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Third Times a Son

Chapter 10

Charlie sat on his favorite chair in front of the fire. He's been here since the Will reading, clutching his envelope to his chest and drinking himself sober. He's gone through two bottles of firewhiskey and two bottles of Jim Beam and currently he's nursing the last remnants of the vodka he was saving for Harry's birthday. Harry loved vodka, he drank it straight or mixed with anything, literally anything. One time Charlie saw him mix it with prune juice just because someone dared him to. The memory made him smile.

He fell in love. Hard. Harry made his insides squirm with just a smile, made him feel giddy and silly with that look and he made Charlie feel like he was the only person in the room whenever they were in the same room together. But he never told Harry any of that. He was afraid of losing those feelings. What he wouldn't give to have kissed him properly, not just a peck here and there. To have held him close, squeezing his arse cheeks or fisting his silky black hair with both hands. To have felt his five o'clock shadow over his skin in areas that no one else could see or touch. He had many regrets when it came to his Love that it hurt too much to breathe.

Charlie's face was puffy and red from crying these past few days, remembering. He wished he had more time, he wished he told Harry how he felt when he knew how he felt, and he wished Harry had told him he was sick when he knew he was sick. It's not fair! Damn him! A sob escaped him and he sniffed loudly before swiping his sleeved arm under his nose. He downed the rest of his glass ready for another. He picked up the bottle and upended it over his glass, less than a sip came out.

He stared at the empty glass, mad at himself that he finished the bottle he couldn't even remember opening. Anger filled him, he was supposed to drink this bottle with Harry on his birthday. Why Harry?! He threw the bottle but it just bounced in front of the fireplace. He had no strength left, he was spent, he didn't care at this point about anything. He leaned back in the chair resting his head back and closed his eyes and promptly fell asleep.

He dreamt of cloaked figures, muffled voices and vibrant green eyes. He felt Harry standing next to him, comforting him, touching him, whispering calming words into his ear. He felt happy and sad at the same time. "Harry?"

"What are you doing, Charlie? You need to stop and return to the land of the living. I'm going to need you. But in order to help me you need to stop this. I know you love me and I love you too. Come on, love, get up and shower and meet the new day."

He felt fingers on his arm, his cheek, his lips and he cried don't leave me, but the feeling was gone quickly. He stood there hoping to sense more but there was only darkness. His dream self understood even though his mind was lost. "I will Harry. I will."

He woke the next morning to sunlight in his face and a hangover that could cripple Norberta. His eyes were sealed shut from tears and his mouth dry, tasting of yesterday's garbage. He stood from the chair and promptly fell to his knees, dropping the envelope. He smelled of piss and liquor and when he moved his tongue around in his mouth it felt like dried cotton. How did he get so bad? On shaky legs he stood again and managed to get to the loo where he immediately spelled his clothes off and climbed in the shower.

An hour later he sat on his bed naked and tried to remember how he got to the bathroom. It was a mystery, but he was glad for it. He thought he dreamt of Harry but he couldn't remember anything he did for the past three days. He just knew he couldn't do that anymore.

He dressed, downed two hangover potions and made himself an english muffin with jam and black coffee. When he was done he gathered his gear and courage and headed out to work.

Work was what he needed now and the fresh air felt good in his lungs.

XxxX

Severus was standing by the lake watching the squid play. He had been playing and replaying the conversation with Death over and over in his head. There's not much time to think this over and he must figure out when in time he should go to best help Harry. Can he save more than one person, though? Can he save Lily too? Or should he just focus on Harry. There was a point during those dreaded occlumency lessons that he thought there was something up with Pot...with Harry. But maybe the time should be closer to the final battle and learning about the curse is the way to go.

He rubbed his face with both hands and took a deep breath. He really would like a drink, several actually. How did Harry know he would want to drink and get pissed? It's not like he drank in front of the students. No, he promised himself he would stay sober enough to see this through. Speaking of promise, he did make one to a pensieve Harry, maybe it's time to revisit those memories.

