Chapter 15

Harry stood outside the cottage door, his forehead wrinkled in concentration. Slowly, snow and ice coalesced around him. Opening his eyes, he found himself on the other side of the cottage.

Thanatos came around the cottage, grinning broadly. "You did it. Good job," he clapped Harry on the shoulder. "I'm so proud of you."

Harry grinned tiredly as Lily appeared in a flash of green fire carrying a bag with strange writing on it. "I think Lily just went to France."

"Don't compare yourself to others," Thanatos said. "Lily may be a master of this particular magic, but she still needs a wand to cast spells." He walked over to Lily who was handing Luna a pastry. "What you got there?"

"I brought Pastries," Lily said grinning.

"From France?"

"Yes."

"Do you speak French?"

"Nope."

"How did you get the pastries?"

"Universal language."

"Which is?"

"Point and nod."

A small smile twitched at the corners of Thanatos's mouth. "Yeah, that would work."

"So, what else will we be learning?" Harry said walking over.

"I need to get you a new weapon first."

"Why?"

"Because you are going to need a backup. It also doesn't hurt to have an aid for magic you will have trouble with. Air, water, and fire are elements you have no trouble manipulating, but you have admitted you will never be a master of earth."

Harry shrugged. "No one can be good at everything."

"No, but the right weapon or focus can help you." Seeing Harry about to protest, he held up a hand. "I'm not suggesting we get you a wand. You had a sword. I would like to get you a new one."

Thinking of the sword he'd gotten from his father made Harry wince. "Can we even find fae made weapons in this world? I'd think they'd be hesitant to give them to wizards."

Thanatos ran a hand through his hair. "Give me some time to think on it. I may have an idea."

"Enough talk," Lily said excitedly. "Come on, I want to see if Luna can do the elemental disappearing thing."

Harry and Thanatos shared a look before both began to laugh.

**ACC**

By the end of the day, Harry was comfortable at conjuring portals of ice and snow to take him from place to place. While Luna didn't seem to have the ability to create portals, she was able to apparate silently from place to place.

Watching her, Thanatos's eyes sparkled. "Well, I'll be," he whispered. "I didn't think I'd see another one."

"Another what?" Luna asked innocently.

Thanatos didn't answer her. "Apparate again," he instructed. "This time, don't tell anyone where your going."

Luna turned on the spot and vanished. Thanatos spun, conjuring a sword and thrusting it into the air. Luna appeared a few feet away, staring at Thanatos. "Were you going to stab me?" she asked bemused.

Thanatos made the sword vanish. "How long have you been able to get glimpses of the future?"

Luna skipped over, not seeming bothered by the question. "I've been able to see flashes all my life, but only a few seconds into the future."

"Just enough to help you avoid danger."

Luna nodded. "It helps me counter one of the drawbacks to Apparition."

Thanatos opened his mouth, closed it, and opened it again. "I was just going to say that."

Luna beamed. "I know."

Thanatos cleared his throat. "Well, we've got you all started anyway. Practice and I'll see you in a few weeks. I think Argante is gonna help with conjuration tomorrow."

"Where are you going?" Luna asked curiously.

Thanatos turned to her. "What makes you think I'm going anywhere?"

"Because I can see distress and worry in your aura."

Thanatos blinked at the small girl. "You are just full of surprises aren't you. I'm going to go see the Potters. I've been putting it off long enough."

Harry looked up at him. "You are, but I thought you were still having difficulties with the Elder wand?"

Thanatos blinked again. "How…" he began.

"Mum," Harry said.

"Ah," Thanatos said. He pointed to Lily and Luna. "I suppose they know?"

"They no that you are having trouble with the Elder wand, but I didn't tell them anything about your past. I thought that was for you to tell when and if you were ready."

Thanatos nodded before looking at the girls. He sighed. "No time like the present." He gestured for them to sit down.

"This all began in the thirteenth century," he began.

**ACC**

An hour later, Lily and Luna were hugging Thanatos and sobbing into his shoulders. "We're so sorry," Lily said her voice muffled by his shirt.

Thanatos stroked her hair gently. "It was a long time ago. It still hurts, but you three have helped me move on. I want to see my family again someday, but I no longer want to die so soon. It was you three and Argante that gave me a reason to live."

Luna pulled away from him, wiping her eyes. "I was thinking about the Hallows," she said blowing her nose. "You said you created them for each of your children."

"Yes," Thanatos said slowly.

"So," Luna said, "Let me see if I have this right."

She held up one finger. "You created the wand for Antioch because he was angry and didn't want to feel vulnerable ever again."

She held up a second finger. "You created the stone for Cadmus because," here her voice began to tremble, and tears began to run down her cheeks. "He lost his wife and unborn child and you wanted to help him deal with his grief," she finished her voice quavering.

