Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

I hope you guys enjoy it. I'm really kind of nervous about this chapter to be honest. We finally meet with Death. And I was hesitant about what direction to take them. A lot of stories have Death as kind of flighty and with a definite shape but I don't picture them that way. Death is all around and also right there in front of you and takes any shape, it's not male or female either (personal opinion don't hate on me for it). So, right now Death is kind of serious and stern because it is the first meeting but I envision Death loosening up marginally as they progress through their relationship. Anyway, let me know what you think about it.

Now I need opinions on two things:

One: Fenrir Greyback. Do I lump him with Bellatrix, all insane and needs to be killed? Or do I take the alternative route I've seen people do where he is more misunderstood and actually has a connection with Remus due to being the werewolf who bit him? Personally, I'm leaning towards a nicer Greyback. But I'm open to thoughts.

Two: The guard members for Harry. A range of Death Eaters who would be willing to venture into the Muggle world. I'm thinking I want to include Marcus Flint for definite. But basically, just thoughts on some Slytherins you want to see, who aren't currently in school right now, so I can make up the rest.

I will preferably need these names sooner than later because I plan on Harry venturing into the muggle world probably in the next two or three chapters.

Anyway, that is all the housekeeping to deal with. I hope you enjoy.

Do Not Let Me Down

Harry wasn't sure if he was more terrified, anxious or eager but his heart raced just as fast as he stood before the solid white oak door of the Ritual Room. Marvolo stood just behind him.

It was nearing midnight on September 12, the night of the new moon. From his journals, it was advised that the first few meetings with Death were held on new moon nights. Harry himself wore only a thin, loose robe that felt like an oversized shirt that hit the back of his calves, and nothing else, keeping his feet bare. He didn't even have his wand on him, which was why Marvolo was there to properly ward the room from intruders. Harry had bathed in cleansed pomegranate scented water, scrubbing his skin raw. And had been on a strict diet of dry toast and bland tea all day, apparently the stabs of hunger shooting through him were supposed to help ground him while the ritual happened. Again, this was customary for the first meeting with Death, the Necromancers way of showing appropriate respect and honor towards their Master.

Apparently, after tonight the only time he'd need to pull out all the ritual stops was when acting as a liaison for family members and those deceased and then it was mainly the others who would need to do fasting and cleansing. Though it was advised to use pomegranate daily, something about the scent made it easier to connect with their Master. Harry wasn't sure he fully understood that yet but he enjoyed the smell and so would start using it daily just to be safe.

Marvolo remained silent behind him. Speaking in the Ritual Room was forbidden until Death arrived but it felt wrong to speak directly outside it as well. Harry could see the curiosity burning in those crimson eyes despite how well hidden it might be to others. Unable to form words to speak, Harry forced his dry throat to swallow and gave a short nod to the man behind him before opening the door and swiftly closing it behind himself.

The room itself was completely bare and white. Not a speck of dust anywhere the walls and floors and ceilings all blending together that Harry wasn't fully certain how big the room was. Earlier that day he had sketched out the modified Necromancers mark: the circle, triangle and the dividing line, in charcoal onto the floor where Marvolo had said the center of the room was. And at the three points of the triangle sat three candles.

Nervously Harry sat in the center of the mark, in the middle of the three candles and took a deep breath. Now, to begin. First he had to light the candles and without a wand, it would require intense concentration to perform the wandless magic. Harry had been practicing this very spell wandlessly and wordlessly as soon as he found out he had to do it, since wands and words weren't allowed. He had managed it wordlessly first, his training with Marvolo helping that. But the wandless had taken much longer. He had only managed it yesterday for the first time. The intense panic of needing to do it was reminiscent of his attempts with the summoning spell during his fourth year and accomplishing it just before the First Task.

Harry always did work best under pressure.

Breathing deeply, his legs folded uncomfortably and his bare ankles pressing into the hard, cold floor, Harry sought his magic. The green flame flared brighter, it seemed every day his magic was larger and brighter than the day before. He briefly wondered if it was his imagination or if it was because he was accessing it more often. Slowly he let out a small trickle to tease out to his fingertips which he then waved over the three candles. A small flame appearing on each wick.

