Harry the reaper re-edit ch.1

Harry slowly woke up, groaning as he felt a large headache forming. Suddenly the memories from earlier that day rushed through his head, he quickly looked around at his surroundings. He found Cedric standing protectively in front of him. Realizing from his memories that he must have been knocked out for a shorter time than he expected.

He thought back to how it had all gone wrong. Tied up to a tombstone during the final task of the triwizard tournament, that he had been illegally entered in, was the last thing he had expected in this adventure but certainly not the worst thing he had experienced in his exploits.

After he had convinced Cedric to share the trophy with him during the last task so they would both win, they had both grabbed ahold of the cup, only instead of being transported to the meeting point like was planned, they had been sent to a graveyard. Upon landing, they had the misfortune of becoming separated from their wands whereas Harry was immediately bound with ropes that appeared from the wand of Peter Pettigrew, the one that had betrayed his parents to Voldemort and caused their deaths. In Peter's arms, Harry noticed he was carrying what seemed to be a deformed infant until he noticed its red eyes that spoke of madness and cruelty.

Cedric was currently standing in front of him, vainly trying to protect from one of the most feared wizard since Grindelwald. Harry tried to get the teen to take the portkey and warn the others but the boy was a hufflepuff to the core and refused to leave him behind.

"Don't worry, Harry, I'll make sure that the both of us will get out of this alive."

Voldemort hissed, "Wormtail, kill the spare." Harry cried out in horror as the sickly green light headed toward his friend. Luckily, Cedric had managed to dodge the first curse but couldn't a second time as he lost his footing, leading to him bring hit with crucio.

Cedric yelled out in pain as his nerves felt like they were on fire along with feeling as though he was being stabbed by white hot knives. Harry tried to focus Wormtail's attention on him and off of Cedric so he could be stop Wormtail from casting the crucio curse on the young hufflepuff, he wiggled in the ropes desperately trying to free himself; feeling awfully helpless as his new friend struggled and screamed in agony.

'Why? Why does everyone I care about get hurt because of me?'

This familiar feeling of helplessness brought back memories; of Ron before he was hit with the chess piece in first year, when Hermione was petrified after her close encounter with the basilisk.

He felt fury at himself for being so weak when his friends needed him. 'No! Not anymore, not if I have anything to do about it!'

Harry's magic responded to his wish to protect his friend causing the sudden apparition in front of Cedric, leaving a crack similar to car backfire. The sound surprised Peter from continuing to cast the curse.

While Peter was distracted, he pushed Cedric toward the portkey.

Cedric hollered out Harry's name, realizing what was happening as he landed on the trophy. He caught Harry's gaze for one final time.

Harry smiled one last time before the killing curse hit him. Cedric saw the light leave Harry's eyes as he was transported away knowing the image would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Hearing a scream of rage before everything was a blur of colors, Cedric was gone to warn the others of the return of Voldemort and death of the wizarding world's prophesized savior.

Line break

Harry woke up in a white space with bright light that seemed to be coming from everywhere. "Where am I? Aren't I supposed to be dead?"

You are not dead yet, young Harry.

"What? Who said that?" Looking around the empty space.

It was I, young Harry. Death.

Strangely, hearing that really doesn't surprise me. Maybe I've been desensitized to every odd thing happening around me.' "Well, what do you want from me?"

I have put you here to make an offer for the trials you have gone through in your short life. To start over, if you will.

Harry hummed to himself hearing that information. "What exactly would that entitle?"

Simple. You would be reborn as a grim reaper, beings that archive the souls in a different dimension. One of the few dimensions that I watch over from time to time.

"Right, what if I don't want to be a grim reaper? I mean all I wanted to happen when I die was reunite with my parents in heaven or whatever place that wizards go to when they die. I've had enough excitement than I can handle in one lifetime."

Then you shall wait here until one of my minions can transport you to your eternal resting place. Given, that my little minions are all very busy with ferrying souls you could be waiting here for a millennia or two.

'Great, so I either wait here for forever to reunite with my parents or take Death's attempt at blackmail. Just the thought of staying here for even a year is enough to put me off.' Harry sighed.

"Well, it's not like I have that much of a choice, so I'll take you upon your offer."

'I must be losing my mind. Agreeing to some being called Death's offer to become a reaper. Well done Potter, never could do anything normally, could you? You can't even die correctly,' scolding to himself.

Death, amused, answered.

You've always had a choice, young Harry. Just that some options take a little more persuasion than others. Now, relax and the process shall soon be over. Though you should be aware that at some point in time you will be called back to your old dimension as it has been fated for you to finish Tom Marvolo Riddle.