She held up a third finger. "The cloak was created for Ignotus. You created the cloak so he would be able to hide from the world when it all became too much. If no one could find him, no one could hurt him."

"The Hallows were never meant to be a crutch," Thanatos said quietly, "even though I fear that is what they became. I intended that they would eventually be put away when my children had dealt with their demons. Still, you are essentially correct. Go on."

"Well," Luna continued. "I doubt anyone used the resurrection stone after Cadmus. Ignotus passed the cloak to his son who passed it to his son and so on and so on. In each case, the emotions that went into the magic would've had time to fade." She grinned. "The cloak was probably used for a lot of pranks and tricks which helped."

"But the wand," Lily said frowning.

"Yes," Luna said. "In both timelines the wand was used by the darkest of wizards for the evilest of acts. That could've filled the wand with dark magic and fueled the rage and desire for strength that Antioch poured in to it at it's creation."

"Which would explain why the wand prizes strength above all else and has no true loyalty to anyone," Harry murmured.

"Exactly," Luna said.

Thanatos nodded. "I hadn't considered that. Sometimes I forget that intent is a large part of all forms of magic." He sighed. "What can I do about it?"

Harry turned to the former god of death. "I don't know if anything can be done, not without destroying the wand. That anger and hate is part of the wand."

Thanatos shook his head. "The hallows are all I have left of my sons. I don't want to destroy them."

Harry nodded. "Shot in the dark, but you could try talking to the wand."

Thanatos stared at him. "What?"

Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Look, we know the wand is at least semi-sentient. Maybe it can find a way to communicate."

Thanatos blinked again. "Well," he said slowly. "It'd be worth a shot." He stood. "I've got to go. I'm gonna stay at the three broomsticks tonight. I have to get ready to see the Potters." As he turned to leave, Harry called after him.

"Wait, can I come with you?"

Thanatos turned his head. "You want to come see the Potters? Why?"

"Look, you may have to explain a lot and I can help. Besides that, Siobhan did say she wanted my Mum to keep her informed about me. I know Mum has been sending her letters and she's been writing back since the end of last term. I just figured…" he trailed off lamely.

Thanatos nodded. "Be ready to go tomorrow at eight." In a swirl of shadow, he vanished.

**ACC**

Dumbledore approached the elven guards in front of the cold iron door. The guards nodded, lowering their weapons as he approached.

Dumbledore was an old friend to these fae. He'd visited his old friend many many times over the decades and the fae had allowed it. Since Gelert had never tried to escape while Albus was here and Albus had never tried to help Gelert escape; the guards had allowed him to come and visit any time he wished.

Unfortunately, Getting into Elfame was not an easy task, but Dumbledore was stubborn when he wanted to be. As he approached the iron door, it slowly swung open. Dumbledore stepped into a large room hung with tapestries. Soft rugs covered the stone floor and a four-poster bed sat against the far wall.

A simple chair and small desk had been placed near the window. Albus stopped as he saw the man sitting in the chair.

The man's long blond hair hung to his shoulders. A red deerskin cap was on his head, freshly stained with blood. As Dumbledore approached, the man turned, fixing him with a cold blue gaze.

"Albus," he said his tone neutral.

"Gelert," Dumbledore said keeping his tone just as neutral. "How have you been?"

Gelert snorted, gesturing around the room. "A comfortable prison is still a prison. Do you still have my old wand? I know the knight that defeated me gave it to you."

"No," Dumbledore said slowly. "The owner of the wand came to take it back."

"Ah," Gelert said smiling briefly. "So, Thanatos has come back to the world of man. Don't expect him to solve your problems for you. The old man wishes to live a peaceful life these days."

"You've met him?"

Gelert shook his head. "I've seen him, along with other things. I've seen much from my prison. Nicnivin couldn't be bothered with my visions, so she passed me to Lord Auberon. So long as I tell what I know, I'm kept comfortable."

"Do you tell what you know?" Dumbledore asked sitting down on the bed.

"Most of it," Gelert said smiling briefly. "I have kept quiet about the mending of the world, but the king knows now."

"Mending of the world?" Dumbledore asked, his heart beating quicker.

Gelert waved a hand. "It is of no importance now. There was a curse cast, it was broken, and the world was… mended if not reset completely."

"Would this have anything to do with Harry Emry's?"

"He used to go by Potter," Gelert mused. "Fae, centaurs, unicorns, vampires, all can walk free. All in all, a better world than we had before."

"But what happened?" Dumbledore asked exasperatedly.

Gelert shrugged. "The world was ending and young Emry's fixed it with a little help. Of course, he had to come back in time, but the boy deserved a better life."

Dumbledore leaned forward. "Tell me everything."

Gelert shook his head. "That would be unwise. You will focus too much on preventing a past that no longer matters instead of fixing the future."

"Voldemort is still out there."