The room seemed to darken once the candles were lit and Harry breathed deeply again. Closing his eyes, he felt the light touches of warmth from the candles as he looked even deeper into himself. Internally he knew midnight had struck and his grip on his magic tightened as he pushed it out, with it he put all of his focus on calling out to his Master, calling out to Death.

The temperature in the room dropped, the candle flames turned a burning white and the fires stretching higher into thin pillars reaching the ceiling. Opening his eyes, he watched the darkness of the room merge into an even darker shape, a shadow that seemed to fill the entire room. His heart raced, his fingers going cold as the temperature dropped further, his breath coming out in short pants.

The shadow took on a more solid humanoid shape. Though the image kept flickering, one moment Harry saw the solid form and the next the shadow stretched to fill every corner of the room. The silence hung heavy in the air and Harry licked his lips.

"Master?" Harry spoke, hating how his voice sounded like a small child's.

What happened next, Harry couldn't describe. The voice he heard filled his head, it wasn't just one voice. It was multiple, layered and blended into a single voice. Harry could hear the joyful vibrancy of children, the brittle rasp of the elderly, the rumbling baritone of men, and the soothing sigh of women.

"You have done well, my Child."

"Thank you, Master." Always be respectful, his ancestors had cautioned. Respect had never been something Harry had been good at, but he was calling on everything he had now. "I am honored to have been chosen as your Child."

The shadow grew solid and stretched out a few more times, each time it grew solid Harry could distinguish more. It was a thin, tall figure, cloaked and hooded, the darkest black he'd ever seen only to fade and lose form once again. Pulsing, is the best word Harry could describe.

"You were chosen for a purpose, my Child. Chosen more specifically than any of my previous Children. Do not let me down."

"No," Harry breathed out. "No, Master, I don't wish to let you down." Inwardly Harry grimaced. He sounded like one of Marvolo's bloody minions.

The pulsing of the shadow sped up and Harry had the distinct impression that Death could read his mind and was laughing at him. "My Child, you were not chosen for your meek servitude. Do not fear me as others have."

Harry felt heat creep up his neck. "Of course," he said, feeling a bit more confident. "What is it that you wish of me? What is my purpose?"

"You must rebalance the world." Wow, no pressure, Harry thought bitterly. "There is none better equipped. You who have seen all sides but still have much to learn. You will be the bridge for the Dark and the Light. You will show how both are needed."

"Why do you care?" The words slipped out before Harry could stop them and he ducked his head low. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean disrespect."

"Speak your mind Child. Again, you may be my Child and I your Master but you represent me and I do not represent doubt or uncertainty."

"I just mean, why do you care about the balance between Light and Dark? Why do you care how Life is lived if you only interact with them when it's over?"

"Death is inevitable while Life is a Blessing." Harry got the distinct impression of heavy sadness as the form held its form for longer. "As you must be the balance between Light and Dark, I am the balance between Life and Death. You cannot have one without the other."

Harry wasn't certain that answered his question, but he supposed it made sense. "How am I supposed to be this balance?"

"Your path is already set. You must continue as you have been."

"You mean you're fine with me living with Marvolo? With working with the Death Eaters?"

"It is where you are meant to be." Harry frowned at that. "The man who fears me needs you. You will need to bring him from his disastrous path, make him whole, make him accept me."

"How?"

"In time. This task will not be set yet. For now, gain his trust. Gain his friendship. I do not wish to claim his Life yet. There is still much he can give. The potential is still there for his Life."

Harry supposed that was true. Marvolo was brilliant, incredibly smart and a good leader. He could see the purpose of not having to kill him.

"What about Dumbledore?"

The temperature dropped drastically and Harry choked on his breath at the sudden plunge. "The Tainted Light has twisted his path. He has no potential. He has no use. He has destroyed the balance. He marked his fate when he threatened my Child. You will bring me the Tainted Light. His soul is mine."

Harry swallowed hard, trying to keep his teeth from chattering. The growl that filled the room pricked his spine and he couldn't stop the shiver. It was strange, hearing that he needed to kill Dumbledore. He had planned on the man dying, planned on the old man dying as part of his revenge but to hear it as an order... Harry couldn't wrap his head around the strangeness.

