AN: I decided to give an estimated time on my profile conserning my stories.

AN2: I will also update the "first chapter" of Shards of tales.

AN3: Please give me names if you want to see someone with Harry. I prefer Harry/Lily/small harem + sleeping around with others. Please no yaoi! I don't have any problem with them, but I won't make my main character one.

1. chapter

Death

Harry Potter woke up in a dark chamber. He had a tall, lean but muscular fame. His face was soft but had some sort of edge to it. It was framed with cobalt black hair and in the center there was two emerald like eye alight with hidden strengh behind a pair of glasses. It was circular with obsidian columns at the sides. At the center there was a throne also made of volcanic glass and emeralds with green fire pyres at either side of it.

"Where I am?" he said slowly getting up. He wanted to have his wand in his hand but soon found that he was in a quite difficult situation with a little breeze. He was nude and without anything at hand in an unfamiliar room with no way out. His luck didn't improve much in recent years it seemed.

"In my realm, Harry Potter." came the response. The voice was melodic and light. Harry whipped his head in its direction and promply stepped back in shock. After the voice it came no surprise that the owner would a female, but he wasn't prepared for... for that! He was never the ladies-man but, she was gorgeous. Nay, he didn't have proper word for her. Angelical face turned to him with a little serene smile on her rosy lips. Her raven black hair flown in soft waves down to her hips with amethyst eyes alight with pure blessure looking at him. Perfect figure revealed itself to Harry, only obscured by little, black dress. Ivory skin so soft and creamy that women would kill for it. Long legs which would have man gawking at it by just the slighest shown. Breast of such size that would have teenager soiling their pants with their seeds just glancing at them. The woman only response to his rather blatant staring was a slight widening of her eyes and one arm going to her hips and thrusting it alittle to the other side.

"Like what you see?" she asked with clear amusement.

"What? No! I mean yes!" Harry blushed deep red in his embarassment. Strangely when the woman only gave a soft laugh at his fumblings he calmed down if only slightly. "Khm, I mean... Yes, I liked it, you are the hottest woman I ever seen! I mean you are gorgeous! And sorry for the... the starring, but you are so beautiful and... and.."

"Harry, love, please calm down." she was at his side in an isntant cupping his cheek in his hand "You don't need to apologies. After all it's only fair that you see some of me as I could see you as well."

"What?" he asked back a bit confused. Her smile transformed into a little grin as she pointed down. Harry, looking down realized what she said. He was still nude. In front of the most beautiful woman he ever seen or imagiened period! At it had a clear effect on him. He turned so red that would make a tomato proud. He tried to cover himself with his hand.

"Would it help if I was also without clothes?" she asked, making Harry to look at her with shock. She had her hand up with her fingers ready to snap.

"No! That's not necessary!" he said bit louder than what needed. He would die from awkwardness. He was sure that with only her nude form would be enough to turn it even more... well, he really didn't want to go there. "Okay, please can we.. just talk about this?" he nervously run his hand through his hair "I don't know where I am, how I got there or what happened to me at all. The last I remember was that I go to bed at my aunt's."

"Yes, that did happen." she nodded along with him disappearing from beside him and reappearing on her throne "I choose this evening to help you Harry Potter. After all you flirted quite heavily with me in the past years not to mention those gifts you sent to me!" she smiled at him " You are quite the bold admirer, aren't you?"

"What? I'm sorry ma'm but I never meet you, let alone flirt! And gifts? When? And what have I sent to you?" he was beyond confused now. He never seen this lady. He doupted anyone could forget a meeting with her.

"Oh,but you did!" she exclaimed joyously "On your first year: a troll, a cerberus, the shade of that man first in the forest then in the dungeons. Than at the second year you grew even more daring! Acromantulas, a basilisk... Do you know who I am? Or do you need more clue?" Harry did not.

"You are Death?" he asked a little taken back at his.

"In a sense, but I am more inclined toward the name Freya of Hel." she said with a soft smile.

