Chapter 3: The Further Education of the Owens

Same day, New Salem

After a few moments silence, Death started his speech, "When the Statute of Secrecy was first established with the International Confederation of Wizards, much like your United Nations, your ancestor, Marie Owens, was invited to join. She and a few others declined, not wanting to have what they learn dictated by a government, and did not take the oaths required. The entire country decided to govern their selves and therefore did take the vow, but were not members of the ICW. They and other countries created the Magical United Nations, but that was years after the first vows were taken."

"That explains a bit," Jet stated, looking at the children.

"Yes, it does. In addition, your ancestor was also so hysterical about the father of her baby abandoning her that she did not want anyone to have any control over her and her family. The people that did not want to hide were told that they could no longer use wands, as wands were now regulated. To use them in the non-magical world was punishable by either a death sentence or a jail sentence. Since Marie was a Muggle-born she had not used a wand, because in the new world the community was rather small and schools had not been established yet. There were no shopping centers; if one did not have a family wand then they usually did without. The people not going behind the Statute were also told to not let non-magicals know they were witches and wizards.

"Your family never really followed that rule. Marie Owens was almost hung for her witchcraft and I know that everyone in this town knows you are witches," Jim glanced at the thoughtful witches as they tried to process everything he was telling them. It was a lot of information. "You even use your magic for them — for a price. Some of the magic you use would get you sent to prison, for it is labeled dark —like your love spells or the sacrifice of animals, you would do well to discontinue that." He sent them a cold look for his hollow eyes.

The women looked at each other and then at Death, they weren't sure how to take that warning. They had always used small animals for bigger spells, they didn't like it, but that is what the Book said needed to be done, maybe with this new form of magic they wouldn't need to do that anymore. That perked them up.

"Nevertheless, since your ancestor did not take the vows and you never really hurt the non-magicals, there is little the wizards can do, since their government was not set up until after the non-magical war with Britain was concluded. That and they can only trace wand magic and since you do not use a wand they have no idea that magic is being used in this area. If it registers at all, it will be brushed off as accidental magic and someone will come and see if harm was done and if not then they will just leave.

"I also feel some very old wards on this house that shield you from the Wizarding World. The only magic that will register is what you use outside of your property," Jim continued in monotone. The witches glanced at each other in confusion. "This house must have been in your family since before the wizards went into hiding. In conclusion, when the wizards did go into hiding the knowledge of the community was lost to your family, causing them to create new ways to use their magic."

The aunts continued to look at each other. They didn't know there were wards on the house. Maybe they should go to this magic town and see what else had been hidden from them.

"Yeah, the whole town knowing, that was kinda an accident," Gilly said, bringing everyone back to the earlier comment. "We didn't mean for them to know, but we really needed help. That was a bizarre time, ya know? What with Jimmy dying and the possession. Don't worry; I've learned my lesson about messing with death." She held up her hands to ward off any reprimand he might have. "And I get what you're saying, you want us to teach the boys the magic we use and then they can incorporate it to the wand magic. I wonder if we can use a wand. How cool would that be? Are you going to tell us how to get in touch with this wizard place?" she asked as the aunts listened in. If they were going to do this, then they needed all the information they could get. They all turned their heads and looked at Death expectantly.

Jim expanded the trunks with a wave of his hand and looked inside to see if he could find toys for the children because they were getting fussy. This had already been a long conversation and the children needed to be entertained while it continued.

The aunts and Gilly looked on and their eyes widened at the causal use of magic. "Wow, that's so cool. Can I learn to do that? I mean, I know all about magic, but I've never seen it do that," Gilly said, looking at the trunks full of miniature stuff.

