While Mal and Ares were falling asleep after getting to know each other rather extensively, then angels had not been stationary.

Rida, from her point of view, had not been lax in her duties as a Guardian Angel. She had seethed as the black wings had invaded her viewing. On the orders of Satan, no less! The Heathen Devil could do his damnedest, but she would not sway, and she would not allow her charge to be swayed. Though their presence alone had influenced her charges life was evident, despite her efforts.

That girl was supposed to go on to become a nun like she had been, like the worthy women of her family had been. The breeders were such lowly creatures, and they had no right to bask in the glory of heaven. Their husbands could, for they had fulfilled their duty to carry on the human race, and earned their place in heaven. But what had those breeders done for God?

After all, it was because of such lowly women that humanity was cursed.

She knew the sect’s beliefs all too well. For she had grown with them as her guide and lived her life by their word. She refused to be a lowly breeder, despite the many offers for her hand as she was rather beautiful, and went into the service of God so that she might enter the glory of heaven. Many people had said it was such a waste that her beauty was not passed on, but Rida had been adamant that she enter Heaven.

She had been shocked to find herself locked in this place of Purgatory, denied access to Heaven. Surrounded by not only her fellow white wings, the Guardian angels who guided the worthy towards the light, but the heathen devils as well. She had seen Satan. And even now her body shuddered. However much she claimed within her own mind that it was fear, any who would be around her when she did it, would know those shudders were not in fear.

She had grown being told that Satan was tall, lean but still had muscles from his days as a warrior of God, with bright blue eyes, and golden blonde hair. Others, the ones not of the sect, believed that the Devil would take the form of whatever the viewer found the most beautiful. Others believed after being cast into Hell his skin turned red as his body and muscles grew in girth. His legs and feet changed to something similar to a Goats with cloven hooves. With vicious black horns that grew from his head that looked to be obsidian or charred bone.

None of that was the creature she was met with. Satan had long black hair that he kept braided down his back, his wings were similar to that of the white angel wings in texture but black in color. His wings were longer than Gabriel's, but just a bit smaller than Michael's when she glimpsed him a few times. While some would have expected battle skirts, Satan actually wore leather pants, and a white cotton vest that looked to formerly have been a t-shirt cut into its current shape over his chest and stomach. Cut in the back to allow Satan’s wings to flow to the floor as they dragged behind him. Still clean no matter what he happened to walk through.

He was followed by women, Rida scowled at the obvious lust in their eyes.

She would never be so disgraceful.

She was furious with the Devil, he had sent his minions to spy on her and her charge. What had she ever done to the Devil!? She had purposely avoided him her entire existence! Even in this place, despite the initial introduction, and thoughts that he stalked her to make her a part of his harem of whores, he never really paid attention to her. Though any angel that tried to correct Rida’s thought on this were either berated or outright ignored.

Luckily she had been careful to never voice her view on this many wives or he would have taken notice, and not in the way that Rida feared most.

Rida knew her charge was weak-willed and quick to give into temptation, which is why she was working so hard to cull that wretched girl’s black aura from a young age. It wasn’t Rida’s fault that the aura caused terrible things to happen to her. Really, that was the only explanation for the events that kept happening. The black aura the girl gave off infected the minds of pure and decent people, and there was no way to stop it. Though, Rida never did actively try to stop it. Enduring the pain and humiliation would diminish the black aura and teach the girl to cleanse herself. Rida firmly believed that.

The girl’s black aura had to be the reason why Satan wanted her so bad. He obviously desired her for his Queen, on top of his so many concubines. She would not allow any charge of hers to fall. Really, Mal was her first official charge! Given to her by the great head angel Stephan! If she lost Mal to the Devil, she would never ascend to a higher rank of angel.

When Mal returned and tore up her sacred contract of rebirth, making the heathen black wings happy, she heard the mention of Gabriel. She rushed to the office where Gabriel resided. He would make her charge see reason. She was under strict orders to not bother Stephan until after her charge had been purified enough to enter Heaven, so she didn’t dare bother him.

Not for the first time, when she banged on the door of Gabriel’s office, she was denied entry. She had tried and tired in the past, only to be denied entry. Yet again, she met with the same result. She would have been upset that he was denying to see her on such an important subject, but she remembered the soul that was there when Mal arrived after her death say that Gabriel was in communion with Michael and the Almighty.

She knew where the Temples doors were. No angel at her rank was allowed beyond that door. No soul was allowed beyond that door either. If they stood before the true presence of God, she had it on good authority they would shatter to pieces. She wasn’t allowed because she wasn’t a high enough rank yet. Which is why she wanted to ascend as fast as possible, she knew Stephan did as well, even he, the great head angel, had not laid eyes upon God.

She reached the temple in record time, unaware that her charge had left the viewing room where they had been assigned and was now in with Gabriel's charge. The idea that Mal would leave the room never even crossed her mind because she firmly believed a soul could not leave the room they came to after their death without their Guardians permission. As she had not given Mal permission, Mal was still in the room, end of story.

Rida stared upon the large ornate doors that led to the Temple, made of diamond, but nothing, and no one, could see through to the temple within, and hearing inside was impossible, though she had tried many times. She was also punished, she remembered with a seething fury, every time for it too.

