It's My Life
The Order meeting ended not long after everything that took place. A lot was accomplished and learned about, it was a good time to stop and relax. Three horcruxes were destroyed; being the diary, the ring, and the one inside Harry himself. There were still four more to locate, though one wouldn't be too hard. Nagini, Voldemort's snake. It would just be a matter of getting close enough to kill her.
There was supposed to be a necklace, an object Bellatrix had, and then one item they didn't know anything about. The biggest thing was learning that Harry ended up with all the Deathly Hallows and despite the power he could have wielded, like the unselfish person he was; Harry called on Death to return the three objects that made someone not only powerful, but the master over Death itself, and set Death free from having a master.
Harry's only request was for the items to never return to the mortal plane. Harry was also given a wondrous offer of getting back his parents and godfather, but Harry declined on the reasoning that there was always a catch and he wasn't willing to lose anyone still alive to pay the price of having his folks and godfather returned. When the meeting ended, Harry invited everyone to stick around for the party. Tonks and Minerva did, but Alastor and Kingsley left. The rest were the Weasley's, Hermione, Neville, and Luna.
At 5:00 pm, Seamus and Dean came, then also Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, and Hannah Abbot showed up. Harry greeted everyone and brought them to the ballroom for the New Year's party, and wasted no time getting the music going. The adults were all sitting at the tables while the students and Harry were on the floor, dancing, talking, and having fun. Food was laid out, drinks of both alcoholic and non were available too. It was a great night and currently about 9:00 pm, still three hours to go before the new year started. Everyone was having a good time.
"Say, Harry…We never figured out what this necklace was in the box," Draco mentioned.
"Think it's just a random necklace for Slytherin. It's silver, green…Has a big S on it." Harry replied. "There's nothing dark coming off it, so whatever reason Dumbledore left it…I have no idea."
"Did you ever read the letter Dumbledore left with it all?" Minerva asked.
"No. I think I've heard enough from him to last a lifetime…" Harry mumbled.
"Harry, I know he manipulated and tried to control you…But he did leave you the diary that let us figure out it was a horcrux you destroyed four years ago, leaving one less to find and get rid of. Plus the ring, and secret of why he left you the Sword of Gryffindor. I'm not saying the man is by any means innocent, but it is clear he knew quite a bit about the situation." Minerva sighed.
"I suppose…" Harry grabbed the letter and opened it, then pulled the parchment out to read it over. As he was about to start, though, he lowered it and looked towards the doorway.
"Harry? Something up?" Blaise questioned.
"Ssh."
"Harry?" Draco tried.
"Will you shush for a second…" Harry listened as the room was quiet. "Someone's in the house…And it's no one I invited because you're all here."
"Wands ready then," Severus stood.
"Not the students, they have a trace." Minerva reminded.
"Okay, the adults then." Remus corrected.
"How do you know someone is here?" Hermione wondered.
"I felt the fireplace wards go off." Harry stated as his wand slipped down from inside his sleeve then into his hand. "Ssh…" Harry waved his hand as the music cut and the lights went out.
"He's probably throwing a party like last year. Should be in here…" A voice said.
Harry snapped his fingers to restore the lights and his wand aimed for the person that walked in. However, what he saw made his eyes widen and his wand fell from his hand, clacking to the floor. "S-Sirius?"
"Hey pup. Miss me?" Sirius smiled as he opened his arms.
"Harry, don't get close. You don't know that's not an imposter…" Severus remarked.
"Oh, put a cork in it, Snivellus," Sirius retorted. "No one even knows I'm here. I woke up in Grimmauld and came right over to see Harry. How else would the wards let me in if I was an intruder." Tears welled in Harry's eyes as he instantly hugged his godfather tightly. Sirius laughed some and hugged the teenager back, kissing the side of his head.
"Padfoot…" Remus stepped closer. "I don't understand…Y-You died. You went through the veil months ago…I-I saw it. Harry saw it…"
"I was told before I woke up that it hadn't been my time yet…" Sirius informed. "I woke up back in my bed at Grimmauld, then rushed right here. I don't even care…I'm back!" He hugged Harry tightly. Of course, the boy quickly pulled away and shoved him.