"Ok, so Dumbledore needs to die. Are there any others?" Harry worried he might need to take notes if the list was too long.

"You shall be pleased Child. You already wish them dead. You who have suffered under them directly. I am granting you permission to exact your justice on the women who have tortured you."

"Umbridge and Bellatrix?" The shadow pulsed and Harry felt the temperature warm slightly. He took that as a yes. "Is there a time frame for these three deaths?"

"Within twelve moon cycles."

Harry swallowed. Right, kill Umbridge, Dumbledore, and Bellatrix within a year. He tried to keep his panic at bay.

"Before the Lives are Claimed, you must continue your skill. You must practice sending souls to me."

"How? I don't want to kill people." Harry's voice cracked slightly.

"Not all who Live are worthy. You will find the unworthy."

"The Wizarding World would go into a panic if I just started offing people on my word alone. That won't help the whole bridging the balance task."

The pulsing increased and Harry thought Death was laughing again. "I care not for the magical ability of souls. Find those unworthy of Life."

"Muggles?" Harry questioned out loud but he got no response. He frowned as he thought it over, it'd be easier to get away with. But what Muggles were unworthy? What Wizards were? "How do I decide if they are worthy? I'm hardly a saint myself. Who am I to judge?"

"It is why you must. It is why you are my Child."

Harry had to bite his tongue to stop his glare. "Right, so. Kill Dumbledore, Bellatrix and Umbridge before the year is out. Practice Claiming souls. And start bridging the gap between Dark and Light. Anything else?"

The pulsing happened again and Harry did glare this time. He didn't appreciate the laughter, even if it was silent.

"Is there anything you wish?"

Harry blinked. He was allowed to choose? He licked his lips and had to look away from the flickering shadows. He tried to think over everything he knew he could do and immediately knew what it was he wanted. "My parents," he breathed, turning pleading eyes to his Master. "Sirius. Can I speak with them?"

"You will. Not this night. But soon. They are most eager." Harry felt his heart leap. "Practice. The next time we meet, I shall judge whether you are ready."

"Will I be able to help others talk to those passed as well?"

"It is one of the ways you will bridge the balance."

Harry nodded.

"Be well, my Child. Seek me at the next moon cycle."

"Yes. Thank you, Master."

Harry bent his head in a semblance of a bow and so missed the shadows fading into mist and then vaporizing. The pillars of white flame returned to the candles, flickering weakly. The temperature warmed and Harry shivered, feeling absurdly tired. Blowing out the three candles he stumbled out of the room. Leaning on the walls as he climbed the stairs to his room, Harry fought to keep his eyes open and his limbs moving. He hadn't realized how much magical energy he had been expending through that conversation.

Tripping into his room, Harry landed half on his bed and knew nothing else.

Blinking, Harry glared at the canopy above him. Slowly memories of the night before filtered through his mind. His body stiff like he had gone through extensive dueling practice and then ran a marathon. His mouth dry and a slight headache pounding behind his eyes. He had no idea what time it was but his growling stomach and his demanding bladder demanded movement.

Throwing off the covers, before frowning, not remember crawling under them, Harry forced his feet to the floor. Wincing as his muscles protested the movement. He was still in the shift robe from the night before.

The heat from the shower did wonders on his muscles. He grabbed his shampoo and noted the pomegranate scent. He wondered which elf had gotten it for him. He mentioned it off hand yesterday during lunch about the pomegranate requirements and already it was here. He hoped having the pomegranates infused in his shampoo and conditioner would replace the need for water scented with the fruit, Harry felt that might be overdoing it a bit.

Stomach grumbling louder than before, Harry cut the shower short and dried off. He was still sore and tired and was not in the mood for stiff robes. Comfy and soft was needed, so he searched his closet there wasn't much. The elves of the Dark Lord had been more concerned with appearances and expensive materials.

"Ah ha!" Harry let out a jubilant cry when he found what he needed in the farthest corner. It was an open robe but the material was a soft grey and the material was just as soft. Harry pulled on the loose, black, harem pants he had started favoring and a soft white shirt and pulled on the robe. Reveling in the softness, Harry called out to Tobi.

