Gasping for breath
December 29th, 1989
Caspian-
Caspian rubbed his face tiredly. He was extremely exhausted despite being recovered. He’d been sleeping fitfully. Caspian kept seeing Ismerial’s dead eyes looking at him accusingly. They asked him why he didn’t do more? And he had no answer for the phantom’s accusations. Ernie wasn’t much better; he refused to sleep without Caspian. Ernie also wouldn’t relinquish his Loki plushie. The little boy had been taking it everywhere. Ernie also flinched at sudden movements and loud yelling.
The last of which they’d found out by accident. Sirius had accidentally scared Ernie. The man had set a teacup a tad too loudly on the tabletop. Ernie had flinched and started crying. Caspian being tired and overwhelmed hadn’t reacted well. He’d actually yelled at Sirius for setting Ernie off. Which had made Ernie cry harder and hide under the table. Caspian had felt terrible afterwards. Sirius had been there for them both. He’d comforted them and tried to help with Ernie. And Caspian had taken out all his anger on Sirius for a teacup.
Sirius had forgiven him and said he understood. The man didn’t even have to mention the Potters. To know that Sirius knew how he felt. If it wasn’t for Sirius neither he nor Ernie would look even half as put together. Caspian looked tired and ruffled like he was sickly. Ernie didn’t look much better he was so pale he could’ve been a ghost. His lips were bitten raw with dried tear tracks down his cheeks. Sirius was the only one of the trio that looked alright.
Sirius without comment, had finished coaxing them into getting dressed. He wasn’t looking forward to today. All he wanted to do was stay at home. But he had responsibilities, responsibilities that Sirius couldn’t do for him. Breakfast was a trial of patience for all of them. Sirius sat in-between them trying to get them both to eat. Caspian manage a slice of dry toast and a cup of tea. Ernie however refused to put down his plushie. He was turning his face away from the cereal Sirius offered on a spoon.
Sighing Sirius tried humming some song to Ernie. He’d succeeded in getting the boy to eat a spoonful. When a thrice damned owl swooped in screeching. Ernie frightened ducked under the table and climb out and into his lap. Caspian glared at the feathered menace. Sirius alleviated the creature of its mail and shooed it away. It was just the paper delivery. Sirius had unrolled the bundle and read it with a frown on his face. Mindful of Ernie, Sirius put the paper eye level so Caspian could read it.
Innocence In Azkaban: Crouch’s Folly
Dearest Readers,
Not long ago our community was rocked by finding out innocent people were in Azkaban. Locked away without a second glance or a trial. The most prominent of which is Heir Sirius Black III. The DMLE has been investigating the circumstances around grave miscarriages of justice.
Former Minister Marchbanks will never see the charges levied against her. She had passed away some number of years ago. But one Bartemius Crouch Sr. is still very much alive. Madame Bones issued an arrest warrant for the former Ministry employee. Crouch is best known for presiding over the Deatheater trials. He was also close friends and a confidant to former Minister Marchbanks. Madame Bones, during the investigation found several documents. Documents that seem to either be falsified or altered in some ways.
Crouch was arrested in his personal residence. A search was carried out to retrieve more evidence. And to the shock of the Aurors they found Bartemius Crouch Jr. Crouch’s son was sentenced to Azkaban by his own father. Before dying some months later in Azkaban. Or so we were all led to believe. At the behest of a dying wish. Crouch Sr. switched his wife with his son. His wife later died wearing her son’s face. As for Crouch Jr. he’s been in his father’s captivity. Hidden away in a secret room in Crouch Sr.’s home. He punished his helpless and weak son. Often using the Imperious curse to alter the young man’s behavior.
Yes, dear readers you read that right. Crouch Sr. was best known for being ruthless to Deatheaters as well as anyone who used an Unforgivable. And yet he turned around and used those same methods on his own son. Crouch Sr. is being held for trial. And as for Crouch Jr. he will be treated and questioned. Then he will be transferred back to Azkaban.
What made this upstanding man perform such vile acts? And does this mean everyone Crouch tried will get new trials?
-Correspondent Alphias Carruthers
Caspian was torn in that he was as horrified as he was relieved. He was relieved that his family’s personal tragedy wasn’t front and center. But horrified by the thought that these people weren’t tried properly. Some may go free who are guilty while others may be like Sirius entirely innocent. Crouch was fanatical about removing society’s ‘undesirables’. If it turned out that they were also Deatheaters then it was worse. It truly didn’t shock Caspian as much as it should. There had always been something off about Crouch’s behavior. Bartemius would do anything to convict a Deatheater though. So, it was a small wonder the man was so harsh with his son.
