Blessings and Choices
Lily blinked once. Twice. And a third time before looking around. The room she was in was clean; so clean that it looked like it sparkled. She chuckled a little, remembering the Disney movie Cinderella and how her dress was so white, it shimmered. Just like this room. It also felt so warm and safe, which settled Lily seeing how she didn’t feel so safe before with that monster in her house. Wait, that monster was in her house. He told her…no, demanded her to stand aside so he could kill her son. Of course, she refused. Even if he allowed her to live (which she highly doubted), she would have died a million times over before stepping aside and letting that bastard kill her baby. Then it hit her. Those words, that green light, feeling her heart stop as she screamed. She had died. She was dead. So, if she died, where was she?
“Lils?”
That name, that voice. There was only one person in the world who called Lily that name in that voice. She turned to see her husband, James Potter, staring at her in despair.
“Jamie,” she sighed, running forward to throw her arms around the man’s neck.
Hugging him tight, she smiled as she felt his strong arms lace around her back. She took a deep breath, inhaling James’ scent. Broomstick polish and treacle tart. So soothing. Then, it occurred to her that her neck was getting wet.
“Jamie?” she frowned, gently pushing against James’ shoulders. He lifted his head off her shoulder and looked at her. He was crying.
“Jamie,” she sighed, wiping tears from her husband’s cheeks.
“What are you doing here?!” he cried, cupping Lily’s cheeks. “You’re not supposed to be here! You were supposed to grab the cloak and run away with Hari!”
“I tried!” she said. “I couldn’t find the cloak! It wasn’t in its usual place!”
“What?” James asked, horror on his face. “Then…?”
“I tried, Jamie,” Lily whispered, tears falling. “I tried to protect him. He told me to stand aside and let him kill our baby! I couldn’t let him!”
“No, no,” James shook his head, drawing Lily in for another hug. “No, it wasn’t your fault! You were so brave, mera pyaar. So brave.”
The two wept, clinging to each other as it slowly occurred to them. They were dead and in the afterlife. They would never grow old together or have more children. Oh Merlin, more children. Lily touched her belly in horror. She had just discovered that she was three weeks pregnant. She wept harder. They were going to tell Remus and Sirius. She was going to ask Remus to be the godfather. But now, it wouldn’t happen. Remus wasn’t going to get a godchild and Hari wasn’t going to get to be a big brother. Wait… Hari.
“Hari!” Lily cried, pushing James back to look around. Nothing. “James, where’s our son?”
James’ eyes went wide as he looked around the room, but there was no sign of their one-year-old son.
“I-I don’t see him,” he said, his head twisting in different directions. “Where could he be? What if he’s hurt? Merlin’s beard, what if that bastard has him?!”
“Your son is fine. He’s safe.”
James and Lily turned to see a young man with dark hair and silver eyes looking at them. They blinked in surprise. He looked just like Sirius except for the length of his hair and his eyes. Sirius wore his hair long, either tied back in a ponytail or loose, and his eyes were a dark silver. This boy’s hair fell in short waves and his silver eyes were so light to the point that they looked almost blue. There was only one person in the world with those eyes.
“R-Regulus Black?!” James yelped. “Wha- where did- what are you doing here?”
“Calm down, Potter,” Regulus said, holding up his hands. “I’ll answer your questions in a bit. But first, there are some people who want to see you. And you said you wanted to see your son?”
“Hari’s here?!” Lily cried before looking sad. “Voldemort killed him, didn’t he?”
“It’s a little more complicated than that, Evans,” Regulus admitted. “But everything will be explained in a bit. Just follow me, okay?”
James and Lily looked at each other, feeling unsure before James shrugged. It wasn’t like they had a choice. They were dead and Regulus seemed to know what was going on. Lily sighed and nodded.
“Okay, Black,” she said. “We’ll follow you but we have a request first.”
“And what’s that?” Regulus asked, folding his arms over his chest while raising his eyebrow. James snickered. He looked just like his brother when he did that. Lily elbowed James in the stomach with a slight glare before smiling at Regulus.
“Please, call us James and Lily,” she said. Regulus blinked, eyes flickering between the two before giving a soft smile.
“Alright, as long as you call me Regulus,” he said.
“Sounds like a fair deal,” Lily nodded before looking at her husband. “James?”
James looked at Lily before holding his hand out. Regulus blinked before smiling, taking the offered hand and giving it a shake. Then he gave them both a sympathetic look.
“I’m sorry that you both died,” he said. They smiled.
“We’re sorry you died too,” James repeated. “We had a funeral for you. A small one. Sirius was heartbroken. I hope it’s okay but we set up a grave for you in the Potter Crypt. Sirius wanted you there. He felt so guilty leaving you alone.”