He sighed and started walking toward the Castle. He's made his decision, a time that started all this mess. If all goes as planned he'll have Harry and Lily. Excitement began to thrum through him and he increased his pace, eager to share his decision and to get started.

XxxX

Severus sat on his sofa staring at the pensieve on the table in front of him. He had already poured the memories in and watched as they shifted around again. A few seconds later the smoke cyclone appeared and Harry stood before him again. Severus wondered who helped Harry with all this, it's pretty engenius magic and very skillful charms work. He felt pride at his son's talent. He watched as the small version of his son paced around the top of the pensieve, waiting to talk. Finally, Harry stopped and faced Severus looking at him fiercely.

"Dad, what is my new friend's favorite snack?"

The question threw him for a second before he answered, "Uh...jelly beans?"

Harry beamed up at him and promptly disappeared. Severus raised both eyebrows at the display before realizing he could view the memories now. So without waiting further he bent over and entered.

-memory-

Severus found himself in the hallway of doors again. The door marked with a one was still slightly open and the urge to enter and see Lily again was strong, but he moved past it to the second door which was now slightly open as well. He put his hand on the door and took a deep breath before pushing it open. This time he felt contentment along with confusion first before he saw Harry.

Harry sat in front of the lake to watch the sunset. He loved this time of night because it's so peaceful and majestic. Bigger than life and always a constant. After all he's been through in his short life, this is a reliable and beautiful event he cherished every single time he could watch one unhindered.

The battle was over and 'old snake face' gone. His best friends were probably inside celebrating in their own way, now that they could without worry.

Harry was confined to a bed in the infirmary but he became too restless, so he begged Poppy to let him outside for a bit and she finally relented. He came to his favorite spot under the large oak tree, shaded with overhanging branches to watch the sky for nature's way of saying goodnight.

Sitting with his knees tucked under his chin and his arms wrapped around them, he sighed. He started thinking about the other night when he went to get his dad from the shack. It was surprising to see his mum there, how was it even possible for him to see her? That's what's been bothering him, and how was he able to he hear what she said to him? It made no sense really but reliving that experience warmed him from the inside out and he smiled into his knees.

"Master"

Harry jumped up brandishing his wand in a dueling stance. In front of him stood a tall figure with strong facial features and pitch black hair. His clothes immaculately tailored and form fitting, accented with shiny black shoes and a long black walking cane. "Who are you?" Harry demanded, not taking his eyes off the man.

The man held up both hands in surrender and smiled a shy smile. "Harry, I mean no harm. Please, may I sit and talk with you?"

"Name." Harry demanded still holding his wand at the unknown man. "How do you know my name?"

"My real name is Thanatos and everyone knows who you are, Harry Potter." The man started.

"As in Death? Are you serious? I'm not afraid to hex your balls off. You better come up with a better answer than that." Harry spit back and to emphasize this last statement he stood straighter and aimed his wand with purpose, Magic surging forward as a warning.

"Harry...Mr. Potter." Keeping his hands in the air, "Please forgive my abruptness but my name is no joke. I am Death. You have gathered my Hallows and have become the 'Master of Death' as they say. My Master and I've waited a millennia to finally talk to you. Please can I sit and I'll explain everything."

Harry studied the impeccable man in front of him. He had no wand that he could see but that didn't mean he wasn't dangerous.

"Harry. You're tired, I get that, and why should you believe me, a total stranger. But I am Death and I'd be your friend if you let me. Just give me a few minutes of your time to explain and answer any questions you may have." He didn't move and kept eye contact with Harry hoping the boy-made-a-man would see his sincerity.

Harry lowered his wand to his side but didn't put it away. "I don't understand. I thought Death would look scarier, you know, with a black hooded cloak and a tall scythe. You don't look like any of that. And I don't have all three Hallows anymore. I lost one in the forest and I plan on putting the wand back with Dumbledore." Harry stated calmly. He motioned for the man to sit on the grass next to him and the man moved closer conjuring a blanket out of thin air and spreading it out over the grass before he sat. Harry raised an eyebrow at the gesture and the man laughed. "Just like your father. Always skeptical of everything. I guess when you've lived the lives the two of you did it can't be helped."