Caspian had read the trial transcripts for some of the Deatheaters. At the time he’d wanted to know if there were any similar discrepancies like Sirius. Those trials were sorry excuses and could barely be called a trial. Nobody should’ve been convicted off of those trials. They weren’t even provided with proper defense. Nor were they asked to take Vertiserum to prove they were truthful. That was simply the prejudice of the time. Everyone was grieving the loss of someone. It doesn’t make the miscarriage of justice right. Crouch Jr. wasn’t even given a proper defense. The icing on top was that Crouch Sr. shouldn’t have been in charge of that trial. It was a huge conflict of interest.
Honestly the more shocking news was that Crouch Sr. had used an unforgivable.
“I never knew the man was such a hypocrite.” Sirius sneered.
Caspian couldn’t blame Sirius for that sentiment. Crouch Sr. had screwed Sirius over with his own trial. Another owl swooped in much to the discontent of Ernie. Perhaps mind healing was a good idea after all. The owl had a letter from Amelia. With the assistance of a house-elf he wrote a response and sent the bird off again. Sirius was watching him curiously. He soothed Ernie as Sirius tried to coax the boy into eating.
“She was asking permission to use….”
Caspian stopped to look down at Ernie.
“She wants to use Vertiserum on him. But given some evidence she found. Amelia has reason to believe he isn’t mentally sound. She’s hoping the potion will filter out any delusions, so he’ll give genuine answers. I’m personally all for it and I told her as much in response. I need to know why this happened…I need to know what to tell Ernie. After what he witnessed, I think this form of closure will help.” Caspian said.
He looked down at Ernie who had shifted in his arms at his name. Sirius watched the two of them.
“We’re due for a busy day today. Amelia released the house so I can get things for Ernie. The estate will have to be closed. I need to pick something for Ismerial to wear for her funeral. Not to mention head to Gringotts to settle her will. I do know that it may be best to bring calming draughts.” Caspian said, shaking his head.
He didn’t know who would break first Ernie or him. Sirius got up abandoning the cereal bowl. He hugged the both of them.
“Remember it’s alright to not be alright. I am here for the both of you. Harry will understand, I dare say he may approve of it. After his display at the hospital, I get the feeling he’s looking for space at the moment.” Sirius replied.
Caspian nodded as he basked in the warmed of his friend and lover.
Amelia-
Amelia finished reading the letter from Caspian. Good with this permission they’d move this along quickly. She signaled to her colleagues who’d been on standby. They were bringing Archimedes up from the prison infirmary. After being treated at St. Mungo’s he’d been transferred to the Ministry. Amelia kept him asleep this whole time.
It would give Archimedes less time to react or make up any stories. The potion would cut through most delusions. The potion made them tell the truth whether it was true or not. In the sense that if Archimedes truly believed the sky was purple then he’d respond the sky is purple. It’s the truth as Archimedes knows it. Most people didn’t know that particular little tidbit. The last thing the Ministry needed was for the public to find out. The potion still did a wonderful job side stepping Occlumency shields. It was still a good investigative tool.
She watched them levitate an unconscious Archimedes into the room. They secured him to the chair and brought in the necessary potions. She got situated and signaled to Auror Bidwell to revive him. Archimedes shifted around his head falling to the side. Then the chains rattled as the man tried to move his arms. It was then that his eyes flew open frantically.
He finally focused his gaze on her. His eyes narrowed into a furious glare as he bared his teeth. Then as if he’d been Imperioused. He became calm and relaxed into the chair. It happened in a matter of seconds.
“Do you know why you’re here Mr. McMillian?” Amelia asked.
No why would I know that? But it’s certainly against my will if the accommodations are anything to go by.” Archimedes replied, with a sneer.
She narrowed her eyes at him. Enough with the small talk it was time to get her answers.
“Since your sanity is in question, we’ve had to get your brother’s permission. The solicitor that Caspian hired is with the Aurors outside. You will be questioned and then allowed to confer with your solicitor.” Amelia explained.
He sneered and was going to answer but Amelia stunned the man. She took the potion and poured it down his throat. She clicked his jaw shut to prevent it from dribbling out. Tilting his head, she waited until it was clear the potion had gone down. Amelia returned to her seat composed herself and revived the man. He blinked in shock even as his eyes glazed over.