She stared with longing for a while before she began banging on the doors there.

“Let me in!" She shouted, even though part of her knew she would not be allowed entry. "I must speak with Gabriel and the archangel Michael!"

She refused to acknowledge the fact that Gabriel was an archangel, even if he was technically her superior. He willfully consorted with the heathen devils, he was not worthy of the title. Neither was the Devil, but that was a matter for when Stephan was finally given the rank of Arch Angel. He had many plans, and she only hoped that they would come to pass. Things couldn’t continue this place like they had been if they expected the universe to run perfectly.

She pouted when it was clear she was being ignored, despite the fact that she could sense the presence of both angels, as well the Almighty beyond that door.

“I am the purest, most devout servant of God!” She tried again, sounding indignant though she was unaware of that fact. “I must speak with the Almighty! At least Gabriel though Arch Angel Michael would be preferred! It’s about the viciously evil disciples of that heathen Devil Satan! They have committed a serious crime by invading my viewing room after Gabriel and the honorable Michael so graciously promoted me for my efforts for purifying myself in life and allowed me the chance to do the same with the sin-filled flesh vessel of my charge!"

Again, she was met with silence and the door did not budge one millimeter. If anything, she was repelled a few inches back. Disheartened, she went to try again, but it was at this point the lowly black wings dared defile the holy citadel! She turned and snarled at them, she pooled together her power of light, it would be enough to drive them back from the sacred doors, if not out of the citadel that stood before the Diamond Doors.

She pooled it together from deep inside of her, all that she had, all of her power, and the intent to send them packing, lashed it out at them. It rippled away from her and her aim was true, it hit the black wings. Then, the merely washed over them. Nothing happened, only hair seemed to have blown back a little as if caught in a spring breeze.

The orc devil merely raised an eyebrow before leaning against the wall and waited. Not even acknowledging her pitiful attack against them. The others sitting on the benches provided for those who came here to wait for an audience with Michael.

It's worth noting, that if Mal, or Harry Potter, ever attempted to do what Rida had, it would have had the effect that Rida desired. They also would have been able to drive Rida back. While others were aware of this or at least learning this as Mal and Harry got to know each other, the concept that a soul could have the power to surpass an angel as pure as Rida, never even entered her mind.

At first, Rida was shocked that her attack did nothing. She tried it a few more times before stopping with a huff. She had used all of her reserves in her first attack, the follow-ups here pitiful in comparison. They didn’t even seem to realize that they were being attacked.

Yes, she thought after catching her breath, it would seem these heathen devils had a forcefield up, one she could not see or overcome. It was truly sad to be among the lowest rank of angels, unable to truly fight against the devils. How she wished she could reap vengeance upon them for her Lord God.

With a final sneer, she too stood against the wall and went into a meditative state so she wouldn't have to look upon them as she waited to be acknowledged. Having no doubt that she would be. She also waited, most eagerly, for the Almighty's righteous retribution to rain down upon them for their entry to the holy citadel.

The heathen devils will learn their place soon enough, Rida thought smugly. God has a penchant for purging devils from his path.

However, in her meditative state, she failed to realize that this never happened. She waited and waited to feel the Almighty's power wash over her, for the Arch Angels to finally grant her access inside the temple, but neither happened, and she was left meditating.

Seething with rage about everything that had happened, and waiting for something that was never going to come to pass.

}TLCW{

Gabriel and Michael, on the other side of the doors, sitting in plush recliners, both gave a sigh of immense relief when the black wings showed up. They had been listening to Rida bark at the door and bang on it for a while. For Gabriel, it was even longer as he had sensed her at his office's door when she went there first.

Beyond the Diamond Doors, Rida would have expected to see something like the inside of the church or a nunnery similar to what she grew up attending, only made of the same diamond as the door. However, she would have been rather shocked to realize it was similar to that of a Greek temple inside. Columns of pure marble, with an airy feel, the vast beautiful cosmos surrounding the temple. Some fabric was hung between them, silk so thin one could see through it, colored rose pink with flecks of gold riddled through the fabric.

It truly was a beautiful sight to behold.

Obviously, not what Rida would have expected, and she would have had a meltdown if she did see it. But to any others who saw it, and laid their eyes on God, they would understand, and thought it fitting.

There was a touch of the modern human era to see in this large temple that otherwise looked abandoned. There was a large tv positioned between two columns, with two plush recliners sitting before it. Which is where Gabriel and Michael found themselves.

“What the fuck is that Rida talking about?” Michael asked out loud, grateful they couldn’t be heard, but not caring if that little fledgling did hear him.

“I have absolutely no idea.” Gabriel sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. “Though if I had to venture a guess, it was because of the angels we had watching the viewing room.”

“On my orders!” Michael protested upset.

“It was the fact that they were black wings.” Gabriel muttered. “Though even if they had been white wings, I think we would still be here. There would be less “Heathen Devils” and more “vicious upstarts sabotaging”.”

