Transcendence Through The Looking Glass

December 5th, 1989

Harry pov

Harry was so excited! For the first time he'd get to actually celebrate Christmas! He'd experienced the holiday before at the Dursley's, but they always made him do all the work. That and he never got presents or had friends. While listening to his vile ex-relatives complain about everything. Especially, Dudley the lucky sod. Christmas was the second time of year that Dudley always complained about.

Harry who had never gotten a present in his life. Before the ones Sirius gave him anyway. He was always annoyed, envious, and usually in pain. He never understood why Dudley complained so much. He had everything Harry could ever want. Including loving parents, Harry couldn't even have that much. Not when at one point they were dead. Even now that they were alive there was no change. Now Harry would get to truly experience the holiday. The house-elves would've decorated the house sooner. But a certain niffler...cough...Loki....cough. Required a good deal of thought.

They wanted to celebrate but didn't want Loki to steal anything for his nest. The niffler had taken what pilfered goods he'd acquired. And stuffed them in his tree that housed his nest. Harry had let him take what he wanted. It was a waste of time when said niffler would simply steal it back. If he needed it later on, he knew exactly where to find it. So, it was decoration day here at the manor. Death was wandering around in his niffler form. He and Loki seemed to have hit it off rather well. Harry always found it funny how smart Loki was. The little guy was very mistrustful of Death. At least in the beginning, now the fuzzballs were partners in crime.

Death was enjoying his ability to stay in the human realm. Harry was his anchor to this side of the veil. Death was enjoying life as a cute cuddly fuzzball too. Loki even got jealous a couple of times. Loki was used to being an only niffler child of chaos. Which was weird because Loki didn't react that way to Hedwig. He'd certainly had some interesting conversations with Death. The being was a walking history book. Harry now knew more than most nine-year old's typically knew about wizarding and no-maj history. None the less Death had definitely seen it all. Now the entity was using every opportunity to interact with the masses at large.

When Harry was at home or someplace magic like Diagon Alley Death was a niffler. When Harry visited the nearby no-maj town Death was his pet bunny. Harry had laughed himself to the ground afterwards. Death apparently really liked being cute and cuddly. It attracted a lot of attention and ended with a lot of cuddles. Harry had no doubt that those people would freak if they who they were cuddling. The only person besides Harry and Charon that Death could call a friend was Ignotus Peverell. Ignotus had been dead for nearly three centuries. And was now apparently hoping to go back into the reincarnation cycle. Something which left Death more alone than ever as Charon rarely had time. The other entity was just as busy as Death was. Death had of course told Harry about his friends. 

Harry was saddened to hear about all of this. Harry might've gone nine years without knowing what a hug felt like. Death was infinitely older, as in the beginning of everything old. And the entity had never received a hug or any other form of affection. If Harry was an expert on anything it would be loneliness. He had no idea how Death had gone this long without any care. So, despite possibly jealous friends...Loki & Hedwig...Harry took every opportunity he got. To hug and cuddle the dark entity. At the moment he was walking behind the terrible unholy alliance ie: Loki/Thanatos. The two had gotten a hold of rolls of colored tinsel and were now running down the hall with it. Loki had a roll of gold and Thanatos had the silver roll.

Each little niffler also had a spelled Santa hat on their heads. They hit the main staircase and that was where it got interesting. The two fuzzballs had scaled the statue of Death that stood at the top. Thanatos decided to make a running leap off the statue. Which had to have been with some kind of magic help. As the gap between statue and ceiling chandelier was simply too far. Thanatos was swinging around the gold curls that had drapes of crystal. He'd loop it around a curl then swing like a monkey on a vine to the next curl. Wrapping the chandelier in silver tinsel. He then unceremoniously let go after the roll was empty. To Harry's surprise simply floated down to the floor. Turning back to Loki who had decided that Death's statue was much too plain.