"My magic is different than yours or that of wand wizards. However, you can do anything if you have the correct intent and a powerful enough core. It will take practice, but I feel you can achieve anything you want. Your family has a very strong capacity for magic," Jim said, taking out the toys and enlarging them then giving them to the boys. "To answer your earlier question, yes, I will be telling you where the community in this area is and how to enter it. You will have to pass yourselves off as what they call Muggle-born. A Muggle-born is a person with magic, born from non-magical parents," he said at their confused looks. "You can then acquire books and learn about the society and teach the children. There is also a bank that has funds set up for the person who will be taking guardianship of the boys. I will instruct the goblins create papers that will hide the boys from the wizards, via a letter. This will give them your last name without adoption. However, I want you to not hide their heritage from them."

Jet, who was the more cautious one, looked at Death and said "I think we need to know everything you can tell us. If this Lord… whatever, is still out there then there may be a danger to my family. I think we need to know a whole lot more about this hidden world."

Jim looked at the women in front of him trying to decide what to tell them first. He knew they needed to know everything so they could educate the boys. He checked on the boys and seeing they were playing quietly with the toys, and then he turned back to the witches. After thinking for a minute or two he spoke, "First I need to tell you the prophecy and then I need to warn you of the people who want to use the boys. If you are to do this then you need to know. The prophecy is thus:

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies"

"That's one messed up set of words," Gilly said, trying to grasp what it could possibly mean. The aunts got looks on their faces as if in deep concentration. This prophecy could be taken in so many different ways.

"When the prophecy was rendered it could have been either boy," Jim stated, ignoring her. "I have not the slightest clue what the power the Dark Lord knows not. It could be love, like I stated before, which is why I want you to teach young Harry your magic. I believe the wound on his head to be the marking of the equal making the prophecy about him. He will carry this scar all his life. The rest is self-explanatory. It is my belief that with your help this child will come through alive when the prophecy is fulfilled."

"Yeah that's not disturbing at all. So you're saying we should raise Harry so he has a better chance at vanquishing this Dark Lord?" Gilly said, still thinking over the prophecy in her head. Sitting suddenly she exclaimed, "Wait a minute, this prophecy doesn't say Harry will win. If we do this then we'll take the chance that Harry might die? I mean, how are we supposed to love someone who is destined to die?" She was still healing over the whole mess with Jimmy and didn't know if she could do this.

Frances took Gilly's hand and said, "Honey, that's all the more reason to love someone. How would it be if that darling little boy was raised without love and died a lonely bitter person? Don't you think it'd be better to know that the people you leave behind loved and supported you, and knew you did the same? And maybe being loved will give him more of a reason to live. If Death is right then love will be just what he needs to survive."

Gilly looked at her aunt trying to process the words. She had loved Jimmy once. He was her everything and even though she hadn't loved him when he died, it still hurt. "I don't know if I can do that," she whispered sadly. "I don't know if I can give up on someone I love, again. It would break my heart."

"Oh, my precious girl," the elder aunt said, gathering her niece into her arms, "the Owens women know all about broken hearts, but we are so strong that generations of women have survived this curse. Not all, but most of the Owens women grew stronger when the curse hit them. And you, my sweet child, are strong enough to survive. Your heart is so big and caring," she said, wiping the tears from Gilly's face and pulling her closer, "that it's enough to help anyone be strong. And little Harry will need our strength to see him through. And you won't give up on him, you will support him to the end," she concluded, as she rocked her gently.

"Gillian, this is one of the reasons I wish the boys to be here, the strength your family has will give young Harry what he needs to fulfill this prophecy," Jim said to the upset woman. "If you raise the boys, it will be with the knowledge that you are going to help him be as strong as he can be. You will give him a reason to survive."

"Okay, yeah, I can see that. Aunt France is right, we're strong women," Gilly said as she pulled away from her aunt, wiped her tears and straightened her seat. "Now, tell us more about the people who want to use the boys."

"The first person I will tell you about is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. He is the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry —the wizard school in Scotland. He also serves as Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Leader of the Light organization called the Order of the Phoenix. The Wizengamot is much like your congress, though the seats are hereditary and not voted in. The ICW, like I stated earlier, is much like your United Nations. Dumbledore is ninety-nine years old and still has many years to live. Wizards live longer than non-magical people, some are said to live to be two hundred years of age.

