Chapter 16
"I still don't see why you want to be here for this," Thanatos said as he placed the wand, cloak, and stone on the desk in the bedroom he'd been using.
"Because your family," Harry said, "in every way that matters. You trusted me with your past. I want to do everything I can to lessen your pain."
Thanatos looked at the boy for several seconds. His throat worked. "Thank you," he choked, tears filling his eyes. He put an arm around Harry, hugging him briefly.
Harry nodded uncomfortably. It was only the right thing to do to help someone with their pain. Had no one offered to help Thanatos in all these centuries? Pushing it out of his mind, he focused on the task at hand.
"How do we do this?"
Before Thanatos could respond, the wand began to glow. In a flash of red light, they were somewhere else.
**ACC**
Harry looked around the grungy little tavern he found himself in. Rats scampered across the floor and the smell of piss, shit, and vomit permeated the air. He glanced over at Thanatos.
"Where is this?"
Thanatos paled. "This is Antioch's last memory," he whispered. "This is the night he died."
Reaching over, Harry squeezed his shoulder. "Your not alone," he said. "I'll be here with you all the way."
Before either of them could speak, a large young man kicked his wooden stool back and leapt to his feet. His long dark hair blew around his face in an unfelt breeze and his dark eyes were filled with a happy gleam.
The slim redheaded man sitting across from him glared at him.
"I merely said I was sorry for your loss," he said. "No one should lose their mother at any age, especially not to a bunch of witch hunters."
"Sayin my mum was weak, are you?"
The red head leapt to his feet. "I'm not saying anything of the sort," he said his voice rising. His pale cheeks turned red. "It is no secret that you and I never got along, but I would never wish what happened to you on anyone."
"Right," Antioch sneered. "And this is all out of the goodness of your heart, is it? No, you're happy my mum and my sister-in-law are dead. Honestly, can you sink no lower? How would you like it if I wished your family dead?"
"Leave my family out of this," the man snarled.
"Or what?" The elder wand was suddenly in Antioch's hand. "See this?" he waved the wand high above his head. "This wand was created by Death himself. It's unbeatable."
The slight man drew his own wand. "The wand is only as good as the person wielding it. Now, put it away before someone gets hurt."
In response, Antioch pointed his wand at the slight man. A jet of red light flew from the wand, only to be blocked by a shield.
It was a very short duel. It was obvious that whoever this man was, he didn't want to hurt Antioch. He just wanted to keep him from hurting someone else. So, he shielded, blocked, countered, and deflected. And with each blocked spell and countered curse, Antioch grew angrier and angrier.
"Avada Kedavra," he roared.
The man's eyes widened just as the jet of green light struck him in the chest and he fell lifeless to the floor.
Stepping over his fallen foe, Antioch walked up the crumbling wooden stairs, still clutching the Elder wand in his hand. Entering a small room, he fell onto a pile of blankets and began to snore.
Harry looked at Thanatos. "One of the wands first acts was to commit murder."
Thanatos shook his head. "Antioch murdered that man, not the wand. The wand, however corrupt or twisted it may be, is merely a stick of wood. Do not blame the wand for the actions committed by the person wielding it."
Harry flushed. Thanatos was right of course. Wands may be semi-sentient, but they couldn't act without a hand to hold them. There was a creek on the stairs and a figure crept into the room.
"Noo," Thanatos moaned. "I don't want to see this."
Harry stepped closer to Thanatos. "It's gonna be alright. We'll watch it together."
The figure slowly picked up the Elder wand from where it lay next to Antioch. Tucking the wand in their cloak, he pulled something out. There was a flash of silver, a spray of blood, and a grunt.
The room was suddenly as silent as a tomb. The floorboards creaked as the figure left the room, taking the Elder wand with them.
Harry turned to a trembling Thanatos. "Are you?" he began.
Before he could finish his question, there was another flash of red light.
**ACC**
Harry blinked as he found himself back in the chair in front of Thanatos's desk. As his eyes focused on the Elder wand, The ghostly figure of Antioch Peverell appeared before them.
He was dressed in the same stained and torn robes he'd been wearing in life. His long dark hair hung in greasy clumps around his face. As he looked around the room, he scratched his head with one dirty fingernail.