Loki had wrapped it from toe to scythe with gold tinsel. He was now standing on its head watching Thanatos climb the stairs. So long as Death didn't take offense then Harry would leave the decoration on it. 

"Did you have fun?" Harry asked, amused.

"But of course, this is the most fun I've had in centuries!" Death replied, before turning to Loki and squeaking.

He couldn't get over the weird novelty of having a niffler speak in a deep voice. Which shouldn't be possible to support on their vocal cords. Harry also got to witness the marvel of Death using his Allspeak. Every time the entity conversed with Loki was always interesting. Apparently, Loki had a rather sarcastic sense of humor. It was a small wonder since they got along so well. Harry often wondered what the two spoke about. But then he remembered who he was talking about. And decided it was better he didn't know what the two planned together. He'd go utterly insane wondering about their feats of mischief.

"Did you finish your first book?" Death asked.

"Yeah, I took notes from it too. I know that some things have multiple meanings. Most wizarding books reference Necromancy as.... well...more than communing with the dead." Harry said, unsurely.

"Yes, in the beginning Necromancy was primarily used for communication beyond the veil. But like most things with time and inquisitive minds Necromancy evolved as my children began to experiment. Which is where the darker connotations to the subject come in. Which is why I am starting you off at the lowest possible level to study. While intelligent and willing to learn little master you are just that little. Your magical core isn't fully matured and at some point, I will have to teach you to traverse the Veil and Void. As well as other places in the Beyond. But you have no way of defending yourself. And even with me at your side Harry it won't stop a bold nether creature from attacking you. Humans truly have no idea what hides in the dark so close to their world." Death said, casually.

Harry tried not to show just how unsettled that made him feel. Just how close were they to...these nether creatures? Were they demons? Magical entities? Angels? What else was out there exactly? And just how thin was the Veil that held them at bay? Of course, it shouldn't be so shocking to him. After all Percival had told Harry about magical creatures. If Dragons and Death were real, then why not other things? 

"I can sense some fear with in you. It's only natural after all, you have the rare gift to see beyond. To see the underneath of the underneath and experience things no other can. Most other creatures or entities will give you a wide berth. The more your magic mixes with mine and acclimates the less "palatable" you'll be to other beings. So, if someone tells you that you stink of death, they don't mean you smell like a corpse. It means they can smell the death magic on you. And will recognize my mark on you. Being my little master has its benefits...including getting back up after "dying". Fear of death is natural for all beings, as they know that it is the end of their time. But unlike others you don't fear me as a being. I can tell that my statement has brought many questions. And I will answer them with time. Right now, I have mischief to plan." Death replied, rubbing his paws together.

"That's what I'm afraid of." Harry muttered, shaking his head.

"Afraid of what?"

Spinning around he was met with the sight of Sirius and Caspian.

"Loki and Thanatos plotting mischief together." Harry said, dryly.

Sirius grinned cheekily.

"Sounds like my kind of furry mischief!" Sirius said, laughing.

"That's what I'm worried about! You have no idea what the Unholy Duo can do together. If I thought one niffler was crazy two is pushing the boundaries of sanity." Harry replied, after hugging Sirius.

Just then the panicked cry of a house elf was heard down the hall. Harry shook his head...nope plausible deniability...

"Siri come on. I want to see what all the fuss is about with playing in snow! I've never done any of that before." Harry said.

Sirius gave him a sad look before smiling and all summoning warm clothes and coats for outside. Even Caspian, who usually just watched Harry's and Sirius's antics was going to join them. Out in the back garden the three of them literally fell to the ground. As Sirius excitably explained Snow Angels, like the world's most hyper four-year-old. 

"Can we make snowmen?" Harry asked.

He'd seen the children in the Dursley's neighborhood making them. Not that he'd had much time to enjoy the sight. As Harry had only been let out to shovel and toss salt on the driveway and walkways.

"Yes, we have to! It's not snow without snowmen!" Sirius exclaimed.