“I saw,” Regulus nodded, giving a sad smile. “Thank you for that. We should go. Everyone’s waiting. Let’s walk and talk. Tell me, how did you two die? What happened?”
James and Lily looked at each other before looking back at Regulus, heartbreak and anger all over their faces.
“There was a prophecy,” James explained as they started to walk. “Dumbledore told us. He thought it had something to do with Hari and our friends’ son, Neville.”
“Yes, I know the prophecy,” Regulus admitted. “Do you know it?”
“No, we just know that there’s a prophecy about our son,” Lily said. “Do you know what is it? Dumbledore wouldn’t tell us.”
“You’ll be told it soon, I promise,” Regulus said. “Keep going. What happened after Dumbledore told you about the prophecy?”
“We all went into hiding,” James explained. “We were going to make Sirius our Secret Keeper but Sirius suggested we use Peter instead. Oh Merlin, Peter! He must have gotten caught and tortured to give us up! Oh, poor Pete.”
Regulus froze, his eyes went wide as he looked at them. Lily and James paused in confusion.
“You don’t know?” he asked in horror before sighing. “James, your friend, Pettigrew, he’s a Death Eater.”
Immediately, James felt his body run cold, which was strange seeing how warm the air felt.
“No,” he whispered. “No, he wouldn’t.”
“I’m sorry, James,” Regulus sighed, his face full of sorrow and sympathy. “I’ve been watching over everyone since the day I died. And even when I was alive, I saw him at the meetings. He’s been to every single one. He told Voldemort about your friend McKinnon and the Prewetts. And if he was your Secret Keeper, he gave you up willingly.”
“Oh, my Lord,” Lily whispered, her hand covering her mouth. “He’s right Jamie. I asked Professor Flitwick about the Fidelius Charm. He told me that the only way someone else can know about the secret is if the Secret Keeper tells someone openly. Nothing, not even the Unforgivables, will affect the charm. Pete gave us up! He betrayed us!”
James started gasping rapidly as he fell to his knees. He couldn’t believe it. He knew Peter. He loved Peter. The man was like a brother to him and he threw them away. He covered his hand with his mouth, feeling nauseous.
“No,” he moaned, tears falling. “How could he? How could he betray us?! We loved him! I loved him!”
Regulus sighed watching Lily comforted her heartbroken husband, who sobbed loudly while angrily pounding the ground with his fists.
“How could he?!” he screamed before wrapping his arms around his stomach. “How could he?”
“I’m sorry James, Lily,” Regulus said again. Lily smiled appreciatively while James pulled off his glasses to wipe his eyes with a sigh.
“Thanks, Regulus,” he smiled weakly as he and Lily stood up.
“Yes, thank you, dear,” Lily smiled. Regulus nodded before gesturing behind him with his arm.
“You two ready to continue?” he asked.
“Which part? The walking or the story of how we died?” Lily asked cynically. Regulus gave her a slightly amused look.
“I’ll let you pick,” he smiled, making Lily roll her eyes.
“How kind,” she smirked. Regulus chuckled before looking at James, who was still crying from Peter’s betrayal.
“You doing okay, James?”
James took a shuddering breath before nodding.
“Yeah, let’s keep walking.” he smiled weakly. Regulus and Lily nodded.
“Anyway,” James said as they continued to walk. “We were getting Hari ready for bed when suddenly, the front door burst open. Like it exploded or something, and there he was. I told Lily to run and I went to face him but I didn’t have my wand.” He sighed. “I can’t believe I was stupid enough not to have my wand on me.”
“We thought we were safe,” Lily reminded him. “It’s not your fault.”
James gave her a feeble smile.
“Thanks, priya,” he smiled.
Lily smiled. She loved it when James spoke Hindi. She remembered the first time she heard him and Euphemia speak Hindi to each other. She had been invited to Christmas at the Potters during their last year at Hogwarts and had gone to get a cup of tea when she heard James talk to his mother in Hindi as she cooked. Lily has been surprised because she had never heard him speak it during Hogwarts. When she asked him about it, he had explained that he did speak Hindi. He just spoke it with the ones that were special in his life, like his parents and his best friends. Then she asked if she was included in the list of people that were special to James. He then grinned and said the first name he called her was “mere dil ka pyaar”, which meant “love of my heart” in Hindi. After than that, he always called her “priya”, which meant “darling”, or “mera pyaar”, which meant “my love”. And the day Hari was born, James had joyfully called him “chhota sher”, which meant “little lion
“I managed to throw a couple of punches,” James continued. “Oh, thanks for teaching me how to do that, by the way, priya.” Lily winked in response. Then James’ face fell.
“Then I heard the Killing Curse and saw a bright green light,” he said sadly. “The next thing I knew, I was here.”
Regulus nodded.