“Excellent, did you kill your wife Ismerial McMillian?” She asked, calmly.
He tilted his head as if he were trying to fight it.
“Yes, she had it coming getting in my way!”
In the way of what exactly? Ismerial’s journals were recovered and told of the actions of an unstable man. They hadn’t recovered anything that Archimedes had written.
“What was Ismerial in the way of?” Amelia asked, curiously.
“She was in the way of getting rid of him. She was always with him always running to him! I hate HIM! He has everything! Why is it always him?” Archimedes spat.
“Who is he Archimedes?” Amelia asked, dreading the answer.
He laughed harshly as he looked at her with disturbing eyes.
“Caspian.”
Her eyes closed as the dread she’d been feeling grew steadily worse. Why did Ismerial have to die because of Caspian? And why does he hate Caspian?
“Why did Ismerial have to die because of Caspian?” She asked.
“She didn’t, that stupid wench got in my way. It was my brother that was supposed to die. I was going to try to convince her to my thinking. But he had to go first…she wouldn’t have listened otherwise.”
She swallowed down the anger she felt. His wife was no more than an afterthought to him. A nuisance in the way. What was wrong with him? This went deeper though. She could ask him more so long as it’s linked directly to the crime at hand.
“Is that why you were poisoning her?” Amelia asked.
She still didn’t know why the poisoning was necessary.
“She needed to be weak…sick so that she wouldn’t go to him. If she wouldn’t change to my way of thinking. Then she was going to die too…. maybe even Ernie too. They were both dragging me down.”
Amelia gasped at the mention of Ernie. That poor little boy! His own father was planning the murder of his whole family. But why?
“Archimedes, I need you to tell me everything that led up to the death of Ismerial McMillian.” Amelia demanded.
“It started after my father died. I had no true interest in our lordship. I just wanted to do what I wanted without all the extra responsibilities. So, it was passed on to Caspian.”
Archimedes spat his brother’s name as if it were something foul.
“Everything was fine for a while until I noticed how close Ismerial was to Caspian. I tried to ignore it, but it just wouldn’t leave my mind. I went to a bar and met Mr. Fox and his friends. At first the conversations were about harmless things. It wasn’t until later that they brought it up.” Archimedes stopped.
He shook his head like he was trying to clear it. The potion was stronger and lasted longer than what was used for trials. So, there was no way Archimedes could simply shake it off. Who was Mr. Fox and his friends? And what did they have to do with anything related?
“Mr. Fox asked me why I was so cool with letting my brother take what was mine! I denied it of course because I didn’t want to believe Caspian would do that. He said why else would Caspian have my power and my wife. I told him that I’d given up the lordship willingly. And even if I wanted it, I couldn’t take it back. Mr. Fox asked me what I thought I lost from rejecting my place. So, I told him I wanted nothing to do with the boring monotonous position. Mr. Fox called me a fool to believe as I did. He told me that I’d foolishly given up the prestige of being a lord. To decide laws and shmooze with the other purebloods. I’d given it up to be a loser. While Caspian flaunted the power, I gave him!”
Archimedes stopped breathing heavily his anger was etched onto his face.
“Mr. Fox’s friends laughed at me! I left hating them and Caspian. I tried to put the words out of my head. But they kept poisoning my thoughts. Ismerial kept seeing Caspian with Ernie in toe. It was as if I was being replaced! My own son was just as infatuated with my perfect brother too! So, I went back to meet Mr. Fox and his friends. I asked him what he gained from making me doubt my life. He said that our government was pathetic. That the lords held all the power and yet they did nothing influential with it. That I could join Mr. Fox and his friends if I had the lordship back. That we could change the way the laws were. But first Mr. Fox needed more friends to help. He knew that Caspian would never agree with his agenda. So of course, he had to go! I tried to come up with ways to get rid of him. But I saw them having tea. Listening to her talk about me. I knew she would have to go too. They were too enamored with Caspian. I lost it and now I’m here.” He said, angrily.
Amelia let out the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. This was about a lordship and a group of unknown people. A group that had unknown motivations that seemed to be cross with the Wizengamot.
“Is Mr. Fox his real name? Or is it something else?” Amelia asked, anxiously.
He snorted at her and laughed.
