Harry's Housekeeping

Notes: Thank you for your patience.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 13

"Skull," Harry beams when his godson answers the phone. "I have a question. What is your favourite baby item?"

There is a suspicious silence at the other end. Then, "My blanket… why?"

Harry shook his head, even though Skull couldn't see him. "Just a little someone I'm preparing for," he replied as he eyed a spool of demiguise-hair thread. He pocketed it in his search for the phoenix-fire torch Talbot swore was in this room.

"A… little someone? Like… like a baby?"

"Yes, a sweet little man is on his way," Harry beamed. Gilda was almost ready to give birth now, and they were all preparing their gifts for the future heir of the Chiavarone Famiglia.

"A s-sweet little - Harry!" Skull shrieked. "Who was it? Do I need to kill them? Just tell me who it was, and I'll make sure they regret even considering touching you - "

"Touching me?" Harry cocked his head to the side with a slight frown. "Well, I suppose I wasn't exactly given much of a choice, but she assured me that I could still say no if I was truly uncomfortable."

"S-say - of course you should say no, Harry! Oh, that anyone could think to ruin your virtue!" Skull moaned as if in pain.

"Really," Harry sighed. "I've come to terms with what my position will likely be in this. Don't worry, Skull, you will always be the one closest to my heart. No one could truly replace that."

"Harry, you - you can't - you can't have a - what?" Skull cut off partway through his thought as a squeaking sound caught his attention. "Sorry, Harry, Ookado is hungry. I - I'll have to call you back, but promise me that you won't say yes without serious thought. This is a life changing decision!"

"Of course I promise," Harry replied fondly, even as his fist clenched. Ookado. The cute little octopus that loved to interrupt all of their conversations. "Call me soon, won't you?"

"Of course I will! Ack - Ookado, wait - " the line went dead.

Harry lowered his phone and stared at it a little dully. This was not the first time such an interruption had happened. Uncertainty curled in his gut.

Ookado.

Was this… a rival?

—

Harry hummed as he threaded the needle through the cloth. He felt gently along the invisible thread he was using to ensure that it was still there. He had to angle the cloth every few moments just to keep track of the runes that he was sewing. Demiguise hair was powerful and would protect the future heir, but it was also rather difficult to work with.

He'd had Luna teach him how to stitch by hand, to ensure that the enchantments took. He used his own magic to prod the thread to life, invisible on the blanket but charged with powerful intent.

Protection. Because for the sole heir of a Famiglia, the future was rife with danger.

Harry hoped, of course, that the child would never need it. That his childhood would be spared all pain and suffering. But he knew not to fool himself into complacency. Every Famiglia had enemies, and this one was no exception.

He had not yet agreed to be godfather - he still hoped that they would find another. One who was not cursed. Who would not have to disappear for time unknown. Perhaps one who knew what it truly meant to be human. Because with each breath that Harry took, he could taste the lingering essence of Death.

It was something that would never change, this chain wrapped around Harry's very soul. This cold that dulled him, that kept him chilled and distant. Harry paused his motions, his eyes distant, his breath puffing out a thick white fog. The air felt cool around him, and he could hear the rattle of bones.

There was a crooning in his ear, and the touch of a cold hand upon his cheek. Harry's eyes closed and he leaned into it, hating and loving the way it cradled his head, sending a beautiful cold throughout his body.

It was only the thought of Skull, his dearest godson, that sent a burst of warmth and allowed him to break from the icy hold. He sat upright, and allowed Death to sigh away, back into the edges of his vision.

His hand smoothed over the blanket he was working on. Skull, and the strange, strange family that he had started building.

How odd, he mused as his hands began stitching once more. He certainly hadn't meant to allow so many people into his life.

He couldn't help the way his smile grew.

—

Takoyaki? Harry browsed the Guide to Japan curiously. Skull had sent it to him in the hopes that he would visit. It certainly looked like they had incredible food. He eyed the photo contemplatively.

"Oh? Thinking of travelling?"

Harry glanced up at the sound of Gilda's voice. "Mm, perhaps."

"Please take this little man with you if you do go," she sighed theatrically. "He's so very restless." She stroked her distended stomach. "Keeps kicking my bladder."

Harry's lips quirked upwards. "Of course," he said. "I'm sure he'd love it."

Gilda laughed brightly. "I knew I could count on you!" Then she paused, a strange look upon her face.

Harry half-stood from his desk.

"I think…" Gilda glanced down at her stomach. "I think the baby's coming."

Harry's eyes widened. He glanced desperately at Maria's desk.

Empty, of course.

"Right," he said. "Right." His fingers trembled as he lifted his phone and dialled. "Right."

—

A scream rang out from the room, loud and pained. A midwife barked orders and the nurses scrambled to obey.

Just outside, Marco was supporting the Ninth, who looked worryingly pale, eyes fixated on the closed door.

Maria hovered nearby, finger tapping on her arm.

Harry sat in the corner, hand running absently over the blanket he would soon be presenting to the newborn.

He breathed in and his eyes narrowed. Because he knew all too well what death smelled like.

—

"A healthy baby boy," the midwife said as she stepped from the room. The sound of a baby squalling reached their ears and they all relaxed, except for the Ninth who had fainted a while ago and was still out.

"And Gilda?" Harry asked, almost a little sharply.

"There was a close call," the midwife admitted, "but she's fine now. There were no further complications."

There was a surge of relief that rippled across their expressions. They filed in, the Ninth carried in Marco's arms. It was then that they presented their gifts. A mobile from Marco. A stuffed bear from Maria. And a blanket from Harry.

It was a happy moment, and one of tears when the new father did finally awaken.

And yet Harry couldn't help but frown as he stared out at the shadow that fluttered across his vision, invisible to all else.

Because Death had yet to leave.

"Skull said he got a new job," Harry said a little too casually.

"Oh, yes," Reborn laughed. A worryingly sadistic sound. "It'll be good training."

"The Carcassa Famiglia? Really? They're scum! Worse than scum! They don't deserve to breathe in the presence of my dear sweet godson," Harry slammed his drink down.

Reborn sniffed. "I told him to take over their military. He seemed very keen. He'll be running the whole thing in no time."

"Lowest of the low. I should just send them all into the afterlife."

"Character, dear Harry. He'll build character."