See part one for warnings, disclaimers, etc.
The Stormcrow
A harry potter fic
Part 5
When Destiny Calls (take a message)
According to The Monster Book of Monsters:
Stormcrow: See also Harbinger. A servant of Destruction distinguishable by its shape of a large crow. Physically they are slightly smaller than a Raven (see Dream Emissaries). It is identifiable by a narrow white V on its breast. A Stormcrow can only be seen by those unfortunate people whose lives are about to undergo drastic changes, most often Death. Although more than one Stormcrow is known to exist, authorities have been unable to verify the actual size of the Murder. Sightings of these particular Harbingers have been documented throughout history (see Natural and Unnatural Disasters in History). However no Stormcrows have been seen in the last three hundred years, and though rumors persist of one sighting over thirty years ago, but it has not been substantiated. It has been difficult to verify this due to the fact that those who claim to see a Stormcrow generally do not live long enough to confirm or deny their claims. Not much is known pertaining to the feeding and mating habits of these birds. Most typically, these birds are seen at the front of violent storms and other natural disasters. For more information regarding Stormcrows and other Harbingers, see the list of recommended reading in Appendix A.
Putting the book down Harry excused himself and left Snape in his bedroom to glare at Hedwig, who was hissing at the crow in scorn. Giving the snowy owl a silent cheer, Harry excused himself to the bathroom so he could think without Snape staring at him with those fathomless black eyes. He had just been told his life was going to be destroyed and needed time to compose himself.
Closing the door to the bathroom, he took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. It was very late and despite the terrifying news he had just received his body was demanding he get some rest. Splashing cold water on his face, he looked into the mirror, water dripping from his cheeks. Gripping the edge of the sink so tight that his knuckles turned white, he choked on a scream.
It wasn't fair!
Meanwhile, as soon as Potter left, Snape hopped over to the window with every intention of getting the hell out of there. He had no desire to talk to Potter, let alone reveal his dearest secrets to the annoying brat. The bars on the window were of no consequence and he was just about to spread his wings regardless of the consequences and give the Dursely home his not-so-fond farewell when a voice made him freeze.
"Where are you going Severus?"
Oh hellTurning around very slowly, Snape's prayers that the voice behind him didn't belong to whom he thought it did went wholly unheeded. Yes, it was who he thought it was. Dammit. If he had been in his human form, there would have been a frozen, false smile on his face. As it was, one could hear it clearly in his stiff tone. "Lord Destiny, you honor me by your presence. I didn't realize you ever left your garden."
The eldest of the Endless, Destiny stood in the middle to the small bedroom, his ever-present book held firmly in his arms. The monk's robe that covered the human shaped being from head to foot rustled and though the cowl was up and hiding his features, Snape just knew that Destiny was smiling at him. It was most discomfiting. "There is no point in lying to me Severus. I am well aware of your feelings towards me, and yes I can leave my realm when I feel it is necessary. And I do deem it necessary since I haven't gone though all the trouble of arranging for you and young Harry Potter together only to have you leave without him."
Snape cocked his head to one side. "You arranged this? This certainly is a surprise. I was under the impression that you did not interfere. Perhaps I am mistaken in that aspect as well?"
Destiny shrugged slightly. "I am not interfering, per se. All of this is already written in the Book." He held up the volume. Seeing Snape's feathers ruffle a little, he knew the crow was biting his tongue. "Speak freely, Severus. I will not harm you for expressing your opinion."
"Very well, my Lord." The crow studied the Endless, black eyes glittering with anger. "Why Potter? Was there not anyone else on this entire bloody planet that would have worked equally as well? Why him?"
"Because he is my chosen, Severus. As a child I Touched him, and thus bears my mark. Certain tasks have been set aside for him to accomplish. Until he has finished with them, my sister will not take him into her realm. Though this was originally not one of his tasks, being unable to die should give him and you an advantage. He will be a good companion for you."
