Chapter 15

Thanks to all those who reviewed again! The reference in chapter twelve, for those who haven't guessed, is from the Gringotts bank warning. This chapter is a little choppy but there are a lot of time skips. I kept rewriting it but it hated me so I took the best draft and used that one.

Warning: There is foul language in this chapter. Azrael gets a little pissed...

Apocalypse Begin

"So, you take me to Azrael now, yes? Let's get cracking."

Harry glanced up as the door opened and smiled at the brothers. Bobby briefly popped his head out of his study, but immediately returned when he saw who it was.

"How was the hunt?"

"Yeah, bout that… We ran into a long lost friend of yours."

Harry frowned and glanced at the man who followed Cas inside. He seemed really familiar but he couldn't quite figure it out.

"Azrael, let me introduce you to Gabriel," Sam said quietly.

Harry stood so fast the couch scooted back a few inches. Immediately his magic was running over around and through the soul of… of Gabriel. It was actually him-

"Gabriel!"

With a small sob, the smaller angel launched himself at his sibling with the force of a rocket. If Gabriel wasn't an angel, Harry was sure there would have been a hole in Bobby's wall.

"Are you truly… fledgling it has been so long. I… What has happened to you?"

"I-I never died Gabriel…"

"Died? I thought you had run away! What do you mean died!?"

Harry jerked back with wide eyes. There was no deceit in the archangels face. He looked well and truly confused, with a dash of anger thrown in.

"Is that- you thought I would run away?"

"I didn't know what to believe! One moment you were gone and the next Lucifer was rebelling against heaven! I had no idea what was going on Azrael," Gabriel cried his hands clawing into the smaller man's arms. "I left, at first, to find you. I knew that you could stop Lucifer, you've always been able to calm him but you weren't anywhere. I wondered why you would have left… I never thought…"

"Oh, Gabriel… How long have you been looking?"

"Ever since I left. In the beginning Michael kept tailing me so I had to hide but I never stopped looking for you. When the Winchester's said they knew you I-"

"He was ready to smite us right there if we didn't have him trapped in holy oil," Dean threw in, his head poking in through the kitchen doorway.

Harry blinked. He hadn't even noticed when the hunters had left but he could understand why. Sam had probably pulled Dean out of the room to give them a peaceful reunion and Cas had joined them. Gabriel snorted but turned back to the precious bundle in his arms.

"Now, will you tell me why you're occupying a dead body and why you have magic but I can't feel your grace?"

Harry gave a really nervous sounding laugh that had his brother narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "Yeah… About that. It's a sort of long story…"

"I have all the time in the world now baby brother. Get to talkin'."

The wizard winced at his brother's tone. Big over protective brother was not happy. At all. But he had a story to tell so he sat them down. He explained his life as Harry Potter, avoiding talking about how he actually got there (too much information might make Gabriel go on a smiting spree… a little at a time was good), and the events that led to him getting his memories back. He also explained the little he knew that was happening in Heaven after he visited.

"So Uriel has his memories back? What a relief…"

"Maybe," Harry hesitated. "Maybe you can visit for me? Michael wasn't exactly happy that I left the way I did. He wants to throw Lucifer back into the cage but I think he'll stop for me."

"Oh, I know he will fledgling." The archangel winced at the sharp pinch to his side. "I don't care how old you get, you will always be my fledging," he cried smooshing his baby brother's body against his own.

"Breath! I need air!"

"Oops…"

Harry slumped into the couch panting.

"As for your request… I don't know how they'll take having me back in heaven. I did run away you know just like… Hey, wait a minute. You said died earlier! You never answered."

The wizard cringed away. He knew that look. That look meant torture most nefarious. Tickles of Doom.

"No," he shrieked, leaping away and off the couch. "I refuse to be subjected to that!" And with that he fled to the kitchen where the Winchesters were still mulling about with weapons and food on the table. "Sam! Protect me!"

Gabriel sauntered into the kitchen with an evil grin. "Hand over the fledgling, Winchester, and no one will get hurt."