Harry stiffened and stared. "What?" His wand hand itching to attack.

"Relax, Harry. I know all about you. We're family and I know everything about what's mine. Since the day you were born I've been watching you, though I've been unable to interfere until now, but, trust me, I wanted to. You've been destined to be the Master of Death for millennia and I've been patiently waiting, but I can't wait anymore."

"Wait, what? You've been watching me? That's just creepy and how many times do I have to tell you that I don't have all three Hallows." Harry said frustrated. "Am I dead now? Did I somehow die out here by the lake and didn't know it?"

Death chuckled and pure love washed over Harry. "No, you are not dead and you do own all three Hallows. Once you had them all in your possession they became one with you. They can never be lost. No matter how hard you try, they will always be with you."

Harry stared wide eyed at the older man trying to fit all the pieces together. "Okay, if you are who you say you are, then tell me something that only I would know, something from my childhood, not the present." Harry challenged and smirked when the other man frowned.

"If I do will you accept that you are the Master of Death? Will you accept who you are and who I am and all that it encompasses?"

"Yes. All of it." Harry said quietly, waving a hand through the air. He felt a little apprehensive at that thought before he felt magic snap around him and sparkle into the air. Great, magic would consider that a vow.

Death smiled and looked over the lake, he knew that Harry told his friends a great deal about his home life so he had to find something so obscure. "When you were seven years old, you were sitting in the cupboard under the stairs reading an old comic book your cousin threw out." Harry's eyes went wide with the memory and he shuffled slightly on the blanket. "Your cousin was away camping with Pierce and your Uncle was on a business trip. It was just you and your Aunt in the house but she never paid you any mind. That's why you were under the stairs reading at three in the afternoon and not doing chores." The man turned his body so he was facing Harry and connected with stunning green eyes. "Your Aunt forgot you were there and she invited the neighbor from the blue house down the street for a late lunch. Only her lunch wasn't so much food as it was her and the two got hot and heavy right there in the living room. Who knew your Aunt was into pain and ropes." He smirked. "You heard noises that you couldn't place and used accidental magic to exit the cupboard. Although I think at the time you didn't even realize what you did. You saw way too much of your Aunt and the man from the blue house, both being in the throws of passion and pleasure, for a seven year old and you stood frozen watching for a minute before you realized you shouldn't be there. So you went back to the cupboard and finished the comic, trying with all your might to forget what you just saw."

Harry couldn't stop staring at the man. He never told anyone that. He was hoping to use it as leverage against his Aunt but for some reason he never did. Just thinking about what he saw turned his stomach. That's probably why he prefers blokes over chits, either way, that was not what he was expecting to hear when he asked for proof.

"It's okay, Harry. I want to close your eyes and feel for the magic."

Harry just gave him the 'I don't think so' look and the man chuckled. "Go on. Close your eyes and feel the magic. Tell me what you feel."

Harry breathed in deep and closed his eyes. He let his magic loose and felt around for any other magic in the air. He gasped. He felt it! He felt the others magic and it welcomed him. It felt so good feeling the emotions washing over him; love, longing, family, and knowledge. So much knowledge of the past, the present and the future. He felt at peace and at home with the magic. He opened his eyes, which were swimming with power and confidence, and he nodded his head, "Okay, but I'm not calling you Death or Thanatos. I think I'll call you Ty." He laughed at the look the other man gave him before he turned back to the sunset.

Ty smiled knowingly and pulled some round colorful candies from his pocket. "Jelly bean, Master?"

"Please don't call me that, call me Harry." He glanced sideways at the other man and smirked, "Jelly beans?"

"What can I say, they're my weakness." They sat in peaceful quiet watching the sun go down and marveling at the different colors. Every now and then one of them would pop a jelly bean into their mouth. "Harry, I know you tell your friends everything but I think, for now, this needs to stay between us. There will be…things…events that we cannot get involved in and secrecy is most important."