“I’m sorry that happened,” he said again. “What about you Lily?”
“After James told me to run with Hari, I went looking for James’ cloak,” Lily began.
“Cloak?” Regulus asked, confused.
“My Invisibility Cloak,” James explained. “It’s been in my family for years, passed from father to son. I was planning on giving it to Hari when he turned eleven.”
“An invisibility cloak?!” Regulus yelped before frowning. “No wonder you, Sirius, Pettigrew and Lupin never got caught with your pranks.”
“No, Moony never got caught,” James chuckled. “Sirius and I didn’t have good poker faces and Peter-,” James’ face filled with disgust. “-Peter was a coward.”
“Hm,” Regulus hummed. “So, what happened next?”
“I couldn’t find the cloak so I tried to barricade us in Hari’s room,” Lily said sadly. “And when I realised I didn’t grab my wand, the bastard broke through. And then he said something strange.”
“What happened?”
“He told me he was asked to spare me before demanding that I let him kill Hari,” Lily frowned. “Of course, I refused and then he killed me. And here we are. But I don’t understand why. Why would he ask me, a muggleborn witch, to stand aside? He killed so many so why would he do that?”
Regulus winced as he stopped walking. He knew why the Dark Lord was going spare Lily. It was the same person who told the Dark Lord about the prophecy to begin with.
“Um, Lily,” he winced. “There’s a reason the Dark Lord asked you to stand aside.”
“There is? What is it?” Lily asked as she and James stopped walking.
“When Dumbledore first learnt about the prophecy, there was another person in the room,” Regulus admitted. “He only heard the first half before he was thrown out. Once he got thrown out, he took it to the Dark Lord and the Dark Lord thinks highly in Divination.”
Lily and James raised their eyebrows. Divination was very fickle magic because the future was never set in stone. There was always a possibility that the future would change based on what people decided, at least that’s what Remus said when he studied it briefly in third year.
“What was the prophecy?” Lily asked. Regulus winced.
“I don’t know if I should….”
“Regulus please,” James begged. “Tell us why we were targeted. Please.”
Regulus looked at the before sighing
““The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches”,” Regulus recited. ““Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies.” That was the part the spy heard. There’s more. “And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal. But he will have power the Dark Lord knows not. And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives.””
James and Lily looked at each other. Mark as Voldemort’s equal? Neither can live while the other survives? What did that all mean?
“I promise, whatever questions are in your head will get answered soon,” Regulus swore.
James and Lily frowned before nodding.
“Can you answer just one?” James asked, feeling ill. Regulus nodded.
“Who told that bastard the first half of the prophecy?” James asked. “Who put us in danger?”
Regulus sighed. “It was Snape.”
Lily gasped before letting out a sob. It made sense. If Severus knew that Voldemort had been hunting her family, he would have begged the man to spare her, even at the cost of her husband and son. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her anger in check as tears fell. Regulus reached out a hand but James gabbed it, silently shaking his head.
“Give her a moment,” he said. “It’s better if you let her sort it out herself.”
Regulus nodded, watching Lily carefully as she mulled over the new information, trying to sort out her anger and hurt to the man that used to be her best friend. Then she took a deep breath before looking at them.
“I’m okay,” she said before shrugging. “Well, getting there. Come on, we’ve wasted enough time. Let’s go and meet these people and get some answers.”
“Right,” Regulus nodded before turning, inspecting the area. Then, slowly a door started to materialise.
Regulus smiled. “We go through here.”
James and Lily looked at each other as Regulus opened the door before standing to the side, gesturing to go in. Taking a deep breath, James and Lily walked in, followed by Regulus, who closed the door behind him. They looked around. Lily gasped. It looked like the flower field she used to play when she was little, before she went to Hogwarts. Back when everything was still good between her and Petunia. A tear rolled down her cheek.
“What’s wrong, Lils?” James asked in alarm.
“This looks just like the field I used to play in,” she wept.
“Forgive us,” a voice behind them said. “We wanted to create a place of comfort before we tell you our news. We didn’t realise it would cause you pain.”
James and Lily jumped before turning. Before them stood two figures; one tall, spindly and was wearing a dark robe and the other was short and curvy, dressed in a white robe. Their faces were obscured, but they both had an aura of peace and tranquillity about them. James gasped before falling to his knees, bowing his head while Lily frowned.
“James?”
“Lils,” James whispered, jerking his head to tell Lily to bow as well. “These are Death and Lady Magic. We have to show them respect.”
“Oh,” Lily jumped before copying James. She remembered when Euphemia and Fleamont first told her about Lady Magic, the one who blessed people with magic, and Death, the one who helped guide people into the afterlife. They then explained their family history of being descendants of the youngest of the Peverell brothers and how they needed to show respect to the gods that gave them their gifts.
