Chapter 10

Wow. For some reason I just can't seem to stop writing this fanfiction… I tried to go write another chapter for my other stories but my mind just kept drifting back to this one. I guess I'll stay with this one while I have the time and the ideas to keep me going steady!

Someone asked if time passes differently in heaven. The answer is: yes. If you've seen the interaction between Castiel and Naomi then you know that time in heaven is a lot slower than time on Earth. Though the angels may be able to partly control some time flow. They really are ageless beings.

Apocalypse Begin

But Harry had always been able to read Raphael's feelings through his eyes and in this moment they expressed so much. Sorrow, pain, disbelief but most of all hope and joy.

They walked slowly to Michael's quarters, savoring each other's company. Harry because he had a real family now but his memories had just came back recently and the time he spent bound in Hogwarts didn't seem as real and close as the time he spent with his older brothers. He couldn't imagine how his siblings felt after being reunited after such a long period time.

They didn't talk, didn't need to really. The bond that they had was still there, stretched as it was, and Harry was glad for that. He only hoped that soon heaven would feel like home again.

Upon reaching a heavy ivory door with twisting vine patterns, Raphael paused before hesitantly sending his grace into the carvings. Uriel soon followed and Harry could only stare in amazement as the vines writhed and came to life before settling after tasting the grace. They would let them pass, thankfully. Harry was still in awe though. In all of his time as Azrael he had never seen the defenses that Michael had personally carved onto his door. The vines had never tested him. They hadn't needed to as they knew his grace.

"Raphael… Uriel?"

"Brother," they replied in unison.

"How did the seal…?"

Harry wasn't really paying attention to the conversation though. Michael's voice was distracting and not in a good way. The warm, soothing tones were gone only to be replaced by frigid stilting words. It didn't feel right having his eldest brother, who used to sing such beautiful songs, use such a frozen voice. But Harry understood why when he was again pushed to the front. Michael's bright and happy glow had dimmed. He was left with a feeling of illness and misery. His features were sharper and more pointed instead of the smoothness he had had before. It did terrible things to his image.

But it all melted when Michael laid eyes upon Azrael. When the archangel finally spoke his voice was croaky and some of the softness had seeped back into his features.

"How is it possible?"

"I never really died, brother. I was just trapped; unable to make my way home," Harry replied softly.

When Michael rose from his chair the wizard could easily make out the tremors that racked the angel's body. He shuffled closer so Michael did not need to move much and it was a good thing he did. As soon as he was in reach the first born practically collapsed on top of Harry and sobbed into his shoulder. One muscled arm coiled around Harry's waist, clutching him in a death grip, and the other fisted in the back of his hair leaving Harry to support the full weight of his brother.

"Brother, please… don't cry so… your face will get all snotty and then what will the garrisons think of you?"

Michael let out a choked laugh, "You were always the one trying to cheer everyone," he replied pulling his tear-streaked face from Harry's neck and stared into his eyes. "I have missed that dearly about you fledgling. Without you it was as if there was no more cheer in the world."

Two pairs of arms wrapped around Harry from either side and Harry found himself stuck in the embrace of three very strong and protective siblings. The only thing missing was Gabriel's inappropriate jokes and Lucifer's loving hold… he would do anything to have those back…

The four angels didn't know how long they stayed in that embrace. It could have been minutes, hours, or even days but they were all content. When it finally ended Michael bid them to sleep in his bed. They all agreed though, Raphael was slightly hesitant to show such affection after the rather big emotional outpouring earlier. Uriel just shoved him onto the bed and wouldn't allow him to move. Harry was able to fall into a peaceful sleep cocooned safely in his brothers' arms. They could talk about their problems later.

It was much later that they woke to a shrill alarm. Michael immediately jumped out of bed and was alert. Raphael though, seemed entirely unhappy.

"Lilith has appeared on my radar. She is much too near the prophet. I must go. I will be back brothers."

And then he was gone. Harry sat up slowly and frowned in confusion. "A prophet?"

