Fate's Ripple
Chapter 7; The Gates of Hell
Hevater Cemetery
Harry simply transported himself back to Chris and wasn't surprised when he arrived invisibly that he and Harrison were still standing in a kind of daze. They blinked and they breathed but Chris hadn't let go of Harrison's wrist. Harry was wondering whether to break the connection but knew that they were both happily lost in the unique sensation that always spreads between Soulmates when they touch for the first time. As long as one was magic that was.
"Harrison?" Tru called to her brother as she arrived. She was rather pale and shaky and seeing Luc's coffin still just in the grave didn't help her any. "Har?"
"He won't answer." Harry told her. She turned to find him sitting on top of one of the tombstones. A rather new one.
"Why not?" She snapped clearly not happy that he was still around.
"They're Soulmates. As long as Chris is touching Harrison's skin you won't break them apart." Harry explained.
"Then I'm breaking them apart." Tru announced but found she couldn't move.
"Sorry, Tru but it's best for Harrison to get used to Chris now then later." Harry told her lifting a hand to show it was him that was holding her in place. Her eyes widened but as soon as she stopped struggling Harry released her.
"What are you still doing here?" She blurted. "And that's really disrespectful?"
"What is?" Harry asked surprised.
"You're sitting on somebody's tombstone." Tru told him.
Harry looked down at the grave. "She doesn't mind. I took her to the Beyond a year ago."
Tru stared at him in shock as her mouth worked. "You're really Death?"
"Technically I am known as the Angel of Death." Harry told her. "One of the two anyway."
"There are two of you?" Tru gaped at him again.
"Of course there are. I'm technically the new one, once the other retires I'll be the only one." Harry told her thoroughly enjoying himself.
"He's retiring?" Tru frowned. "So you'll retire one day."
"In about ten thousand years or so." Harry shrugged. "I'm only new."
"New?" Tru narrowed her eyes.
Harry paused to think about his answer, more because he was trying to remember how long he'd been doing this. In the end it came down to his ages compared to hers. He'd been seventeen and she'd been fourteen at the time since he'd been in the job two years when he'd saved her from the Warlock. "I'm about three years older than you I suppose. About thirty or so."
"You've only been doing this for thirty years?" Tru gaped.
Harry laughed. "Of course not, Tru."
"What then?" She glared.
"I've only been doing this since I was murdered by my abusive Uncle when I was seventeen." Harry stood in one movement and Tru shrunk back without thinking about it.
"You were...murderered?" Tru gaped.
Harry turned dark and bottomless green eyes on her. "We have to understand all the parts of life to do what we do. The only thing I'm only now learning is love."
"Who?" Tru asked.
Harry turned a sad smile on Chris but turned back to her without much of a pause. She obviously didn't miss it though since her eyes widened. "A Soulmates bond always takes precedence, Tru. Death is a part of everything in the world, people fear death, people like you fight death but in the end Death is all there is but life is also part of death. Life and everything that comes into it. Pain, loss, love and heartbreak."
"You love Chris?" Tru asked.
"We were getting there." Harry told her. "Luc gave me a message for you by the way."
"You took him?" Tru asked.
"He's made peace with what happened to him." Harry told her. "He knows that he had to die so that you could fight with your entire self when the time comes and so that Jack could know the pain that comes with being guilty for another's pain."
"He died for Jack!?" Tru gasped.
"He died for a lot of reasons but his main purpose for being wasn't in his death but in his life." Harry told her. "He showed you that you could be happy despite everything that was happening. He needs you to understand that."
"How can I ever understand that?" Tru asked.
"By realising that there is worse things that could have happened to him then to die in his proper place and at the proper time." Harry told her.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Tru glared at him.
"I told you Death was immutable." Harry told her. She nodded. "That mean's by every standard I am immortal but there is a being trying to escape that could walk over me as if I were a bug. A being that wants nothing more than to wipe out every magical person on the planet and then enslave the others."
Tru stared at him in shock. "Magical...?" She asked eventually. Harry supposed she didn't really want to know anything about the rest.
"I am a magical creature. The power that you channel through you is magical in nature and Chris is a witch." Harry explained. Tru looked at Chris in surprise. "It is why they are trapped like that for the time being. Harrison is learning what it is like to have magic though he will never wield magic like Chris'. To be true Soulmates they must understand each other and since Chris is not a normal mortal Harrison must adapt."
"So Chris has to learn what it's like to be Harrison too?" Tru asked.
"Good girl." Harry laughed. "They are blocking that exchange however."
"What?" Tru frowned. "Why? Who"
Harry laughed. "Just before I killed Davis to rewind a day I told Harrison that I worked for the same people that you do. We both work for the Angels of Destiny who write the lives of all people. Guide the races into the future. Ensure its survival. They are the ones that power your abilities and they are blocking Chris was witnessing Harrisons power."
"Harrison's power?" Tru asked him.
"Far more powerful than you can dream of." Harry looked at Harrison sadly. "There is always one mortal with the power but only the first of his kind ever had to use it. We've kept them hidden for millennia but Harrison may have to use it once again."
"And what does that entail?" Tru asked.
"Nothing but pain." Harry told her honestly. "It is why we should not interrupt Chris and Harrison during this bonding. Harrison will need every moment of love he can find. And Tru, when the time comes you will have to help him but remember one thing."
"What?" Tru asked. She was deathly pale again.
"There is always a line you cannot cross no matter how much you want to. I was there when your mother was killed by a Demon. I stopped him from killing you but I let him kill your mother because I could not cross that line." Harry explained to her. A harsh look crossed her features but Harry ignored it for the time being. "When Harrison faces this he must face it alone. No other mortal can go where he must and you must accept that."