“No, I don’t know his real name. He and his friends always wore cloaks and masks. I called him Mr. Fox because his mask resembles a fox.”
What?
“What does this mask look like exactly? And can you remember any of the other masks?” Amelia questioned.
“It reminded me of one of those Venetian masks I saw one holiday in Italy. Red-orange fur, with black outlined eyes. The damn mask even had two pointed ears atop it. They were orange and white. The nose even protruded out just like a snout. The only other ones I saw, I wasn’t sure what they were. One had a bird mask. It had greyish feathers with white speckles. There was beak protruding out. Maybe an owl or hawk. The voice sounded female. And the other one was another bird. Black feathers, dark grey almost black beak. Could be a raven or a crow? That one never talked but was taller than anyone else I know. So male? I never met any of the others just those three.”
Amelia frown at strange description given. When she’d heard that they wore masks she’d thought of Deatheaters immediately. But their masks were far simpler than what was described. Nor did they go by animal names. Glaring at the disgusting example of a human being. She got up and left the antidote with Auror Bidwell.
Merlin poor Caspian was going to take this badly. His brother had pretty much made him the reason why an innocent woman was dead. Not to mention the conspiracy goes deeper. If what Archimedes said was true. Then they had more to worry about.
Caspian-
Going back to the manor had been bad. Knowing that didn’t prepare him for the reality. Ernie refused to move passed the apparition point. His eyes wide and frightened as he clutched his plushie. Caspian made it further in. But only made it as far as the door to the sitting room.
He struggled to breathe as her dead horrified eyes flashed before his eyes. Caspian didn’t fight the hands that helped him drink a calming draught. Grey eyes watched him, and for the moment he was lost in their depths. He blinked as an arm slipped around his waist. Which was difficult in itself as Ernie was clinging to Sirius like tiny blond koala. His plushie was crushed into his and Sirius’s chests. They slowly made it to Ernie’s room. Where Caspian finally summoned a house-elf. He told them to clean and close the manor. Blitzy stayed behind to pack up Ernie’s room.
They went a few doors down to Ismerial and Archimedes’ room. Once inside Sirius dropped them both on the bed. Sirius moved towards the closet. Still too drained to move he sat there in silence. Ernie curled into his side. Sirius returned hold several hangers with dresses and robes. He held them up for Caspian to look at. Sirius had good taste as each item would make Ismerial look ethereal.
He settled on a gauzy silk white ballgown that Ismerial had worn months ago. They’d all attended the Greengrass Yule ball. Sirius carefully folded and shrunk the dress. He left once again and returned with shoes and some jewelry. All of which would look good with the dress. The selected jewelry belonged exclusively to Ismerial. There were no family pieces among the selected. Those too ended up shrunken in Sirius’s pocket. Satisfied that they had everything they came for.
They left flooing to his account manager’s office. Master goblin Bonecrusher greeted them. They were already expected for the appointment. Though they were a little early, by a few hours. Caspian had expected it to take longer at the manor. Sirius had kept them on point and kept Ernie and him together. Without any overly long emotional breakdowns. They exceeded his expectations.
“You’re all early for the will reading. Though that won’t be a problem all the people inheriting are in this room. Except for Mr. Black, we need to know if he’s staying for the will reading?” Bonecrusher asked.
“I would like it if Sirius could stay.” Caspian replied.
He sighed tiredly and settled into one of the large, overstuffed chairs. Bonecrusher cleared his throat.
“Ismerial Zinnia McMillian, of sound mind and magic hereby bequeath to the following people. To my husband Archimedes; I leave you my cottage in Berkshire, my château in Versailles, vault #325. To my son Ernest ‘Ernie’ McMillian; vault #302, my personal jewelry that isn’t McMillian family heirlooms. To my brother-in-law Caspian McMillian; my research journals, vault #303.
Amendment: Should anything happen to my husband Archimedes. All of the items bequeathed to him will be given to our son Ernest. Should Ernest lose both of his parent’s custody of Ernest will go to Caspian McMillian.
Amendment #2- If anyone mentioned above is found responsible for my death. They will not inherit anything, and it will go to my son Ernest. This rule will apply to Ernest too if it’s proven that he was responsible.
“Well, she must’ve managed to update her will before Archimedes stopped her mail. And started following her around everywhere. It’s good to know he’ll get nothing since he murdered her.” Caspian said, sadly.
