"About fucking time." A voice grumbled from the bright white beyond Harry's closed eyes.

Hearing the voice, he almost panicked, but memories filled Harry's mind. Memories from his previous lives. This could be quite jarring for the inexperienced soul, but Harry had done this so many times now that it didn't phase him at all.

As the knowledge settled in his mind, he couldn't help but chuckle. "Rather unbecoming of an Arch Angel to curse, don't you think?"

Harry opened his eyes and grinned at the man sitting across the room, hands folded, rested against his mouth, his elbows rested on top of the desk.

It was a look Harry knew rather well. It seemed to be the look that perpetually greeted him whenever he arrived here. The fact that his guardian angel rarely smiled as Harry's lives ended was very telling.

In specific, just how off course, his mortal life and destiny had derailed.

While Harry didn't know the full extent of his destiny, it was even more significant than Dumbledore, or anyone else for that matter realized. For that reason, he was the charge of an Archangel, the sole angel in the room.

Arch Angel Gabriel was tasked with keeping Harry on the right path and returning Harry to the mortal realm when things went wrong. Like they had in his last life. Like they had in every life he'd lived thus far.

Harry's retort had Gabriel heave a deep sigh and facepalm, allowing Harry a few moments more to acclimate without Gabriel's whining.

Transitioning from life to death was never an easy thing. However, Gabriel wondered what it said about the situation that Harry was able to adapt rather quickly. He was so used to the transition now that it came almost as if it was second nature.

Fully transitioned since he opened his eyes, Harry instead took stock of the angel before him.

Like most angels, Gabriel was tall, almost seven feet. He had a lean frame, another common occurrence among male angels. His honey-brown hair was artistically styled, at least that's what Gabriel claimed. His eyes, when they weren't covered or closed, were a deep moss green. And, of course, he had a pair of large white wings attached to his back. Harry knew they were as tall as Gabriel was, from his head to his toes, and when unfolded, were twice the length of his body.

"Harry," Gabriel eventually sighed, "Your mortal lives, such as they are, would make even the Almighty belt out a curse or two. And I have it on good authority that it's come perilously close to happening."

Harry bit back a chuckle at the image of a god cursing.

"As it is, my fellow Archangels have all made their views quite well known." Gabriel grumbled. "Though after that," Gabriel waved his hand in a gesture to Harry's last life, "were he here, Satan would have some very impolite things to say."

At that, Harry reasoned that it was time to get the final part of transitioning over with. He got up from the bed, a ninety-year-old man, and as he walked across the room, his body shimmered and changed back to that of a nearly thirty-year-old man, without even blinking as the change took place. Knowing the bed behind him disappeared as soon as he was off of it.

As he sat in a chair on the other side of the desk, Harry looked young and felt young.

"So, should I be expecting a visit from the Mighty Satan any time soon?" Harry asked. "He did say if things went wrong again, he'd make me drink till we both ceased to exist."

"No, he already had his drunken day. When it was clear what was going to happen in this life, he and I got pretty wasted. " Gabriel chuckled, "Though that, orc angel? Yeah, he's an orc; Satan promoted a bit ago nearly drank us both under the table. I'm so glad we don't have a Dwarf angel among our ranks. None of us would ever be sober."

"Be funny as hell to watch, though."

Gabriel shook his head as if to clear it before regarding Harry again. "As for seeing him, I'm sure you will eventually. However, I can say that Satan has relinquished his prior "request" to your soul. You're free and clear of the underworld. For the time being, at least."

"Not sure how I should feel about that. Even with knowing the real reason why Satan wants my soul." Harry sat back and scratched his chin. "You've argued, on the one hand, all of my deaths and the circumstances of my life were not entirely my fault. Therefore, I can't be held accountable for a lot of my actions during my mortal lives.

"Which you know I think is a load of bollocks; potions and compulsions aside, I did the crime I should pay the time. Perhaps Satan gave up on me when he realized I'm so weak I can't fight against said stupid potions, compulsions, and a manipulative old man with a God complex."