"What do you two want?" Antioch said his harsh voice grating like metal on stone.
Thanatos gazed at his son in horror. "Son, why are you still here? Your brothers have gone on."
"Why?" Antioch asked. "I'm here to watch over my wand of course. We did good, Father. Can't you see how powerful she is?"
"Do you get off on seeing the death and slaughter people have caused with that wand?" Harry asked. "Dumbledore was the first person not to become a psychotic murderer."
Antioch scowled. "Yes, Albus was a disappointment. When that faery allowed himself to be disarmed by Albus, I thought that the curious fool would want to see just how powerful the wand was, but no, he used it to teach."
"Teaching is a great calling, if you are teaching the right thing," Thanatos said quietly.
Antioch scowled. "The Elder wand was meant for more than that."
"Says who?" Thanatos said the faintest hint of anger in his voice. "I gave you that wand to protect you. I never intended you to use it to prove some kind of superiority over others."
Antioch glared at his father. "I don't need this from you. You let my mother die. You could've stopped it."
"And if I had known I would have," Thanatos said, "but I'm not omniscient or omnipresent. I came as soon as I could."
Antioch moved closer. "Cadmus and Ignotus were ready for this life to be over, but I wanted to see you one last time. I wanted to tell you what you'd done to us."
Thanatos straightened. "It's taken me a long time, but Arianwen's death wasn't my fault. I cannot change what I do not know."
He looked deep into Antioch's eyes. "I do take responsibility for yours and Cadmus's deaths. I should never have created the Deathly Hallows."
"You're here to destroy my wand," Antioch hissed, his dark eyes flashing.
"No," Thanatos said. "I'm here to fix a great wrong. Destroying the wand, cloak, and stone would solve nothing. At the same time, this power is not meant to be wielded by mortals. It is too dangerous."
"So, what is your plan?"
"I don't know yet, but I do intend to keep the Hallows safe. To do that, I need to take the wand."
Antioch sighed. "And you need to get rid of the corruption in the wand."
Thanatos leaned forward. "Aren't you tired son? Wouldn't you like to see your mother again? I'd like nothing more than to have you walk beside me again, but we both know that's not possible. Since you cannot return, I'd like you to rest."
Antioch looked up at the ceiling. "Maybe you're right. Maybe, I do need to give up on guarding the wand."
He turned to Harry. "Don't let the world go to hell again."
Antioch looked at Thanatos. "I'm sorry. I thought you wanted to kill me again." He looked down at the ground. "My temper has always been my Greatest flaw." He tilted his head as if listening to something.
"I think it's time for me to go." He stared at Thanatos earnestly. "It's time for you to live, Da, you've mourned for all of us for longer than most mortals have been alive. Mum would want you to be happy and so would we."
With those final words, Antioch was gone.
Harry took a deep breath. The air smelled fresher somehow. It was as if a weight had just been lifted. He turned to Thanatos.
"You gonna be alright."
Thanatos nodded. "I think so." He smiled at Harry. "Thanks for everything."
Harry blushed. "I didn't do much."
"Sometimes, just being there is enough. Now come on, we need to get back to your training."
Harry paled. "I thought you said we had a few weeks?"
"That was before you helped me get rid of the darkness in that wand. I expected it to take a lot longer, but since it didn't…" he shrugged and walked out of the room.
"No good deed goes unpunished," Harry grumbled as he followed.
**ACC**
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office. He'd been sitting here for two days thinking about the past and present.
Could Gelert be right or had his years of captivity driven him mad? Still, it would explain so much. It would explain how Emry's had taken down those trolls and why he seemed so much more mature than his peers. He poured another shot of fire whisky and took a long drink. What was he going to do about it? Should he listen to Gelert, or should he try and interfere? He shuddered.
If he interfered without knowing what the other world was like, it could be catastrophic. No, he would need more information. At that thought, he paused.
This was exactly what Gelert had warned him against. What was the point in trying to learn of a past that no longer existed? Was his own desire to know everything worth running down a rabbit hole of infinite possibilities? How could he even be sure that anything he found was real? Besides, wasn't this world better than anything they could hope for?