"Nevertheless," Jim continued, waving off the tangent, "Dumbledore is considered one of the strongest wizards alive in the Wizarding World today. As you can see he has much political power, which is why I want to hide the boys for him. If he were to find young Harry, he would continue the disastrous plans I have foiled. He has little need for young Neville. He wants young Harry to grow up not knowing about magic, so that when he is brought into the magic world the child will look at it as being saved from his abusive home. Dumbledore feels that if this is the case then the boy would be so enamored he would be willing to die for the Wizarding World."

"Wow, pretentious much, that's a lot of power for one man to hold. You know the saying 'power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely'. You said he was the leader of an army… group, which is supposed to be the good guys? It doesn't make sense that he would want to harm a child just so he could have a martyr. As a result, we have to keep Harry hidden from him?" Gilly said hopefully. She has never had to confront such a powerful man, but if they were going to do this then she'd be on the lookout for him. "Ummm, what does he look like?"

"He is a tall thin man, with long grey hair and beard and a crooked nose. He is prone to wear colorful and inequitable clothing. He carries about him an aura of power and authority," Jim explained briefly.

"So like the old-fashioned St. Nick or what Merlin is supposed to look like," Gilly nodded, putting the picture in her head so that if she did do this and ran across the man, she would know to get away. "You said you could magic up some forms that would help us?"

"Yes, as I have said before, my magic is different than yours or wizards. I have far more power than mortals, even Dumbledore. Dumbledore is a good man; unfortunately, he only looks at the big picture. He feels a life of misery for one child is worth it if it is for the 'greater good'. If for some reason he were to find you, worry not for he is a peaceful, if manipulative man. He will not harm you; he will simply take young Harry away," Jim said, trying to ease their worries.

The Owens women shared a look and then turned back to Death to see what else he had to say.

He continued on, "The next cohort of people you will need to watch out for are Voldemort's followers, they call themselves Death Eaters, which I have to say makes me a little displeased with them. They will want revenge on young Harry for vanquishing their master. This is the group of pure-bloods I mentioned before. I highly doubt you will run into any of them here in America, because this country holds no such bias. Nonetheless, when you venture in to the Wizarding World it would be best if you hide young Harry's scar, just to be safe. If you run into anyone who calls you a mudblood, do not fight them. Simply ignore them and be on your way."

"Death Eaters, huh? Well, we'll watch out for them," Frances said, already pondering ways to disguise Harry if they took him to this hidden community.

"The last group of people you need to watch out for is the British Wizarding Government. They call young Harry the Boy-Who-Lived because they know he survived the Killing Curse with only a lightning bolt wound. They will do their best to find the child and use him as a status symbol. I would not worry too much for they are incompetent. Nevertheless, be on the lookout." Jim stated blandly, hoping to ease their concern.

"When you go to Gringotts, the wizard bank, show them this letter," the dark man waved his hand and created the letter needed, "and they will know not to mention the boys' names. The bank is run by goblins. You will find many non-human sentient beings in the Wizarding World. Some of what you believe are myths, like the unicorn, are very real. Now is not the time to explain that. There are many books there that will do that, though I recommend that you read many different views and make up your own minds as to which is correct." He shrugged away the questions he could see they wanted to ask as unimportant.

"The goblins will read this letter and know that it is from me and guard the secret with their lives," Jim continued, he was running out of time, he needed to return to his duties. "The goblins will then hand you papers that you will use to enroll the boys in school under your last name. These of course will be counterfeit. As we discussed before, you should not adopt the boys. However, you will need these papers to have the boys seemly legally in your house. Having the goblins keep this secret will hide the children until they return to Britain —which is another thing you need to know. I cannot see the entire future as I have changed much. However, there is a pivotal point in time when the boys will return to their home country. It will be when they are fourteen; I know not why, I only know it must be. They will then be exposed to all the groups I have just warned you about, which is why I need you to keep them informed of what they will face when the time comes."