"We've been over this, Harry. There wasn't anything you could have done. You couldn't fight against the manipulations because you didn't know about them. And you stood no chance against the potions and compulsions, as they kept you ignorant and pliable to the manipulations." Gabriel said gently, sitting back himself. "Dumbledore made sure he was the one holding all the cards. He hoarded his knowledge worse than the dragons of myth and legend. While Snape and Molly knew bits and pieces, even they didn't know everything. That's not to say they weren't dangerous. Even with the tidbits of knowledge she had, Molly came up with her plots and plans. Proving her title of "Potions Queen" was well earned. As for Ginny and Hermione, well, both were obsessed fangirls; one openly so, the other, while silent, was covetous. Both were not the kind to give up."

Seeing his words were reaching Harry, Gabriel continued. "You were weakened as Dumbledore had planned due to the systematic and constant abuse heaped upon by the Dursley's. The situation was made worse by the starvation, as your magic was constantly healing the physical damage and could not spare to fix the malnourishment. You were magically weakened because of the aforementioned constant healing and the many blocks on your core. Dumbledore had placed six blocks on you during your early childhood, then a further eight during your Hogwarts years. By the time he died, you had fourteen core blocks. What made all of that worse was the Horcrux, and it's leeching on you to stay alive. You were emotionally weakened by his, Ron's, and Hermione's efforts in keeping you away from true friends. Spiritually by making sure your parents and every other adult who truly loved you and cared about you were either dead or would be soon. While Sirius and Remus were alive, they too were boggled down by potions, compulsions, and were legally obligated to stay away from you."

"You have a point." Harry sighed. "Though I still feel guilty."

Knowing he was taking a risk here, Gabriel took a deep breath and braced himself. "You shouldn't Harry, were you in control of your facilities, you would never have suffered the way you did. Your previous life was no exception. What Hermione did was unforgivable, but what she managed to do with those potions was beyond revolutionary. Wizarding society didn't call her the brightest witch of her age for nothing."

Harry visibly tensed before glared at Gabriel. "Don't praise that horrendous bint in front of me again."

Gabriel raised his hands in the universal sign of surrender, more than a little relieved that was the extent of Harry's reaction. "That wasn't my intention, merely stating a fact. We, myself, Satan, and her Guardian had no idea she was even capable of such travesty. We honestly thought she was a true and honest friend, which is why we decided to influence things so you'd trust and rely on her more, though only as a friend. As you should remember.”

Harry nodded; he did. When rehashing his contract before his previous life, they had indeed written out the clause that he would stick to Hermione more than Ron. The benefit of that was there was no troll incident. The bad side didn't need mention.

Understanding where Harry’s mind went, Gabriel continued. “We left the option open for you to choose if you wanted to be romantically involved with her. You chose early on in that life she was a good friend, like an older sister. Clearly, friendship wasn't enough for her. However, that does mean she'll attempt to do it all over again in her next life with you. Especially when you ultimately reject her as a friend. Never mind when you brutally put down any attempts at a romantic relationship with her."

"Despite the lack of memories, I've realized that my soul learns from my mistakes. Those who have wronged me greatly, I have nothing but contempt, even hate. Hermione will have the same chances as Ron and Ginny to change their ways. Given how my last life went, I don’t hold much hope for the three of them.” Harry continued with a snarl. “If she proves to be the same person in the next life that she was in the last one, I’ll kill the Dark Lady Hermione before she gets to that point.”

Gabriel shrugged as if to say, as you wish.

"Speaking of memories and recognizing my enemies," Harry looked at Gabriel intently, "Have I finally failed enough times to go back with my memories?"

Gabriel was silent for a long time, and Harry looked at him, annoyed. "That's still a no?"

"It's not the way we work." Gabriel sat forward, "Harry, you have to understand . . ."

But that was as far as the angel got.

"Screw you and your deeper understanding!" Harry leaped to his feet and began pacing as he shouted with all of his might. "I've died a total of nine times already! Nine fucking times!"

Harry's fury combined with his magic and began rippling off of him in waves so fast Gabriel's hair was billowing back.