"I see. Don't worry, I'll keep this to myself for now."

Ty nodded in acknowledgment, "Thank you Master. I mean, Harry." They both laughed and kept watching the sky.

"Is this why I could see my mum and hear her the other day?" He asked but didn't turn to the other. "I couldn't figure that out."

"Yes, Harry."

"This knowing the past secrets sucks. What am I supposed to do with this knowledge now?" He asked sadly and he finally turned to the man. "Why? Why'd he do it?" The question could mean anything but he knew what Harry was asking.

"That Harry, I couldn't answer for you, I'm sorry." He spoke quietly. The one question Death was regretting was the first one Harry asked. He felt awful not being able to answer it. He sighed loudly and turned back to the sky. "Harry, we have much to talk about and to sort through, we should journey to our realm. We should also discuss that injury to your hip."

"Yes, I know."

"If unchecked..."

"Yes, I'll go." Harry said knowingly. He knew more about life and death now then he ever wanted to know. Seems acknowledging his 'new role' has afforded him with all-knowing knowledge. Again he faced the lake and watched as the giant squid surfaced enough that Harry could see an eye blink at him. A tentacle came out of the water only to plop right back in...again and again and again, each time a different tentacle, causing a slight churning of the water around it. Harry laughed at the squids antics and waved. To his surprise, the head came out a little further and winked at him before plunging back under the water. Leaving ripples upon ripples heading for the shore.

"He likes you." The man said smiling. "You'll find most creatures will go out of their way for your approval."

Harry stared wide eyed at him, "You're kidding."

"Comes with the job. They love me and by extension they'll love you. It's simple really." He said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. His cane keeping his fingers busy.

Harry nodded, accepting the truth before he closed his eyes for a few seconds. "I can see him, you know, waking up. But I can't see anything else. Is it because he's family?"

"Yes and no. You'll only ever see snippets of the future and even that you won't see everything. Do you see anything else? Closer to the present?" Here he stopped playing with his cane and studied the man next to him. He was nervous, which was a new emotion for him, Harry would see...should see…

Harry's eyes flew open. "Blood? Are you serious? Is Fate playing with me?" Ty smirked. "Wow, they don't ask for much do they." Harry whispered. Ty just sat there, what could he say?

"Do you have time to come with me for half a day? There are others who have been waiting patiently to meet you too."

Harry looked at the darkening sky and then stood up. "Seems I don't have anything else to do. I guess now's the best time to get started."

"Great! You're gonna love meeting Fate!"

"What?"

-end memory-

Severus came out of the pensieve with a jolt and waited for Harry to appear before putting the memories in a safe place. He wasn't sure why his son showed him this memory but he did learn one thing; Harry didn't knowingly become Master of Death and why his friends didn't know about it.

The mist shot up and Harry materialized above the bowl. He looked to where he thought Severus would be and smiled. "Well dad, that's how I met Ty. Don't call him that though, he really doesn't like it. I know he just tolerates it from me, but it's fun to mess with him from time to time. I wanted you to see this memory because I learned so much this day. Not just my new role in life but I learned about how precious every day is. I could see into the past, to any point in time, and know the secrets that were kept there, and I could look to the future, maybe just a year or so ahead, but still I could see a few things. But most importantly for me, at the time, was that I saw you waking up from your coma. That was the single most important vision to me and such a relief.

I know how you feel about all this, how you felt in the past, and what you'll feel in the near future, and I just want to let you know that it's okay. What you're feeling is normal for you and no matter what, I want you to know that I do love you. I know it sounds strange since we don't know each other like that, but I do know you. You're my family and I know everything about what's mine. I'm proud that you haven't had a drink, be strong and keep a level head, you're going to need it. Bye dad!" He waved off then disappeared.

Severus stood surprised at his son's words. He loved him? He felt happy inside, that ache that's been haunting him fading just a little. He can do this. He can do whatever needs to be done for the love of his son.

XxxX

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