Transcendence Through The Looking Glass

December 25th, 1989- (Harry)

Harry awoke suddenly to the uncomfortable feeling of being licked on the face. He opened his eyes squinting as he contemplated the murder of whatever had licked him. Only to be jostled as the bed started bouncing. Sighing he sat up to see Padfoot looking at him with big puppy eyes. Of course, why hadn't he confirmed the time Sirius was set to come over? Because he'd had other worries going on and he wanted Hedwig home with him. Speaking of his feathery girl she was glaring down at Padfoot with one eye. He must've awoken her too with his excitement. Harry really should've been paying attention to Padfoot. The dog in question licked him from cheek to neck. He let out a disgusted noise as he moved out of the bed.

"Yes, I know your there you menace! Now go be Padfoot downstairs while I get ready." Harry said, with a huff.

Padfoot whined but trotted out the open door of his room. The mutt was lucky he hadn't woken up Death. The niffler in question was still asleep in Loki's nest tree. Loki himself was sleeping with Percival in the box. Stretching he made his way into the bathroom to get ready. After a quick shower, face wash, and tooth brushing session. He pulled on a cream-colored cashmere sweater, with jeans, and a pair of fuzzy black socks. He'd discovered rather quickly after buying his new wardrobe that he liked soft things. He'd bought several more of these sweaters along with fuzzy socks and a few throw pillows. They were really amazing. 

He stopped to pet Hedwig's head and left her some treats and a few stunned mice. After wishing her a happy Christmas he moved over to Loki's tree. He pulled out a box it was wrapped in shiny gold paper. A single black velvet bow sat on top of it. He left a name card attached to the side. He had no doubt Death would know the present was from him. Death was big on cuddles and hugs; the touch starved entity adored them. Death didn't need to say anything as Harry understood. He too loved the hugs from Sirius and Loki. Harry also enjoyed the cuddles he had with Death. Before Percival, Loki, Sirius, and Death he had never experienced that kind of affection. So, when Harry had seen a stuffed animal on one of his trips to Griffon's. He knew it was perfect for the entity. Harry wouldn't live forever...at least he didn't think he would anyway? Perhaps something that would need clarifying in the future. That being said he wanted Death to have things to remember Harry by. After all what if Harry decided to move on to the hereafter or go back into the reincarnation cycle? 

But the stuffed animal in question was meant for infants and small children. It had a rune stone in the center that you could add your magic to. You think of positive feelings like affection, care, love, protection, and comfort. The stone absorbs the magic, feelings, and intentions and they are imbued. It can also warm the stuffed critter and even makes sounds like a heartbeat. The critter in question was a sitting bunny on all fours. And with the help of one of the house-elves Harry made it look like Death's black and white bunny form. Yeah, it was a childish gift but given Death's unique circumstances Harry was sure he'd love it. Even if people died stuffed animals didn't. 

He looked towards Percival's box and wished that he could spend the whole day with the man. Going through and telling him all about his Christmas present. But Sirius and maybe Caspian would be here. And Harry wasn't ready to tell them about Percival yet. Plastering a smile on his face he opened the box and activated the box. Percival appear his eyes dark as if he hadn't slept. His hair was messed up and his face was drawn. 

"Merry Christmas Percival, are you okay?" Harry asked, concerned.

"It's...it's different knowing... I mean it was bad finding out that sixty years had passed. When to me it felt like days or even weeks. But now that I know how time is flowing...it's hard. It's difficult now that I know and it's Christmas....It just hurts. And I keep thinking about what I'd be doing this time of year...things I would be doing on this day. I would've been with Seraphina sharing the holiday with my best friend and sister in everything but blood. Thinking of her and how much time has passed just hurts. I keep thinking about whether or not she even spares a thought for me anymore. After all, how long can someone wait for you before they assume you're dead?" Percival said, bitterly.

"I'm sorry that this happened to you. When I am able and more connected maybe I can try to find Seraphina. I... know it must be really hard even with Loki to keep you company. But you have to hold on. Plus, I do have a Christmas present for you. I'm spending the day with Sirius, but later tonight I will send Loki through with it. I hope that it will help some. I meant what I said, what I promised you. I will find a way even if I have to bargain with Death to get the answers necessary." Harry said.

Percival looked at him with suspiciously shiny eyes. No tears fell however, but his expression while still mostly composed was showing cracks. And of course, because he couldn't be left out of anything. Loki popped his head out of Percival's pocket. Yawning and shaking his fur out Loki climbed Percival's chest. Until Loki was face level and bumped his snout into Percival's nose. The cute little eskimo kiss had softened Percival's face further. 

"Merry Christmas Harry...Loki." 

Harry smiled as he watched Percival cuddle Loki. Barking sounded noisily from the hallway. Harry rolled his eyes and watched the two in the mirror.

"It would seem your needed elsewhere." Percival said, carding his fingers through Loki's fur.

"So it would seem. Loki is of course welcome to be his ridiculous self." Harry replied. 

The invitation hanging in the air. Though it didn't really matter as Loki often did what he wanted. Looking back at the man and his niffler Harry smiled before leaving the room. Harry had given the house-elves the day off. He doubted the elves would accept a present from him. So this was the best he could offer them without tears. Padfoot jogged next to him sliding on the marble flooring every time a corner appeared. Heading to the kitchen Harry started gathering the pans and other utensils. Harry had pre-prepped lunch and dinner items for the day. All he had to do was cook or heat the foods in question. It was breakfast that would be entirely from scratch.

"Why are you cooking? It's Christmas!" Sirius exclaimed, loudly.

"I like cooking, it's peaceful and helps me think sometimes when I'm stuck. Besides I gave the house-elves the day off as a present. I figured they wouldn't take an actual present from me." Harry replied, eyeing Sirius.

The man was eating his way through his second sugar cookie niffler. Harry liked sweets but he didn't want them for breakfast. Dragging out the ingredients he needed. Harry started the potatoes; he was making a fried potato base. His main dish was going to be a bacon, egg, and potato breakfast scramble. The potatoes would take the longest so that was why they were first. He started with his other dishes next. Since the scramble would be last to make. 

"Is Caspian coming over?" Harry asked, curiously.

Harry had enough food to feed six adults. So, he wasn't worried about running out of food. It was more so that Harry knew how many places to set. And whether or not he'd be sending the man's gifts by post or waiting until his next visit. He was mixing the batter up for banana muffins. Sweet but still had some form of nutrition. Harry was still on his potions regime for the time being. Harry had started taking them in his room before eating. After getting questioning looks from both Sirius and Caspian. Harry had decided it was best for the 'out of sight, out of mind' mentality. He was surprised they hadn't questioned him about them. But wasn't going to tempt fate...lies by omission were becoming natural for him. Was it really a lie if he didn't tell anyone he knew something? No, it was just omission which wasn't a lie it was just the way it was often referred to.

"He'll be by for dinner and gift exchange. He'll be with the irritated dragon that is currently his family. But I figure it's more time for us." Sirius said, sipping the coffee that he made.

Harry didn't drink the stuff. It was too bitter without the cream and sugar for his tastes. But he wasn't going to complain if Sirius was going to help by making his own beverage. 

"Irritated Dragon?" Harry asked.

Harry was just going to assume that that was some kind of wizarding expression. Because he doubted that Caspian had an actual irritated dragon. Like powder keg or bee's nest maybe? 

He popped the muffins in the oven and started slicing up fruit. Oranges, apples, strawberries, and kiwi. There was blueberries and raspberries too. They only needed washing. After successfully making mixed fruit bowls for each of them. He started frying the bacon up for the scramble. As well as shredding a mishmash of veggies, grasses, and roots. Harry had finally gotten around to reading his book about nifflers. And while he hadn't been wrong sticking to natural veggies. Harry had discovered that Loki required grasses and wild veggie and flower roots. They provided more fiber and nutrients that Loki didn't necessarily get from his salads. Once finished with that he put the bacon on some cookie racks. They sat on cookie sheets that would collect the bacon grease. He was doing all this while waiting for Sirius to answer.

"Caspian is having issues with his brother Archimedes. I can't imagine that it will be anything but awkward having them both in the same space. I just hope it doesn't devolve into a fight either with words, magic, or physically." Sirius replied, grimacing.

"That sounds horrible and very awkward. If you don't mind we can hold off the present exchange until he gets here. There are plenty of things we can get up to while we wait. We have to have a whole lot of mischief and celebrate properly right?" Harry asked.

It made more sense to wait rather than doing three separate gift exchanges. And it only took him halfway through breakfast prep tp realize he didn't want to wait for Percival's. Just because food wasn't necessary for the man. Didn't mean Harry should withhold the one thing that would give Percival that luxury. Plus it would distract Percival and give him something to do with his day. It didn't seem fair that he couldn't entirely share this day with the man. And he still hadn't told Sirius or Caspian about Percival. Honestly he didn't know if it was paranoia or if he just wanted to keep Percival with him. He was genuinely afraid that they might take Percival from him. Not to mention his death deity niffler he had running around that everyone so casually cuddled. But Harry hadn't survived his ex-relatives for nothing. For now he would get away with his omissions as neither man was aware anything was amiss.

"Yeah, we do indeed need to have a proper mischievous Christmas." Sirius replied.

