A Bargain with Death

His grandfather gave him a sympathetic look before saying, "Age is just a number my boy. This Dark Lord was an impressive magical specimen, but with time, and the right guidance you could match him. Now let's get to the point of why we are here. There has been a request for a rematch, and no one can truly refuse what Death seeks. Our family in particular has quite close ties with Death after all. We do carry one of her legendary items with us at all times. Did you happen to have it on you when you died?"

Harry nodded his head, "It was in my pouch."

"Very good, son. You will need it to prove who you are." Fleamont explained.

"Prove it to who?" Harry asked, clearly confused.

"It is my belief that you will be going back to-"

"I was hit with a dozen different killing curses, and Merlin only knows what else." Harry said with a snap in his voice, "My body won't even be in one piece. There is no going back for me. My friends will have to carry on the fight without me."

The man sighed, "Harry, your side lost the war in your timeline. I have seen it. Voldemort reigned supreme and your killing curse only stopped him for a year. With Augustus Rookwood leading the charge they completed the raid on Hogwarts…there were no survivors. Dozens, possibly as many as a hundred witches and wizards showed up from Hogsmeade, along with parents of the students, but even they were no match for blood-lusting Death Eaters after the fall of their master."

Harry looked at the man in horror. Ginny, Neville, and Ron had all followed Harry and Hermione in death? This couldn't be happening, but before he could break down in grief, Fleamont put a hand on his shoulder, "But that doesn't matter anymore. Death has intervened, and Fate has always courted Death. So, in the end, it was all for naught. It is time to see how events play on a new timeline, and how much you can change the game with a fighting chance."

Wanting to be outraged Harry stood furiously, "How can you say it was all for nothing? So many people died, and they died for me!"

Fleamont held up a hand in a gesture of peace, "Harry. You trained as hard as you could. You bested every fighter left in the Order of the Phoenix. You did as much as you could in the time you were given, and the fact is, it wasn't enough. Your foul play, and your killing curse that connected with Voldemort, however, changed the story. It was not how it was ordained, so now it will all be rewritten. Given a few more years it is my belief you will be quite the worthy adversary. Unless you wish to take the train."

After Harry processed what the man had said a train whistle was heard in the distance. His eyes reached out to the horizon, but no train could be seen. A foreboding feeling entered his gut, and he shook his head before asking, "What's on the train? Where does it go?"

Fleamont smiled at the young man, "On. To where you will have a chance to be with myself, and the rest of our family. Many generations of Potter's including your parents, and many others who would love to see you again."

"Why weren't my parents sent to speak with me?" Harry asked calming down knowing he had at least had some options, which was more than life had usually afforded him. Even if he didn't fully understand the gravity of what was happening he was grateful for the little mercy of having a choice.

"It was believed they would not have the strength to let you go. To do what must be done and give you all your options without their own personal opinions interfering with your decision. They simply didn't wish to let you go through any more pain. I don't either, but I want my grandson to get a chance to truly have a chance to live. To grow, to thrive, to maybe one day start a family of your own. These are all things you deserve, Harry."

The older man placed a consoling hand on his grandson's shoulder while Harry took a deep breath before asking, "I still need to understand. Why were you the one chosen to be sent to me?"

"I spent my life holding this family together even when my brother went off to war." Fleamont explained kindly, "It is my duty, and always has been to keep the Potters together, so it is I that was sent to give you the plainest and simplest view of your options."

Harry shook his head feeling his agitation rise again, "If you have been watching me. If you know my pain. You won't send me back to live my life again. I won't do it. Not for anything. Not if I can be with my family."

The man shook his head again, "You won't have to go back and live your life again. If you go back you will have a chance to be with our family. Consider it an incentive from Death to go back and right the wrongs of the past."