The Hidden Universe

The Avatar of the Creator looked around for a moment, considering the place they were. "Harry? I need you to do me a favor."

"Sure, Boss. Whatever you like," Harry replied.

"I need you to conjure up about 100 pairs of earmuffs."

"Earmuffs?" Harry asked, confused.

God smirked. "Yes. You've never seen me in my more … formal mode. Very few among the Multiverse actually know that I can create a form which can speak to mortals. As far as the Heavens and Hells are concerned, my voice is so powerful that any mortal hearing it will experience their head exploding. And since the call I am about to make will be a formal call …."

Harry nodded. "Right. Think Mandrakes, but much, much more powerful." With some worry, Harry looked around. Seeing some exposed stone nearby, he quickly transfigured the earmuffs – or at least as quickly as one could working with stone – and cast a few spells which would make them impenetrable to sound.

Harry conjured a few boxes to carry them and brought them back. "Okay. What next?"

"Hand a few of those out to the Scoobies. They'll need them."

Harry motioned to the Scoobies, who all stepped forward somewhat diffidently. "Okay, folks. A word of warning. My Boss here is going to be speaking formally. And when he is in that mode, his voice would cause anyone not already dead or resident of a higher plane's head to explode. So each of you is going to take a pair of earmuffs and you will put them on whenever God is about to speak and only take them off when you get the signal that it is safe."

With a small amount of worry, each grabbed a pair and put them around their necks so as to have easy access when needed. Harry took his own pair.

God actually looked a bit sheepish as he said, "Harry?"

"Boss?"

"You won't need them."

"Oh." Harry considered that for a moment.

God nodded. "Now, I'm going to be moving us up one plane of existence so we have room to do what needs to be done. When we arrive, I'm going to look like an older man in robes at first and with Me will be the Metatron."

Harry was curious. "I haven't met Metatron."

Giles nearby strangled out, "Metatron is the Voice of God."

Harry glanced over and nodded his thanks before turning back. "That's fine. Thanks for the warning?"

God smirked. "No, that's not the warning. This is: When you see Metatron, it will remind you of someone in your past. Just ignore it. The two are nothing alike." God paused for a moment and considered that. "Actually, strike that. Both are pretty much the snarkiest beings you'll ever meet unless they are performing their duties. Just … don't freak out Harry."

Harry shrugged. "Whatever you say, Boss. I can't imagine why you need to warn me, but I'll prepare to be shocked."

God smirked. He was going the enjoy watching this – he had to get his amusement somewhere.

"Okay. Everyone ready?" he asked the Scoobies. "Then put on your earmuffs. We're about to have some fun."

They all nodded and did as asked.

Unlike other beings, God needed no gestures, cantrips, or other crutches to exert His Will. And so it was with no warning that the Scoobies found themselves standing together and back a bit as though standing in witness. They were in a place of Honor directly behind the Creator and his Voice. And behind them, on a set of perches that almost appeared to be bleacher-like in how they were arranged, were all the birds that had arrived to help Harry open the door.

Harry was no longer dressed in jeans and jacket. Instead he was dressed in black robes which looked to be of expensive cut – Buffy's internal reaction upon seeing them was "Armani".

Standing very near Harry was God as a very powerful, older man – the very image of God as most mortals expected to see him. And besides him was a tall, dark-haired angel, with large wings and black robes that for some reason seemed more … simple … than the others.

Harry looked down at his dress with wide eyes. He was dressed in something that might be more appropriate to the Wizengamot chambers back on his own world, or a formal gathering. He looked up to thank God and saw the Angel next to him. He gasped. "No!"

The angel smirked. "Yes! I am aware of the unfortunate similarity between myself and your old Potions Master. Get over it; we have work to do."

Harry considered the angel for a moment and then looked at God, who had a small smirk on his face. "You're right, Boss: Right at the top of the Snarkiness Scale."

Metatron rolled his eyes. He looked at God, who nodded. "Okay! Anyone who is Mortal had better cover their ears right about, NOW!"