Harry moved the baked muffins to the cooling rack. He then crumbled the bacon over the diced fried potatoes. Followed by cheese, onions, and of course eggs. As if summoned by either the food or the promise of mischief. The kitchen door opened to admit nifflers of chaos. Tiny nails clicked on the floor as they approached Harry's sock clad feet. Wiping off his hands he picked them up and dropped them in the mixing bowl. Loki dived in without hesitating. He saw Death hop out of the bowl and head to the far counter. Sirius was working his way through a Christmas story about one of the Marauders Hogwarts memories. So the other man was plenty distracted. Or so Harry had thought.

"Is he supposed to eat that?" Sirius asked.

He followed Sirius's gaze to to Death. Who was sitting on his tail clutching a banana muffin and taking slow bites.

"Thanatos has a more varied palate than Loki. I think he can smell the bananas in the muffins. They can eat fruits but sparingly as it doesn't tend to agree with their stomachs. Yeah, lets go with that considering I don't want to discuss that over food." Harry replied.

Serving up the food and discreetly leaving a small bowl of scramble out of eyeshot. So, Death could try the scramble without Sirius asking questions. Not that Sirius was watching Thanatos. He was all eyes for Loki. Who was juggling cucumber slices and mushrooms. Loki was deftly catching the slices up and occasionally catching them with his mouth. Harry snorted and placed a plate in front of Sirius. He decided that they'd eat on the breakfast island. It was less formal and cozier or so he thought. Sirius had gotten to the best part about his story. When the Marauders had managed to turn Dumbledore's beard bubblegum pink and his skin bumblebee black and yellow. Harry had nearly choked on a mouth full of scramble. Sirius had whined when Harry said he was going to wash dishes before doing anything else. Harry wasn't going to leave a mess for the elves; besides he might need some of those items to cook later with. 

But he did mention an interest in a post breakfast snowball fight. As well as trying his hand at this snowfort business. He told Sirius to go out and start building up the snow. It was after Sirius left that Death shuffled over tiny paws to Harry. Harry held out his hand so Death could sit on it. Bringing the furry deity to eye level with him. Tiny furry arms hugged his face as best he could. 

"Why did you...?"

"I wanted you to have something left of me. Preservation charms far stronger than any that I know. Can keep that small part of my magic alive. And I know that you know them. So regardless of my living or dead status. Whether I choose to stay with you, or move on, or even go back into the cycle like Ignotus. That, that will be with you always. Since the beginning of existence is a long time to be alone. You've always said I was a unique soul. It may be a long time before you find another soul like mine. Or heck you can always find me again. You did say that I find you in every universe...every timeline. So, you have bunny Thanatos to have and hold when I'm gone." Harry said.

"You really are a special soul. I will indeed preserve him along with that damn cookie."

Cookie? Oh, that Thanatos inspired niffler cookie that had nearly brought the furry deity to tears. He kissed Death's furry little head feeling touched that Death cared so much about something so small. 

"So Sirius and I are going to have snow forts and have a snowball war. Your welcome to come with us, if not I'm giving Loki the trunk for Percival." Harry said, making his way out of the room. 

Loki was clinging to the fabric of Harry's jeans like a koala. Once he was in his room Harry grabbed his coat, gloves, and scarf. He shrunk the trunk down to matchbox size and move over to Loki. Thanatos and Loki were sitting on either side of Percival's box. Kneeling down so he was face level with Loki.

"Make sure he gets these. I hope this will help him feel better. I just want him to be okay." Harry said.

He presented the trunk and Percival's wand to Loki. Loki blinked and nodded his head as he stuffed first the trunk then the wand in his pouch.

"I'll be outside if you want to join me you fuzzy menaces."

He ruffled Loki's fur and nodded at Thanatos. Harry ran down the hall and down the stairs trying to not worry. What if Percival didn't like it? What if Percival thought that this was the end...that Harry wasn't going to get him out? In the end he simply took the plunge right into a snowbank. The snow was deep and mostly untouched. Hooting overhead alerted him to Hedwig who had landed on his shoulder. 

"Hey girl have you seen a crazy mutt snuffling around?"

She hooted and turned her head to the right. Sure, enough dog prints led deeper into the snow laden garden. Snorting Harry followed the tracks.

Percival-

Percival grimaced as he hugged his knees closer to himself. He tried to distract himself from the bitter depressing thoughts that occasionally flitted through his mind. By wondering what Harry's surprise was. He honestly wasn't a big fan of surprises. Harry meant well, but his situation was really starting to get to him. His occlumency shields weren't really there anymore. They were made out of his own magic. Without his magic Percival couldn't Occlude and center himself. Which just made every sharp emotion hurt more. Percival pulled on every ounce of his Auror training to remain calm and focused. If only so he could keep himself sane and be stable for Harry.

Try as he might his greatest fear was being forgotten about. He wanted to believe that Harry would succeed...that he would free Percival. But it was hard to feel hope when day in and day out all he had was a niffler and endless darkness. Sixty years for what seemed like days to a month to Percival. Gone...gone. Loki and Harry were his only distracts from the dense encroaching solitude. This box was a prison...a very effective prison. The familiar rune that appeared overhead signified the activation of the box's magic. Rather than seeing Harry two furry shapes fell from above. He dived forward and landed on his chest hard. But he was successful in catch one of the furry shapes. Loki had landed on all fours his fur spiked up. The other furry shape jogged up to his face. The furry niffler form of Death stood there looking down his snout at him. 

"Well, if it isn't my tiny master's pet human. You have no idea how much effort he's put into this. So, you'd better be grateful." Death said, his beady eyes gleaming dangerously.

Percival gathered himself up until he was on his knees. Loki was still cradled in his hands sitting on his tail. He had the vaguest sense that Loki was waiting for something. What did Death mean by that statement? Just what kind of project had Harry been working on?

"Effort into what exactly?"

Harry had mentioned some kind of gift earlier.

"He won't let you down you know. Harry never promises anything he doesn't intend to complete. But what you need to escape from here. He isn't yet able to provide for you. Grindelwald was many things, clever chief among them. This prison was meant for the only person he ever loved. He never had the chance to perfect or alter it before his imprisonment. You're alive because he forgot about you. Forgetting isn't always a bad thing. My little master is special, so you should feel really fucking special for having his attention. If you ever do anything large or small to hurt him. You will find out there are worse things than death."

Percival grimaced at the implicit threat to his being.

"I don't ever plan on doing so." Percival replied, taken aback by the entity's behavior.

Loki chuffed shaking his head.

"You'd better hope so for your sake."

Death nodded at Loki, who pulled his wand out of his pouch. Percival hadn't held it in such a long time. As he'd let Harry use it because of the elder wand being difficult. It still fought Harry rather often, Death had told him that it would ease up. But only when Harry was much older and had more control and experience. Until then the wand wouldn't fully submit to him. So, Percival's wand was less 'resistant' or 'hostile'. Making it much easier for Harry to practice with. Though Percival's wand would never accept another until he himself died. It was a very loyal companion to him. Having it in his hands again was like greeting an old friend. He desperately wanted to feel his magic again. He blinked in surprise as Loki practically shoved a small item at his face. At first glance it looked like a matchbox. Upon a much closer inspection he realized it was a very small trunk. His eyebrows rose as he looked up at Death questioningly.

"Uh, how am I supposed to make it bigger?" Percival asked.

Death snorted at the dumb question. He took the trunk from Percival placing it a short distance away. He then tapped it with his paw. The trunk slowly turned into a larger than average travel trunk. The lid opened by itself illuminating the space above it. Percival blinked wondering what was in the trunk that was a surprise.

"Well, don't just sit there looking stupid hop in."

Death and Loki were now sitting on the rim of the trunk and jumped down disappearing from sight. Leaning over the opening he saw a ladder going down. He could see blinding white at the bottom. As he took his first steps down. A freezing gust of wind hit him making his teeth chatter. He was so startled by it he almost lost his grip. Where the hell did that wind come from? At the bottom he gingerly stepped off the ladder. Turning around his jaw dropped at the sight that greeted him. There was snow bright and gleaming white as far as the eye could see. An iced over lake was near a snow-covered forest. Tall trees and robust pine trees reached for the sky. Stars gleamed brightly next to an actual moon! Clouds floating above as the wind blew again causing him to shiver again. Wrapping his arms around himself he looked to the left of the lake. A two-story cabin rose up from the gleaming white like an oasis.

Merlin, was he dreaming? It looked and felt like he was outside but that was impossible! He didn't know how he fell to the cold ground. But that was where he ended up. After what felt like hours but in reality, was only a few minutes. He blinked in shock when a tiny paw smacked him in the face. Loki was hanging off his collar pulling on it towards the cabin. Feeling really cold and confused. Percival followed Loki and Death down the only cleared path to the cabin. Stepping on the porch he tried the door handle. He was surprised that it was unlocked and was admitted into the warmth within. In front of him was a staircase heading upwards. He looked down to see Loki pulling on his pant leg to get his attention. Loki pointed towards a doorway to his left. Loki scrabbled away on the hardwood disappearing into the room. Percival noticed Death at his feet following behind him. It was a living room with plush soft looking dark blue couches. An overstuffed blue and gold armchair sat on a furry white rug. A lit fireplace was next to it along with a small table. Loki had plopped down on the rug. He was 'starfished' with all his limbs outstretched laying on his belly. His beady eyes tracked Death as he sat near Loki's prone form.