"So you want us to just let him walk into that pain without any help?" Tru asked.
"There is so much you can't understand, Tru. The reason your father paid the assassin to murder your mother and you. The reason I stepped in to save you. The reason I let Luc die in Harrison's place. The reason I was murdered." Harry paused for effect. "It all leads up to the future. Every step you take effects something. You know this more than any other. I do not wish to see either Chris or Harrison hurt or killed but I will see this through."
"Even at the cost of your own life?" Tru challenged.
Harry paused and his body seemed to take on a hazy sort of look, reminding Tru of what he was. She could feel the power that the Angel of Death held within him as it hissed across her skin. "I have not told either Chris or Harrison but they were never just simply Soulmates with each other. There was another Soulmate in their group when they were younger in case they all met up."
"Who was that?" Tru asked.
"He was murdered." Harry told her giving her a bland look. "Harrison and Chris both dreamt of the murder. I believe you were the one to comfort Harrison after he screamed in a nightmare when he was twelve."
"He told me he watched a boy getting stabbed to death and then taken to a hospital where they operated on him. He was scared to sleep for a week." Tru told him.
"Chris witnessed the same thing when he was that age though his family assumed it was a premonition that they never could work out." Harry told her. "I am sure they will remember the details of those dreams now that I have to you about them. They will recognise me from it."
"What!?" Tru rounded on him. "You were supposed to be their Soulmate? But weren't you supposed to die?"
"Everybody has a Soulmate. Even babies that die within the first few months." Harry lectured. "If Harrison or Chris met me when I was still alive we would have realised. As it is I was only informed about this a few days ago."
"What does this mean?" Tru asked.
"I was answering your question." Harry told her. She frowned so Harry repeated it for her. "You asked if I would see this through regardless of my own life."
"And?" Tru prompted.
"I would have loved Harrison even if things hadn't turned out this way." Harry told her. "As it is he may not have room to love two people but even then I would be capable of losing my own life to prevent this horror from happening. It may very well come to that."
"What's that mean?"
"There are only two people on this planet that stand a chance of holding this being at bay. The effort we will have to undertake to contain him may very well destroy us both." Harry explained.
"I don't understand any of this." Tru was almost pleading.
"It is possibly better that way, Tru." Harry shrugged. "They will be awakening soon. Remember to be there for Harrison but know where the line is."
"Wait, why aren't you staying?" Tru asked.
"Chris and Harrison are going to realise that they witnessed my murder. You and Chris will have to explain to him that I am the Angel of Death and that this battle, that only Chris has so far seen, may cost his life." Harry explained. "And you will have to tell him that even though I saved your life when your father tried to have you killed I willingly watched your mother die."
Tru gasped again, she'd been too distracted before to take in his words and be angry about it. Harry faded from sight and Tru shivered as she stared at the empty air where he'd just been. Harry knew that he'd only confused her but that was the way it should be. She'd understand things as they happened. All she really needed to be able to tell Harrison was that Harry would be there when it happened.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
A week later
Harry was sitting on the top of Mount Everest once more feeling rather emotionless. He'd just done a less than pleasant part of his job. Taking the souls of fifteen young children to the Beyond when their orphanage had been burnt to the ground with them locked inside it. Over the last week he'd watched over the world sensing everything that was happening. The Deviant had been quiet but he, Death and the three Angels of Destiny could always feel the power pressing against the Gates into Hell. The demons were unnaturally silent according to the Charmed Ones, they seemed almost afraid of what was about to happen but Harry knew that wouldn't last.
The demons would undoubtedly try to help the Deviant when it made its move and that was why the Wizards and Wicca Witches would be needed. When the time came, and it would be soon, Harry would notify Hermione and the Charmed Ones while Death went straight to it. Harry didn't feel fear any longer. He wasn't worried about what could happen. He couldn't shake the feeling though that the one side in this war that would suffer the most would be his side. The Angels that watched after the souls. There were others that did similar tasks. Those that protected saw to the placing of Souls into newborn mortals, those that took souls like a newborn babies back to be replaced. They would all come when needed.
Harry felt a shiver run up his spine and knew that somebody was trying to summon him. He cut the connection and his magic reluctantly did as asked. Harry turned to look at the standing form of Death as the man teleported right beside him. Death sat beside him without invitation. "The time draws near." Death told him.
"I can feel it." Harry agreed.
"We have done all we can." Death assured him.
"Something bad will come of this." Harry told him. "We two are the only ones that can walk into Hell to fight him before he crosses into this world. It is not an easy thing to do."
"We will not be the ones to finally seal him away." Death reminded him.
"But we will have to risk our own sacrifice to ensure he lives." Harry pointed out.
"As long as he does what is needed and returns before Hell consumes him then we will have done our part. At least this time." Death sighed.
"This will not be the only attempt." Harry reminded him. "He will gain a foot hold somehow."
"You are being summoned yet again." Death told him. Harry shrugged off the shivering again and his magic reluctantly severed the spell again. "You know who it is and even your magic desires to go."
"Yet my common sense tells me that I shouldn't complicate matters." Harry narrowed his eyes at the clouds passing them. "They can be happy without me."
"But not as happy as they could be with you." Death shook his head.
"They are happy enough that they'll survive this." Harry retorted.
"But you do not care enough about this world to keep yourself safe." Death informed him. "Hell will leave its mark on you if you have nothing to return to in this world."
