was going on why were the Fallen involved? Was it random or were they working for someone else? Was it the same person as the Yuki-oona? Just when he thought he'd figured out how it all pieced together. Shaking his head he smiled as he caught sight of Hedwig. She was sitting on the desk next to Death having a staring contest with the deity. 

"So divine is what...like you? I thought you were a deity?" Harry asked.

It was kinda confusing sometimes trying to make sense of everything in Death's world. He decided to bring one book for each class. They didn't have their schedules yet and he didn't feel like coming back up. As was they had woken up later than normal. They had time for breakfast at most before classes started. So there really wasn't any extra time to come back up for the correct books. Besides wasn't that what expansion and feather light charms were for?

"The divine are a...I guess the best term would be subspecies? Anyway I am a deity...though multiple variations of my marvelous self from other multiverses was a Fallen or even a horseman. But the divine...are like a subspecies of immortals. They have weaker abilities than a deity would. But they're still powerful and the Fallen are classified as such. The original Fallen left the heavens with Lucifer. But there are a few Fallen that were expelled from the heavens who have no affiliation. Meaning that they answer to no one but themselves. Those rogue Fallen usually don't last too long without the protection offered by Lucifer...or a deity. Rogue Fallen are too dangerous to be allowed to their own devices. Though not all of the rogues are killed after their descension. Some choose to peacefully exist amongst the humans. " Death replied.

So if Death was different in other multiverses than how did that affect Harry? If Harry himself had multiple versions of himself roaming the multiverse. Than how did that change his relationship with Death? Was their connection the same? Death and Hecate confirmed that he was the eternal neutral lord. Harry shook his head...don't go there. He almost got caught up in the never ending cycle of what could've been. It was still weird to think that there were other versions of Death who weren't the same. So that meant that his version of Death would have to be the original and not a variation in order to have the title deity. Deity was synonymous with the word god. So his Death was real...as real as Hecate and his own reincarnated soul. So then was Harry's universe the true original one then as well?

"Oh, hey Death what are you doing here?" Blaise asked, from the doorway.

"Just updating my adorable little master about what happened yesterday." Death replied. 

Death started making clicking noise with his tongue...which Hedwig seemed to understand. Harry looked at the both of them on confusion and shock.

"Are you talking to her?" Blaise asked.

Harry looked at him and realized that he too was just as confused and curious.

"Of course I can I have All-speak. All deities have this ability so they can understand all of the human and in-human languages. I gifted it to you awhile back little one, but have restricted your access to it. Your special connection to me means I can imprint some of my abilities onto you. For obvious reasons I seldom ever do so. You my little one are powerful enough without any extras from me." Death replied.

Restricted his access! What the fuck for? He gritted his teeth an glared at Death who only chuckled.

"Aw, your little mate picked the perfect nickname for you piccolo Corvo!" Death teased.

"What the hell does that mean and why did you restrict my powers? Especially, since I really could've used them before! Sanskrit and Sumerian aren't easy to learn you dick!." Harry said, his anger apparent in every word.

"Piccolo Corvo is Italian for little raven...which is perfect for you. I had no choice, before you start arguing with me I'm not Dumbledore. I'm not trying to hold you back or kill you. Harry despite you being exceptional in all ways, you were originally human. Once you become 'other' you stop being human. But that's a topic for another time, I believed that given your state that it was best. Harry you were just purged of everything that Dumbledore did from your system. And I had to unbind your core because he'd placed blocks on them. You were recovering from all of that and I didn't want to overwhelm you. Plus mentally you were still reconciling with everything that happened. So I restricted the abilities that could wait for awhile and prioritized the ones key to survival. You'll get the All-speak after you've mastered your element. Besides as cool as you think talking to snakes was...you hardly ever spoke to them. You let other people's fear control the use of your gift. It freaked everybody out and they called it evil. And you in turn rarely ever spoke it because you, feared it would make you too much like Tom. So why then is speaking all languages so appealing to you now?" Death said.

Okay that was a little harsh...and he did understand why it was done. In the early days after the time travel he'd been exhausted. And he could see how having a bunch of abilities he didn't know how to use could be bad. Especially, since his core was smaller at the time due to the blocks. Blocks....that he'd worn his whole life that hadn't miraculously killed him. Death was right about the Parseltongue too. Harry had always been looked at oddly for it or even looked down on. The dueling club with Lockhart had been proof enough. But the constant whispering about how evil and bad it was...And after seeing all those memories of Tom in his sixth year. Well, ever since then he'd been terrified of being like Tom. Because he'd seen first hand how alike the two of them were while still being opposites. If he'd known then what he knew now that wouldn't have scared Harry so much.

But that was the past and it couldn't be changed....well unless you had a time traveling deity. 

"Is that everything I hope? We do want to eat at least a little breakfast before classes." Harry said.

Blaise had just finished packing his bag and was now standing next to him. 

"As you wish little master." Death replied, as he vanished much to Hedwig's displeasure.

Harry rolled his eyes and left down the staircase to a quiet common room. Surely they weren't the last to leave? He stepped out of the common entrance and jerked back in surprise. Luna had stepped out from the shadows with an amused smile on her lips. Blaise let out an 'oof' as Harry's back hit his chest. Luna smirked at him and watched them separate.

"Well, hello the Nargles have told me that today will be exciting!" Luna said.

She started playing with her bottle cap necklace as they walked.

"Nargles? What are they saying about today exactly?" Harry asked.

They rounded a corner and Harry caught Blaise shaking his head at the mention of 'Nargles'. Harry smiled amusedly, no matter how many times he explained Luna's...Luna-ness nobody seemed to understand. But she was always a true friend no matter how strange. 