"You idiot!" Harry snapped at him. "How dare you push me out of the way and get yourself killed!" Harry hit him in the arm. "I would have survived being hit. Or you could have pushed us both out of the way, you stupid, reckless-You didn't have to die! How dare you leave me!" Harry shoved him again. "You promised me! You swore you'd never leave me again you son of a bitch!"
It was like other times Harry had gotten mad, but this one was pain and relief filled. Harry was happy to see Sirius again after the last couple months, but still angry for what he did by sacrificing himself. Some were watching with surprise of how much Harry swore, half expecting Severus to scold him for it, but the potions master just stood there with an amused look on his face to see his old bully get it from Harry. Others frowned at the emotionalness of it all. But some just smiled gently waiting for the rant to be over.
There were tears in Harry eyes. "Do you have any idea how much that hurt! It almost killed me to lose you!" He yelled. "Then you just waltz right back like it was no big deal, like I didn't watch you die. Like I didn't suffer for months. And all you can say is Hey?! You-," He growled and paused looking like he was going to strange his godfather. "I should kill you myself, you complete ass, Sirius Black!"
"Harry…" Remus frowned.
"He doesn't mean it, Lupin…" Severus folded his arms over one another. "He's just…A fair mix of mad, upset, but happy. Give it a minute…"
"Pup, I'm sorry…" Sirius said gently. "I truly am, but I just…Reacted. And I know it hurt you…I know, but I just did the only thing I could to keep you safe."
Harry glared at the man a moment more, then he hugged Sirius again, burying his face in his godfather's chest to hide the tears that inevitably started to fall. "I missed you…" His voice broke. "I missed you so much…"
"I missed you too, Harry." Sirius sighed out, then pulled back and smiled as Harry wiped his eyes. "But you don't have to miss me anymore. I'm back now. I'm home…I've got you." Sirius kissed his forehead. "Hey…I brought a surprise with me for you,"
"What?" Harry asked.
From the doorway, two more people walked in and Harry felt his heart stop. The whole room stared silently.
"No…No, it shouldn't be possible…" Severus whispered.
Walking into the room was James and Lily Potter, looking older than when they had died at twenty-one. Lily was first to approach Harry, reaching her hand out as Harry flinched. "Don't be afraid sweetheart, I won't hurt you…" She touched his cheek with a soft smile. "My baby boy…My Harry," Lily cried as she pulled Harry into a tight hug, surprising the boy. Harry didn't even know how to respond; he knew he should hug the woman back. It was his mother, but he didn't understand. How were they alive, after fifteen years?
"He's not a baby anymore, Lils," James chuckled.
"Shut up, James!" Lily scowled. "I don't care if he's a hundred, he is my baby! Do you understand me?"
James put his hands up in defense. "Yes, yes. Got it…" Finally, Lily let go and refused to let go of Harry's hand as James smiled warmly at his son. "My boy, a young man now. How you've grown…" James wrapped his arms around his son. The hug didn't last as long, but it ended moments later.
"I-I don't understand…" Severus said.
"Sev…" Lily let go of Harry's hand to approach her longtime friend. "Still can't do anything with that hair I see, pale as a ghost." She teased. "I've missed you, my friend." She gave the man a hug and Severus's body just moved on its own to return the action. Shock aside, he was getting a chance to hold her and she called him his friend.
"You still see me as your friend after what I did?" Severus asked when the hug ended.
"Silly, Severus…" Lily giggled. "I never stopped seeing you as my friend, but I had to let you go when you wouldn't sway from the dark. I forgave you when Albus put us into hiding, told us you gave him the warning."
"I'm the reason you were even targeted…" Severus closed his eyes.
"But you righted your wrong." Lily smiled. "You've nothing to be sorry about, or feel guilty for."
"Prongs…" Remus breathed out.
"Moony, my old friend!" James hugged the man. "Padfoot…" Then grabbed Sirius and hugged him too. It might have been the first time anyone ever saw it, but Remus was crying in the arms of his friends.
Nothing made sense, but Harry had a good feeling how this was happening and he was gonna give that man a piece of his mind. Harry backed up a few steps.
"Oh, Harry, please don't be frightened. It's not a dream or trick…We're here, son," Lily assured.