"Death what is this place?" Percival asked, curiously.

He rubbed his hands together trying to warm them faster.

"This is your new home until you escape this place. This is Harry's gift to you, a gift that both he and I slaved over. Harry didn't want to take his time or wait...he wanted to give you this for Christmas. But as smart and talented as he is. Harry lacked two important things to make this work. The magical core capacity and the knowledge. Do not mistake this as a show of fondness from me to you human. I care about Harry, and he cares about you. Those credits don't transfer, he barely slept and forgot several times to take his potions."

Even short and furry Death was still terrifying when he wanted to be. The entity in question was glaring at him.

"This is all for me...?" His voice small and uncertain.

He felt like someone had gutted him.... this was all for him? All those nights he'd worried about Harry's health. And Percival was the reason why Harry had looked so tired. The reason why was so Harry could give him a home? He suddenly felt guilty and a little ill for thinking that Harry would eventually forget about him. His vision blurred as he was shocked to realize he was crying. Loki poked his face holding out a handkerchief. Percival nearly jumped out of his skin when Death spoke breaking the silence.

"You'll find little notes all over the house to explain how the everything functions. Since you can't do magic normally. We had to get creative with Runes and ward stones. But simply tapping a rune on any item should make it work. Like this fireplace for example, the rune in the center stone of the arch. Tap it once with your wand to start a fire and twice to extinguish it. The basket next to it is charmed to never run out of wood. We had considered trying to smuggle you out in a trunk sized vanishing cabinet. But you would've ended up crushed to death. So, Harry settled for making this home for you. So that you'd be more comfortable." Death said.

Death had scaled up his chair and was now sitting on its arm. 

"That's....that's amazing! I didn't even think something like this was possible. I mean trunks in my time could fit whole apartments. But this.... there's a forest in a trunk...that's beyond what I remember." Percival replied, dabbing his face.

"Yes, I told Harry about Newt Scamander's trunk. I know that you have no idea who that is. But Newt met Grindelwald posing as you a while back. Anyway, Newt is a Magizoologist. Newt cares for multiple magical creatures. His travel case is not only a small living space for himself. But it has individual habitat for each of his creature companions.Each habitat has its own enclosed weather system. Harry wanted to model the trunk after his. So that if you couldn't go outside, he'd bring outside to you. Also, niffler's are native to the forests in Britain. So, Loki should enjoy the woodland as its only inhabitant from spring to fall. It mimics the weather outside of Peverell manor." Death replied, dryly.

Wow...that was just crazy. Magic really could do just about anything. If he wasn't talking to Death, he'd wonder where he got the spells from. In Britain it's illegal to perform any kind of elemental magic. But then Britain's been really barmy about magic restrictions. Was it any wonder most other countries didn't want to deal with them. They were completely backwards. One can't just make certain magic's illegal without good reason. The balance of magic had to be maintained. Without dark magic there was no balance in Britain. If what Harry had learned from Death was true. Then they'd become so afraid of dark magic because of recent dark lords. Was it any wonder the general masses there felt like they had to rebel?

"The lake was a bitch and a half to make for Harry. But he was determined to make the view nice for you. He even convinced me to spell the sky to mimic the outside one. So, you're seeing what outside the manor looks like. With all-natural sun, moon, stars, and what not. If you happen to see body length mirrors all over the house and outside. It's because of your box. Harry suggested we twist the communication Runes. So, you don't have to leave the trunk to know when Harry "calls" you."

Oh, Merlin what would he even say to Harry when he saw him next? There were no words to accurately convey how he was feeling right now. To put this much thought into this all for him. Death was right he should feel special. Deciding he was warm enough Percival went to roam his new house. Death trailed behind him, his tiny nails clicking on the hardwood. The next room over, turned out to be a kitchen with an island. A platter of colorful Christmas cookies sat wrapped in the center of the island. It suddenly dawned on him that he could eat food again. Even if he never felt hungry it was nice to have the option. A cute Christmas card from Harry was by the plate. These must've been some of the cookies Harry had made the other day. Looking around he found a pantry door. It had several shelving units with tons of food stored. A cooling cupboard was in the corner. Two free standing bookshelves held of all thing's cookbooks. On clearly had magical cookbooks and the second held no-maj cookbooks. The last thing he noticed was a spice cupboard. Little vials of colorful spices sat in organized rows.

"The pantry will refill periodically should it become low. If there is something specific you want for your kitchen and it's not here. Harry says all you have to do is ask. The pantry and cold cupboards are drenched in preservative magic. This way nothing will go bad before you use it. The trunk under the shelf over there is a mobile vanishing cabinet. Anything Harry puts in his vanishing trunk appears in yours. So, check it periodically to see if anything appears. So, if Harry were to make you a serving of whatever his cooking. He can put it in the trunk and the runes will not only bring it here. But they will also determine where to store the food item. Like these cookies, they're a dry ingredient that doesn't need to be warmed or cooled so they are on the island. If Harry sent you ice cream, it would go to the freezing part of the cooling cupboard. If it was say a bowl of hot soup. It would appear atop the stone near the sink which is spelled to keep food items hot. As for cooking spells they'll work. The runes and ward stone are attuned to your wand. So you can still do spells. Harry left some books with cleaning spells on your table set."

Sure, enough beyond the table set was a small dining table. With books about household spells that everyone should know when they don't have house-elves. This was all so mind boggling... that a hand full of runes and a ward stone could mimic magic. For now, though he was going to follow his furry tour guide. He would hate to mess up all their hard work because he wasn't paying attention.

"So, I would just say the spell and it will happen? No wand movements?" Percival asked, curiously.

"No, just say it and tap the corresponding rune. That is if it has a rune on it to begin with. Or in the case where it doesn't have a rune etched into it. You can just say the spell and tap the object. And if you're casting and you can't tap the item. Then just cast the rune stone is attuned to recognize over five thousand spells. That includes lost magic and magic incantations in various languages. However, the rune stone's power isn't unlimited. It has to be charged from an outside source. Which will more than likely be by me. But Harry knows how to charge the stones. We made multiples so that we can switch them out if necessary. So don't go crazy casting magic in here. Also, Animagus transformation or transfiguration in general isn't really a good idea. So just don't." Death replied, dryly.

Percival nodded as Death led him to another door in the kitchen. It had stairs behind it that led down into a cellar of all things. Death gave a simplified version on how the ward stone network worked. The whole inside of the trunk had hidden ward stones. They kept the space from being crushed as well as powering everything in it. And they all connected back to the main stone in the cellar. Said stone was like a huge boulder. Which was crazy, Percival immediately wanted to touch it to look at the runes. He'd never seen anything like them. Death had promptly warned him against touching it. He also explained that he wouldn't recognize the runes anyway. Something about the civilizations being destroyed. Which had prompted more questions. Apparently, the runes were a weird combination of Aztec and Atlantis based rune alphabets. Which of course just stunned him beyond words...because WHAT! 

Now Percival understood why Harry loved talking to Death about well anything. The amount of lost knowledge that the entity must know had to be staggering. Historians would be frothing at the mouth to get ahold of Death. Percival reluctantly allowed himself to be herded upstairs. They found a half bathroom, a closet, and a sunroom of all things. They took the stairs up to find the full bathroom.

It had a soaking tub on one side and a shower stall on the other. A wall divider between the shower hid the loo. And the sink counter dominated the back wall. A shelving unit on the other side of the loo held fluffy white towels. Under the sink was a cupboard full of shelving units. One shelf had loo paper in rows. Another had soaps from bars to hair and body. The next had neat rows of potions. Oh, he couldn't wait for a soak in that tub.

They wandered back out into the hall and to his joy found a library! Merlin, he missed reading so much! He honestly couldn't remember the last time he'd read just for pleasures sake. He'd been a dedicated career man. His job had been the center of his life. No close family and only one close friend. Merlin, he'd worked himself into a very lonely corner. Had he even been happy with his life? Wasn't that just the most depressing thought ever? He'd been so upset to find out his life was more than likely ruined by Grindelwald. That it never occurred to him that his life as it had been...wasn't what he wanted now. What was that saying? Oh, you don't know what you have before it's taken away...until it was utterly gone. 

"Harry had wanted to make copies of every book in the Peverell library for you. But I told him it would be far easier to spell the bookcases and connect them to the ones at the manor. So, the books currently on the shelf are a mix of subjects. Some are new from Harry's purchases. While others are incredibly old. The parchment attached to the end of the bookcases is charmed. You write the subject, title, or author down and every book pertaining to that request will appear on the shelf. The parchment will refresh and return blank afterwards. The table is equipped with several endless notebooks. Parchment bundles and self-inking pens that never run out of ink. Harry also says if you have any specific requests about fictional novels or fantasy books let him know. He didn't know if you were partial to such tastes."

Percival couldn't help but think about how thoughtful Harry was. Every new room revealed a new thoughtful luxury that Percival didn't even know he missed. Which was just as depressing as it was amazing. Contradictorily he knew those feelings were. But it was how he was felt. It was depressing to see all the things he'd taken for granted in his life. Live without them for a horrid amount of time. Then be totally amazed by them being freely given to him. So yes, he appreciated and even loved what he was seeing. It was the warring loss of his life and diminished mental stability that made him sad as well as happy. They wandered back into the hallway where he discovered another closet. Though this one was clearly wizarding space, small door bigger than average inside dimensions. Shelves held extra sheets, blankets, and pillows. Death explained to him that the hamper in the corner was special. Apparently, any clothes item tossed in would get laundered by the Peverell elves. Then they would be sent back through yet another vanishing trunk. 