"Hold on a second, if you removed Harry right after his mother died then how do they know about his scar?" Gilly said, shaking her head and trying to process all the information Death was giving to them. This would be a huge thing if they decide to take the boys.

"There is a police type force called the Aurors, they are part of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. They investigated the scene where the tragedy took place. These people can cast a spell to see the last few minutes of the crime. With that they would have seen young Harry live and Voldemort fall. They would have also seen the wound on young Harry's forehead. Knowing it was caused by the Killing Curse they would have surmised that it would scar," Jim explained as he put all the needed documents in order. "They would not have seen me. They would have simply seen young Harry disappear into thin air. That is what, more than likely, made them think he was more powerful than he is. Hence, the entire hero worship they have going on," Jim said with disgust seeping in to his usually unemotional voice. "Which would be another reason as to why I want him here, the fame might do him more harm than good."

The same spell was used on the crime scene where Sirius was arrested, and what they saw was an angry man cast a spell at one that was accusing him of being a traitor. They should have realized it was a shielding spell, but the explosion made the scene muddled. With Sirius laughing like a madman, they concluded he was the culprit. That and they had Dumbledore's word that Black was the Secret Keeper.

"You make some pretty good arguments and we'd like to help. Do you think we can talk alone for a few minutes?" Aunt Frances asked, standing up and motioning to the other side of the room.

"Please, take all the time you need. I know this is a large venture to accept. I will abide by whatever you decide. Know this, you might be the only hope for this child," Jim said, not above using guilt to get his way.

"Sheesh, yeah, no pressure from you, asshole," Gilly said, muttering the last part under her breath. The three ladies moved off to the side to talk among themselves. "Do you think we should do this? I mean it could be a lot of trouble, then again having kids in the house again could be fun?" she said, looking at the boys still playing quietly in the playpen. "I want to make sure that we're all on the same page." She turned back to her aunts. "If I do this, I'll need you two by my side. You're great with kids and Death is right we'd raise them good. Lots of love and stuff," she whispered with overwhelming emotion. The more she thought about, it the more her heart swelled at the thought of having children. Since she wasn't going to jump into another romance anytime soon, this might be her only chance.

"Look at the babies. They need someone. Their parents are dead. I know how I felt when the curse took our father and mother died of a broken heart. Don't you remember, Jet, how much it hurt to lose them? I recall how you felt when you and Sally came to us, Gilly-bean, after losing your parents. Those boys will need lots of love, and chocolate, to help them through the nightmares they're sure to have," Frances said, looking at the boys, who kept glancing silently around, still in a bit of shock with all the changes and new people.

Jet rubbed her sister's arm, "I remember and I understand, but we'll be putting our family in danger. Do we really want to do that?"

"Remember Death said we'll be going into this 'Wizarding World' and we can get books to help us. He also said we could use their magic. Maybe there is some way to put more protection on our home. If we do this we'll research every way to do that, and look closer at the Book to see if there is anything we've missed," Frances argued, having pretty much made up her mind.

"Ummm okay, what do you think Sally will say? I wish she were here so we could get her opinion. She's the more level-headed one," Gilly said, really wishing her sister was there, and as if to answer her wish the phone rang. "That's her," she said, running to the phone. The sisters had a tight bond and always knew when they needed one another. "Sally, you are never going to believe what's happening here. We could really use your advice. Sit down. This is going to take a while to tell you," the red-blonde spoke into the phone not even inquiring who was on the other line— she just knew.

While Gilly talked on the phone with Sally, filling her in on everything that happened in the Owens' house this morning, Jet decided she was going to get something for the boys to eat. They were looking tired and she didn't know when the last time they ate was. "Death, do you have any bottles for the boys?" she asked, cutting a look to the marvelous trunks, wondering what they held.