“All the white wings refused!” Michael yelled unable to contain himself. “They can’t stand to be in the same room as her, and now I understand why! None of the other angels are qualified to sit and watch the viewing of a soul, they all have their own jobs to do that are equally important to running this place! The candidates Satan volunteered for the job were the only ones who were willing and could!”

Gabriel held up his hands, “Hey, don’t yell at me brother, I already know all of this.”

Michael sat back and groaned as the sound of bells echoed throughout the temple and he rubbed his face where the day-old stubble of a beard was ever present on the dirty blonde angel’s face. “Who promoted her again?”

Despite what Rida may believe, God did not promote the angels, Head Angels, were allowed to promote angels within their own area of expertise, and it was only the Arch Angels that could promote angels to Arch Angels. Though they did have to have God’s approval for that. Which is why an Arch Angel hadn’t been promoted for several millennia.

“Stephan, I think.” Gabriel muttered. “At least I’m sure it was him given the way she idolizes him and obeys his every command. She speaks his name with such reverence that it makes me uncomfortable. Really, a Head Angel is barely a step above a fledgling and she speaks the title as if there’s only one when there are thousands.”

“I was afraid of that.” Michael groaned as bells echoed again. “Now Rida makes sense. Stephan and his corrupted thinking have obviously gotten worse.” He looked critically at Gabriel. “Do you think she was promoted too soon?”

“Without a doubt.” Gabriel nodded. “I’m hoping when I speak with Mal, I might get more information I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Michael nodded himself. “Smart thinking.”

“I do have my moments.” Gabriel insisted.

“When you’re not scared of your charge.” Michael teased him watching the screen.

“You would be too if you had to face his wrath!” Gabriel cried out, not at all ashamed. “You saw him at the trial after his suicide, you felt his power!”

Michael nodded. “Yes, it was rather shocking. Even after the original events of his soul, it’s still strong, and just getting stronger.”

“Understatement of the afterlife.” Gabriel murmured behind his own hand as he rubbed his own face tiredly.

Both stare at the couple on the tv screen in front of them waiting and watching.

“This is going to take forever.” Groaned Michael as he banged his head against the headrest of the chair.

The bells could be heard again and Michael glared at the stairs leading up higher to his left. “I’ll groan and complain all I want!” He shouted at them.

Gabriel chuckled as thunder echoed slightly and Michael shook his head.

“She doesn’t seem happy with you.” Gabriel couldn’t help but point out.

“She thinks this test is a waste of time.” Michael said he watched the screen. “She also said since I wanted to do this, despite her telling me it was not needed, that I needed to be patient.”

“Well,” Gabriel said cringing a little knowing his brother was now glaring daggers at him. “we always said the purge is a necessary part of purgatory.” He gestured at the screen still not looking at Michael. “How many times have I told Harry to talk about it? How many times have Satan and I both tried? And we now know Rida never even thought to give Mal this chance, let alone let her rest between lives.”

Michael shook his head, all agitation forgotten, “I see the exhaustion from here. I’m surprised she hasn’t collapsed yet.”

Gabriel looked towards the stairs, “I think we both know who’s responsible for that.”

Michael did not need to look where his brother was to know of whom Gabriel meant, could only nod.

After what seemed like hours, and a surprising display of power and emotions later, they both cried out “Finally!”

“They’re finally asleep!” Gabriel sighed relieved.

“Now, for the test.” Michael said with a wave of his hand.

The souls of Mal and Harry disappeared from the bed in the office and appeared in another world.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Gabriel asked softly as Michael was still setting things up. “It’s clear already where Harry’s heart lies, and you know Mal’s soul better having spent time with her.” He looked at Michael with a critical eye and could see the doubt swimming in the Arch Angels features. “God’s already said it’s not needed.”

Michael sighed as he finished making the necessary boundaries. “I know. But I,” He looked at the screen, grief written on his face. “I need to know for certain before we do this. After so long of doing things one way, and then what happened the first time . . .”

Gabriel nodded, he didn’t need to be reminded of what happened the first time. He knew it still haunted Michael despite God’s efforts and putting the situation right again. “Then hit play, and let us see.”

With a wave of Michael's hand, he did just that. The life the two were put into played out. Despite the boundaries, and things being set up that they would marry others, as Michael had "predestined" them too, they overcame Michael's divine word and came together. No matter what obstacles were put in their path, Harry and Mal still married, and their love proved stronger than anything.

When the life was over, and the two souls once more appeared in Gabriel’s office, the sound of bells could be heard again and Michael was slumped forward, his head in his hands. Gabriel was trying to keep his mirth contained as he knew Michael wouldn’t appreciate being laughed at right at that moment.

While Gabriel couldn't fully understand God, he could catch a word or a phrase here or there. He looked at Michael who hadn't moved since the end of the life, "Is she singing "I told you so" to the tune of "Ring around the rosy”?”

“Yes!” Michael groaned.

Gabriel couldn't contain his laughter then, and it seemed God joined him when she was finished singing. "I'll go deal with the situation then. Should I bring you the new contract when I'm finished with the demands of the new holy couple, or simply have Raphael approve it without your consult as you’ve been made obsolete?”

Michael removed one hand from his head and proceeded to flip Gabriel the bird. A gesture that was taught to Satan by Michael, and taught to the mortals by Satan.

