95. A sudden change of topic
Harry thoroughly enjoyed the festivities of the celebration. Despite all the skulls and photos of the dearly departed, there was palpable cheer and good will all around. There was also the added bonus of seeing Death as giddy as she was. He didn't often think of her that way but she was awfully adorable today.
The night ran long and he was impressed to the locals' dedication to celebrate, but a change was occurring. Lines of people began to almost march to different graves adorned with what he assumed was mementos.
During the proceedings, Death took his hand and led him away from the memorials. They walked up a small hill with the only sound between them being the crunch of the fallen leaves beneath them. At the top of the hill stood a withered tree with fragile branches that hovered over a plain stone bench.
Death took a seat with Harry following behind. From their location they could see the lines of people branching out to different graveyards. It was almost picturesque how all the color dots burst apart almost like fireworks marking the event.
Harry crinkled his brow as he noticed a particular oddity. So enraptured with the atmosphere he had failed to notice the abundance of ghosts melding with the crowds. They lacked the transparency of Hogwarts ghosts and could be mistaken for the living if not for the similar presence they held.
Death hummed in content drawing his eyes to her. The smile she wore was not as energetic as the one she had sported all night but was no less pleased. Harry somewhat missed the adorable Death but appreciating her beauty was still a treat.
She crossed her legs and rested her chin on her palm and looked over the crowds in fondness, "I love this time of year here. It's like a nectar of memories both good and bad."
That surprised him, "Bad? You looked like you were having a great time. I thought you were going to yank my arm off."
His words got a chuckle out of her and she playfully shoved him, "Oh you be quiet. You were you having a great time too.
But yes there are some painful memories associated with this night too. Countless ages ago I was nearly consumed by the weight of my responsibilities. There is only so many times a person can deal with the sheer animosity and fear directed at their person. Rare was it for anyone to be pleased to see me. I've heard the same words in different times, tongues, and gestures: 'I don't want to die.'
I felt like everyone was unfairly labeling me as a horrid harbinger. I even took away people's ability to die out of spite and perhaps hurt. But then I was directed to this very place.
Could you imagine it how I felt at the time? I felt appreciated. It was a welcomed change that I didn't know I so sorely needed. The people here celebrated all that life had for them and took time to remember the dead. It also didn't hurt that I thought the attire was pretty cute.
I always return here because in a way they saved me. I just wanted to share all of this with you."
Harry frowned in concern. He blinked in surprise when she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.
"There's no need to fret about me. Those insecurities were from a time long since passed. Whether people accept me or not, I will surely meet them at the end of the line with a smile. I'll be the friend to tell them that though it will never happen again for them, the time that they lived was sweet," she said.
Harry scooted closer to her and placed a supportive hand on her lap, "All the same, I'm glad you found your own little happy place. For what it's worth, the thought of you being the last thing I see is a soothing thought. It's like getting to say one last goodbye before moving on to the next great adventure.
Thank you for sharing all of this with me. I feel honored that you could trust me with all of that."
"You're welcome," she said with a warm smile. Death then rose from her seat and stretched her arms while groaning loudly, "Let's get moving. You can't be left out of this part of the ceremony. You need the whole experience."
"Lead the way. You're the expert here."
"Gladly."