The next room took him by complete surprise. It seemed to be an art room of some kind. The walls on either side held shelving units. Paints, cups of brushes (by size), palettes, turpentine, sealer, clay, clay cutting tools, sculpting tools. Varying sizes of portrait frames were leaned against a wall. Canvases of varying sizes were stored on lower shelves. There were easels hanging by size, sketch books, pencils, charcoals, pastels, tortillons, and erasers. One shelf held instructional books. Harry must've thought he could use a hobby. Moving back into the hallway he came to the last door. Which opened up to a spacious bedroom. He started crying again at the sight of the bed. It looked so fluffy and inviting. His hips and back would most definitely appreciate this. The sheets were a soft cream color, topped by a forest green blanket, with matching green pillows. A large really soft looking plushie of a snow leopard lay across it. His heart seemed to stop for a second...how...how had Harry known? He'd never told Harry about his Animagus form.

"If you don't like the colors, you can change them of course. As for the cute little plushie Harry had no idea that's your Animagus form. I certainly hadn't told him. No, he said, and I quote 'seems like Percival'." Death said, snorting.

The nightstands held gold lamps with green glass shades. The one lone window was a window seat. The shelf under it was stocked with no-maj vinyl records. Before being imprisoned in this box Percival had never been a music person. It wasn't that he didn't like music. It was more that Wizarding music left a lot to be desired. And Percival only ever interacted with the no-maj's during cases. Maybe the no-maj's simply did it better? Either way he would definitely listen to all of the records. The box had been so hauntingly silent. And Harry had gone through a lot of trouble to craft this for him. The last door opened up to a closet that was another wizarding space. It would have to be or half of it would be in the hallway. It was a big walk-in closet.

"This closet is modeled after Harry's at the manor. All the clothes and shoes have sizing charms that will adjust to you. We did get some muggle clothes as well. Everything in here from dressy to casual all the way down to what muggles call 'work out' clothes. Harry didn't know what styles and colors you'd prefer. So the garments can have their colors altered as well. Most of what's in here is dressy both magical and muggle. He kind of inferred that you would be partial to them. Mostly due to that coat you've been wearing." Death muttered.

Merlin's saggy balls this closet was big. And it was modeled after Harry's to boot. Even he wouldn't deny that a fresh set of clothes sounded heavenly. Stepping out of the closet was when he saw a tree of all things. It was practically hidden behind an armoire that held several cloaks. But it did look like an exact copy of the one up in Harry's room. Inside was Loki's nest and his treasures. Percival doubted the fuzzball would use the nest. Perhaps for storing his 'shinnies', but he had no doubt that Loki would end up sleeping with him. True to Death's word there was a full-length mirror squeezed beside the tree. It was just barely visible. Turning back to the bed he threw himself on it. He cuddled that ridiculous plush to his chest. It was said plushie that absorbed the tears of relief and pain. He never even noticed the two furry menaces leave.

Harry-

Harry laughed as he sent his partner out to help him in this war. Harry and Sirius had been in a snowball war for...he didn't know awhile. Hedwig had joined the fray as she dropped snowballs from the sky. In retaliation Sirius had spelled his snowballs. They broke apart into smaller projectiles after being thrown. His reinforcements arrived to assist him though. Loki did what he does best by being agile and hard to hit. He often snuck off behind enemy lines and sneak attacked Sirius. Thanatos was the most mischievous of them all. He'd made a small contingent of animated snowmen. Which was chaotic because the snowmen didn't care who was who. If they caught you, they'd tickle you until surrender was shouted.

Their war abruptly ended when the snowmen finally got Sirius.

"This isn't fair! There are four of you and now them." Sirius whined.

Sirius tried to dodge away but wasn't successful. He fell back into the waiting arms of a snowman. An unmanly shriek pierced the air. Harry was laughing so hard he almost missed them finishing.

"Merlin...eep that's cold...hahaha...stop.... bloody hell...!"

Loki and Thanatos paw-fived and Hedwig let out a screech that sounded like a chattering laugh. Oh, how Harry loved his diabolic fur children or feather child as his girl Hedwig was. Death finally cancelled the spell, so the snowmen became...snow again. 

"Dang Pup that spell work was amazing!" Sirius shouted.

Sirius was trying to get up though the remains of the snowmen had partially covered him. He managed to wiggle free and was dusting snow off himself. Harry rolled his eyes grinning down at Death. He'd accept the credit. It wasn't like Harry could tell the truth. Harry himself understood Death's needs to remain 'Nifflery'. If Death couldn't be viewed in his regular form. And people found his person suits unnerving and unnatural. Then being a cute furry rodent who gets hugs and pets. Was really a better fit for the touch starved lonely entity. They ended up inside making a wet dripping mess all over the floor. Once suitably dried the five of them went to the kitchen for lunch. Hedwig had opted to stay outside for another little while. The two of them had a small discussion a while ago about what topics of conversation were safe.

Sirius never asked about the Dursley's and Harry never asked about Sirius's parents. Sirius also never seemed to talk about his brother. And while Harry was incredibly curious about both of those topics. Harry also understood how hard it was to talk about certain things. As for his ex-parents, Harry didn't mind so much hearing stories about them. Despite how Harry had felt about their negligence and abandonment. Harry still wanted to know a little about them. As for Sirius well they were a huge part of his life before his own abandonment occurred. Healer Brown had been trying to encourage Sirius to talk about them more. She said it would help the man cope with the situation better. Harry all too well understood how Sirius felt. But he in no uncertain terms told Sirius he didn't care if he did talk about them. Too many stories had been stopped abruptly when he remembered just who he was talking about. Harry wanted to know more about Sirius himself. The good memories and the bad ones too. Our memories and our experiences shape who we become. Harry was firm in that belief even if he has to hear about 'them'.

So, Sirius was telling him about how his ex-parents got together. Harry was pan searing chicken breast. In the pan with the chicken was olive oil, vegetable medley, parsley, and garlic cloves. A premade dish of mashed potatoes was on a warming stone. Loki was flat on his tummy his legs starfished his eyes closed as Sirius petted him. Harry grinned at the fuzzy critter; he could almost see Loki as a therapy animal. Sirius was lost in his story of his ex-parents disastrous first date. Death had taken the distraction and had run up to Harry. Harry had his back to where Sirius was sitting. So, Death had moved into the shadow of Harry's chest. Climbing onto his shirt and settling on Harry's shoulder. He smiled as the move reminded him of Loki looking to sleep on Percival his man-pillow. 

"We gave him you gift after breakfast. He was rather upset but in a good way. He really seemed to appreciate and grasp the amount of work we did on it. At times he would be speechless other times he would cry. But you didn't hear that from me." Death whispered.

Harry smiled with true happiness to know that Percival liked his gift! He would never mention the crying though. That's just something that Harry found profoundly private. Harry had learned early on the quieter he was. The less likely he'd be punished, not that Vernon needed a reason why. So, if Harry did end up crying it was always silently and alone. The tears never really helped anyway. 

"I'm glad that he liked it." Harry whispered.

After plating the chicken and making an extra plate for Death. He placed said plate out of sight. Lunch was oddly quiet considering how loud they'd been previously. But the silence wasn't awkward it was pleasant. After eating Harry made up a platter of various Holiday treats. Cookies, peppermint bark, fudge, fruitcake slices, candied chocolate cherries, peppermint cream cheese brownies, gingerbread cakes. He also made up some hot chocolate so that they could watch a movie. On one of his last trips to Griffon Alley he'd been directed to a shop down the side alley. A very clever no-maj born man owned a shop. Carl cleverly used Runes to protect and insulate the delicate electronics from breaking. Which was just the most amazing thing ever. So now Harry could watch what the no-majs call VHS tapes. The man had even managed to alter Televisions to view them on. So that the ambient magic in one's house didn't destroy them. They also worked without electricity!  Harry was thrilled because it had opened his world up considerably.

Harry had been watching no-maj shows and news stations. Which was a bit of a culture shock. He had spent time just comparing what little he knew of British tv to American tv. It admittedly wasn't much of a difference. But the people acting in the shows were less stiff. There were more choices for children to watch. And Harry had learned that the American no-maj government was a democracy made up of several people. Which culminated in a president and not a king or queen. And apparently, they were elected based on public votes. Which was confusing at first, but Harry was beginning to understand it well enough. But the best part was that he would only have to go to the movies sparingly. Don't get him wrong he loved going to see Casablanca. But his fuzzballs had terrorized that poor no-maj named Mike. Even obliviated Harry wondered if the man had strange dreams. Harry was just glad nothing else had happened. Plus, this was something he could share with Sirius. 