"And you?" Harry asked him.
"One of us must survive." Death told him and Harry knew that he sensed the same foreboding as Harry did. "Go."
"This is a mistake. Chris may be able to allow one person he loves to cross into Hell but will he be able to resign himself to two?" Harry asked.
"He already loves two." Death told him reproachfully. "If you had not been hiding from the Pull you would know this too. Even Harrison loves you. They have been travelling."
"I know that." Harry snapped. "They went back to view my childhood and death. Harrison saw his mother's death. I was there though they didn't know it. I guided them. Harrison was furious enough just watching it."
"Go." Death told him again. Harry felt Death's magic swelling to transport him but if he had to go he'd do it by his own choice. He transported himself to Harrison and Chris, standing in what he knew was Harrison's apartment. He felt the niggle of power even as Chris chanted the spell once again but he cut it off once again. He remained invisible.
"I thought you said you could summon him." Harrison stood up from where he was sitting on the sofa. Chris sighed and rubbed at his temples. He was standing at the edge of a loose summoning circle. There were only candles and no crystal prison. Harrison obviously didn't have anything like that lying around his house.
"This is giving me a headache. He keeps cutting the spell off." Chris sighed and collapsed onto the sofa beside Harrison. Harry studied them for a moment smiling slightly when Harrison grabbed Chris' hand. They'd spent almost every spare moment for the last week together though Harrison was spending more time with Tru and Chris was having to help his parents out back in San Francisco.
"Do you need me to go out and get different candles?" Harrison joked.
"The candles only act as an anchor for the spell." Chris started before trailing off as he realised Harrison was making fun of him. "Nobody can summon the Angel of Death but he's almost allowed me to before. Or at least he's teleported himself to me as soon as he realised I was summoning him."
"You and him. You've..." Harrison trailed off.
"We were only just realising we liked each other. I suppose I only realised when I met you that I was falling in love with him. Then he drops this on us." Harry winced at the tired tone in Chris' voice. "We kissed a few times but Harry was always a bit worried about everything."
"I don't suppose it's easy constantly running around the world collecting souls." Harrison muttered. "Do you think he sleeps?"
"No, he doesn't." Chris shook his head. "He looks so tired I think because of what he does."
"What do you mean?" Harrison asked.
"Sometimes life is fair and most of all it's not nice when somebody kind dies." Chris sighed. "You remember we saw that police officer watching when the doctors pronounced him dead?"
Harry blinked and then recalled what Chris was getting at. "Yeah." Harrison nodded.
"Harry told me that the first soul he collected was his parent's murderer but then straight after that he collected that policeman's son." Chris told him.
"What happened to him?" Harrison gasped.
"Harry didn't really say." Chris shook his head.
Harry knew he'd lingered long enough. "He'd body had been failing for five years. When he was ten it just gave out." Harry spoke quietly without becoming visible. Chris tensed up and Harrison nearly shot straight out of the sofa. "He doesn't feel pain where he is now."
"Harry." Chris sounded so relieved. "I didn't think you were going to come."
"I don't see anybody." Harrison pointed out.
Harry raised an eyebrow at him even as his body slowly shimmered into existence. "Better?" He asked.
"Do you have to be melodramatic?" Chris asked.
"You're the one that summoned me." Harry pointed out.
"Why were you blocking it?" Chris retorted.
"Because I wasn't sure I wanted to come here." Harry told him honestly. "Harrison isn't pleased with what I've done."
"Why did she have to die?" Harrison asked him without preamble. "Give me one good reason."
"Good by who's standards?" Harry asked.
"By mine!" Harrison snapped.
"You know what Jack was sent here to do?" Harry asked. "And you know your father was the same as he was?"
"What of it?" Harrison growled.
"Harrison, please don't." Harry sighed tiredly though only because it hurt him to be the target of all of Harrison's anger. "Your mother had to die so that the ability would pass on to Tru. To a generation that wasn't corrupted."
"So why not kill my father?" Harrison narrowed his eyes. "That would have done it right?"
"Harrison, I wish you could have had your mother but it had to be this way. Your mother could never have ordered the death of your father." Harry told him.
"Why couldn't somebody else have done it?" Harrison asked.
"Some people just have to die, Harrison. People can't live forever or the world would fall to chaos." Harry told him.
"How do I know she's happy?" Harrison asked.
"You could trust me?" Harry caught Harrison's eyes but the other man turned to look away from him. "Why do you hate me, Harrison?"
Harrison recoiled like he'd been shot but didn't speak up. "When I was younger I used to imagine myself playing with a green train set. A girl used to always sit opposite me and even though she was too old for such games she'd play along regardless." Harry spoke quietly but his eyes never moved away from Harrison's down turned face. "We reach out to those we care about when we need help. Only recently I realised that when I was alive I reached out to the two of your along a still unset Soulmate bond. I forced it open with my magic in desperation because I needed somebody to understand me and trust me."
Chris frowned at him in confusion as to where this was going. "You used to play with that train set Harrison, just as I used to play with Wyatt though Chris because I needed an older brother to hang on to." Harry continued making Chris' eyes widen. "Then I died before I could ever truly feel any of that. Life isn't always fair to people, Harrison. People die for many reasons and not all of those deaths are for cosmic reasons. I'll ask you again, Harrison, why do you hate me?"
"I don't." Harrison trembled. "I just wish I had more of my mother in me."
Harry stepped over and put his arms around Harrison gently. Harrison relaxed into Harry's arms and his head found a resting place on his chest. "One thing I can promise you, Harrison, is that you have more of your mother in you than your father."