Xander, in the background, had heard the Angel's voice and scrambled to reset his earmuffs. He was successful.

God looked out at the empty plain before him and opened his mouth and SPOKE!

As the extremely loud sound reverberated around the large, white plain, groups of beings appeared in various places. On one side, Harry saw the Wolf, Ram, and Hart, as well as numerous other Demons. They were contained behind a large fence. In an enclosure next to them were the souls of quite a number of men and women. He didn't know yet why these had appeared – that would come soon.

Harry's eyes widened as he noted that these had no earmuffs and so he guessed (rightly) that God's call had killed them on Earth and brought them here.

Opposite the Demonic Elements was another enclosure. Within this were Angels with large wings. Harry noted curiously that instead of shining with Divine light, these were somehow gray and washed out. Harry guessed that these were the Powers That Be that Buffy mentioned.

Behind God and the Metatron, Harry saw a large number of Human souls. Many were dressed in ecclesiastical garb, but some were dressed in some military-like uniform or another, and others were dressed in everyday clothes. Harry noted that these all bore the signs of having been killed by one means or another, although the obvious injuries did not seem to be causing them pain.

Harry then noted windows appearing in the air all around the plane. His eyes widened when he saw that these seemed to contain other versions of the Demons and Angels that were penned on either side of the Creator and his Voice. Harry was awed to realize that He was allowing witnesses from other dimensions to see what was wrought.

God was about to make an example and He wanted the lesson widely spread.

Harry also noted that opposite the dead Human souls, opposite the Scoobies who were behind God and Metatron, Harry was surprised to find a fair few Gods and Goddesses from dimensions that he had visited. There were also a few Magic users that he recognized (Belgarath and his family). Surprisingly, he saw Aphrael standing next to her father. This confused him because he thought that Sparhawk was mortal. He then noted the blue light which covered him which seemed to emanate from a large, gemlike Rose which he carried in his hand. Perhaps this kept Sparhawk safe.

And, just as God allowed his call to end, directly in front of the Creator and his Voice were several humans. Most of them were men, with a very few women, but Harry recognized some of them: Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth, a few others. And behind these were a few world leaders.

Metatron spoke. "I am Metatron! I stand as the Voice of your Creator! Hear now the Word of God!"

Metatron concentrated, and unfurled his large wingspan. A light appeared around his form, very much like the light which came forth from the old but very hale being they stood in front of.

"I am your Lord God, the Creator of All. I have stopped Time within your world so that you may witness My Will and stand as Witness to what I shall cause to be. When we are finished, you shall return to where you were before this. While you are here, you shall experience no hunger, no thirst, no infirmary, nor bodily need. Regardless of the how long it may seem to be, for your world, it shall be just a nano-second before you are returned. Do you understand?"

The gathered souls before Him all nodded in agreement. Each of them also then dropped to their knees, bowing their heads before His awesome presence.

"First, I bring some of you before me to give My Blessing for your part in assisting My Traveler, who stands beside me, to bring this world back into My Sight."

Metatron turned and said, "Slayer and Company, move within this group for you also shall receive the Blessings of your God." The Scoobies quickly moved until they were near Pope John Paul II, which was the only one of these that they knew.

Metatron spoke again. "Rise, come forth, receive the Blessing, and then accept what Our Traveler gives to you – you shall need it soon."

Each of those kneeling stood and formed into a line. The Scoobies stood near the back. Harry noted with some approval that there was no jockeying for position to be the first to receive the blessing. These souls stood patient and first one and then another came forth. When each Blessing was accomplished, the Soul would come to him and he would give out a set of earmuffs, quietly explaining that they were for when God spoke directly to keep them from dying as God's voice was too powerful for Mortal ears.

Harry noted curiously that God seemed to change for each person, as though showing them the form that they most associated, within their very souls, with what God should look like.

And as the Holy Men and world leaders gathered where Harry placed them, each of these noted this as well with a bit of wonder. And, finally, when the Scoobies appeared before them, they were astonished to see that God had taken the form of a shorter, dark-haired woman with a mischievous face and wearing, of all things a tutu.

