Summary: Stories become twisted and exaggerated over time. The truth disappears. Such is the case with the Tale of the Three Brothers. The brothers didn't retrieve the Hallows from Death. They take them from the one Death had given them to.
I don't own Harry Potter. Slight crossover with Saint Seiya: Lost canvas.
This is based on a Reddit prompt I post called "Death's lover."
Long ago, in a land protected by a deep treacherous river where anyone who attempted to swim or wade would drown, people lived happily and peacefully. The land was bountiful. Their lord was well-loved. His powerful magic protected them. His name was Hadrian Peverell.
Beautiful.
A lithe man, clothed in black pants and a silk shirt, walks among the graves. The sun flashes off the emeralds set in his ebony hair, which had been braided and pinned up into a high crown. The emeralds draw attention to the large emerald eyes, set in a heart-shaped face. The upturned nose over rose plump lips added to the image of beauty.
Cunning
Hadrian sing "exsurge, et serva me; Nunc opus est ut tuos defendas amores. (Rise and serve me. You are needed now to defend your loved ones.) Harry continues to sing as he places a bouquet of chrysanthemums (death), blackthorn branches (protection), daffodils (renewal), hydrangea (familial love), and roses (romantic love) tied with a black ribbon on each grave. The bouquets would serve as a conductor and make it easier for him to raise them from death as Inferi. The Inferi he created would be more than just puppets. They will feel sparks of love for their living family and will be driven to fight for them. Of course, he had also talked to the souls of the deceased beforehand, so they know what he was going to do.
Ruthless
Hadrian watches as the invading army was ripped to shreds by his army of Inferi. His army may be less in numbers, but they were immortal and not hindered by original attacks. After the first wave was killed, Hadrian cast a spell on the dead invaders. "Expergiscere et ministrare mihi. Fratres tuos occidite in armis). (Awaken and serve me. Slain your brothers in arms.)" The original Inferi were sent back to their graves to rest until their Lord had need of them again. Hadrian laughs as the invaders were killed by their friends. With each death, his power and army grow. The victory was his.
The most powerful and talented necromancer of his time
Hadrian smiles happily, as his people mingle with the ghosts of their deceased loved ones. It had taken a little planning, but he had managed to summon them all, despite it not being All Hallows' Eve.
His abilities were so great that he was nicknamed "The Master of Death."
"Are you Hadrian Peverell, the one they called "The Master of Death?"
Hadrian groans at that title. "I am Hadrian Peverell, but I am not the Master of Death. I really wish people will stop calling me that."
"Oh, so you don't believe that you are able to conquer death?"
"No one can conquer Death. All life ends. It is just a way of the world. If Death doesn't exist, then the world will end. I think what happened in the myth of Sisyphus is a good reason why Death shouldn't defeat."
"I really wish you hadn't reminded me of that." Powerful and angry energy floods Hadrian's sense.
Hadrian looks up from his oleander plants. He looks at the black-haired man, who was staring at him with annoyance. Despite the simple cassock he was wearing, Hadrian could tell he wasn't a priest or even human. Thanks to his experience with necromancy, Hadrian recognizes him instantly.
"Lord Thanatos," Hadrian kneels.
Thanatos smiles at the respect.
Hadrian's beauty, talents, and personality were enough for him to attract Death's attention and become his lover.
Hadrian smiles in adoration as Thanatos plays his lyre.
Hadrian killed several Lords who had tried to cheat Death.
Hadrian gently brushed out Thanatos' hair.
The two men kissing in Hadrian's yew grove.
Hadrian cuddles up to Thanatos, his emerald eyes full of love, as they stargaze.
Death created three powerful artifacts for his lover. The first was a wand that was able to withstand Hadrian's powerful death magic.
Thanatos plucks a branch from the elderberry tree, the only tree in the Underworld. He teleports back to his palace. Taking the thestral hair he had collected earlier; he starts to craft a wand. He was so immersed in his task, that he didn't notice his twin approaching.
"Thanatos! Thanatos!" Thanatos finally looks up.
"Hypnos, what are you doing here?"
"Looking for you! We have a meeting with Lord Hades today, don't you remember?"
"Oh, right," Thanatos said, as he remembers the appointment.
"What are you doing anyway?" Hypnos asks as he looks at the items in front of Thanatos.
"Crafting a wand for Hadrian."
Hypnos scowls at the name. He hates his twin's lover. "What, on earth, has he done to receive such a wonderful gift?"