Harrison chuckled but nodded his thanks. Harry pulled back after a moment and his body began to fade as he prepared to leave. Chris' hand darted out but his hand just passed through his arm. "Wait!" Chris ordered. Harry smiled at him but became solid again. "Can't you stay with us?"
"Do you both want me to?" Harry asked. "I will only get involved in this if you both want it completely."
"You said it yourself." Harrison declared. "You died before you had a chance to love us. I don't see any reason why we should want you to give that up again."
Harry met Harrison's eyes for a moment before nodding. Harrison smiled gently but Chris grinned like a Cheshire cat. "Excellent!" Chris laughed and within a moment Harry found himself being pulled into a hug between the two other men. Harrison was in his own arms while Chris hugged Harry's back.
When Harry finally got out of the hug Harrison was eyeing him while biting his lip. "You always wear that?"
Harry looked down at his black boots, black trousers, black top and black trench coat before looking back up at Harrison with a shrug. "It comes with the job. People are more relaxed when faced with something they expect."
"Wouldn't it be more soothing to see a winged angel dressed in white?" Harrison asked before he stopped himself. Harry just laughed. "I don't think I've got anything to fit you though. You're taller than me."
"So you want me to change?" Harry asked eyeing Chris who was trying not to outright laugh at them both. Harry found himself contend in that banter.
"Definitely." Harrison nodded.
Harry breathed in and with his exhale his clothing changed. Harrison almost missed it but gaped at Harry's use of magic. Harry looked down at his baggy blue jeans and tight white shirt. "I'm sorry if it's not in style. I did die over a decade ago."
"That's awesome." Harrison grinned before looking at Chris. "Can you do things like that?"
"The Angel of Death's magic makes my family look like novices." Chris told him without offence.
"But your brother's the most power Witch in existence right?" Harrison checked.
"I'd love to see Wyatt get his arse handed to him by Harry." Chris grinned widely.
"I'm neutral, Chris." Harry reminded him. "I can't change the balance between good or evil."
"Uh, right." Chris rubbed at his head. "This is going to get confusing."
"Tru always bugged me about who I was dating." Harrison grinned widely. "Now I can tell her I'm dating the Witch and Death. Might make a good book."
"Except everybody would conveniently not read anything about Death and assume the book was about you dating a Witch." Harry told him.
"What?" Harrison looked surprised.
"I could stand in front of a camera on live TV in full view and people wouldn't notice me." Harry shrugged. "It's happened before."
Chris groaned again and sank back onto the sofa. Harrison laughed and sat beside him automatically. After a moment Harrison looked up and scooted to the side to make room for Harry to sit between them. As soon as Harry sat Chris grabbed his right hand in his own and Harrison leaned against his shoulder.
"You told Tru to be there for me but not to cross the line and follow me." Harrison spoke up after a moment. "And for that matter what is so special about me that you couldn't tell Chris when I died?"
Harry deflated slightly. "Chris, you told him about the Deviant right?"
Chris nodded. "I told him what you've told me about hiding him and his sister and how my parents were allowed to get together so that I could be there for him if needed."
"What Harrison is was never given a name. There is always one and when they die the ability is passed onto another. The Angel's of Death would step in and kill the Charmed Ones ourselves if it was needed to keep somebody like Harrison safe. Harrison is a neutral party. No demon is allowed to kill him even if they could find him." Harry explained.
"But what is this ability?" Harrison asked.
"You haven't told anybody that I can figure. The other Angel of Death hasn't either. You've only said he needed to be protected." Chris spoke up.
Harry stood and pulled them both up with him. Chris frowned but gasped as they shifted out of reality. Harrison looked around in shock looking around at the grey tinge to everything and the fact that his bed, chairs and everything he owned had vanished. Out of the window was empty space. "Where the hell are we?"
"Not hell I can assure you." Harry told him without humour. "This is the realm that the Angels control. Through this place we take souls to the Beyond. It is a parallel world where we have complete control."
"Why are we here?" Chris asked.
"Because I can be sure that we cannot be overheard." Harry told him. "Harrison, you will only be the second of your kind to find out the truth behind what you are."
"Just tell me I'm human. I can accept anything else." Harrison smirked.
"You have the ability to seal and unseal the Gates of Hell." Harry told him rather bluntly. Chris choked and Harrison went pale. "By that I mean you can walk into Hell and seal the Gates that keep souls from travelling in or out of it."
"Uh..." Harrison grunted. "I might just be sick."
"At least you're human." Harry deadpanned. Harrison looked up at him in shock at the comment before bursting out laughing.
"I'm not suddenly going to start summoning demons or something right?" Harrison asked.
"Demons aren't from Hell." Chris reminded him. "My family fight them all the time, most of them aren't even hard to fight."
"Alright! Whatever." Harrison grumbled.
"You can't use your power in this reality. Somebody has to open the Portal for you. Once on the other side you could either open the Gates wide and let everything in Hell flood out or you could reseal it." Harry told him.
"Reseal it?" Harrison asked. "Why isn't it already sealed?"
"Because once sealed nothing can go either way." Harry told him. "The first of your kind locked the Gates so that souls could only go in and not out. Hell really is one way."
"So when the Deviant breaks out?" Chris asked.
"He'll open the Gates wide open allowing every soul in Hell to come out. I've only been putting souls into Hell for the last decade or so but I don't want any of them getting out." Harry told them.
"Wait?" Harrison frowned. "So I have to actually go into Hell?"
Harry hugged him. "I wouldn't let you go in alone." Harry assured him.