"Yes, Master Death Master?"

"Are there any Death Eaters here?"

"Yes, Master Death Master. Great Master is being having some for dinner."

Harry snorted at the way it sounded and imagined Marvolo feasting on Death Eaters.

"Right. Can you please bring me a large dinner to the library please?"

"Yes, Master Death Master." Tobi disappeared with a crack and Harry went to the Peverell trunk filled with the journals and guidebooks. He had work to do and he was too tired to deal with Death Eaters. He had already slept all day and felt like he could easily fall asleep again. He grabbed a guidebook on Claiming and Saving Lives and some parchment to help sort his thoughts.

His muscles still screamed at him and he was pretty sure his magic was still too drained to try even the smallest of spells. Entering the library, he automatically moved to his favorite chair and folded himself into it. A tray of sandwiches, pumpkin juice and tea, already on the coffee table next to it. Smiling softly to himself, Harry quickly wolfed down two sandwiches before draining the pumpkin juice.

Hunger abated for the moment, he took a sip of his tea before turning his attention to the guidebook and parchment. He fingered the parchment as his thoughts began to spin, scratching out nonsensical words and doodles as he tried to sort his scrambled thoughts.

He wasn't going to focus on the three he needed to kill just yet. By the sounds of it, he would get his chance for them in time. He also couldn't focus on being a bridge just yet either. That would take time and come in stages. For now, he needed to work on how to Claim Lives and how to deem someone worthy.

Teeth worrying his lower lip, Harry tapped the quill tip on the parchment. Who was worthy? Tea finished, Harry still hadn't come up with a response. Maybe he was approaching this in the wrong way. How would the world benefit from not having certain people? Who were the drains on society? Who did everyone mutually despise? He certainly couldn't speak for everyone. But most people agreed that murderers were pretty despicable. But he now also lived with murderers and Death hadn't indicated he should off all the Death Eaters.

Who else besides murderers...Well killing was bad, bullies too. But who were bullies but people who abused their power over others...Harry's eyes widened as a thought started to blossom. Yes, abusers weren't worthy. Abusers of a high degree specifically, two types came to mind. The smile that stretched his face was not kind as satisfaction spread through him at deciding who he should send to Death.

"It is typical to see a smile, such as that, on one of my most feared. Has your conversation last night affected you so drastically?"

Harry jolted and saw Marvolo moving to recline in the seat across from him, the coffee table between them. "No, it did affect me but not like that. I've not become mindlessly demented anyway."

Marvolo glared but didn't respond, obviously waiting for Harry to continue. Remembering Death's advice to gain Marvolo's friendship and trust, Harry decided to do just that. Not because he wanted to, obviously, it was just because he was doing his job. The reasoning sounded weak in his own head but no one else needed to hear it, so it was fine.

"I have been given a few tasks, I suppose you could call it. More to come later, but a few to start with. One of them being that I need to start practicing Claiming Souls and I needed to determine who is worthy of Life and who isn't. I've just decided on who to go after."

Harry watched Marvolo; the tightened look around the eyes and the stiffness of the shoulders would indicate on another man that he was nervous. Harry thought nervous was a little too strong, but cautious was definitely a better fit. "And?"

"Well not specific people, not yet. It's more of a category I am going after. It's not you or your Death Eaters. Well not all of them," Harry smirked, thinking of being given Deaths' blessing to kill Bellatrix. "I'll be going after Muggles actually. Easier to hide what I'm doing and won't make the Wizarding World go into a panic."

Marvolo's perfectly trimmed eyebrows arched. "I can understand your reasoning for going after the Muggles. I myself support the decrease of their kind, but what will you do when the Wizarding Light members learn of this?"

"I believe that once they learn of the people I go after they will understand. I also don't plan on broadcasting it," Harry glared.

"Well then, who has been deemed unworthy to live?"

Harry flushed at the mocking tone and looked down at this parchment. "Child abusers and rapists," he said, looking back up to the Dark Lord. "Sick bastards who use their power over others. Those are the ones that I think everyone will agree need to be purged from this Earth."