Anyway, Harry had gotten his own copy of Casablanca and had also picked up a few Christmas movies. Sirius would be seeing his first ever movie with him. And Harry was excited to share it with him! Harry sat on one end of the couch and Sirius on the other side. Loki had positioned himself in between them. Thanatos was sitting on Harry's right shoulder using Harry's head as a shield. Death was munching on a brownie with peppermint bark sticking out of his pouch. They started by watching Frosty the Snowman. Which was amazing and made him laugh at the look on Sirius's face. The man was raptly looking at the screen. A brownie frozen halfway to his mouth as he watched. He sides eyed Death...did he know about this video? Had he been part of it? Harry kept thinking back to their snow fight. Letting out a snort he disregarded those questions. He doubted it it immensely. If anything snowmen were probably apart of some obscure legend. Death's well of knowledge was vast but random at times. While Sirius had liked the movie. He thought the depiction of magic was strange. He said it sounded similar to the legends about wish magic. Wish magic was apparently mythical to the magical community. Viewed as the fanciful child's tale. They were halfway through "A Christmas Carol" when they had a visitor.

"How did I know I'd find the two of you comatose on sugar over here?" Caspian said, chuckling.

"Cas you made it! Come on over we still have plenty of treats." Sirius said, grinning at the blond man.

"No, you don't Sirius Black! We haven't had dinner yet! I will be in the kitchen prepping dinner." Harry said firmly.

Sirius-

"Damn Siri you better listen to the kid. Otherwise, you'll end up with chew toys for Christmas!" Caspian laughed. 

Sirius snorted as he pulled Caspian down to sit with him. Caspian caught sight of the t.v. and was watching it a look of awe on his face.

"I know right it's like watching a Pensive. We just got done watching a magical snowman sing and play with children. It's this muggle invention that they call a television. Harry says a muggleborn man tweaked them to work with magic." Sirius stated.

He started cuddling Caspian who was spell bound by the t.v. After a few minutes he finally realized he was halfway on Sirius's lap. Sirius winked at him and laughed.

"It's about time I thought I was going to lose you. I thought I was hot enough that a t.v. wouldn't be half as interesting." Sirius said, teasingly.

Caspian looked a little flushed for a moment. 

"At the risk of spoiling the mood in here. How did it go? Did you find out anything?" Sirius asked, curiously.

He studied the blond man who seemed to droop before him. The smiled that had graced his lips had fallen. 

"Stilted at best. Ismerial and Ernie were still their enchanting selves. Though Ismerial looked a little too pale. Archimedes was there but he never once spoke to me. He didn't even look at me and if he did the glare said everything. The others knew something was wrong but tried to keep everything light. Yeah, I think Archimedes was going for spiteful child. But then the same accusation could be leveled at me. I chose not to say anything to him either. I didn't want to ruin the day. And I figured it would devolve into some kind of fight. Archimedes left after lunch was finished. We exchanged gifts without him. I know it sounds horrible. But it was much better once Archimedes left. We were all less tense and happier for it." Caspian replied.

Caspian popped a cherry in his mouth.

"So, what about you Siri? How was your first Christmas with Harry?" Caspian asked, curiously.

"It's been good so far. Harry had insisted on giving the house-elves the day off. So, he's been cooking all of our meals today. His food is really good, if I hadn't seen him make it himself the muggle way. I'd wonder if the house-elves had left us food. He's a really good kid. We had a snowball war in the back garden. Harry won by most creative spell cast. Those snowmen eerily remind me of the one from that movie. He introduced me to the muggle movies on these thingies called VHS tapes. Despite my excitement Harry wanted to wait and see if you were coming over. So, we haven't exchanged gifts at all yet!" Sirius replied.

He started chewing on a piece of peppermint bark.

"Honestly, if I didn't know his talent for cooking was because of those horrible muggles. I'd give him plenty of compliments he deserves them. Thinking about a child his age cooking for them though kind of makes it a bittersweet talent. It's awful that they forced him to learn it. These brownies and chocolate covered cherries are amazing." Caspian said, biting into a brownie.

Sirius zoned in on some frosting just at the corner of Caspian's mouth. Before he had time to even think about it...he kissed Caspian. His tongue stroking soft lips until he was let in. The peppermint cream cheese frosty tasted sweetly between them. A surprised noise turned into an appreciative groan. Reluctantly he pulled back to look at Cas anxiously. His worry was for nothing though as Cas smiled and kissed him back.

"Eww, I could've gone my whole life without seeing that!"

They broke apart to see Harry red in the face looking at them with wide eyes.

"No body should see their parents doing that ever!" Harry exclaimed horrified.

Cas chuckled at Harry's screwed up face. His poor pup looked like he'd eaten something horrible. His tiny nose was scrunched up adorably. Sirius was most happy because Harry had called him one of his parents. Oh, it didn't escape him that Harry had said the same about Cas. Which was interesting but good if things went well between them in the future.

"Dinner's finished heating up. Thank Merlin I had it pre-prepped or we'd be waiting a good while. I got it plated up in the dining room if your done trying to eat each other's faces." Harry exclaimed. 

Harry wasted no time in leaving as fast as possible as if the room were on fire. Sirius and Caspian followed; he bumped hips with Cas. They smiled at one another hand in hand down to the dining room. He pulled away to pull out a chair for Cas. He then sat down next to him with Harry across from them both. His little nifflers were next to him already rooting around their bowl of mixed veggies and roots. In the middle of the table was a sliced ham as well as a sliced turkey. The accompanying sides were garlic-herb asparagus, rolls, stuffing, cranberry salad mix, parmesan roasted greenbeans, and chicken fried rice. They all plated up what they wanted to eat. 

Sirius looked at Harry a little more closely. He looked a hell of a lot better than he did recently. Sirius had been very concerned as Harry had looked tired and run down. Which isn't a good look on a nine-year-old. Sirius had tried asking Harry out right. But he'd be rebuffed and cajoled into letting it go. He hadn't wanted to drive a wedge between them. So, he let it go on the condition that Harry promise him this wouldn't continue past Christmas. Seeing Harry lively and laughing put to rest the nagging fear that had plagued him. He had also been worried about Cas and his family issues. Which was a whole other thing. But he was really happy with his weird little family. Yes, for the first time since James, the Potters, and the Marauders he felt like he belonged. Like he was part of a family who loved him instead of betraying or criticizing him.

It had really warmed him to have Harry refer to him as a parent. That little slip up had brought him so much joy. Wasn't just sad that up until recently he'd forgotten what it felt like to be happy. They finished eating. And the two of them helped Harry clean up. Sirius could definitely say this was the first he'd done it the muggle way. But not a single one of them knew a cleaning spell that wasn't a 'Scrougify'. They went down to the ballroom where the tree had been set up. The elves had left two plush red couches facing each other. Cas lit the small fireplace as everyone, and woodland critters included found a seat. Sirius and Cas had ended up on the same couch. And Harry had ended up across from them with Hedwig perched on an arm. And Loki and Thanatos were sharing a cushion next to Harry. Sirius hid a grin as he saw the new addition to the critters. Tiny Santa hats sat on their heads. Thanatos looked like he was plotting something. And Loki was eyeing the shiny baubles on the tree.

"So how are we going to do this guys?" Sirius asked.

"How about we draw licorice wands. Shortest goes last, and we do it one at a time. We hand each others gifts out so for instance if Sirius goes first. Then Sirius hands out all his gifts to everyone. Then we do the rest until everything is handed out." Harry suggested.

"Sounds good to me." Cas said, grabbing the licorice wands off the table.

Harry insisted there be four wands to pick from. So, Cas bit off pieces of licorice until they were all different lengths. They covered their eyes mixed up the wands. All of them picked one and they opened their eyes. So, the order went Caspian first, Harry second, Sirius third, and Thanatos fourth. Sirius was curious about why the animals were participating. But Harry loved them, and it might explain the stockings. So, Caspian unshrunk the gifts he brought from his pocket. He handed half to Harry and the other half he pushed to Sirius. He waited until Harry was done with his. Harry received an assortment of candy, a set of small flying dragons (which earned an amused snort), a cashmere scarf in dark green, and 2 books on heirship and lordship duties. 

Sirius received his own scarf in blue lined with fur, matching fur lined gloves, and last but not least was a promissory cuff bracelet. His eyes flew to Cas as he knew the significance of the item. 

"It's not a magically binding one since we aren't in a formal courtship. But I wanted you to know that know that I want something more. If and when you're ready for it." Cas said, smiling nervously.

Sirius pulled him into a kiss before looking at the cuff in question. It was an inch thick and an inch tall. Gold bands were interwoven until they amassed in the center. Several small runes and diamonds were interwoven in the delicate knot. He looked back at Cas questioningly.

"It represents a Gordian Knot; it's linked to a muggle legend about an unsolvable knot. Sirius you're my unsolvable knot. No matter how many times I tried to figure our relationship out. I ran into dead end after dead end. I didn't know how what to do or how to move forward. Until recently a friend of mine told me I was the one that was me back. I was the one making things more complicated. Our relationship had become a Gordian Knot of my own creation. So, I solved my unsolvable knot by making this bracelet. To commemorate the complicated feelings, I've come to have for you." Cas said, unsurely.

