The Song of Life & Death

Disclaimer: I don't own either Harry Potter or A Song of Ice & Fire or Game of Thrones. Poor me!

He was calm, serene and happy even as he stood on the bridge of Gryffindor, looking out towards The End. It was hard for him to believe that the world, the whole universe was about to end. He has been alive for billions of years. For eons. He was called by many names in his long and fruitful life. Though he never liked the most of them. The Saviour, The Immortal, The Lord of The Light, The Master of Death, The Gryffindor Heir, The Supreme Warlock, The Boy who Lived and one he liked the least, The God. Yes, he was being called The God since billions of years. When you are alive since the begging of time, people tend to see something divine in you, especially if you are invincible and remain working for the betterment of the mankind. And now, after many eons, everyone was faced with the irrefutable truth that he wasn't The God.

He himself wasn't sure that he would survive the coming Armageddon. He felt something in his gut he hadn't felt since a long long time. Anxiety, Fear, Dread. He was lulled in the false sense of security. He thought that none could harm him or his. But now, standing face to face with The Yamraj he felt the ugly feeling rear his head inside his chest. He was no coward though. He wasn't afraid of dying. He has died once already. Twice if he died when he was hit with the death curse the first time around but he didn't remember. He was afraid that he would depart from his soulmate, his better half, his Ginny, his wife. There were no words to describe eons of love and companionship. He just doesn't know how to exist without her. It was a pleasant surprise when he found out that his newly wedded young wife wasn't aging as well as him. Hallows protected her through him. Though he never let any harm come to her. Never tested if she was as indestructible as him. But now there was no way to save her and even himself from The Yamraj.

The Yamraj, the black hole that was swallowing the whole world. Millennia ago scientists found that the universe was slowing in its expansion. The force of the origin, the big bang had, at last, came to an end. Calculations showed that soon it will stop expanding altogether and it will start shrinking. The whole universe, trillions and trillions of stars would collapse again in the massive black hole in the center of the universe. Scientists named the largest black hole after the ancient god of death of The Aryans. The cosmic egg of the origin will be made again. The mages also confirmed the same with their arithmancy and divination. And perhaps new universe will be born from it, or wouldn't. Not even Harry knew.

Humanity had conquered more than a thousand galaxies, a large part of the universe. Their homeworld had gone up in smoke many million years ago when their star, the Sun, went supernova creating a black hole. And now the last ship containing the last of humanity, the last of life was being dragged towards gaping jaws of death. He had tried everything in his power, from charms, runes, curses to pure brute force but all he accomplished was delaying the inevitable. He was powerless against the juggernaut that was the center of the rapidly shrinking universe. After watching one after another world being swallowed in the abyss, space stations soon following them, at last, he conceded defeat. No science or magic could stop the Apocalypse. He accepted the end. At long last, he would know the peace, the final rest. In a way, he was curious to find out what was waiting for him on the other end.

He was disturbed from his musings when he felt her behind him. He turned and embraced her, inhaling her fragrance, wildflowers and honey, love and home. She was his home. He kissed her head and stepped back and looked into her golden brown orbs. Her smile was gentle, encouraging. You did not fail. You gave humanity much more than it ever deserved. He fought the impulse to hug her again. He looked past her towards the crew of his ship. A few of them containing emerald green or golden brown eyes, red or black hair. The last generation carrying his genes.

"It has been an honor." he said, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." And they had, by accepting it, with grace, with open arms like an old friend. The captain, a young man in his twenties nodded his head, "Hope to meet you in the next adventure, your grace."

Harry inclined his head and turned again towards the horizon, hugging Ginny to his side and closed his eyes. It felt like even the air was getting heavy and compressing his chest. His heart started pounding to keep his liquid life flowing. It was difficult to stand, his own body felt so heavy like he was lifting a mountain. It was difficult to see, everything was getting so dark. The black hole sucking the last of the light in the cosmos. And then he felt nothing. Harry Potter was no more. At last, the death would meet the master.