Gabriel’s laughter echoed throughout the temple as he left.

Michael, with a sigh, knew he had to face the music sometime, stood up and ascended the stairs. On the second story, still in the same temple, with the same fabric, but with no ceiling this time, just the endless cosmos above them, it looked a little homier than the rest of purgatory. There was a large desk, a corner where there were tools and equipment for weaving, and more. A large bed that could have taken up all of Gabriel’s office stood in the center of the far end.

But what struck Michael, was the woman who stood leaning against a column. Her dress was silver, and her eyes mirrored that of the cosmos, her long ring curled hair appeared to be the same color of rose-pink fading into magenta then various blues before repeating the process. Flowing as if it were a waterfall and the colors changing and fading as it moved. Stars would spark to life in that hair and fall into the cosmos below them, or float to the cosmos above them. Michael had seen planets born within that hair and watched them die in the cosmos before falling back into those ring curls.

God turned to look at him, annoyance and mirth etched her features. “Do you still doubt my word?”

To all other beings, they would hear bells, only Michael had every fully understood her when she spoke. Satan was getting there, and Gabriel was just beginning to learn, while Raphael still only heard bells just like all of the rest.

“Told you.” Michael said, knowing his argument was weak, “I had to be sure.”

God rolled her eyes and looked away from him.

“Please don’t be upset with me.” He pleaded.

“Upset about what?” She asked as she paced away from the edge where she had been watching the world below. He knew who she had been watching over. “Your rude behavior or the fact that for the last few thousand years, no matter how many times I tell you something, you never seem to believe me!?”

Michael closed his eyes and shook his head. “I was worried for the safety of the worlds.”

“And in the process, you almost destroyed two souls.” She seethed. “Two souls that I specifically made to be together, which I told you!”

"They are whole again." He reminded her. "Far closer now than they were before as they carry pieces of the other's soul in the other." He glared at her. "Which is how they were able to overcome my divine plan for them."

She returned his glare. “They are meant to be, and I will not allow anyone to part them. Not even you, my love.”

He sighed. He knew arguing with her was useless.

“How do we know this will not lead to chaos and ruin?” He asked, not afraid that his fear came out in his tone. “We nearly lost everything when the demons ran rampant throughout the worlds, and many are still tainted from their presence despite their removal.”

“Which is why this couple,” God said as she returned to where she was before, staring down, “is so important.”

Realization dawned on Michael as he stared at her. “When you said you made them,”

“They are our children yes.” God said softly. “Or as close to it as possible. I know we will never have biological children, but pieces of us reside in both of them.”

“What have you foreseen?” He asked coming to stand beside her.

God looked at him, “If they do not save his world, the end of all of this, and worse to come.”

“And if they succeed?”

God smiled. "Then the taint you speak of just might be able to be cleansed over time."

Michael smiled and shook his head as he looked down at the couple in Gabriel’s office. “Life would certainly be easier if you were honest with me woman.”

“Life would be easier if you simply obeyed.” She snapped at him.

“True.” He agreed as he wrapped his arms around her and began kissing her neck. “But you didn’t make me to simply obey all the time.”

She sighed contentedly as arousal grew in her. “I guess I’m not much of a Goddess then.”

He laughed. “You’re Goddess enough for me.”

}TLCW{

Gabriel exited out of the temple, while he could only speculate at what was going to happen between God and Michael after he left, he didn’t want to think about it let alone voice it.

The instant he stepped foot in the citadel, he was accosted by Rida. “Sir Gabriel! These heathen Devils invaded my viewing room! My charge tore up her contract! I need your assistance to rectify this situation at once so we might get things under control again!”

Gabriel ignored her and looked at Tarnok, “The verdict?”

"The contract was a fake." Tarnok nodded. "She had one, but I didn't get to read its contents. It was a fake because it didn't have the Divine Creed laced into its magic, it was quite evident. Rida has indeed overstepped her bounds, and blatantly, knowingly, and willfully mistreated her charge Mal."

“Filthy demons should shut up about things that are not their business!” Rida spat at the orc angel.

Everyone present, much like Mal had before, had to literally bite their tongues to keep from making Gollum references.

“Enough Rida.” Gabriel said firmly once they got themselves back under control, giving her a look of pure fury that silenced her, at least for the moment in shock. He looked back at Tarnok. “Thank you for your assistance in this Tarnok, I’ve been so busy with my own charge, and the high security with him that I haven’t been able to look into this like I should have. It will be dealt with, I assure you. Thank Satan again for me, and get back to him. I’m sure he would be most displeased with me if your wings were to turn white.”

Tarnok gave a huge belly laugh. “Not likely, I enjoy drinking and sex too much for that. Not sure about the rest of these lads, but from their reaction to Mal’s last life, they’re safe enough for now.”

Gabriel got confused. “Her last life, what?”

Tarnok manifested a folder and handed it over to Gabriel. “My report has everything you need to know, plus my own investigative work.”

Before leaving completely, Tarnok turned back to Gabriel with a wicked grin, “Having white wings wouldn’t be so bad. Could be worse, they could turn pink like the cherub angels.” Tarnok gestured to himself. “Look at me, green skin and huge tusks, pink wings would clash terribly with me. Not to mention they would not look very good with my manly physique.”

