Chapter 2597 - Ch: 1-4

Death is a Conversationalist » Harry Potter, 10 years after the events of the Battle of Hogwarts. The Master of Death uses his knowledge, skill, and magic to change the world to his liking. Aspects of World Building, Army tactics and Creation, magical rituals, enchanting, crafting, romance, politics, and even time in the world of dreams. HPxDaenerysTxShieraSeastarHarry Potter & Game of Thrones, M, English, Fantasy & Adventure, chapters: 22, words: 169k+, favs: 1k+, follows: 1k+, updated: Sep 6, 2025published: Jan 4, 2025, Harry P., Daenerys T.

Chapter 1 - The Present

"Harry Potter...come to die!"

Harry woke up with a start, nearly out of breath and covered in sweat.

It had been 10 years since that night and he still had nightmares. Willingly walking to his death had left its mark.

Harry looked around the massive bedroom he slept in, the bed fit for a king was feeling as empty as he did right now.

Two burning emerald orbs searched the shadows of the room. It was still before dawn and the room was dark, yet a sliver of silver light came in from the balcony windows, its curtains not entirely closed.

A ray of moonlight shot through the window, something that had been part of the extensive environmental runic arrays that made up the sky of this pocket dimension that held Peverell Castle Grounds.

He got up from his bed, scratching the scar on his right arm, where the Basilisk fang had pierced through all those years ago.

Over the last 10 years, he had grown into a man, overcoming years of malnutrition and stunted growth. He now stood close to 6'3" and after years of training, he had achieved a body like that of a swimmer and a warrior mixed. His eyesight was easily fixed with a series of magical rituals, now enhanced beyond that of a human. His reflexes and strength had been improved with some other rituals, achieving results beyond that of a normal wizard.

He had put the improved body to work over the years, finding an interest in mastering combat with the sword and wand combination. After becoming Master of Death, the knowledge of master wizards and combatants long past was easily accessible. He would train with the likes of the Knights of the Round Table with his ability to call upon souls. Bringing back Dumbledore for a bit of magical combat training was just the icing on the cake, especially when he had access to those like Merlin. Anyone legend of magic or might that had died had fed his insatiable want for more knowledge and skill. He would never be the weak and helpless boy walking to his death again.

He left his room, walking out into the brilliant moonlight on his balcony connected to the master bedroom. It made for a fantastic view that overlooked a lake reminiscent of the Hogwarts grounds. It always brought a bit of nostalgia, except that the whole valley that his manor was in was surrounded by large mountains. This wasn't a location on Earth, but rather one built within a trunk, the largest expanded space he had ever seen.

Peverell Manor was more of a castle than not, with maybe 50 square kilometers of space, housing all sorts of magical creatures and beings. Whoever had made this place, one of the Peverell brothers perhaps, had created a spatially enhanced forest within the trunk. One that continued as long as a person ventured into it like some endless treadmill of trees. He didn't even know how many creatures called this place home but had made friends with many of the more magical and social beings.

His attention was drawn to the moonlight reflecting off the lake, many meters below his balcony. Harry's eyes were focused but his attention was on memories of the past. Like a movie passing in front of his eyes, the memories of those he loved and lost flashed across his mind's eye. He wondered if he would ever not see them on nights like this.

"Chancey," he whispered.

A pop and a well-dressed house elf appeared behind him. She had a cute little dress and comfortable shoes, "Master Harries isn't sleeping?"

Harry chuckled lightly, "No, he isn't."

Chancey was aghast at such a prospect, "Chancey will bring Master Harries some tea!"

"That would be perfect, Chancey. Thank you."

Harry had a seat at the large outdoor table and kept his eyes on the Lake, casting a couple of warming charms to make himself comfortable. It was a cool night but it felt good to wrap himself in a soft blanket of magical warmth.

Chancey popped back in not 2 minutes later with steaming hot tea in his favorite mug. A specialty of the house elves here at the Peverell Castle. There was an entire garden that they maintained and a few different types of tea was one of the results of that.

It was halfway through that very same cup of tea that he was contacted by the entity that he had come to know all too well. It was strange that his nightmare had led him to the very same being in both dream and reality.

Death smiled at him, "Harry."

Harry looked into the face of his mother. No, not his real mother, just the form that Death decided she liked for some weird reason, or maybe no reason at all. He had given up trying to figure it out. He nodded his head and offered tea and a seat knowing she would never accept or have any care about it at all.

Death's smile never relented, as if it was part of how it viewed the world. The smile wasn't the creepy part though, it was the pupil-less black eyes, somehow emitting green death energy. They saw everything and yet he could never see where they were focused. It was more like he could feel her attention when it was on him.

"What can I do for you this beautiful moonlit night, Lady Death?"

Its smile grew, "You are stagnant here, Harry. Taking care of these creatures is honorable, yet it isn't worthy of your life and time."

"I make my own worth, thank you. And I hardly take care of them, just throwing an occasional meal to our local dragon hardly counts as such."

A wheezing laugh that had surely taken souls before, came out of the entity in front of him. Another strange thing was that Death never sat down. It didn't even acknowledge human customs, but usually just stood there smiling.

"I have knowledge of a place where my influence is challenged...where Hadrian Peverell would thrive."

"Thrive? Where is this place...America?" Ignoring the other name she used for him sometimes.

"Somewhere else."

"And you want me to go there and...what? Shake things up a bit?"

Another laugh. "A place where Death's touch is needed. A place where my Champion will find...things of interest," Death said, his mother's head tilting to the side.

"So, I go there and what...wipe a bunch of people out for you?"

More laughter, "Yes or no."

"So, I am your Hit Wizard now?"

"People Harry would wipe out without my will, others he would save."

Harry understood that to mean people on the level of Death Eaters and their victims, both sides of the coin. He nodded. Maybe that IS what he needed, a good fight.

"And getting there?"

"Step through my gateway, Death will guide you as needed." She often spoke in the third person, but it didn't make it any less creepy.

"Gateway...you mean the Veil in the Ministry?"

"A doorway to Death," Death agreed.

Harry sighed, "And this won't kill me?"

"You are already mine, Harry."

"You know what I mean."

"A silly question, Death's Champion fears not Death itself. You are mine."

The tattoo on his upper back tingled as it glowed in green light. When he was accepted by the Hallows, the symbol appeared on his just below the base of his neck. The items themselves sort of resided within the tattoo, like dimensional storage meant only for them. As they technically were a part of his role as Death's Champion or Master of Death, they stood as his symbol to her.

Death's patience was infinite, so making her wait while he thought about it did nothing to dampen her mood, but Harry made her wait all the same. She wasn't affected by time but had to create this avatar to interact with those that are. Death is omnipresent, it just exists, uncaring and unfathomable. He looked back to the lake where the only dragon inside his trunk was currently diving toward the surface for some pre-dawn bathing. She loved the cold water, it probably felt amazing on her old scales.

The Norwegian Ridgeback was getting up there in age, her green scales were turning into a dark turquoise with a bit of charcoal coloring on the edges. The old matronly dragon was a grouch, but she absolutely loved fresh tuna, so Harry had an in with her. She began to respect him when no matter how much fire she flung at him, it would just swirl around into a ball and disappear after sometime. He never attacked her, but only spoke respectfully, and eventually, they became respected allies that dwell within the same place.

Jormandeza, the Cerulean Scythe.

Dragons always had a thing for titles, and she refused to answer to her name without mentioning her title. He watched her pull out of the lake and her scales looked beautiful as she flew up into the night sky.

"What do I bring if I go?" He spoke to Death.

"Everything, there is no coming back."

Harry looked back at the visage of his mother, the smile and burning black and green eyes still present. He saw the truth in Death's resolve.

If he chose to go, there truly would be no coming back. He hadn't explored this world much, if at all really, though he admitted he was tired of dealing with magical society in general.

"A new adventure, then?"

"A new life."

Chapter 2 - No Easy Goodbyes

Hermione and Ron weren't together anymore. Not surprising really, as they had fought constantly when Harry actually bothered to see them. Harry went to Hermione's parent's house where she had been staying for a couple of years now. After everything that had happened, she really missed her family and it was probably fantastic for her to be back with them.

"Harry! Come in!" Hermione said. She was dressed as a witch who lived in a library, comfortable full robes and a book in hand. It fit her well and he had to admit she looked great now that she wasn't stressed about Ron or school, or anything besides learned really.

He just smiled at her and brought his old friend into a hug, "Good to see you, Hermione."

"Come this way, it has been too long. I have been meaning to Owl you but..."

Harry sighed with a shrug, "Me too..." Empty words from both, keeping the harder topics hidden for now.

They smiled and Hermione pulled him through her parent's house to her old room. It looked like a teenager's room. Hermione walked through it and knocked three times on a massive cabinet, an armoire. It opened and the clothing that was hung on the inside moved over and the drawers morphed into stairs. An archway of light brown wood held a walkway into Hermione's true home.

She brought him over for some tea and cake she had from her mom's birthday the other day. They sat in peaceful awkward silence, enjoying the drink. Hermione could feel his anticipation in wanting to say something, but she let the silence sit until Harry broke it.