"Nu-uh Harry. You can protect yourself. I am not getting between you and a trickster."

Harry was promptly shoved toward Gabriel who began his tickle attack. Harry wasn't quite sure how long he was shrieking and laughing on the floor but he did know that this was the lightest he had felt in a long time, just barely trumping when Uriel awoke. Maybe everything would be alright. His family was almost complete. All that was left was his mate.

"I can't believe you still won't explain what happened," the trickster complained.

"Like I said, you still need a little time before I think you won't go on a smiting spree."

"Was it truly that bad, little brother," Gabriel asked with a frown.

"It… It could have been worse but I think you'll like the story just as much as Lucifer did…" It was true. If Gabriel knew what happened he probably would try something. Not slaughter them all, he lived among them and knew that not all humans were bad, but humanity would probably never be the same again.

A grim expressions twisted his brothers visage and Harry grimaced along with it. "I'll tell you, I swear," the wizard started. "Just not- not now, okay?"

"I guess I can deal with a little more time not knowing."

"Thank you, Gabriel," Harry sighed in relief, his tense body relaxing.

February, 2010 just happened to be one of the more interesting months now that Harry looked back, excluding when Sam and Dean took Harry to a convention for a book series called Supernatural. Gabriel and Harry could not get over how hysterical it was that the Winchester's had a whole series about them. Dean kept whacking Harry and shooting Gabriel in retaliation. (Which stated a prank war between the Winchesters and the archangel but that was a story for another time.)

But February had raised corpses and cupids. Seriously. Harry had immediately called Death to put the dead back to rest (Harry superseded Lucifer on matters of Death, of course). Bobby wasn't quite sure whether to be happy or sad.

That's when the bad news came. Lucifer didn't keep the entity around long enough for Death to tell him that his mate was still alive. Harry just shook his head at his husband's arrogance. (The Winchester's hadn't been able to say anything through Lucifer's villainous monologue) It had only gotten worse since being in the cage apparently… And then there was also the news of Samael. The reapers were still having trouble finding him so Death warned him that staying with the Winchester's, Bobby, or Gabriel was paramount to his safety.

Then only two months later, Dean and Sam end up being killed and going to heaven where they learned that God was on Earth and completely apathetic to the Apocalypse. Both Harry and Cas moped about Bobby's house until the hunter kicked them to the curb. Gabriel came to the rescue and swept them both off to one of his safe houses. There Harry got to start on one of his oldest traditions again. Helping Gabriel preen his wings. Cas was later dragged into the session and everyone was happy. Except Harry still wondered if God was apathetic to his existence as well…?

"Whore of Babylon."

"What?"

"Well you asked me what was going on in that town didn't you," Harry asked sardonically.

"Well, yes but what is the whore of…?"

"Babylon," the wizard sighed. "Cas has been telling me about the prophecies that were made after I was gone. One of the apocalyptic ones is the Whore of Babylon. She's a false prophet. Easiest way to find her is the one who says that they can hear and see angels. You already know the symptoms of that Dean."

Sam glanced at Dean. Looks like they both had the same thought. The pastor's daughter was a false prophet then.

"Thanks for the help midget. We'll see you when we get back."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't get yourselves roasted all right. And make sure a true servant of Heaven stabs her with a Cypress branch. You're with Cas, he can easily grab you one of those."

"Thanks, Harry."

"Not a problem."

The phone clicked and Sam closed it.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me! Michael you arse! You told me you didn't want anything to do with the Apocalypse anymore what the hell do you think taking Adam as a vessel is going to do for you!? And there's also the fact that Death is now furious at you for raising the dead! It wasn't in his destiny to be brought back! You're defying the balance!"

Adam watched with wide eyes as the smaller man that Dean and Sam had brought kept yelling and cursing at the very bright light shining from the ceiling.

"Oh hell no! I'm not going back to heaven until I see Lucifer! I don't have my grace so you can't drag me back either, else you risk completely destroying me! Fuck you, brother! Lucifer is my mate!"