True, there were those in their society who believed they were superior over others. There was also a faction of fae and muggle-born that believed the purebloods owed them something because of the persecution their ancestors faced. No society was perfect, but for the most part, magical creatures and wizards got along fine. As a matter-of-fact, there were more magical creature and wizarding marriages every year. Magic was thriving. What if his search for knowledge caused the past to reassert itself?
"No," he whispered. "Best to leave it all alone. I will not be the reason our world falls."
"Good choice," a deep calm voice said from the chair across from him.
Dumbledore blinked at the middle-aged black man sitting across from him. It took all of his considerable will power not to reach for his wand. "Who are you? How did you get in here?"
The man smiled at him. "Ah, how soon we forget. Of course, I do look quite different than I did before. Tell me, how is that wand I gave you doing?"
Dumbledore froze. "Thanatos," he whispered.
Thanatos nodded. "Yep. I've come to talk to you."
Dumbledore swallowed. "Have you come to take my soul to the next life?"
Thanatos shook his head. "I don't do that anymore. Besides, If I wanted to kill you, why would I show myself. No, I came to give you a gift."
"A gift? Why?"
"Because you have proven that you are one of the good ones."
"Wizards?"
"No, a good Albus Dumbledore."
Dumbledore blinked. "What?"
Thanatos chuckled. "This world we live in. It's only one world of many. I am not as powerful as I was before, not even close, but I still have a certain… awareness of things."
"So, the multiverse theory is true?"
Thanatos made a back and forth motion with one hand. "Yes and no. Individual choice isn't the only driving factor in these worlds. Sometimes, it's events. At other times, the worlds are just different. There are worlds where you are well meaning, but too foolish and idealistic to be effective."
Dumbledore winced.
"There are also worlds where you have a God complex and believe that you alone have the knowledge and experience to guide the magical community into the future."
Dumbledore closed his eyes. That one struck a little too close to home. His pride and ego were something he always struggled with. Seeing his expression, Thanatos smiled kindly.
"I could go on, but I don't believe I need to. As I said, many worlds and many outcomes. No, you have went against your nature and chosen what is best for everyone else, not yourself. This is a selfless act that I have chosen to reward."
Dumbledore shook his head. "I want no reward. I didn't do it for a reward."
"Good thing," Thanatos said. "If you had, I wouldn't be sitting here, and I may have ended up killing you to protect the magical community."
Dumbledore paled.
"Fortunately for both of us, that doesn't need to happen. Now then, on to your reward. I've spoken to someone that would like to talk to you. Understand, they won't be able to stay long, but it should give you a bit of closure."
"Who?" Dumbledore asked.
"Ariana," Thanatos said gently.
Dumbledore froze. "What?" he whispered. "What did you say?"
"Ariana Dumbledore," Thanatos repeated. "I can call her soul back for a short time for you to speak with her. Understand, she won't be able to return, but she will be able to talk to you."
"How?" Dumbledore said, beginning to tremble.
"I am Thanatos, former Greek god of death. I can call to a soul and if they choose, they can cross the veil."
"What if she doesn't want to see me? What if I killed her?"
"What if you didn't? I offer you the chance to put down the burden of guilt you've caried all these years."
Dumbledore swallowed. "Yes," he croaked.
At the word, a young girl appeared in front of his desk. Her long blond hair fell to her shoulders and her piercing blue eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Albus?" she asked.
Tears began to run down Dumbledore's cheeks. "Ariana," he whispered. "My sister."
Ariana giggled. "You got old, big brother."
Dumbledore let out a watery laugh. "I did," he said wiping his eyes. "I'm just sorry you never got to."
Ariana walked around the desk and took his hands. "Shh," she said soothingly. "It wasn't your fault. Honestly, I'm glad it happened."
Dumbledore stared at her in shock. "Glad," he whispered. "Ariana…"
Ariana held up a finger. "Listen, Gelert was the one who used the killing curse. I am glad it happened. If I could, I'd thank him for it. I was broken Albus. I wasn't getting better, and I'd already killed mother. They should've taken me to St. Mungo's when the accident happened. If they had, Mother would've been able to live."
"They only wanted to protect you," Dumbledore said. "After father went to Azkaban…"
"I know brother," Ariana said, "but I was ill and keeping me like a dirty secret wasn't helping matters. I wish I could've lived a good life. I wish I could've gone to Hogwarts. I wish I could've gotten married and had children of my own. It just wasn't in the cards for me." She tightened her grip on his hands. "My point is don't blame yourself. I don't blame you. Mother and father don't blame you. Let go of your guilt so you can enjoy your remaining years. Life is too short to waste on what ifs."