Their eyes finally met for brief moments before his eyes blurred. Tears streaked down his face...complicated feelings huh? It really was gorgeously crafted. Running his thumb over the band he struggled to get a hold of himself. Maybe Cas wasn't the only one who had overly complicated things. He'd held back and gone with Caspian's insistence that they go slow. He'd been relieved as Sirius wasn't sure if he was ready just yet. Relationships took a lot of trust. Trust had consistently been thrown back in his face again and again. But Caspian was different and he himself was different from who he was before. Without putting even more thought into it or second guessing himself. He clasped the bracelet around his left wrist. His decision earned him an armful of Caspian and a searing kiss. Both of them had long forgotten about Harry.

"Guys can you wait until after presents. Cause I really didn't need to see all that." Harry whined.

They pulled apart looking at Harry who had a hand over his eyes. Chuckling they returned to opposite sides of the couch.

"I'm happy for you guys really!" Harry chirped happily.

He took the opportunity to fully compose himself as Harry gave Caspian some packages.

Caspian received a book on American wizarding law, a set of eagle feather quills, customizable stationary, and a very old bottle of aged scotch. The last of which had both men eying Harry sternly.

"It's from the Peverell Cellar. It's an entire room on the very bottom of the house that has everything from Champagne to hard liquor stored. I couldn't even pass the doorway despite being Lord of the estate. It has an age line that according to the house-elves keeps anyone under 18 out. Once I explained to the house-elves that I wanted a bottle as a gift. They grabbed one and wrapped it with wards so only someone of 18 or older can unwrap them. I never actually touched any alcohol of any kind." Harry explained.

They nodded satisfied that Harry wasn't abusing his status as Lord. And that the house-elves were enforcing the underage rules. Sirius handed his over to Caspian. Caspian received a set of obsidian cufflinks, a matching tie clip, yet another bottle of aged scotch, and a book on Asian runes. Caspian loved working on runes. Harry himself also seemed inexplicably interested in it. Most nine-year-olds don't show interest in runes. They required a lot of research to learn them. And they were too complex for most kids to comprehend. Runes varied by language and country of origin. Now it was Harry's turn to get and distribute gifts. Sirius handed Harry the ones he'd got for him. Harry got a set of raven quills, Quidditch posters, size adjusting Quidditch robes, a gobstones set, two niffler plushie's that resembled his living ones, and two small Christmas sweaters. The last of which made Harry look at him.

"Those are for the fuzzballs."

Harry grinned evilly as said confused nifflers regarded him. Harry scooped up Loki and wrangled him into a red Christmas sweater. Loki looked horribly confused and annoyed at his new addition. He tried to scratch it off with a hind paw. But the little front arm holes prevented him from wiggling out. Thanatos didn't even fight Harry. The little half and half niffler ended up in a blue sweater with snowflakes. Now that his fuzzballs were properly attired for the holiday. The nifflers regarded their stuffed doppelgängers. Thanatos looked oddly amused by the furry plushes. Loki looked confused when he poked one and it fell over. Caspian gave Harry a book of wizarding fairytales, a sketchbook that had magical creatures, a book about American wizarding history, and an assortment of chocolate truffle candies. Harry gave Sirius a book on advanced Transfiguration, customizable stationary, a black fur lined cloak, an assortment of flavored cauldron cakes, 3 red/gold sweaters, and a necklace. The necklace had a black teardrop crystal. Etched into the surface was the most famous Peverell symbol. A triangle with a circle bisected through the middle. He looked at Harry questionably.

"The property is under its own form of Fidelous. I'm the secret keeper, that portkey will grant you permanent access to the property. If you give it three drops of blood and a little of your magic. The portkey will only work for you. Peverell manor is in Acadia National Park, Maine. The goblins assure me that not even vertiserum or legimancy will reveal it's location. I had to pay extra for those wards. I made up a room for you at the end of the hall. I figured that would be the best one, especially if Caspian visits. I mean if you forget the silencing charms at least I won't hear it at that distance." Harry said, laughing.

Sirius spluttered in embarrassment at the inappropriate statement. However, the main part of the statement didn't appear to sink in yet.

Harry-

He waited grinning at Sirius as the Animagus hadn't caught up to the full implications. Like a switch had been turned off his face went from red to crumbling completely. Like a puppet that had its strings cut Sirius just slumped. Caspian was already trying to comfort the man. Harry joined in an awkward three-person hug. Harry understood how he felt. When you never really had a home, it was overwhelming to finally get one. Sirius had inferred a few times that he'd never felt at home with his blood family. And the Potters like the Marauder's had let Sirius down hard. Harry knew that both Percival and Sirius needed more than anything a place to belong. A place to feel safe and cared for. A place to be happy and heal from years of loneliness and pain. He fished out an identical pendent necklace for Caspian. Harry had gotten it last minute. As such he didn't bother with wrapping.

Caspian nodded in thanks and continued to cuddle Sirius close. So, Harry did what he could to provide privacy while still being in the same room. He sat by the fire with a semi-circle of critters at his feet. He presented his lovely lady Hedwig with her stocking. She received talon trimmers, owl treats, 2 packs of petrified mice, and several bottles of wing gloss. The bottles were a potion that helped keep Hedwig's feathers shiny and easy to groom. She nipped at his fingers affectionately before taking one of her treats. He pulled down a stocking for Loki. Loki received a container of gold buttons (which he shook), small silver plant figurines, and a few of his own bottles of potion. Harry had hit pay dirt in the exotic familiar shop on an offshoot alley from Griffon. Loki's was more like a shampoo than anything.

"Now that's soap you can play with." Harry teased.

Loki gave him and unimpressed look. Harry snickered that day in the hotel seemed like forever ago. And the funny part was that Loki still did it. If Harry took a bath, he'd have two fuzzballs in his tub. Loki liked floating on his bath. And Death would get wet then get out and starfish on Harry's towel. Death really just liked the warm steamy air. Speaking of his deathly furball he pulled down Thanatos's stocking. Checking over his shoulder he saw the other two were still occupied. He pulled out a soft black plush blanket that went with his earlier gift. He also pulled out this crazy assortment of truffles. They were crazy because of the flavor choices. For instance, one of the flavors Cheyenne pepper ganache dark chocolates. Who the hell put a spicy pepper in a chocolate confection? But Death had been eyeing them enviously. So, Harry decided to get all of their most...controversial flavors. Death practically tore it out of his hands. Harry was surprised when Death pulled something out of his pouch. It was the size of a baseball.

The outside felt leathery, but the outside was a blue and silver mix. The bottom...or top...Harry didn't know. But it was solid silver with blue drips and splotches meeting the silver halfway. He looked at Death curiously. He felt that weird nudging feeling before he could hear Death in his mind.

"It's an egg!" Death exclaimed.

Harry nearly dropped it in surprise. Death rarely ever got excited about something, so it was shocking.

"What kind of egg? And is it going to be hard to explain to Sirius?" Harry thought.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you what it was now would it. But it will not harm you." Death thought cheerfully.

Harry rolled his eyes and carefully slipped the egg into his pocket. And it was just in time too as Sirius had gotten up to see what he was doing.

"Hey, Pup can you show me to my new room?" Sirius asked. 

Standing up after grabbing Loki and Death. He placed them carefully on his shoulders. Sirius was standing behind him with Caspian's arm snaked around him. Yup it was a super awesome idea to put Sirius at the end of the hall.

"Yeah, the furries and I are heading up to bed anyway." Harry replied. 

He led them to the door and let them in. When they had their backs turned, he beelined it out of there. A) He really had zero desire to see his new parents make out. And yes, that meant that he accepted Caspian as more than Sirius's friend. B) He had to ask Percival about his gift. Once in his room he got dressed in his pajamas. There was a new full-length mirror just on the other side of Loki's tree. Death had managed to connect it to the box. So, Harry pulled up his large purple beanbag chair. Loki and Death had climbed up onto his lap. Harry activated the box and waited. Death had instructed him in how to bend the communication runes. So activating the made a sound like a doorbell. It would ring throughout the box. The nearest communication mirror near Percival would light up. Percival could reject the 'call' too if he was busy. Or it rejected automatically if Percival was in the bathroom. Even helping Death and getting explanations as they went. Harry still only had the barest of understanding where Percival's box stood.

A squeak of delight sounded as Loki bounded off his lap and took a leap at the mirror. Harry wasn't able to warn Loki in time. Loki was bounced back off of the glass making Percival's image blur in ripples. Harry scooped him up to check Loki out for injuries. 

"Sorry little buddy this mirror doesn't do that. You have to go through the box or through one of the vanishing cabinet trunks."

"Percival I'm going to drop him through the clean linen trunk. You might want to catch him." 

Percival nodded he could hear a door open and muffled step. Harry put Loki in the bottom and shut the lid. He heard a chuckle and more steps.

"Did you get him this sweater? It's adorable!" Percival exclaimed.

"No, Sirius got them. Death's even wearing one and looks just as cute." Harry said, gesturing to the furry drowsing on his lap. 

Loki too had made himself comfortable on Percival. His head poking out of Percival's shirt. Which was still the same much to Harry's dismay. Had he not liked the new clothes?

"So how do you like your gift?" Harry asked, cautiously.

Yeah, Death had told him that Percival liked it. But hearing second hand versus hearing from Percival himself was different. Percival blinked before giving Harry a watery smile. 

"Harry...I there are no words adequate to describe how grateful I am. You and Death must've worked so hard to pull this together in time. The spell work and rune work had to be momentous. I didn't even get the chance to thank Death. He disappeared when I was having a moment." Percival replied.