"I don't know if being unable to die is so great. Take Orpheus for example," Snape grumbled, referring to Dream's son who lived for a thousand years…as a disembodied head. "I think you may have out maneuvered yourself. Have you forgotten what happens to mortals who see me in my True Form? Regardless of what you do, he will still be destroyed. There are ancient rules by which even the Endless must adhere to. By exposing me to young Potter, you have doomed him. Not that I mind. But it is a rather pathetic reward for him for helping to save your brother, don't you think? Besides, I am entirely suited to the task of finding Lord Destruction and warning him of the danger he is in. I simply do not see the reason why Potter must be a part of this."
"This is true, I cannot prevent Harry Potter's destruction but I can delay it for a while." His mild tone hardened. "However, this directly concerns my Family. I am the eldest. After Despair was killed, and then Dream taken prisoner I vowed that this would stop. Despite his abandoning of his realm and his making it abundantly clear that he wants nothing to do with our Family ever again, Destruction is still my brother. I will not stand idly by while he is in danger. If I decide to use whatever tools are at my disposal then I will, Stormcrow. This means you and Harry Potter will work together."
Snape could feel the frustrated anger rolling off the normally implacable Destiny in waves and shuddered. A movement over the Endless one's shoulder caught his eye. Harry was back, standing in the doorway watching the exchange with wide eyes. Without concern, Destiny turned and gazed at Harry too. He nodded once then gave Snape one last look from underneath his hood. "Remember Severus. Time is of the essence. Do not fail." Then he simply disappeared.
Harry swallowed and entered the room, closing the door softly behind him. "Who was that?" he asked, his voice wavering just the smallest bit.
"That, Mister Potter, was Destiny." Snape appeared to be a bit shaken himself. After merely being in the same room with one of the Endless, Harry could understand that very well. And Snape had argued with him! A reluctant admiration for Snape began in Harry's mind. Either Snape was incredibly brave, or incredibly stupid. And he knew that Snape was many things, but stupid wasn't one of them.
"Seems rather humorless," was all Harry could think to say.
"Indeed," Snape agreed.
"So he wants us to work together?" Harry asked, sitting on the bed and watching Snape hop back over to the desk and perch on the back of the chair.
"That's what he said," Snape answered.
"Are you going to tell me what is going on?"
Looking at Harry, Snape shook out his feathers and settled on his perch. Finally he nodded. "Yes, unlike Albus I believe that there is no such thing as too much information. The question is, do you want to know?"
Taking a deep breath, Harry nodded. "Yes, I want to know everything." He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. At last, he would get answers. He was then surprised when he yawned so hard that his jaw nearly came unhinged.
"Very well. Go to sleep. When you wake up, we will begin."
TBC
Author's note: There will be much explaining going on in the next chapter. I hope to clear everything up, but when writing, stories develop a mind of their own and we'll see how it goes! Thank once again for all the wonderful reviews.
Next up: A walk in the park
Sio's Death Thank you so much! I am very glad you are enjoying this. Well Harry isn't going to die just yet as you can see.
Hahahaha! Glad to meet another fan of Neil Gaiman's Sandman. Believe it or not, I based Snape's crow form on Matthew. Obviously they are completely different personality, but I think Snape makes a cool crow.
Angel Hope this is soon enough. I won't be able to update for a few weeks after this one. But the story is alive and kicking, so hang on, there is tons more to come. I try to keep the segments smaller so updates are more frequent.
Merryfurry yeah, I think Snape looks a lot like Dream too. Too bad they are so different in personalities. But Dream will make an appearance soon.
Tracy Claybon Thank you! This premise seems to be pretty original; despite the fact that I have based it off of two fandoms. Seems to be working though.
Linda here it is!
Kim Carol Frankly I am nervous about writing Delirium. She is so …out there. Though that scenario would be hilarious, I don't think anyone could follow it, except maybe Dumbledore and Delirium herself.