"I am leaving Hermione."

"What, going on a trip around the world?" Hermione asked with a smile.

"More like leaving this planet."

She stared at him, eyes searching his face for what that could mean. Her smile slowly fell, "You're serious?"

"I am. I just don't feel like there is anything else for me here."

Her piercing gaze clouded, she was confused, "I understand that things didn't work out for you and Ginny, but-"

Harry just shook his head and met her eyes, "No, Hermione. It's not about anyone or anything but look at me. It's been 10 years and I haven't aged a day, I died once, but since that night..."

"You have definitely grown a bit, but I suppose I do see what you mean," She took another sip while inspecting him. "You are immortal, aren't you?"

He nodded, "I haven't really talked to you-"

"At all?"

"At all," He acknowledged, "But I am in contact with Death quite often...I was promised that there is a chance for a new life in another world."

She always had the most piercing gaze, like when her full attention was on something she would constantly analyze what she saw, "You really speak to Death?"

"Something like that," Harry evaded.

She took a sip of tea and the silence stretched out between them. She stared at him, believing his words, but still inspecting him.

"Talk to Ron at all?"

Hermione's eye-roll was nearly audible.

"Absolutely not. He cheated on me, you know. I just..." She shook her head, "It was probably never meant to be."

"Lavender?"

She sighed in acknowledgment.

Harry shook his head.

"Has there been anyone for you? Or are you still doing your magic practice all the time?" She asked.

"I do more than just practice magic...but no, I have no clue how to even start trying to find someone. It would either be a magic person that knows who I am already, or a muggle that I would have to hide things from," Harry shrugged.

"Why didn't we ever..?" Hermione asked with a curious expression on her face.

Harry exhaled in a huff of a laugh, "The closest we ever got was that night we danced in the tent."

Hermione laughed, "I didn't think you would make a move, but it was a perfect opportunity."

"No, I wouldn't have."

She stared at him, something taking over her gaze that he hadn't seen before.

"Hermione? Everything alright," Harry asked, suddenly nervous at her look.

"Harry?" Hermione asked sweetly.

Harry gulped, "Uhh, yes?"

"You are going to be leaving tomorrow?"

"Today."

"If this is the last time we see each other, then I am going to make it memorable."

Harry lost his voice, surprised at the sudden turn of conversation.

Hermione smirked as she stood and pulled Harry to her room.

Harry got to know one of his oldest friends in a new way, and he wasn't sure how he felt about it. They had fun for a whole night, and even he was surprised that the awkwardness between them had left the second they joined together. It was a hell of a way to say goodbye, but now he wasn't so sure about leaving.

Harry delayed his timetable to visit everyone to say his goodbyes until the next day. He offered to take her with him, then offered to stay. She denied both, "It was just a one-night thing...a morning thing too, I suppose. You really are in fantastic shape these days Harry."

He blushed once again, shaking his head at the events of the night.

His mouth was shut as hers met his once again. It was a harsh and passionate thing, filled with emotions that would never fit right between them.

"You will always be one of the closest people in my life. I love you, Harry James Potter. Now get out of here."

She pushed him out of the front door and closed it, wards coming back up.

Hermione shook her head and laughed out loud at her antics over the last night, "Talk about a bucket list."

~~o0o~~

Harry spent a good 2 hours drinking whiskey at George's shop, the upstairs having been wildly expanded. He was always welcome to drop by the shop and leaving the planet was as good a reason as any.

George wasn't as sad as Harry thought he would be. Since the war ended, Angelina Johnson - now Angelina Weasley, had moved into Diagon Alley together and had a child. They lived in the upstairs expanded house above Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes together, their second child on the way.

Angelina wasn't joining them for whiskey as she was pregnant and watching over little Fred Weasley II. Their next child was expected within a month or so, a daughter that would be named Roxanne.

George was anything but sad as his family, business, and outlook on life all grew. WWW's had become an international sensation, with locations in nearly every magical town or city on Earth. It brought the culture and joy that magic in Britain should have always been.

It forced people to recognize that not everything is light or dark. Sometimes things just exist. Harry felt proud of George and his family and it only made saying goodbye more difficult.

Regardless though, time moves on and Harry found himself leaving with a lifetime supply of 'goodies' from George. The internally expanded duffle bag had an obscene amount of stuff, but Harry just thanked him and put it in his Trunk. He then shrunk the storage trunk and put it back into his moleskin pouch, tucked safely under the basilisk armor and combat robes he wore.

Visiting Ron and Lavender was the same as visiting the Burrow as they lived there with much of the family. Ginny no longer lived here, and he didn't bother with her. Ron had never been one for words, so it was just hugging and back-patting as Harry said goodbye to him and the rest of the Weasleys. None of them really understood that he was leaving for good, maybe they didn't want to.

The more he thought about it, the more he liked it like that.

Harry stopped by the Longbottom Manor, saying goodbye to Neville and his wife Luna Longbottom. Harry had a lot of regret with those two, whether from not giving them his full attention back before the war, or just never giving them enough time to develop serious friendships. But it was too late for that now. Luna saw through everything he was doing and said he would find people to save in his new world. People to love, even.

Luna gave him a small box as a gift, telling him to open it once he gets to his new world. It could maybe fit an orange within it, but it felt pretty heavy. Neville gave him a bunch of dried herbs and enough saplings to start an apothecary's garden. It took longer than it needed to since Neville refused to hand over his gifts without one of Harry's House Elves personally agreeing to take care of the plants for him.

A very happy Chancey had agreed to take care of Master Harries plants. She even gratefully took a quick guide that Neville scribed with his wand in a matter of minutes on the proper care, continued growth, and proper harvesting times and techniques for the different plants.

Harry visited everyone he could think of, saying goodbye to all of them. It all felt empty as so few had made it through the war against Voldemort and even fewer had bothered to stay in touch. That was just as much his fault he supposed.

The very last visit he saved was a tough one. He went by Andromeda and Teddy's house. It was out of school for summer so Teddy was there, but it wasn't as awkward as he thought it would be. Andromeda was cold on the surface and deeply caring underneath, as usual. He surprised them by handing them slips of paper showing the transfers to their accounts, ensuring that they had everything they needed for a lifetime and more.

The house they stayed at was officially one of the Black family's properties, but Harry had moved it over to Andromeda entirely when he ran by Gringotts, her signature pending. It was another hard goodbye, trying to explain that he wouldn't be coming back. That it wouldn't be possible, but she promised to take care of his godson and ensure that he lived a loved-filled life.

Harry ran by the last of his properties that couldn't be shrunk down in a trunk, one gifted to him by Sirius. 12 Grimmauld Place was still standing, along with piles of dust and other disgusting things. No one had been here since the Order of the Phoenix fell. Looking around, it took all he had to not just ignite this place in a swath of Fiendfyre.

It was connected to muggle houses though, so he didn't. He was about to leave when a small spark appeared and turned into a flame. He feared that his magic had subconsciously enacted his will to destroy this place, but that was quelled a second later.

In front of him, not 2 meters away, a fiery Phoenix came into existence from a ball of flame.

Harry looked closely at the beautiful bird as it landed on an armchair, its mere presence lighting up the room.

"Fawkes?"

The phoenix eyed him with what looked like amusement in his eyes. It nodded once.

Harry smiled lightly and shook his head, "How the hell are you, Fawkes? You look good!"

The bird didn't respond this time, but its eyes seemed to bore into Harry.

"You alright?"

It didn't stop staring at him for a while, and it felt like he was searching for something. Harry raised an eyebrow when Fawkes hopped up to his shoulder and then inspected his upper back.

That was where the mark of him becoming the Master Of Death, or Death's Champion as she so liked to say, took the form of a glowing tattoo. Fawkes made a weird yet clearly satisfied grumbling sound and hopped back to the chair.

"What?" Harry asked, now fully confused by the phoenix.

He raised his wings and flapped until flames formed into a portal and another phoenix hopped through. Harry took a step back as a dark black phoenix with metallic silver wings and highlights made a curious sound.

Like it was asking if it made it to the right place.

Fawkes grumbled something back and looked offended. The smaller dark phoenix actually shrugged and hopped up to where Fawkes was sitting. Harry had his mouth opened wide in shock. He had only heard of what is called a Twilight Phoenix before, seeing one is not something he would have expected, but here it was all the same.

He stared at the bird and got a feminine feel from her aura. It was different than Fawkes and more graceful if that could be said like her weight wasn't really bothered by gravity, as she merely graced the world by allowing it to hold onto her.

"Hello there," Harry said, feeling the gaze of the new bird.

A few fantastical notes of musical chirping left her beak, immediately sending chills down his body. It turned into a quick song that echoed through him. It was a wave of euphoria as she spoke in her musical language. Once again he was left speechless, his mouth looking like a baby bird wanting to be fed as it hung open.

Tears fell from his eyes before he even realized it.

"That was beautiful," Harry said.

She seemed pleased.

"Is she your..." Harry led on while looking at Fawkes.

He rolled his eyes and shook his fiery head.