“I think you would look rather fetching.” Gabriel chuckled giving Tarnok a coy smile.

“Oh stop!” Tarnok waved a hand at him before turning away.

The moment of joking aside, which succeeded in furthering silencing Rida for a few more moments, turned serious once again as Tarnok once again turned to leave, gesturing to his comrades as he walked.

“Come on you lot, you heard the Arch Angel, we’ve got work to do, and he’s got his orders. Let’s get back down to the pits to get some work done before quitting time where we can have some fun.”

Their cheers erupted from them gleefully. Gabriel nodded and let them leave. Pleased to see, that whatever had happened, while they were obviously shaken and upset, they were bouncing back quickly enough. He’d have to remember to check on them depending on what he learned from Tarnok’s report and Mal. While he may have watched them unburden themselves with each other, such things were designed that unless God or the angels were given permission to listen if they were not the ones being spoken to, they could not hear the conversation.

A quick glance to Rida told him she just stood there staring at the scene in shock and confusion.

Utilizing this, Gabriel looked through the folder, while he had an idea of what Mal had endured, he wasn't sure to what extent things had been manipulated by Rida or Tarnok who was allowed three interventions.

His eyes widened as he read what Rida did; repeat molestation that while she didn’t organize it to happen, she did nothing to stop it or help her charge, despite there being an option to do so; repeat outright murder of her charge because she was going down a path that she didn’t deem right. He found himself shaking with rage. Not only because of what Mal had been through at the hands of this fledgling beside him but because of what Rida's actions had done to that world. He was rather pleased to find, that despite Tarnok’s claim to the contrary, inside was a copy of the contract Rida had been forcing on Mal, attached was a note saying a lover in Records owed him a favor, so he got a copy.

Reading it over, he saw what Tarnok meant. Oh sure, it was drawn up on official stationery. But the Divine Grace that was the binding power of every contract, which was only used in dire situations like what Harry needed now, was absent. The glow was only because it was made on the official paperwork, not a regular contract. In truth, it wasn’t official or binding, till a mortal soul signed it saying they would commit to the contract. He hadn’t been aware this loophole existed until Tarnok and his lover found it.

“Shouldn’t we go inside and commune with Michael about all of this?” Rida asked softly having finally recovered. “I’m sure he and the Almighty will have an opinion on all of this.” She looked behind him to the doors, there was a longing in her gaze as if she willed them to just open up and admit her.

"I assure you, Rida, if you step through those doors at this moment in time it will only be for severe punishment." Gabriel said in a dark tone and Rida looked at him utterly confused.

“Surely you don’t believe those heathen devils over me?” She scoffed self-assured. “I’m a pure white wing and they are nothing more than the Devil’s servants and slaves to his lust.”

“Regardless of what you may think,” Gabriel looked at her amused, “Satan has never been gay. Now he has no issues with homosexuals, but he himself only prefers to buried between a woman’s legs. Or in the case of his birthday, their asses.”

Rida shuddered.

“Now,” Gabriel turned to her fully, the folder vanishing so it was on his desk, “You are in a lot of trouble fledging. You’ve been a Guardian less than a hundred years and you’ve already violated some of our stricter rules than those who are far older than you! What you have done is grounds for dismal at least!”

Rida looked at him with tears in her eyes, but he could see he wasn’t penetrating the deeper parts of her mind. She was still very assured what she was doing was right.

He shook his head. “Let’s continue this in my office.” He said, knowing if he stood here yelling at her, one, nothing would come of it other than Michael coming out and likely killing her in a fit of rage. Because while he would not admit it, Gabriel knew now that Michael was very fond of Mal, and would avenge her if he knew the truth of what she had been through. Not to mention she would be interrupting whatever Michael was up to with God. And two, Gabriel had a lot of work to do, and the sooner he got started, the better. “Both Harry and Mal are there.”

Rida looked at him utterly shocked. “No. She most certainly is not. I did not give her permission to leave that room, and thus she is still there waiting. No matter how those heathen devils would have tried, she would still be confined to that room.”

Gabriel looked at her as if she had sprouted another set of eyes spontaneously. “Charges are able to leave their viewing rooms fledgling. We do allow some of them to go into a separate place where they can rest a bit before their next lives. It’s not heaven, but it does allow them to rest. Souls can wander around here. It’s not recommended they do it without their guardian with them, but they can wander without our permission.”

Rida looked at him terrified. “Then we must hasten there at once!”

On the way to his office, he was silent the whole time, he knew if he started talking, a lot worse would come out of his mouth.

Rida kept pace with him, looking completely confused. Again.

“What did I do that was wrong?” She asked as she increased her pace to match his when he sped up at the start of her question. Apparently, she had already forgotten about Mal leaving the viewing room in favor of Gabriel's office. “I was only doing the job that Sir Stephan instructed me to do. He said far too many souls are being brought among the rank of angels only to fall to lesser ranks due to lack of power and thus they become lesser angels like those gaudy pink wings, or they give into temptation by that heathen devil and his wicked way.”

