Touched by Death – Chapter 35 (Promises Kept)

Marcus knew it probably would be walking into a war zone the moment he apparated onto the property. It was still daytime, so he wasn't lucky enough that everyone would be asleep. Marcus still wasn't sure if it was Harry's or Sirius' reaction, he was dreading the most. That in mind, Marcus eased the door open slowly.

Marcus already knew that Sirius and Harry were probably expecting him back someday today. Too bad he didn't have a spare set of robes before he walked into that door. He almost tried to make a run for the stairs before he was spotted.

Except for the fact that Sirius had been standing by the door, heading towards the kitchen.

The cup in Sirius' hand shattered upon looking at his Heir. The grip that Sirius had had slacken and the cup fell to the floor. It could easily be repaired by a Reparo, but Sirius was staring at Marcus in silence.

"Hey Sirius," Marcus tried to act nonchalant.

"Sirius!" Harry rushed over. "I heard something break, what hap—" The small Gryffindor cut himself off, catching a glimpse of Marcus.

"What… Did… You…Do…" Harry's voice was a deadly whisper.

"Harry—" Marcus tried to say.

"What did you do?" Harry repeated, his voice raising. His eyes were glued to Marcus' bloody robes. His lips almost trembling.

"Harry," Sirius said softly. "Maybe we should let Marcus change out of his robes?"

Harry looked uncertain at that.

"Harry, he looks in perfect health. We can all talk in a few minutes," Sirius said a little firmly.

The small Gryffindor frowned before nodding.

Marcus gave Sirius a thankful look before going up the stairs to his room. He hated that Harry had to see him in those robes. The emotions in his eyes were intense. He thought he may have seen some fear in them, afraid that he was seeing Marcus' own blood. Marcus would like nothing better than to calm those fears. But first he needed a dry set of robes, a pair without any blood on them.

It was once they were off him, he realized how much blood there was. Marcus never realized how noticeable it was until he was looking with his own eyes. No wonder Sirius had been so shocked and Harry as well. Marcus knew there had been a lot of Death Eaters that he personally killed. Maybe majority of the blood splatter had gotten on him.

Once Marcus had on a fresh set, he walked at leisure pace towards the Sitting Room. This was not going to be a pleasant conversation. And he had the feeling that he may have to dodge an angry Gryffindor very soon.

Marcus could see that Harry had a glare on his face. While Sirius just looked concerned and worried.

Sirius gestured for Marcus to sit.

The Slytherin gulped and chose a seat a little away from Harry. He didn't think sitting by his enraged boyfriend was a wise idea. And that way, he could dodge any spells, if necessary.

Sirius just rose an eyebrow at the choose of seating. But he didn't protest it. Though given the state of his godson, that may have been a wise decision.

"Want to explain what earlier was all about, Marcus?" Sirius asked.

Marcus didn't really, but he knew that he needed to explain.

"It wasn't my blood," Marcus defended himself.

"Then, who's was it?" Harry's voice was soft.

Marcus winced at that, "that is a bit of a long story…"

"Your task?" Sirius asked.

Marcus nodded.

"When does breaking curses have anything to get blood on you? Unless it was a blood ritual?" Sirius questioned.

Marcus shook his head, "nothing quite as complicated as that, Sirius. But this requires me to explain what my contract was for the past few years."

Harry looked curious at that. Though it did scare him on why Marcus may have someone's blood on him.

"Harry," Marcus asked urgently. "Do you remember what I said about Horcruxes?"

The raven was caught off guard at the question, "just that it was a dark object."

"Horcruxes?" Sirius asked, horrified. "Horcruxes," he emphasized for good measure. "Why the bloody Merlin would they want to you to go after Horcruxes for?!"

"Will someone just tell me what a fucking Horcrux is?!" Harry raised his voice. He was getting a little annoyed at this point.

Sirius looked sheepish. "A Horcrux is an object that a person can hide half their soul in. But it requires the most cruel and vile act a person can do. It can literally tear a person's soul apart."

Harry looked sickened. "Murder," he whispered.

Sirius and Marcus nodded.

"Who?" Sirius asked, looking back at Marcus.

"Who else?" Marcus prompted.

Sirius' face went pale, "how many?"

Marcus cast a side glance at Harry, his voice hoarse, "Seven."

"Who?" Harry asked.

"Voldemort," Sirius whispered, not missing the side glance.

Harry almost fell out of his chair in shock. "Why?"

Sirius looked at Marcus, he was the one telling the story.