Caspian merely smiled and instructed Harry on how to roll oversized snowballs. Sirius had wandered off to the nearby trees to get sticks and find shining pebbles. They finished their strange looking snowman. It looked normal up until it's head. Sirius had insisted that it had ears...not human ears either. Pointy triangular ears sat atop the snowman's head. Which kind of reminded Harry of cat ears.

Percival- 

One thing Percival was familiar with was being worried. Harry often worried him to no end. He was worried about what happened when the mirror was inactive. So far Harry had kept his promise to be a kid. To still do things a child his age should be doing. Yet today Harry looked tired...not tired from playing...but a bone deep tired. Like he'd spent too much time being up late. Reading....or practicing spells...which wasn't unusual but given his suspicions.

Well, it wouldn't surprise him if Harry did. They hadn't been acquainted very long, but even Percival knew Harry was a dedicated person. Maybe not so much now as a child. But as an adult it would be an admirable trait. It was at this point that Percival wished more people knew about him. His social life now consisted of a nine-year-old and a Niffler. So, it was hard not to think about Harry. And whether or not the kid was listening to him. But without Loki and Harry...well his thoughts would just revert to his life. He'll start wondering just what was going on in the outside world. And not for the first time since waking up in his personnel hell. Wished he'd had something to entertain himself with...something to divert his attention. Just how much had changed in the sixty years...

He wanted tea and books and....fucking fresh air! But that was but the wants of a man whose life was in the tiny hands of Harry. On top of that something had happened recently. It wasn't bad...it was just rather strange. The same night Death had appeared as a niffler...something had changed. Well, aside from his incredulous reaction. To the fact that a dangerous entity was hiding as a niffler. Percival hadn't been capable of feeling his magic since he was imprisoned. But the day after that night...he had felt something...something magical. He'd also noticed that he was now more aware of Loki.

He could tell what Loki was feeling, if Loki was hungry, if Loki wanted petting... If Percival didn't know any better, he'd say it was the symptoms of a familiar bond. But he'd have to have his magic right? Harry had been different since Death had come around too. They seemed closer than just acquaintances. Harry carried Death around as much as Loki. It just seemed weird like something was missing in between. They went from one chilling meeting in the Mortis Vault. To being Harry's 'pet'? Harry was also pretty tight lipped about his conversations with Death.

He didn't know if it was his knowledge of who exactly Harry was so casually cuddling. That set off every protective instinct in his body. Or if it was how secretive Harry had become at least in that regard. Either way it left him feeling on edge.

Harry-  

His face was pink from the cold winds as he trudged into the house. Sirius in his Animagus form came bounding in slipping on the floor. Before doing the typical dog shake. A curse sounded as Caspian had been unfortunate enough to walk in at that moment. Harry giggled at the swear words as Caspian glared at Padfoot. Padfoot doggy grinned as he sat there looking as innocent as possible. Doggy tail thumping as he circled the two soggy humans.

Ferid appeared handing them mugs of hot chocolate. They used drying and heating charms on their clothes. Something that Caspian looked beyond grateful for. The blond man had been thoroughly drenched. As Padfoot decided that tackling the man was all in good fun. Caspian had ended up in one snow drift and rolling on the ground as they grappled together on the ground. It was as they made their way to a parlor that he saw things. Weird things....

The elves and the chaos duo had been very busy. Down the hallway the walls were lined with garland on each side. Gold cut outs that looked like owls, nifflers, and snowflakes graced the walls of the hall as they walked. Harry almost ran into Caspian when he caught sight of the ceiling. Tiny pawprints were visible on the dark ceiling like silver stars. He knew beyond a doubt that they weren't put on by the elves. He almost wanted to ask Ferid how that happened. But he thought back to Thanatos's (Death) little stunt with the tinsel that morning. Suddenly he was less surprised by finding paint covered pawprints.