“Please stand, James and Lily,” Lady Magic smiled. “We have been waiting for you both. Thank you for bringing them, Regulus.”
“Yes, my Lady,” Regulus bowed as James and Lily rose.
“Now before we start,” Death smiled. “There are some people who are eager to see you.”
As Death stood to the side, his long arm stretched out. James and Lily gasped as some familiar people approached them. A set of red-haired male twins wearing mischievous grins, a woman with long strawberry blonde hair and a dark-skinned woman, her black hair in cornrows.
“Marlene! Dorcas!” Lily cried as she threw her arms around her friends’ necks.
“Hello, lovely,” Marlene smiled, stroking Lily’s hair as Dorcas whispered “Hi babe,” in her ear.
“Gideon and Fabian!” James cried, grabbing the men’s hands.
“Hey there, troublemaker,” Gideon grinned as Fabian ruffled James’ hair before the two turned their attention to Lily. “Hey there, little Red.”
“Hi,” Lily wept, hugging the two men as James hugged Marlene and Dorcas. “We’ve missed you.”
“We’ve missed you too darling,” Fabian smiled before turning sombre. “We’re so sorry, Lily.”
Lily smiled before looking around.
“Are the others here too?” she asked eagerly. “Edgar? Benjy?”
“Are my parents here?” James asked hopefully.
“Yes, they are here,” Death nodded. “They will come for a visit shortly. But first, I believe you wanted to see your son.”
“Hari?!” Lily cried. “Where is he?!”
“Here,” Lady Magic smiled, standing to the side. Behind her was a table and laying on the table was….
“Hari!” Lily and James cried, throwing themselves at the table. Their baby was laying there peacefully, his little chest rising with each breath.
“Sweetheart,” Lily cooed as she ran her fingers through Hari’s hair. “We’re here. Mama and Dada are here.”
“Can you open your eyes for us, chhota sher?” James asked, taking one of Hari’s hands in between his finger and thumb and giving it a little shake.
“He won’t open his eyes,” Death informed them. “At the moment, he’s in between.”
“In between?” James asked.
“He’s not dead, but at the same time, he’s not alive,” Death informed him.
“What?” Lily asked. “I don’t understand.”
“All will be explained,” Death stated. “I’m assuming Regulus has already told you about the prophecy?”
James and Lily nodded.
“Good, I will let Regulus explain,” Death said, nodding at the boy. “Regulus?”
Regulus bit his lip, gripping one of his wrists.
“I-I discovered something about Voldemort,” Regulus admitted. “It’s the reason I died and it’s the reason the prophecy exists.”
“What is it?” Lily asked urgently.
“He… he made a Horcrux,” Regulus admitted. Lily frowned in confusion whilst James looked horrified. Marlene, Dorcas and the twins had mixtures of disgust and horror on their faces.
“What’s a Horcrux?” Lily asked.
“Mum told me about it. Gave me nightmares,” James growled. “Vile dark magic. It’s where a wix split their soul and places it in an item. That item then becomes an anchor for that person’s spirit. They could never completely die as long as the Horcrux exists. It’s a disgraceful and evil way of becoming immortal. So evil.”
“Why?” Lily asked, despite the feeling inside her saying she wasn’t going to like the answer.
“Because in order to create a Horcrux, you-,” Regulus closed his eyes briefly. “-you have to commit murder.” Regulus gulped. “Deliberately without any regret or remorse.”
Lily frowned as she mulled over the information before her eyes widened.
“The war would go on forever,” she whispered in horror. “It wouldn’t even matter if he was hit by a Killing Curse. He would always come back.”
“That’s true,” Fabian nodded. “His physical body could get destroyed but he would still come back as a shade of some kind. He could terrorise the world for years with or without a body.”
“It’s not only evil, it’s sheer disrespect to us,” Death growled. “And what Tom Riddle has done is absolutely revolting.”
“Tom Riddle?” James asked, confused.
“That’s his real name,” Regulus explained. “Tom Marvolo Riddle.”
James frowned.
“Riddle? That’s not a name common in the British Wizarding World,” he said. “Is it from one of the other magical countries?”
“No, the reason you don’t know it is because it’s what you all call a “muggleborn name”,” Lady Magic informed. “Tom Riddle’s birth parents are a non-wix father named Thomas Riddle and a non-magical mother that came from a magical family. She went by the name of Merope Gaunt. By the way, that is a disgraceful name the community has come up for them. Squibs. Such an awful name.”
James and Lily’s jaw dropped.
“Yeah, that was our reaction too,” Gideon nodded. “Not only that. He was conceived out of wedlock due to his mother giving his father love potions.”
“Wait, wait,” James held up his hands. “Hold on. Are you telling me that the Death Eaters, a group of racist pureblood elitists, were following a half-blood bastard, who was conceived from the use of love potions and rape?!”