"I believe there are some in here," he said and looked through the trunks. He came up with two glass-looking baby bottles, handed them to Jet and informed her, "These are magical formula bottles. All that is required is to put water up to the line at the top and they would mix and warm by themselves. The formula powder is never-ending. When the child was done drinking, the bottle will sterilize and dry itself and more powder would appear at the bottom of the bottle for the next time. The bottles will stop being of any use when the child using them is over two years of age. Do not concern yourself over the glass, they are unbreakable and glass holds heat better," he added at her ginger retrieving of the bottles.

"Well, that will save money. According to Sally formula cost a lot of money these days," she said thoughtfully, taking the bottles into the kitchen and filling them as instructed. She watched as the bottles mixed themselves and warmed in her hand. That is simply marvelous. I wonder what else we'll find in that community, she mused as she wondered what else to whip up.

Taking a look around the kitchen, she decided fruit for the boys and sandwiches for the adults. So she cut up some bananas and made some chicken sandwiches. As she was carrying everything through to the living room, she saw Gilly was still talking with Sally, so as she passed she offered the plate to her. After Gilly took a sandwich, Jet continued into the living room and passed the plate to Frances, who placed it in the middle of the table that separated the couches and chairs, in case Death wanted one. They had no idea if entities ate food, so they were just being hospitable.

Jet gave the boys bits of bananas and watched them mush them in their little fists. After they made a mess, she was about to go and get a washcloth to clean them, when Death waved his hand, and the boys were clean. She checked their diapers and found them clean. She then provided each child a bottle and laid them down. Maybe they will sleep while the grown-ups finished talking; after all it was well past their bedtime.

After everyone ate their fill and Gilly was finally off the phone, so the women huddled together at the side of the room.

"What did Sally say?" asked Frances. Curiosity was eating her. She was really excited about all that was happening. She had already made up her mind, but this was family so it was a family decision. "I know what you want, but I think we should get everyone's input. This is going to affect us all. So, majority rules," she said brightly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

This could be the good luck they had done the spell for, though Gilly didn't know about it. The spell is supposed to help Gilly get over the whole Jimmy deal. Frances didn't believe that the spell cast had anything to do with the boys' parents' deaths. The clause in the spell would not allow such a thing. They weren't taking any chances after what happened with Sally and Michael, not that they thought they did anything wrong, but it didn't end like it was supposed to. So now, all of their spells for family now ended with the clause 'the spell is cast; the spell is done; so mote it be; and harm it none'.

No, the spell didn't have anything to do with what went on in Britain; it just brought the idea to Death to bring the boys here. The spell was a simple one, called upon magic to bring them a bit of luck. They had no way of knowing that it would be in the form of children. This was one of the reasons Jet was always so leery, she was a big believer in 'be careful what you wish for'.

"Sally said we'd be heartless if we turned the kids out," Gilly said sheepishly, for even letting that idea cross her mind. "She said that she agrees with Death, that we need to let them grow with love. She agreed to come and visit and bring the girls as often as she could. She can't wait to meet the boys. She said the girls want to be their new cousins in their lives. So Sally is on the keeping them wagon. Where do you two stand?" she concluded. She was more decisive now that she talked to her much more rational sister.

Frances and Gilly looked at Jet as she was the one who had doubts.

Jet looked between the other two women, sighed, and said, "You two have already made up your minds. So I'm in. You do know that until the boys are older there will be no more Midnight Margaritas, right?" she teased the two women to lighten the mood. No one in this house liked it when the mood was depressing, they were a happy family.

Frances smiled and nodded. "I can live with that. Oh this will be so much fun. Just think we'll have children around the house again and think of all the things we can teach them. We've never had boys before. Oh, I'd better look up how to potty train boys," she said on a tangent with sparkles in her eyes, overjoyed to be doing something new and stimulating.

"Well, I'm in too. So we better go and talk to Death and get all the paperwork done. Thanks for being there for me. I love you guys," Gilly said, giving her aunts a big hug, feeling better than she had in a very long time.

"We will always be there for you, Gilly-bean," Frances reply, returning the hug.

The women broke apart and went to talk to Death. They settled on the couch across from Jim who was waiting patiently—sort of.