"I have been through enough hell in the lives I've lived to earn this, damn it! I've killed, I've been killed; I've been weakened and manipulated by some gay bastard who wanted me to bugger him, then be buggered by him, had he lived! I saw that flinch! You didn't think I knew about that, did you, well I do! The treatment I received at the Dursley's is by far the worst any in the Wizarding World I'd endured. I've been potioned into loving two women I am repulsed by, and all for what!? Forced to have children who later in life hated me and just wanted my fortune! Both times I might add! My son Albus being the only exception. All of that, for you to tell me, it's too fucking complicated for me to go back with my knowledge intact!?”

Gabriel stared at the wizard before him. His raven black hair was billowing as if caught in the whirlwind that was his rage. Harry's temper was not unknown here; many had felt it as he threw the biggest tantrums after some of his deaths. No one blamed him, and some, like himself and Satan, had raged with Harry.

Harry was now glaring back at Gabriel, his emerald green eyes glowing like the killing curse famous to his world.

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again with the same result, but doing it all the same, expecting a different outcome each time. Face it, Gabriel, we've been insane this whole time. Either give me my memories when I go back, so I accomplish something, or send me to Hell! Anything would be better than living through that shit for the tenth time!"

Though it might be disgraceful of an angel to show fear of his charge, Gabriel visibly gulped. "Yes, well, I'll need to talk to Michael. It will take some time, Harry. Even if we get fast approval, there's the paperwork and the specifics to work out. Can you stay calm and wait at least semi-patiently for me to return?"

Harry sat back down, arms crossed over his chest. "Haven't I always? Even if I didn't get the answers I wanted."

Gabriel gave a curt nod before doing another disgraceful thing and ran from the room at full speed. Which, for an angel, would almost be the speed of light. Praying to the Almighty One, his office was still in one piece when he got back.

Gabriel was there, then gone to Harry's perceptions, the door to the office banging open as he left in a hurry. That was normal, at least for Gabriel. He usually left without a care for the building or his office to not waste time. This place repaired its self within the blink of an eye once the one causing the damage stopped. Something he knew from personal experience.

Harry sat drumming his fingers against the armrest of the chair; something was different this time around. He stood and walked to the window with the most beautiful view in all of existence. In a few of his other stays here, he simply stared out the window, at a loss for words and all concept of time. But now, there was this sense of restlessness, even impatience. He was far too anxious.

Finding no solace in the view, he crossed the office to the bookshelves. He went to reach for a volume but dropped his hand. Again, he unable to find anything to calm the storm inside. His arms and legs ached for movement.

He also questioned the point of even bothering with the books. He'd read the entirety of the angel's manual and afterlife guide twice over. Something not even all of the angels did. Harry was somewhat confident he knew more about the afterlife, its history, and how it worked, better than some of the angels who had been working here for centuries.

So, what to do?

He turned to start pacing. Maybe it would help him think of something else to occupy his time. However, when he did, he noticed that something was different about that wall. Usually, whether Gabriel was there or not, the door closed, and the office sealed. The door would disappear, leaving a flawless wall. This time, the door was not only still there, but it was also open.

Why was it left open now when every other time it had been closed? Was this why he was feeling so restless? Was it alright for him to just go? With a shrug, he walked out the door without a backward glance. Gabriel would find him when he had answers.

He took his time as he walked, taking in his surroundings as he went. The further he walked, the more the restlessness seemed to ebb away. He didn't know what would happen, but he did know something was going to change.

It wasn't the first time he'd been outside of Gabriel's office. Satan got involved with his fate and was lobbying to possess Harry's soul. He'd seen firsthand what their judicial process was like during that event.

While Satan usually never had an issue claiming or recruiting souls, given the high priority and the confidentiality involved with Harry's case, Satan had to make a formal motion within the court for Harry. When he failed to get Harry's soul, Satan demanded custody after Harry completed his destiny.

After being resoundingly denied, Michael had taken Satan to the Shrine and explained what was going on. It was after that Satan, with Gabriel’s backing, felt that Harry needed to get drunk.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Later, when Satan, Gabriel, and Harry were all getting pretty wasted on Fire Ball Whiskey, Satan assured Harry that everything in court was not what it seemed. Satan wanted to recruit Harry, not condemn him or submit him for further torment. In his mortal lives, the hell Harry went through was more than enough in Satan's eyes to warrant his redemption.