Thanatos shrugs "Nothing. I just thought it would be a nice gift, since all the wands that he made from wood in the living world, die after he used them for his necromancy." He had seen it. Hadrian's yew wand had literally wilted right in front of his eyes, as Hadrian was trying to calm down a wrathful spirit. Hadrian had obviously dealt with this before, as he just take out another and continue with the spell. Hadrian had explained that his death magic was potent enough to "kill" his wands. That was why he always keeps several wands on him, and why he had the components and knowledge to craft wands.
The second is a stone that could call back the spirits of the dead without any spell or ritual.
"Here," Thanatos offers a stone to Hadrian, who takes it skeptically.
"Thanks," Hadrian said uncertainly, as he examines it.
"Aren't you the one who always said not to judge things by their appearance?" Thanatos smirks. "I picked it up from the shores of the river Styx. I have enchanted it so that you would be able to call upon spirits without having to use any of your magic."
"Thank you," Hadrian said, much more sincerely this time.
The third, a cloak imbued with his power
"I love it when you hold me," Hadrian said, as he sits on Thanatos' lap. Thanatos smiles as he holds his smaller lover close to his chest. Hadrian leans against his board chest. "I always feel so safe." Thanatos bends down to catch Hadrian's lips in a kiss.
Thanatos hums, as he takes a feather from his Surplice's wings. With a wave of his hand, he turns the metal into a fabric. "Leuce," he orders.
"Yes, Lord Thanatos," Leuce bows.
"Fashion this into a cloak benefitting royalty." Thanatos tosses the fabric in her direction.
"Yes, my Lord." Leuce caught the fabric. "Am I correct in ensuring it is for your lover?"
"Who else would it be for?"
Leuce bows and walks off. She brought it to her sisters. All the nymphs were gossiping about the honor that Hadrian was receiving. The gossip reached the handmaidens. It spreads to the guards. From there, it reaches the specters.
Hypnos shatters his teacup with his grip when the news was brought to him by Pandora, who gulps. She had been under the impression he already knew, so she had no qualms about asking him if the cloak was finished yet. Now, seeing the angry god, she wishes she had kept her mouth shut. It was no secret that Hypnos detests Hadrian, a stark contrast to Thanatos' former lovers (He didn't care about them). Then again, Hadrian was Thanatos' longest lover and the only one to receive a gift (never mind three!) from him.
"It is beautiful!" Hadrian smiles, as Thanatos holds the cloak up.
"Let me help put it on," Thanatos offers. Hadrian accepts happily.
"Thank you," Hadrian said as he soaks the power that was imbued in the cloak. Thanatos' power, always made him feel safe.
"Look." Thanatos conjures up a mirror. "I have enchanted it with invisibility. A power benefitting your cunning." The two lovers exchange a smirk.
Unfortunately, power has its dangers. It is a seductive mistress. Hadrian has always been content with his own powers, his magic, and social power as Lord Peverell. However, his cousins have never been content with theirs.
"Did you hear about what Hadrian did this time?" Cadmus scowls. "He managed to undo the curse on King Richard's daughter. The King rewarded him with acres of land, chests of gold and the title of Marquis!"
Ignotus sips his tea. "She has been cursed for years and is his only daughter. It is only natural he would want to reward the one that ended her suffering. That person happens to be Hadrian, the most powerful necromancer."
"Hadrian is nothing special! I could have done that," Cadmus screams.
"You tried. I seem to recall that the reason Hadrian take on the task of curing the princess was that you failed and were about to be executed. Hadrian agrees to try and undo the curse if His Majesty would spare you." Ignotus rolls his eyes. His second brother's arrogance never ceases to amaze him or give him a headache.
"Master Antioch, what happened to you?" Ignotus groans at the servant's shout. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what had happened. Antioch had lost the duel for Headship again. Ignotus downs the rest of his tea, hoping it would help his incoming headache.
His elder brothers really need to get over the fact that Hadrian was chosen to become Head of the Peverell family. Hadrian had won the family competition fair and square.
His eldest cousins were arrogant. However, his youngest cousin was humble and wise.
"My elder brothers are plotting your death," Ignotus told Hadrian, as he helps him with the Peverell accounts.
Hadrian snorts inelegantly. "How is that news? They have been since I outduel them."
"It is different this time. They want the artifacts that Thanatos created for you."
Hadrian frowns. "Why?"
"Antioch wants the wand because it will increase his power. Cadmus wants the stone because he wants to talk to his deceased lover."
"Well, they are not getting them," Hadrian said firmly. His tone make it clear the decision was final.