"I see. Then could you lady Freya tell me what happened?" he said with a little frown.

"Of course. As I said you did great deeds for me and gave me gifts. I want to repay you for for it." she answered truthfully.

"Deeds? Gifts? I...I apologies but I don't remember anything of that sort." he stammered out, only growing more confused as it gone on.

"Mayhaps I should be more... plain in my explanation." she wondered aloud " There are few who could run from me. Tom Riddle did it with surprising cunningness. He will meet his end afore or late. But it's still a sore point for me to have someone cheat Death. You helped me with him greatly. And for this you shall receive rewards."

"What did I do?" he asked at last.

"There are several ways to archive immortality, both in the figurative sense and literally. Tom Riddle had chossen one of the most disgusting way to reach his dream. He divided his soul, and anchored them in different objects and beings."

"How many? How many of him is out there?" Harry asked wide eyed at the prosprect os it.

"He intended to have six of these, horcruxes in your people terminology. You already destroyed two. Can you guess what these were?" she asked quirking an elegant eyebrow. Harry wanted to just have the answers but sensed that the goddess in front of him would be displeased if he didn't at least try. And angering Death wasn't high on Harry's 'to do list'. Objects... he only destroyed two object associated with Voldemort and the prophecy was never in his hand. That left...

"The diary?" he asked at last. Seeing Freya nod his shoulder slumbed " I don't have any idea for the other." he confessed.

"It's alright beloved." Freya said "As even Riddle didn't know of it's existence as it was the seventh horcrux and he only wanted six. It was an accident."

"Accident?! You can create somehting like that by accident?" he asked wide eyed. He would be the first to confess that he never studied the real depth of magic, but he from what knew it wasn't possible.

"It happens when you use powers you don't fully understand. Making a horcrux requires mine power: the killing curse. It makes it an even greater insult to me. But that's other matter entirely... Riddle always made them when he kills someone noteworthy. One such was when he intended to kill the one who was destinied to kill him..." she looked at him pointedly at his scar.

"Me?" he was going numb. That...that asnwered why his connection with the Dark Lord. He could feel his emotions, his mere presence. "A part of his soul is in me?!" he was horrified and more than a little nauseous at the thought.

"No. Not anymore beloved. You destroyed that part not a long ago." she replied soothingly.

"When? How?" he asked back while relief floded him.

"He tried to posses you. You not only threw him out but destroyed the soul part in yourself with one go." her smile was full of pride.

"I see." he slowly calming down. It still didn't made easier knowing that for fivteen year he had a part of that madman's soul in himself.

"Now that I have explained that we should move on your rewads..." Freya grined at him giddily as if the prospect of doing so feeled with her with happines."You will see both of it soon enough."

"What?" but before he could do anything the world blacked out.

In Little Whining, on the Privet Drive, under number four there was a room. The smallest of all bedroom in the house. If someone seen it they would consider it natural in contrast to the other rooms unnatural cleaness. In this room on the bed of the room laid a brooding teenager.. Or would be if he didn't just woke up from a dream. Was it a dream?

Harry wasn't sure about his dream. He sat up and put his glasses then pulled them off. He looked around and saw everything. His vision was near perfect. He always had to wear glasses before but now... He felt conflicted. This kind of things doesn't repair themselves certainly not under a night. Did this mean that his dream wasn't a dream but real? Should he speak about it with someone? Before he wouldn't hesitate to contact Dumbledore about this. But after Sirius' death things changed.

He didn't know how he felt. He was sad, angry but most of all numb. He just couldn't bring himself to care about it. He just couldn't help it. Sirius was an older brother and an uncle in one man for he. It didn't matter that they only saw eachother scarlely at most. He was what others called family to him. The only true family he had.

He was back at his "family" since a few days. Maybe four or five. He will have to count it latter as he didn't really know. What did Dumbledore think when he decided that he should go back here for the summer? His uncle and aunt who despised his very existence, his cousin who was only an overgrown, spoiled bully. Did he think that they would help him get over of losing Sirius? Seriously?