"Yes, and he is both stronger and weaker than before."

Dumbledore scowled. "Can't you tell me anything?"

Gelert turned back to the window. "Trust the boy. You're both on the same side."

Dumbledore rose and turned to leave the room. At the door he hesitated.

"I could try and get you released."

Gelert shook his head. "I think that'd be a bad idea," he said quietly. "It seems in many worlds, I'm doomed to spend most of my life in prison." He laughed bitterly. "Not that I don't deserve it."

Dumbledore didn't know what else to say. He left the room, closing the door behind him. He needed to get back to Hogwarts. He had a lot to think about.

**ACC**

Harry stared at the snake-faced man in horror as he struggled against the ropes binding him.

"Well," Voldemort said his high cold voice ringing through the Great Hall of Hogwarts. "It appears that you have failed, Harry Potter."

Harry strained to reach his wand as Voldemort levitated Hermione and Ron to him.

"Don't you touch them," Harry growled. "Leave them alone. Your fight is with me."

"But dear boy," Voldemort crooned. "They stood against me. They had courage and fought with you, which although admirable, cannot be allowed."

Harry's mind raced. How had things gone so wrong? They were so close. All of Voldemort's horcruxes had been destroyed. The last one was inside Harry and now that one was gone. If only Narcissa had told Voldemort he was dead maybe things could've been different. Voldemort's voice drew Harry out of his thoughts.

"Now, I think your death activated some kind of protection, perhaps the same one your dear Mudblood mother used. It matters not. You see, you'd be surprised at what you can live through. With a flick of his wand, the doors to the Great Hall slammed shut.

"Pestis Incendium," Voldemort whispered. A flaming serpent shot out of his wand, and he dropped Ron and Hermione into it's snapping jaws.

Harry's scream filled the hall along with those of Ron and Hermione. The smell of cooking meat filled the air, causing him to choke. The serpent lunged, swallowing Neville and Ginny whole. Voldemort stood, his high-pitched laughter filling the hall.

The ropes binding Harry vanished, leaving him panting and sobbing on the floor. Opening his streaming eyes, he stared up into Voldemort's red ones.

"All of this could've been avoided," he whispered. "If you had joined me, we could've created a new world where muggles like those who hurt you knew their place."

Harry tried to move, but Voldemort's pale long-fingered hand gripped the front of his robes. There was a sensation of being pulled through a tube and Harry landed on the grounds of Hogwarts. Rolling over, he stared up at the burning castle.

"The war is over, Harry Potter," Voldemort whispered. "You lost, but please, don't give up on my account. Come, face me like the man I know you are. It will be amusing."

With one last cold laugh, Voldemort vanished in a swirl of robes.

**ACC**

Harry awoke screaming. He struggled in his bed sheets, falling out of bed and onto the floor.

"Harry," Argante said running to his side. "Harry what's wrong?"

Harry felt her arms wrapped around him and smelled the sweet scent of cedar and honey that seemed to cling to her skin. He felt her fingers run through his hair and heard her soft soothing whispers. For the first time in a long time, he began to cry.

When he'd calmed somewhat, he looked up at her.

She cradled him in her arms, calmly waiting to see what was the matter.

"Care to talk about it," she said quietly.

"Nightmare," Harry choked. "Memory."

Argante nodded as if she'd guessed that much. "From your past?"

"Voldemort," Harry said his voice hitching. "Voldemort burned Hogwarts to the ground with all those that fought against him inside."

Argante's arms tightened around him. "We won't let that happen this time."

"Some managed to escape," Harry murmured, "but the war was over. People were too scared to stand against him after that."

"We won't let that happen this time," Argante repeated. "We'll stop Voldemort before the war can start."

"I don't understand," Harry said quietly. "Why is that memory bothering me now? It was so real. Usually, they're more distant, like they happened to someone else."

Argante shook her head. "The mind is a strange thing. It doesn't always make sense. It could be that you are old enough now to remember some of the more traumatic events of your past. It could also be that something triggered that memory."

Argante glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's almost six. Do you want to go to sleep for a few more hours?"

"I don't think I could," Harry said quietly.

Argante stood, taking his hand. "Come on then, let's get breakfast."

**ACC**

Voldemort leaned against his portrait, trembling slightly. He stared at the snake-like creature, his face twisted in disgust.

"I was a monster," he said quietly.

"Son," his mother said.

Voldemort shook his head. "No, torture for information is one thing. Killing is a necessary act. Sometimes, it is necessary to kill the young to demoralize the parents, but to burn them alive? That is horrible. Did you know about this? What else have you hidden from me? Damn it, my soul was ripped and torn to shreds. I was barely human in that timeline."

His mother stared at him. "I didn't know," she said quietly. "I didn't know you'd created horcruxes."