"They say that today you'll be enlightened to what you've been missing. Also you'll find what you've been looking for in an unused area of the castle. His likeness hides that which you seek. Alchemy sure is a strange thing to be a master of! Oh, the grim and his friend will realize just how far a bumblebee will go for control. The Basilisk King will finally talk to his panther about forgiveness." Luna replied. 

She skipped ahead of them and entered the great hall.

"Alchemy? Panther...Basilisk...? What did she mean by the rest exactly?" Blaise asked.

Harry grinned as they sat down across from the twins. The others were seated at their proper tables and chatting.

"Why, are you asking me I don't know but I will find out. Luna doesn't warn someone unless it's necessary." Harry replied.

He loaded up his plate with scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, and a pear from a fruit bowl. He glanced up to see Fred looking around and George trying to look as innocent as possible. Harry paused the blackberry smeared jam toast he was about to bite into. He looked at his food...then the table suspiciously. None of his rings had registered anything. That was when he saw it, small dishes of very familiar looking pastries. His eyes widened in recognition as he hid a smirk in his toast.

Harry debated about warning Blaise but decided not to. Hopefully he won't be chewing anything when they go off. After finishing his eggs he saw Blaise pick up the little treat to examine it. Apparently Blaise wasn't the only one to find the little treats. A fourth year Hufflepuff was the first to change. She turned into a bright yellow canary and spoke in a flurry of surprised tweets before molting and turning back. Soon random people all over the hall were turning into canaries. Ah, Canary Creams...the twins must've needed to test them out. 

Once the other kids saw that it was harmless they started eating them too. Harry looked at the teachers table and watched a delighted Flitwick purposely ate one. Harry laughed as Blaise turned next to him tweeting. He had to admit that he needed to laugh more often. Sure everything he had to accomplish was serious. But Harry had to remember not to get too consumed. He ginned at the twins when they both caught his eye. He did encourage them to prank more and come up with new products. Death did say that somethings never changed no matter how much interference there was in a timeline.

The world was simply always meant to have his demon's products in it. Blaise who had turned back was now watching other people deliberately eating them. Harry sipped at his coffee and nearly choked at seeing Flitwick gather up the Creams at the staff table. Well, it looked like the twins had a new fan! The tiny Professor looked in Harry's direction smiling as he nodded at the twins.

"You two have a new fan it would seem. Though maybe you could tweak the recipe a little and make different flavors. Maybe with different flavors there are different birds? A little muggle food coloring to make the colors a little richer. Brightly colored foods are more attractive to the eyes." Harry said, over the rim of his coffee cup.

They grinned at him.

"We hadn't thought about that honestly." Fred said.

George nodded.

"I only made the suggestion to give you more options for marketing. I mean Canary Creams could be a prank or it could be the newest candy sensation! I know you would prefer to focus all on your pranks. And you know that I or Sirius would give the both of you money if you guys need it. But having a secondary line of products would bring in more customers. And candy isn't restricted at Hogwarts. You could make a killing selling small batches! I would love to see you guys go world wide after opening a store. The world needs more laughter...plus you would put Zonko's out of business for sure." Harry replied.

Even their Skeeving Snackboxes could be huge if they changed and altered the products. Though the two hadn't started making those yet...Unlike their harpy mother Harry had faith that they would make it. Harry had always admired the ingenuity and uniqueness that the twins wore like armor. The two weren't afraid of being themselves and that had made Harry a little envious of them. But he would never begrudge anyone for being themselves and being free. Harry knew better than anyone what it was like to have people constantly try to change him. Trying to mould him into the perfect little light savior.

Turning his head he saw the heads of house get up and move towards the tables. The professors were handing out time tables, they had been warned in letters that some things would be different. McGonagall had said that their schedules would be restructured entirely. Though she also said that some schedules would remain the same. It was made very clear that the schedule restructuring wouldn't effect on the fifth through seventh years due to Owls and Newts testing. Though they too will be different starting next year. Harry was actually impressed that McGonagall was finally doing something good for the school for once. Perhaps distance and time had weakened Dumbledore's control? Harry had never been a hundred percent sure about her allegiances. Without the potions or reapplied spells Dumbles favored...they would slowly become ineffective.

As Flitwick came closer to them Harry idly wondered what else the woman would change. Would it be for the better or the worst like Umbridge? Flitwick stopped just behind the twins.

"I see you boys have been busy! I must congratulate you on such beautiful work. Twenty-five points to Gryffindor for each of you for ingenuity!" Flitwick said. 

The little professor handed Harry both his and Blaise's schedule before continuing. The twins looked utterly shocked as they looked at Harry's amused face.

"George...did we just...." Fred started.

"Get points for a prank...?" George finished.

Harry grinned at their shocked faces.

Sirius's pov-Peverell Manor

He walked around the manor mindlessly letting his feet carry him around. Was Argile going to be okay? Death hadn't returned after vanishing the previous night. And that wasn't all the implications of what he'd heard had bothered him. Was Barty really innocent? Why, hadn't he ever said anything to Sirius?

Most importantly did that mean the Lestranges were innocent too? After his bath he was going to talk to Remus, but Mipsy had told him about Barty. Sirius had told the elf to alert him if Barty should visit his father. Sirius was concerned about how Barty would react. Senior was a touchy subject for Barty and Sirius couldn't blame the man. As fucked up as his mother was at least she'd never Imperioused him. So he'd gone down to the catacombs in time to see Mipsy drop off Mr. dark lord. He'd decided to remain in the shadows and come out only if necessary.

And that was why Sirius was there...for support if necessary. Barty had always felt rather strongly about the dark lord....but to compare the man as a father? That was just...in a way Sirius understood it. But a part of him wasn't sure why him? Out of everyone Barty could adopt as a pseudo father why the dark lord? Did the dark lord even care or have feelings? It's just Sirius had been prepared for the dark lord's rejection. He'd been prepared to comfort his friend and was ultimately just as surprised as Barty was.