But, he thought about. Truthfully a part of his mind – disturbingly in Hermione's voice, become his voice of reason. If he by some reason did blame himself for it then what about Tonks? Or Remus? Tonks dualed against Bellatrix if she defeated her then... Or Remus for he did not protect his best friend back. But he did not blame them, could not do so. Tonks - while dangerous, was simply put not good enough to beat the mad Black woman, at least not without help. Remus tried to defend Sirius, Harry seen at least one Deatheater trying to curse his godfather just to be put down by the werewolf. Did that mean that he was to blame?

He was just a teenager. He did what a child would do. Didn't thought ahead. Why should he? He never did and before the Ministry it always worked out more or less. Truly, nobody should except him not to fall into Voldemort's trap. Particuarly after this year, where nobody told him anything and his anxiousness was at the stratosphere.

He shouldn't blame himself for what happened to Sirius, at least not just himself. Was he at fault? Yes, of course. Were others at fault? Yes. Bellatrix, Voldemort and Dumbledore as well. Would Sirius want him to mope around? No. Had he other friends? Yes. He needed them and if the Prochesy was true they needed him. He had to stay strong for them. And his friends were there to help him. But first and foremost he had to help himself. He promised himself to defend them from Voldemort. Looking at his nightwatch he could see that it was five o'clock in the morning. He didn't bother trying sleeping, being pretty sure that he would fail after this.

Fortunately the Dursleys didn't bothered him this summer. Maybe after what happened last summer maybe because of Madeye speaking with them – Harry assumed that it was the later, but they didn't speak more than two dozen word to him in the time he was there including the instructions to do his choires. Harry was more than happy to oblige them.

He started to get ready for the day, when he took notice some other changes made to him. He was little taller, nothing very serious maybe a inch and half. What really gave him a shock was that he gained muscle. While he will never be a bodybuilder or even as big as Charlie or Bill Weasley, but his muscles become highly defined. He also noticed that some of his scar like his left knee or the scar on his right arm from the basilisk didn't ache anymore. He felt like he had a new body. Had Freya, because he started to really believe that his dream wasn't a dream at all, gave him a new body? Sadly he couldn't find answer to his question. Not this time.

As he didn't have to make breakfast and already done what needed to be done on that week, he had free it was unwelcome, the jobs, doing something took away his mind from recent events, namely Sirius' death.

Now, however he had to keep his promise to himdself. He will defend his friends from Voldemort and his eelk. He had know that the first steps would be the hardest to take. But knowing Hermione for five years gave him a new perspective on it. As he didn't know where to start training himself right now he could finish his schoolwork and after that he could focus on getting stronger.

He just started his transfiguration essay, when Fawkes appeared above his bed with a flash of fire, dropping a letter on his pillow. Harry was instantly on his feet with wand pointing at the majestic bird chest. Just to lower it seeing the bird reprocheful eyes as he landed on his shoulder. He apologitecally stroked the bird's beak.

„Sorry Fawkes. I'm rather jumpy..."

The phoenix croned softly and sang a beautiful if short melody. Harry, as always, felt as if the song filled him with happiness and strenght.

„Thanks Fawkes. I'm pretty sure that Hedwig wouldn't mind you having a bit of water from her bowl if you need some..."

The phoenix chirped thankfully as he flew to the owl's bowl and drank a little. Harry meanwhile turned his attention to the letter on his bed. What could Dumbledore want this early in the morning? It was only a little bit after six after all.

Dear Harry,

I'm sorry to interrupt your sleep, but I'm afraid certain things were brought to my attention which we need to discuise.

If you are agreeable I would visit you this evening at 8 o'clock. Please send your response with Fawkes.

Yours sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Harry of course had the response down in a minute, or the first version anyway. He had a very strong feeling that it was only because of Dumbledore's gentle personality that it was worded as a request instead of an order. But while you could write it many way, elegantly and brutish, an order was still an order. The final version was down at the five minutes mark.