Marvolo tilted his head, his legs stretched in front of him and he brought the tips of his fingers together in front of him. "Admirable. Of course, I will lend you support in this endeavor and guards for when you do venture into the Muggle world."

"I don't need guards."

"You will have guards." Harry growled at this. "Per our agreement, I must offer you protection. I will grant you the chance to provide suggestions on who shall be apart of your guard, but you will have them."

"I get to choose?"

"Yes. You will be claiming souls, I don't wish to send someone who might accidentally get in your way." Marvolo sent him a look that had Harry snickering. "You will have many applicants to choose from though."

"Why would so many offer to guard me?"

"What do you know of magical children, Harry?" Frowning, Harry shrugged. "Magical children are a blessing. They are cherished. The single accusation of abuse of any kind towards a child can destroy a person's entire reputation. Actual evidence of abuse, again of any kind, results in a minimum of twenty years, if not life."

Harry gaped at Marvolo. "Seriously?"

Marvolo nodded. "Any magical child is considered precious. It is a reason why the Weasleys and Malfoys hold such hostile feelings. The Weasleys ability to have so many children and being unable to afford them on top of the feud between the two families makes them highly antagonistic."

"Wow," Harry breathed. He wasn't sure about the feud but it did make sense. "So, because I'll be attacking people who harm children I'll have a lot of people wanting to seek justice." He found it strange that Death Eaters would be so willing to seek justice against abused children.

"It is one of my core foundations," Marvolo continued.

"You're against child abuse…" Harry said slowly.

"Yes, I'm very much against harm to children." Marvolo said softly, his eyes looked distant. Harry had a sudden desire to understand, to learn the reasoning behind the distance. He knew Marvolo had been raised in an orphanage based off the diary memory but what else had happened? He shook himself, his exhaustion was messing with his head.

"Right, forgive me for not believing that given the fact that you tried to kill me as a child, multiple times."

"You were a special case."

Harry snorted. "I'd have been fine not being so special. Thanks."

His thoughts drifted to think of the Dursley's. What would have happened if someone had known. Had anyone known? Maybe he could have been saved. But he had told Dumbledore...well not details but he'd said how they hated him. Shouldn't that have been enough for an investigation if children were so precious. Or was he just not included in that category of precious children, because he was special because he was the Chosen One.

"Harry." Blinking, he forced his bitter thoughts aside to look at Marvolo. The man looked curious, calculating and concerned? Was that the third emotion...surely not, but there was something else. Harry realized his name had been called multiple times. "I didn't realize child abuse was such a prominent subject for you."

"It's pretty prominent for those who live it," Harry bit back sharply.

"What do you mean?" Marvolo shifted minutely to lean forward ever so slightly.

"I lived it. I lived the abuse. Why wouldn't I care to make sure it doesn't happen to others?"

"You are the Chosen One, the precious Light's Child."

"Yes, where in that description does it say to be well loved and cared for?"

"The first person you killed was your Uncle. You didn't show remorse when you spoke of it when you arrived. I thought it was an effect of your Necromancy to make you numb to the death. But you actually wanted him to die."

"Wanted him to die might be a stretch. I wished he had suffered countless times growing up. I wished for all of them to suffer, my Uncle most of all. But I hadn't planned on him dying."

A crease formed between Marvolo's eyes as he searched Harry's face intently. "What did they do?"

"Why do you care?"

The air between them became thick. Harry felt like they were on the edge of something he couldn't identify. The next few heartbeats fragile and uncertain. Harry felt a weight of possibilities stretch before him.

Marvolo straightened and his eyes grew closed. The thickness dissipated and the moment shattered. Harry took a breath, blinking away the intensity. His gut twisted bitterly at the sight of the man falling behind the proper Dark Lord mask.

"I will hold a meeting tomorrow for you to state your intentions and your desire for guards. I recommend having at least six with you."

Harry sighed and settled further into the chair, nodding resignedly. His attention drifted back to the parchment in his hands and he started scratching out the contacts he would need before he actually started Claiming Souls. He debated whether he should bring Amelia Bones into his confidence in order to have better access to Muggle criminal records.