Many of them did not know what to think. Harry watched with amusement for a while until he finally laughed. The souls looked at him and he explained, "Let go of your limited vision. God is so far above us that we cannot comprehend His – or Her – form. You envision him as a venerable father and that is how he appears to you. But all are God's Children, man and woman, and you would do well to excise the prejudice you might feel about such things from your souls. Such prejudice is an affront to God and His/Her Creation."

Those gathered saw Metatron nod in agreement as the man in robes spoke. They would have to pray for guidance when they returned to their own bodies.

"And now, you Martyrs. Come forth."

The group that had arrived behind and to the side moved forward until they were arrayed before God and Her Voice.

"Each of you suffered and died to assist Our Traveler in bringing this World back to Our Sight. Come forth and receive Our Blessing and Healing. When Our Purposes are accomplished this day, you shall be entered immediately unto paradise in exchange for your sacrifice, any sin upon you soul cleansed and forgiven. Those Holy One's here have a list of your names and your names shall be celebrated in prayer for the price you paid in service to your Creator."

And as directed, the group of those killed to spread the word came forth. Each was given Blessing and each one was made whole. They finally returned to the place they had stood when they first arrived.

Metatron turned and contemplated those watching. "And now, we come to those whom have displeased Me."

God looked at those gathered with disdain and dislike and the Angels and Demons of this world knew that their hubris had cost them everything

"You gathered here before me have usurped My prerogatives. You have hidden this world from My Sight. You have created a false Paradise and a false place of Damnation. Or you have assisted, knowingly, those who committed these Abominations. You did this to hide your activities from Me and to harness the power of these Souls to further your own ends. You shall now pay the price of your effrontery. As to your final crime, perhaps a demonstration is appropriate."

Metatron turned and looked back to the Scoobies. "Buffy Ann Summers, Slayer, Come Forth and stand before your Creator!"

A bit hesitantly, Buffy moved until she stood facing the Creator and Her Voice.

"Child, you have been sore used by those that should have protected you and guided you. What, in your mind and soul, is the thing you wish for more than anything else?"

Buffy considered the question for a moment, really considered it. The Creator and Voice stood patiently while she did so, and she felt no pressure to hurry up. Finally, she spoke. At first she joked, "Well, I'd like a boyfriend which didn't end up being a big bad or at least the worst possible one to choose." With that, the Scoobies chuckled even as the Creator smiled an impish smile to show She understood.

But then Buffy's face took on a serious look. "But really, all I ever wanted was to be able to choose. Ever since this whole Slayer thing began, I've been pushed and prodded and manipulated and no one ever asked me what I wanted. No one ever gave me a choice. All I want is to be able to decide for myself what I should do."

The Creator, still in the form of the attractive, dark-haired woman embraced Buffy once more and sent her back to stand with her friends and family before the Voice addressed the Powers That Be and Senior Partners once more..

"And there, finally, is the worst crime: All you have done and all you achieved was by bypassing the Mandate which I gave when first I created Mortals. Traveler! What is My Mandate?"

Harry spoke loud enough to be heard by all: "Every sentient must be allowed to express their free will as circumstances allow – this Free Will is the Creator's Gift which sets the sentient apart from the animal and the Creations that came before."

Metatron nodded and then took on a pugnacious look, which mirrored the long on God's face.

"I do believe that the first Punishment shall be the most egregious to you. You shall Witness a Reward which you all crave but none of you shall Ever receive. This is My Decree and it is Unbreakable!"

Metatron turned to Harry and said, "Traveler! Put aside your foci into the care of the Slayer and come before me to receive your Reward for bringing this world back to My Sight!"

Harry quickly conjured a box and put the wands that he carried into it. He handed this to Buffy. Pausing for a moment Harry changed, with only a thought, what he was wearing so that he was dressed as he was most comfortable with: Black denims, white t-shirt, dragon-hide boots, boxer-brief pants, socks, and a single Dragon-hide holster for a wand on his arm. He didn't know why, but he deemed it necessary that he be dressed as he wanted to be seen generally.