The ringing got louder and Adam winced feeling blood trickle from his ears.

"Oh, greeeaaaat now you're killing Adam! He doesn't even want to be a vessel! I don't care if he already said yes! He's unwilling!"

Harry gaped for a moment, listening.

"Fuck that! That is a shitty loophole you arse! You try to take him and I will rip the feathers from your wings! Don't think I won't follow through with that threat! Gabriel would gladly help me!"

The light dimmed and brightened painfully.

Harry tsked and threw his magic out into a protective shield around Adam. It wouldn't last very long if Michael truly fought but it would at least protect the human from the angel's burning grace. He really hadn't wanted to face his brother but he also didn't want the archangel in a vessel. Especially a vessel that had meaning to his friends.

"Yes, I found Gabriel and yes, he's on my side! As are Raphael and Uriel I'm sure. I still don't understand why you are so against Lucifer coming back. At least give me a reason. It might even convince me to come home," he snorted.

We fought over you when you couldn't see, Azrael. I wanted you just as much as Lucifer did. It was painful to see you smile at him so. I wanted that smile for myself. But you would never give it to me. It was always for Lucifer.

"You-You," Harry spluttered. "You were jealous!?"

I understand that you will never love me more than a brother but I will not let that snake have you again.

"He did that for me! When he learned what the humans had done! He killed them for me and don't you dare demean that!"

And yet he still killed God's creations.

"And so have you," he roared furiously. "Don't you dare fucking deny that you have bloody wasted entire civilizations!"

I only wish to protect you, Azrael.

"Well you can shove your bloody fucking protection up your arse Michael!"

At this point tears were starting to fill his eyes. This isn't what he wanted to hear at all. To know that Lucifer and Michael had fought over him when he was still in Heaven was a shock. To find out that this was the reason Michael refused to help Lucifer tore at his heart. He only wanted to be reunited with his family, the way it once was. Was that too much to ask for?

Michael, sensing his brother's tears, sent soothing warmth through his grace to comfort. But Azrael only turned away and hung his head.

"All I want is for all of us to be together again. How it once was. That's all I want… But I guess, too much has happened. It will never be the same again," the wizard whispered. There was heartbreak in his voice. How could he deny his brother this? After everything that he had gone through?

Michael shifted guiltily and brushed his grace against the corpse his brother resided in. Perhaps, he should have a chat with Raphael and Uriel. Father only knew what those two had been scheming behind his back. It looked like it was time to reconcile with Lucifer…

Oh, the things he did for Azrael…

Now when the brothers went on hunts Harry had company. Adam, seeing Harry as his new savior, pretty much attached himself to the wizard. Wherever Harry went, the youngest Winchester (Milligan he insisted) followed. It was sort of annoying but Harry wasn't going to say anything against it. Gabriel thought it was cute and Sam and Dean were just ecstatic that Adam was hanging around. Bobby just grunted and sighed over having even less room in his house. Though, Harry knew he was glad for the company, grumpy old man that he was most of the time prone to be.

Adam wasn't very interested in joining in on hunts but he did like learning about creatures and how to protect himself. Dean even once admitted that their brother's presence was a slight balm on their souls, especially after Jo and Ellen were lost in Missouri.

Harry glanced up as Dean and Sam packed the last of their bags.

"Hey, I have a bad feeling about this one… be careful please. And tell Gabriel not to be an idiot."

"He's still sulking that you haven't told him about Lilith killing you ya know…"

"I know. It's been months but I just can't- What if he decides to do what Lucifer did? I can't… I won't have that."

"But the other archangels know."

"Yes, I know that… but Lucifer, Michael, and Gabriel have horrible tempers. You've never actually seen Gabriel mad because he has patience. He can hold a grudge just like Lucifer. Michael has always had an explosive temper that fades. Grudges aren't his thing. Even if he did most of his attention is focused on me and not revenge. And Lucifer… well let's say he has a violent temperament and leave it at that."

"Damn, midget. I really don't want to be at one of your Sunday dinners up there."