Dear Dumbledore

You are welcome to come anytime you want. I will notify my relatives of your arrival.

I would like to apologies for what I have done in your office. I will of course pay for the damage i cause and accept any and all punishment you decide on.

Yours sincerely,

Harry Potter

There. It was simple and to the point. His rampage inside the headmaster officde was uncalled for. Yes, he was furious. Yes, he had all right to be. But, that didn't allow him to destroy the headmaster – mostlikely - priceless equipments. He will need to control himself if he ever wants to be seen as an adult and not like a child throwing a temper trantum.

After Fawkes disappeared with the reply Harry started to think the cause of the headmaster sudden visit to Privet Drive. There were several posibilities. The least likely that he will come to take him away, prefereably to the Burrow. He was pretty sure that it was not the case. He only stayed at Privet Drive for a week. More than likely he is coming to anonunce that Harry would need to stay the entire summer there. Or something realy important came up. He could only think of someone's dieing. But he waved it of. It was no use of being that negative about it. For now he will inform Petunia about it and go back to his essays.

Harry couldn't remember when was the last time a day went that slow. It felt like a year. At last, exactly at 8 o'clock, the door bell rang. Harry who was at the hall being prepared for the headmaster arrival, opened the door a moment later. There was the tall and thin figure of Albus Dumbledore, the wisest and greatest wizard of the age. With his white, long beard and hair, reaching his waist and blue robe he was the image of the Merlin style wizard in muggle eyes. His brilliant, soul-piercing blue eyes, usully twinkling with mischief and kindness, now bore into Harry's emerald, but there was a gentle spark in their deepth.

„Good evening Harry. May I come in?" he asked kindly as he was just a grandfather visiting his favourite grandson. Harry hastily stepped back letting the old wizard entry to the house.

„Of course professor. Please do so."

The old wizard stepped inside the house closing the door behind himself. He cast his glance along the hall. The pristine floor and walls, the closed door of the sitting-room. And for just a second he gazed at the closet under the stairs.

„Your relatives don't want to meet me, I take it." he said inclining to the closed door at the other side of the hall.

„My apologies sir. They want us to... go to my room and after that, you to leave the house without their notice." Harry explained a bit embarassed.

„I see." Dumbledore nodded „Well, for now we shall abide for their whishes." and with that the headmaster waved at the stairs indicating that Harry should lead him. Harry was a bit wide eyed as he did so. What did the headmaster meant by „for now"? His eyes only got bigger as he had seen Dumbledore's arm. The right arm's skin seemed to have burned itself coal black and craggy but the muscle was still intact under it. The proffesor noticed his stare, but just smiled gently at him making Harry blushing at getting caught at starring.

"It's a story of another time Harry. We have much more important matters to attend than a minor injury."

Harry did not know how the old wizard could call something like that a minor injury but let it slide and continued his way to his room. Inside the room Dumbledore again looked around just like down the hall. He sat down on the offered chair at Harry's desk. Harry sat on his bed waiting for the headmaster to start the conversation.

„You must be wondering about the reason of my visit, Harry." he said with a searching gaze „I have done great mistakes regarding of you. I want to make amends Harry."

„I don't understand, sir." Harry said confused.

„Yes, I believe you don't. Please let me explain. The blood wards defend you from anyone who wish you harm while you call this house your home. Such beings cannot step in the border no matter what. " the old man said with a heavy sigh. "Which allowed your aunt and uncle to mistreat you."

„I see." Harry never thought that the headmaster would change his opinion on that matter „No, in honestly I don't: how could they do what they did. They never abused me, not in the physical sense. They..."

"...neglected you." Dumbledore said sadly "There is the problem. Your mother's spell is simple in the sheer genius of it. The ward didn't let anyone with harmful for you. Petunia and Vernon thought that they are doing the right thing."

"By getting magic out of me..." Harry finished. "So, what you say is that because the wards didn't perceived it as abuse but simply as neglect..."