"Sirius are you okay?"

Sirius shook his head and looked around. When did he get to the library? Barty was looking at him strangely as the man in question lounged on an overstuffed chair with a book in his lap.

"I'm not really sure." Sirius replied.

It was true Sirius really didn't know what he was feeling let alone why he was there. Barty closed the book he'd been holding.

"Okay...this wouldn't have to do with last night would it?" Barty asked.

Sirius moved to the adjacent chair across from Barty's.

"Kinda...I'm trying to figure out some things that are confusing me. Is it true?" Sirius asked, he looked at Barty with a searching look.

"I know Dolphus, Bastian, and I went to the Longbottoms to stop Bella. Bella was on the war path after what happened at Lestrange manor. I really was just watching the ward line while Dolphus and Bastian were supposed to calm Bella. Obviously, something went horribly wrong. There was no way the Aurors could've known that we were there. But they showed up a few minutes after we did. I honestly only know what Bastian told me." Barty replied, as he observed Sirius's reaction.

This was the first Sirius had heard anything happening in the Lestrange's house.

"What did Rastaban tell you?" Sirius asked.

What the hell was going on? Would anything ever be what it seemed?

"An unsanctioned raid on the manor that resulted in the death of their grandfather. But it also resulted in the death of Rodolphus and Bella's two month old son Corvus." Barty said.

(Corvus was the only male constellation name that I would use. Some of the other male names I didn't like. There was no way I was naming him Hercules...so Corvus it was. The Black naming tradition is a nightmare if your trying for an original name.)

Sirius froze...Bella had a kid!!!???? He'd know Frank and Alice a long time and never thought they would hurt a child. But Bella wouldn't have gone after them seeking vengeance if they hadn't been at fault some how. But then how come nobody knew about Bella's kid? And how would the Aurors know exactly when to show up? Bella wouldn't have been so stupid as to let them get a distress message out. So then how had they known to show up at the Longbottom's just after being tortured into comas? Into comas that would prevent them from being questioned!  A sinking feeling dropped into his stomach....something wasn't right. It was too perfect...was it a trap? A frame job? Why not Dumbledore had done the same to Sirius. But he failed to see who would benefit with the Lestranges out of the way?

"That just...something isn't right Barty. That doesn't make sense for them to conveniently show up at that exact moment. The same moment Frank and Alice became vegetables, like that they would be unable to be questioned. It's like you said how would they know to come at that exact time? It definitely reminds me of how Dumbledore and Pettigrew framed me. Besides the Minister and the head of the DMLE have to sanction all raids. That would mean either your father set you up...or Dumbledore had something to do with it. I just can't think of why...." Sirius trailed off.

Barty was looking at him with a mix of confusion and anger.

"I knew he was a complete bastard but to frame his own son? Plus, my father hated Dumbledore! Why, would he agree to let a raid happen with Dumbledore's pushing?" Barty asked.

Sirius laughed if only to stop from crying....his pup and Azrael were rubbing off on him. He never would've figured it out without help otherwise. Barty scowled at him.

"Why, are you laughing you great mutt!" Barty asked, annoyed.

"Don't you see...it was definitely a frame job alright. And Dumbledore led everyone into it masterfully the sly bastard. Don't you remember the prophecy at the time fit two kids. We've suspected that the prophecy was a fake. But at the time everyone in Dumbledore's Order and even the Deatheaters believed it. Dumbledore has always had people in the DMLE...hell I was one of the Aurors in his group. Neville was the other child that the 'prophecy' could've fit. Also Alice was Harry's godmother and Frank was a secondary godfather. Frank never went through the binding ritual that's done to bind a child to a godparent. But if Dumbledore set me up to prevent me from gaining guardianship of Harry....then Frank and Alice would've had custody. We figured out that Dumbledore wanted Harry weak for his manipulations. But it also ensured that Neville would be in Augusta's custody. Dumbledore would have access to his second prophecy child." Sirius said.

Barty looked at him surprised.

"Okay, I follow that but why the Lestranges and me? What was the motive for it besides custody of kids?" Barty asked.

"Think about it! What better way to get Frank and Alice out of the way! Use Deatheaters to do it and turn the Longbottoms into martyrs. The Lestranges were in the inner circle second generation Deatheater. Xerxes Lestrange was an original member of the first inner circle. If what Rastaban told you was true....that raid set everything into motion. All Dumbledore had to do was have his personal Order members pose as Aurors. It wouldn't be hard plenty of them worked for the old fool. With the cloaks and hoods their faces would be obscured much like the Deatheater robes. It would explain why the raid was unsanctioned. Do you really think it was a coincidence that only Frank and Alice were seen with their hoods down? Because I don't think so...I think it was all on purpose. Just like the deaths of Xerxes and Corvus...what better way to set everyone up to take the fall? Everybody knew Bella was unstable, it wouldn't take much to set her off. Once on a rampage Bella becomes a complete nightmare and that was what Dumbledore was counting on. She went and tortured Frank and Alice into comas. Comas that left them unable to be questioned, but still alive to gain the sympathy of the masses. Which gave him entire control of Harry and possibly Neville. And he would've gotten three inner circle Deatheaters in prison. Not to mention Dumbledore never liked your father. Barty Sr. was trying to run for Minister around that time too. Your trial killed any and all efforts to become Minister of Magic. Dumbledore really is the only one who would benefit from this." Sirius finished, a little out of breath.

He looked at Barty who was frozen in place a look of shock on his face.

"The only thing that doesn't fit would be Corvus. The Longbottoms would've never hurt a child willingly. Given Dumbledore's need for control and heavy usage of mind altering spells and potions....anything is possible. How exactly did the two of them die Barty?" Sirius asked, he doubted the other man knew.

