88. Slamming
"I'll be fine. I think now is a good time to make this place my own. With Sirius gone, I have to take care of this place and make it my home. You guys don't have to put a stop to your plans on my account. Enjoy your date. If I need anything, you two will be the first to know," Harry said.
Ron and Hermione looked hesitant. It was weird to see them together. Apparently, he had been rather blind to the interactions between the two. Where he saw arguments there was only playful banter. The official formation of this relationship did well to pull Ron out of his deep seated mourning. Although now he had to constantly assure them that he didn't feel out of place with them now. Harry had felt such joy being with Death, so he wouldn't deny them that same feeling.
Hermione looked over his expression and came to a decision, "Fine, we'll be on our way."
"But," Ron added, "We're doing something tomorrow. All of us."
With their words said, they went on their way. Now he stood alone in front of the inherited home of the Blacks. Reality bent just before him revealing Death walking out of what he perceived to be a hallway.
Behind her a near legion of owls flew out with loads of crates held on by their talons. They dropped crates into the manor and returned to the opening behind Death in two single file parallel lines.
Death smiled and gave him a hug in greeting.
Harry returned the greeting with a light kiss, "Thank you for the help with moving in. You're a lifesaver."
She chuckled at his phrasing, "It was no trouble. It seems you were quite ready to leave my abode. Am I that unbecoming? Was it the cooking? I fear for our future if I was able to scare you off so strongly in so little time."
Harry snorted at her words, "Don't tease me. Your cooking was delicious and I hope to continue to enjoy it. It's just it would be a shame to let this place rot. Sirius wanted to make this place a home. Even if he's no longer with us, I want to continue those plans." He gazed at the Black residence an air of sorrow building.
Death bumped her sides against his, "I know. Sirius would've loved it. It's a shame he couldn't be around to enjoy it."
"A home is a wonderous place to have," a boisterous voice added. Olethros, or Destruction as Harry now knew him to be, whistled onto the path. His ever faithful dog followed pace. He wore a well worn smile and carried an art book, "I hope I'm not intruding too rudely, but my path led me this direction."
"Of course not. You're always welcomed here. Besides I always could some artwork to spruce up the place. Can you imagine how well his art could liven up the place?" Harry asked.
"I'm sure it would be lovely," Death assured in a warm voice her eyes lingering on her brother.
Harry directed his eyes back and forth from Death to Destruction. He then kneed down beside Destruction's companion and scratched his chin, "How about we grab something to eat buddy? I'm sure I can rummage something up."
The dog snorted but seemed to agree. Both of them entered the residence to get to the kitchen.
Death walked up to her brother and looked over his attire, "It's been so long. Are you well?"
His reply was a hardy laugh that shook his belly, "Come here big sister." Destruction spread his arms in invitation.
Death gladly accepted the invitation and hugged him in familial affection, "Everyone misses you dear brother. Are you thinking of coming back?"
As they separated he solemnly shook his head, "I… can't. I don't want to return to that way of living. Reality doesn't need a guiding hand in destruction. I want to find my own magic." His eyes shifted to the Black residence. "I'm sorry."
She rested her weight on her umbrella and sighed, "That's okay. I just don't want you to disappear on me."
"Truly? I was prepared for one of your sisterly lectures of wisdom."
She playfully swatted him with her umbrella, "I do love you little brother. Even if I don't agree with all your choices, I respect them. There was a whole lecture I had for you, but I decided I much rather just enjoy your company." Death smiled tentatively.
Destruction returned the smile, "Thank you truly."
"Don't be a stranger. I'd like to meet you again sometime in the next mega-anuum or so," she teased.
"I wasn't really in a rush to go anywhere today and I thought maybe you two could use a hand with the house," he offered.
"I'd like that."
"Great," Destruction said, "Besides I rather like your beau. Did you know he's a big fan of my art work?"
Death snorted, "He can serenade me for hours about the beauty of your works. Come on, let's go in. I'll cook us some lunch."
Destruction blinked bewildered, "You cook? Miss 'I'm too busy to poke around with dead plants and animals'?"
"What? I can have hobbies. Make any cracks like that in front of Harry and you'll be eating with the owls," she threatened.
Destruction snickered, "I hear you loud and clear."