The group nodded as Lily and James let out a disbelieving laugh.
“Merlin, the wizarding community would flip!” Lily scoffed.
“That they would,” Regulus nodded. “Especially my mother. Anyway, that Horcrux is the reason I died.”
“What?” Lily said weakly.
“Riddle asked if he could borrow my family elf Kreacher for an assignment,” Regulus explained, his face full of remorse. “I foolishly agreed. I loaned him Kreacher after giving Kreacher the order to return to me when he had fulfilled his task. He did, convulsing and sick. Kreacher then told me what Riddle had done to him. While I was nursing Kreacher, I researched everything I could about Horcruxes. Once Kreacher was better, I told him to take me to it. He took me to this cave. It was….”
Regulus’ lips began to tremble. Immediately, Lily flew to his side and pulled him into a hug, manoeuvring them to sit.
“It’s okay, love,” she murmured as James sat on the other side. “I’ve got you.”
Regulus sniffed, unsure about what to do as Lily started stroking his hair before leaning heavily into Lily’s side.
“There we go,” she smiled.
“Thank you, Lily,” Regulus smiled gratefully before taking a deep breath. “It was so cold. There was some sort of island in the middle of the cave and on it was a bowl filled with… it was filled with the Drink of Despair.”
Lily gasped, covering her mouth in horror. Slughorn had mentioned that potion once. It caused the drinker to experience intense pain, fear and hallucinations before the drinker experienced such an intense thirst that people drowned in a desperation to quench it. Because of how dangerous it was, it was classified as an illegal potion.
“You didn’t!” she cried.
“I had to,” Regulus said, solemnly. “I couldn’t let Kreacher get hurt again.”
“Oh, Regulus!” Lily sobbed, hugging Regulus tightly. “I’m so sorry!”
James frowned as he looked at his wife and his best friend’s brother before looking at his friends. Dorcas knelt beside James and whispered in his ear. James’ eyes went wide before he wrapped his arms around Regulus as well.
“I’m so sorry, Regulus,” he whispered. “I’m so sorry.”
Regulus smiled weakly, giving James’ hand a small pat before taking another deep breath. Lily inhaled with a shudder.
“I don’t want to know but I have to,” she gritted. “What happened next?”
“I was so thirsty so while Kreacher swapped the lockets, I crawled to the lake to drink from it,” Regulus continued before starting to shiver. “I didn’t know the Inferi were bewitched to take the drinker the second they touched the water.”
Lily squeaked in horror while James shuddered. He had faced those creatures before with Sirius, the two of them barely escaping with their lives. Once they had escaped, James had collapsed against Sirius and sobbed, feeling a mixture of terror and sorrow for those creatures. He hated necromancy. He found it disgraceful to what it did to bodies. In James’ opinion, once someone dies, their body should be left alone. James cleared his throat, willing for the tears in his eyes not to fall.
“If it is any consolation for you, James,” Death said. “Those souls are safe with me. They’re just empty corpses.”
James looked up at Death, giving the deity a grateful smile.
“Thank you, my Lord,” he smiled before turning his attention to back to Regulus. “I’m sorry, Regulus. I’m sorry for everything that has happened to you.”
“Thank you, James,” Regulus gave a watery smile. “Before I drowned, I told Kreacher to take the Horcrux and destroy it. I also told him not to tell anyone. I thought it was better that way.”
“That doesn’t matter. All that matters now is what can we do now,” Lily said sternly before looking at Death and Lady Magic. “Is there anything we can do?”
“That’s actually what we wanted to talk to you about,” Death said. “But first, you all should know that Tom Riddle didn’t make just one Horcrux.”
“What?” Regulus’ head jerked towards Death in shock. “Not just one? If it’s not just one, then how many?”
“He made six,” Death answered to everyone’s shock.
“Six?!”
“And this is where it gets troublesome,” Lady Magic explained. “Lily?”
“Y-yes?” Lily answered as she, James and Regulus stood.
“Do you remember what happened before you died?”
“Yes,” Lily nodded. “Riddle offered to let me live but I refused. I told him to spare my son. To kill me instead of him.”
“You freely sacrificed yourself for him,” Lady Magic stated.
“He’s my son,” Lily said, looking at her baby with a smile. “I would do anything for him.”
“Well, in doing so, you invoked an ancient form of magic,” Lady Magic explained. “In willingly sacrificing yourself to protect your child, you created a form of protection on Hari. A powerful protection that will protect him from any type of harm at the hands of Riddle.”
James lit up.
“Oh Lily! You beautiful woman!” he cheered.
“What do you mean?” Lily asked in confusion.
