Chapter Text
“SIRIUS! SIRIUS!” Harry bellowed, fighting Lupin’s grip.
“Harry, he’s gone! He’s not coming back,” Lupin cried.
His voice broke, as he struggled to contain Harry. The flashing lights of spells didn’t matter. Harry refused to believe it.
“HE IS NOT–”
Harry froze. One hand was stretched out toward the veil, the other gripped Remus’s arm in an attempt to escape, and his mouth was open in a silent scream. He went stark white and felt stiff and cold to the touch. He looked like a marble statue.
Then, without warning, Harry collapsed. He went limp and became dead weight. Lupin fumbled to catch the Gryffindor.
The werewolf looked over his shoulder, shouting for backup. He fired a few shots to deter potential threats. Remus heard the youngest auror yell a positive reply. He refocused on Harry.
Remus faced a disturbing sight. Harry’s eyes were glazed over, foggy and unfocused. His mouth hung open and his skin was waxy and ashy. Remus’s hands flew to the boy’s neck. He didn’t have a pulse.
Remus’ breath stopped. Was–Was Harry dead? How was he dead? He was fine a minute ago, he didn’t get hit with a killing curse. What happened?
Then, the skin underneath Remus’ fingertips warmed. Harry’s heart pumped fresh blood. Remus took a shaky breath. He hallucinated. Harry fainted from the shock of his godfather dying. Everything could be explained away until it couldn’t.
Harry lurched to life. He latched onto Remus’ neck and slammed him into the ground. The wind was knocked out of him and his vision spun. Remus choked. He clawed to free himself. Harry held fast and crushed his airway.
—--------
Harry sucked in a painful gasp. Needles shot down his windpipe. His throat burned and he was furious.
Harry spotted a figure hovering above him and reversed their positions. He slammed the opponent’s head down with a sickening crack. Harry gripped their neck and shoved his wand into the man’s throat. Harry was pissed.
What muggle thought it was a good idea to gun him down in the middle of the Swiss Alps? Harry knew he was a threat, but he hadn’t been active in months. Yet the magicless poked a sleeping bear with a stick. All he wanted was to mourn his loved ones. After that, he planned to disappear. Harry didn’t want to play hero anymore. His friends, his family, and his lover died. He didn’t care about the overall wizarding community. He was tired. Harry wanted to pass quietly, but he wouldn’t be taken out by a measly muggle.
Harry’s hand tightened, as he refocused on his prey. He stopped.
Harry came face to face with a dead man: Remus Lupin.
Harry blinked. The sight didn’t go away. He was pinning Remus Lupin underneath him.
Harry tilted his head. The werewolf died twenty years ago in the Battle of Hogwarts. Why was he here?
The werewolf clawed at the hand blocking his windpipe.
Remus let out a painful and choked question, “Harry?”
Harry narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Remus was warm to the touch. His heart beat under Harry’s palm. He watched his former professor’s face turn blue. He seemed alive. Harry let up but didn’t let go. He didn’t know what was happening. Until he did, he wouldn’t—A spell flew past.
Harry whipped around. He was in a different environment. The icy snow and jagged rocks of the Alps turned into a deep, stone-black pit. He was dead for fifteen seconds. The muggles didn’t have time to transport him. How did he get here? Harry tilted his head to avoid another oncoming spell.
He looked at the combatants. Everyone fought with wands. Was there in-fighting? It seemed ridiculous. Mages everywhere knew their numbers had been reduced to one-quarter since the start of the war. However, it was the only explanation he could think of until he saw it.
Harry’s breath caught in his throat. A familiar rickety archway stood in the center of the dias he knelt upon. The shimmering black portal rippled as if blowing in the wind. The Veil of Death looked the same as the one in his nightmares. Harry stared, unable to comprehend.
Then, the archway crumbled.