Hadrian and his youngest cousin were like brothers. Hadrian trusts this cousin enough to loan him one of the gifts given to him by Death.
"My brothers persuade my father to send me to France to negotiate with the House of Malfoy," Ignotus told Hadrian one day, as they were having lunch.
Hadrian presses his lips together. "Looks like I am not the only one that your elder brothers are trying to kill." The Peverell Family and Malfoy Family have always been at odds, as the Peverell Family didn't approve of the Malfoy Family's beliefs towards non-magical. "I will talk to your father about it."
Ignotus shakes his head. "It is too late. The letter has already been sent to the Malfoy family, stating I will be coming. If I don't go, it will be an insult to the Malfoy family."
Hadrian sighs "Then, come see me before you leave. I may have something to help you."
That night, after making love, Thanatos, and Hadrian cuddle in Hadrian's canopy bed.
"Harry, what is wrong?" Thanatos asks. "You seem distracted tonight."
Hadrian sighs "Ignotus is getting sent on a dangerous mission by his elder brothers. I am sure it is a way to get him killed. Unfortunately, I don't have the power to stop him. That is why I want." Hadrian hesitates. "I want to loan him the invisibility cloak you give me."
Thanatos froze, all bliss and happiness from sex gone. Anger and rage fill him. How dare Hadrian think so little of his gifts! His cosmos raised.
"It is not like I want to either! Do you really think I want to give away the cloak you give me!?" Hadrian snaps angrily. The unusual angry tone caught Thanatos' attention, as Hadrian had never spoken to him that way before. "I run through every other solution, but that was the best one. You can look through my mind if you want to. I have nothing to hide." Hadrian looks up at him, with open emerald eyes.
Thanatos did as Hadrian offered. He sees the animosity between the Peverell Family and Malfoy Family, the horrible relationship between Ignotus and his elder brothers (as Ignotus was the favorite son because he was the only one who actually takes his duties as a Peverell seriously), and all the other ineffective solutions that Hadrian had come up with. He sighs. Hadrian had been right in his assessment. The only way Ignotus will survive is if he had the invisibility cloak. "Fine. I will agree with this one time. However, don't expect me to agree a second time."
Hadrian sighs in relief. "Thank you, Thanatos."
"I expect you to make this up to me."
Hadrian smirks sexily and seductively, "Of course, my lord."
The next day, Hadrian stands looking out the window of his receiving room. He couldn't really sit down after his activities with Thanatos last night. His hair was unbound, falling loose to his hips.
Hadrian has long hair, as a symbol of his nobility. It shows that, unlike the peasants, he had the wealth and time to maintain it. He always keeps it in crown braid style when he is out. This prevents anyone from trying to take strands, which could be used in a ritual against him. It was only in places that he was safe and around the few people he trusts.
One of those people approaches him now. "Harry, I have come as you ask."
"Excellent, I have talked to Thanatos. He has agreed that I could loan you the invisibility cloak he gifts me."
Ignotus freezes "Harry, I, I, I" Ignotus couldn't formulate the words to express his thoughts.
"Once you signed this contract, I will give you the cloak." Hadrian snaps his finger. A house-elf sets a contract in front of Ignotus. Ignotus scan the contract. It was very basic. Hadrian would loan him the invisibility cloak for the duration of the mission. Ignotus would return the clock as soon as the mission ends. If he doesn't, he would forfeit his right to call himself a Peverell. Ignotus signs the contract. With another snap of his fingers. Hadrian summons another house-elf, who had the invisibility cloak. Ignotus take it with reverence fingers.
"I expected it back as soon as you return. Be careful."
"I will. I look forward to seeing you when I return."
Ignotus have no way of knowing this will be the last time he sees Hadrian alive.
When their youngest brother was off on a mission, the two elder brothers killed Hadrian in his sleep.
Antioch and Cadmus sneak into the Peverell Manor. The poplar branch that Antioch holds drips with water, as it clears the centuries-old wards. As they approach the double doors, the doors open on their own. Inside the manor, it was quiet, as though everything was asleep. No one notices the two intruders, not even when Antioch knocks over a vase. The two brothers made it into Hadrian's bedroom without any problem. Hadrian lay asleep under green silk covers. The green silk covers were stained with blood as a dagger was used to silt into Hadrian's throat.
Death wasn't happy with his lover's murder.
"HYPNOS!" Thanatos' scream was heard all over the Elysium field. Thanatos stomps into his brother's temple, causing the nymphs to scatter.