Gilly spoke for them, "We've decided that we're in. Where is the paperwork we need to fill out?" He reached into his robe and handed her the documents that Augusta and Sirius had already filled out. "Aunties, look at this paper, it's so thick. What kind of paper is this anyway? It looks expensive. Are we going to have to buy this kind for the boys? Not sure if we can afford that," she rambled as she looked thoughtfully at the weird paper. While they weren't poor, they weren't exactly rich either. Though, they still had some saving from past relatives in the bank.

The little work they did for the town didn't really bring in much money. They never really needed much, the gardens brought in a lot of their food and the house has been paid for. It had been that way for decades. The clothes they wore were handmade or secondhand. They had only to think about repairs to the clothes and they were done. The many cats were easy enough to feed, when hunting was bad. So while they weren't exactly frugal, they weren't spendthrifts either.

"That kind of paper is called parchment. It used to be made of skin, now it is simply thick paper. You will find that most of the Wizarding World that follows the ICW is stuck in the late sixteenth century and uses parchment and quills. I am unsure if the school here requires it, since your government is not part of that body. Nevertheless, even if they do, there is a trust fund for both the boys, which will cover their living and school expenses. If you will sign in the blank spots, I will make sure that the papers are filed discretely," Death said as he indicated the areas where Gillian had to sign.

After all the documents were signed Jim took them and cast the spell so only the people who needed to know—not wanted to know— where the boys were, could read them. This would hopefully hide the boys from prying eyes. He glanced through them one last time and then folded them neatly and put them in his pocket.

Gilly sighed and fired away questions on all the things she felt they needed answers to, "Okay, what do we do now? When can you show us where we can get the books that we'll need to teach the kids about their world? Do you have everything they need in those trunks? Also, we need to know where the bank is and how much it in the trust funds. I want to make sure we understand this hidden world as quickly as possible. You said we needed to teach them about their families and responsibilities, where do we find that information? What about their families? Are they going to come and look for them? Do we have to watch out for that? I also wanna learn the differences between our magic." Since they were going to do this they needed all the information they could get their hands on.

"I will return tomorrow to take you where you need to go. I will be here in the morning after you have broken your fast. Everything you need for your home is in these trunks. To unshrink the items simply put your finger on it, give a small push of your magic, then you need to say Engorgio and that will return them to their proper size," Jim explained and gave a demonstration on one of the trunks. "There should be everything you require for the boys in there. The incantation to shrink things is Reducio. This should help if you need to store your own furniture to make room for what is in these trunks. You may need to practice. However, I am sure you can perform this bit of magic. Just push your magic through your hand like you normally would and say the words. After enough practice, you may be able to do the spells without voicing the incantation, and then you can do this in much the same manner you do your own magic —simply think about what you want."

After Jim explained the magic, he turned to leave. He had done everything he needed to do here. It was all up to the witches now. He paused on his way out to answer the remaining questions. "There are books on family lineage in the bookstores at SunSpot Alley; however, you may need to order the ones you need from England. They will also inform you about the Magical British Government and the boys' place in it. There may be some books in these trunks, families like to keep those in their houses to teach the young heirs about their place in the world," he said, and then continued his way. "I will answer the rest of your questions when I return on the morrow."

"Well that's helpful, thanks for that," Gilly said, looking at the trunks fascinated that all the stuff they needed was in such a tiny place. It all looked like doll furniture. She couldn't wait to see what else wizards could do. And see if it was something her family could incorporate into their lives.

Britain just before evening tea

As the Owens women were looking in the trunks and trying to figure out where they were going to put everything, Jim vanished once again into the shadows. He made a quick trip to the solicitor who had handed his card for Harry, and had him sign the papers in a legal capacity.

The man tried to get Death to tell him where the boys were, but to no avail. He stated if he was going to represent the children he needed to be in contact with them. Jim waved off his concern and told him that they would contact him when they were older.