Harry leaped to his feet, releasing his hold on Remus. The stones crashed with a loud BOOM! Dust flew into his eyes and mouth. Harry cast spells allowing him to breathe within the hazy cloud. He stared.
Was this why he was here? Did Death grant his wish? The last time he died, he wanted to go back and change the past. Did the portal transport him?
Harry glanced at the wand in his hand. Bright white holly shone back at him. He hadn’t used this since becoming the Master of Death.
He knew what to do. Harry pulled out his invisibility cloak. He swept it over his shoulders and disappeared under the dust and debris.
Harry strode through various rooms. He slipped past Order members and Death Eaters alike, sparing nobody a second glance. He arrived at his destination. Shards of glass and sand scattered across the floor. They sparkled in the bright light. The Time Room was destroyed. The magical items were too, but Harry was about to change that.
He summoned the parts of a time turner and clasped his hands around it. They formed into a sphere. Harry opened the dam to his magic.
Energy roared out. He concentrated on controlling the wild tide, preparing to cut it off at a moment's notice. Harry could die from this. He had died from magical depletion, but he couldn’t now. Too much was on the line. Harry’s hand heated up and began vibrating. Bright light seeped out of the cracks of his fingers. He clamped down harder. Sweat accumulated on his forehead, dripping down his face.
Harry felt the edges of the time turner forming. It wasn’t complete though. Harry’s breath became labored. He sank to his knees, bending over his clasped hands to ensure they didn’t part. Harry trembled and burned so much, he felt cold. He became lightheaded and dizzy. Harry focused on his breathing and the time turner. He kept an eye on his magic core. He couldn’t lose consciousness. Not when he was so close. Harry felt the time turner popped into place. He slammed the dam closed.
He knelt in that position for a minute, his breath heavy and ragged.
Harry had to get up. He had a plan to execute. Harry placed the magical device around his neck with shaky hands. Swallowing the sudden nausea, he placed his hands down on the floor. Shards of glass shredded into his palms. He couldn’t do anything about it now.
Pulling himself to stand, he ensured the invisibility cloak covered him. He didn’t want anyone to see what he did next. Stumbling into the next room, Kingsley was locked in combat with two Death Eaters. Harry recognized them. It was the Lestrange Brothers. Harry gave a ghost of a smile. At least he didn’t have to go out of his way to kill them. Harry fired two Avada Kedavras.
Green lights shot out of his wand, nailing his targets in the chest. They crumpled to the ground, as Kingsley spun around. Harry hit him with a weak stunner. The Auror wouldn’t be out for long.
Harry heaved himself over to one of the brother’s corpses (he didn’t remember their names). His knees gave out as he made it to the bastard. He gripped the mouth of the dead man, opened it, and inhaled.
A wriggling soul came out from the corpse. It pulsed with energy. The entity glowed with purple, burgundy, and a thick stream of bright green that strangled it. It was the colors of dark magic.
Harry grimaced as the soul zapped and crackled down his throat. Each soul had a unique scent and flavor to it. This one smelled like frying electrical cables. He smacked his lips, trying to rid himself of the taste. He sent another stunner at the awakening and bleary-eyed Kingsley. Harry held the wall as he made his way to his next victim. He began the same process.
Harry almost coughed the soul back up. This man smelled like an oil and gas fire: hot, smoky, and full of chemicals. Harry managed to swallow it without choking.
He left their corpses where they were and swept into the next room. Harry needed more. With an automated practice and precision, he killed two more and stunned the fighting Order Member. This was familiar and routine. He acted on autopilot.
When he found Lucius Malfoy, Harry was replenished and rejuvenated. With his magic reservoir restored, he felt more at ease. He was ready to carry out his next task. Alastor Moody stood over the blond, dueling two of Lucius' “friends.”
Harry paused. It would be a waste to leave the magical cores of the Death Eaters intact. They came in handy as a snack whenever Harry ran low on magic. He knew how to harvest and store them. He was quick. The only difference was that he would have to cover his tracks. Voldemort and Dumbledore would already be wary of him by the end of the night.