"Now, Harry," Marvolo said calling his attention back. "You need to start planning the courses you will study and your tutors." The change of topic should have surprised him but it didn't.

"Why do I have the feeling you already have all of this planned and are just telling me to make me feel included?" Harry snickered at the slight grimace on the mans face proving him right. He probably should be upset about Marvolo planning all of this without him but Harry was admittedly lost on the planning of it and so welcomed the help. Not that he would say it out loud.

"Yes, well, I have suggestions and recommendations for you." Harry gave a nod for the man to continue. "For Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, I recommend the Lestrange brothers, Rabastan and Rodolphus respectively. Both were highly sought after after their graduation in those fields and I know they have taken to reviewing in their time since Azkaban. You already work with them through Avery and so it shouldn't be too strenuous."

Harry swallowed hard at the thought of working with the Lestrange brothers even more. His guilt over Neville doubled as he knew he couldn't really turn it down. Of course Death Eaters would be his tutors. Who else would Marvolo trust to come to his home? Sending a silent plea for forgiveness to Neville, Harry nodded his head once again.

Turning to lock eyes with Marvolo once again, Harry tried not to grip his knees to tightly as he waited for the other recommendations. "I suggest Julien Nott for Transfiguration and Thorfinn Rowle for Charms."

"I'm assuming these men are highly qualified?"

Harry had to bite his tongue not to laugh at the affronted look Marvolo had. "Why would I suggest anyone less than the most qualified?"

"What about Defense? I plan on getting my N.E.W.T in that too."

"I thought that was obvious. I will be teaching you."

"Wait, seriously?"

"You are to have the best instructors imaginable. I am unable to instruct you in every subject based on the amount of time that would consume, but the men I recommend are adequate replacements. Better than any of the professors at Hogwarts anyway."

Harry stared for a moment. "Sure, but you actually teach me Defense?"

"I am instructing you in Dueling, Defense will not be that far of a stretch."

"You talk like this alliance will last until I take my exams."

Marvolo stared at him and Harry stubbornly refused to fidget under those red eyes. "Don't be so quick to jump ship, little lion. Wouldn't want to seem too eager." Marvolo drummed his slender fingers on the armrests and Harry wasn't sure if he could drop his gaze if he wanted to. "You agreed to consider my offer, so don't be so quick to assume the future."

"And I told you what needed to happen for me to seriously consider it."

"With your additional studies, you will need to sort out a schedule for yourself." Harry glared at the avoidance but also felt relieved to be moving away from the deeper territory they had been approaching.

"Let me guess, you have suggestions for that, too."

"I did not become the Dark Lord without being prepared."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Right. So what do you suggest?"

"Continue your Dueling lessons at their current time. Breakfast and dinner are also already set. I don't believe you wish to conduct lessons during the evenings. So, I suggest three lessons a day. Dueling and Defense will be merged and so Dueling will be extended. Before then, I suggest a class in the morning and one directly after lunch. Alternating days for the two classes."

There really wasn't much that Harry could fault in the suggestion. It still allowed him to have his evenings, which would probably be taken up by studying, and then his morning runs and meditations. Finally Harry just gave a resigned shrug and nodded. What else could he do?

"Yeah, I guess I could do Transfiguration and Charms in the morning and then Arithmancy and Ancient Runes after lunch before Dueling. Not every single day though. I'll need breaks for mental sanity and to work on my Necromancy and my Lordships. So every fifth day I'll get a day off, minus my Dueling and Defense lessons." Harry wasn't keen to give up his Dueling, it was a great stress relief.

"I will alert the four tomorrow and you will start the day after. I don't believe you are in a strong enough state to practice magic today nor do I believe you will be ready tomorrow."

"It was a lot more draining than I thought it would be," Harry admitted, looking absently at the guidebook in his lap.

Silence fell once more and Harry got the impression that Marvolo wanted to ask him more but was too dignified and proper to bring himself to do so. Instead, Marvolo summoned some parchment and a fresh set of tea for the both of them. Harry let the sound of the quill scratching, lull him into a strange sense of contentment as he began reading through his guidebook.