"Oh, I know it's not a lie…It's just entirely against what I said I wanted…" Harry told her. "Death, you son of a bitch! I know you can hear me. You get your cloaked, boney ass down here now! Right this instant!" He yelled. Just like before, the room darkened as Death floated towards Harry.
"I wondered how long it would take you to summon me. I take it this is about my little gift?" Death asked.
"I told you I didn't want this. Yes, it's great to see them…But it's not what I wanted. I told you I didn't want anything in exchange for giving you back that stuff and your freedom. Life pays for life, you're gonna take other people to cover this and restore the balance. That's not fair to others!" Harry remarked. "Take them back, now, before someone else dies."
"Harry, Harry…Settle down." Death told him. "No one will die in exchange for this. Or the others I brought back. I told you, no strings attached, as they were in life."
"Ot-Others?" Harry stared. "Who else did you return?"
"Give it a minute…Restoring souls to bodies takes some time," Death informed. "I brought them here because the others I'm restoring have family here."
"Mo-Mommy?" Luna's little voice was heard.
"Pan…" Xenophilius stood quickly.
Harry knew that this woman, judging by reactions, was Luna's mother and Xeno's wife. Pandora Lovegood, though Harry didn't know her maiden name. Harry only knew that Pandora had experimented with a spell one day and got killed, Luna was just nine. Pandora was thin, like Luna had the same hair and eyes.
"Mum? Dad?" Neville was up next, stunned in his spot as two more people walked into the room. Frank and Alice Longbottom.
"They weren't even dead…" Harry looked at Death.
"Tortured to insanity is said to be a fate worse than death, but it was no hard feat to restore them." Death shrugged.
"How'd you get them out of the hospital?" Harry inquired.
"I didn't. I just healed them and they got out on their own, proving who they were and that they were fine." Death informed.
"Sister!" Shouted two voices. Molly about had a stroke in shock from seeing her brothers, Fabian and Gideon Prewitt.
"Fabian, Gideon! Oh, my stars…!" Molly hurried to hug them both.
"You're just breaking hearts all over the place today, aren't you?" Harry sighed.
"I'd go with healing them, but I suppose you could say that." Death stated. "There's one more coming…"
"Do I even want to know who else you-," Harry started as he saw the next person walk in shyly. "Peter!"
"Harry! It's so good to see you again. I'm so grateful you got out alright…" Peter remarked.
"Only because you helped." Harry revealed.
"You told me it was never too late to change…" Peter said.
"And it never is." Remus remarked. "For what you did for Harry…I forgive you, Peter…"
"As do we," Lily and James nodded.
"You and I might still have problems, Pettigrew. You framed me for murder! Twelve years in Azkaban!" Sirius yelled.
"Sirius Orion Black, cease!" Harry ordered as Sirius froze. "Leave him alone. Yeah, he made some mistakes. He was scared and it seemed kinda hopeless back then. Give him a break. He saved my life…He let me escape the dungeon at Voldemort's base, helped me fight the Carrow twins, protected me from a blast that likely might have killed me, and technically died for betraying Voldemort." He said calmly now. "I forgave him for what happened, and so have the others. Don't be difficult."
"Fine…I guess you redeemed yourself and I can forgive you. Pull that shit again, and I swear I will kill you this time…" Sirius warned.
"Heard," Peter nodded.
"Look at that, the Marauders are back together!" Lily cheered.
Severus grumbled. "Oh, goody…"
"Sev, come on…It won't be like before." Lily promised.
"Better not be…" Severus stated.
"Death…Explanation, now." Harry looked at Death firmly. "I told you I didn't want anyone brought back, now I'm grateful…But I know this comes at a cost. Who is going to have to die to restore the balance…" He asked.
"These lives were restored from payment already made to replace them." Death told Harry. "One life with seven pieces is the payment I am taking," He added.
"Define…" Harry pushed.
"These lives were taken by Voldemort, or on his orders. That man has evaded me time and time again and his time has long past come. I'd claim him myself, but you are destined to be the one to end his life. As such, I cannot interfere on what is fate. I cannot take his life, and there is the problem of his split soul keeping him anchored to this plane." Death explained.
