To Hell and Back: Chapter 7

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Chapter 7

“So, did you pop out of the Veil when it got broken?” Sirius asked.

“It’d probably be best if I waited for everyone to explain,” Harry replied.

Sirius nodded while Molly set a tray of tea and biscuits on the table. Glancing at Jezebel, she frowned.

“Would you like me to get you some clothes, dear?” she asked cautiously.

“No, thank you,” Jezebel said, crossing her arms over her chest. “I have no need for your silly mortal coverings.”

“Oh, well, alright,” Molly said, wiping her hands nervously on her apron. “Just let me know if you change your mind.”

She bustled back over to the stove and stirred a pot of something that smelled wonderful to Harry, although he had no idea what it was. The kitchen descended into an awkward silence that was only broken when the door swung open. Dumbledore, Heather, Hermione, the Weasley kids, and a few of the Order members flooded into the room.

“Ron, Ginny!” Molly yelled.

She rushed over to them and pulled each one into a crushing hug.

“I’m so glad you’re alright,” she said.

She let go of them, her relief turned into anger, and she poked each of them with a finger.

“Don’t you ever do something like that again!” she yelled. “You could’ve been killed.”

Arthur wrapped an arm around her shoulder and whispered into her ear as he gently led her to a seat. As the table filled up, everyone gave Jezebel a wide berth, pointedly avoiding the seat next to her. With no other seat available, Tonks put on a brave face and took the seat. Harry made eye contact with her and gave her a wink. She forced a smile, but her shoulders visibly relaxed.

“Now, then,” Dumbledore said from the head of the table, looking down over his half-moon glasses. “Regardless of who you are, I want to thank you for assisting my students. I shudder to think of the fate that might have befallen them had you not come to their aid. With that said, however, I find myself most curious. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were Harry Potter.”

“Good guess,” Harry grinned. “I am.”

Dumbledore leaned forward on his arms, fingers interlaced. His bright blue eyes danced with curiosity and fascination.

“How did you return?” he asked. “Did you come back through the Veil?”

“Nope,” Harry replied, still grinning. “Hermione helped me.”

Hermione blushed and ducked her head as everyone turned to look at her in surprise.

“When I died, I ended up in hell, but I wasn’t supposed to go there,” he continued, drawing the attention back to himself. “I was considered a Lost Soul, which afforded me some freedom and a way back.”

“Why would you go to hell?” Tonks asked incredulously.

‘I grabbed onto Voldemort’s soul after his body was destroyed,” Harry shrugged. “Even after he died, he tried to attack Heather. It didn’t work as well as I’d hoped, but I took a piece of the bastard with me.”

While everyone’s attention was on Harry, no one besides him noticed the way Dumbledore’s eyes widened, and he reared back in shock. He got control of himself quickly and resumed a more nonchalant posture.

“A very commendable sacrifice,” he nodded. “And who are the ladies with you?”

“This is Lilith,” Harry replied, gesturing to the woman who waved and smiled prettily. “She’s a Succubus. And this is Jezebel. She’s the demon that found me. They both raised me.”

“Hell looks pretty good to me,” Sirius said, flashing Lilith a handsome, lopsided grin.

“It has its perks,” Harry grinned, wrapping an arm around each of the women.

“Can we get back on track?” Moody barked, his prosthetic eye whizzing in circles in its socket. “How do we know you’re telling the truth?”

“It’s him,” Heather interjected quickly. “I know it is.”

Harry flashed her a smile before turning back to Moody and shrugging his shoulders.

“I don’t really have any proof,” he said. “I mean, I can sort of prove I was dead. I know a lot of things I couldn’t know otherwise. I don’t really have a way of proving I’m Harry Potter, though.”

“I can attest he’s really Harry Potter,” Jezebel said. “But I doubt my word will count for anything.”

Moody grunted affirmatively and folded his arms over his chest.

“What about an inheritance test?” Hestia asked.

“Those can be fooled by a suitably skilled witch or wizard,” Dumbledore replied. “For now, we’ll just have to take Harry’s word that he is who he says he is. Sirius, I trust he can stay here until we can come up with a more permanent solution?”