Harry sent a wordless Avada Kedavra at the two masked men and a strong stunner at Moody. The veteran auror would be suspicious when he awoke, but Harry would be long gone by then.
Harry sped towards a corpse, tearing into their robes. He sliced into their sternum and reached inside. There was a sickly squelch, as Harry latched on to a smooth sphere. Harry extracted the magical core. Chunks of muscle clung to it and dripped with blood, but it was full, shiny, and intact. The inside glowed and sparkled with glittering liquid. Shades of purple and violent green swirled around, never mixing. Harry stitched the wound closed, cast Scortify, and mended the deceased’s robes. He encased his prize with a layer of magic. The Gryffindor moved on.
It took thirty more seconds to finish. Harry dragged Lucius away from Moody and draped the cloak over them. He looped the time-turner around their necks. He wound up the magic item and he sent a Rennervate at Moody. Harry released the time-turner.
—------------------
Lucius waited with his new business partner in an empty room at the Department of Mysteries. They cracked the door open to allow sounds to enter.
Lucius was still processing the last few hours. He never expected to make a deal with Harry Potter, a recent time traveler. Yet, here he was. Lucius was about to do the bravest and stupidest thing he’s done. The only reason the blond agreed was due to their contract.
Potter vowed to protect Lucius and his family. If he didn’t, he would die. After a first-hand demonstration of the veteran’s prowess and viewing a few memories, Malfoy was convinced. He was glad to be on the Gryffindor’s side rather than against it. Lucius also had similar stipulations of death but for other purposes.
The contract Potter wrote was surprisingly amiable. He valued equal business terms. The two went back and forth on logistics, but Potter caught Lucius’ shady moves and stopped them. Harry proved himself. That was why Lucius agreed to his insane plan.
A maniacal cackle cut through Lucius’ thoughts. He grimaced at the grating noise. Thankfully, he wouldn’t hear it ever again after tonight.
“I killed Sirius Black~!” Bellatrix sang.
Her footsteps scrambled down the hall. The head Malfoy stood up and slipped out of the room. His cane clicked alongside him as he followed.
The odd pair approached the Ministry Atrium. Lucius slowed to a dramatic gate. He noticed the shadows aiding his performance. It was no doubt due to Harry's assistance. Lucius stepped into Bellatrix’s line of sight with a haughty smile.
“Luci! Did you see my little stunt with Sirius? He fell right into the veil with a stunner! It was pathetic. The boy was so torn up about it,” Bellatrix howled.
Lucius sneered, “Of course, you would get off on killing a half-crazed former inmate. It’s quite fitting considering your status.”
Bellatrix gasped.
“How dare you?! You failed to obtain the prophecy and the boy,” Bellatrix hissed, “You deserve extra punishment. Crucio!!”
Lucius didn’t move. The Crucio bounced off a shield. He smirked.
Bellatrix’s jaw slackened in disbelief. Her gaze alternated between the barrier and Malfoy. It shimmered out of existence. She stared at him.
“What did you do? That was an impressive trick, but don’t think you can use it to avoid the Dark Lord’s punishment,” she told him.
Harry stepped out from the shadows. “Sorry to disappoint, but I cast it, not Lucius.”
Bellatrix jerked back, confused. She looked between the two. It took her a second before a wicked grin came through.
“Looks like the brat isn’t impervious to the Imperius Curse after all,” Bellatrix laughed, “How did you do it, Luci?”
Lucius chuckled, as darkness seeped into his tone.
“You misunderstand, Bellatrix. Harry happens to be persuasive. I’ve teamed up with him and in our contract, he even encouraged me to dispose of you,” he stated, before blasting, “Bombarda Maxima!”
She shrieked and flew back into the wall. She sat there stunned. She realized something and played along.
“How dare you betray the Dark Lord, traitor?! I will avenge him,” Bellatrix promised, before dueling him.