"Alright, alright...well, either way, it is nice to meet you," Harry bowed to the beautiful dark phoenix. "I will be going as Hadrian Peverell...going forward. So it is the first time I get to introduce myself as such. It is an honor to meet you."

The bird looked surprised at his manners but bowed back at him, as much as she could without losing balance.

The two magical creatures seemed to be in conversation and he didn't want to interrupt. His mind went to his Parseltongue and wished that there was a language for birds.

It was then that he had felt a chill and a bit of laughter echoed in his mind.

"Enochian is the language, and it encompasses more than just birds, but also has its origins in the divine. Here you go," Death whispered in his ear.

He felt a rush of not just knowledge, but more like an unlocking of an ability. His head and hearing were all stopped in their tracks as the ringing sound in his ears just kept growing. It reached the maximum threshold before dying down nearly turning into white noise before stabilizing.

Harry's vision cleared and he heard the phoenixes speaking to one another.

"And you are sure he is leaving?"

"Well, he's a fellow immortal now, he certainly isn't dying and he certainly isn't staying here," Fawkes said.

The way in which he understood their speech was strange. It wasn't just audio, but also how the magic flowed around them. Something to do with intent and auras. He didn't quite understand the means, but he could communicate all the same.

"You know that isn't what I meant," The Twilight Phoenix said, her voice feminine and as beautiful as she was.

"I do believe he is not long for this world, all the signs are there! If you still wish to leave then he is your means of doing so!" Fawkes said.

"My intentions haven't changed," She said, her stern voice echoing through the room.

Fawkes sighed, "I know they haven't, I promised your father that I would always give you a means of escape should the worst happen."

She looked sad at the mention of her father but spoke again, "You aren't going to come with me?"

Fawkes seemed to smile, "It doesn't matter what happens in this world, it will always be my home. I know you can't look at it like that anymore, but you will find peace should you dare to try."

"I have no idea what to do, here or anywhere...I am lost."

"Not yet, follow this Immortal, Shimmer. You will find peace and happiness, don't lose hope now," Fawkes said.

There was no response, so Harry cleared his throat, "Forgive me."

Both phoenixes jumped as they realized Harry had spoken to them, IN Enochian.

"I wasn't meaning to listen in, but I just learned how to..."

"How to speak Enochian, in the middle of our private conversation?" Fawkes asked. His tone reminded him of Dumbledore when he already knew the answer but was smiling as he asked regardless.

"Ahem... yes, sorry."

"So then," Shimmer asked, "You are leaving this world, will you take me with you?"

"I don't know why, but if you wish to then I have no problem. Taking you along, that is. It is nice to meet you by the way, Shimmer, was it?" Harry asked.

The beautiful silver and black phoenix nodded once then asked, "And...you will make me your familiar?"

Harry's eyes went wide, "You want to be my familiar?"

She looked sheepish as she looked anywhere but at Fawkes or Harry.

Fawkes had laughter in his tone as he spoke, "That is a fantastic idea, Shimmer! I will set the ritual up if you wish."

"Before we agree to anything, can I hear more about this bond? How does it work?" Harry asked.

Fawkes explained that the familiar bond lasts as long as both parties consent to it lasting. The bond can grow in strength as well, starting as empathetic before reaching fully telepathic as it grows. The ritual would tie the two with blood and magic, all connected by a soul pact. It was very complicated magic, the kind that only a very old being like Fawkes could produce.

"I can't promise you anything, but there are a lot of things that I wish to accomplish in this new world. I don't know what it's called or what it will be like, but I can promise that I will always have your back if you wish to continue with the bond," Harry said, making a firm choice.

Shimmer had a moment and fully inspected Harry, "I am all alone in this world, outside of Fawkes."

Harry let the silence go for a moment, "I lost my family as well."

"I feel like I can no longer exist here and I wish to be away," Shimmer said. "I will join you in the familiar bond until one of us decides to break it or one of us does things the other wouldn't approve of," Shimmer said.

"I agree, we should respect each other's boundaries," Harry agreed.

"Right then, Fawkes assures me of your character and I have heard much of your exploits, so I wish to form a familiar bond with you," Shimmer said with all the formality in the world.

Harry smiled and looked at Fawkes, "Then I guess we need some help with a ritual, Fawkes."

Fawkes spread his wings and the dust on the floor began to burn. It spread out into a figure-8-style pattern with intricate runes having been burned into the wood itself. "Each of you in one circle," Fawkes instructed as the circles continued to grow.

Shimmer gracefully stepped down into it, and Harry sat crisscross-style across from her after a quick Scourgify for the dust.

"Now a drop of blood in each of those minor focusing arrays," Fawkes said, gesturing with a wing.

"Here?" Harry asked, pointing at a small opening in the ritual circles that had a corresponding one on Shimmer's side.

"Indeed," Fawkes said.

Harry held his left hand out and made a slicing gesture. A small slice appeared on his palm allowing a drop of blood to leak out before the wound sealed.

Shimmer bit a spot on her left clawed foot and let a single drop of blood fall into her circle.

"Push your magic into the circle and it will reciprocate," Fawkes said.

Harry let his magic leak out and fill the circle. It lit up nearly instantly and moments later Shimmer's half of the circle did the same. The difference was obvious though, Harry's circle contained green deathly magic that looked like the killing curse. Shimmer's looked like dark flames that reflected silver in odd flashes, like slashing blades in the dark.

It was then that the magic flowed between the two, lighting up different parts of each circle like some sort of Ying-yang symbol.

Fawkes began humming a deep and pure song that resonated with everything in the ritual. Harry let his heavy eyelids close, and he entered a sort of meditative state.

Shimmer did likewise and the two minds and magic were brought together.

On Harry's left hand, an artistic vision of a black and silver phoenix appeared as if partially in flames. It looked like a living tattoo and Harry could immediately feel the connection.

At the same time, a small green symbol of the Deathly Hallows appeared on the bottom of Shimmer's foot and she too could feel the connection.

Harry felt a myriad of emotions immediately. Coming through the bond between them was worry, fear, sadness, and hope. Worry that he wouldn't accept her, fear that he would accept her for the wrong reasons, sadness at the loss she felt, and hope that he can help her get away from this disgusting world.

Harry had an idea that it was her parents or something along those lines, and he didn't bring it up, "It's okay." He said this knowing that she felt a plethora of his own feelings: doubt, worry that he was letting in something that he shouldn't, fear at leaving everything he knew behind, excitement at the prospect of finding a new place in a new world.

Their heartbeats began to sync up until the faster-beating heart of the smaller creature left his behind. "I feel your emotions...and I might not know everything about it, but I have felt those feelings before. I will not take advantage of your trust, I promise."

The beautiful phoenix nodded and burst into a column of black and silver flames. It was beautiful until it rushed at him.

Harry quickly put his hand up and was shocked to find that the flames entered the tattoo. Shimmer was the tattoo.

"It is oddly comfortable, resting here within your magic, Harry," Her smooth and feminine voice said in his mind. She sounded like some regal queen being surprised at the comfort level of their surroundings.

He laughed as the communication was telepathic, but he instinctively knew that this wasn't what Fawkes meant when he said they would be able to speak telepathically one day. This was one being resting within another's magic and the connection would not be telepathic unless they were in this situation until the connection grew. Eventually, they would be able to truly speak telepathically, regardless of the distance.

He let his words reach her magically, "Will you be fine traveling like this?"

"You mean, traveling to another world?"

"I do," Harry said.

Shimmer gave him the mental equivalent of a nod and Harry looked over to Fawkes.

The old phoenix looked sad and happy at the same time.

Harry immediately knew why, "You still miss him don't you?"

Fawkes looked down, "Always. He was a troubled man, burdened with a great amount of things, but a friend no less."

Harry let the silence sit for a while, neither him nor Shimmer could find any words. "I never saw your mark on Dumbledore."

"It had been gone for years, but that is between us. You two have your whole lives ahead of you, go."

Harry waited, "You sure don't want to come?"

If Fawkes could smile, he did, "I'm sure."

With a nod and a last look around, Harry and his new companion disappeared with a crack.

Chapter 3 - Through the Veil

The anti-Apparation wards within the Ministry of Magic were top-of-the-line. They had made sure to severely crack down on arrivals since Kingsley had taken over as Minister, and a full rework of the wards was one of the first things he did. The Ministry was an absolute magical fortress now, with a more official entrance for both employees and visitors, including screening for magical effects.

That didn't matter to Harry as he summoned the Invisibility Cloak. Becoming Master of Death had given him strange and vast abilities that he hadn't quite worked out entirely just yet. One part he had taken to early and easily though, was the summoning of the cloak, and the new powers that came with it.

It sat on his shoulders, now shaped like an actual cloak instead of just a large blanket. He could will himself to become fully invisible or just the opposite and didn't have to fully cover himself with it to become invisible. When not fully invisible, the cloak was as black as the abyss, light seemingly falling into it. It sat over his basilisk leather armor and acromantula silk robes.