The Song of Life and Death

There was nothing. No sensation. No feeling. No thought. Not of his existence even. It was like the deepest and restful sleep you can imagine. He didn't even know how long he has existed like this. And just like that, he knew that he existed! He can think. He can feel. His existence, his self, his soul. It was there. His magic. An integral part of his soul. Was he dreaming? But he couldn't wake up! Was he even asleep? He couldn't feel his body. He didn't know. Wait! But he did know. The same experience lived ages ago. He concentrated and he was back. A handsome young man in his early twenties. He looked around and there was nothing but white as far as he could see. Bright unblemished, pure, sterile white, without any source of light. But he could see his body, touch it and feel it. He was back in limbo. Between life and death.

This time he closed his eyes and imagined the place he loved most. In the split second, he was transported in a beautiful garden outside a cozy little home. His home, Godric's Hollow. His home with his wife and children, where he was happiest, where he understood what it means to be loved unconditionally. He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air, filling him with enticing smell of the flowers. He could almost smell his wife, wildflowers and honey, his children, milk and baby powder, polished wood of his Nimbus, delicious smell of his wife's cooking and so much more. He opened his eyes and looked around. Was this heaven? Will he meet his parents and friends? Where was his other half? And as if it was just waiting for this thought a figure appeared out of thin air.

She was wearing a black cloak from head to toe but Harry could easily discern that she was a she. He asked, "When will I meet my friends and family?"

She was startled, he couldn't see her face but he could tell. "That's new! Don't you want to know where you are or who I am?" Harry smirked, "I'm in limbo or in-between life and death and you most probably are the deity in charge of the afterlife." She harrumphed, "Self-Important much? I can just be some lowly agent of death."

Harry imagined a relaxing recliner and plopped down, stretching lazily, "Than send the Death to meet me." Clearly shocked she spluttered, "You arrogant, pertinent imbecile! How dare you?! You…" "Shut up," Harry cut her off. And surprisingly she shut up. "You are Death! Aren't you?" Harry asked, "Why the denial?"

"I didn't plan on it. I thought that when you'll meet me you'll be a little afraid or hesitant at least. And you'll treat me with respect and reverence. So when you didn't behave like that I was taken aback. I'm not in the habit of being ordered around!" She replied.

Harry had an amused smile on his face, "Alright, alright. I forgive you this one time, just because we don't actually know each other. But don't lie to me again! I don't like liars." "WHAT!? Forgive me? Forgive me? I AM DEATH! I'm the most powerful God! I don't need your forgiveness!" Harry thought that she would have a stroke the way she was raging and ranting, if gods can have a stroke that is, come to think of it, he can't remember the last time any human had a stroke. Medical science was much advanced at the end.

"HEY YOU! I'm talking to you!" Death shouted, "What the hell are you thinking about? How can you daydream when the Goddess of Death herself is angry with you?" It was a little embarrassing, Harry accepted, nobody likes to be ignored. "Oh, I was just thinking about my old world. Anyway…"

"What?! Your old world? Billions of years you lived there and just after few seconds you are missing it already?" Death asked incredulously. "I'm missing my loved ones!" Harry sharply replied, "I have been missing them for eons! And I don't fear you. Why should I? I'm your master!"

Death opened and closed her mouth, not sure how to reply. "I don't have much experience in talking. Everyone has been afraid of me, more or less. Usually, I just judge them and send them to Heaven or Hell. Your relatives are happy, rest assured." Harry noted that she didn't comment on him being her master or not, and try to shift the conversation towards his family. He wasn't the one to beat around the bush, "Am I your master or not?"

There was a pause, hesitation and grudging reply, "You are…" then she challengingly added, "But only because I allowed it!" Harry decided to concede the point and not test his luck. He remembered when he was fate's bitch. Come to think of it, he stopped being fate's bitch only after he became the prideful owner of the hallows. But he had to ask, "Why did you? I mean as you said you are the most powerful God. Why let anyone become your master?"

She hesitated for a moment but gathered her courage and replied, "Because in another universe someone has risen who threatens me. He encroaches on my domain frequently. Somehow he has found a way to trick my agents. Many times when someone dies he stops their souls in a limbo of his own creation and sends them back if he deems them worthy. He calls himself One True God! He gains power from prayers of his followers. I can't let this stand!"