"The ward didn't do much for them." Dumbledore hummed thoughtfully "But your mother was not someone one should cross, I believe. I don't know if you noticed but your aunt, uncle and cousin has some quite disturbing characteristic."

"Yes." said Harry confused at what had anything to do with it.

"The ward, while not outright harmed them for it, your mother's magic altered them to reflect their innerself. Petunia who likes to see and hear anything and was so proud of her body had her beauty robed of her. Vernon who's greed know no bound had his body consume all and let go of no more than necessery. Dudley Dursley of course has stepped into his father's footsteps. The letter I left behind on that night I warned them, but they did not heed my call."

"I see." Harry always wondered about it. He had seen the older pictures. Petunia was once beautiful, she even did some modelling in her college days. Vernon was a star rugby player, one of the best in his team. He always thought that they just let them go, but it was impossible. How could Petunia's once strawberry blonde hair turn into sandy-brown, her neck lenghtening two inches. "What happens now?"

"Now, you have several prospect to choose from. You can stay and remain here 'till august when the Weasley family will come back from visiting young Bill in Romania. You can also spend it at various safehouses. Both of oreder members and others would host you at them. In particiluar Ms. Granger and her parents of course would be delightened to receive you. Another person would also love to spend her summer with you. She could also teach you many different disciplines." Dukmbledore said neutraly, not indicating favour for any of them. "If I may: I would advise you to think about them long and hard. There isn't a wrong choice, Harry."

"That safehouse... it isn't the Grimmauld Place, is it?" he asked.

"No, but I fear that you will need to visit it at least briefly it this summer." the headmaster answered "And mayhaps Harry it would be better to visit it. It isn't healthly when you can't go into a building."

The young man had fallen silent. There was a reaason why he should go to at least two location. The Privet Drive didn't deserve even a moment of consideration. He will leave it for good. The Grangers were the most tempting of the three. A relaxing summer with his frineds, truly nearly his adoptive family. If it was any of his previous summers he would have immediately made the Granger family his choice. That was the easy thing to do. To do nothing just let the world do its work while he has one last summer as a child. But the right thing to do was to train, because one day he will have to battle the most powerful Dark Lord of all time.

"I think... I think I should go and prepare myself for the war. With the person, you said, the witch who could teach me a lot." he said at last. Dumbledore noded at that.

"The person who will teach you did say that this will be your choice. I see that her assumations were right. We shouldn't keep her waiting. Shall we go?"

"Mmm, can I have a minute, sir? I didn't packed my things." Harry said at last. He never expected that he could leave this house.

"I see. Do you need my help, my boy?" Harry only nodded at the older nab question. Dumbledore just waved his wand making all of his things flying into his trunk.

"There you go. Now let's leave this place."

At the hall it seemed that Dumbledore wanted to go inside the living room and have a chat with Harry's relatives. Glancing at him the old wizard thought better of it and only left a white envelope on the table in the room.

Fortunately the street was deserted, although Harry sensed that it had to do more with Dumbledore than luck. In the end it mattered little. The old wizard raised his left arm when they arrived on the edge of the property and preassumbly the wards.

"Please take my hand, Harry, and don't let go." he ordered gently.

He did so and the next he knew was the feeling of being pulled through a tight tube. Not the most enjoyable sensation of his life. Looking up he could see a little house in the middle of a forest clearing. Dumbledore payed little mind to the surroundings, but Harry glanced to the sides. The scenery was the same: forest on either side of him and in the dark he couldn't see much more than that.

Stepping inside the house a voice greeted them.

"At last! I started to get worried!"

Dumbledore replied something, but Harry didn't hear it, nor cared for that matter. There at the entrance of the kitchen stood the owner of the voice. A fairly tall woman, with a body that rivaled Freya's, her scarlet hair and emerald eyes. It was Lily Evans-Potter.

The last thing that he seen was the woman turning towards him then darkness descended upon him. Again.