“The prophecy!” James cried joyfully. ““He will have power the Dark Lord knows not!” When you selflessly sacrificed yourself for our son, you somehow created a charm that will keep our son from getting harmed by Riddle! Power Riddle doesn’t know!”
“Way to go, Lils!” Fabian and Gideon cheered as Marlene and Dorcas squeezed her hands.
“Well done, Lily,” Regulus smiled.
Lily blushed under the praise before frowning.
“But if Hari is under a special form of protection magic, then why is he like this?” she asked, pointing at the table. Death sighed.
“After he killed you, he turned his attention to your son,” Death explained. “The Killing Curse rebounded off the shield and destroyed Riddle’s body, which was already fragile due to his creation of the Horcruxes. When his body got destroyed, a piece of his soul attached itself to the closest living creature it could find.”
James and Lily gasped in horror while everyone else looked sad.
“No,” they breathed.
“I’m sorry,” Death shook his head. “That part of the prophecy, where it says “neither can live while the other survives.” It means as long as that soul piece stays in your son’s head, Riddle will survive, no matter how many times he gets killed.”
“No!” Lily screamed as she threw herself at the table, looking over her son. “Get it out! Please, get that thing out of my son!”
“Please!” James begged, kneeling before Death. “Please, take it out of my son! He’s innocent! He’s just a baby!”
“Be calm,” Lady Magic smiled. “Please.”
James looked up at the two, anger in his veins. He didn’t want to be calm. He wanted to take either Death or Lady Magic by the robes and shake the deities while screaming at them. But the moment he looked up, he felt kindness and serenity radiating of the two. Slowly, he felt the anger die down and be replaced by sorrow.
“Please, take it out,” he pleaded.
“I will take it out. It’s the reason I’ve bought him here,” Death explained. James and Lily let out loud exhales.
“Thank you,” they both cried. Death nodded and then looked at Hari. The deity then pressed a bony finger against the baby’s forehead for a second before lifting it. Everyone watched in amazement as a small, silvery-white orb arose from Hari’s head, floating a few centimetres away from the toddler. Then, Death carefully enclosed his hand around the orb.
“It is done,” he said. “The piece of Tom Riddle’s soul is no longer attached to your baby. So now, the prophecy no longer exists. Your baby and Tom Riddle won’t get swept up in a battle of any kind.”
“Thank you,” James and Lily said again, bowing their heads. “Thank you.”
Death nodded again before looking stern.
“Now, I must admit, there is something else we both want. And yes, it does involve your son,” Death admitted.
Lily and James frowned before looking at each other. What could Death possibly want with a baby? Lily shrugged, indicating that maybe they should hear what Death had to say. James sighed, then nodded.
“Okay, what is it?” James asked, hoping he sounded polite.
“We have been watching everything since Tom Riddle started this war,” Lady Magic explained. “We have watched both Tom Riddle and Albus Dumbledore destroy the wix community and disrespect the gifts I have granted.”
Everyone looked at Lady Magic in surprise.
“Dumbledore?” Fabian asked. “But he’s a beacon for our community.”
“He has also disrespected magic and allowed too many innocents to be sacrificed,” Death explained crossly. “My job is to guide people to the afterlife, not to take lives. And thanks to what that man has done, I have guided too many souls that weren’t ready to join the afterlife.”
“That is something important that the fable got wrong,” Regulus said. “Death doesn’t take, he just guides.”
“Oh,” Lily murmured.
“Albus has also had a fascination with me since he was young,” Death continued. “I assume you all know the Fable of the Three Brothers?”
Everyone nodded, James, Marlene and the twins due to growing up with the story and Lily and Dorcas thanks to being told about it during their school years at Hogwarts.
“Well, you know your cloak, James?” Death asked, to which James nodded. “Well, it is indeed the Invisibility Cloak I gave to Ignotus Peverell.”
“So, they’re real?” James asked in amazement. “The Deathly Hallows?”
“Indeed,” Death nodded. “But I did not give those gifts because I was bested. I gave those gifts because they were to be used to help the wix community. It was unfortunate that the power that came from the wand and the stone corrupted the elder brothers but those items were powerful and they could draw out influential emotions such as greed and pride. But Ignotus was always humble and he mainly used the cloak as a form of protection. So, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Ignotus and his descendants.”
James blinked before bowing his head.
“Thank you for the gift you bestowed to my ancestors,” he said sincerely. Death nodded.
“Anyway, Albus also believes full heartedly in the prophecy and I know he’s making plans for when Hari needs to face Riddle one day,” he continued. “I may have prevented the prophecy from coming true by removing the soul piece from your little one. But that doesn’t mean it’ll stop Albus from creating challenges for your son.”
Everyone looked at each other. Would Dumbledore really… Actually, he would. He had taken so many risks during the war, allowing people to get hurt for the “Greater Good” as he said. It shouldn’t be surprising that Dumbledore would come up with plans that would challenge Hari in the future.