"I can come as well right?" Chris asked.
"No, Chris." Harry shook his head without letting go of Harrison. "Harrison is the only mortal that can survive in Hell. If you or Tru crossed that line you would both be destroyed."
"Harrison." Chris sighed and kissed him lightly on the neck. Harry teleported them all back to reality before leaning away from Harrison slightly. As soon as Harrison looked up Harry leaned in and kissed him on the lips. Harry froze for a moment before relaxing into the kiss.
"I won't let anything bad happen to you when it happens." Harry promised. "And Chris won't let anything happen in this world."
"Thanks." Harrison nodded and leaned into Harry again. Chris laughed but let them have this moment. Harry finally realised that this really could work between them and it would be all the better for their future. Chris tapped Harry on the arm and Harry reluctantly pulled back from the kiss and turned to look at him.
"I'm glad your with us. I promise we'll make this work." Chris told him before leaning in and kissing him soundly. Harrison ducked his head and Harry groaned as he nibbled on his Adam's Apple. "Harry, what's going to happen when we complete the bond."
Harry looked at Chris in surprise and the taller man went red as Harrison snickered into Harry's neck. "You two are the ones with actual experienced. I only ever kissed one girl before I died and only you two since then."
"I didn't mean that bit!" Chris groaned dropping his head onto Harrison's shoulder. "I mean with the bond."
"Oh." Harry laughed. "It'll complete, you'll know if each other are in pain or if you need the other. Some people start to share thoughts and feelings."
"What about you?" Chris asked.
"What about me?" Harry asked.
"Will you be included?" Harrison spoke up for Chris.
"Not in the bond but I would know if either of you were hurt if I wanted it." Harry told them.
"We should do this tonight so that we're all included, even if only Chris and I will bond." Harrison told him. Harry grinned at him.
"You two had better lead I think." Harry told him.
"There's only one way I can think of to have us all in contact like that." Chris whispered huskily. Harry shivered as he felt Chris' right hand slide up across the skin of his back. He let his eyes shutter and leaned forwards into Harrison.
(Scene-edited for serious NC-17 content. Check my AFF profile for it if you want to read it)
Harry stayed with the two for the night even though he didn't need to sleep. The Pull was utterly silent and Harry knew that the Angels of Destiny knew what had just happened and he was grateful that they were keeping silent. His Death instincts were silent, he had no second knowledge lurking at the edge of his mind. No care about each action that could change the future. It was the first time he felt like any other mortal even though he was still Immortal.
As the only one awake the other two seemed to cuddle up to him. Harrison had his head under Harry's chin and Harry breathed in steadily with a gentle heartbeat to soothe his dreams even though he didn't need to do either. His body was draped over Harry's right side while Chris was pressed up on his left side with his head on the pillow beside Harry's. Harry felt content for the first time in his life.
Harrison was the first the stir though it was easily ten in the morning before he woke up. HE burrowed into Harry for a moment before looking up at him with bright eyes. "Hey?"
"Harrison." Harry smiled at him before leaning down to kiss him lightly.
"I half expected you to need to go." Harrison spoke quietly even though even the slight noise was waking Chris up. Harry waited until Chris was watching them both with bleary eyes before he answered.
"The Angels of Destiny are giving me the morning off it seems." Harry grinned. "The first time off I've had in over a decade."
Chris chuckled and leant over to kiss first him and then Harrison. "Harrison, are you and your sister still coming over for lunch in San Francisco today?"
"I don't see why not." Harrison shrugged. Harry felt the Pull slam back into him and he shuddered as his eyes glazed over. When he came back to alertness from the sudden upwelling of information he found both his lovers staring at him. "What was that?" Harrison asked.
"I call it the Pull, it helps direct me to the Souls I need, tells me about them and also prompts me about the Grand Design." Harry told him. "It just came back. You should go and enjoy yourself. I might be along later though if this means anything."
"Will Harrison be safe from Demons?" Chris asked.
"The Pull doesn't suggest otherwise or I wouldn't allow you to go." Harry smirked at him before concentrating for a moment on something he'd felt forming between them throughout the night. "Trust me, Chris, I wouldn't let anything happen to either of you."
"What?" Chris gasped out loud.
"A bond formed between the three of us. The Soulmate bond between the two of you spread out to me and with my joining it's more powerful than normal. I doubt this has much of a limit to range." Harry flashed them both a smile as he finished directing the word at him.
"This is cool." Harrison grinned as he tried it.
"Great more voices in my head! As if my family being able to call me wasn't enough." Chris sighed though Harry got the feeling he wasn't any less pleased with the development than they were.
Harry transported out of the bed and was standing at the foot of the bed wearing his normal black clothing even as Harrison fell into Chris with an undignified yelp. They both turned to look at him. "I have work to do." He explained.
"We'll see you soon?" Chris asked. "Spend some normal time with each other?"
Harry nodded determinately. "Stay safe." With that he was gone.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Harry had taken two souls on to the Beyond and then lingered there talking to somebody for a while about Harrison and Tru before he and Death met up in Northern Russia. A train had broken down in one of the coldest places in the world and their lists were filled. "This is grim." Harry spoke up.
Death looked at him for a moment before flashing him a grin that showed he knew exactly what Harry had been doing the night before. Harry smirked back at him before moving a few paces to the side to study the body of one of the trains crew sprawled in the snow. As he stood up the soul of Drake Sensky was standing beside him. He tried to escape the train without much success and thus been the first to freeze to Death.
"I died didn't I?" He asked Harry without seeing Death behind him.
