84. A shocking confession
There was a great expanse of nothingness that stretched far past even the most magical of eyes. The borders of the empty domain touched the idea of infinity. It was enough to drive a man mad. Within the emptiness was a single being: a green orb of energy.
Magic crackled through it like electricity and brought forth light to a small area of the domain. Smooth crystal beads orbited around the orb like an emerald solar system. Power pulsed erratically through the orbit.
Green light radiated from the center of the orb and acted as a prelude to the metamorphosis. The green orb grew and twisted into a bipedal human shape that was in the fetal position. All of the figure's features were drowned in green light. Slowing down, the orbiting beads drifted behind the figure's head.
Then, Harry awoke.
He crashed into the ground with a resounding thud. There was no ground yet his body ached. Harry struggled to his feet feeling unbalanced. A single snowflake fell upon his hand and he shivered. A cold gust of wind blew by him and the realm changed.
Where there had been nothingness there was now banks of snow. Sizable hills of snow could be seen as far as the eye could see. Even more snow was falling from above. It all felt very familiar to him, but that was impossible for he knew that this was all new.
He could not feel an ounce of magic save for himself yet he felt absolute serenity. The beads behind him burst forwards, snow drifting from the sudden movement. Each of the beads formed a well lit path.
Harry followed the path of lights. Every step he took caused the path to shift to match his pace. He could make no sense of the direction nor see the destination. It was a little adventure of its own. Each step seemingly freed his mind from all the anxieties of life.
The landscape was changing as he continued to walk. Snow covered trees, stone ground, and columns were sprouting before and beside him. Now he stood at train tracks. Another gust of wind engulfed him. It was chilly yet sweet. The air continued to grow sweeter and sweeter. A herbal fragrance filled the area. The colored path guided him past the tracks and towards the enticing smell.
The aroma reminded him of comforts and joys he had throughout his life. Harry lost himself in his thoughts as the beads came to an end. Before him was a great tree that extending far above his sight. The branches of the trees were covered in snow.
Teleute sat beneath the tree idly sipping a hot cup of tea, the source of the aroma, as she read a familiar letter with her umbrella propped above her. His expression grew awkward in recognition.
She folded the letter and put it away. Teleute gestured at the open seat across from her at the table, "Welcome Harry. It's good to see you. Please take a seat."
"What are you doing here?" he asked as he took her up on her offer. There was a cup of tea waiting for him. Harry took a tentative sip.
Teleute leaned against the tree and graced him with a most mysterious smile, a smile that he had adored since his youth. "I'm always here to be a guide for wayward souls be it young or old, rich or poor, the lucky or the unfortunate. Besides, I wouldn't miss such a distinguished guest like you. I have a rather soft spot for you."
She leaned forward and caressed his cheek. Her eyes met his, green against darkness. Inside of her gaze, he could see his whole life flash before him.
Harry's lips moved in shock, "You are Death."
It was like a wand selecting him, everything fell into place. So many questions and occurrences made so much sense now. All of their little meetings on that dying tree in the Dursleys came into a new light, though he regretted absolutely nothing. Still this was overwhelming. He had been literally courting death.
"Why? I'm just a human." Her options were undoubtedly limitless. Every meeting with her had felt like a miracle and now he knew they were. There was nothing about him that could've captured her attention. That was why he asked, even though it felt so painful.
"What's wrong with being human?" she asked in a chiding voice. "You've been a very charming gentleman for as long as I've known you. I care for you deeply and hope you won't think of something so disparaging about yourself. Besides, I don't know if human is an accurate description for you at this point. It hasn't been correct for quite awhile. You're a lovely shade of green by the way."
Harry held the hand that was caressing his cheek. His green eyes shined like a star, "What am I?"
"Harry James Potter you are Magic. Have no fear, this changes little. You are still you." Her smile was warm and loving.
He chuckled, "I must be pretty narcissistic."
Death flicked his forehead, "I like to think you're self-reflective."
He bit his lip and stared intently at his tea.
"Ask your questions. I have hidden quite enough from you."
Harry curled his hands around his cup, "Where are we?"
Death actually blinked at that.
Harry smiled in return and took another sip of his tea.
"Sometimes you're too much," she admitted.
"I love and trust you. If I can't even trust you then I guess that's it. I have to believe we have something genuine and I don't want to challenge that."
"Alright," she said. It was difficult to not see her touched smile, "You are in the border between life and death. Tom failed to kill you but he did destroy his final Horcrux. Consider this a pit stop. You have a choice right now. You can return to the land of the living or move on."
"I get a choice? Do I detect some favoritism?"
"Oh dear, you've discovered my ingenious plans. I can't have my lover gallivanting the afterlife what will my sibling says?" she spoke in jest "Or mayhap it was always your destiny or maybe just a part of the story of your life. I can't take all the credit."
Harry licked his lips, "About the letter…"
Death raised her hand to cut him off, "It is fine. It was a stressful situation. I'm sorry that I allowed you to fall under so much pressure. But I want you to know that I rather have such conversations face to face. As painful as it is, I'm willing to give an open ear. It's clear that you felt cornered and didn't want to be hurt. Next time come to me, if for nothing else then to see that someone is in your corner. Can you do that for me?"
His throat tightened from emotions. Harry felt moved from the sentiment no matter how many times she expressed it. How sweet it was to have a place to belong.
A loud whistle broke the silence. Turning around he saw a train coming to a stop at the tracks.
"It looks like it's time for your decision. Will you be returning or moving on?"
Harry saw her wear a blank expression, shutting her thoughts from him leaving no evidence of her desired outcome.
But the decision was rather simple. If nothing else, there were many more memories he wanted to make with her, "I have a castle to return to."
"Then go bravely," Death said.
She reached across the table and pulled him into a kiss that tasted of the richest strawberry nectar. He indulged in the euphoria and taste sinking deeper and deeper into the kiss. Harry would gratefully drown in the taste.
Lost in the affection, Harry failed to notice his body fading from the realm.
Now alone Death impishly giggled and licked her lips, "And it was getting good."