Harry was incredulous, "So instead of beating this new godling, you chose to become a servant to some mortal! That's an ingenious plan! Though how can I expect anything less from such divinity!"

The Death rebuked, "Don't you dare mock me, Harry Potter! Instead of being happy that you were immortal you started crying! Oh, how can I live when all other will die! Oh, I'll remain young forever, how unfortunate I am!" She theatrically clutched her heart and mimicked crying," I had to make your wife immortal to pull you out of your funk!"

"You are no human!" Harry replied, a furious undercurrent in his voice, "What do you know of our feelings? Of Love? For you, we all are just pieces on the chess board!" Harry knew deep down that death wanted him to fight this pretender and bring him to heel. And that fouled his mood. He was looking for a well-deserved rest after all.

"Oh spare me! You know nothing, Harry Potter! Just because we are not human doesn't mean we don't feel." Death replied testily, "I have put a lot of thought into my plan if you would just listen without interrupting!" Harry pretended to zip his lips and gestured her to continue.

"There is a reason behind everything I do. I can't physically go to this world to destroy this pretender's cult. It would result in the death of all the living things. I'm not Death for just this universe but all the universes that exist or will exist. I am truly a divine entity. Not bound by universes or time. My physical entry would mean the death of that universe." Harry's face darkened, "Just like mine."

She replied softly, "Yes. But your world had reached its end. If we allowed it to live any longer, your people would have reached true divinity in short time. You were that close." Harry understood but it didn't mean that he agreed with it, "So what if we reached true ascension? It's not like you would have died. You are Gods!" She explained empathically, "I know you mourn the loss of your people but remember, the soul is immortal. I can't reveal more than that to you. After all, my master or not, you are still human."

"So you want me to go to this world and end this pretender and his cult," Harry stated letting his grudge go. "Yes." Death replied hopefully. "No" Harry replied crushing her hope, "And you can't order me. Remember, I am the master!"

She cursed softly, "But why? If this new idiot rises it will be bad for the whole of existence!" She tried to appease his saving people thing but Harry was having none of it. "I have done more than enough. I want to rest. With my friends and family." He replied, "And why don't you just kill the bugger and his cult from here? How did he become so powerful in the first place?"

"I can't kill him because it was I who trusted him and let him create his limbo. Other Gods and I thought that this was the best way to deal with another big problem in that world. But now the plan has backfired. Badly. He stops most important of his followers from dying! Haven't I told you? Now other things are well in motion for that problem but this idiot is hell-bent on becoming a God and trust me he is not worthy."

Harry understood somewhat what she was planning, "So you will send me, the most powerful wizard backed with years of experience and your power to deal with him. A good plan." Harry nodded approvingly than shook his head in denial, "I won't do it."

She had started to become hopeful and thought he needed some convincing, "But if you won't I have no other option! It's not easy to find a man good enough to make him Master of Death! For all intense and purposes, I made you a God. You owe me this!"

Harry was still unmoved, "Take it back. I don't want it. You know what I want." But Death was not ready to hear no for an answer, "If I can't solve this mess, if I fail then it means I am no longer worthy. I am no longer fit to govern. He will search other options. And you would be his first choice for my role. The Harry Potter. The God of Death."

Harry knew instinctively who she was talking about, The One Almighty God. "I will refuse. I don't want eternal responsibilities. It's the opposite of what I want!"

"You think He would let you rest just because you asked nicely! Remember you were lax and tardy in quelling the cults who called you The One True God. Do this for me and I promise you a place in Heaven with your loved ones, without rebirth for a long long time."

It was a lucrative offer but Harry knew his worth, "I already deserve that. I played your game for billions and billions of years. I danced on your tune. But no more."

Death was getting desperate. She had tested him for billions of years to be sure if he was worthy of becoming a God or not. If he ordered her to judge him and send him onwards she can't deny him. "What if you have some family and friends in this world? I will convince the Goddess of Life for this. I will even bargain with the Goddess of Destiny to bless them with a happy and protected life till you become of age. Essentially giving them years of best luck!"