"Rastaban and Rodolphus were really upset. They didn't mention much just that when the fighting broke out Xerxes went to protect Corvus. They had contingency plans for things like that. Xerxes had sustained too many injuries during the last war. He had a permanent limp in his right leg and he had issues with his left shoulder. He took a blasting hex to it and despite the best healers it was never the same. So if anything happened he was supposed to take Corvus and use a portkey to another Lestrange property. Xerxes wasn't old by wizarding standards but his injuries made him slower than he used to be." Barty replied.

So Rastaban didn't know how his grandfather died. Or he did know and hadn't told Barty the specifics. Either way somebody was meant to die that night. What kind of coward preyed on a child and a non-combatant? Dumbledore clearly had no shame at all!

"We need to talk to the Lestranges about what happened. Frank and Alice, if I'm right, are victims too. A well placed Imperious could've made them do it. Bella wouldn't go after them specifically unless they killed her son." Sirius said.

He scrubbed his hand over his face. This was a nightmare...Harry would probably scold him again. Harry had told Sirius to stop thinking about the 'why's', but come on it was too perfect! Nobody else stood to gain as much as Dumbledore. And they had proven Dumbledore's duplicity in many other schemes. Besides he had once been a damn good Auror once. Just because Sirius was a bit rusty in the investigations area...didn't mean he was wrong. The silence seemed to hang heavily between them. Devastated didn't even cover the look on Barty's face.

"I was supposed to be Corvus's godfather. But with everything that happened near the end...Dolphus and Bella postponed it. I wasn't there when Corvus died...I didn't fight for him." Barty breathed shakily.

"Don't talk like that Barty you couldn't have known! Hell, I didn't know either but you didn't let me beat myself up about it. Barty you would've been an amazing godfather! But like Harry says don't get stuck on the 'could've beens'. I know it's hard...I went through it too after Harry was taken. It sucks beyond words, but that means Dumbledore and every fool that stands with him is going to die." Sirius replied.

He shivered...something about the situation made him bloodthirsty. Maybe it was because he finally realized just how far Dumbledore would go. Or maybe the harm of innocent cubs just really pissed him off. Neville, Harry, and Corvus hadn't asked for this. They were thrown into a war and the people charged to protect them failed. Sirius was just glad that Harry was alive...if anything he finally understood. He understood how Harry felt before about Dumbledore...but now...now he understands the vengeance. It was impossible to forgive and forget what Dumbledore did. Not when it all just stacked up and up without pause. The anger and grief never stopped coming as a result. Would they ever fully know the range of Dumbledore's deceit? Sirius looked up at Barty's slouched form. Maybe he could lighten the mood a tad.

"So I accidently stripped Malfoy the other day." Sirius said, fighting an embarrassed blush.

He vaguely hears a strangled choking noise followed by a harsh laugh.

"How the hell do you accidently strip someone let alone Lucius?" Barty asked, his shoulders shaking.

"Andy's pal Argile was injured and wasn't healing right. So I had to get Azrael and Lucius stayed to try and control the bleeding. I came back and Lucius was drenched in the stuff. It was even in his hair! You know how people get when they're magically exhausted. It mimics being drunk and....Lucius was kinda weird." Sirius said.

"Kinda weird like accidentally stripping people. I completely understand." Barty deadpanned.

"I didn't do it on purpose!" Sirius said, indignantly.

"Yes, I assumed so because of the presence of 'accidently' in your previous statement." Barty teased.

Sirius scowled playfully.

"Oh, please I didn't want him tracking blood all over Harry's manor. Besides Lucy was kind of out of it staring blankly. I didn't want to leave him alone like that! I didn't mean anything by it either...I just wanted to help!" Sirius said.

"So...stripping people is your definition of helpful?" Barty laughed.

Sirius tossed the dark blue square throw pillow that had been behind his back in the chair. He let out a sound of satisfaction as it smacked Barty in the face.

"It is when I'm trying to help someone not in their right mind get in the bath." Sirius replied, haughtily.

Barty shook his head.

"Sirius I should tell you that...that doesn't sound any better than your original statement." Barty said, smirking.

Sirius huffed indignantly.

Death's pov-Peverell manor

He rustled through his cloak for the slim crystal vial with lime green potion. The anti-venom was finished and now Death was going to administer it. Which ironically enough would prevent death. He chuckled at the thought as Death spelled it into Argile's stomach.

Death waited a few moments as he unweaved his magic from the wound. As the bright blue glow of runes disappeared the stab wound closed. The veins would take much longer though, they were steeped in poison. It would be another few hours before the black spider veins would vanish. Argile's body would have to purge the poison...it will either dissolve or induce vomiting. 

Argile is just lucky that Death is patient by nature. Death always got what he wanted no matter how many people tried to avoid him. That didn't mean that he wasn't annoyed about it. The idiot was lucky to be alive. Most Reapers could handle fighting a Fallen as their abilities were similar. But Argile was one of the few Reapers in his command that wasn't combat savvy. This was partially his fault due to the issue with Andromeda. He had punished Argile and reduced him to nothing but a messenger and assistant. The once proud man had to learn that actions had consequences. 

And his actions had led to several premature deaths and two people in a coma. One doesn't just mess with Fate and fuck with Destiny. Because if one did then it was usually someone else that suffered the consequences. Andromeda should've died...and her daughter shouldn't exist. Thanks to Argile the balance was disrupted all for one life....one soul. Ironically, it had made Argile ill prepared to defend himself. Something that Death was regretting at the moment. If Argile didn't accidently stumble onto a Fallen...Then Argile would need to learn how to fight. 

War would be at their door much sooner if the Fallen had purposefully targeted Argile. Any threat against his Reapers was a threat against Death. As sure as the sky is blue nobody wanted to gain his wrath. The thing about war is that there was no end to the flow of souls...or bodies. It's hard to win a war against a tide of death...hard to kill what was already dead.