During that, Harry was fast-traveled from one place to another by Gabriel. He never got to see what was between point A and point B. It was interesting to see what this part of the afterlife, what mortals called Purgatory, was actually like with his slow pace.

The manuals described a place that looked like a muggle's office building, with many levels that catered to many things. The one he was currently on was the Guardian Angels for his world.

As one would imagine, Guardian Angels watched over their charges, mortal souls, as they carried out their life on one of the many variants of Earth. They watched their charges lives as if it were a movie playing in a movie theater.

Figuring this was all his world, he began to check the labels on the wall, which held the souls' names and the angel within. Each label indicated there was a room beyond the wall. He hoped he could find Teddy's to watch over him and what came after Harry’s passing.

He thanked the Almighty above that the walls were soundproof so long as they weren't taking damage. He'd walked by Dumbledore's, Snape's, Ron's, Ginny's, even Hermione's viewing room. He wanted to avoid ever meeting those souls here, especially when he had no backup.

Harry walked past one of the few open doors to a viewing room, it wasn't unusual, but the loud commotion coming from inside was. He saw something out of the corner of his eye as he passed but continued forward. He stopped two doors down, what he saw at a passing glance registered in his mind, and confused him. His need for answers demanded only one course of action; to backtrack and get a better look.

To his surprise, he hadn't been wrong. There were several angels in that room; most of them were black wings and one white-winged angel.

Deciding he had time to spare, Harry walked in and took in the scene. Six or seven black-winged angels sat in the recliners, most clustered together near the front; all were grinning and groaning in pleasure at the screen. One black-winged angel sat apart from all of the rest near the back, a few seats down from where Harry was currently standing.

However, the one white-winged angel sat as far away as possible on the last seat available, was scowling and refusing to look at anything but the floor.

While it wasn't unusual to see black-winged angels around, they tended to stick to Satan's domain. They were often on the outs with the white wings because the white wings worked with the lighter worlds, while the black wings worked with the dark worlds. The duller colors on both sides indicated that they worked on the more neutral worlds, and all of them tended to get along. The more vibrant white and pitch black the wings, however, the worse it was.

It was an odd sight for sure, but it wasn't surprising given his knowledge about their relations.

It was probably the white wing room, given how she was acting, and the black wings had invaded. However, something along that line of thinking bothered Harry. Some measures prevented unwelcome parties from invading another's viewing rooms, and the black wings were obviously unwelcome.

So how and why were they here?

The how was easy enough to deduce; Gabriel had overridden the white wings desire. This area was Gabriel's domain; only the Almighty could override his commands.

As for the why, he looked at the viewer, hoping that the soul's mortal life would provide him with some answers. Seeing who was on the viewer, Harry froze. He'd never seen her before; he surely would have remembered her if he had.

She was on a stage somewhere, given how she was dancing, slowly stripping herself as she did. It was then logical to assume she was at a strip club. She was taking her time with it as she turned her body and continued to dance so sensually. That's probably why the whole thing was hypnotizing.

Harry found his throat going dry. He never understood the appeal of such an establishment until now.

Her outfit left little to the imagination. Shirt and pants gone, what was left, was a black lace bralette and matching short shorts set with silk lining keeping it from being see-through. It allowed the majority of her breasts, particularly her nipples, and the junction between her legs to be covered. The whole of it was skin tight, the bottoms conforming with her rear, such was her breasts' size that the top seemed stretched and almost incapable of containing the assets they held.

The whole image rendered his throat dry, and that was just her body.

His mind drifted over all of the women he’d known from his lives, especially the Veela. Hermione and Ginny with their lean bodies, hard features, and straight perfect smiles. The Veela he’d known had sculpted, angular, “perfect” facial features, with somewhat curvy builds. This woman was nothing like any of them, yet, she was still gorgeous to him.

Her face was soft with smooth, rounded edges. Her nose wasn't too small or too large for her face. Her teeth weren't even what would be considered a perfect smile. Her long thick hair was the color of midnight purple when the light caught it. Given Harry's time spent with Tonks, the color looked beautiful on her when set against her pale skin.