"Yeah, I figured. Let's just get this over with before I change my mind."

Very well, see you soon, Harry Potter.

C. 1880- London, England

Harry, once he awoke and came to term with the changes that were made, learned to control his grim reaper abilities. Having all that time to yourself, there was only so much you could do without getting bored. Albeit, being one of the first reapers created did come with benefits.

Working as Death's left hand man, after getting over the shock that it was the very same being who made him the deal, and training the magic that he still retained after the change, as magic was integrated deeply into his soul.

Though during his earlier years, he preferred anonymity versus hero worship. He didn't want to be in the spotlight with his status as being one of the first reapers created, the younger ones looked at you as though some sort of untouchable superhero who was everything good and great. Harry had enough experience with the publicity.

When it was time for him to be introduced to the others as he was thought of as a legend, he made sure that he kept everything about himself under wraps. So whenever he was called to take a personal mission from death, no one would connect him to death's right hand and proceed to surround him like rabid fangirls when they found out.

Granted with the anonymity, it had its drawbacks as starting back at the bottom ranks when he was introduced to the other reapers and was kept busy, with the many missions he took from both death and the soul retrieval division, it kept him from finishing his paperwork to file. He swore the piles bred every time he was gone.

His grew to be calm and calculating, often giving the impression of cold indifference; taking pride in his job and whatever was assigned to him was completed at almost all costs.

The new name given onto him was Grell Sutcliff, a feminine looking reaper although Harry had a feeling that it was Death's fault for his feminine features. The long lashes he had acquired along with a slim figure that had subtle curves isn't helping with his manliness factor.

The fake personality he had created was that of an annoying and incompetent reaper who used feminine pronouns when introducing himself, cared more about his looks and staying entertained than finishing the job he was assigned.

Over the years, growing into his new self, and reviewing his earlier memories as Harry Potter, it helped him understand that most of the things he had done weren't his fault and often times, none of his concern for getting himself involved with; if the teachers didn't want to believe him or sat there with their heads in the sand when he spoke of a troll or basilisk in the school, then they could blame themselves for not doing anything as they should have to keep the students safe. The time with the Dursleys didn't help with his self-esteem, always being belittled and called names, being seen as lower than dirt, did not help him value his own life as he rushed headlong into reckless adventures.

Grell was now on his way to Phantomhive mansion, traveling through the trees that surrounded the mansion.

"It's time I visited Mr. Michaelis. Can't have the demon thinking I lost interest; that would not be good for my character. Not that I was would be interested in such a man with an attitude problem. Though, he is aesthetically pleasing." Grell told himself before leaping from one of the trees outside the dining area.

"Time for my dramatic entrance."

Shattering the window as Sebastian was beginning to serve his master lunch, Grell noticed his guest Alois Trancy, who was currently looking at him in interest as he entered in. Along with him was the demon he made a contract with, Claude Faustus; according to his sources.

He did have to keep tabs on who the young earl acquainted with as Ciel always seemed to be in the center of trouble; not that they knew that. Feigning to only notice Sebastian in the room, he proceeded with his act.

"Oh Bassy! It has been far too long! I finally managed to sneak away from William!" Running forward to embrace him, Grell instead face planted to the floor as Sebastian sidestepped out of the way. Groaning in fake pain, he pretended to finally notice the others in the room as he looked up.

"Oh? And who is this handsome man," Grell asked, staring at Claude.

Ciel simply sighed as Sebastian interrupted Grell before he chose to jump the other butler. "Grell, keep away from him for I'm sure he won't appreciate being drooled over."

Grell winked at Sebastian, "Come now, Bassy. No need to be jealous."

Alois laughed, "Claude, I like him! He's different from Ciel's other friends."

Grell turned his attention back to the other butler.

"Oh? Is that your name?" He asked as he fluttered his eyelashes, cozying up to the bespectacled demon. Claude merely looked repulsed at the reaper.

"Grell, leave as we have places to be and I don't trust you in my home," Ciel commanded as he sipped his tea.

'Didn't know the incinerator called for your presence.' He retorted within his thoughts.

Grell was then kicked in the head by Sebastian into the nearby wall, sliding down to the floor, as if having heard his thought. Grell hurriedly pulled out a handheld mirror to inspect his face before sighing in relief.

"Bassy!" He whined. "What if that hit had ruined my beautiful face?"

"By all means, I think it would be a vast improvement," Ciel commented. The comment causing Sebastian and Claude to smirk and Alois to giggle.

Grell's eyebrow twitched at the insult. 'Cheeky brat, you would know. Your family's death was a vast improvement.'