Lucius didn’t have to focus much. The woman wasn’t fighting to attack him. However, she made it flashy. Lucius matched her energy. He went along with her false assumption. Lucius insulted her again.
“You should’ve been sorted into Gryffindor,” he commented, ducking out of the way. “If I described a crazy, reckless Black with wild hair who’s a prison escapee, nobody would know if I was talking about you or Sirius. You have a lot of similarities. The next one is you’ll both die today.”
Bellatrix sneered. She threw a harder spell out of spite.
Lucius continued, “You’re nothing like your sisters. You didn’t retain their class. Even Andromeda is more elegant than you.”
She glared at him, becoming increasingly offended.
“You put me bellow that blood traitor?” Bellatrix shouted, “I’ll show you the Dark Lord’s wrath!”
Lucius couldn’t help himself.
“Voldemort is an insecure hack and conman. He’s a half-blood aiming for pureblood supremacy. He couldn’t kill a baby and has attempted to dispose of a fifteen-year-old another five times,” Lucius stated, “He’s a pathetic and ugly failure.”
Bellatrix stopped casting spells. Her face dropped as she searched Lucius’ face for the truth. The blond kept eye contact.
“Sectumsempra,” he whispered.
Bellatrix lurched as her side split open. She gurgled out a scream and dropped to the floor. Her eyes were wide in shock. Bellatrix held her side to prevent her intestines from slipping out. A waterfall of blood gushed around her, pooling onto the tile.
Bellatrix screamed in rage. Harry shoved Lucius toward the security desk. Voldemort would appear any second now. The woman tried to cast a spell only to wretch blood. Tears streamed down her face. The man of the hour arrived with a crack and Lucius tensed.
Harry laid a subtle hand on the blond’s back. He gave a reassuring pat. Lucius scowled, but it reminded him to relax. Potter was the ace up his sleeve. As begrudging as it was, Harry would protect him. While Harry embraced his Slytherin side, he was a Gryffindor to his allies.
Voldemort looked at the odd scene. Bellatrix bowed, hacking blood.
“Malfoy is a traitor. He’s working with the Potter boy to keep the prophecy a secret,” she gasped.
The witch avoided sullying the snake man’s clothes. She wheezed, as she struggled to get enough oxygen. Voldemort gave a curious look to Lucius. He addressed the injured Lestrange first.
“You’ve done a good job, Bellatrix. Go rest and recover your—“
A quiet voice came from behind Lucius.
“Diffindo,” Harry punctuated.
The spell blasted out with such force it knocked Lucius back. He wasn’t even the target. The spell smashed into Bellatrix, sending her flying. Blood and guts sprayed across the room. Her intestines ripped as she skidded to a stop. Her neck twisted at an unnatural angle. Lucius saw her porcelain spine through the fountain of blood. Lucius forced down bile. Harry almost decapitated her.
He glanced back at the Gryffindor.
Harry pursed his lips, giving a resigned stare. It’s what he had to do. He relaxed, changing into a more casual and nonchalant stance. He caught Lucius’ gaze.
“I know Sectumsempra would kill her, but I had to make sure,” he clarified.
He answered a question Lucius didn’t ask. Lucius gave a disturbed look before he turned to face Voldemort.
Voldemort turned slowly and deliberately.
“I didn’t think you had it in you, Harry,” the Dark Lord purred, “You have the potential to join our side. What do you say?”
Harry gave no reaction.
Voldemort continued, “You just—“
Harry kicked Lucius with his foot, urging him.
“Shouldn’t you be focused on me, Voldemort?” Lucius interrupted, “I’m insulted you place more value on a child than the head of the Malfoy Family. Shouldn’t you be worried about your benefactor leaving you?”
Voldemort snapped to Lucius.
“How dare you talk out of line,“ he hissed, before pointing his wand. “Crucio!”