"Yes. The one focused on the lives of the Winchesters," Michael answered.

"There's actually a prophet like that?"

"Yes."

"Brother," Uriel cut in. "There are things we must talk about. When Raphael returns I will inform him as well but as the leader of heaven right now it is more important for you to hear."

The eldest nodded, a frown settling on his features. Harry twitched. He didn't really want to discuss anything, he just wanted the peace and quiet of before.

"I… I killed some of our brothers and sisters to recruit for… for causing the apocalypse. I admit what I did was wrong and I am against it now but a major problem now is Zachariah."

"How is he a problem?"

"He was the one that gave the humans his blade and stood by while they… they… well I would say killed but I was bound instead to the Hogwarts castle in Britain."

"Where Athena is bound," Michael asked incredulously.

"Yes, she was not very fond of me."

"I would think not considering Lucifer was the one who bound her there. But Zachariah," and here the archangels face slowly grew red from anger, "He needs to be taken care of post haste."

"I agree," Raphael said walking into the room. At their confused faces he gave a smug smile. "You forget that I am the 'master spy' as humans say. I can hear anything you say even when you do not talk on the radio."

"And that is another problem. Azrael is in a vessel not made for him. The more grace he uses the more the body will degrade."

"How is this problem? You do not need a vessel in heaven little brother," Michael tsked.

"But I do need one for Earth and I doubt there are any vessels capable of holding me there-"

"Why would you need to be on Earth?" This time it was Raphael.

"I… I want the apocalypse to start… just not to happen." They all looked at him in surprise. "To let Lucifer walk free." Understanding dawned, though Michael still seemed disapproving.

"I see your reasons but it should not happen."

"And why not?"

"I regret letting that filth talk me into allowing it in the first place."

"Michael-"

"No. Lucifer has fallen from Grace Azrael. He will stay where he belongs. In the pits."

"Now brother there is no reason for this jealousy-"

"Jealousy," Harry whispered, confused.

Michael clenched his jaw. "That has nothing to do with my decision. We were tasked by God to love all humans, if the apocalypse happens what humans will there be to love. Our battle would destroy them all."

"But Lucifer would not fight if he saw me brother!"

"I agree with Azrael," Uriel intoned softly.

"You do not know this. I will cancel all further orders for allowing the apocalypse."

"Michael, even if heaven is not helping, now that the demons can break seals they will continue to do so, even if it takes them centuries. You know that is not very long for us. Lucifer will still walk free," stated Raphael in a rational manner.

The eldest archangel huffed and strode to one of the white pillars in his room. Then his fist destroyed it entirely rocking the foundations of the structure. Harry glanced around nervously. Then he gathered his courage and whispered, "I have been gone from heaven for a very long time and I have also lived the life of a human with free will. I do not just take orders anymore. I want the beginning of the apocalypse to happen but I will not allow the rest. You cannot stop me brother!"

And as quick as he was able Harry fled the room with shouts trailing after him. He knew his brothers were faster with their wings but he knew more about heaven's structure than they most probably did. As a curious youth he had explored thoroughly with and without Gabriel and right now he had the advantage.

Throwing himself forward into a roll he missed the grasping hands of a furious Michael. Another dive to the side and Raphael couldn't dodge the pillar, smacking right into it. Uriel only made a half-hearted attempt at grabbing him and so missed entirely as he ducked under the shelter of the roof on the gardens walkway. Michael would be furious with him for a time (his temper was actually a lot worse than Lucifer's and with all the added stress he had well… he didn't want to find out what his brother had planned) but he would calm eventually. He only hoped that Uriel kept to himself about his human name as it was an easy way to track him. Though, so far the quiet archangel seemed to be on his side.

Shoving past curious angels, Harry took a sharp left into the library (angels did not fly here in respect to their Father's scrolls) and plowed through the small crowd that seemed to want to hold him for Michael to grab. He was able to duck behind a shelf as Michael landed upon the entrance stone and strode in with searching eyes. Spotting the hatch door he had come for on the other side of the shelves (it had been a while since he'd been here. Give him a break!) he made a break for it, just barely missing colliding with Raphael.