After all the papers were now legal, Death blended into the shadows once again. He appeared in London at the Department of Child Welfare in the Ministry. The office was much the same as any clerk's office: desk, chair, cubbyholes and a back room for paperwork. The man behind the desk was reading what looked to be official documents, perhaps something that needed to be filed. It didn't matter to Jim that he might disturb the young man, time was of the essence. He was only two steps ahead of Dumbledore and if he got this done now, the game would be won —for a few years anyway.

Jim removed his hood and got the attention of the clerk behind the desk. "I require these forms be filed right away. No one is to know about them as they are all properly filled out and do not require any extra attention. If you breathe a word of this —I will know and I will pay you another visit, only it will not be as pleasant as this one," he said in a menacing voice.

Death knew he couldn't take anyone before their time without a very good reason, like what happened to Neville's parents. However, most people didn't know that and he would use that to his advantage. And even though he had cast the spell on the documents, he wanted to make sure he left no loopholes. Dumbledore was not a stupid man and he would come here after exhausting every other avenue.

The clerk looked up, saw who spoke in such a threatening way and his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he hit the floor with a thud.

Jim sighed; maybe he should have waited until after the paperwork was filed to make his threat. He woke the clerk to try again. The clerk looked upon Death's skeletal face with its eyeless sockets, and almost fainted again, until Jim slapped him on the face and said, "Pay attention. I do not have time for your hysterics. I need you to file this paperwork and I need it done now. Then I want you to take a vow that you will never tell anyone, no matter who they are, that I was here or what I required from you."

The shaking clerk looked at the paperwork and startled. "But these are guardianship papers for the Boy-Who-Lived and Neville Longbottom," he said scared to death that he would anger the deity in front of him. "Dumbledore is trying to put the boys with their last living relatives. He doesn't have the paperwork though, for some reason Madam Longbottom won't sign off on it. However, he says it was imperative that they go where he wants. For the greater good, ya know? He has been down here many times to see if any papers have been filed. The entire community is looking for them. I'm not sure I can file these." And with a shaky hand he laid the papers on the desk and waited for Death's judgment.

"Yes," Jim drawled as he placed one bone like finger on the pile and pushed it back to the clerk, "and you will notice that they are properly signed by the correct people. It is not up to you or Dumbledore to decide who their guardians approve of," he harshly informed the still shaking man. "Your job is to file legally signed paperwork, without question. The only reason I require your vow is so someone like Dumbledore cannot pull it from you mind. If it would make you feel better, I can wipe the memory entirely."

"I think… I think that would be a better option," the man stuttered as he nodded quickly; glad to find a solution that didn't render him dead or his magic gone. "I don't want to have my magic in jeopardy because someone won't take 'I don't know' for an answer," he said as he stamped the Ministry approval seal on the documents.

The documents then flared with a bright white light, indicating they were legal, and disappeared to the files they belong to. He then bravely turned to Death and waited for his memory to be wiped. It was better this way. If the people higher-up knew what had taken place here, they would rummage through his mind and could leave him a vegetable. He didn't want that.

Jim waved his long hand in the direction of the clerk, and wiped the last ten minutes from the man's mind and made him think he had just taken a quick nap. He sat the man in a chair and made him sleep to reinforce this notion.

Jim faded his way to the Longbottom manor. "Madam Longbottom, I have come to inquire if you have set up a Post Office Box for the muggle mail?" he said after the older lady acknowledged him.

"Yes, I set it up right after you left. I did not know when you would be back and I wanted to make sure you had the address for my grandchild," Augusta said, handing him a slip of parchment with the address written on it.

Jim took the address and put it in his robe. "I will make sure the boys' new guardians get this and that they send you pictures and progress reports on Neville," he stated and he rather rudely vanished again, but he needed to get back to work, and appeared in Sirius' cell in Azkaban. "I had forgotten to get the address to your Post Office Box when I was here last. I have found a safe place for your godson. I also wanted to tell you that I have a task for you when you are removed from here," he said as he tried to hand Sirius a quill and parchment to write the address down.