He was thankful that Sirius...cough...Padfoot couldn't do the same. Harry had enough problems, dogs on the ceiling should never be one of them. Shaking his head he dropped down on a sofa sitting his and Sirius's drink on the coffee table. Caspian did the same on the opposite sofa. Sirius for whatever reason decided to remain as Padfoot. The dog in question simply stuck his snout into his cup. Great wet slurping noises sounded as Padfoot drained the mug licking the cup clean. Before bounding to the rug in front of the fireplace. He unceremoniously dropped on the rug rolling around making snuffling noises.

Caspian snorted at Sirius shaking his head and sipping his drink at a more sedate pace. 

"So, what have you been up to recently?" Caspian asked, casually.

"Nothing much reading, practicing some easy spells, niffler madness...Hedwig is just about as impressed as I am generally with the others. I've actually seen her almost roll her eyes. My girl is very smart. " Harry replied.

Harry usually sat back with Hedwig tucked into his neck. As Loki and Death inspired some kind of interesting adventure. It was often better than what was on the no-maj t.v. 

"So, what have the two of you been up to recently?" Harry asked, glancing at Padfoot.

The dog in question hadn't moved from where he'd dropped.

"Sirius has been going to his mind healer, attending Wizengamot meetings, and avoiding Remus and miscellaneous Order members. He wants to see your ex-parents in prison. Something his healer says will be good for him. He needs to confront them and get closure for this whole mess. It's hard to move on from the past when you can't say your piece. I've been working mostly as well as spending time with my nephew Ernie. He's my brother Archimedes' son and our family heir. I'm not sure if I will ever marry or have a child. Besides the lordship should've been Archimedes to begin with. He is older than me, he just wasn't politically inclined and didn't want the responsibility. So, our father passed it down to me." Caspian said, tiredly.

"Oh, is that common to just pass up one child for another?" Harry asked, as he squashed the hurt that welled up.

Knowing his ex-parents did what they did was one thing. But if they hadn't would they have passed him by and given the lordship to Bianca? Was that even possible? He knew that some lordships were only given to men. It was really unfair to women in general. In his anger and hurt Harry had never bothered to ask if the Potters were a Patriarchy or a Matriarchy.

"No not usually no. There's usually a reason why an heir would be unacceptable. Lordship is always traditionally passed on to the firstborn child. Then there are other criteria to consider. Is your house a Matriarchy or a Patriarchy? It would disqualify an heir by gender alone. Which is totally sexist, but some traditions never change even if the times do. Then there is magical prowess. Was the child born with magic or a squib? Squibs are automatically disinherited regardless of whether or not they were the firstborn. Then there is behavior. Some lords will pick a different child to inherit if the first-born displays behavior that is...unbecoming to the current lord. It could be anything including sexuality, attitude, addictions, etc." Caspian said, finishing his drink.

"Wait what do you mean by addictions and sexuality?" Harry asked, his face red as he gripped his mug.

"Well, sexuality is pretty straight forward. Most Pureblood families don't care for same sex pairs. It's not a case of being unable to reproduce. There are plenty of spells and potions to assist in such things. It's more of an old prejudice that has withstood the test of time. While not all of the Purebloods feel that way. It's still the lord's prerogative as the head of his family. What he says goes even if it's completely unfair. Addictions is broader in spectrum, but I will stick with the main ones. Sex addiction can be considered bad for one's reputation. Especially in a society that still allows for marriage contracts. Lords don't want their heirs to be caught with their pants down. Or Merlin forbid someone getting pregnant who the lord doesn't approve of. It's ruined more than one marriage contract in the past. Then there's gambling addiction, no lord wants an heir that will piss the family fortune away. Leading to the ruin of their family and reputation. Alcohol or drug addictions, again no lord wants his money wasted on such things. Alcohol addiction is more common than drugs. Wizards don't have drugs like the muggles do. The closest we come to are potions addictions or certain magical mushroom breeds. Muggle drugs are more potent though...possibly because they are more synthetic in nature. The exchange rate from gallons to muggle currency depending on the area. Can be rather pricey again, something like that can be financial ruin. But it's mostly the current lord's choices or preferences in general." Caspian replied.