When her smoky purple covered lips grinned mischievously at him, it seemed as if her bright, ice blue eyes were grazing right into his own. It felt almost as if they were piercing into his soul.

It was at this point; he knew he was lost. No woman, or Veela, from his world, could ever hope to turn his head in their direction now.

Dry throat, speechless, thoughtless, he sat down in the closest vacant recliner; all he could do was stare and watch. She moved her body sensually, slowly, fast for a few seconds before slowing her pace again. She swung around on a pole with skill to the song's beat, even singing along, though there was no sound coming from her.

Harry gulped and felt parts of himself wanting to react. Had he not been a soul, he had no doubt he'd be boasting the most rigid erection he'd ever experienced.

A chuckle came from his right, and he spared a glance to learn the origin. It was the single black wing sitting apart from the bigger group.

"And another one bites the dust." The angel sang softly.

Harry cracked a smile of his own. "I guess so."

The angel got up and sat down next to him. Harry noticed some manila folders and a clipboard sitting in the angel’s lap while he twirled a pen in his hand. "That's better. Best not disturb this rowdy bunch. If you think they're bad now, just wait until later, when they have to work in the pits and can't release the excitement they're building."

"Even if they have to work after this, they can always find a willing partner after the fact or take matters into their own hands."

The angel belted out, laughing, earning him some glares, but he ignored them. After a few moments, the angel spoke again. "I'm Tarnok, by the way."

"Harry."

"Harry?" Tarnok repeated, "As in Harry Potter? The priority case Gabriel has?"

"One in the same."

He heard Tarnok whistle softly. "So, what's a man of your caliber doing watching a stripper? Not that I blame you. For a human, she's rather pleasant looking."

"She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." Harry found himself saying honestly. Not that he could have lied; in this place, everyone could only speak the truth. He hadn't meant to answer, but now that it was out, he might as well ask his questions. "What are you doing here? I doubt she's your charge; otherwise, the white wing wouldn't be here. She looks rather put out by the extra company."

He then gestured at the cluster of black wings in front of him. "And what about them? I know those guys; they're among Satan's most trusted. They certainly aren't here for training purposes." Harry continued more to himself, "Is this even my world? Maybe I can find her when I go back."

"All good points and questions. Even as a soul, you have the makings of a decent guardian." Tarnok sighed deeply. "Might as well answer your questions, so pay attention."

Harry decided to ignore Tarnok’s earlier comment and nodded.

"To start with, no, unfortunately, this is not your world. Even if you could remember her in mortal life, you could look all you want, but you wouldn't be able to find her. Next up, you’re right, she's not my charge, but I wish she were. None of this trouble would have happened if that was the case. Us black wings are here on official business; by order of Satan, working with Gabriel and Michael, we're here to keep an eye on this angel." He then pointed to the White-winged angel who was still scowling at the floor.

"This situation all came about after she was kicked out of her previous viewing room. It all started when she wouldn't let trainees watch her charges life. She said she utterly refused to subject their impressionable minds to such sin. She then mentioned a contract and how her charge refused to comply with the guidelines within. The refusal was troubling, but the mention of the contract was downright suspicious. You are the only contract case at this time, and everyone knows that. Given Michael had specific instructions for this soul, an impartial party was tasked with the evaluation. Satan stepped forward as he was fearful something was seriously wrong and pulled us off our cases to investigate. Gabriel then moved us closer to him so we can deliver our report after her life is over."

"He's not in his office." Harry said, feeling like he had to inform that fact.

"We'll find him." Tarnok assured him.

It was the dark tone under the assurance that had Harry asking, "Is it as bad as Satan feared?"

"Worse." Tarnok said in the same dark tone.

Harry took a moment to study the angel. It had been a surprise when he realized that Tarnok was an Orc, perhaps the same one that Gabriel mentioned earlier. The angel's skin was olive green with dark brown tattoos and equally dark brown hair. A pair of sharp-looking tusks protruding from the bottom of his mouth, as one would expect with an Orc.

It was apparent that he was a trusted angel if three of the Arch Angel's put him in charge of the situation. So Harry didn’t doubt a word that Tarnok said.