Behind him, Grell heard someone land through the window he had broken into but made no indication that he noticed.

"So this is where you ran off to, Sutcliff." William, the head reaper, said behind Grell. Grell faked his surprise and plastered on a terrified face. He also noticed that William seemed more stressed than usual at the moment. There seemed to be a wrinkle between his brow and pinched look around his eyes, the only thing that conveyed how frazzled he was. He was glad that he left that job to William.

"William!"

"Now that I have found you, it's time that you finished that overdue paperwork you have." Turning to face the two young lords and their butlers, "I apologize for this sorry excuse of a reaper for bothering your day." Words sounding sincere but contradicted with the disgusted look on his face at apologizing to two demons.

"No problem, just please keep him on a leash since the young master is currently busy with another case and can't have distractions," Sebastian replied with the everlasting fake smile on his face.

"I thought he was fine, it was just starting to get boring when he crashed in." Alois responded.

"We should be leaving as well soon since his highness merely wished to pay a visit," Claude put in as Alois pouted but moved to leave, waving goodbye to the redheaded reaper.

Waving back from his place on the ground, Grell noticed he was ignored for the moment and tried to discreetly crawl away.

"And where exactly do you think you are going?" William asked with a murderous gleam in his eye.

'That's not even half as scary as most of the things I've been through. Both in this life and my last one.'

"W-well, I was going to save everyone the trouble by leaving them to their business."

Hearing the carriages leaving from outside, he made his escape; jumping out the window he shattered earlier before William could drag him back.

"Bassy! Wait for me!" Chasing after Ciel and Sebastian's carriage. After following the carriage into the city, the small group finally stopped outside the Undertaker's shop.

Grell had fond memories connected to the person who owned the business. 'It's been a while since I last came to visit.'

Grell and Undertaker were actually very good friends since, in his earlier years as a new reaper, Undertaker was one of the very few who knew of his existence, having gone on missions together and having been great combat partners before Undertaker chose to defect. The two reapers still kept in touch from time to time. Along with keeping the act that they disliked the other, it kept other reapers from finding out the connection that Grell and Undertaker had as close friends. Grell kept Undertaker informed if any reapers came close to discovering his residence while Undertaker let him use his shop as a hiding place whenever he was running from William. He knew that Undertaker enjoyed his freedom and helped him keep it.

As the group walked in, they heard creepy laughter coming from the darkness.

"Hehehehehe, well if it isn't the young master, would you like to try a coffin," Undertaker asked before noticing Grell. "Oh my, it's been such a long time since someone brought something so horrendous in my shop." 'It has been a while my friend,' was the true hidden message.

"Who are you calling a thing?!" 'Yes, it has,' Grell retorted back as he lunged at Undertaker but was grabbed by his collar by Sebastian.

While pretending to choke, Ciel just stared blankly before turning his attention back to Undertaker. Undertaker simply ignored the commotion, walking into the kitchen; he brought out a tray with tea and his famous bone shaped biscuits.

"What do you know about the ongoing murders," Ciel demanded.

The Undertaker tsked from setting the tea cups. "Ah ah, you know the rules, little lord. If you want information, you have to give me a good laugh," he said, drooling over the possibility of a laughing fit.

Ciel sighed, "Fine, Sebastian."

"Yes, young master," Sebastian replied, bowing to him.

"Oh no no no no no, I want to try someone new," Undertaker ordered. Ciel protested once he got over his surprise.

"B-but there is no one else here with us!"

Undertaker pointed at Grell who had been munching on a biscuit during the conversation. "Hm?"

"The red menace counts," Undertaker replied. Ciel tried to resist as he and Sebastian were pushed out of the shop. Sebastian wanting the information for his master turned to Grell, "Grell, if you manage to make him laugh, you may get a personal reward." Pulling at his collar, giving a hint as to what the reward would be.

Grell's eyes changed into hearts at the thought, squealing as he promised not to fail. Once Undertaker closed the door, Grell stopped his act since the shop was sound proof to an extent.

His posture became straighter, fixing his jacket while also replacing his glasses to a more sophisticated pair.

"Heh heh heh, you are quite the actor, Grell," Undertaker commented as he chuckled.

"Yes, you have to be to convince high rank demons," Grell's voice coming out smooth unlike his usual irritating, whiney one. "How have you been so far, Undertaker? It has been a while since I last visited."

Undertaker gave a genuine smile. "It's been lovely with all my clients coming in. All the beautiful guests to make pretty, tea?"