“Of course,” Sirius smiled. “Make yourself at home.”

“Thanks,” Harry grinned. “I’ll start by burning everything.”

Sirius barked a laugh and slapped the table.

“If you start with that painting of my mother in the entryway, you’ll be doing me a favor,” he said.

“Are you sure that’s safe, Albus?” Molly asked, glancing sideways warily at Jezebel.

“We may not know who they are for certain, but given tonight’s events, we can be reasonably sure they mean us no harm,” Dumbledore assured her calmly.

The Weasley children, Heather, and Hermione jumped to his defense, but Harry tuned them out. He felt an odd, uncomfortable sensation in his stomach. It almost felt like it was trying to curl in on itself. He frowned and wondered if he should say something when it suddenly let out a loud rumble. The sound was so loud it startled him and stilled the conversation.

“Oh, you poor dear,” Molly said, jumping to her feet. “You all must be so hungry.”

She dashed over to the stove and ladled whatever was in the pot into bowls.

“Ginny, come help me pass these out,” she barked over her shoulder.

Ginny rolled her eyes but got to her feet and grudgingly helped her mother. She set the first bowl down in front of Harry and handed him a spoon. He smiled his thanks and prodded the stew. It appeared to be made of a thick brown water, filled with bits that were varying shades of brown.

It smelled wonderful.

Taking a small spoonful, he shoveled it into his mouth. His tongue tingled violently and caused him to jerk slightly in his seat.

“Careful, dear, it’s still hot,” Molly warned.

It was indeed hot, but not painfully so. It took Harry’s mind a moment to make sense of what his tongue was telling him. It was delicious. He shoveled spoonful after spoonful into his mouth and within moments, he was scraping the bottom of the bowl.

“Would you like some more, Harry?” Molly asked.

Harry smiled and handed her the empty bowl as he swallowed the last mouthful.

“Yes, please,” he said.

She happily refilled the bowl and placed it down in front of him. Now that the ravenous hunger he’d felt had been somewhat satisfied, he ate a little slower this time and took note of the different bits and how they tasted. His favorites were the orangy-brown circles. He picked one up with his spoon and eyed it curiously, but wasn’t quite sure what it was.

“I really like these things,” he said, holding it up and looking to Hermione. “What are they?”

“What? The carrot?” she asked curiously.

“You’ve never had a carrot before?” Tonks asked incredulously.

“I’ve never had any food before,” Harry shrugged. “No need to eat when you’re dead.”

“Weird,” she said, shaking her head as Harry returned to his meal with gusto.

A few minutes later, he’d polished off his second bowl. He leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh and rubbed his full stomach. Another odd sensation crept up from his stomach to his chest, but it passed quickly when he belched loudly.

“Sorry,” he said. “This is going to take some getting used to. Er, Sirius, I think I need to use the bathroom.”

“Down the hall to the right, second door on the left,” Sirius said.

Harry nodded and quickly left the room.

“He’s weird,” Tonks said in the moment of silence that followed. “Nice, but weird.”

“I just hope I don’t have to show him how to use the bog roll,” Sirius muttered.

“I’m sure he’ll figure it out,” Lilith said. “Returning to the mortal world always requires some adjustment. For me as well. It’s been many centuries since I was last summoned.”

“You’ll be staying with us, too?” Sirius asked excitedly.

“If you don’t mind,” she said, flashing him a dazzling smile. “I dread the thought of sleeping alone.”

Sirius gave her a dreamy smile and rested his head in his hands. Remus rolled his eyes and elbowed him sharply in the ribs. Letting out a yelp, Sirius rubbed his chest and glared.

“I think she means in Harry’s bed,” he said pointedly. “Will you be staying as well, Ms. Jezebel?”

“Just Jezebel is fine,” she replied. “And no. I will be here when Harry has need of me, but until then, I’ll return to hell. I’m well aware of how mortals view my kind.”