Death conjured a plush chair and a small table. He summoned some of his paper work off his desk. Death glanced up at Argile one more time before opening a Soul File.

Severus's pov- Peverell manor Potions Lab

Severus had always prided himself on being able to read people. It's what made him such an effective spy. But recently he found himself feeling uncertain about someone. That someone was the dark lord wandering the manor. He wasn't a coward...no Severus just preferred to not get in a confrontation if it could be avoided. It was less of a headache dealing with it that way. That and he knew from painful experience that reactions varied when it came to anger. Particularly the dark lord's anger, he was just glad that the man was stable now. 

Which is why Severus had made every effort possible to not be anywhere near his former lord. The dark lord never took well to traitors or deserters. He carefully mixed in crushed Chizpurfle fang into the the potion. He was working on another experimental potion he'd come up with. His organ regrowth potion was in testing stages and would be for awhile as he gathered data. Severus was attempting to create a potion that was like 'synthetic blood'. If he could get it going it would only take a single drop of real blood, for the potion to replicate it. His knowledge of muggle medical procedures had given him more than a few ideas on how to improve potions. While the wizarding world had blood replenishing potions for medical purposes. The Replenisher only helped the body to replace and make more of the lost blood. They didn't have one for feeding vampires. 

Creature rights were always a hot button issue in Britain's political arena. Their biggest staying point was the creatures ability to control themselves. And while Severus had his theories on werewolves. He simply didn't have a way to prove his theory. That aside it was still illegal in some countries, including Britain, for vampires to feed. A potions based variable would eliminate the 'issue' all together. The vampires would have a valid less dangerous way to feed. Nobody would argue against it in the Wizengamot. And it would make Severus something of a celebrity amongst other potioneers. It would go a long way to helping Harry bring about the 'balance' or rights and powers as it were. Many creatures had sided with the dark lord because he had offered acceptance. The Ministry had no idea how many enemies they make for themselves on the regular. Their prejudices ran deep when it came to creatures and dark magic users. 

Severus stirred the potion slowly counterclockwise. As he placed it in a stasis charm to allow it to simmer he became aware that he wasn't alone. Severus had a good idea of who it might be but didn't turn around. Instead he went about gathering the used potions utensils to be cleaned in the sink. He carefully rinsed every item before soaking them in a cleansing potion. The potion in the sink nullifies any possible reactions to whatever was being brewed. It prevented a lot of cross reactions and possible explosive or corrosive issues. He used a lot of it when he brewed multiple potions at once. Always better to prevent the problem before it becomes a problem.

"I'm sorry."

Severus froze and nearly dropped the crystal beaker he'd been rinsing. Out of everything that could come out of that man's mouth...Severus hadn't been expecting that.

"Sorry for what exactly?" Severus asked.

The dark lord had much to apologize for from where he was concerned. But Severus had never ever expected that he'd get an apology for anything. Dark lords don't apologize they love pain like children love candy. He sincerely doubts that anyone whose ever had the title even knows how to apologize. He finished dunking the last item in before washing his hands up to his elbows. Even as Severus dried his hands he kept his back to the other man.

He wasn't afraid of retaliation...at least not while he was in the manor. Harry was very clear about the wards and the manor's status as a Sanctuary. Unless Tom wanted the magic ripped from his body...he won't do anything to him. Severus idly wondered if the wards took physical violence into consideration. 

He finally turned around to look at Tom who was frowning.

"The way I see it you owe me more than one apology. I mean forcing Lucius to gain my acceptance into your service? How about forcing me to teach a bunch of Dunderheaded kids? The torture? Lily? Take your pick Tom, because from my high ground one apology is too little. It most certainly won't just make me magically forgive you. Speaking of which why are you apologizing? You've never cared before...why now?" Severus asked, his eyes narrowing.

He expected to see anger at the defiance and accusations. Strangely enough Tom didn't seem angry at all. As Voldemort he'd been prone to random fits of anger. There were times when a deatheater could get cursed for just existing! No the other man almost looked baffled like he hadn't expected the question? Or maybe it was the Severus's reaction that was unexpected? It didn't matter really. An apology was never in the realm of possibilities before. 

"I'm...maybe I phrased that wrong I've never apologized to anyone before and meant it before. I strayed incredibly far from myself...I was willing to destroy myself in order to reach my goals. Hecate trusted me to change everything. While Dumbledore didn't help much with my situation...I made it easy for him. And no amount of apologies will make up for how I failed you and the others. I...Severus I wanted you to know that I regret a lot about the last war. I'm not angry that you left my service...I never gave you a reason to stay." Tom said.

Severus watched Tom standing a whole counter top away. He gripped his wand tightly as he watched the dark lord's hand. The other man was gripping something in his pocket. It didn't look like it was a wand. But he knew from experience that the other man didn't need one. 

"You say that you failed me and the others? Tom do you even know what you represent to the others? Hope...you were our hope. We joined you because we believed you could finally make a difference! You gave people hope for the future...but we never realized just how poisonous hope was. Hope is the one thing even Death himself can't kill. It's human nature to hope for something better. But most of those people never realize that everything has a price. You're poisonous just like the snakes you speak with...just like the hope you perpetuate. You're wants and desires were more important to you than that of your people! You took society's rejects and talked sweet poison to them. You gave them hope...and then you destroyed it when you destroyed yourself! You didn't fail me Tom. I only joined you because I loved Lucius and knew that when the dark lord wants something he'll stop at nothing. And you made it perfectly clear to Lucius that you wanted me. As a poor bullied and abused teenager I had nothing! I couldn't run away. I didn't have the resources to do so...so I stayed. And I did the only thing that I could at the time and accepted my fate. Here I am years later and I still have nothing. No hope, no Lucius, no Lily....and the only good thing that happened to me was my son. You can apologize all you want...but you can't fail someone who never had faith in the first place." Severus replied.