"Immortality. Without a whole soul, you cannot die. But he corrupted his soul and literally went insane. You can't survive without your soul. Maybe with half of one, you may have a chance. Considering how many times he split his soul, he didn't really have one anymore."

Harry looked a little green at that. Though that still didn't explain why Marcus was covered in blood.

"So, you destroyed, all of these Horcruxes?" Sirius asked.

Marcus nodded.

Harry's eyes widened, as if realizing something. "The tiara! That was one?"

"Ravenclaw's Diadem," Marcus smiled.

"Ravenclaw's Diadem," Sirius breathed. "Everyone said it had been lost for centuries."

"It had been," Marcus agreed. "But apparently Voldemort found it and corrupted its purpose. The goblins' purified it and returned it back to its original state."

Sirius breathed a sigh of relief. He had hoped that the artifact wouldn't be lost forever.

"So, you destroyed all of these Horcruxes. That makes sense for having the confidentiality contract. But why are you breaking it now? Won't your magic be snapped?" Sirius asked.

Harry looked straight at Marcus, as if begging to tell him that it wasn't true.

"I didn't break the contract," Marcus replied.

Harry breathed in a sigh of relief.

"It became null and void once the contract was complete," Marcus revealed.

Sirius hummed to himself for a moment. "Then all there is, is to find Moldyshorts and put an end to him for once and for all. And have an end to this war!"

"Already too late for that, Sirius," Marcus smiled. Though he felt it wasn't going to last for long.

Sirius and Harry shared looks of confusion.

"Marcus? What are you talking about?" Harry said.

"He's already dead," Marcus divulged.

"He's gone? He's really gone?" Harry's voice broke, tears threatening to fall.

Sirius turned to look at his Heir, "Marcus," he warned. "You better not be joking."

"No joking matter, Sirius. He's dead boy is close to your Ancestral Home."

Sirius slouched back into his seat. He couldn't believe it. The monster that he been fighting for half his life was dead. Never to return. The same monster that was responsible for James and Lily's death. And the lives of so many more. But now, he was never to return again, the war was finally over.

"How?" Sirius choked.

"Professor Snape," Marcus said.

Sirius almost choked at that, "Snivellus?" He felt stunned.

Harry snorted at that; it was kind of fitting after the hell he gave him for so many years as a Gryffindor.

"I always did suspect that he was on more than one side," Sirius muttered.

"His own," Marcus smirked.

Sirius rolled his eyes, that sounded typical behavior for a Slytherin. "How did he do it?"

"An agreement with the goblins. He would make a false trial that would lead Voldemort and his Death Eaters to their death," Marcus elaborated.

"All of them? Even Malfoy?" Sirius asked, eyes sharp.

Marcus nodded.

"Professor Snape had the goblins arrange an army of Goblin Warriors and myself."

"Yourself? Why?" Sirius asked. He could understand why the Goblin Warriors were there. They were legendary and very gruesome if the tales were correct. But that didn't explain why his Heir had to be there.

"Why?" Harry growled, his eyes flashing.

Marcus looked straight at Harry, "I will not let it be your fight! You have suffered too much at his hands. You should have never had the burden thinking that this is your responsibility!" Marcus snarled.

Sirius was taken back by the emotion in Marcus' voice. He had no idea that he had felt that strongly about this. And apparently Harry was very aware of this. Maybe this had been a conversation they had before.

"You killed him?" Sirius interrupted before Harry could say another word.

Marcus' jaw was clenched tight, "I did. And Death Eaters too. Severing charms can be very useful. Not to mention they were terrified of the Warriors. Let's just say they don't have red on their swords just for the look of it."

Sirius looked impressed. One couldn't just say that they killed Voldemort singlehandedly. Though he didn't like the fact that Marcus had to be the one to do it. Since there was always a chance he could have been killed in that battle. But he was glad that it hadn't been left to his Godson. Harry was far too young to have to deal with this war. And he never wanted him to kill, it changed a person.

Sirius and Marcus waited for the explosion waiting to happen.

"And what makes you think that dying for me is alright!?" Harry screamed.

Sirius winced at the sound. His godson was furious.

"And what makes you think that I will let you die by his hand?" Marcus yelled back, rising to his feet.

"You can't just fight my battles!" Harry glared at Marcus.

"You will find that I will, and you won't stop me!" Marcus hissed.

"They are my battles to fight! I don't want you dying for me. I don't want anyone dying for me. I have had enough of that in my life!" Harry's anger was pouring out in waves.