He did his best not to focus on how much he must look like a battle-ready Severus Snape, with how long his black hair had grown. It was 100% less greasy though. Harry shook that image from his mind and accessed the powers of the Invisibility Cloak.

It enabled him to easily bypass anti-Apparation wards, appearing completely unchallenged by any ward or being. Apparating a few more times, he stood at the top of the weird room where he lost Sirius.

The Veil of Death was just before him, feint echoes of lost souls seemingly screaming from the depths of some other plane of existence.

Death's home plane maybe.

Shimmer was sending worried feelings at him and he could only agree that this place gave him a bad feeling.

"Come, my champion, Hadrian Peverell. It is time," The soft and falsely comforting voice of Death spoke in his ear.

Harry nodded, "Well, Shimmer, here goes nothing."

He was briefly visible as his cloak began to match the deathly colors of the gate, which lit up as he passed through it.

Harry entered the Realm of Death.

Endless fields of the dead were moving about, souls lost to time and space. Other servants of Death all turned at his presence. It was an unbelievably large area impossible to see any end in sight, with other familiar archways seemingly leading off into a myriad of different realms.

Lady Death herself popped into existence, still sheathed in a false disguise of his smiling mother, "Welcome home, my Champion."

It was then that every cloaked reaper, every floating dementor, and every other being of Death all bowed at once. To both of them.

"Quite the reception," Harry commented.

"It is only natural, you are my Champion and this is my realm. Your realm," Death said, her smile always in place.

"And here I was expecting Kings Cross station," Harry said nervously.

Death laughed as everything turned into just that. This time it appeared darker than the first time he died, yet it was undoubtedly the familiar King's Cross station with the colors of death instead of the unrelenting white.

Harry wasn't sure if that made it better or worse.

Shimmer wasn't sending any emotions at all like she wasn't actually here. She was of course, but this place seemed to interact with her strangely, maybe having to do with her status as an immortal being.

"Before you proceed onto you're next path, there are a few who are permitted to see you," Death said.

Three spirits popped into existence: his mother, his father, and Sirius.

"Harry!" Lily yelled with spiritual tears falling from her cheeks. She sprint-floated over and wrapped her arms around him.

Harry was expecting the spiritual arms to go through him, but he was shocked when her embrace felt physical.

"Mom," Harry said as he embraced his mother, his voice breaking.

"My baby, I am so proud of you."

Over her shoulder, Sirius and James watched with proud and loving smiles. He received a wink from Sirius and a nod from his father as they floated closer.

James wasted no time after that, wrapping his wife and son in a hug, "My boy. A man now."

Harry's heart warmed, despite being in this cold realm of Death. The embrace continued, his mother unable to stop crying.

"We are so proud of you, Son," James said. "I am so sorry we weren't there."

"Don't say that. You were there when it mattered, all of you," He looked at Sirius as well. He grimaced.

"I got too excited in the fight it seemed, I...let you down, Harry," Sirius said.

Harry snorted, "Don't worry Padfoot, she paid for it."

It was Sirius's turn to snort, "Actually, she is still paying for it."

Death laughed in agreement.

Harry had never used the stone to summon those he cared about. Knowing that it was unnatural for spirits to be called back from death he only contacted those that could help him grow stronger. But that was just an excuse. In truth, he had been afraid.

Afraid of their reactions to him and his decisions, would they approve of his life? Would they hate him?

But that obviously wasn't the case. He stayed with his family for a time, coming to terms with his position as Master of Death. Without it, he wouldn't be able to see his family until he died. It was a double-edged sword though, since he can only see them now in the Realm of Death, or by painfully pulling their souls to the material realm, as Harry wouldn't be joining them in the afterlife.

"It is time, come, Hadrian, that train there can lead you to your destination," Death gestured behind her and a dusty old train facing a dark tunnel suddenly turned on. Lights in the compartments and the tunnel turned into a green swirling vortex. Another Veil of Death, this one keeping to the theme of the station.

The Veil was ready for him to enter and he only took the time to say his goodbyes, for now. Walking along the bone-white platform was strange, and he turned before he boarded.

One thing that was different this time was that he could feel a huge difference from Earth and this realm which was the density of death magic. It was like walking along the bottom of the sea and all that pressure was the amount of magic in the air. He felt he could cast any spell at obscene levels of power and it would be no more taxing than a simple Lumos.

"Anytime you wish to, Hadrian, you will be welcome here," Death said as she stood by the open doors to the train car. "You are free to do as you please. Just seek the Veil you exit through."

He nodded then turned to his mother again, "I love you, mum."

A fresh flow of tears cascaded down her cheeks, "I love you too, my son. I love you so much. Death tells me you can find love in this new chance at life. Build a family, find those who care about you and others, and live your life to the fullest."

He couldn't deny his mother that request, but had no idea how to start that. He just nodded at her.

A round of embraces, a slap on the shoulder from Sirius, and a proud inspection from his father later, Harry was ready to go.

They stopped before he stepped through the next portal that Death had led him to, "Any advice for this world?"

Death's smile grew, "There are events you might wish to change. Times when your intervention can exchange the fate of those you choose to save. There are other Champions of the lesser planetary Gods of that world. You are my champion and your will is supreme. You need not heed any of them and their petty ways, but it is up to you if you wish to do so."

"I would like to save people, you know that is kind of my thing," Harry said.

Death's smile grew again but she just stared at him.

"I guess I'll be going then?"

She nodded once and disappeared, along with Harry's parents and Sirius.

It was then that every being of death rose from their bows and stared at him. Even the wandering souls here looked at him, strangely walking through the realm like they had been there the whole time.

Harry didn't feel fear at the weight of their gazes, more like a respectful curiosity at who could have been chosen by Death.

He simply nodded as he finished boarding the small train, and it slowly made its way through the portal.

~~o0o~~

It was dark, and a cold wind followed him through the Veil. His brain felt like it was recovering from brain freeze from eating too much Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream. Like the aura of a Dementor, slight bits of frost were falling off of him as he stepped through.

His surroundings were poorly lit, yet he could see the distant walls of what felt like a basement of sorts. The walls were plain stone and there was no light besides an odd glow that looked like it came from light many stories above. It was enough to see the single kneeling figure in front of him, however.

They were slender and fairly androgynous with a bald head and basic robes. He then accessed his Soul Sight, another gift from bonding with the Deathly Hallows. This person was shrouded in some strange sort of transmutation magic, something that had been implemented through the use of extensive potions and some sort of Death-based soul-imprinting magic.

Without realizing it, Harry's eyes were glowing with emerald power. It was enough to draw the attention of the kneeling man, who looked up at Harry with a neutral face.

Harry just raised an eyebrow as the man spoke.

"Valar morghulis."

Death spoke in his ear and he let her words flow through him, "Valar dohaeris."

Because of his journey through the realm of death, his voice came out scratchy and hoarse. The man nodded back at him all the same though.

Harry debated tossing a translation charm on the man, but he decided to just ask and see what happens, "Can you lead me out of here?"

The man stood and bowed once before he walked off.

Harry shrugged and followed.

The man didn't lead him out immediately but instead gestured into a room with a deathly green flame burning inside a brazier in the center of the small space.

Harry just raised an eyebrow until Death spoke in his ear, "Just a last gift for your journey." She had amusement in her voice.

Harry sighed and stepped forward. In the center of the deathly flames was a grasping series of silver scythe-like claws, reaching upward. It looked ready to receive a gemstone or something.

"A gemstone? No, the Resurrection Stone? Maybe..." Death whispered in his ear, a laugh to accompany the statement.

He summoned the stone, it was different from the first time he used it before he died. It now looked like a large black diamond and had twelve faceted surfaces with the symbol of the Hallows glowing within. No matter what face you looked through to see the symbol, it still faced you. A strange magical property he supposed.

Harry tested the green flames and found they were cool and that gave him the confidence to continue. He gently dropped the Resurrection Stone into the grasping scythe claws they clenched down on the gem, holding each scythe to one of the facets. It glowed and magic gathered, the brazier revealed that the claws holding the stone were a pommel to a sword.

He inspected it closer and found that the grip was a material he couldn't identify, nearly looking like marbleized black bone with white lightning marks through it, except it was perfectly polished and had ribbed grips that looked perfect for his right hand. He couldn't see the blade which was buried deep in the green flames, but the small cross guard was angled to deflect over his knuckles and catch over the back.

Reaching into the fire Harry realized that the fire was actually interacting with him. Instead of burning him though, it felt like it was feeding him magic. Raw death mana for his consumption.

That was startling at first but he grasped the handle all the same. Pulling the sword from the bottom of the brazier, the fire flashed brightly and turned to the standard color of flame.

He got a decent look at the blade in the firelight. It was a dark black, seeming to pull light in from the fire itself. The shape was too curved to be a longsword and not curved enough to be a cutlass, "A scimitar, then." Elegant and deadly, one of Harry's favorite weapons to train with.

Inspecting the sleek blade closer he was curious as to the strange water-like surface on the metal. It was like looking at the surface of a black pond, with silver ripples all along it. Beautiful and powerful, the blade resonated with him. He opened up to the weapon and his magic flowed into the blade, causing a familiar symbol to light up just above the cross guard and in the pommel where the Resurrection Stone now remained.