He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Merlin why hadn't he kept his mouth shut! Severus was no stranger to hiding his emotions and burying the anger deep. But come on! A half assed apology that he wasn't even sure was authentic? Of course that would be the one time he couldn't reign in his temper. His eyes flew open as hands touched him. One held his right wrist while the other was simply held. Red eyes were mere inches from his own...not willing to back down he glared at him. Merlin, had Severus been replaced by a damned Gryffindor? He'd never acted like this before around the dark lord...he didn't have a death wish!

"So feisty even as I feel your pulse racing under my thumb...I've killed and tortured for less but you already know that." Tom said.

Severus froze as Tom lowered his face down to skim his lips down Severus's throat. All he could hear was the frantic beating of his heart in his ears. A quite amused chuckle sounded next to his ear.

"I may let you go from my service Kitten...but you'll never escape me. I have much more pleasant plans for your future." He whispered.

The dark lord let go of his wrists and turned to walk out. Severus narrowed his eyes and struggled to slow his breathing. How dare he do those things to him? The nerve of that man...what did he mean by plans?   

Harry pov-Hogwarts

He tapped the end of his quill on the table below. Blaise, Daphne, and Draco were sitting around the table with him. They all had the same free period and were working on their newest assignments. Draco and Daphne had potions with the Gryffindors and were brewing the Wiggenweld potion. They had a follow up essay on the potions history and why it was that it was created. Given it's healing properties and the fact that it was an antidote to Draught of Living Death. It was a rather significant potion that everyone should know. He frowned as he realized that Hannah, Pansy, Neville, Theo, and Susan were missing. 

Blaise and Harry had just come from Charms where they were learning the Glacius spell. Harry didn't remember them working on that charm before. Maybe it was another odd change brought about by the changes already made. Either way Harry wished that he'd brought his sweater at the very least. It was already bloody cold as was then they had a class on freezing spells...wait...oh fuck you Death!!! Why the hell hadn't Death just taught him this damn spell first?

Why was he only just learning this spell now in class? He twitched not noticing as the quill snapped in his hand.

"Harry are you okay...you seem a little intense." Daphne asked, she pursed her lips and looked at his hand.

Harry blinked as he realized he'd broken his quill. He closed his eyes....seriously why did Death like making things so damn difficult. Harry had struggled for the longest time to freeze water wandlessly. All in an effort to being one small step closer to mastering his element. Every little step no matter how small was progress. But wandless magic was a whole lot easier if a spell already exists. Doing it from scratch was exhausting and time consuming. Which was why he was so damn angry! He could've been working on something else! Harry had so much that he still had to learn. And he only had so much time to do it too. The people he was up against were fully grown witches and wizards...not to mention the creatures....and now a Fallen. Death was strong as were his friends and allies. But he didn't want them fighting to protect him. He wanted to fight at their sides....he had to be better...they trusted him to lead them eventually.

If he knew one thing for sure nobody follows the weak. Hecate's mission was clear... change would happen or they would all die trying. Failure wasn't an option and one would think that Death would want to cut a few corners! Like I don't know telling him the easiest way to do something! He looked up to see the three of them watching him concerned.

"I'm fine just lost my temper for a second. It's really not a big deal it just... something frustrated me" Harry replied. 

He got up and moved over to the looming bookcases. He could feel their gazes burning directly into his back. Harry walked down the side to glance in a few of the aisles. Alchemy...where was the books on Alchemy. Since Alchemy was no longer offered as a class it was self study only. And it may have been moved further back in the library. His eyes roved spines on either side of the library. He idly wondered how pissed Madame Pince would be if he summoned every book on the subject. Harry snorted then grimaced at the thought of the spell. With his luck he'd over power it and end up knocked out and buried under a bunch of them. If one factored in the library, the students books, the books available in their common rooms, and the room of requirement...there was no telling how many were about Alchemy.

Harry had been thinking about Luna's message all morning so far. He'd figured out a few parts of her warning so far. The first part about 'Being Enlightened' he believed was a reference to his plans. Harry didn't have DADA today but he was determined to confront Raiden. As for what he'd been looking for...Argile never had found the Yuki-oona's skeleton. The next part about 'His Likeness Holds'. That part was a fifty-fifty split it was referencing a portrait or a statue. The Alchemy part was strange but if he was right then he was looking for an Alchemist. The likeness of an Alchemist anyway. There were still portions of the castle even he hadn't been in. As Luna said an unused area of the castle. Harry had never had any interest in Alchemy so he only knew the bare minimum.

Harry finally spotted the spine of a hopefully helpful book 'Alchemists Through the Ages'. The book was easily seventy years out of date judging by the publishing date. If a 'likeness' of a famous Alchemist was in the school...it would have to be near the beginning right? Paintings would've been added easily at anytime...but statues would've been around longer. Besides he'd never heard of anyone placing objects inside portraits. Not to mention the Yuki-oona destroyed portraits after sucking their essence out. So a statue was more likely to be what he was looking for. Hogwarts was founded in what....the 10th century? Right around 990 A.D. which wasn't very helpful. Though it did eliminate quite a few chapters. No new statues were added to the school after the Founders had left or died. So that limited the options as far as their lifetime at least.

He closed the book and made his way back to the others. Harry had a feeling about the meanings of the last two lines. Sirius or Death hadn't come by to talk about any new Dumbledore discoveries. So maybe that line was future tense and not today? But the last part...all he had to say was it was about fucking time! Tom while a master of looking and acting emotionless was pouting! Tom had been wandering around trying to catch Severus alone for awhile now. And Severus was doing everything possible to not be caught. It was like watching two apex predators circle each other. They were playing a game of cat and mouse....or rather panther and basilisk. Dear Severus was a rather large black panther when was in his Animagus form. As for the basilisk referring to Tom...well that could mean several things. It could be a representation of his lineage, the Chamber of secrets fiasco in his first life, or a Patroni. 