"Did you ever spare to think that I don't want you in this war!" Marcus snapped.

"They're not your choices to make!" Harry protested.

"But it's my choice. Have you ever thought that there's people that's not dying for you! This is war! People are going to die!" Marcus retorted.

Harry stood there in silence, when had he gotten up? But h felt like Marcus had just slapped him.

Marcus took a deep breath in, trying to calm himself. He didn't want to yell at Harry in the first place. But he did feel slightly bad for his last comment. That didn't mean it was any less true.

"Harry, you need to realize that people would have died in this war. That does not mean they are dying for you. They are dying for a cause. For the right to not be ruled by fear. Did you ever think that I couldn't stand the thought of you dying?" Marcus' words echoed through the room.

"Are you boys done?" Sirius demanded. "Or do I need to scream at you to shut up?"

Marcus and Harry looked embarrassed.

Sirius sighed exasperated. He was not in the mood to deal with two hormonal teenagers. Even though one of them was technically an adult.

"Marcus, why don't you go to bed. I imagine you're tired after today," Sirius ordered.

Marcus frowned, but didn't argue.

"Siri?" Harry's voice was small.

"Harry, let's talk for a bit," Sirius gave a gentle smile.

"I didn't mean to yell at him," Harry's voice sounded heartbroken.

"I know," Sirius' voice was soft. "But you were hurt and emotional."

"Do you think he's mad at me?"

"Harry, listen to me. Marcus is not mad at you. I imagine he may feel a little hurt. But he is not mad," Sirius placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

Harry's shoulders slumped. "Do you think I was wrong?"

Sirius was unsure how to answer at first, "I think the conversation could have been handled better. You do need to see it from Marcus' eyes too."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Harry, Marcus is in love with you. Do you really expect him to let you go marching into a battle when you're only a fourth year?"

Harry shook his head.

"Marcus is a very powerful wizard and a skilled Cursebreaker. No goblin just lets a wizard accompany them on a mission like that. Especially Warrior Goblins. What do you think Marcus would think if you charged into a battle against Death Eaters and Voldemort?"

"He would curse and confine me to a chair so I couldn't move," Harry admitted with a blush.

Sirius snorted at that. "Exactly. I wouldn't look at it that Marcus is fighting your battles. But as he fighting to make sure you have a peaceful life to live. He knows that Voldemort has been after you since you were practically born. He wants to give you that peace that you will never have to look over your shoulder."

Harry twiddle his fingers, "but why? Why did he have to go into battle like that? He could have died!?"

Sirius smiled sadly at that, "Sometimes the risk is worth fighting for someone you love."

Harry was floored at that. Did Marcus really feel that much love for him? That he was worth dying for, in order for him to live another day? He knew that he would do the same if it came down to it.

"This way, Harry. Neither you nor Marcus will have to worry about Voldemort or any Death Eaters stealing your lives," Sirius reassured his godson. "Do I like the fact that Marcus decided to take this action and go into battle? No, I don't. Do I like the fact that he probably just saved your life if you had gone into battle? Yes. He did it to protect you. I've seen you fight for others, especially your friends. Nobody has ever put your needs before their own. Don't take that away from Marcus. You deserve the world from him."

Harry bit his lip softly, "I still don't like it. But I know Marcus would kill me if I tried to do the same thing. I never wanted anyone to fight my battles for me. But maybe, I can be thankful he did." Harry's eyes shined with tears. "I only looked at it that he was going to get himself killed and I couldn't bare that. I can't even imagine a world without him."

It had been a few days since Marcus had came home with blood stained robes. That didn't make that one morning any less surprising.

Harry had been in the kitchen at the table, eating breakfast while looking over one of his books. Since Harry had decided he'll still go through and do his fifth year. Since Marcus and Terence had made it obvious to him that they didn't teach him everything. Just know enough to make it past the tasks for the Tournament. That did not mean that he would know everything to pass his O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s.

And the Gryffindor hadn't minded that, He still wanted to finish his education at Hogwarts and hang out with his friends. Just hoping that this year would be a lot less stressful than the last. Plus, with the fact that Voldemort and all his followers were gone just added to that benefit.

Marcus had groaned when he heard the yelling. He was not awake enough to be dealing with this so early in the morning.

"Harry! Harry!" was the yell. It could be heard through the entire house.

Harry had almost jumped in fright, not expecting it.