In his mind, Harry sent a communication to Death, "Is this really your symbol then?"

All he got was a simple laugh as the green symbol of the Deathly Hallows burned on the blade to match the previously green brazier.

Sighing again, he spoke, "I guess I will need to fashion a scabbard then."

"Don't bother, just think of stowing the blade, it is a part of the Hallows now," Death's voice caressed his mind.

He did just that and the blade disappeared in black mist as if teleported away. He could tell that it went to the same soul space that his cloak and wand went, and even the stone before it became part of the blade. The symbol of the Hallows didn't change though.

"Huh, that is something," Harry said. He willed the sword back and it appeared in his grasp with the same black mist dispersing to reveal the beautiful weapon.

"Does it have a name?"

Death replied in the same way that only he could hear, "No, humans do have that need to name everything, don't they?"

"Who made it?"

Silence was the answer. It didn't matter, and he could feel why. It was because they were dead. It didn't mean she didn't know, but that she either didn't care or didn't want to explain it. He felt the indifference and focused on the weapon instead.

He swung the sword a bit, feeling the perfect balance of the blade. He had trained mostly for long swords, regular straight swords like the Sword of Gryffindor, and even a bit with katanas and great swords. He preferred a one-handed sword so that he could wield magic in his other hand, and indeed, scimitars were perfect for that.

The sword also had some inherent abilities that he felt like he could discover with a bit of work. Something for later.

With each swipe a slight trail of 'black mist' seemed to follow behind like smoke, obfuscating everything behind it, yet he could see through it. "Black Mist... eh, that's too on the nose...I will think of something else."

Harry made the scimitar disappear again and thought a moment before moving on. He hadn't heard from his new companion yet.

He telepathically sent a nudge to Shimmer, who was still resting in the tattoo on his left hand. She felt exhausted, having spent extensive amounts of magic to maintain herself while they passed through the realm of Death. She responded but seemed to drift off into a sleepy state almost immediately.

It was surreal having a whole being in his body...something he wasn't expecting to have ever again. The emotions coming from her were so much more positive than the other experiences he had had. His mental state was a mixed sort of disbelief and exhaustion, but planned on working this out later. It shocked him how readily he accepted the bond, but he only felt positive emotions from his new friend.

More had happened in the last 48 hours than anything in the last decade. To say that he felt overwhelmed would be an understatement. Her magic was a clean and pure sort of twilight fire. Something he didn't know much about but could feel the energy that drove it.

It was definitely different than the fallen dark lord, not to mention the whole aspect of consent.

Harry had also been talking with Lady Death more often than not which was different from normal. It almost started feeling like she was getting something out of him just existing in this world with how hard she pushed to get him here. It was clear that Death was making use of his 'saving people thing' by guiding him to this planet. The question was, where would she lead him next?

His nerves were getting the better of him so he stopped for a moment and gathered himself. He went through the familiar process of maintaining his occlumency barriers. One at a time Harry began pushing his will and focus to reinforce them and undo the cracks that had formed from the stress.

First, he had to calm his heart and mentally step back from the world.

He then calmed every part of his mind and body, his heart's slowing pace guiding the process one double beat at a time. He finally appeared within his mindscape and felt the comforting surroundings appear in front of him.

The last trip through the Realm of Death, saying goodbye to family and friends, and forging a bond with Shimmer had all compounded and the display in front of him was the result. The weight of the things appeared as millions of papers flying all over and around him, like Hogwarts letters in his aunt's living room. They were everywhere and seemingly continued to pile up and it was impossible to find an avatar for the source of the problem.

Harry sighed and focused on pulling everything into a single place...an endless file cabinet. He imagined that no matter how much showed up it would just be organized into this file cabinet. In front of him, the very same file cabinet he imagined had appeared and there was no more paper anymore.

He needed to find a place, away from people, where he could just...stretch out and go through everything that had happened. Maybe it was his recent time as a martial and magical arts hermit, or maybe it was the instinctive need for magical beings to want to hide behind more than just stone walls.

A deep breath was released and he opened his eyes again. The strange human had simply waited for him. Not looking at him, not speaking to him, the man just waited.

When the man felt Harry's gaze on him, he simply bowed again and turned. He continued to lead Harry like he hadn't just pulled Death's version of King Arthur's sword from a brazier instead of a stone. They went up a tiny staircase and into another massive hall.

Candles lit the small lip around each column which reached far up into the ceiling. It added weight to the massive stone pillars and besides that, the same beams of light that came from the sun seemed to magically make it through the entire building. Just enough to add a strange ambiance among the thousands of grizzly busts that sat in every alcove.

This was a chamber of Death, and his magic knew it. Was connected to it.

His aura flared and he felt himself breathe in with a strange sort of deathly energy. There were no souls here, just tools for their work. They were assassins, bringers of death, and worshipers of all that mattered in the end.

The man had waited, this time looking at Harry. He was breathing out as power raged through him. His blood felt like it was on fire, he could feel the phoenix tears, the basilisk venom, his connection to Death and the Hallows, as well as his new connection to Shimmer. They were all potent and powerful, but it felt like none would back down as Death was stronger than ever.

Instead of fighting it, he wrapped them all up within his mind fortress and moved on. His magic immediately obeyed, all sources feeling like primal beasts.

The man nodded once again and continued.

Death's Cloak surrounded him and he was invisible as he walked through a more public area still following the man. Not a single person even bothered to look at the man, seemingly distracted by their own problems.

They made it through the strange black and white doors and Harry had a minute to look around. He was on an island, yet there was a full city around him. In the distance, there was a massive statue, bigger than any he had seen before. He looked back at the door and the man seemed to be looking in his direction.

Harry made his form show briefly enough to nod at the strange transmuted man, then he apparated to the top of the huge spartan-esque statue in the distance.

It was time for some peace.

Chapter 4 - Canceling a Wedding

It was quite the view from the massive statue, the city of Braavos sprawled out below him across a series of islands protected from the open ocean. Watching the city from the helmet of the Titan of Braavos was just the calming and quiet scene he needed as he sorted his thoughts.

Harry had been coming to terms with everything that had happened in the last day or so, but he was beginning to feel restless. He also wanted to check on Peverell Manor to make sure that everyone had made it safely but decided to hold off.

With a sigh, he spoke, "Anything interesting happening soon?"

"Oh, yes. Much is happening everywhere," Death's amused voice rang in his mind.

"You know what I mean."

"I do. A young and honorable king is falling. His love is his anchor, but he is already betrayed. His army walks to their death but two days from now," Death said.

More than that though, she began to impart knowledge upon him. The houses that bicker like the Ancient and so-called Noble houses of his world.

Westeros, the Seven Kingdoms as it was called, was embroiled in civil war in the year 298 AC. The start of the war of the Five Kings began as Robb Stark was declared King of the North by his bannermen, seeking vengeance for his father's murder.

It was this very same King that Death had spoken of. For two years the war dragged on, his army moving into the Westerlands in 299 AC. He struck devastating blows against the Lannisters, who were essentially the Malfoys of Westeros. That should be all that needs to be said about them.

At some point, an extremely powerful shadow and blood magic spell was unleashed. An undying necro-shade was summoned by a shrouded Red Priestess. The shadow killed a southern King, one Renly Baratheon.

This year had another event that Death spoke of, the fall of a clan of Warlocks, who had desired to enslave Dragons. He was given an image of a beautiful young woman, with eyes like purple glowing amethysts and hair like flowing silver. She was entrancing and powerful, fire-attuned magic seemingly billowing off of her. The three wyverns that were with her burned the warlock to death. The dragons had powerful blood and fire magic about them, all of it resonating with their mother.

Death brought the injections of knowledge to an end with the last bit of information. The year 300 AC came and Robb Stark and his new wife Talisa had broken the vow he had made to the Frey's, promising to marry one of his many daughters. This is where Robb would be betrayed. This is where his mother would be killed, his wife and unborn child would die, and his army would be sundered.

Harry felt his heart drop at that, "How long do I have?"

"To do what?"

"To at least meet with them."

"They won't listen without proof."

"I can get that."

"They won't trust you without knowing your motives."

Harry sighed with frustration, "To stop them from dying."

Death hissed at him, still smiling "They will all die in time."

He leaned back from her with his hands up. That blast of energy would have killed anyone besides him, which is what she wanted. He couldn't see how far it went but hurried and apologized, "Sorry, I mean this specific group of people...we can exchange them for their betrayers can we not?"

She nodded, smile still in place, "They meet in a King's tent, one day's march outside of the Twins." A spot many kilometers to the west pinged in his mind. A place with two keeps and a huge bridge, across the Narrow Sea.

"Right...anything else I should know?"

"The Boltons, the Frey's, and the Lannister's have come together in this plan to eliminate the King of the North. While he fights and dies here, their home is under siege by the Greyjoys," Death explained. As always, her words only contained a small portion of the information she sent to him, while the rest was imparted like a vision. He learned about each house involved including the goals, leaders, and loyalties for all of them.