Lucius stiffened slightly before forcing himself to relax. The spell bounced off the casted shield.
“How?” Voldemort murmured, before glancing at Harry again. “You’re full of surprises today.”
“Truly,” Lucius answered, “He offered me a better deal than you ever could, Tom. I’m switching sides.”
The other man whipped toward Malfoy. His hand tightened around his wand.
“Where did you hear that name?” He demanded.
“Harry and I are business partners. He told me,” Lucius shrugged, “I’m withdrawing my financial support. What are you going to do now? Go back to the broken-down shack you inherited from the muggle father who hated you? It’s too bad the orphanage can’t take you back in.”
Lucius knew he succeeded. Voldemort lost it.
“Avada Kedavra!” he cried.
The blond ducked. Harry stepped forward and switched his wand to his left hand. Lucius snatched it, as the Gryffindor fell. Lucius caught him and dragged his dead body behind the security desk. Dumbledore roared in to avenge the Gryffindor.
Lucius rolled his eyes. The old man could’ve come in sooner. Perhaps, he was too stunned witnessing his “Gryffindor Golden Boy” kill someone in cold blood. Lucius dropped down beneath the desk. He kept a shield up and waited for Harry.
—————
Harry woke up burning. He choked down a scream as fire blazed through him. His muscles tightened. Harry thought they would snap. He panted as the wave receded. Sweat ran down his face. What was going on?
The Killing Curse was the softest way to die. Why was he a scorching–
Harry spasmed, as if electrocuted. He clawed the floor. He looked for anything to ground him from the electrical surge. A squishy ball was shoved into his hands. Harry’s fingernails sunk into it as something else hit.
SNAP! CRACKLE! POP!
Harry jolted with every strike. His left femur broke. His jaw fractured and he was stabbed in the ribs. The torture was never ending. Pins and needles shot down his spine. Harry tensed his shoulders to his ears. He grabbed his right arm as it swelled. Then he felt something. Muscles. They were growing.
Harry lifted his head to confirm the sensation. He immediately regretted it. His vision spun and his skull fell back to the floor. Harry groaned, closing his stinging eyes. His glasses were removed.
Harry became lightheaded. He sucked in a harsh breath. That wasn’t a good sign. He focused inward. His magic drained from his core and into his body. It was a familiar sensation.
Harry let out a strangled laugh at the realization. His body was healing itself from the years of malnutrition and abuse. No wonder he was in so much pain.
Harry reached a shaky hand into his pocket. He latched onto one of the swirling orbs and shoved it in his mouth. It melted into a rich whiskey that burned the back of his throat.
Harry snatched the other one. He wasn’t so lucky. Harry gagged on the sickly sweet, spoiled, and musky meat. It was rotting human flesh.
Harry sat up, forcing the bile from rising.
Strong arms gripped him, propping him against a wooden surface. Harry couldn’t think. He squeezed the stress ball. He rode out the feverish nightmare.
After boiling alive for an eternity, a burst of fresh energy flowed through him. It cooled his veins and soothed his aches. Harry sighed. He tilted his head back and hit the wooden desk. He could think. The Gryffindor focused on his breathing. Soon, the sweat dried, leaving a gross, sticky feeling. His longer hair stuck to the back of his neck. Taking a deep breath, he opened his Avada Kedavra eyes.
Lucius looked disturbed and wary. Harry grinned.
“Thanks, I’m feeling better,” Harry said.
The Gryffindor shook his head and splashed Lucius with sweat.
The blond yelped and cast Scorgify. Bubbles filled Harry’s mouth, surprising him. He spluttered, turning his wand to his mouth. With a gargled, “Agumente,” he rinsed the suds and spat on the ground. Lucius gave a disgusted sound and vanished it.
“You’re so uncultured,” he commented.
Harry rolled his eyes with a smile.
“I’ll try not to ruin your reputation, your highness,” he mocked.
Their attention turned to the commotion at the floo.