Those were truly the only three options since it was impossible to have one as an Animagus form. That doesn't include other magical serpents...it had more to do with a Basilisk's magic. Given how large the breed can become. Wizards are entirely restricted by the size of their magical core. Animagus animal sizes may vary due to the age of the wizard who performs the transformation. If one learns while they're young their animal forms will reflect their human forms age. Sirius for instance was a Grimm in his form, given that he'd mastered his form as a teenager...the size of his Grimm form would've been small. Not puppy small but not a full grown Grimm either. Your Animagus form aged with you over time. Now knowing that it would have catastrophic consequences. First their magic would stretch far beyond it's capability. Which would have exactly two consequences. One they would die or two they would permanently damage their magical core and never return to human form if they survived. And Harry couldn't imagine anyone surviving that kind of agony having their body and magic stretched to such lengths. 

A Basilisk's magic is used to reinforce it's scales, protect it's eyes, and make it's venom more potent. Now the same line of thinking could be said for why there were no Phoenix or dragon Animagus. Each creature had it's own form of magic and the same premise applies to the dragon...the Phoenix wasn't possible for other reasons. A Phoenix's magic is directed towards the potency of tears, it's musical trills, and of course it's rebirth cycle. All of which the human body and the human magical core can't handle. Which was why most witches and wizards had normal forms. Here or there someone like Sirius would get a magical creature form. But the form was never anything humanoid or large in size. 

Harry sat back down and ignored the looks he was getting. He vaguely remembered Hermione talk about Hogwarts a History. She was annoyed by the lack of what she called 'common reasoning'. Like why there was no explanation for many things in the castle. Some of which was: The Room of Requirement, secret passageways, moving castle wings, and the lack of any modern paintings or statues. Hermione had gone through a stage in their first and second year. In his first life he'd often had the misfortune of being on the receiving end of one of her rants. It irked her that the wizarding world seemed to be so 'unadvanced'. Harry himself had wondered a lot about why that was. But he didn't care enough about it to go into full on hour long rants about it either. Hermione just never seemed to understand that sometimes things just were. Somethings just lacked explanation, thought, or to her anger a book about it.

"Harry are you sure your okay?" Draco asked.

Harry blinked and focused on his surroundings. They were eyeing him like he was bound to spontaneously breathe fire. Wait...when did Hannah and Neville get here? 

"I'm fine really just realizing somethings and preparing for Transfiguration. I swear everything is fine I just lost my temper earlier. So Neville why does Dittany have it's particular name?" Harry asked.

Neville smiled and started talking about the mountains of Crete. Dittany was first found growing atop one of the mountains. Neville told them of how it's healing properties were found out. Feeling eyes on him he turned to see Blaise, Draco, and Daphne giving him an unimpressed look. So they noticed his change of topic, big deal Harry wasn't in the mood for talking.

Peverell Manor-Sirius pov

Wood chips rained down as Sirius shot a final Bombarda at a training dummy. After talking with Barty he hadn't felt very sociable at all. It wouldn't surprise Sirius if the other man was up to something similar. Barty did say he was going to see how the dark lord was. Ever since the other man was resurrected the two of them spent a lot of time sparring. He couldn't fault Barty for his choice in sparring partners. If you're really pissed off dueling with a dark lord would certainly provide enough challenge. He could tell that Barty wasn't in any better of a state then he had been.

Dumbledore had an honest to Merlin gift for destroying people's lives. And for what exactly? What was his ultimate goal for all of this? Sirius honestly didn't know how Harry could constantly deal with him. It was crazy impressive that his pup hadn't killed Dumbledore on site. He couldn't imagine being in such close proximity to that monster and not murder him. And yet Harry had restrained himself and managed to destroy most of Dumbledore's reputation. Then Harry actually made one of the Wizarding world's strongest wizard run away! He would be terrified if Sirius wasn't so damn proud of Harry!

He heard the door open and turned to find Snape of all people. Sirius was going to ask him something but it died in his throat. The look on Snape's face was disturbing...Sirius hadn't seen that look since Moony almost killed him. Foresight had never been one of his strong suits as a teenager. It hadn't truly sunken in how stupid he'd been until that brief moment before James had intervened.

Snape hadn't moved or even acknowledged that Sirius was even there. Sirius walked a little closer keeping his wand down. He didn't want to spook Snape...not while the other man was so obviously disturbed.

"Snape..."

Sirius waved his hand infront of the other man's face. He sucked in a shocked breath as Snape caught his hand mid wave. He looked at Sirius silently his face never changing. Man...younger Sirius would be utterly horrified he couldn't believe he was going to ask this.

"Snape are you okay?" Sirius asked, as he tried not to make a face.

He was a grown up damn it! It was just Snape, his opinion of Sirius couldn't possibly get any lower. Snape tilted his head and looked at him as if Sirius had lost his mind. At this point even he wasn't sure of his own sanity. Ever since they'd ended up cohabitating in the same manor they'd stayed away from one another. They hadn't fought about anything even though they'd sat in the same room. Granted everyone else had acted like buffers between them.

"Strange that you care Black...but no I most definitely am not okay. Judging by the destruction of those dummies I'd say I'm not the only one who isn't okay?" Snape replied. 

Sirius could see the man's lips briefly twitch in either an aborted grimace or sneer.

"I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours?" Sirius asked.

If there was one thing he knew from having all Slytherin relatives was that they liked to trade information. Nothing was for free everything was a trade or a compromise. And secrets were always the most coveted of trades. Snape seemed to be analyzing him skeptically no doubt wondering if it was some kind of trick.

"You first Black since it's your offer." Snape replied. 

He could work with that after all.

"I feel like I'm responsible for my best mate's death." Sirius said.