He had to be really careful about this brother, the tactician. The wizard wasn't sure what side the archangel would take and it was deadly to try and fight or run from him. Good thing he wasn't aiming to hurt or kill which would make most of his plans more difficult.

Harry sprinted the rest of the way and yanked the latch on the floor up, slipping inside the darker halls in time to hear a violent bellow. He ran along the hallways always keeping his left hand upon the wall. It was a labyrinth here but in the center was another way out of heaven. Father had created it just in case the angels needed to escape (why would they? Well his situation was one example) but it was dangerous here if you didn't know your way around. Harry was lucky that the first time he had arrived down here was with Gabriel who had eventually gotten them both back to safety… Lucifer hadn't been too happy though.

Making it to the center Harry let a few drops of his grace fall to the floor and a brilliant white light shone briefly before disappearing. With it the wizard was gone as well.

Sam and Dean watched the pyre for Adam burn slowly. When they turned to leave they were not expecting the flash of light behind them. Sam spun on the spot, gun pulled from his hip and raised; Dean following. They were not expecting the sight of a sweaty and ill looking angel/pastor.

"Harry!"

Sam holstered the gun and jogged to the shivering boy.

"What happened?"

"I saw my brothers but Michael's a bit pissed at me," Harry replied with a shaky grin.

Sam opened his mouth to ask a question but the wizard had already passed out. Dean approached slowly, gun also holstered.

"You know, it seems he rides in the Impala a lot while unconscious. The freeloader."

Sam chuckled slightly, some of the worry draining from his features. He stooped to pick him up before gently placing him into the backseat of the Impala after Dean had so graciously opened the door.

"How long do you think sleeping beauty will be out this time?"

"I don't know… maybe we should take him to Bobby's? If Michael is mad at him the angels might be after him. Bobby can angel-proof a room for him."

Dean frowned and seemed to think it over. "Alright," he grumbled. "Fricken Pastor is always passing out on us. So not fair that we have to haul his ass around."

While Harry was unconscious he dreamed and it wasn't memories.

He knew where he was though. Death's realm…

"Death?"

Young one.

"I remember my name now."

That is good. What is it?

"I am Azrael, angel of Death."

The sound seemed to resonate through the darkness and a low hum started up. The darkness that had been cuddling (his admittedly brighter light) swarmed up around him and dived in. He could feel the cold slithering into his core and it felt as if it belonged. As if he had been missing something he hadn't even known was gone.

Harry shivered in bliss.

It is good to have you back.

"Have you talked to Father yet?"

No. He is very good at hiding when he puts his mind to it, Death muttered in exasperation.

"Oh… O-one of your reapers mentioned something."

Yes?

"He said that it was fate that the Angel of Death became the Master of Death."

Ah, yes. Well those items would only truly work for you. I created specifically to find their way into the hands of the angel of death.

Really? Well that explained why nobody had tried to kill him for the wand yet. "What were they meant to do?"

The wand was made from your scythe. It is your scythe and would only accept being wielded by you. The stone, also known as the Stone of Power by many creatures, was created to hold your grace if you could not.

That would be perfect! He could store his grace in the stone so he wasn't tempted to use it and degrade his body further!

And the-

"Wait! If the stone is meant as a container why does it bring back souls…?"

…The last owner to actually store power in that stone was a rather powerful necromancer. There is still some of her lingering magic in there.

"I see."

Any more questions? The voice was still monotone but it somehow carried a hint of irritation.

"Ah, no. Sorry for the interruption."

Hmmm. The cloak was made to hide you from any you did not wish to find you, even me if need be. But for now it seems to be the only thing holding your vessel together.

"What!"

Hn, yes. Definitely what's holding it together, in conjunction with the necromantic power from the stone.