Voldemort began to pace. "What else don't we know and how much can we trust of that things memories?" He gestured at the creature. "It'd be best to end it and be done with it. I want nothing to do with that thing."

His mother shook her head, pulling a diary from her pocket. "We have learned a few things," she said, her lips twitching. "This thing can still be useful to us."

"What are you thinking?"

She told him.

Voldemort nodded slowly. "It would throw the cat among the pixies," he said thoughtfully.

Before his mother could respond, an old woman's voice filled the room.

"You think your so different than that thing on the table, but I see you Tom Riddle. That creature is just more honest about who he is. Don't forget, you tried to kill an infant. You are no better than that creature on the table."

Voldemort and his mother looked at each other.

"I thought she'd be insane by now."

"Clearly not," his mother responded scowling. "I can't silence her without silencing you."

"Let her speak," Voldemort said shrugging. "If that is all she can do, she is helpless. Now, what do you intend to do with that diary? I don't want that soul shard gaining a physical form."

His mother shook her head. "We can create a symbiotic relationship. You will gain part of the magic that he absorbs Once you have enough to return to a physical form, we can dispose of him."

Voldemort shook his head. He didn't like this idea, but since they were pressed for time, he saw no other option to return to a physical form.

"Who do we give it to?"

**ACC**

James Potter had seen many strange things. Being a wizard, the strange and weird were almost common place. However, having an ancient Greek god show up on his doorstep was a little stranger than he was used to.

"You're my ancestor?" he asked.

Thanatos nodded.

"Why reveal yourself now? After everything our family has gone through, we could've used your help before."

"First," Thanatos began. "Voldemort was a problem for mortals. If I got involved, Voldemort could've called on another immortal for help. The fewer of my kind that took part in the wizarding war the better."

Siobhan nodded. "He has a point. I read the Iliad as a child. That war was a mess because the Olympians involved themselves in mortal affairs." She snorted. "It was their fault the war started in the first place." She glanced at Thanatos. "No offense."

Thanatos chuckled. "None taken. Look, I may be an Olympian, but I am aware of my family's less noble qualities."

"You said first," James said. "Were their other reasons?"

"I wasn't ready. The tale of the three brothers was ninety-nine percent false. The only thing the story got right was that they were brothers."

Thanatos told the story of his family. When he was done, Siobhan rose and hugged him.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, tears running down her cheeks.

Thanatos patted her on the back. "Thank you my dear." He turned to James.

"I must say you are taking this rather well."

James snorted. "I've seen our family tapestry. You are at the top, but up until now I just thought it was a mistake in the enchanting. The wards on our home recognized you as family, so either you are a mad relative we don't know about, or you are who you say you are."

"He's Thanatos," Harry said drawing their attention and speaking for the first time. "Can't you sense his power?"

James nodded, looking at Harry with concern. "I have no right to ask, but are you alright? You're kind of pale."

Harry shook his head. "Nightmare."

James nodded. "Meeting Voldemort can do that." He hesitated. "If… if you need to talk, I…erm… I'd be happy to listen."

Harry paused. James seemed truly sorry for what happened when he was a baby. Could he trust him? Should he trust him? He would think about that later. He slowly nodded.

"Thanks," he said quietly. "I'll remember that."

James smiled hesitantly before turning back to Thanatos. "I'd rather not part with the cloak. It's been in my family for ages."

Thanatos nodded. "I understand and I will return it to you. I merely wish to borrow it for a few days."

James stared into Thanatos's eyes. "You promise you will return the cloak?"

"I will insure your family is able to pass an invisibility cloak down for centuries to come."

James flicked his wand and a folded silvery cloak appeared on the table between them. Hesitantly, Thanatos reached out and picked up the cloak.

"Thank you," he said tucking the cloak away.

"What will you do now?" Siobhan asked.

Thanatos looked away. "Face my past."

**ACC**

There wasn't anything to say after that. Harry and Thanatos left half an hour later. As they walked away from Potter manor, Harry turned to Thanatos.

"Can you create a cloak as good as the one you took from them?"

Thanatos shrugged. "Maybe. Why do you ask?"

"You said they would have an invisibility cloak, not that invisibility cloak."

Thanatos chuckled. "I thought you'd catch that. I may have to ask for help. I invested a lot of my power in this cloak. I can't afford to create another."

"Merlin may be able to help. Maybe Dad to. Between the three of you, you could probably create something just as good if not better."

Thanatos nodded. "I'll have to ask them."

They walked in silence for several moments. Finally, Harry gathered his courage and asked Thanatos the question that had been on his mind since they'd left the Potters.

"What did you mean about facing your past?"

Thanatos shook his head. "I'll tell you when I know."

Harry wondered what that meant but decided not to press the issue. He had other things to worry about at the moment.

"Ready to get back?" Thanatos asked.

Harry nodded.

Thanatos placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. In a swirl of shadow, they vanished.