Harry then walked forth and stood in front of his Creator and His Voice. Harry could see the amused smile which God wore on Her face as she contemplated him. Metatron also had that amused smirk which looked so much like Severus Snape that it gave him the wiggins.

"First, know the two who have sent you from world to world so that you might express your Free Will upon each world."

Harry looked at two very large, very strong-looking, and very sheepish-looking presences which appeared on either side of the Creator.

"These two are known by many names in many places: The Two Blind Gods of the Beginning, as at first they were made blind, Rythar and Myther. Angatupyry and Tau. Some mistakenly call them the God of Good and the God of Evil. But their true names are Order and Chaos. These were the first Deities and from these all of Creation was made by My Will. As I introduced Free Will into my creations, these were remade into what you see before you."

Harry bowed briefly to the two Gods. "Thanks for your assistance. I hope we can continue working together."

The two replied in the affirmative and explained that he was sent to where there would be too much order or too much chaos if they didn't act. Harry acknowledged them.

"Yes. Now for your Reward."

Metatron looked around and then specifically at those standing behind them.

"Any who are mortal should ensure their years are covered."

The Scoobies as well as the religious and world leaders all scrambled to ensure their earmuffs were in place.

God opened Her mouth and once again, Spoke. Harry felt the Word of God change him – until his form burst into flames. Suddenly, he was a very small phoenix chick. And then he noticed that he did not stay a very young phoenix chick – he was growing! Within just a few seconds he was fully grown – and he changed back.

"Wow. That was, very much, a rush!" He paused. "What happened?"

"I have placed within you some of my Divinity, as I do when any new God or Goddess is caused to be. It has been a very long time since I have done this."

Harry's eyes widened a bit. He then sighed. He had actually seen this coming. He had even, if only in his own mind and without explicitly saying it, agreed with it. He remembered one conversation where he explained the possibility of such happening. He wasn't about to bitch about it and queer the Creator's play. That would be Bad.

"Aldur. Come Forth and bring It."

Harry saw Belgarath and his family following behind an older-looking God. Now that he seemed to be among the Divine, he could instantly recognize it, even without trying.

Soon, the Elderly God was standing before him. He accepted a carved box from his First Disciple and opened the lid. Harry was amazed at the Wand which was contained therein. Aldur said, "In recognition of the Gift of the Knowledge of Magic that you have given My children, I have made this as a way to balance the scales. Reach forth and take Your Wand."

Harry moved his hand toward the Wand. Even before it was in his hand, he could feel it singing in his mind. As he grasped the handle, he felt a deep connection settle into place.

With a twinkle reminiscent of some of the better Dumbledore's, Aldur said, "Come now. Give it a wave."

Toward the empty plane before the Creator, Harry waved the Wand and a sea of sparks moved from it and covered the entire plane. Where before there was a blank canvas, now there were fields and hills and trees, with wildflowers dotting it in various places.

With wide eyes Harry said, "Wow! I could never have imagined such a connection. What is it made of?"

With a smile, Aldur spoke. And although he spoke softly, Harry knew that everyone witnessing could hear him.

"Upon the world on which My disciples live, you saw a Tree, perhaps? Larger than any other you might have seen?"

Harry nodded.

"This is the Tree of Eternity. Born on the day that World was created, it will live until that World is no more. It has no seeds as it has no need to propagate. And although it grows as do all living things, the rate is such that most would never notice. It has no need to struggle to survive. After your visit, a certain Dryad of your acquaintance assisted Me by cajoling the Tree to grow one perfect branch, which it then let go of. Once this was retrieved, I began weaving the branch into the proper form.

"The grip on this Wand is made of two parts: First was metal from a Star which I caused to come down close to My veil. With his skill, my Son Durnik helped forge this into its proper shape. And my Son Belgarath assisted in hand-making the silver and gold inlays which adorn the grip of this Wand."

Aldur smiled and continued. "But you know that a Wand needs a magical core. This wand's core contains three objects with four elements for binding, making the total seven."