"Ahhh! Make some noise, would ya? Knock on the wall or something," Sirius yelled as he once again fell to the floor. He looked bad for someone one who had only been here for a week, his clothes were filthy, not to mention the rest of him. He looked like he had lost a stone or two. However, he still seemed to have his mind, a minor miracle for this place.

Jim just looked down at him and held out the parchment and quill.

Sirius got up, snatched them and wrote the address down. "So, Harry's safe? That's a relief. Tell them not to write until they know I'm out of here. Oh wait, how would they know? Ummm, have them wait a year before they write then," he said, handing the writing tools back to Jim. "You say a task for me? What is it? If you tell me now, I can think on it while I'm here and maybe work up a plan for when I get out. It would also keep the Dementors out of my brain, or can you do something about them?" he questioned hopefully, those soul suckers had already taken many of his happiest memories.

"I will tell them. As for your task, Voldemort made horcruxes," and at the confused look, he reiterated, "soul anchors. I cannot see them because the spell cast to create these abominations hides them from my eyes. I only know that they are in England and that there are five at the moment. Do not think that he may not make more, this man is very afraid of me and will go to any lengths to prevent us meeting."

Sirius shuddered, that was some dark magic.

"I need you to find them and destroy them," Jim continued, placing the scrap parchment in his robe. "Fiendfyre will work or corrosive venom from a Basilisk or other such animals. I would recommend asking the goblins to check their vaults. Tell the goblins what I told you, if you must. You would also do well to research his loyal followers, and somehow find a way to check Hogwarts. Riddle would hide them right under people's noses just out of spite. There may also be one in Riddle's mother's home town of Little Hangleton. If you find these before Harry returns when he is fourteen then you will go a long way to helping him," he said as he stood to leave. He concentrated on the air around him, placing his signature over the cell, which would keep the Dementors at bay. "The Dementors have been dealt with. However, you will still feel their effects, since they are still in the area. Just to a lesser degree," Death informed the man.

Sirius sighed with relief; he could already feel the dread lessen. He looked to Death thankfully and said, "Thanks for that. So, no pressure in getting rid of those soul anchors, then. Goblins are right nasty buggers," the dark-haired man said, crinkling his nose. He had had many nasty run-ins with goblins, "but I suppose I would have to talk to them anyway. I have a few contacts I used in the war. That and some of my family were Death Eaters, I might be able to talk to them —but I doubt it." Maybe he could talk to Bellatrix, who was only a few cells away. Then again, his cousin was stark raving mad, so that might not help. Still if he taunted her…

"Do what you must," Jim stated, snapping the man out of his thoughts and going to the shadows.

"Should I talk to Dumbledore? I'm still mad at him. But, if it's for Harry, I can put it aside," the prisoner questioned, already thinking on who to ask and where to look. Mad-eye Moody might help, but he would go to Dumbledore. Remus might be able to get a spy in with the werewolves that had been on Voldemort's side in the war. Maybe he could sneak into Hogwarts and find the Marauders' Map, with it he would have an easier time sneaking around the castle since it showed were everyone was at all times. He and the gang were geniuses to think that one up while still in school. Too bad that traitor Wormtail lost it in their senior year.

"I would prefer that Dumbledore not be contacted. If you voice that you are still angry with him for thinking you guilty he might just leave you in peace. However, when you go and find the boys he will try and follow you, be very careful," Jim waved off the protest he could see Sirius was about to make. "I know you will look for young Harry; it is in your nature. I leave how you find the horcruxes up to you," he said as he stood in the darkest corner of the room, making him look ominous. "I must go now. I have been far too long in evading my duty. I will see you again, Sirius Black," And with that Jim faded away, going back to the land of the dead.

He would visit the witches tomorrow to give them the addresses and show them SunSpot Alley and how to get there themselves. He would then leave them alone for a time to make sure all his plans were in motion, and then he would visit for what may be the last time. Oh, he would watch the boys and interfere if he had to, but if nothing was required of him he would give the witches' free rein.

I believe we will only see Death a few more times. I hope you liked him.