Death wasn't finished there, speaking more than he could ever remember. She told him of the threats to the north of the wall, that winter would bring an undead monstrosity south to clash with the living forces. Harry nearly cringed as Death spoke about it, the entity even went back to speaking in the third person when she promised an eternity of suffering to the leader of the force beyond the wall.

He sighed as his headache increased, "Right...Off I go."

A long look at Braavos locked the image of the city in his mind, the view from the Titan would be his anchor point. He would be able to Apparate here in the future. The Point Me spell set the direction for his trip. He started with long Apparations over a few hours, each Apparation taking him to the next horizon. When he got to the ocean, a Distant Eyes spell let him lock onto the far shore.

With a surge of magic and willpower, he twisted to appear on the distant beach.

~~o0o~~

The Invisibility Cloak made him unreasonably overpowered versus these muggles and frankly, stupid-looking guards. He didn't even bother with them as he walked to the lord of the Keep's quarters. A disgusting old man who looked exactly like Filch seemed to thrive in his filth. Even spoke the same. It was like Filch if he was headmaster with all the power behind it, but way worse.

He smelled exactly like Filch did as well, a dusty old cupboard with mold and rot coming from him. He was reading through letters on his desk while some female was holding her breath while...pleasing him under the table.

Harry would have to remove this memory immediately.

He quickly summoned his wand into his left hand, just to get used to the feeling. The Elder Wand, now upgraded and repaired from when Voldemort had held it, was thrumming with deathly energy waiting to be unleased. It was a more pure white now, like purified bone, and green deathly magic constantly emanated from it.

A quick Petrificus Totallus had the old bastard locked in place. He then Stupified both the old man and the maid, but quickly summoned extra robes around the disgusting Filch look-a-like to hopefully remove some of the smell. Now the Filch of this world was out cold, unable to move, and hopefully covered up.

Quickly checking the desk, Harry found a series of letters from Roose Bolton and Tywin Lannister. Evidence acquired.

He apparated, just barely touching the Filch doppelganger to bring him along. It couldn't have been a fun feeling for him.

Harry appeared next to a lake, where Filch promptly was submerged. The cold evening weather was enough to have the old man spluttering. Harry didn't care as he cast him with a Wingardium Leviosa and put him on land. Another weakened Stupify and Harry appeared once again.

Roose Bolton was with some Guards in a tent to the south of King Robb's army, Harry's Point Me spell was enough to find him. The Guards were quickly dispatched, 6 casts of Stupefy, and all were silently sent into unconsciousness.

He found another series of incriminating letters in the form of correspondence with Frey and Lannister. Harry pulled Roose along for a quick journey back to the old man. He bound both of them and made one last teleportation. This time, his arrival was immediately noticed as he appeared in the King's tent, in the center of where his army was waiting, just northwest of the Hags Mire.

A quick crack had the entire tent jumping in fear. Two tied-up bodies dropped next to Harry.

"Guards!" An older man yelled, he had black armor and a fish imprinted on his armored chest.

Swords were drawn and Harry just released his presence, "I come in peace, King Robb."

The four guards were already swinging at him when each one of them froze in place before falling over.

"Worry not, your guards are fine," Harry said as he covered the tent with a few magical barriers, all silently cast.

"Who the fuck are you!?" A man he knew to be named Greatjon Umber yelled.

"I am Hadrian Peverell, and I am here to save your lives."

Behind King Robb, both his mother Catelyn and his pregnant wife Talisa were cowering with their eyes wide open.

Robb's wolf, Grey Wind, was about ready to leap at Harry, but he calmed him with a bow of respect and a silent pressure implied by his magic.

"You're familiar will not be harmed if he attacks, but I will have to knock him out should you decide to let him do so," Harry said.

Robb finally spoke, holding his sword firmly in his right hand, "My familiar? What do you speak of?"

Harry raised his eyebrow, "You have a magical connection to your...Dire Wolf, do you not?"

The non-sequitur seemed to throw everyone in the room off. Four unconscious guards and not a sound coming from the army outside all left the people in the tent fearing for their lives.

"What do you want?" Robb said, unsure of what he meant.

"Right...you were trying to cross the Twins but you fell in love with that beautiful young lady right there," Harry nodded at Talisa, "And it turns out Walder here," He kicked the tied-up body to the right. "Planned to betray and kill you all. Roose here was in on it and his army is a day or so south of you instead of sitting at Harrenhall like you ordered." Harry revealed the information Death had passed him quickly and precisely.

All eyes fell on the two bound and unconscious men, "Oh! I have their correspondences here."

Harry levitated the scrolls to the table, all eyes following them like they would burst into flames if touched.

Harry waited after that as they continued to stare at both him and everything that had just happened.

"Right then, please read up and let me know what you think," Harry summoned a comfortable lounge chair and sat down as Greatjon shook his head to clear the confusion.

He walked over and turned the old bastard over, "This is Old Walder himself."

Robb looked down at the man, then back to the lounging Hadrian, who now had a drink from some beautiful mug.

Robb quickly read through the letters, and sure enough, "The Lannisters were promising Roose the North, where he would become Warden and we would no longer live."

Robb passed the letter to his mother and stared up at Harry, "Hadrian, was it?"

"It is."

"You were mostly right, but we aren't trying to cross the Twins, we are trying to secure their help to take down the Lannisters," Robb explained.

"Ah, I see," Harry said, thinking that Death could have explained that better.

Death just sent a chill down his spine with a laugh that only he could hear.

"Well, that changes nothing, there was going to be a meal where they played the song 'The Reigns of Castamere' and then they were going to slaughter everyone. Roose here kills you...or would have had I not stopped you from walking into that trap."

"And you are some dark wizard that seeks to control me?" Robbs's voice was harsh and it barely hid his fear.

Harry sighed, "I do require your help, but for different reasons, and most certainly not to control you. Mainly, I need you to retake the North and set up for the future. Where larger concerns will take place in the coming years."

Robb shook his head, "If I leave then my army disperses. Before we speak on that, who in the name of the Old Gods are you?"

"I told you my name. The War of the Five Kings will end soon and I don't want to see your deaths," Harry said. "As for who and what I truly am...well, I am a wizard."

Robb searched his face, looking for any sort of deceit, "You have to give me more than that. I have been worried about the Frey's well enough, but that is our only chance right now."

Before Harry could answer, Lady Catelyn spoke up with anger as if just connecting some dots, "WAS IT YOU!?"

"Was what me?" Harry asked with confusion.

"The one who unleashed a shadow that killed Renly Baratheon?"

"Oh, no that was a Red Priestess, in the service of Stannis Baratheon. She summoned the Necro-shade. It is gone now though, having fulfilled its task," Harry explained. Leaving Catelyn with misplaced anger.

"Oh! You do know that your sisters and brothers all live, right?" Harry said to Robb happily. Hoping to bring some good news.

Everyone's faces fell though, and Robb spoke up, "You are wrong...They were killed by Theon Greyjoy, and my sisters are held captive in King's Landing."

Death spoke to Harry, he tilted his head as if listening, something the people all thought made him look mad, "The brothers, their wolves, and their protectors are on a mission to the North, Sansa remains captive in King's Landing, and Arya isn't too far away with a hound."

"Hmmm, Arya is pretty close by being protected...or no, held captive? By a dog? Does that sound right?"

"The Hound maybe?" Greatjon asked.

Robb looked straight back at Harry so he continued, "Sansa is held captive at King's Landing unfortunately, however, your two brothers, their wolves, and their sworn protectors are headed North to learn old magic or something."

There was a lot to process from those words and everyone seemed to be running them back through their minds. Harry waited patiently.

Robb recovered just after Greatjon, "Perhaps as a sign of...trust you could save my siblings."

"Hmmm, I cannot save Bran, because he has to reach a certain place. I sense Rickon needs a bit more time before I can grab him for you. Sansa is following her fate for now, we can talk about her later, but she will be fine for a while. Arya...well I guess I could grab Arya real fast if you wish," Harry said expectantly.

"PLEASE!" Catelyn said, her fear, fury, and mistrust all swelled within her.

"In the meantime, do not bother leaving the tent as I have sealed it...at least until we finish our meeting. And don't kill these two just yet. I can get more information from them."

Robb nodded, "Please, at least get my sister."

Harry and his chair disappeared.

~~o0o~~

After Hadrian left with the promise to grab Arya through whatever strange magic he used, the people who had been shut in the tent were unsurprisingly terrified. Greatjon immediately went to the tent flap only to find it sealed through some sort of invisible means. Trying to slice through the walls was impossible as well, something that should have been easy for anyone with a sword. They just couldn't open the tent...it made no sense.

"I can't even pretend to know where to begin with something as large as this..." Robb said. The overwhelming nature of the last few minutes had yet to fully sink in.

Catelyn stood and walked over to the unconscious Walder Frey. She stared down at him with a baleful expression, "I was a fool, Robb."

Robb exchanged glances with his trusted general Greatjon, it would have been all of them as the fools if they had fallen into the trap, but even without it, they were trapped between a betraying force of heavy cavalry and the seemingly impenetrable Twins. The Frey's had made a fortune taxing any and all people that used the bridge, the only crossing anywhere near their location.