Harry stood there, shocked, as the Wand was explained.

"First, you have a connection, from your original life, to the wolf. Your father and godfather learned the art of changing to their animal form to support their friend, who was a werewolf. Yes?"

Harry nodded.

"In recognition of that connection, My Daughter Poledra, in her Wolf form, allowed Me to use a hair from her tail – the hair of which they are most proud and attached to." Harry looked and saw Belgarath's wife change to her Wolf form and back, nodding to him.

"You also have a connection to the Snowy Owl. Upon your visit you mentioned that My Daughter Polgara reminded you of your first friend?"

Once again Harry nodded. He saw Belgarath's daughter change into a Snowy Owl and back. She nodded to him with a smile.

"Yes, My Daughter Polgara allowed one of her wing feathers to be used as a core element. And the last element: You have, I am certain you are aware, a special connection to a certain mischievous deity?"

Harry laughed. "Aphrael." He saw the girl standing with her father and she waved to him with a smile – one more suited to his family right before they committed an epic prank.

"Yes. Aphrael freely gifted one of Her hairs as the final object."

Harry turned and opened his arms. The small deity rushed forward with a cry of joy and jumped into Harry's arms, kissing his face all over. "Thank you, Flute."

With a smirk Aphrael said, "I just wanted everyone to know that you are mine!"

Harry laughed even as Aldur, the Creator, and others looked on with fond smiles. The PTB and Senior Partners didn't, of course, but no one really cared.

"Now, as a binding agent, I used four parts: The Tears of a Phoenix for Water, gifted by Fawkes, whom you knew in life; the Fire of My Orb which Belgarion carries on his sword; the ash from your first burning day, retrieved by Fawkes, which represents Earth; and the Breath of the Creator for Air. Under My direction, my Son Belgarion used My Orb to fuse these elements together for Your Wand. It is, perhaps, the most mighty wand that has ever been made or that shall ever be made again. The Creator has deemed you worthy and no other shall ever be able to use this Wand except at your explicit Word. Take good care of it."

Harry, still holding Aphrael, bowed before the venerable God. He then went and thanked each who had taken a part of making his wand. Finally, he stood again before the Creator, waiting for Her Word. Aphrael had finally consented to return to her father, Sparhawk.

"Turn and tell those Witnessing your name and your specialty."

Harry nodded to the Creator and turned to those on the plane and those witnessing from windows in they sky. "Although I was born Harry Potter and I refuse to relinquish the right to that name as needed, My Divine Name is Marek Ilumian, Fury of the Light. This name was gifted to me by honorable warriors and I will use it in acknowledgment. When I first began to understand this journey, the Creator told me that I was sent to where a world needed an infusion of Free Will in order to prevent it from destroying itself. And so that is my specialty: I am the God," he turned his head toward the Religious leaders behind the Creator and said, "or the Patron Saint for those beliefs that recognize no other God than the Creator," he turned back, "I am the God of Free Will and I shall Champion it wherever I go. And because true Free Will required Knowledge, my secondary aspects shall be as a God of Knowledge and, of course, a God of Travel." He said this last with a small smile.

Harry bowed to Creator and stepped back.

"It is Good! And now, the final punishment for those who have offended me: Marek Ilumian! Stand Forward!"

Harry once again stepped forward.

"You shall need practice expending your Will as you see fit, and using your Godly powers. By My Word, I ask that you expend whatever effort that you see fit to re-order this world that has been hidden from me. Ensure the works of those that defied Me are rent and torn asunder and remake it into whatever you deem fit – according to Your Will. This dimension shall stand as an Example! to all of those that might consider doing as these have done."

With that, the Creator stepped back and with a final, "Have fun," the Metatron stepped back to stand with Her.

Harry considered quickly and then asked, "Any limitations?"

The Creator just gave him an impish smile and Metatron just stood there stoically with that smirk which still reminded him of Severus Snape.

Harry turned and considered those watching. He smirked. Far be it for him to deny the word of the Creator. He was about to have some fun.