"If I didn't have the Hallows this body would already be dead," Harry asked in a panic.

It technically already is. The only reasons that humans would classify the body as alive is that the body functions are still working, yours are not anymore, though as long as you have the cloak you will not be cast from the body.

While Harry heard and processed what Death was saying he was having too much of a panic attack to answer. The body he had grown in as a human was technically dead. The more he used his grace the further it would rot. Oh no… What must the brothers think!? If his heart was not beating and he was not breathing! Crap!

"I have to get back!"

Why the rush?

"The Winchester's might burn my body! It's my only way to stay tangible on Earth right now…!"

Oh dear. Well that won't do. Back you go.

"Wait how do I speak with you again?"

You only have to wish it Azrael. You do not need to come to my realm to speak to me. We are connected now.

"It won't use my grace will it?"

No, you will not be in any danger of further destroying your vessel by talking to me. So your body will stay as it is longer, I shall impart some of my own energy into it before the necromantic powers run out.

And then Harry was sitting up with a gasp.

(AN: Still three hundred words short so I guess the story must go on ;D)

"Crap!"

A gunshot right next to his head was the only warning that attack was imminent. Harry rolled off of the pile of wood he was on.

"Sam! Don't shoot me please!"

"Dean, hold on!

"Ya Idjits!"

A few minutes later Harry was able to stop cowering under the car he had crawled under for cover. Sam helped to pull him out and Harry noticed the frown.

"What?"

"Your hand… it's still as cold as ice."

"Ah well… this body is technically dead now. It doesn't require oxygen or a heartbeat."

"The hell, man, so now you're like a walking fairytale vamp," Dean asked caustically.

"Not at all. I'm hungrier for brains than blood."

Dean blanched and Sam looked a little grossed out. Bobby just stood there running suspicious eyes over him.

"So what happened?"

"Well we left you with Bobby, not sure when you were going to wake up. Few days later we get a call that you died."

"Sammy refused to let Bobby burn your body till we got here."

"It's Sam," the giant muttered.

Normally Harry would have snickered but this time he couldn't help but gape over the time. A few days? Last time he had been in Death's realm like that it was only a few minutes! Time… time was a bitch Harry concluded.

"I am sorry about the freak out. I recently found out that this body was not originally meant to be my vessel."

"So what?"

"Is that bad?"

"Well, balls."

Guess who said what. Harry sighed and ran his hand through his messy hair. "Normally someone not meant to contain an angel would just explode if you tried to possess them, but I possessed this one when it was a fetus still in his mother's womb. I grew with it so the body is used to containing my power but not used to me using it. Understand?"

"I think so," Sam said scratching his chin. "The more you use you grace the more it will damage your… vessel, right?"

"Yep."

"Well bollocks kid. We were hoping havin' another angel on our side would help stop the apocalypse."

"About that… I don't think I can stay with you guys now. I've decided to go back to my church, figure things out. You can always call if you need me but…" Harry didn't want to tell them he wanted the apocalypse to start.

"Sure just ditch when the going gets tough," Dean snorted.

"It's not-"

"It's fine Harry. We understand. Do you need a ride?"

"No I'll just use public transportation. Don't worry about me, okay?"

Sam's lips pinched but he nodded.

"And Sam? Be careful… you're still not you."

"Hey if you go to church don't ya think them angels are gunna find ya?"

"Aha… yeah. I'm not really hiding… I don't think Michael will hurt me but I'm not going to draw attention to myself okay? I can't even use the radio and I'm going to lock my grace up. It will be harder for them to find me that way. Really. I'll be fine."

AN: Yay~! I really am on a roll! I feel as if I can start the next chapter now but it probably won't go up tomorrow… I work all day then… sigh. Anyway please tell me what you think. I tried to incorporate Dark Serpent Cat's idea of Michael's jealousy but it won't be anything too major. It will probably be resolved the next time Michael sees Azrael… or maybe not. But When Lucifer is released there will be a big twist I doubt most of you will see coming! Heehee~