“Yes, she did mention the odd behavior of her husband. Mrs. McMillian was very clear about him not inheriting. I did suggest that she simply make a new will. But she didn’t want to take her husband out entirely. That and she said she didn’t have much time. Mrs. McMillian said she had to sneak out just to do this much. We went with added amendments instead. Do you want to see the vault now?” Bonecrusher asked.
Caspian sucked in a harsh breath…no…no it could wait until another day.
“I am officially closing the property for the time being. The house-elves are finishing the cleaning. They will stop by to deposit valuables. Then I will lock the wards down.” Caspian said.
His head hurt and his mind whirled and all he wanted to do was curl up with Sirius.
“Noted we will be ready to receive the influx of items. Lord McMillian this may be inappropriate. But there is nothing more noble than what she did. A mother doing what was necessary to protect her child. Do not mourn her loss but celebrate her life. We goblins often drink and party after holding ceremony for our fallen.” Bonecrusher said.
The old goblin was studying his face intently.
“Thank you for the sentiment we appreciate it. I too find her actions brave beyond words. I just wish I could’ve saved her. There were so many chances to dig deeper. And I missed all of them being wrapped up in my own world.” Caspian said, sadly.
“We often regret and mourn the things we could’ve done. But we have to let those things go. There’s nothing to be done anymore. So, what’s the point of thinking of the ‘what ifs’. We can’t go back and do it again. So all we can do is move forward. Grief is the most complex emotion as it’s different for everyone. This world has over a billion in population whether they’re magical or not doesn’t matter. But that’s billions of people who all experience the same emotion differently. The one thing most people grieving don’t realize right away. Is that time doesn’t heal shit. It just makes the wounds less bloody. But the scars will always remain.” Bonecrusher lamented.
Caspian blinked at the unexpected words. The more he thought about it the more he thought Bonecrusher was right. The scars would always be there…nobody was truly forgotten. Not so long as a living person bares the scars of grief for them.
Harry-
“Why are we wandering around the woods again?” Harry asked, stepping over a log.
Death was in his arms pointing where he wanted to go.
“We’re doing this because your pet mutt is out of the house. Now that he lives with you disappearing will be difficult. We are going on this learning field trip so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Cities or even largely populated areas like castles. Can contain a lot of magic and others energies. So far you haven’t noticed anything odd while visiting town. But you won’t want to go to town for awhile after you see this. Your otherworldly abilities haven’t manifested until recently. I’ve observed your magic and found it at an appropriate stage of evolution. The primary function of Necromancy is communion with the dead. That’s why we are out here…the woods hold many uncrossed beings. Perfect for easy practice without getting overwhelmed.” Death replied.
“Where are we going exactly?” Harry asked.
He was getting a little tired from wandering around.
“Just a few more steps forward and to your left.” Death replied, amused.
After doing as the furry entity had directed Harry noticed something odd. There was a hovering misty purple orb in front of a tree.
“Death what is that?” Harry asked, alarmed.
“That my tiny master is a Whisp or a Will O’ Whisp. It is the left over remains of a non-magical human. So, muggles or no-maj’s. They don’t possess a magical core so they can’t turn into a ghost, wraith, or spirit.” Death replied.
So, it was a dead person or a part of a dead person? The orb just hovered there unaware of their presence.
“Those are the same thing, aren’t they?” Harry asked, confused.
He was pretty sure those words were synonyms of each other. Death sighed clearly annoyed.
“Yes and no. Yes, they are according to the dictionary synonyms of each other. But no because they are entirely separate terms. Spirit is really just a broad range term. It can refer to living and dead beings. It is even a sub category of alcoholic beverages. Beings that fall under this category are: nature spirits, angels, demons, nether creatures, etc. They are intelligent beings that are fully aware and aren’t bound by location. Ghosts always have Earthly origins. They are people that were once alive. They have to at least be a squib to have a physical manifestation or they end up a Whisp. They usually hang around a specific location. They aren’t always aware of their deaths. But they do remember who they are. Wraiths are similar to ghosts, but they are more free range They have no memory of their previous lives. They also appear as they died.” Death explained.
Okay so they aren’t the same despite sharing similar origins. He realized it was probably best they were doing this. He could only imagine what town must look like. He could picture translucent forms everywhere. While the Whisps colored and choked the air like poisonous smog.
“Are we out here just for this explanation or is there more?” Harry asked, annoyed.