Gabriel had to grit his teeth against the stupidity and ignorance that was spewing of her mouth.

“Speaking of which, why were you so polite to that vile!?” She asked positively aghast that he’d done such a thing. “Sir Stephan would never have behaved in such an unbecoming manner.” She said assuredly with a nod. “He took the time to impress upon me the truth of the heavens and to never treat them with anything but contempt. To give them respect is to encourage them, and we don’t need their corruption further polluting our already contaminated society! The lack of God walking among us is proof that they must be brought to heel and cleansed!”

The more she talked, the more Gabriel was building a case.

He knew that Stephan hadn’t quite accepted the truth of the afterlife, it was a common occurrence. That was why there was an educational program for the angel fledglings. It also had testing to show them which department of Purgatory they were best suited for. It had nothing to do with ones “power level” as Rida seemed to think.

However, he never expected it to be this easy to get information to allow for an investigation to take Stephan to Michael or the courts so easily. But the more Rida talked, the more and more information he got. So he kept silent and let her ramble on and on.

Eventually, he rolled his eyes. This was supposed to be Purgatory, such bigotry, and ignorance were human things, the fact that it was present here meant some things had slipped through the cracks, and he would have to work with the other Arch Angels to find those cracks and seal them shut. He supposed the God’s little mantra was true, nothing could stay perfect forever. Or her other one, there is no such thing as perfect.

Which was contradictory and Gabriel still had no idea which one was true, or if either of them were true.

He knew a few things for certain: 1) Women were complicated. 2) Gods were complicated. 3) The two combined were confusing and perhaps it was better that only Michael could talk to God. 4) It seemed there was yet more work he had to do.

Gabriel hoped after Harry succeeded in his destiny, he could take a vacation.

By the time he reached his office door, he knew the couple inside would have been awake for a while, or probably still asleep from the exhaustion as they hadn’t really been allowed to recuperate from yet. So, without knocking, he entered his office and went wide-eyed at the scene before him. He quickly backed out again.

“Harry, Mal, please kindly put some clothes on.” He called out.

“What!?” Rida shouted incensed. “What do you mean put clothes on!?”

“Rida,” Gabriel held up a hand, but that was as far as he got.

Rida shoved past Gabriel and burst into the office before Gabriel could stop her and began to scream at the top of her lungs.

“Modesty be damned then.” Gabriel grumbled as he followed Rida in at a more sedate pace and silenced the area from the gossipers that he could see at the end of the hall.

}TLCW{

Both Mal and Harry gasped awake and jumped a little in shock as they took in their state and the changes.

For starters, they were both completely naked. They were also lying in a different position. Rather than spooning together, Harry had been lying flat on his back as Mal had her head on his chest and was curled into his side.

They said nothing as they simply stared wide-eyed in silence for several moments.

“I was going to say that I had a weird dream,” Mal said slowly as she sat up, holding the blanket to her naked chest. “But clearly, that wasn’t a dream. Wasn’t that the position we just died in?”

“Peacefully in our sleep.” He confirmed, looking at her in awe. “We just lived a life together.”

She nodded. “I woke up there as if I’d just woken up in Purgatory. With my memories of my previous life, but just the last one.”

“I didn’t have any.” He said still staring at her in awe that made her cheeks go red. “I didn’t remember any of my lives.” He reached and cupped her cheek. On instinct, as she had done in that life they just lived, she rested her head in his hand. “But I remembered you. I remembered your face, your warmth, and how I never wanted to let you go.”

She looked at him in shock and a little hopeful.

He didn’t resist anymore and leaned in and kissed her deeply. Pulling back after a moment and grinned at her. “I wanted you from the moment I saw you, and that life did nothing to change my view on the matter. If anything, it made my feelings stronger.”

“Should we really be kissing naked in Purgatory?” She couldn’t help but ask.

He grinned at her. "I've seen you naked both young and old. I watched you grow heavy with my child and helped deliver them, love, I don't think it matters what place we are." He captured her lips with his own again. Then pulled back with a wicked grin, “It doesn’t matter where we are, I want you no matter what.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

She couldn't help but laugh at his eagerness. "A whole lifetime with me wasn't enough for you?"

He shook his head with a playful glare. Knowing him, more than she thought possible, she knew what he wanted. So she reared up and captured his mouth with her own this time. Initiating a deep searing kiss that saw his arms wrapped around her as her legs found their way around his waist as her arms wrapped around his neck.

They had their parts here, but they didn’t work. So their mouths mated as their hands caressed and gripped each other’s skin and bodies. Somehow, it felt more intimate than sex did in the mortal realm. Mal and Harry reasoned it was because they were pure souls, touching the others. It was more than any person could claim to have done with them, and it made them realize how much they wanted the other, and no one else. Why no one was ever enough for them, why they didn’t want anyone else. They only wanted each other.

They heard the door open and turned to look. When Mal saw the angel, she could only assume was Gabriel she fell off of Harry, leaving him fully exposed to the Angel. Who, after staring there with red cheeks and wide eyes for a few seconds, backed out a little and told them to put on clothes.