“Okay,” Lily said while everyone else nodded. “But what can we do to prevent my son from getting hurt by Riddle and-or Dumbledore?”
“Well, we have this plan,” Lady Magic continued. “We are offering to send one of you back to the living world, find the remaining Horcruxes and the Deathly Hallows and return them to us.”
“Go back?” Lily asked.
“And to help with your quest, we offer these blessings to Hari,” Lady Magic continued. “We give his eyes the gift of seeing the departed, his lips the gift of healing and his nails the gift of destruction.”
Everyone blinked.
“What do these gifts do exactly?” Marlene asked.
“Well, his eyes will be able to see the departed who have accepted their demise,” Lady Magic explained. “He’ll be able to heal any wound with a kiss. His lips will also allow others to see their departed loved ones if he kisses their eyelids. And his nails will carry a destructive poison that will corrode and destroy. Now, you all must remember, we are giving these gifts to him to help you with your quest. All we ask is that when the Horcruxes have been either returned or destroyed and the Deathly Hallows be returned, Hari gives back the gifts when it is the correct time. As we said, they are gifts to heal, not weapons.”
The group looked at each other before nodding.
“Yes, my Lady,” they all said.
Lady Magic nodded before turning her attention to the baby. Then she carefully placed two fingers against the closed eyelids before moving them to Hari’s lips and then Hari’s hands. Lily watched as Hari’s tiny nails became thick and sharp, turning as black as ink.
“It is done,” Lady Magic nodded before looking at her companion. “Death?”
“Thank you, my Lady,” he nodded before looking at the group. “Now, here is my deal. Once the Deathly Hallows, the other soul pieces Riddle tried to hide from me and Riddle himself are returned to me, I will allow seven souls to return to the land of the living.” Death then stretched out a hand to gesture to the group. “You seven. Seven souls for six horcruxes and the man who disrespected me.”
Everyone gasped.
“But… but… what about Benjy?” Dorcas stuttered. “Or Edgar?”
“I have spoken to them,” Death reassured her. “Mr Fenwick has informed me that he hid his younger brothers years ago. He knows they will continue their family line. He has found peace with me. The same with Mr Bones. He wants to be with his wife and children. And as for your parents, Mr Potter,” he added as James opened his mouth to question. “They are at peace here.”
James blinked, frowning. He knew Death was right. His parents had lived a good life and were now at peace. He sighed. Who was he to question it?
“Thank you, Death,” James bowed. Death nodded.
“Do we all have an accord?” he asked. The group looked at each other again before nodding.
“We are humbled by this gift you are giving us,” Fabian and Gideon said simultaneously as they all gave another respectful bow. Death nodded once more.
“Very well,” he said. “Now, because one soul piece has already been returned to me, I will allow one of you to go back now. You may decide which one among you may go back first. My Lady and I will give you some space to make your decision.”
As the two entities moved away, the group looked at each other. One of them had a chance to go back now! But who?
“You go back, Lily,” James said immediately. “You were supposed to live anyway. You can look after our son.”
“No, he’ll need his father to help him learn everything about the wizarding world,” Lily stated. “You should go back.”
“Not without you, priya,” James shook his head before looking at the twins. “Gid, Fab? What about you boys? Would one of you go back and look after my son?”
The twins immediately shook their heads.
“No, it wouldn't be right,” Fabian said. “Molly would wonder why the both of us didn't come back at the same time. It's better if we come back together rather than apart. Besides, Hari needs his parents.”
Gideon nodded.
“Sorry, Jimmy, I agreed with my brother,” he said. “Also, who knows how long it would take to find the Deathly Hallows and the other Horcruxes? It could take months or years! I won’t be able handle being apart from my brother for so long.”
James winced. Gideon was right. James didn't have any siblings so he didn't get to experience that particular bond until he met Sirius, Remus and Peter. No, Peter was no longer his brother. The man was dead to him.
“You’re right, Gid,” James nodded. “I'm sorry for asking such a thing of you both. That was selfish of me.”
“We understand, mate,” Gideon smiled as Fabian nodded. James smiled appreciatively before looking at Marlene and Dorcas.
“Well, Marls, Cas?” James tried. “What about one of you?”
“Oh yes,” Lily agreed. “I know one of you would be wonderful at raising my son.”
The two women shook their heads.
“No, Fab’s right. Hari needs his parents,” Marlene said.
Then Dorcas lit up. “Regulus should go.”
“What?!” Regulus cried. “Me? No! No, no, no! Not me!”
Lily frowned before her eyes widened.
“Actually, that's perfect,” she said. “Regulus, you know everything about the wizarding world. You can teach Hari what we can't.”