Harry opened his mouth and closed it. All of them alive and well. That was what he always wanted. How can he deny it? But would it be better than Heaven? What should he do? She stepped closer to him and removed her hood. Harry's eyes widened upon seeing her face. Her face was slightly elongated with sharp noble features, full pouty pink lips, big golden eyes shining with divine power and smooth white unblemished skin. Her smooth shiny black hair were pulled back exposing her delicate neck. She was a vision of beauty! He never thought that Goddess of Death would be so beautiful. She should've been the Goddess of Beauty. He was broken out of his musings when she stepped towards him. And she dropped on her knees! Harry sprang out of his recliner spluttering, "Hey… Don't… What the hell are you doing?!" He was used to people bowing and scraping to him but having a Goddess kneeling to him was still disconcerting.

"You are a good man Harry Potter. Help me." She begged, her voice soft, her face aflame. She must be really desperate. Harry grabbed her shoulders and made her stand up. "Stop this! There's no need to beg. I will help you." Harry assured her. Her face became alight with hope, relief and happiness. He didn't think that she could look even more beautiful. She hugged him, jumping up and down like a child, "Thank you, thank you, thank you…" Harry felt tingling sensation, tiny sparks going all over his body. "Alright, alright! Calm down. Calm down. You should know that I will hold you to our bargain. Break it and I will come for you. Remember. I am the master." Harry smirked.

Death smiled up at him, he hadn't noticed that she was a tiny little thing. She must be new at this Goddess of Death thing. She curtseyed elegantly, "Rest assured my master. All you considered family and close friends will be with you. Safe till you come of age." Harry sighed and plopped down in the recliner again. "Well, don't you need to confirm it with the others?"

"I just did!" she created a recliner of her own and plopped down, "They were happy to help." Harry raised an eyebrow, "Good. My parents will be my parents." He stated more than asked. "Done!" she agreed without missing a beat. "I'll have all of my memories." Again he stated. "Sure." she nodded eagerly. "And how will you send me to this new world?" "You will have to be born of course." She replied like it was obvious.

"What?" Harry looked decidedly uncomfortable, "can't you just put me there? You know like apparition or flaming or port-keying?" "Umm… no… cause how will your parents be your parents if you are just there one day? 22 years old. Out of the blue!" she replied gesturing wildly with her hands.

Harry argued, "Can't you let them keep their memories?" "I can." She replied, "But you have a chance to live a childhood you were robbed of. To make precious memories with your parents. It's the better option."

Harry couldn't argue with that. But he was still uncomfortable. "I can't go through infancy again. I won't! You'll have to find a way."

Death's eyebrow scrunched as she thought, "I can arrange that you receive your memories as you become 5-6 years old. That way your early actions will be just like a normal child. Albeit a powerful magical normal child."

Harry let out a breath he was holding. "That's alright." He was glad he wouldn't have to go through breastfeeding again. He took a deep relaxing breath and asked a question that was nagging him, "why did you plant the hallows in such distant past? It led to much bloodshed." Death replied frowning, "It was necessary. The Destiny said so. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been born. It's her domain. And I didn't want such enormous power in wrong hands. So I gave the hallows to Peverell brothers, your ancestors. So one day you will have them if you prove yourself worthy."

Harry accepted the answer. What was done was done. His old world was gone and he was embarking on a new journey. "Will I have the hallows in my next life? And my wand?" Death nodded, "You will. There are more than objects. They are inside you. A part of you. As long as you remain undefeated. And your wand too. Though you will have to make it again."

Harry was grateful for it. He was used to having his wand with him all the time. He was ready to begin his journey, "so let's start my next great adventure!"

To his surprise Death looked a little disappointed, "It will be years before we will talk face to face again. Years before I will talk to someone who treats me as an equal. Alas, another world needs you, Harry Potter. Best of luck on your next great adventure!"

There was a flash of light, bright like a thousand suns and once again Harry Potter knew nothing.

The Song of Life & Death

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