“Well, now that that’s settled, I believe I should return to the Ministry,” Dumbledore said, getting to his feet. “I’ll return in the morning to take the children back to Hogwarts.”

“Thank you for rescuing them, Albus,” Molly said gratefully. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“Oh, I’d hardly call it a rescue,” Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling brightly. “Your children acquitted themselves magnificently.”

Ron and Ginny smiled at the compliment, but Molly frowned. As Dumbledore made for the door, Heather called out to him.

“Professor,” she said. “What about Harry? Will he be able to go to school with us?”

He paused in the doorway and turned back to her thoughtfully.

“I will speak with him about it tomorrow,” he replied after a moment. “If he wants to attend, perhaps we can make plans for next year.”

Heather nodded and sat back, slightly disappointed as he left. Hermione gave her a sympathetic look and gently squeezed her hand.

“Hey, Sirius!” Harry shouted from down the hall. “How do you flush this thing?!”

Sirius groaned and slowly climbed to his feet while Tonks snickered.

An hour later, Harry entered his room freshly showered and wearing a set of pajamas Sirius had loaned him. Lilith lounged on the bed, completely bare. The nightgown Molly had given her was still lying folded on the vanity where she’d originally left it. Jezebel had returned to hell for the night, having no interest in watching them sleep.

For the first time he could remember, he felt tired. It was an odd feeling, and not one he found enjoyable. He was just thinking about getting rid of his pajamas and climbing into bed when his thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Yeah?” he called.

The door creaked open, and Heather peeked inside.

“Can we come in?” she asked softly, perhaps even a bit hesitantly.

“Sure,” Harry smiled.

Heather smiled back, swung the door open, and stepped inside. Hermione followed after her, and then Ron, who froze in the doorway, wide-eyed, when he spotted Lilith. His face turned bright red as he stared at her.

“Oh, sorry,” Lilith said, covering herself with the sheet. “It’ll take some time for me to get used to wearing clothes again.”

“Tell me about it,” Harry muttered, tugging at the collar of his T-shirt as he sat down on the edge of the bed. “So, what’s up?”

Heather sat down next to him and fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt.

“I just wanted to thank you for saving us,” she said softly. “I’m really glad you’re back.”

Harry smiled and wrapped his arms around her. She stiffened for a moment before she relaxed and hugged him back.

“Me too,” he whispered.

They sat like that for a long moment. When Heather eventually pulled back, she flashed him a watery smile and wiped away the tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.

“You’re coming to Hogwarts next year, right?” she asked hopefully.

“I was planning on it,” Harry smiled. “I need to get used to using a wand.”

“We’ll take you to Olivander’s,” Hermione said. “I’m sure he’ll have a wand for you.”

“He’ll need to get everything,” Heather said. “You can use the money in my Gringotts account. I’m sure Mum and Dad would’ve wanted us to share it.”

Harry smiled gratefully and gave her a one-armed hug. She smiled at him brightly, but soon looked away, and it quickly faded into a frown.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Heather said, waving a hand as if to ward off his concern. “I just wish I could stay here with you for the summer. I really don’t want to go back to the Dursleys.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll come visit you,” Harry said reassuringly.

Heather laughed shortly and without any real humor.

“The Dursleys would go mental,” she said with a forced smile. “And Dumbledore probably wouldn’t allow it either. He wouldn’t even let Ron and Hermione owl me last year.”

Ron and Hermione looked away guiltily.

“Well,” Harry said, “then it’s a good thing I don’t plan on asking any of them for permission.”

Heather looked up at him sharply, eyes widened hopefully.

“You’re my sister,” he continued. “I’m not going to let anyone tell me I can’t see you now that I’m back. Jezebel will be happy to scare the Dursleys into behaving. She hates them as much as I do. I’ll handle Dumbledore. And it’s not like the wards will stop me… Oh, I’m such an idiot.”

Harry smacked himself in the forehead with the palm of his hand.

“What?” Lilith asked.

“The Blood Wards,” he said. “Now that I’m alive, we can set up the Blood Wards anywhere I am. We could set them up here, and then Heather could stay at Grimmauld Place for the Summer. And, it would prove who I really am.”