Harry chuckled and shook his head. "Just be really careful okay?"

"Can do short stuff. Keep Adam safe got it?"

"Bye Harry."

And then the two were gone and Harry relaxed into the frumpy couch.

"Azrael!"

Said person jolted off the couch and onto the floor with a thump.

"Little one you must stop him!"

"Wh-what? Death what is going on?"

Adam peeked into the room to gaze curiously at the very pale man standing over Harry. Bobby took a look and groaned before pulling the boy back into the study.

"Don' get involved in this one, boy. Never good when Death comes knocking," Harry heard him say as he closed the door.

"Lucifer is going to slaughter the pagan gods."

"How is this a problem? The gods will just be reborn."

"Because Gabriel is Loki and the gods have the Winchesters."

"Oh, bloody buggering fuck!"

"My sentiments exactly…"

"You still can't take me directly to him?"

"No. But I can tell you the hotel that they are using and give you a clear visual image. Normally I would not send you to face him but this is… unprecedented."

"Yeah, I'd say. Great! I don't want to meet him like this but I can't let him kill all these gods… Hurry! Give me all the info you got!"

"The name is the Elysian Fields Hotel…"

Harry apparated without splinching himself and collapsed on the ground. Using magic just seemed to get more and more difficult the longer he occupied this body but dammit he didn't have anywhere else to go right now. It was when he felt the first death and Lucifer's overwhelming presence that he hauled himself off the ground and rushed inside.

What he came upon... it was a slaughterhouse. The walls were painted red and entrails decorated the floors. It really made him want to puke but he didn't have time for it and considering he was a part of Death he had seen worse. Stumbling through the hallways and following the intoxicating feeling of Lucifer's grace, Harry ran into Dean and Sam.

"Harry! What are you doing here," Sam gasped as he rushed forward to steady him.

"I have to stop him before he does something he will regret."

"And murdering all these gods doesn't count?"

"They'll be reborn as long as they have followers with faith but Gabriel will not be. I can't let them kill each other…"

"Hey, feathers has some pretty powerful mojo, man. I think he'll be alright."

"You don't understand Dean," Harry said as the equilibrium in his body finally settled. "Lucifer is the one who taught Gabriel all that mojo. He knows all of his tricks. The student can't beat the master in this scenario. Sam let go. I need to stop them."

"Harry…"

"Now! I will not have my family kill each other. I wouldn't stand for Michael killing Lucifer and I sure as hell won't stand for Lucifer killing Gabriel!"

"Harry, please. I know you already have someone but I-"

"I know. I've known for a while since Bobby pointed it out but I didn't want to hurt you feelings. Please. Just go."

The Winchesters backed off and gave him one last glance before fleeing. Harry turned and determinedly stalked towards the ballroom, slipping through the doors quietly. Harry felt before he saw the blade that Lucifer pulled. It still howled with power. So when Lucifer spun and stabbed, Harry found himself standing in front of Gabriel taking the full brunt of the silver blade.

"Azrael, no!" Gabriel sounded pitiful as he gathered him in his arms but Harry didn't blame him. An angel blade could kill an angel easily. But an archangel blade could kill almost anything, Azrael included.

He wondered for a moment how Lucifer must feel but already there was blackness encroaching on the edge of his vision. He wasn't sure if he was lucky or not that the blade only clipped his soul. Probaly unlucky, considering he would die slowly as his soul bled. Lovely.

"Azrael, stay with me! Please fledgling, little brother, don't go! Not now! You still haven't told me what happened," The archangel choked. "Father! Father, please! We lost him once already! Please don't let us suffer his death again!"

Death was there. Wherever there was. His vision was completely blurry but he could feel the presence of Death. The warmth that was so inviting. Perhaps it was time to go? Time to be one with himself again…?

Someone was speaking but it was slowly fading. That was alright. Harry liked the silence. Azrael liked the silence. And they both loved the dark. It kept them safe. Maybe now… it was… time…?

AN: Um, don't hate me please...?