With a grin, the two began to do just that. It wasn't hard to locate their clothes, folded neatly on a table. Before they could do more than look for their clothes, Rida had burst in and started screaming. All Mal and Harry could do was stare back at her in shock. Or in Mal’s case, a little bit of horror as well.

“How dare you!?” Rida exclaimed furiously. “How dare you corrupt an innocent soul when you think the angels are not watching! Get away from him this instant you harlot!”

Rida began to rush forward, the hostile intent was palpable. Both Mal and Harry reacted in defense of the other, jumping off the bed that disappeared back to a couch as they did, hands up, pushing their magic out of their hands at Rida. The magic collided with Rida, and it was more than the little angel could handle, and way more than she could defend against. She was sent backward, and through the wall that held the bookshelves with the books, and many more walls after that.

“Oh no!” Mal gasped crossing her arms under her breasts, “I hope those books will be okay.”

Gabriel proceeded to fall over laughing hysterically. When Rida stopped flying through walls, she summoned back to the room and the building was restored to its previous state, but not before many people realized what happened. And much to Mal's ever reddening cheeks had seen her and Harry naked.

“You!” Rida seethed glaring at Mal. Harry was completely forgotten now, it was clear. “How dare you attack me, you vicious wench!”

Rida stomped forward, intending to attack Mal, again. Apparently not having learned her lesson the first time. This time, Harry reacted alone. His magic allowed him to rush forward, grab Rida by the throat and pin her against the empty wall chocking her.

“Don’t you dare touch her!” Harry snarled in a dark tone that promised murder. “And stop calling her those things! She’s no more a harlot than you are!”

Knowing how close Harry was to actually following through the threat of ripping off Rida’s wings, or worse, ripping her heart out, Mal walked up and wrapped her arms around him. Skin to skin, one hand resting over his heart, and one resting on his hip as the arm was wrapped around his waist.

“My love,” She said softly against his back as she pressed light kisses there, “let her go. She’s not worth it.”

He calmed visibly. Gabriel, who had recovered, and was going to react but was beaten by Harry, stared at the scene dumbfounded. No one, not since Harry’s soul had come into his care, had managed to calm Harry down from that state of bloodlust before. When he went into a murderous rage, all they could do was let him wear himself out. Gabriel had been worried about Mal getting hurt in the midst of Harry’s wrath, but it would seem, if she hadn’t calmed him, she would have helped him. He had no doubt Harry could have killed Rida by himself, but it was Gabriel knew the fledgling angel wouldn't have survived an attack from both parties of the couple.

While it would have been one less person Gabriel had to deal with, it would be a lot more work for Gabriel. So somewhere in the back recesses of his mind, he was grateful for Mal’s intervention.

He watched, at loss for words, and stunned beyond believe as Harry was not only calmed by the woman but listened to her as well. Rida fell to the floor when Harry released his grip, and turned toward Mal and wrapped his arms around her in return. There was a deep passionate kiss shared before the two rested in each other’s arms.

When Rida looked as if she was going to start again, Gabriel bound her, and stuck her in the corner beside the door and the bookshelves and looked back at the couple, knowing they would ignore the angel until she was brought to their attention again.

“Why don’t you two get dressed like I suggested before that interruption, and we’ll talk.” He said with a gentle smile before adding to Mal. “Nicely handled.”

She shrugged. “I was his wife, and I find myself unable to slip out of that role.”

“Good.” Harry said firmly as he started to dress.

Gabriel noticed the bright smile Mal had as she followed his example.

Seated behind his desk, it wasn't long before the couple was seated before him, and Rida was still glued to the corner watching with a livid expression. Gabriel too ignored her.

“Now, I’m sure you’re wondering about the life you just lived.” He looked at them critically.

Mal sighed. “It was rather shocking.”

“I must admit,” Harry said also looking at Gabriel critically, “I wasn’t expecting to live another life before the one in my own world was finished.”

“It wasn’t my idea,” Gabriel quickly said holding up his hands in the universal gesture of surrender. “It was Michael’s.”

“Why did he do that?” Harry asked leaning forward. “Even during the trial, Michael didn’t seem to care what my soul did, as long as I completed my mission. Why would he put me through that life?”

“What does the Head Arch Angel want with me?” Mal asked fearfully.

Unconsciously, Harry sat back and took her hand to put her at ease and let her know he was there. Gabriel grinned at the gesture. Knowing it was common for the two of them in the life they just lived even before they were officially a couple.

“It was a test.” Gabriel said carefully looking at the puzzled couple before him. “A test of your commitment to each other, and the bond between you.”

Harry and Mal exchanged a shocked look before looking back and Harry said, "Elaborate."

“You two,” Gabriel said pointing at each of them, “were actually prematched with other people.”

Harry looked shocked, “But I was the one that marked her during the ritual that would match her with her future husband!”

“That may be,” Gabriel said softly, “But you weren’t the one who was supposed to find her that night. You merely got there before the magic could pull the actual man from his bed to take part in it.”

Harry sat back stunned. “Excuse me?”

Gabriel nodded. “She was meant for the Blacksmith’s son.”

Harry snorted, “The boy was sterile, she never would have had children and the village wouldn’t have been as better off as it was by the time we died.”