He took the cup given to him as he answered, "Yes, it must be with your strange fascination with them. As for me, I'm tired of having to pretend to be attracted to that butler, considering that his personality wasn't all that great to begin with along with the fact that he is a demon. Overall, that smug butler isn't even close to my type."

Undertaker cracked up as Grell complained. "You wouldn't have that problem if you simply let your real self out. I'm no longer being tracked by the other reapers for you to keep the act up."

"True but if I did come to work as myself, they would immediately label me an imposter. Perhaps one day I'll reveal myself when there isn't the chance of giving someone a heart attack. It would keep William from always having to track me down to finish paperwork." Undertaker laughed at the thought of seeing those stuck up superiors with shocked looks on their faces.

Grell finished his cup of tea before putting his regular glasses back on. "Hate the decorations I have on these things too."

Putting his jacket into its usual place, he turned his attention to Undertaker. "Now I believe it's time for that joke I owe you."

Undertaker bounced in excitement, "Ooo, you always did tell the best jokes when we went on missions together."

"Well then you should enjoy this new one."

-Meanwhile outside-

Ciel was waiting outside impatiently with Sebastian. "Sebastian, they have been in there long enough-"before being cut off by loud laughing coming from inside of the store.

Walking back into the store, they saw a satisfied and still laughing Undertaker on the floor with a little bit of drool coming down from his lips. Grell standing next to him was nearly vibrating in his excitement.

"Oh, look Bassy. I did it! I made him laugh!" Sebastian merely stared at Undertaker.

"So you did. Alright then, as promised, you shall get your reward." Grell squealed before puckering his lips and was handed . . . a teacup.

"Uh, Bassy, what is this?"

"Hm? Why it's your reward as promised; tea with the special ingredient of rock salt mixed in."

"B-but this harms grim reapers! And I wanted a kiss filled with passion as you held me tighter to you in your arms before proclaiming your love for me!"

'Granted rock salt would be harmful to low level reapers but the most damage it would do to me would leave a mild burn similar to that of alcohol. Thank goodness he didn't land a kiss on me though.' Gagging in his head at the mere thought.

Undertaker snickered merely from knowing that the tea wouldn't cause the harm that Sebastian had hoped for the red reaper. Though, if it had, there would have been one less demon in the world. Not including the other times the feminine looking reaper had ended up red and not from his clothing choice.

Grell pretended to absentmindedly drink the tea while Ciel gained the information he wanted. Pretending that the small sip of tea caused him pain, he saw Sebastian smirking out of the corner of his eye. 'Bastard.'

Once the trio exited the shop having gotten what they came for, Grell blew a kiss to Sebastian who shivered in disgust. "Bye Bassy, I have to go now before William finds me again to finish that dreadful paperwork." 'You think you have it bad, demon, but you're not the one that has to actually say these things.'

Jumping onto a nearby roof and running in the opposite direction. He knew that William would track him down if he kept following the two. Hopefully this would keep him off his trail for the rest of the day.

Line break

Grell was making his way back to the Phantomhive mansion after the long week of nonstop missions that he had been assigned to from both William and Death. Making sure that he escaped without William's notice and that he had threatened a couple of junior reapers to cover him before William had noticed his escapade, he jumped through the branches in the trees near the Phantomhive manor.

He had visited Undertaker's shop earlier but it seemed to be out. He also visited the Trancy manor in order to annoy the other demon Claude, knowing that Alois wouldn't mind and probably would join in as well. Sadly none of them seemed to be around.

The last place he chose to visit, he hoped would be occupied as he was running out of people to annoy. He desperately needed some rest and relaxation. All this stress wouldn't be good for his skin. This was where his sadistic streak came in. Nothing beat stress like messing with people.

He stopped on a single, thick branch when the manor came into his line of sight as he felt someone connect with his mind. The only one who could do that would be,

'Death, is something the matter?'

Grell, the wizards are making their move to summon you back.

'What? How did they manage that? My body has been changed completely, the only thing that remained the same would be my soul.'

After they had failed using your blood, which really makes no sense since you old body is dead, they then decided to use a very old and powerful ritual. One that calls upon the magic and soul of the deceased. By your ministry's standards, it would be considered a dark ceremony as it often has the requirement that a sacrifice be offered. But as you said earlier, only your soul remained the same as your magic is now classified as that of a reaper and not a human wizard.

'Then how are they able to summon me specifically?'

The ritual also has a fail-safe chance that if the one the summoner wishes to bring is not available, then it goes for a candidate with the closest match. But you must hurry Grell, I will try to hold them off for as long I can if you choose to bring help.

Feeling the disconnection, Death left his mind.

Grell laughed darkly to himself. 'Oh, how the mighty have fallen.'