So theoretically it wouldn't have mattered. If gender wasn't a factor to inherit the Potter lordship. Then they would've just bypassed him and given it to Bianca. His ex-parents didn't let Bianca take an Unforgivable to the face...literally in his case. What had he done to have them care so little for him? Was he really that disposable to them? Bianca wasn't even a factor at the time in question though. He should just stop thinking about it all together. They weren't worth the waste of his feelings or thoughts.

"Harry, I can't say I know what they were thinking on that night. But you did nothing wrong and there is nothing wrong with you. They are the ones that are wrong in every way. For what it's worth I don't think they are all there in the head. Their reasoning was flawed and their trust in each other is staggering. I honestly don't think they fully understand how wrong their actions were. But that's what happens when you let someone else think for you. Maybe their time in prison will finally wake them up. If I'm being honest, I don't think they will. They have no idea that they've lost you entirely. But as messed up as this will sound, I'm glad they did. Because you and Sirius are away from them. The two of you have been through enough as is." Caspian said, gently.

He winced at the spot on observation but nodded all the same. He looked back at Padfoot who was still comatose on the rug. Harry couldn't deny that there was some truth to that statement. He was better off without all of them. If they were willing to endanger him to that degree. It says a lot about their judgement and priorities. Yeah, the Dursley's were hell...but he escaped and found his family. His weirdo family of pets, deities, Percival & Caspian, and Animagus's...er just Sirius. Though Percival still hadn't told him what his animal form was. 

"I know you have your own family, but I would like for you and Sirius to come over for Christmas. This will be the first year that I actually get to celebrate. I want to wait awhile longer to do the traditional holidays though." Harry said, thoughtfully.

Though he had a distinct feeling that Death wouldn't let him skip Samhain next year. It will probably end up being his first traditional holiday. 

"I may stop by on the night before Christmas. I know for a fact Sirius will be thrilled to come over that day. You should ask him at dinner tonight. I don't know about you, but I think Sirius has the right idea. A nap sounds lovely right now." Caspian replied, tiredly.

The blond man removed his boots and stretched out on the sofa.

"Alright I need to go find out what kind of damage my Chaos Duo have inflicted to my house. I'm not sure but at least two of my house-elves seem vaguely traumatized. And they still won't tell me why." Harry replied, dryly.

He shook his head; those elves went out of their way to avoid any room that contained them. Getting up he wandered back down the hall looking around. Red candles floated in the air as he moved back near the staircase. Colorful tinsel strands wrapped around the stair rails. Down the other side hallway Harry heard banging noises and squealing. Sighing he opened the door to the ballroom. Opening the door his mouth dropped open. A house-elf was chasing Thanatos, he made off with several bells. Loki was popping his head in and out of the Christmas tree. Ferid was apparently playing whack a Niffler...not really whacking so much as trying to catch said niffler. Loki would pop up and steal shiny ornaments. Then disappear before Ferid could catch him. Ferid was even cursing under his breath as he moved around.

Snorting Harry actually looked around the room. The house-elves had strung fairy lights throughout the room. Fake conjured icicles hung around the edges of the walls and off the chandelier. Tufts of fake snow were tucked around the tree. As well as the two red sofas that now sat near the tree. Stocking hung off the wall near the tree since there wasn't a fireplace. He was amused to see that everyone had their own. Hedwig's was white with faux feathers on the outside. Loki's was green with silver swirls embroidered into it. Sirius's was blue with a dog bone embroidered in gold. He grinned wondering if Sirius would get chew toys and dog treats in his stocking. Harry's was red with stars randomly embroidered on it. Even Thanatos had a stocking it was black with star points that formed the Corvus constellation. Corvus means raven a common symbol of death. But it was also near Hydra and Crater. Supposedly the three together marked the gate to the underworld. 