"Everybody does eventually." Harry told him and offered his hand. As soon as the man took his hand Harry slipped them into the Ghostly Realm and with a quick word's parting the man passed through the vortex.
Harry was back in the train a moment later ready to take the next one when he felt a ripple of pure coldness pass through him. The Angels of Destiny had picked up something before him or Death since neither of them were watching the world. Two of the Deviant's servants were attacking the Charmed Ones targeting Wyatt mainly since he was the greatest power.
"The war has started." Death told him from his shoulder.
"Harrison and True are there." Harry told him.
"Go. I will finish this." Death told him. "Take one of the Reapers."
Harry nodded before transporting himself across the globe to San Francisco. He appeared in the centre of the Halliwell Manor where it seemed that most of Chris' family had come to greet Harrison and Tru. Piper, Wyatt and Chris were trying to guard Harrison, Tru and Miranda and Leo even though Tru and Leo were having to restrain Harrison from doing something stupid.
Harry appeared in the middle of the fight with an aura of fury flowing out of him. His first wave of magic did two things. It threw the servants headlong into the wall and also summoned up something that made the entire house shake. Flames erupted around him on all sides burning straight through the foundations, floorboards and carpet until he was hovering over a fiery chasm. He teleported in front of Piper, Wyatt and Chris even as something leapt from the hole.
It looked rather scrawny with too long legs and pale white skin stretched almost too tightly across it's thin form. Even so muscles flexed as it turned its head to look at Harry. It's huge black eyes blinked at him and Harry met its eyes placing its orders in its mind. Its lips drew back to show a hundred shard teeth before it turned back to the Deviant's servants and sprung.
One, a Wizard, apparated out of its path but the other was too slow and the Warlock was killed as wherever the Reaper touched burst into flame and started to turn to ash. The Warlock's very essence tried to struggle like a writing soul but the Reaper sunk into the ground along with it.
The second Wizard, who had apparated to the side of the room shot out a Killing Curse aimed at Wyatt but Harry lifted his hand and magic lashed out freezing the spell into a horridly hissing ball of green. Harry narrowed his eyes before transporting across the room. The Wizard tried to apparated away but Harry reappeared and grabbed at his magic freezing him in place as the Wizard felt his furious magic clamping down on his own.
"Enjoy Hell." Harry told him. Even as Harry spoke the same Reaper leapt out of the still burning hole and launched itself at the Wizard Harry held with his magic. He died in the same way and his screams echoed through the house.
Harry relaxed as he surveyed the room. "Remind me never to accept an invitation to one of your parties, Piper Halliwell."
Piper stared at him in shock. All of them had been frozen in a state bordering on shock throughout the fight. Only Chris had tried to help Harry only to find himself locked in place. Harry eyed the glowing Killing Curse before placing his hand around it. It shrunk a bit before vanishing completely as it tried to effect Harry. The hole in the floor was already closing over.
"What was that thing?" Wyatt gasped.
"A Reaper." Harry told him.
"I've never seen anything like it." Leo frowned.
"They guard the gates of Hell from the inside. We don't normally call for them but they are there to do the Angel of Death's biding." Harry told him. "There are other creatures. Perhaps you are more familiar with the Cerberus?"
"That's real?" Tru gasped.
"Of course." Harry told her. "I didn't think it would fit in the living room though."
"Thanks, Harry." Chris told him.
Harry nodded at him before turning to Wyatt. "You are ok?"
"Me?" Wyatt looked shocked and was looking between Chris, Harrison and Harry. So the two had told them all the truth.
"I mean no offence to Harrison or Chris but they were here for you, Wyatt." Harry told him. "They are unaware that Chris is bonded to anybody special and they cannot sense Harrison. You however are the most powerful mortal on our side and thus they attacked you."
"They're starting the war." Piper gasped.
"Proven since these two didn't channel the Deviant's power to fight me. The Deviant is saving his strength and when he chooses to attack no amount of Reapers or Cerberus' will be able to stop him." Harry told them all solemnly.
The sound of siren's made Piper pale. "We were too loud."
"It was probably the screams." Harry told her without sorrow. "It matters not."
"How am I going to explain all of this?" Piper asked with a gesture at the burnt out pit in the middle of her room. The burns where the two Servants had been and the utter destruction of her furniture.
"Not a problem." Harry told her before concentrating for a moment, calling for another neutral party.
"We are neutral." The voice spoke even before two men in white suits appeared.
Harry opened his eyes to face the two Cleaners. "There is no neutral party against the Deviant. You have your orders. Deal with this."
The Cleaners nodded and a ripple of magic swept the room. The furniture rebuilt itself, the hole filled in and the burns vanished and then the sirens stopped. The Cleaners nodded at Harry before vanishing.
"That was wicked." Wyatt commented. "You just ordered around the Cleaners."
"Wyatt!" Chris snapped at him.
"Thank you." Harry turned to them all including Wyatt, Piper, Leo and even Miranda in his words. He didn't really need to say it to Chris. "For protecting Tru and Harrison."
Harrison led Tru over by the hand. He was wearing a shaky grin but that solidified into a happy one when Harry smiled back at him. "Thanks for coming."
"At least now you have an idea what we are facing. With their own powers though, like today, they can't stand up to me or the other Angel of Death." Harry told them before turning to Chris. "I have other work to do today but there is one thing left that needs to be done today with your family's help. There is somebody who wishes to speak to Tru and Harrison. I'd like you to arrange it."