“Surely James can do that,” Regulus pointed out. James shook his head.
“No, Lily’s right,” he said. “You're a Slytherin. You are smart, resourceful and able to see past manipulations. You can protect my son. Also, you died at nineteen. You deserve to have another chance at life. You deserve to experience love.”
“But….”
“Please Regulus,” Lily begged, taking his hands. “Please, you know about the horcruxes. You know the history. You know the Death Eaters. James is right. You are smart and resourceful. And you are brave. So brave. You can protect my son not just from Riddle, but from Dumbledore as well. You heard what Death said. He believes in the prophecy as much as Riddle. Who knows he has planned for Hari? Please, we're begging you; I'm begging you! Go back and protect my son!”
Regulus looked at Lily, then at James, Gideon, Fabian, Marlene and Dorcas, before finally looking at the sleeping baby on the table. Such an innocent babe. He didn’t deserve what happened to him, just like Regulus. Regulus didn’t deserve cruel parents and he didn’t deserve what happened to him. James was right. He did deserve to have a life, a family. He deserved love.
“Are you both sure?” Regulus asked. They nodded. Then Regulus looked at the others, who were nodding as well. He sighed.
“Okay, then I'll go back and protect your son.”
James and Lily sighed in relief as they hugged him. Despite all the hugs he had received since James and Lily had arrived, Regulus couldn’t help but stiffen. It wasn’t his fault. He just wasn’t used to affection.
“You're going to have to get used to affection sooner or later, baby Black,” James joked. “Hari loves kisses and cuddles.”
Regulus gave an annoyed grunt, patting their hands until they released him. Then, Death and Lady Magic approached them.
“Have you made your decision?” Death asked.
“Yes,” Regulus nodded. “I'll go back, find the horcruxes and the Deathly Hallows and return them to you.”
“Very well,” Death nodded. “Then I'll send you and the little one back now.”
“Wait!” Lily said quickly. “Just one more minute, please. It's going to be a long time before I can hug my son again.”
“Of course,” Death nodded, watching as James and Lily crowded around Hari.
“Don't worry, chhota sher,” James whispered as he kissed Hari’s forehead, trying not to cry. “We'll come back soon. But until then, we'll be there to guide you.”
“Be safe, sweetheart,” Lily whispered, tears falling. “Be strong. We love you. We love you so much.”
After pressing one last kiss to Hari’s head, the two looked at Regulus.
“Please take care of our son,” Lily wept. Regulus nodded as he took both their hands.
“I vow to you, James and Lily Potter, I will take care of Hari and raise him to be the best person he can be,” he promised. Lily gave a watery smile before burying her face into James’ shoulder. James nodded before looking at Death.
“Okay,” he nodded. Death nodded before moving toward Regulus. He held out his hand, which Regulus immediately took.
“Regulus Arcturus Black,” Death stated. “Will you go back to the living world to look after young Hadrian James Potter?”
“I will,” Regulus nodded.
“Will you search for Tom Marvolo Riddle’s horcruxes and destroy them, thus returning them to me?”
“I will.”
“Will you search for the Deathly Hollow items and return them to me?”
“I will.”
“And if you die again, no matter the circumstances, will you allow me to take you without any fighting or disrespect?”
“I will.”
Death nodded as he released Regulus’ hand.
“Very well,” he said. “I will send you and the child back to the living world. But before I do, I have some instructions about his gifts. First, if you allow him to kiss your eyelids, you will be blessed with seeing your deceased loved ones. And second, Hari can heal any injury, anything from a bite from a doxy to a scratch from a werewolf but it can’t prevent someone from being a werewolf. And finally, if little Hari scratches something with his nails and then kisses the injury, it will exhaust him. So do it sparingly. Remember, only share this with those you trust, not those who will use it for profit.”
“I understand,” Regulus nodded.
“Very well,” Death nodded again. “I wish you luck on your quest.”
“Thank you,” Regulus bowed low before looking at the group again. “I'll keep him safe and I’ll see you all soon.”
Everyone nodded and watched as Death waved his hand, making Regulus and Hari fade into light. Once they were gone, Lily started sobbing into James’ chest while Marlene, Dorcas and the twins tried to comfort her. James looked at Death, tears falling.
“How long will we have to wait?” he asked.
“I'm not sure” Death admitted before looking at Lady Magic. “My lady?”
“It will be a while,” she admitted. “This is old magic based solely around emotions and Hari’s going to be surrounded by a lot of grief, which can act like a curtain in a way. But once he's away from the sorrow, he will be able to see you. But I should warn you. He will be confused because he won't understand yet. It will be tough for a while but if you keep talking to him and Regulus nurtures him and his magic, everything will be alright.”
James nodded, trying to hold on to the faith that Lady Magic and Death were right.