How it started...
Death saw the small child and blinked away her tears. The girl was in pain, a lot of it. Soft whimpers left her broken body. Rasping breath indicated that one of the lungs was damaged. The body of the child was covered in scars, there was a lot of blood and several of her bones were broken. It wouldn’t be long now, she would succumb to her injuries.
As a magical child, it was remarkable that her magic had protected her this far. She was so small, frail…clearly underfed. Bones like sticks…To think, this child was prophesized to be her Master one day…but that would now be a long stretch. If only there was a way to keep the child alive and safe…an idea struck her. If the child were to die, Death could let the girl become a raven. She could work for Dream…until she was ready. Would that be the answer?
After all, the one that had split his soul and created the pieces into the foulest of magical items…he must be stopped…this child could do it. Prophesies were powerful in their own right. When the monster went after the girl, he signed his own fate. But the girl was not ready now…and would not be ready for a long time. She didn’t even know her heritage. She didn’t know she was to be a mere soldier in a war. She didn’t know some people only wanted to use her. Death shuddered at the thought of Albus Dumbledore and what he would do to the little girl she came to care about.
For this was not the first time Death looked into the life of her would-be Master. Now and then she would look, never noticed of course. What she had seen over the years saddened her deeply. But she could not interfere. She did ask her brother to make sure no nightmares bothered the girl. Dream had wondered why, but she remained silent on the matter. He didn’t need to know everything. This was also about the change…Dream would accept her explanation, she hoped.
As Death looked over the little girl in the cramped cupboard, her decision was made. The girl would be given the choice…she could become a raven and serve Dream until she was ready…or she could be with her parents. Death sensed it was time and became visible. She gently placed her hand on the girl’s shoulder. With a final breath, Regina Lilian Potter died…and looked confused over to the beautiful ebony woman who sat with her on the thin mattress.