“Oh, that’s brilliant,” Lilith grinned. “Why didn’t any of us think of that before?”

Harry didn’t get a chance to reply. Heather threw herself at him, nearly knocking him over, and hugged him so tightly he had trouble breathing. Smiling, he hugged her back.

“Do you really think Dumbledore would let me stay here?” she asked, her voice muffled by his shoulder.

Harry grinned.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure I can convince him.”

~

The next morning, Tonks blearily stepped out of her room and into the hallway. With a wide yawn, she ambled down to the bathroom and sighed when she saw the door was closed. Letting out an annoyed sigh, she leaned against the wall. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait long. The toilet flushed and the door opened.

“Disgusting,” Harry muttered, stepping out into the hall with a grimace.

Tonks smirked.

“First poo?” she asked.

Harry’s look told her that it was, and that he wasn’t happy with the process. Tonks chuckled.

“Did you remember to wipe?” she asked, arching a brow.

“Yes, I wiped,” Harry grumbled. “I’m not a child.”

His tone did nothing to diminish Tonks’ smile.

“Well, someone’s a grumpy Gus in the morning,” she noted happily.

“I’m not used to being in a mortal body,” Harry said, running a hand through his hair. “I mean, this body is brand new, how can it be so full of shit already?”

Tonks laughed and took a step forward to pat him on the shoulder.

“You’ll get used to it,” she said. “Ask Molly for some coffee. It’ll help you wake up.”

Stepping inside the bathroom, she closed the door.

While she showered, Harry headed down to the kitchen and did as she suggested. He took his first sip and nearly spat it out immediately. He didn’t know how to describe the taste as anything other than horrible. Arthur told him it was an acquired taste, but Harry had no intention of drinking enough to get used to it. The tea Molly gave him afterwards was much better.

“Everyone’s different,” she told him with a smile when he thanked her. “You just have to figure out what you like.”

In order to help him decide what he liked, she cooked up a storm. She made a little bit of everything remotely breakfast-related in the cabinet, and supplied him with seven plates and two bowls. Oatmeal was good, but the cereal was better. Eggs were wonderful, and definitely one of his favorites. So were bacon and sausage. Beans weren’t bad, just bland. So was toast, until he added butter at Arthur’s suggestion, then it became much better.

Molly made so much food that Harry was relieved when Ron and the girls arrived to help him eat it all. When Tonks stumbled in a few minutes later, he gave her a glare. She smiled unrepentantly, grabbed a cup of coffee, and sipped it with a satisfied hum.

“Good morning, everyone,” Lilith said.

She practically floated into the room, took the seat next to Harry, and kissed his cheek.

“Indeed, good morning,” Dumbledore said as he entered a moment later.

“Good morning, Headmaster,” Molly smiled. “Kids, go get your things.”

“Take your time,” Dumbledore smiled. “Before we go back to school, Harry, might I have a word with you in private?”

“Sure,” Harry said, getting to his feet. “Come on, Heather.”

Heather looked startled and looked between the two of them hopefully. Dumbledore hesitated before a sad but resigned expression came over his face, and he nodded. Heather quickly got to her feet and followed after them. Dumbledore led them down the hall to the parlor, and once both of them had entered, he closed the door.

“I should tell you I’ve had quite the time attempting to explain your return and the presence of a demon in the Ministry,” Dumbledore sighed tiredly. “More so than I had convincing the Minister of Voldemort’s return, surprisingly.”

“What did you tell him?” Harry asked curiously.

“The truth,” Dumbledore said, taking a seat in a worn, wing-backed chair and cleaning his glasses with the hem of his dark blue robes. “That you claimed to be Harry Potter, and I had not yet ascertained the details of your return. You were quite vague last night.”

“I was, wasn’t I?” Harry smiled. “But I don’t think that’s what you wanted to talk about right now.”

“Indeed,” Dumbledore nodded. “But first, I need to know if you want to be added to the rolls for next year.”