"I think we are all fools in front of that man, and yet...if what he says is true," Greatjon said.

"He just saved all of us," Robb finished.

Catelyn was still staring at Old Walder, the images Hadrian had described of their imminent deaths felt all too real to ignore.

Robb continued, "But am I selling my soul by agreeing to do what he says? Am I condemning the North to horrors that some strange wizard can conjure?"

Talisa shook her head, "How? He just saved all of our lives from horrible murder! Betrayal! If there is a chance to end this horrible war, how can you not grasp it?"

The Blackfish and Greatjon both seemed unable to answer the question.

"Our bannermen will disperse the moment this is over between us and the Frey's. Each of them wants to secure their homes and I can't honestly blame them," Robb shook his head. "But what then? What do we do then?"

Talisa walked forward, placing her hand on Robb's shoulder, "Do what Lord Hadrian said and secure the North. Free your people take over the Dreadfort and secure Winterfell. Kick those damn Greyjoy's out and help the small folk. This war has left the people in ruins...we need to help them."

Robb smiled at her spirit. This woman was just incredible, she stole his heart the moment she first lashed out at him with her sharp tongue. She had more balls than half the men he knew.

"She's right, I think. We defeat the Frey's and the gods-betraying Boltons. You give Edmure enough men to hold the Twins then we head North and kick those iron cunts out of the North," Greatjon said. "Between the Blackfish in Riverrun and a decent force even under Edmure in the Twins, it should be enough to hold anything long enough for us to respond."

The Blackfish nodded, "I can hold Riverrun and between me and Edmure...no one will make it through to the north."

Robb nodded, "Right. Now, how do we stop the Boltons...I doubt killing Roose here will matter."

"Also, what of Edmure...was he coming back?" Catelyn asked. Edmure had gone to the temporary privy, as unpleasant as that was, but had missed the commotion.

Greatjon sighed and looked at Robb, "If we can't leave, he presumedly can't make it in."

On the planning went, analyzing the future battlefield after they dealt with the Frey's, assuming holding Old Walder was enough to cause the remaining forces of the Twins to surrender.

~~o0o~~

A Point Me spell and a series of Apparations let Harry find Arya and the Hound sitting by a fire. His sudden appearance had both dog and girl standing at once.

"Well, you're not the biggest dog I have ever seen, though maybe just as ugly."

Arya burst out laughing.

The scarred man growled as he pulled his sword out, "The fuck did you come from boy, is that your cock in your hand?"

Harry looked down at the Elder Wand in his grasp and laughed, "Stupefy."

He overpowered the spell, enough to take down a Blast-Ended Skrewt and the Hound fell like a sack of potatoes.

"What did you do to him!?" Arya asked worriedly.

"I just knocked him out, I am here to grab you and bring you to your brother and mum."

"Robb?" Arya asked with hope.

"That's the one, are you ready?"

She looked around as if searching for a horse, "Uhhh, how exactly are we going to get there?"

Harry smiled, "Magic, of course."

Harry put a foot on the chest of the Hound and held out his hand, Arya grabbed two packs and a skinny little sword, then accepted Harry's hand. Harry Apparated all three of them back into Robbs's tent. They appeared while the prone form of the unconscious Hound bounced off the hard ground.

Arya didn't quite puke, yet she dry heaved once or twice, much to Harry's amusement.

"Arya!" Catelyn screamed as she ran over and grabbed her daughter.

"Mom?" She asked between dry heaves.

"Oh, thanks the Seven, Arya! Are you alright?" They embraced.

"Ugh, dizzy."

Robb sighed in relief at the sight of his sister. Harry gave them some privacy, sitting in another summoned chair and minding his own business while they talked.

Greatjon had moved all the soldiers to one side of the tent and the Lords Walder and Bolton to another, all very much still unconscious. The Blackfish stared at Harry like he may or may not be a demon from hell and he couldn't decide which.

Harry let the reunion continue as it turned into an introduction. Arya smiled at the beautiful Talisa and approved of Robb's choice to make her his queen. Catelyn wouldn't let her daughter go while apologizing and crying. It was a sad and yet hopeful sight.

It was when things finally slowed down that attention was once again placed on Harry, "Well, then. Now that that is out of the way...let us talk about the future."

"I won't lie, without the Frey's help we are looking at being caught between the Lannisters and no way of crossing the Fork assuming they don't surrender. How can you help with that?"

Harry raised an eyebrow, "I was planning on going in and taking a bunch of people out, then opening the gate for you lot. You will have to move fast enough to take the Twins to prepare for the coming of the Boltons behind you. Move your armies into position, give someone enough men to hold it, and either defeat the army or just head north and take out Roose's bastard at the...Dreadfort was it?"

Robb nodded.

"And secure Winterfell..." Catelyn said as she turned to Robb with sad eyes.

Robb explained, "The Greyjoys took over Winterfell, we haven't heard any word about it since then."

"I am a betting man, and I would put any crown I can grab out of my ass that Small Jon took the place back," Greatjon said. They had sent the smaller force of nearly 250 men and horses to take back Winterfell nearly a month ago, but have received no word from them just yet.

Harry nodded, "I can help with repairs...but not with the deaths."

Robb was still unsure of what that would entail but nodded regardless.

Greatjon had enough, "I have seen some shit in my day, but I haven't ever seen anything like what you can do."

Harry smirked, "There aren't many in this world who can even say that."

Robb spoke up, "You keep saying 'this world.' Do you mean Westeros?"

"Westeros is a continent."

They exchanged glances, and Harry expanded, "A continent is a continuous expanse of land, often designated by larger bodies of water...it's not important. Anyways, do you agree that you need to take the Twins after I open the doors, then turn and face the Boltons?"

Robb shared a glance with the Greatjon who shrugged, "We aren't taking the Lannister's without the Frey's. We aren't easily taking the Frey's without him." He gestured to Harry.

"Take your losses and take your help. Head back to the North," The Blackfish said, putting an end to the discussion.

Robb sighed and looked to the floor then back to Harry, "You wish us to secure the North again...after we take down the Frey's and Boltons?"

Harry nodded, "You aren't prepared for the true threat, the one that comes from beyond the wall."

"What threat would that be? Wildlings?"

Harry shook his head, "Remind me of the words of your house, Lord Stark?"

"Winter is coming."

Harry nodded again, "It isn't just for games, the true enemy of Westeros is the walking corpses and their frozen masters north of the wall. Your goals will be to secure the North, destroy the Boltons, and prepare everything from Riverrun to the Wall for the greatest war of your life. And make no mistake Robb, it will be."

Robb could only sigh as he exchanged glances with everyone in the tent, he had much to think about in preparation for the coming battles. What could he say though, a fucking wizard with powers and sight beyond anything he could understand has a purpose for all of them. What could they possibly do against that?

~~o0o~~

A soft pop and Harry appeared in the gatehouse, black mist signaled the arrival of his scimitar, the blade already falling towards the first Frey soldier. His nearly invisible form in the waning light of day blurred as it slashed through 5 guards, clearing the room before anyone could even speak. No one had time to grab a blade or a shield before the black scimitar passed through them.

The blade was strange, when dealing a killing blow there was almost no resistance as if armor couldn't even slow it down. Watching with his Soul Sight, he also realized that this sword acted as a conduit for souls to go straight to Death for judgment.

It was like wielding a scimitar-shaped reaper scythe where each slash was as devastating as an Avada Kedavra spell. He would have to test it further, otherwise the wrong swipe could eliminate someone he was just trying to wound.

He supposed Black Mist was extremely fitting, it was just so on point that he didn't like it. Death laughed in his ear as if reading his mind about the naming of the sword. He just scoffed and opened the Gate to the western keep, a simple animation spell to activate the mechanism. The larger part of the Frey Garrison was on the western tower, where he had taken Old Walder from, so he would have to be quick.

He apparated to the next floor up, where a small archer nook and some anti-siege weapons lay. There were 6 men around a table, just as absent-minded as the ones below. He summoned the Elder Wand, twirling the wand as he created a sound-proof barrier. The men screamed as they grabbed weapons but none could match the speed and ferocity of Harry.

The first two charged him and he learned the power of his blade. Harry feinted at the the one on his right where the man stopped his wild swing in order to block. Harry's scimitar swept up while he stepped past the man on the left, his blade bisecting him.

A quick flourish and a corporeal wall of black mist shrouded his form. One of the men had a crossbow ready to shoot, but Harry had gone invisible with his Invisibility Cloak and silently Apparated behind them. He Imperio'd the crossbowman who then shot the farthest Frey Soldier.

Harry cut through the rest while invisible and then looked out to the west.

The larger force of the Frey's were setting up what looked like campsites and such. It was passed sunset but they were creating barriers and other strange traps. Harry shook his head and eyed some fallen stone pillars that were an entranceway at one point in time.

He raised his eyebrow at the large amount of stone, realizing the potential.