"Who?" Tru asked frowning trying to think of anyone that the Halliwells were in contact with that would want to talk to them and probably coming up empty.
Chris' eyes widened however and Harry nodded at him. "Their mother is rather insistent and I spoke to her earlier today."
"What!?" Harrison gasped. "What are you talking about?"
"I really have to go, Harrison, but Chris will explain it all to you." Harry stepped over and kissed him quickly on the lips. He did the same to Chris before nodding at the rest of the family and vanishing.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
A few days later
When it happened both Angels of Death felt it instantly. A huge build up of power that pressed against the Gates of Hell. It made them both shudder. "It is time to end this."
"One way of another." Harry nodded still feeling that foreboding whenever they spoke of this meeting. "Go to it and summon them all. I will get the Wizards, Charmed Ones, Melinda, Tru and Harrison."
"We have but half an hour." Death warned him.
"I know." Harry nodded and transported away from Mount Everest where they'd both been standing. He went straight to the Office of the Minister for Magic. Hermione was sitting behind her desk. She looked strained and tired beyond belief though Harry wasn't surprised, she'd just lost her husband.
Harry didn't do anything to scare her this time, he simply appeared sitting in the chair opposite the desk. He was wearing his black clothing but he looked completely real this time. There was no lingering effect of insubstantiality. "Hermione."
She jerked violently and to her credit her wand was pointing at him only an instant after she looked up. "Harry!?" She gasped and the wand tumbled from her fingers.
"I haven't told you something." Harry told her and leaned across the desk. He picked up her wand and twirled it in his fingers. "I'm not a ghost."
"What?" Hermione frowned.
"You were raised Muggle. You know what the Angel of Death is." Harry told her bluntly.
"That's impossible." Hermione told him.
"I'm Harry Potter." Harry laughed though the laugh didn't spread to his eyes. "Nothing's impossible for me."
Hermione chuckled at the well remembered phrase. "How?"
"The world doesn't have time for explanations. You'll just have to trust me. I took Zacharias onto the Beyond when he died and it was me that stood in front of you in Diagon Alley. You had to live so that you could lead the Wizarding World in this fight." Harry told her. "You are the only one that can unite them in so short a time."
"Against what, Harry?" Hermione asked. "You know I'd go into battle for you no matter how bad the odds but what are we supposed to fight?"
"The Deviant." Harry told her. "The being that worked through its servants. It's breaking out of Hell right now."
"Harry, I don't understand." Hermione told him.
"It's an enemy that makes Voldemort look like a child, Hermione. It was locked deep in Hell millennia ago but now its strong enough to get out again." Harry told him. "There is a single man that with my help can reseal the Gates of Hell once they are opened but we don't stand a chance without the Wizarding World there to fight the battle that will rage once the Gates open and then when the demons arrive to try to help it."
"How long do we have?" Hermione asked.
"Twenty-five minutes." Harry told her. "The Gate will open then. Be there before that with as many Wizards as you can Hermione."
"Harry, you can always count on me." Hermione nodded pulling herself from her chair.
"You've never let me down." Harry stood as well and smiled at her before preparing to leave. "You'll be able to sense the build up soon."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Halliwell Manor
Harry appeared and the breakfast table went silent as Piper, Leo, Wyatt and Melinda turned to stare at him. "It's time." Harry told Piper bluntly. "Anyone that can fight and wishes to must do so."
"Now?" Piper half stood.
"The Gate will open in less than twenty minutes. Get your sisters." Harry ordered.
"I'm coming too." Melinda declared.
"If she can fight we need her." Harry told Piper bluntly. "Where is Chris?"
"With Melinda Gordon in Grandview." Piper told him with a pale look.
"Piper, we need everyone for this. The Wizards will come and the other Witches will all hear the call but the Charmed Ones must be there or we'll never stand a chance of getting through." Harry told her.
"We'll be there." Leo stood up.
Harry looked at the mortal and nodded. It was as much the mortals fight as anybody else's but Leo had to do more. He stepped over to Leo as the man stood and put his hand on the man's cheek. Power surged through the room and Leo glowed fiercely golden. "By the Angels orders you will be what you once were. The choice of whether to retain it will come after this battle. You are once more an Elder. Use the powers to fight and protect as you were always supposed to."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Grandview
Harry felt the surge of power that spread across the surface of the planet. It was like feeling an Earthquake under your feet but anybody attuned to the supernatural would have felt it for what it was. The most powerful beings on Earth calling for everybody creature to fight. Harry felt a shiver run up his spine before he walked into the Fire House and located Jim, Melinda's husband. He appeared before the man who recoiled violently at the sudden appearance.
"If you wish to protect Melinda in this fight then come with me." Harry lifted a hand. Jim's eyes widened but Death's appeal was working at full tilt especially since Jim would have felt that call for fighters. He took Harry's hand and in a moment they were standing in the centre of the Antiques shop. There was a crash as something made of glass hit the floor and Harry took in Melinda's shocked face as her husband was transported into the room by Death.
"Harry?" Chris called from where he was sitting on the counter top.
"It's time. You felt the pulse?" Harry asked.
"Melinda did too." Chris told him.
"As did all of the free ghosts on Earth. We need Melinda to guide them, she is the only one." Harry told them all until his eyes landed on Melinda's face. "Are you coming?"
"What do I have to do?" Melinda asked.
"The Ghosts are attuned to you, they sense you and will listen to you." Harry told her. "They are stronger now than ever before and they will fight to protect the world that their loved ones still live in."
Melinda nodded. "Chris?" Harry turned to him. "This battle is the line. Do not cross it no matter what happens. Take them to the place the pulse originated from. Your family will be there soon."