“I would,” Harry nodded. “I know quite a bit of magic. More than most of your students, but I’m not used to actually casting it. Magic works differently in the afterlife, and we don’t need it that much.”

“Interesting,” Dumbledore said, replacing his glasses on his nose. “I’m sure Heather and her friends can answer most of your questions, but if they can’t, you’re free to owl myself or Professor McGonagall.”

“Well, not so much a question, but I’ll need a room for Lilith,” Harry said.

Dumbledore frowned.

“I’ll see what I can do,” he said. “We don’t normally accept students after they’ve reached the age of majority.”

“You still have rules that allow students to bring slaves to school, even though it’s been outlawed by the Ministry, don’t you?” Harry asked curiously.

Dumbledore’s frown deepened.

“I believe so,” he said thoughtfully. “It’s been some time since I’ve reviewed those rules. Is she a slave?”

“Technically,” Harry shrugged. “I summoned her, so she has to do what I say. Not that I would order her around, of course. She’d make my life hell if I tried, and not the fun part I lived in either.”

Dumbledore chuckled.

“I’ll look into it,” he said. “Now, on to more important matters. Last night, you mentioned that you were able to take a piece of Voldemort’s soul with you when you died. Do you happen to know how his soul fractured? From everything I’ve read about souls, they rarely come apart so easily.”

Harry knew Dumbledore wanted to probe the issue lightly, to find out just how much he knew. But he didn’t like playing those kinds of games. He’d rather put his cards on the table and do what Jezebel and Lilith had taught him to do best. To make a deal.

“I imagine it had something to do with the Horcrux he was attempting to make.”

Dumbledore’s eyes flashed triumphantly, and he leaned forward eagerly.

“You know about his Horcruxes?” he asked softly.

“I know everything,” Harry smiled. “We can create portals to view anything or anyone we want in the afterlife, dead or alive.”

“Can you tell me how many he has, and where they are?” Dumbledore asked.

“I can,” Harry nodded. “But it will cost you.”

Dumbledore sat back, frowned, and folded his hands in his lap.

“I see,” he said heavily. “And what sort of sacrifice would be required?”

Harry smiled.

“No sacrifice,” he said. “Just a bargain. This information is mine to give away.”

Dumbledore’s bushy white eyebrows rose high on his forehead.

“You would make demands to ensure the destruction of the man who murdered your family?” he asked disapprovingly.

“Oh, don’t give me that look,” Harry sighed. “Look, I plan to finish him off on my own, but if you want to know what I know, then I want three things for you.”

Dumbledore paused and eyed him for a long moment.

“Very well,” he said eventually. “What is it you want?”

“First, I want Lilith with me at Hogwarts, and Jezebel will visit me regularly,” Harry said.

Dumbledore nodded surprisingly quickly.

“Second, I want Heather to live here with me and Sirius,” he continued. “I know about the Blood Wards that protect her at Privet Drive, but now that I’m alive again, you can cast them here with me.”

“I’m not sure if such a thing is possible,” Dumbledore said after a moment of thought. “But if it is, I will see it done.”

Harry nodded. He knew it was possible and how to do it if necessary.

“Lastly, we go after them together. I promised Lucifer I’d send him Voldemort’s soul, every last piece, and I intend to keep my word.”

Dumbledore relaxed slightly and nodded.

“Was that part of a deal you made for your return?” he asked curiously.

“No,” Harry smiled, shaking his head. “Just a promise to someone who looked out for me when he didn’t have to. Lucifer and the rest of the demons really aren’t as bad as most people think. They’re not evil. They’re just usually summoned by people who are.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Dumbledore said, the corners of his lips twitching. “If that’s all you require, then I believe we have a deal.”

“Excellent,” Harry grinned. “Then let’s get started. The closest Horcrux is right here in this house. It’s in Regulus’ old room, hidden beneath a loose floorboard.”

Dumbledore’s eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Er, what exactly is a Horcrux?” Heather asked curiously.

Dumbledore turned to her sharply, as if he’d forgotten she was there. With a sigh, he began to explain.