Tarnok snickered at Harry. "I take it you want to know more about our leading lady as well?"

Harry looked back towards the white wing. "Somehow, I don't think she'll tell me."

"Forget her," Tarnok waved his hand. "I've read the case file, and I've watched what happened in this life. I can tell you what I know."

Harry looked between the two angels; it wasn't a hard decision to make. "Tell me."

Tarnok grinned viciously. Both were looking between the screen and each other as he spoke.

"First of all, let me start by saying, the contract is a fake; as feared, she's not supposed to have one. Hell, that angel's not even supposed to have a charge, in my professional opinion. Anyway, our leading lady is Mallory. At least in this life, she is; it has varied from life to life. It's been Malinda and Malissa." Harry gave him a skeptical look, and Tarnok nodded. "Yeah, I know, not something I'd name a daughter either, but Mal's nickname stays the same. She always goes by that after a certain age, and more often than not, once she reaches adulthood, she refuses to acknowledge her real name.

“In short and simply put, what have you, we were brought in to see what her Guardian Angel, and yes, I put so much contempt into that on purpose; has been doing. You can imagine our reaction when we learned that she has been putting Mal through unnecessary hardships. And I use the terms lightly, doesn't come anywhere near the severity that is the truth.” Tarnok spared a glare at the white-winged angel. "Anyway, from the paperwork and what I've witnessed, each of her lives has been filled with abuse. Ninety-nine percent of that coming from her overly religious family. There has been some from outside forces, but mostly it's from family. Much like you, she's been living the same life repeatedly, and much like you just finished yours, she's on her ninth pass right now. Which was not supposed to happen, any of it!" Tarnok growled.

"Seriously?" Harry asked in shock. "It's that bad?"

"Not to embarrass you, but I know about your past lives. When Satan promoted me, I was allowed access for training to understand the purpose of my new duties better."

"That's fine, but what does that have to do with all of this?"

Tarnok raised a hand to calm Harry’s agitation, "Because the best way to explain her last nine lives is to compare it to the life that got Satan involved with your soul. Just without the suicide."

Harry's eyes widened in horror, and Tarnok nodded. "Yeah. As well as dealing with all of that, all of her deaths have been unnatural."

Harry swallowed, but his voice was still gravelly when he spoke, "And the contract?"

"My comrades couldn't find it, and Rita's certainly not talking." Tarnok growled again. "Everyone is downright pissed at her; Rida's been deliberately harming Mal in her lives. According to the specific orders from Michael, she was to have a good life. Many of them, in fact, until he came to retrieve her personally. Yeah, it shocked me too, but apparently, Mal is a pet project of his. Hence the reaction when things seemed off about this one."

"I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Michael, Gabriel, and Satan deal with Rida."

After glancing at Rida, Tarnok chuckled darkly. "You and me both, brother."

"I do, however, have something that's bothering me." Harry said. "If her family is as zealous as you implied, why is Mal working where she's at?"

"Again, asking the right questions." Tarnok snorted before readjusting himself in his pants after glancing at the viewer. When Harry looked, he simply stared wide-eyed and slacked jaw for a moment; Mal was blissfully nude in the shower.

"There's no easy or short way to tell this, so bear with me as I dive in." Tarnok said after clearing his throat.

Harry simply nodded.

"Mal's been a good girl in this life. She did as the family said, so the physical abuse was minimal compared to the others. She even waited to have sex until she was married. Only to find herself stuck with a man who's lucky to last five minutes, then blames her for his shortcomings. He couldn't keep it in his pants to save his life, couldn't keep a job, even has a drinking problem. To make matters even worse with her life this time around, and in her marriage, she's had three miscarriages." Tarnok pointed at Rida. "Because she terminated each one."

Harry's hands clenched into fists. "What!?"

"My thoughts exactly. Unfortunately, we have no say over what Rida does. We know the contract is fake; however, it's binding in the mortal realm. Mal already signed it and was in the mortal realm before we were assigned to the case, so whatever Rida does, she has the right to see it done because of the signed contract, and we can't stop it. No matter how much we may want to. I can assure you Mal won't be punished. With how Rida kept everyone else away, Mal couldn't ask anyone for help. I just hope we can make it up to her somehow." Tarnok sighed remorsefully.