"Where are you going?" Chris asked worriedly.
"To guide Harrison through this battle." Harry told him.
"Bring him to me before the battle starts?" Chris pleaded. Harry nodded and vanished.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Harrison's flat
Harry was shocked when he arrived. Harrison was lying on his couch sweating and trembling. The power that ebbed around him was immense. It wasn't yet what Harry could control but this was simply the edge of his power reacting against the force prying the Gates of Hell open. Harry knelt at the side and put his warm hands on Harrison's cheeks. Harrison's eyes burst open with a startled gasp.
"Harry?" Harrison sounded panicked. "It's starting isn't it?"
Harry leant down and kissed him softly and the magic swirling around Harrison calmed. Excepting Harry for the guardian of the Gates of Hell. "Yes it is. You and your sister are the last I have to collect."
Harrison sat up abruptly. "What is Tru supposed to be able to do?"
"Do you think she would sit at home when you have to risk her life?" Harry asked. "I cannot do that to her. Even so she is one of the links between the Beyond and Earth, a waypoint to attract souls from heaven that wish to fight this battle. We need every advantage."
Harrison nodded knowing they were short on time. Harry helped him stand and held him closely for a few moments before transporting them both out of the flat and to their last stop. Tru was working at the morgue and she actually screamed as Harry appeared with Harrison in his arms. Harrison turned to Tru and nodded. "It's time." Harry told her.
She drew herself up but they were interrupted as the door swung open and two people ran in to the room. The first shocked Harrison and Tru but the second was only Davies, chasing Jack into the room.
"I want to help." Jack announced.
"How do you know what's happening?" Tru narrowed her eyes at him.
"An Angel of Destiny has spoken to him." Harry told her and nodded at Jack. "Come then."
"Me too." Davies declared. Harry didn't change his expression but without needing to touch them he transported them all across the globe and directly next to Death.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Sahara desert
It was the heat that hit them first. The sun was still a way from the western horizon and it burned down on them all. Harry stood completely unaffected by the heat but the others weren't so privileged.
"Harrison!" Chris yelled and ran up the grass to them. Harry let Harrison go so they shaking young man could hug Chris tightly.
"Where are we?" Jim gasped.
"In the centre of the Sahara Desert." Death told him.
"Tru, Jim?" Harry asked. "This is the other Angel of Death. You saw him briefly some time ago, Tru."
"I remember."
"Harry, the Wizards are coming." Death suddenly told him.
"Good." Harry nodded before looking out over the scene. The Halliwells were there en mass as well as Melinda, Jim, Tru, Jack and Davis. "We should be getting some friends in a moment." Harry told them all.
Harry drew himself up even as the air around them was filled with the sound of apparition. The Halliwells went on the defensive and Chris pulled Harrison into his chest as they were surrounded over the next few seconds by hundreds of dark red robed Aurors. "Relax Chris." Harry told him.
"Harry, these are the fast response. More can be here in fifteen or twenty minutes." Hermione darted forwards. She was looking so energetic all of a sudden and Harry knew it was purely because their enemy was the one that had killed both her son and husband.
"They will be too late." Death spoke up drawing attention to himself. Hermione flinched as she looked at him.
"Hermione." Harry drew the attention back to himself. "There are people here that cannot be allowed to die. All those with me here must be protected at all costs."
"All costs?" She asked. Harry nodded. A surge of power made the sand under them shift and the Aurors spread out with their wands in hand looking for enemies.
"It's starting." Harry told her.
"Call them, Harry." Death ordered.
Harry leaned his head back to look at the sky and his magic surged up in him reaching out into the air before a shockwave flung itself across the world. It only took a moment before outside of the ring of Aurors shadows began to form. One of the Aurors shouted out a warning and they all turned outwards to find themselves surrounded by ghostly figures, some less substantial but others looked solid. Harry grabbed Harrison's hand and turned him around to his mother standing behind them.
Five more forms appeared beside the Angel of Death and Harry nodded at them. They were those like himself, with a mission to protect the worlds future and powered by that mission. Leo was looking at them in shock but even he was surprised when the air filled with silver and gold orbs as robed figures appeared throughout the Aurors. Hundreds of Whitelighters and dozens of Elders.
"Are we expecting anybody else?" Piper asked him.
"Not until the Gate opens." Harry shrugged.
"Which will be soon." Death spoke quietly.
No sooner had he spoken when a fierce roar shook the desert and the sand within their circle bucked up. They all spread out except for Harry, Death and their five companions. Chris drew Harrison away from Harry even though he looked like he wanted to stay with him. A great black creature forced its way up through the sand and there was no doubt it was a Cerberus as the three heads turned to look at them all before settling its eyes on Harry and Death. It growled before pawing at the ground.
"It's time!" Harry yelled so that all could hear him.
Before anybody could answer him the ground rumbled and bucked again though this time it was almost enough to send everyone to their knees. The ground under the Cerberus erupted into flames that roared up around the growling creature which jumped out of the flames. It pawed at the ground as it lowered its head to the ground. Harry sent out another called and out of the flames a dozen Reapers jumped clear moments before the flames exploded upwards with a screech.
The mortals grabbed at their ears as the air was filled with the sounds of screaming. The sky darkened before lightning streaked across it even though there were no clouds. There was no thunder. A huge shadow reared up within the flames as the Gate swung wide open. Its roar sent many of those there to their knees.
The Gates of Hell were open and the Deviant was standing in the portal.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
End Chapter