"I didn't want you to think that I would forget about you. Percival...you saved me from my prison...but before even that you made it livable. I can't get you out of there just yet, but I can make your time in there more enjoyable. I wanted to make it less miserable for you the same way you did for me. You gave me hope and helped me understand my magical heritage. You listened when no one else cared to or wanted to acknowledge my existence." Harry said, looking at Percival softly.

Before Percival, Harry had nothing especially not hope for a better life. The Dursley's had so thoroughly poisoned people against him. That he'd have to move to a whole different town to not be judged. Percival had literally given him a whole new world. Now Harry had his own house...several houses even. The kind of houses Petunia would've murdered her own mother to get her jealous greedy hands on. He had his own room that Dudley would be horrendously jealous over. He even had his own money now that Vernon would've lied cheated and stolen to get. The cherry on top was that Percival taught him how to be more independent. More responsible with what he now had. 

"I...."

Harry waited knowing that Percival needed to get something out. In what seemed like forever but was only a few minutes. It had become apparent by Percival's posture that he'd decided on his course of action.

"The truth is that it's been hard to be in here. Especially when you told me how much time had passed in the outside world. Mentally speaking it's been difficult to reconcile the sheer loss. Before my imprisonment I used Occlumency to center myself. To protect my mind and temper my emotions. But Occlumency is made with my personal magic. And my magic doesn't work in here there for my Occlumency doesn't either. Hope has become a hard emotion to feel in a positive manner. When sixty years passes in a blink, and I was entirely powerless to stop it. On top of that the endless darkness in the box didn't help either. I tried really hard to hide these feelings. Because I was the adult, and I didn't want to burden you with them. I especially didn't want you to feel like it was your fault or your responsibility Harry. You were a scared kid with far more dangerous problems than me." Percival breathed.

Harry could understand that on a similar level. Percival had his box, but Harry had had his cupboard under the stairs. The need to constantly hide how he felt, though the two of them had very different reasons why. Harrys was out of fear for his safety. And Percival's was out of responsibility, not wanting to scare an already traumatized kid. Percival was apparently keen on changing the subject.

"So how did you figure out my Animagus form?" Percival asked, curiously.

Harry blinked in confusion...what?

"What do you mean? You never told me about your form." Harry said, confused.

Percival chuckled shaking his head. A sleepy Loki squinted his eyes at Percival, before resting his head and closing his eyes.

"The snow leopard plushie? I literally broke down after seeing it. I miss being able to transform anytime I pleased. Death said that you said, 'It's just so Percival'." Percival teased.

Harry blushed furiously.

"I... it's...there's just something so cat like about you! But your too special to ever be something as mundane as a house cat. So, I thought you'd be something more striking and majestic. The snow leopard just called to me!" Harry exclaimed, his face still red.

Thanatos let out an amused snort from his lap.

"So, you're telling me that out of an entire branching genus of wild cats. Both magical and no-maj and you just instantly pick a snow leopard?" Percival teased.

Harry pouted and changed the subject.

"Did you eat any of my cookies yet?" Harry asked, excitedly.

"They were incredibly tasty as was the dinner you sent through earlier." Percival complimented.

Harry beamed at the praise.

"So, tell me about your Christmas so far." Percival said.

Caspian-

(Warning: Thanatos says you shall not pass! That is if you don't want to read my sexy Caspian/Sirius teaser.) 

Sirius was far too enthusiastic about the plain suite of rooms he now inhabited. But then Harry wouldn't know about Sirius's tastes in décor. So perhaps that was why everything was neutral in colors. He knew why the gesture meant so much to Sirius. It was a nice room decorated in dark woods and light colors. The walls were a pleasant cream color. The sleigh bed had two nightstands bookending it. It was decked out in white sheets with red pillows and blanket. It looked soft and....probably sturdy...Caspian locked eyes with Sirius. Which was the moment he realized Sirius had been watching him.

"Knut for your thoughts?" Sirius asked. ;)

His brow rose as he moved slowly and purposely backed Sirius into the wall. They were inches apart staring deeply into each other's eyes.

"I was just thinking about how sturdy that bed looks." Caspian husked his voice low.

"Yeah...."

"Hmmmm..."

Caspian kissed the words right out of Sirius's mouth. Which elicited a delicious whimper as he explored the man's mouth. Arms wrapped around his neck and not long after so did his legs. His hands wandered pulling at Sirius's shirt. He swallowed a gasp when the button fly of his jeans admitted his questing fingers. He squeezed that marvelous ass before maneuvering them to the bed. Where he unceremoniously dropped Sirius who yelped. 

Sirius-

Cas smirked at him and climbed on top of him pinning him in place.

"So, this may be a stupid question, and it may ruin the mood and get in my own way. But what do you want Siri?" Cas asked.

Holy fucking Merlin that was a loaded question. He wanted to taste every inch of the blond bombshell above him. He wanted this gorgeous man to fuck or be fucked by him. He wanted.... everything.

"Uh..."

Way to sound intelligent Sirius.

"Let's start out slow since it's been a while for you. I've clearly left you speechless." Cas smirked.

He finished what he'd started with Sirius's jeans. A mouth latched onto his neck as clever fingers explored the tent under his boxers. Rearing up Cas racked his nails down over sensitive nipples as he grasped and yanked off everything below his waist. Soft lips kissed his navel and worked their way along his vee. Fingers tangled in dark coarse hair as dark breath breathed on sensitive skin. He let out an uncontrolled groan as a tongue swirled over his tip. Before licking down the side and coming back up. 

"Oh...FUCK."

Cas swallowed him down in one smooth move. He fell back on the pillows and sank his fingers into soft blond locks.

Fucking Merlin he loved Christmas!

(Thanatos says you can pass now!) Lol ;)

December 27, 1989, Loki-

Loki followed the dark one into the room with all the shiny vials. The dark one directed him to a shelf and picked up a vial. It had strange looking round pebbles in it.

Death: Chattered (Put it into your pouch and when I leap out you follow. Put one of the round pebbles in the boy's mouth. Do not let him spit it out.)

Loki tilted his head in confusion as he held the vial in his paws.

Loki: Chattered and squeaked. (Why?)

Death: fast chattering and squeaking. (Because if you do not the boy will die. And one of the 'pretty-eyed ones' humans will be upset. We want to keep the 'pretty-eyed one' happy. He cannot help your human if he's upset, can he?)

Loki while not entirely convinced really liked the pretty-eyed one. His human liked the pretty-eyed one. Loki nodded stuffing the vial in his pouch. They jumped off of the shelf landing on all fours. They then ran together into the sitting room. Where the light-haired human was with the dog human. Hanging off of one of the chairs was a coat. The dark one directed him to climb into one of the pockets. Once the two were nestled together comfortably. Loki felt the dark one's magic drape over them making his fur stand on end. It was going to be along ride. 

Caspian-

Caspian wasn't sure what it was, but something felt off. Right now, everything should be perfect. He had an extremely gorgeous naked Sirius asleep next to him. So then why did it feel like something was wrong? Shaking his head and trying to compose himself he failed to notice gray eyes open.

"You're thinking too much again."

Caspian snorted kissing Sirius's cheek and smacking a tanned buttcheek. Getting out of bed he moved to get dressed. The sun was peeking through the blinds making the snow outside sparkle. He'd almost finished buttoning his shirt. When arms snaked around his waist. Lips kissed up his neck until finally meeting his own lips. Now pressed into the front of the vanity mirror. He squirmed trying to get out of Sirius's grasp. If he didn't have plans to visit Ismerial and Ernie for post breakfast tea. He'd stay here and continue their nearly two-day affair. And boy had it been goood! The best Christmas he'd had in a long time. Not only had things with Sirius progressed. He'd also spent time getting to know Harry.

"Mhmm, Siri stop I got to go."

"Mmmm...stay a little longer?" Sirius asked, hopefully.

His lips trailed over Caspian's collarbone. Caspian ran his fingers through Sirius's messy hair.

"I wish I could, but I already have plans to go out for tea. Ismerial and Ernie are waiting for me. Besides nothing says I can't come back afterwards.

Just like that as if a switch had been flipped. Sirius stiffened against him and backed away. Concerned by the suddenly cold reaction he turned to see Sirius's face. For lack of a better word, he looked serious his eyes like hardened steel chips.

"Sirius what's wrong?" He asked, worriedly.

Gray eyes finally looked up at him. They didn't soften in anyway, but they look resigned.

"Promise me you'll be careful?" Sirius asked, seriously.

Caspian frowned at the implications.

"Sirius it's just tea at my brother's house." Caspian said, reassuringly.

Sirius didn't react at all to the reassurance. He stood there still as a statue with sharp wild eyes. He sighed and came back to him grasping his hands.

"I don't have a good feeling about this. I've been dreading it for as long as you've mentioned it even. If it wasn't for Harry I wouldn't have had a very good Christmas. I just want to wrap you in fluffy blankets and keep you with me. I can't explain how or why I feel this way. But I have never ignored this feeling when I've had it. And always.... always something happens afterward." Sirius replied, sheepishly.

He dropped Caspian's hands and stepped back out of reach. There was a lost look on Sirius's face as he fiddled with his cuff bracelet. Caspian summoned the rest of his clothes and put on his shoes. He wrapped an unresponsive Sirius in a robe. Harry didn't need to see any unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions. He herded Sirius downstairs with him, the man himself following while still lost in his head. Once in the sitting room to grab his coat. He pulled Sirius into his arms trying to hug the reassurance into Sirius. 