"I will take no other lives as payment for who I have returned today. Payment is sealed with Tom Marvolo Riddle's life in exchange. You fulfill the prophecy and end him, while destroying his extra pieces. That's all I want."
"This equates to making a deal with death and everyone advises against that. There's always a catch…How do I know you'll accept one life for the lives of nine people?" Harry inquired.
"Well, the Longbottom's were never really dead. That does not count as life for a life. So that makes it seven lives for seven soul pieces that the dark lord has. You've already destroyed three. I want the other four." Death told him. "I know your destiny is to defeat the dark lord, Harry Potter, so I know you will see to it that the rest of his soul is destroyed to end him. No catch, no tricks, nothing. This is what is meant to happen, Harry."
"The lives I restored today were never meant to end when they did so in a way, I'm just restoring the balance. It is the life of the one who used these deaths to avoid me and I need you to achieve that life." The male informed. "No deals. I already know you'll defeat the dark lord, Harry. I'm just giving you a gift for what you did for me, the payment is merely to maintain the balance. And the payment, as I said, is already sealed."
"If you screw me on this, Death, I swear I will hunt you down and kill you myself." Harry remarked.
"I believe you, but I give my word that all is as it should be." Death bowed to Harry.
"Then I accept your gift and as soon as I'm able, will ensure you have the life you desire to claim." Harry replied. "Thank you."
"No, Harry Potter…Thank you." Death faded away.
"I still can't believe this…" Severus remarked.
"How the hell are we going to explain it?" Remus looked at Severus.
"We tell the truth," Harry stated calmly as he grabbed his wand off the floor and let it slide back into the arm holster. "Just not yet."
"Harry, we can't hide them all…" Ron told his friend.
"Do you want to reveal they're all alive and get Voldemort to attack before we have the rest of the horcruxes?" Harry asked. No one answered. "Then no one can know about this yet. We're gonna have to do something about the Longbottom's though. It's easy enough to hide people who are supposed to be dead, but they never were…And people have already seen them back to their old selves…"
"Can't…We just say they recovered on their own?" Neville inquired.
"There's really no other way to say what happened, Neville. It's gonna get attention, but not as much as the dead coming back to life…" Harry stated. "And it's still safer to keep them hidden while people know the truth. Say they recovered, but went into hiding…"
"Our house isn't safe," Neville informed.
"They can reside here or at Grimmauld." Harry folded his arms. "Both of them are under the Fidelius protection, and I'm the secret keeper." He added. "Unless you want your lordship back, Uncle Siri?"
"No, I gave that to you when I died. It can't be given back just because I've returned to life. When a lordship is passed via the former dying or retiring, it cannot be returned to the old lord or lady. So that goes for your Potter one too." Sirius stated calmly. "You remain Lord Potter-Slytherin-Black, Harry."
"Wonderful," Harry sighed some.
"Way to call out death himself, Harry," Theodore chuckled.
"You heard him, he fully expected it," Harry retorted. "Who is going where? Here or Grimmauld?"
"Grimmauld might not be safe. Have you been there since I died?" Sirius asked.
"No." Harry replied.
"Then the spell probably fell, or was severely weakened." Sirius informed. "You should have gone…The wards needed to be reset with your energy."
"Well, excuse me for it being months later and I wasn't over you literally dying to save me!" Harry glared.
"Harry, settle down, my son. You know what happens when you get angry…" Severus warned in reminder.
"Yes, Father," Harry relaxed.
"Father?" James arched his brow. "Sirius…Why is Harry calling Snivelly his father?" James whispered to his friend.
"There…Might be a lot I haven't told you yet…" Sirius rubbed the back of his head.
"And there will be plenty of time to catch up now that you're back…" Harry promised. "For now, we have work to do getting you all settled here…" He looked at Severus. "Think an extension charm would do it, Dad?"
"Should be more than enough, plus configuring the garage bay storage spots. Need a hand?" Severus inquired.
"The house isn't going to let you make changes to it. I got it." Harry assured as he moved away from other people before crouching down and putting his hand on the bare floor before closing his eyes. A white aura appeared around Harry as then created a white circle around him that pulsed three times before shot out around him and continued to pulsate and spread to the outside of the house and a foggy-like barrier rose before the house began to shake.