Harry frowned as he wondered if it was something Death himself had made. Or if the house-elves knew that Thanatos was well...Death himself. And if that was true than how did they know? Was it obvious? Or was he overthinking it and the elves were just playing off the name Harry gave Death? Looking around again he sincerely doubted they knew. Otherwise, the elves would be terrified. And Chioli most certainly wouldn't be chasing Thanatos around trying to retrieve the bells. Harry stopped and side stepped a puddle of glittery silver paint. So that was where it was from then. The same silvery niffler tracks graced the walls. More silver and gold cutouts of owls and nifflers graced the walls. Huffing Harry snagged Death up into his arms. Chioli instantly deflated panting as he glared at Death. Harry held out his other hand in the universal sign of "give me". Death pulled two obviously shrunken containers out of his pouch.

He promptly handed them over to Chioli. Before sweeping out of the room and into a nearby bathroom. He'd noticed that Death's fur was matted with glittery silver paint. Which was fine because Harry had some questions. Harry filled up the sink with warm water and grabbed a washcloth.

"So I've been meaning to ask how did you get Loki to like you? Because I could tell that Loki knew you weren't normal." Harry asked.

"Now that was easy. I simply gave him what he wanted and in return I asked him to teach me." Death replied.

Harry ran the cloth through spiky fur.

"Dare I ask?" Harry asked.

Death grinned. 

Flashback: October 30th, 1989 (nighttime)  

Loki was perched on the branch of his nest tree. He was staring intently at the moving shadow that was most definitely not right. It moved closer morphing as it suddenly took the form of a niffler. It's black and white fur glistened in the moonlight. Silvery eyes pinned Loki to the spot making him freeze. His fur bristled in alarm as he squeaked in warning at the creature.

Loki: chattered in warning. (Get back)

The creature tilted its head.

Death: chattered back (I'm not here to hurt you)

Loki eyed the creature stepping back and glancing at the pretty eyed human. He was still asleep on the bed unaware of the creature that lurked.

Loki: squeaked chattering (Then why do you hide your form?) 

Death: chatters (I cannot be seen by normal means. One tends to lose their minds after seeing my true form. It is for the best that I hide. Which is why I need your help.)

Loki tilted his head confused. What could the twisty dark creature want his help for? 

Death: squeaked in rapid succession (I wish to hide among the humans. I wish to know what it's like to...feel. And you are cute...I want them to love me as they seem to do for you. I am willing to grant a boon for you if you do.)

Loki sat back on his haunches as he thought of the strange creature. Could this creature help his human in the box?

Death: chatters (I cannot fulfill the requirement needed to liberate your human from the box. It needs to be genuine and therefore not forced. But I know you wish to bond with your human. But the box steals his magic. Without it you can't initiate a familiar bond. I can help you fulfill that bond by giving you a small portion of my magic. But heed my words Loki of the Forest of Dean, my magic will change you and possibly your human by association.) 

The dark one knew about him wanting to bond...was it possible? Could his human bond with him? But wait the dark one said it would change him...and maybe his human. What did that mean? But how long would it take for the pretty eyed boy to free his human? If it didn't happen before a certain point Loki would live out his lifespan and die before knowing...He had vague memories of his mother and his sire Teddy. Teddy often whispered stories about the human he'd bonded to. Of the human called Newt...

This could be his only chance...

Loki: squeaked quietly. (If this happens...what will happen to me...to my human?)

Death: chattering (A longer lifespan to match your human. Which I suspect will be very long indeed if my little master succeeds. Should your human accept him that is. Anyone bound to my little master by the soul...well they are in for an interesting life. As for other side effects...well it won't kill either of you. But once touched by a deities power a human can never entirely be human. Nor will you be entirely Niffler anymore. You would certainly become more intelligent. Your understanding of human speech while limited is still impressive for your species. You would have the same)

Loki: .......