Harry aimed his wand and Transmuted two massive stone hippogriffs. Using a spell similar to McGonagall's during the Battle of Hogwarts, the stone hippogriffs became weak golems that could easily be dispatched with a bit of magic.

Which of course makes them extremely deadly to those without magic. Harry mentally ordered the two hippogriffs to kill any soldier of House Frey. It was a mental image of the soldiers protecting this place and wearing the colors and symbols of the Frey's. Using a bit of soul and blood magic, Harry bound the stone hippogriffs to recognize his allies and those who consider him the same, marking them as people they shouldn't attack.

The hippogriffs bowed at him and sprinted off into the night. Cries of alarm rang out as the two massive beasts of stone began to rampage through the unaware soldiers. Harry Apparated down to the entrance below, where troops began to flood out in response to the ruckus. He stunned or sliced enemies like one of Death's very own Reapers. Nearly 30 minutes of fighting left the Western tower of the Twins empty aside from servants, women, and children.

The soldiers that had gone out to fight the hippogriffs were either fleeing back to the Twins or were slashed and bludgeoned by rampaging stone hippogriffs. Harry opened the door back down from the bridge to find a bunch of men running back.

A smile crossed his face, "Well, I guess I have more work to do."

~~o0o~~

The morning came fast enough, though little sleep was had. King Robb had a lot to explain to his men, and his exhaustion wasn't going to help. Most people were confused and frustrated, the momentum of their army and cause seemingly lost with more dire news. Many didn't believe the words until a tied-up Walder Frey and Roose Bolton were paraded before everyone.

The letters and correspondence between the two and Tywin Lannister were damning though, and in the end, they all marched on. Hoping to get to the Twins with enough time to not only take it but also prepare to defend against the Boltons. The task seemed impossible, yet King Robb had said that their mysterious benefactor, who had somehow brought Arya to them, was going to help take down the Frey's.

With haste, they embarked on the 4-hour march to the Twins.

King Robb, Greatjon Umber, the Blackfish, and Edmure Tully led the army into the Frey lands. The Blackfish and his men would help defeat the Freys and the Boltons before heading south to Riverrun.

They stared at the destruction as they made the final approach to the Twins. Battlements were smashed. Horses, carts, and men were sundered upon the ground. Not a single living soul was in sight, just hundreds of Frey Corpses. Each one looked to have been brutalized with heavy impacts and slashing claws like creatures had been set loose on them.

The column of soldiers was nearly silent as they took in the gruesome sights, and the gate to the Twins was open and unguarded.

It was then that they noticed something strange, two massive stone creatures stood guard to either side of the open gate. They looked to have the body of a horse, but huge bird-like wings, talons, and upper torso. Both statues moved and nodded at King Robb, never giving off any hostile body language despite the intimidating presence and blood-covered claws and beaks.

"That is something...more of this Lord Hadrian's work, no doubt," Greatjon said.

After dismounting, the King's party walked past the moving statues, which showed no hostile intentions. They entered the keep and found their way into the darkened hall where Walder used to hold his court.

Two green eyes were staring at them, glowing in the dark, lightless room. All of the torches and candles lit at the same time, revealing Hadrian Peverell.

Robb spoke up, "It seems we didn't need to take the Twins after all..."

Hadrian laughed as he stood up, it wasn't threatening, yet what he did seemingly alone was enough to make any wary, "The price for life is always death, isn't it?"

Nervous gulps and glances were shared until Robb found his voice, "Lord Hadrian, forgive me for asking, but what are your intentions now that you have captured the Twins?"

Harry tilted his head and seemed to realize how tense everyone was, "I haven't taken the Twins, only just freed the bridge a bit. Someone else needs to claim this place. I have no need or want to take part in the control of this extortion-bridge. So as far as I am concerned, this is under your control, King Robb Stark of the North."

Robb seemed to sigh a bit while nodding, "And the Boltons?"

Harry shrugged, "Defeat them or convince them to join under you. Either way, letting Roose go is like leaving a poisonous snake in your bed."

Robb nodded, "And what of the Hound?"

"The Hound? Oh, that big guy...hmmm is he still around?"

"We have him in shackles...we can bring him to you if you wish," Robb ventured, looking for a path to continue the conversation.

Harry nodded, "Right, you have everything handled here then? You still need to secure the Twins before the rest of the women, children, and servants start to wake back up."

King Robb nodded, "Right, Greatjon? Take some men across the bridge and make sure that it's cleared out. Greatjon, have your men clear this building and begin preparing for the Boltons. I want scouts headed out as well."

Greatjon replied, "I had some sent out last night, they should be returning soon."

"Good, bring Old Walder, Roose Bolton, and the Hound here," He said to some other guards. They saluted and ran off to complete their orders.

Greatjon's men began clearing out the keep, while a few squads went across to secure the other side of the Twins.

Harry watched it all happen while sitting back down in his summoned chair in the corner of the large dining hall. To think that all of these people would have been murdered in this very room made a cathartic light blanket his emotions. It made the grim work that he went through for nearly 5 hours overnight worth it. He closed his eyes for a bit and rested until someone spoke to him.

"Hello again," A curious and unafraid girl's voice said.

Harry turned to the left and smiled, "Arya Stark, have a seat..." Harry summoned another chair matching his own, "How are you?"

Arya took the seat and smiled, "So, you are a magic man then? Like those Red Priests?"

"Hmmm, those fire and blood priests?"

She nodded.

"I would not say that I am like them at all," Harry said with a smile.

"Can you bring back the dead?"

"I do not dabble in necromancy," Harry hedged. He could contact lost souls, but the dead are dead for a reason.

Even speaking on revival made Death's attention slightly more hostile.

"I saw a Red Priest named Thoros of Myr bring Beric Dondarrion back to life after the Hound killed him," her eyes blazed as she spoke. That wasn't the first time she had seen death. It was all too familiar, yet this world was so much darker than even his.

"I see," Harry said, looking off into the distance.

He then noticed her sword, a slender little thing that she had pulled out to not stab the chair while sheathed on her hip.

"May I see your weapon?" Harry asked.

"Yes, my brother had it made for me. It's called Needle."

Harry smiled, "Needle is a fitting name, was that Robb who made it?"

She looked sad, "No, it was Jon. He's not officially my brother, but he was my best friend while growing up at Winterfell. Everyone said I couldn't train because I am a girl."

"Did he train you?"

She shook her head, "We were too busy doing 'lady' stuff for that."

"But you do know how to use it?" Harry pressed.

She looked slightly sheepish and sad at the same time, "My teacher was in King's Landing, but I didn't actually get to learn from him for a long time...before things went bad."

"What was his name?" Harry asked, picking up the hidden meaning of her teacher's death.

"Syrio Forel, the First Sword of Braavos, Master of the Water Dance," She recited with prideful glee. "He...he saved me and I wish he could have just come with me. It would have been a much different journey."

"He died to save you?"

She nodded, "Stopped a king's guard named Meryn Trant... and he didn't even have a real sword at the time."

Harry nodded and sent a question out to Death, "He gave his life for her...does he want to still teach her how to fight?"

He heard the uncaring laugh of Death, "He is alright with it, do you know the runes?"

She knew he didn't know and he summoned his wand while examining the blade. He let Death guide his wand as he cast a few spells. The first spell allowed him to carve runes into the blade, but it was Death's hand that guided their formation. The second spell made the blade impervious to damage. The third and final spell was a growth enhancement charm, which would increase the length of the blade to fit her size as she in turn grew.

He summoned a finger length of Goblin Silver that he had in the Peverell Manor Smithy. There was a surprisingly large amount of magical metals there, including Mithril, Goblin Silver, Orichalcum, and some others that are more unique.

With a wave of the Elder Wand, another series of runes appeared along the blade, mirrored on both sides of the slender tang, including one that pulled the length of Goblin Steel into it. The rapier grew a bit, taking in the new weight and mass.

The runes for strength, speed, sharpness, and growth, along with the unique ones that Death had added made for a beautiful sight, mirrored upon both sides of the blade.

"What did you do?" Arya asked as the runes began to glow with blue magical light.

Harry smiled, "There is great power in giving one's life to save another. My mother did that for me. There is no way to bring back the dead, but the ability to interact with them isn't entirely gone. Your sword master has agreed to continue your training, now that he has done the same for you as my mother did for me. When you train with your Needle in the future, it will be with the Water Dancer."

Arya didn't believe him but couldn't help but inspect the blade.

Harry held it out to her, hilt first. Arya took the sword and the connection didn't quite form.

"Put a drop of blood on that rune there," Harry said. "Just a drop to bind it to you."

She looked more than a little skeptical.

He laughed, "I have no need to harm you Arya, I brought you here to gain trust, not lose it."

She lightly poked the tip of her left pointer finger on the tip of Needle, she then touched the rune that Harry indicated.

It lit up and the color of all the runes changed, now showing an icy greyish-blue color. Something fitting for a Stark, no doubt.

"This blade will always be with you should you will it."

She shook her head then looked back up at Harry, "Thank you, ser."

"Hadrian Peverell," He half-bowed at her.

She smiled and ran off to go train.