Marcus had a smirk on his face upon seeing Harry's reaction.

Dean had come running through the house, waving a newspaper frantically in his hand. Making a sudden halt in the kitchen when he saw Marcus and Harry.

"Oh, hey Marcus," Dean greet with a grin.

"Morning people," Marcus grumbled to himself.

Harry smiled, "Don't mind him, he's still not awake yet. I didn't expect to see you till tomorrow."

"You've got to see this! Couldn't believe it when I read it this morning," Dean said in a rush.

Harry looked confused but nodded. "Something the Prophet said?"

Marcus looked interested in that, his eyes zooming to the paper in Dean's hand.

Dean gave a quick nod before laying the paper on the table. And before Harry could even look at the paper, Sirius walked into the kitchen.

"Do people even look at the time anymore," Sirius complained.

Dean looked sheepish at that, assuming that he woke Sirius up.

Sirius finally looked up, "Oh, hey Dean. Wondered when you and your friends would be stopping by."

"Seamus said he be by later today. I don't know about Neville, though," Dean commented.

Sirius nodded, "Augusta said something about next week. Now, why are you running about the house?"

Dean looked slightly abashed at that, "the article in the Prophet. It was posted this morning. So, I doubt that Harry's heard yet."

Sirius took the seat by Harry and picked up the newspaper. He skimmed his eyes over it. Taking in the words that was printed.

"Nice to see for once that the Prophet got something right," Sirius snorted.

Dean's eyes went wide, "What do you mean?"

"Sirius and I found out a few days ago that Voldemort has been killed," Harry disclosed.

Dean's jaw dropped. "How?"

"Considering that, he," Harry pointed towards Marcus, "decided to do it before telling us. And only after the fact, did he finally say anything."

"You sliced off Death Eaters heads?" Dean looked awed and slightly grossed out at the same time. Considering there had been quite a few photographs of the beheaded Death Eaters.

"You left a few details out," Sirius pointed a finger at Marcus.

Marcus let a laugh at that. Course Sirius would be more offended that he wasn't told the details.

"So, he's really dead?" Dean asked nervously.

Marcus nodded. "Magna Mortem."

Sirius whistled, impressed. "That takes quite a bit of power and energy."

Marcus nodded with a grimace; he didn't want to do that again if possible.

"What's Magna Mortem?" Dean asked, interest pipped.

"It is viewed as a darker spell. It draws all the energy around you and takes a significate amount of power from yourself. Can drain your magical core dry if you don't know what you're doing. It creates hot, white lightning to be directed at your target. Instant death if your target hasn't been vaporized first," Sirius explained.

Dean looked slightly pale at that. "Said that he was almost unrecognizable. But they still knew who it was."

"With the amount of Death Eaters that had to be there. I wouldn't be surprised," Sirius remarked. He looked back down at the article and let out a snarl.

"Have you seen who they're crediting?" Sirius asked, his mood turning furious.

Harry's lips twisted into a frown, "no. But I know you're going to tell us anyways."

Sirius didn't even smile. "They're trying to credit my own godson! Fucking Ministry has no sense!"

Harry looked unnerved at the prospect. He already knew that people already paid attention to him because of his scar. It would only get worse if people believed that he destroyed Voldemort permanently.

Marcus had a dangerous look in his eyes, "not for long."

The Slytherin's comment had three stares aimed at him. Almost urging for him to explain what he had planned.

Marcus rolled his eyes, why must he have to deal with Gryffindors so early in the morning? "Gringotts is going to be publishing a nationwide statement about what happened. It's very possible that the Daily Prophet will have to retract their statement about trying to credit my fiancé."

Sirius nodded in approval. "You may have the media masses after you for a few weeks. But generally, they know not to mess with Gringotts employees. I wouldn't be surprised if they make it known who you work for. Even I wouldn't want to cross a goblin on their bad day."

Marcus' lips twitched. He knew a lot of witches and wizards wouldn't want to cross a goblin on any day. They could be vicious creatures when you insulted them.

"Are you three going to Diagon Alley today?" Sirius asked, wanting to change the subject. Knowing that Harry probably didn't like the idea of even more attention being brought to him.

Harry nodded, "I want to get some of my schoolbooks before the Alley gets too busy. And Madam Pomfrey already sent me her list. I rather not have to face everyone on the day before the train."

"Seamus can meet us there," Dean chipped in.

"And before more people can read the article," Sirius reminded. "The less I have to worry about you, the better."

Harry gave a sheepish smile.