Loki pulled his paws closer to his body as he looked sadly at the box on the table nearby. Baring his teeth he shook his furry head to clear it. He wanted it...he wanted his own human...one who understands him. The dark one wasn't asking for anything bad...it's magic while wild and dark showed no signs of trickery.

Loki: squeaked ( I will dark one.)

Death: squeaks back (Oh, we're going to have so much fun you and I Loki. But first I must pay up my end. You will put this in your pouch and then lay down somewhere on your human. My magic will do the rest.)

The dark one raised a single paw that held an orb of silvery magic. It was so pretty and shiny....he loved shiny things! Loki cautiously crawled forward. He quickly snatched the orb out of the others paw. Before backing up his fur still bristled. He looked at the orb once more before stuffing it in his pouch. He eyed the dark one who laughed and vanished. Loki dug his claws into the soft wood of the tree nest. He hopped down and bolted to the bed. Tiny nails caught on fabric as he climbed up and jumped onto the side table. He opened the lid of the box as it started glowing. Loki leapt into the mirror door and fell into the darkness of the box.

His paws made contact with the floor. Glancing around he found his human laying on the ground. The man was sleeping on his back a single paw....hand rested on his chest. Loki climbed up his arm until he was atop on his chest. Loki burrowed under the cloth covering his humans skin. Just over his heart Loki curled up and rested his head. The steady beating of his humans heart was calming. He extended a paw wrapping it around a single finger from the man's hand. His eyes started drooping as a soft blue light glowed. For one brief moment he felt his human's magic. Loki fell asleep as two magics became one....as two hearts beat together in a matching rhythm.

End Flashback 

"Wait so you helped him bond with Percival? How is that even possible? And by that logic shouldn't it have been possible to disrupt the runes entirely? I mean you would've had to, right? Otherwise, his magic wouldn't have been free temporarily?" Harry asked, curiously.

Harry was now working a towel through Death's fur.

"Yes, I did have to temporarily disrupt the runes. But it was just that temporary, I couldn't have retrieved him if that's what you're getting at. There are requirements that must be fulfilled first. Grindelwald was very specific about what was needed. I merely disrupted them enough to free up the magic long enough for the magic to take. He wanted to be very sure that his captive wouldn't escape. There is only enough magic left in Percival's body to prevent death. But not enough to attempt any form of escape. The box was feeding on my magic temporarily. So, Loki did indeed get his human bonded to him. But the real question is how it may or may not affect them." Death replied.

"Yeah, that was actually my next question." Harry said, hopping up to the counter to sit.

"Well, since my magic was not only siphoned but used as a catalyst. The effects may vary...The possible consequences are manageable. For instance, I don't know what affect will happen to Percival for being inside the box. Since my magic was temporarily circuiting through it. It could change how the box functions or feels. As for the two of them their bond was a catalyst of my magic. So, they both now have some of my magic. Which again, the side effects could be mild to irritating depending on if they change. If they're lucky nothing will change, and they will be all the better for it. Loki will now have a lifespan that will match Percival's. That means however that Loki will die if Percival does. Loki will also be more intelligent and will have a better understanding of human speech. When one bonds with a familiar. The familiar doesn't just gain some of their human's magic. They gain knowledge like speech and in some cases are granted a new form of communication. Percival may get impressions of feelings or visions of things Loki wants. Or if they're really lucky a telepathic link will emerge. In which case Percival will soon learn just how dry Loki's humor is. The fuzzball now understands sarcasm...and uses it beautifully. Right now, Loki is teaching me how to steal things like a Niffler!" Death crowed. 

 Oh, sweet Merlin...as if Loki needed to be more intelligent. He took his eyes off them to sleep...and this is the shit that happens? Fuck, there was no way he'd be able to leave them when he went to school. This was so far above his pay grade. Wait...he wasn't getting paid...nope yeah, he was. The Mortis vault had an endless supply of gold.