Snape's brow rose.

"I thought Harry established that it was Pettigrew's fault." Snape replied.

Sirius sighed and quietly called Mipsy and requested a bottle of the Fire whiskey. He sank to the floor and leaned his back against the wall. Snape seemed to hesitate before sitting down almost a  foot away. Sirius tried to hide a snort of amusement at the other man's behavior. But it died in his throat as he remembered that Snape had good reason to be wary. Mipsy popped back in and left two glasses and a bottle between them. She vanished leaving the room in complete silence.

"Yeah, it most definitely was that rat bastard's fault. I shouldn't have convinced them to make Peter the secret keeper. I had reasonably concluded that everyone would assume that I held the secret. So I believing that it was smarter to use someone else...had them choose someone different. Barty and I had a conversation about some information I didn't know before. Long story short we think my framing and the Longbottom attack were set up. Azrael and Harry have confirmed Dumbledore's duplicity in my framing. But Barty described some things to me that make me believe that Dumbledore is guilty of this too." Sirius said.

Snape's face remained passive but Sirius could see a flicker of something in the dark depths of his eyes. Sirius looked away and opened the Fire whiskey and pouring a generous amount into each glass. He carefully slid the glass in Snape's direction watching as the amber liquid sloshed but didn't spill.

"I overheard a conversation with Barty and his now deceased father. He said that he and the Lestrange brothers were innocent. That they'd gone to the Longbottoms to stop Bella. According to him there was what we believe to be an unsanctioned raid. Lestrange manor had been raided without cause that resulted in the death's of Xerxes Lestrange and Corvus Lestrange." Sirius said, he took a large gulp of Fire whiskey.

He winced as his throat burned...turning Sirius almost choked at Snape's surprised face. 

"Yeah, that was my sentiment as well. He said that Rastaban had mentioned the hooded robes resembled Auror robes. And that sometime during the proceedings the hoods had come off of Frank and Alice. Rastaban told him that during this time the two death's occurred and Bella was absolutely sure that Frank and Alice were responsible. Apparently Corvus was Bella's son that was only a few months old. And her attack of the Longbottoms were the end result...but it doesn't end there. Barty says that after the brothers came to get him they went to the property. He ended up watching the ward line outside while they went in to stop Bella. Barty says it was maybe three or four minutes later that Aurors showed up out of the blue." Sirius stopped. 

He drank a little more as the burn soothed the ache in his chest.

"That doesn't make sense! Bella is a sadistic vile bitch, but she would never be stupid enough to let the Longbottoms call for help." Snape said, a scowl adorning his face.

"I came to the same conclusion...so then how is it that they showed up just minutes after they had entered the property? I personally find it suspicious that they only showed up after Frank and Alice became vegetables. And that was when I put the pieces together and changed everything. Did you know that Alice was Harry's godmother? Or that Frank was meant to be a secondary godfather to Harry?" Sirius asked.

"No...but why does that matter? Wait...are you implying what I think you are?" Snape asked, as he sipped at his own whiskey.

Sirius nodded.

"Yep, if you want to control where your prophecy child lives...one must eliminate all other possibilities. Now the prophecy also fit Neville Longbottom...I believe that everything that happened was because of Dumbledore. Take away Harry's godparents, alienate their werewolf friend, and make the second prophecy child's parents martyrs. Viola you have both prophecy children under your thumb. I end up in prison to be left to rot until I become useful again. Frank and Alice can never be questioned even if the Lestranges make an accusation. Dumbledore had a lot of Aurors in his pocket back then. I can't see Barty Sr. purposely framing his own son...Barty's arrest killed his father's political career. And Dumbledore also gets three inner circle deatheaters put in Azkaban. Dumbledore even got a political boost from his sacrifice of the Longbottoms. If this is true and I believe it is we really need to talk to the brothers. Part of me feels it down to my bones that it's true. I just feel like maybe if I hadn't told them to switch secret keepers that they'd be alive." Sirius said.

Would any of what occurred actually happen if he'd just kept his mouth shut?

"If your guilty of killing your friend by proxy then that means I'm guilty too. I witnessed that prophecy being told...I told Voldemort about it. I asked him to spare Lily...you know I have no love lost for James. And at the time I didn't care about Harry....all I cared about was saving her. So when that night happened I believed that the dark lord had went against his word. He'd promised me that he would spare her. So I went to Dumbledore in the aftermath and swore that I would protect Harry. He was the last remnant of her...now that I know of Dumbledore's spells...the potions. He had to have given them to me while I was unconscious...I never would've ingested them willingly. I like you have to wonder if my actions were my own....or if Dumbledore forced me to. That hasn't stopped the guilt and grief from eating at me." Snape said. 

Anger simmer briefly in his gut before dying out. Snape was as much a victim as he and the others were. It was odd that for once they had something in common.

"I believe that that statement was a response to my own and that isn't what has you upset?" Sirius asked.

Snape drained his glass entirely.

"Uh...the dark lord apologized to me and kissed my neck...and apparently has plans for me" Snape replied.

Sirius dropped his glass in his hands, glass chips flew in the air as he gaped in disbelief.

"What...the...fuck?" 

"Don't ask me I thought he'd be pissed because I betrayed and abandoned him. Yeah, the apology was shocking...but the kiss and the mention of plans has me a little freaked." Snape admitted, he grimaced before looking away from Sirius.

"Yeah, no fuck I'd freak too." Sirius said.

And he'd thought his problem was shocking. Merlin, he actually felt sorry for Snape of all people! 

"And he didn't happen to say why he suddenly wants to fuck you instead of murder you?" Sirius asked.

Snape winced.

"No not really and I was a complete Gryffindor dunderhead and told him off." Snape said.

Holy fuck...Sirius looked at him with wide eyes.

"Wow, you have balls the size of a dragon!" Sirius joked.