"But back to this life’s details: her family scolds her for the miscarriages as if it's her fault, and it's not! It's from the stress she's under, the abuse – past and what she endured in that marriage; and hereditary medical issues." Tarnok listed off with his fingers as he quietly fumed. "Doctors confirmed a couple of years ago for her that she'll never have children. Shortly after that, she had to have a partial hysterectomy just to live a normal life." Tarnok gnashed his teeth together. "I couldn't stop it. Again, Rida's doing. Mal logically waited until it was two weeks after the surgery before telling her family. When she did, they began to beat her for it. As everyone in that neighborhood was part of the church, no one called the cops to save her. She "miraculously" managed to get away without any significant injuries. I am responsible for that. She still ended up needing to spend a couple of nights in the hospital for the pain and because Mal's movements reopened the stitches."

Tarnok sighed long and deep. "I saved her from that, but when she got home to her husband, who never visited her during any of her hospital stays, she found out he'd left." Tarnok then growled. "More than that, the bastard also left her with nothing. She had no job because he didn't want her to work; she had no money because he took it all, and the apartment had an eviction notice. When she left her family, they did not part on good terms because of my interference. Her family refused even to lift a finger to help her."

Harry looked back at the screen with tears in his eyes. It was almost worse than the pain he'd endured.

"So, she became a stripper to survive."

"Pretty much." Tarnok huffed. "Someone she knew from high school responded to her plea about looking for work when all other avenues failed. She auditioned and got the job." Tarnok scratched his chin while dropping his voice. "I will admit only to you that I was responsible for that. Anyway, within a month of working at the club, she was popular. We're seeing the effects of two years' worth of hard work and dedication there. Inside the club, she's respected, even has friends, good friends, in the other women. Even the boss makes sure she's okay. They're all close and look out for one another; well, most do anyway. As you can imagine, her family and husband don't like that she's found a haven. And don't be fooled; they'd call her a sinner and hate it no matter what job she got or where she found sanctuary. What makes it all the worse for them is she’s got more in the bank than they do. That part leads to what's about to happen."

Harry watched as a man snuck out from under a car as Mal walked out of the club with a couple of other women. Horrified, he saw her walking towards the car. "What's that, what just happened!?"

"That would have been her husband." Tarnok said remorsefully. "They’ve been having a nasty divorce battle. The community she grew up in pulled their resources and got the husband a good lawyer. That lawyer-backed the husband during the divorce, and with her working as a stripper, the worst-case scenario for her was she'd have to pay her husband alimony. Thankfully, she got a shark for a lawyer with a moral compass of gold, and the court was going to rule in her favor. Something that has her former community, family, and would be ex-husband seething. He would have to pay her alimony, and given all of the shit she's been through because of him, plus the medical expenses and his abandoning her, he'd have nothing left to himself. The scum bag just cut her brake lines so he won't have to pay her a cent. And more than a little because she essentially whipped his ass thoroughly and publicly embarrassed him. He's under the impression that once she's dead, he gets everything she has because he's still legally her husband."

"Can't you do something!? You've helped her before!?" Harry said, getting desperate, watching her get behind the wheel.

Tarnok shook his head slowly. "I was only allowed three interferences—the first I used when her mother tried to abandon her when she was barely two years old. The second I used during the beating to spare her life. The third was to get her this job. I have no more favors left. I can't stop this."

"NO!" Harry shouted, rising to his feet, watching in horror and fury as her car crashed off the road and into a river.

"Sit down, brother," Tarnok said softly. "She was dead upon impact; she'll be here any second."

Sure enough, within the blink of an eye, there sat Mal in her driver’s seat. Not a mark on her, thankfully, or he would not have been able to control his rage. Her eyes were closed, and her head was off to the side. If he had a heartbeat, it would have been pounding in his ears as he waited. Eventually, she drew a breath and opened her eyes. He saw the knowledge and understanding cross over her face.

"Well, this is new." She chuckled.