Prologue: Oldest Friend
HARRY POTTER—MAN-WHO-CONQUERED-DEATH FINALLY DEAD FOR GOOD
It has come to this reporter's attention that Harry Potter, the Saviour of Magic as we know it, has finally succumbed to death. This wizard defeated three Dark Lords in his time, and one of them several times; and two times are recorded when he survived the Killing Curse.
And now, after living for one hundred and forty-three years, Harry Potter has met his match in old age and loneliness.
The wizarding world was a mess of grieving. One year after Harry Potter's birth, they had rejoiced, causing even the determinedly ignorant muggles to take notice. Now, at his death, witches and wizards ventured outside to let lights drift up to the sky in his honor. The muggles looked up in wonder, and the great beasts of the world roared out their own grieving.
Harry Potter, with all his many titles, had finally passed on, and he greeted Death as the old friend he was.
Harry sat at the top of a Hogwarts tower, invisible to all but his companion. He swung his bony legs and gazed at beautiful display being given for his life. It was the best gift he could have imagined, to see such beauty before he truly passed on. As
it was, he sat conversing with Death.
It had not surprised him when Death came for him; after all, Harry was no stranger to Death. Harry had simply invited him to watch his parting presents.
Harry sighed in content and stood. "Alright, old friend. I'm ready," he said.
Death nodded his agreement. "Yes, you are," he replied with a small smile. "You have done a great many good things without reward, and they have built up. Because of this, I hold the privilege of giving you one last parting gift. This world will be yours to change as you like, but don't forget your own happiness. Second chances like this are hard to come by, even if you have saved the world thrice over. Fare thee well, dear friend."
Death held up his arms, formed of alternating bone and shadow, and spread his magic to Harry's spirit form. Harry himself just nodded in understanding and thanks, closing his eyes and leaning back against the comforting wall of Death's magic. It was a perfect blend of Light and Dark, contrary to the common belief that Death was only Dark.
In the blink of an eye, the loud thunderclap announcing oflightning, Harry Potter's spirit raced to another realm.
I don't know why I started this... It's definitely a bad idea...