Dumbledore looked into Ariana's eyes, so like his own. "I'll try." He said.
Ariana nodded. "That's all I can ask." Leaning forward, she kissed him on the forehead.
Thanatos smiled as she turned to him. "Ready to go?"
"Not yet," she said. "Can I talk to Abe?"
Thanatos nodded. "Why not. You're already here, but remember, you can't stay long."
"I know."
Thanatos turned to Dumbledore. "Will you be alright here?"
Dumbledore smiled weakly. "I think so."
"Come on then," Thanatos said. In a swirl of shadow, both he and Ariana were gone.
Dumbledore stared at the spot where they'd stood and sighed. He would always carry some guilt for the way Ariana's life had ended, but knowing he wasn't the one who cast the curse helped a little. He would try and do what Ariana wanted, for her if not for himself.
**ACC**
Ares exited the hotel he'd been staying in, humming happily as he walked down the street. America may not be as full of art and culture as he'd like, but it was far from his father and his plans. He should be able to stay here for a few decades before needing to move on.
The past few weeks had been the most relaxing time of his life. Since he'd decided to give up being god of war, he felt free. He was free from all responsibilities. Let Athena have war. He would find his own purpose, a new purpose apart from his family.
Looking back at his past actions, he wished he'd been a better person. He wished he'd focused more on justice and less on war itself. War without a cause was meaningless.
He wondered what he was going to do with the rest of his life, but he had time. That was one of the few benefits of immortality. A sudden pain caused him to stop. Looking down, he saw a spear sticking out of his chest.
As blood spread across his shirt, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he stared into the grey eyes of a dark-haired woman.
"Our father sends his regards," she said almost gently.
Ares mouth worked, but only more blood came out. He coughed. "Athena," he croaked. "He'll kill you to."
Athena smiled softly before shoving the spear the rest of the way through him. The tip of the spear exited his back in a spray of blood, and he collapsed to the ground. As darkness claimed him, he spoke one final word.
"Thanatos."
**ACC**
Zeus straightened as Athena appeared in front of him, carrying Ares' spear.
"News?"
"He is dead," Athena said shortly.
Zeus took the spear from her. Gripping the spear tightly, a golden glow flowed up his arm. Veins stood out sharply against his tanned skin and his eyes closed as power flowed into him.
As the glow faded, he opened his eyes to see Athena staring at him.
"Something wrong daughter?"
Athena shook her head. "Our family has never had qualms about doing the dishonorable thing but having me kill my brother so you could take his power seems so… wrong."
Zeus shrugged. "He refused to stand with us. At least this way, he serves a purpose."
"He was your son."
Zeus waved a hand dismissively. "I have many sons. As children go, he was a disappointment."
Athena simply looked at him; her expression unreadable. "Do you need anything else from me Father?"
Zeus shook his head. "You may go." As she left the room, Zeus conjured a chair with a wave of his hand.
As he sat down, he reflected on the death of his eldest son. Ares death was unfortunate, but Zeus would make sure to make good use of the power he gained from him. Besides, he could have more children. He just needed a good queen. Perhaps the woman would be willing to bare him a child. He could always ask. If she said no, well, it wouldn't be the first time he'd tricked a woman into his bed.
**ACC**
Hades held a bronze statue of an infant in his arms. He gently placed it on the table in front of him.
"I still say he doesn't deserve it," a blond woman said as she strode into the room. She glanced at the statue, her eyebrows rising.
"Did you make that?"
Hades chuckled. "I have no skill in working with metals as you well know. No my dear, this is the work of Hephaestus."
Persephone frowned. "Why would Hephaestus help you?"
Hades shrugged. " think he wants to see what happens?"
"And your sure it'll work?"
"So long as the soul hasn't passed on, it can be placed in the vessel."
Persephone nodded. "It's late. Come, we're not as young as we used to be. Let's get to bed."
Hades laid the statue on the table and followed his wife out of the room. Things were beginning to come to an end. Soon, it would all be over, one way or another.