"I promise it'll be all right Siri. I won't leave you alone again."

After giving Sirius a quick peck on the lips. He pulled his coat off the chair. Once outside he took the portkey to Gringotts because that's where Harry's portkeys always dropped at. Walking down the alley to an apparition point. He returned to his home and greeted Mitzy. Who went upstairs to start the shower and lay out clothes and towels. He briefly stopped in his study to see if any mail had come through. Finding his mail basket blessedly empty. He started stripping off his clothes as he went. Once under the hot water he tried to relax as much as possible. But Sirius's face kept flashing through his mind. Sirius was convinced something would happen. And to hear that this wasn't the first time the other man had felt that 'bad' feeling for Archimedes was interesting.

He got dressed in a daze so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even realize he'd apparated. He was standing in the apparition room of Archimedes' house. Blinking back the confusion and centering himself. Caspian followed Blitzy, a house-elf, to the room they were entertaining. Taking off his coat he laid it over the back of the couch. Ernie jumped up and ran to him talking a mile a minute. About the presents his friends had sent him.

Warning: Thanatos says you shall not pass! 

(This next paragraph briefly mentions a character's history. It doesn't go into graphic detail. But I don't want to trigger someone. It briefly mentions a miscarriage, the paragraph in question is just an observational narrative with a bit of character history. It isn't integral to the plot, so you can skip it. Just watch out for the bold lettering used by our pal Thanatos.) 

He settled on the couch and looked at Ismerial. The greeting he'd had died on his lips. She looked pale with dark bags...she looked sick. If that even was the cause of her current condition. Ismerial had looked much the same right before her miscarriage. Ismerial had been friend almost from the moment they had met. Which pissed Archimedes off because he was a jealous sod. She had been going through a rough patch with Archimedes. And after a particularly bad fight had been sleeping in separate rooms. She had discovered her pregnancy and was too worried and stressed. She had told Caspian but not Archimedes. Pregnancies in the magical world whether they were female or male were delicate. Birthrates had dropped significantly in the past sixty years. There were more half-bloods and muggleborns then purebloods. Caspian thought it had more to do with the generations of inbreeding. The wizarding world still didn't know all of the reasons why this occurs. But he'd been called one day and had held a sobbing Ismerial. The healer had been attending her when he'd arrived. To this day he didn't know if she'd told Archimedes the truth. As far as he knew his brother had never hurt them physically. But emotional neglect was just as bad. Ismerial told him practically everything or at least she used to. 

She hadn't mentioned Archimedes strange behavior recently. Was it fear? Fear of her own husband that she didn't tell him. Or maybe she didn't fully trust him anymore? Caspian hadn't exactly been around a whole lot before Christmas. So, would she really tell him if she had lost another child? He would like to think so... but he was getting ahead of himself. Those symptoms while worrying could be attributed to sickness or lack of sleep.

(Thanatos says you can pass now!)

"Caspian welcome back. I hope Ernie isn't being too rambunctious for you." Ismerial said, her lips down turned.

Frowning he looked into her eyes. They were a dull brown almost as if she wasn't focused or maybe it was suppressing pain?

"Thank you, Ernie is fine I haven't been over very often these past few months. Ismerial are you alright? Is something going on with Archimedes?" Caspian asked, worriedly.

Her eyes flashed and she grimaced at the question.

"He hasn't done anything to hurt you has he? Ismerial you and Ernie can tell me anything. I'm not going to tell him if something is wrong. But I will confront him if he's been doing something bad."

Her eyes shifted to Ernie who wasn't paying much attention. The elf popped in with a tray of tea and cookies. Ernie grabbed a few and took the small glass of juice that had already been on the table. They prepared their respective teas silently. If nothing else, it would give Ismerial time to think. She started sipping the tea her eyes darting between him and Ernie. Caspian didn't touch his drink. For whatever reason his stomach felt queasy. 

"I have been watching for several years as the man I once loved changed. It was slow at first, right before our first huge fight. He'd been acting odd; Archimedes was quicker to anger, and he'd disappear at odd times. At first, I'd thought it was an affair. But I don't think that's why he's been so different. It mellowed out again after Ernie was born and the first war ended. A few months ago, it was like he'd flipped a switch again. The same behavior as before accept now he doesn't have a job. So, where he's been going is even more of a mystery. He even forbids me from attending any of the Society Balls. And he's really paranoid Cas. I caught him one day talking to himself he said 'They're watching...don't want to feel...they're watching'. I snapped him out of whatever had happened but I regret doing so now. I started becoming ill shortly after. At first I thought it was just a cold. But no matter how many cold potions I took or pepper-ups I was still sick. I began to suspect it was possibly poisoning. But I didn't want to go to the healer. Archimedes insists on using his preferred healer. And he reports back to Archimedes every time Ernie or I go. So I had the house-elves buy a few vials of bezoars. A few days later after Archimedes had left. I went to check on the vials to make sure they hadn't been found. They were gone Cas, all of the eight vials had disappeared. As had the poison nullifier and the phoenix tears!" Ismerial cried.

Her shoulders shook.

"Why didn't you tell me Ismerial? I was here for Christmas eve, Archimedes had left early."

Why hadn't she told him then?

"I couldn't chance it, for all I knew he might not have left. He keeps the floo locked down and he's been reading my mail. I thought about using the elves again to deliver a message privately. But I feared what he would do to them or me. I had even thought about leaving with Ernie under the guise of a shopping trip. But he insists on coming with us every time. And yesterday when he was gone, I thought I'd try to leave. The apparition point was closed, so I walked out to where I knew the wards ended. They wouldn't let us walk through them! I even pleaded with the house-elves to see if they would take us out. They told me that Archimedes had ordered them not to! So, I'm hoping that you'll try to get us out when you leave. When your here is the only time the apparition point seems to function. I've tried to shield Ernie from his father's deteriorating mind but...." She never got to finish.

Her face became fearful as she looked directly behind him. Caspian stood suddenly his wand in hand to face an enraged Archimedes. He'd seen Archimedes mad before but the utter look of hate and contempt that was directed at him was staggering.

"Boo-fucking-hoo, poor fragile Ismerial always running to my dear brother!" Archimedes spat.

"Arch it's not like that; it never has been. We need to stop whatever this is and go to St. Mungos. Ismerial is ill and you need your own checkup."

"ENOUGH I'M TIRED OF YOUR GOODY-TWO SHOES BULLSHIT! PERFECT CASPIAN ALWAYS GETTING EVERYTHING! NOBODY BUT ME IS LEAVING THIS FUCKING HOUSE!" Archimedes growled.

He rose his wand tip was emerald green. Before he could react, the spell fired, something hit his side causing him to fall to the floor. His vision blurred as green light hit something. A body crashed through the table. He saw Ernie fall to the ground grasping his throat as he struggled to breath. Dazed he heard someone curse before something flew through the air. His head hurt from striking the coffee table's edge. He crawled over to Ernie to find the oddest sight. Loki was sitting on Ernie's chest, his tiny paws sealed over Ernie's mouth. Ernie didn't seem to be distressed anymore. He was crying and clutching Loki's lower body. He glanced over to see Archimedes out cold on the floor. His wand clutched in his hand and a serving platter on the floor. He turned back to Ernie only to come face to face with Harry's other niffler. The half and half critter was looking at Caspian with intelligent gleaming eyes. 

He managed to sit up on his knees avoiding the glass shards he crawled to Ismerial. He knew the minute he laid eyes on her. She was too still.... Picking up his wand and pocketing it he called for Mitzy. He instructed her to get the Aurors. Braced against the couch he held Ernie to his chest. He still had Loki in his grasp, Thanatos simply climbed up the other couch and disappeared into his pocket. He saw a glint of glass on Loki. Careful as to not dislodge his distressed nephew. He reached down and pulled a glass vial that had been sticking out of Loki's pouch. Turning the empty vial around it read 'Bezoars', the cork was missing. Squinting at the pain in his head he thought back to the way Loki had been standing. He'd stuffed that bezoar into Ernie's mouth. Had Ismerial been right about the poison? It was a good thing he hadn't drank anything. Merlin he should've listened to Sirius....but if he had he wouldn't have found out what was happening. HIs Nephew and sister-in-law could've died before he knew what had happened.

He heard shouting as he caught sight of legs and swishing red robes. He sagged in relief when Amelia came into view. Caspian sluggishly recounted what had happened. His head really hurt and his stomach was rebelling. HIs vision still hadn't cleared up. Amelia had tried to take Loki away from Ernie. But Caspian intervened by saying Loki belonged to his friend in America. That the small critter had hitched a ride back with him in his coat. He'd edited the story a bit to hide the niffler's interventions. Ernie had fallen asleep in his arms with Loki still clutched to his chest. Loki didn't look thrilled at all. Amelia finally took them all to St. Mungos. He had grabbed his coat on the way out not wanting Thanatos to be discovered. And after being checked out by the healers they decided to keep them both overnight. The last thing he did was send out and owl. Sirius wouldn't get his message for a few days. America was a long fly even for magical birds. Exhausted his eyes shut....