Because there had better be more damn it. They’d been walking for over an hour. He knew Death could’ve just shadow walked him here. But no, the rodent of doom had to make him walk! Harry threw his head back to avoid a raised paw. He noticed that there was something clutched in the clawed paw. A ring with a simple silver band. It held a clear square cut gemstone.
“It’s a Laqueum Quartz, it’s entire purpose is to absorb spiritual essence. It will collect the fragments of Whisps. You’ll be able to tell when the stone is ‘full’ by the color change. It will be pitch black when it’s full of essence. Then bring it to me I will purge the stone.” Death said simply.
The furry entity jumped out of his arms and headed towards the floating orb. Like gravity had hit the orb it floated downward. Right into Death’s open mouth! Grinning at Harry the menace ran back up to him.
“Every stray Whisp that is gathered in turn helps a soul crossover. Whisps aren’t always full souls, sometimes they are fragments. Not to be confused with Horcrux shards. Horcrux shards are soul fragments willingly pulled off the main soul. Only magical beings are capable of it. No Whisp fragments can happen depending on the level of trauma upon death. The more violent the death, the more shredded a Whisp soul is. For instance, entire no-maj souls can be shredded in events like bombs. Bombs don’t just tear apart the physical bodies into pieces. The same happens to the souls too. They can’t fully move on until their souls are complete. Its why limbo is so fucking over populated.” Death said, casually.
So…eating them helps cross them over???
Death snorted no doubt hearing Harry’s thought.
“No not really. But they sure are tasty.”
Harry shuddered as he scooped up the furball of doom.
“Head forward, we have a wraith nearby. There’s no time like the present.”
Harry huffed but followed Death’s instructions. They walked for a time while Death explained what a soul tasted like. Harry made a face and tried to filter out the horrible thoughts spawned by those words. There at the base of a cliff-face was a translucent form. It was dressed like a camper or maybe a huntsman. He wore a thick coat and hat. Long pants, a backpack, and brown boots. What made Harry recoil was when the wraith turned to his direction.
The face had been horribly disfigured from what he imagined was a fall. The left arm he hadn’t seen previously. Was bent at such an odd angle that it had to have been broken. It stared at him with sightless eyes.
“If the others are absorbed then taken by you then how do we deal with this one?” Harry asked, sickened.
“You’ll find that when encountering Earth bound spirits. And I say spirits in the loosest way possible. Some will try to fight you, while others will give in. This one won’t fight you, as a wraith he’s a blank slate. Like a coma patient there is just nothing there anymore. After an extended period of time the hope of awakening from a coma isn’t very high. Comas are the result of the soul leaving the body while alive. If they get lost and can’t find their body again, they never wake up. It’s why a comatose person has no spiritual essence. So they’re blank… The Resurrection stone will forcefully cross them over. You just have to touch them first.” Death said, like that wasn’t the worst thing ever.
He had to touch it?? Harry grimaced and moved closer to the wraith. Hesitantly he stretched a hand out. His hand met resistance???? Harry had expected his hand to go through. Instead, it was as if he was touching a live person. Harry didn’t have long to contemplate this however. As the resurrection stone on his hand glowed an ethereal purple. The wraith vanished in it’s light.
“It’s best if you just pretend you can’t see them. If they know you have the sight, they’ll become annoying fast. Word tends to spread around the undead rather fast.This is perhaps the most minor of abilities. And subsequentially the easiest by default. It’s the equivalent of dipping your toes in the water. Humans cling to this world regardless of origin. The spiritual essence is like a miasma that few are capable of seeing. There are only so many reapers in existence. These are the souls that fall through the cracks. The souls left behind to languish so the fresher dead can be collected. There are as many deaths in a day as there are births. Anyway, you need to do very little. Just mind your business and collect as you go.” Death said cheerfully.
“Are there anymore in here or can we go home? I want to chat with Percival.” Harry asked.
Death snorted looking amused.
“What part of everywhere did you not understand? The Earth is old, there are so many lost or shredded souls wandering about. National parks have just as many dead as a city though less numerous. Bodies are very rarely recovered; thus, spirit essence lingers in random places where they died. Just ask me before traveling somewhere. Depending on the location there may be a heavy presence. Particularly in war torn areas or in areas of natural disasters. But yes, we can go home now I just wanted to show you this. It was only a matter of time before you noticed the strange ‘anomalies’.”
Harry shook his head staring Death down. There was no way he was walking back. Death rolled his eyes and took them home.