"Thanatos, what is wrong?" Hypnos asks calmly, seeing Thanatos in his Surplice.
"HADRIAN IS DEAD!" Thanatos screams.
"Well, he is a mortal. They tend to die," Hypnos states.
"HE WAS KILLED!"
"He is a powerful noble and wizard. There is bound to be plenty of people who wants him dead."
"HE WAS KILLED IN HIS SLEEP!"
Hypnos raises an eyebrow. "Surely you don't think I have something to do with it."
"Let's see, you never like Hadrian. Hadrian is a light sleeper and usually would catch any inturders. Not to mention, I find a poplar branch with Lethe water on his bedside table."
Hypnos silently curses. He can't believe that the Peverell brothers were foolish enough to leave the gift he grants them right next to Hadrian. No wonder they were their father's and Hadrian's least favorite. He would deal with them later. Right now, he has to convince his angry twin that he had no part in Hadrian's murder. However, before he could say anything, Lady Persephone walks in with a sad look on her face.
"Thanatos, I am afraid I have bad news."
"Lady Persephone, if it is about Hadrian's death, I already know."
Persephone shakes her head "It is not that. There was something unusual about his soul. When we checked, we found out that there was a second soul attached to him."
Thanatos sucks in a breath "You don't mean?"
Persephone nods. "He was pregnant with your child."
Thanatos felt his entire world tilt and break. He had known that Hadrian was a carrier. Hadrian had told him right before they start sleeping together. Hadrian had wanted him to know just in case he gets pregnant. Thanatos had been open to the idea of a demigod child. A child with Hadrian's beauty and his (Thanatos) power. An angel of death.
"I am so sorry," Persephone said, as Thanatos collapsed in shock. Thanatos raced out of the temple to talk to Hadrian's soul. Hadrian told him that he had only recently found out and wanted to tell him personally.
Hypnos managed to convince Thanatos that he had placed the poplar branch on Hadrian's bedside table to help Hadrian sleep better during his pregnancy. He hadn't meant for it to lead to Hadrian's death.
Death avenges his lover's death by cursing the artifacts that were stolen from his lover.
The Elder wand was cursed so that its wielder would always be killed by those who sought its power
Thanatos watches Antioch invisibly. He had used Hadrian's wand to best and kill a wizard he had previously lost to. In an inn, Antioch, drunk on wind and power, boasts about stealing the wand from the "Master of Death" and his own invincibility.
Thanatos curses the wand "Just like you killed its previous owner for power, you too will be killed for power."
Thanatos watched in glee as Antioch's throat was silt, like Hadrian and the wand stolen.
The stone was cursed so that it will kill with hopeless longing.
Thanatos smirks as he watched Cadmus speaks to his late fiancé. He speaks into Cadmus' ear. "She will never be a part of this world." He uses his powers to make her miserable in the living world.
Thanatos curses the stone "You would be driven mad with longing for your loved ones.
Thanatos smirks as Cadmus takes his own life.
The cloak was left as it was, as it had been loaned willingly.
"Are you here to kill me?" Ignotus asks numbly, as he looks out the window of his room, Hadrian's invisibility cloak on his lap. Thanatos pauses. "I know you kill my brothers for murdering Hadrian."
"Do you blame me for their deaths?" Thanatos asks as he becomes visible.
"No, they deserve it for killing Hadrian." Ignotus never talk to his brothers again after Hadrian's death. He receives the news of their deaths with indifference and acceptance.
"You were the one to who Hadrian loaned his cloak, correct?"
"Yes," Ignotus looks up. Thanatos looks through his mind and sees the encounter with Hadrian, in which Hadrian loaned him the cloak. He saw Ignotus' grief when he retrieves the news of Hadrian's death while he was on his mission.
"Since you have no part in Hadrian's death, I will spare your life. Take good care of Hadrian's cloak." With that, Thanatos disappears.
Ignotus would pass the invisibility cloak on to his son, who he named Hadrian.
The Hallows would pass through many hands and take many lives before they return to the one they were originally created for.
Centuries later, a small boy stands at the bedside of his neglectful and abusive aunt and uncle. He holds a bloody knife, which he had used to silt their throats.
"Hello, Thanatos. It has been a long time." He smiles at the invisible God, who smiles back at him.
Notes:
In Saint Seiya: Lost Canvas, the tree is a magnolia tree. I modified it to be an elder tree to suit the tale.
Whether Hypnos loves Thanatos like a brother or in a romantic sense is up to you.