“True.” Gabriel said with a nod. “And the woman you would have ended up with you wouldn’t have cared for at all.”

“Which one was it?” Mal asked fearfully.

“It doesn’t matter.” Harry told her firmly just as Gabriel said, “The girl who ended up the Fisherman’s wife.”

Mal looked at Harry curiously. “I just wanted to know, you found out who I was supposed to be with.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Harry said just as firmly gripping her hand a bit in reassurance. “Doesn’t matter who “we were supposed” to end up with, because in the end, I got you first, and you got me. That’s what matters in the end.”

“Harry’s right.” Gabriel said drawing their attention back to him. "Even with no memories of the other, even with the odds pushing you towards other people, you still came together as you had here." He gave them a small smile. "You two were never supposed to meet at all, yet you did. Despite Michael enacting Divine Destiny and writing it himself to keep you two apart. He was rather vexed that you two seemed to overcome that so easily, but no one is denying the benefits of your being together as bettered that world. Without even trying at that. You two saved us a lot of work with that world.”

“Are you saying,” Mal asked softly, “That God never wanted us together?”

“Oh no, sweetheart,” Gabriel laughed, “God actually paired you two personally.”

This shocked Harry and Mal.

Gabriel nodded. "God told Michael repeatedly to leave it alone, and he didn't." He looked at his door with a new realization. "I think that's why Harry was able to leave my office and find your viewing room Mal. God opened the door for him.”

Harry grinned at Mal. “A match made in heaven.”

She laughed nervously. “I guess so.”

“To that end,” Gabriel said as he got out some fresh paper, placing a pair of glasses on the bridge of his nose, and picked up one of his pens, “We shall get to business.” He looked up and gave Harry a smile. “You will be very happy to know, that your main request has been granted.”

“Yes!” Harry shouted. “Finally! I can actually do something!”

“You will also be given ten favors.” Gabriel added. “To ensure that you succeed this time around and we don’t have to keep repeating this over and over.” Gabriel licked the tip of his pen and began writing in the top margin, 10th life of Harry and Mal Potter. Looking at Harry over the rim of his glasses. "Just to be clear, the first favor is, in fact, Mal being able to go with you this time around.” He then looked at her quizzically, “If you want to go that is. There are plenty of other worlds who would benefit from having a good soul like yours. Regardless of what that bitch told you, you are a good soul."

“This is going to sound selfish.” Mal said fighting back tears, “but I want to stay with Harry. Especially after the test, we went through together.” Tears were falling now. “Even before that test, I was drawn to him. I didn’t understand why before, and now I do. I can’t deny that my heart, my soul, every part of me wants to be with Harry.”

Harry, feeling the same way, grabbed her and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly and unwilling to let go. Kissing her head, he whispered, “Mine.”

}TLCW{

Rida, from her corner, was shaking with pure rage as she watched the scene before her. No amount of redirection in her thoughts, no amount of repeating what Sir Stephan had taught her, kept the truth from penetrating to the deepest part of her minds.

Her charge was being taken from her.

Gabriel himself had taken Mal from her, and she was being worked into a contract with this Harry Potter.

Gabriel believed those heathen devils over her.

Rage, as she'd never known, was seeping out of her and into her very soul. Unknown to her, her precious pure white wings, began to wither and wilt away slowly.

}TLCW{

"The second favor, I've also taken the liberty of filling myself," Gabriel said as he was writing, "It's a two-parter so it doesn't take up another favor; the first part, is you will be going back with your memories and knowledge, as you requested that before, but it's simply stated here. The second part and the actual second favor is that you will be allowed to take some time to spend with family and the angels so you can train in combat and amass more knowledge.”

Harry looked at him shocked. “I’m going to see my parents again?”

“Among others yes.” Gabriel nodded. Then looked at him firmly. “You will need to keep practicing and studying when you get back to the mortal realm so you don’t become complacent or lose what we will teach you here.”

“Understood!” Harry eagerly agreed and Mal grinned at him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders from her place on his lap. Knowing how much this meant to him.

"This is as much for you as it is for him." Gabriel said looking at Mal with a soft smile. "For you to live in that world, and you will need to understand certain things. We'll be able to find a way to accurately say how it is you have this knowledge when you meet the others in Harry's life without arousing suspicions.”

Mal nodded her understanding, unable to say anything at the moment.

“Now,” Gabriel said looking up at them, looking through his glasses this time, and Mal just saw that old solicitor from the Disney Movie the Aristocat’s despite Gabriel’s young appearance. “What would you like the third favor to be?”

“I want my name to be changed.” Harry said automatically. “In doing this, all of the marriage contracts in my name written by Dumbledore, and/or Molly will become void.”

“If you’re sure,” Gabriel got to writing, “But I feel I should remind you your name is actually Hadrian James, I’ll add that the Potter’s name is a misdirect spanning back centuries.”

Harry looked back at him shocked. “What?”

Gabriel nodded looking at Harry. “Yes, the actual surname for your family is Pendragon. While you are not the immediate heir of King Arthur, you are a distant relative of his. But to keep them safe from later purging’s, the family changed the name to Potter and kept the name. It also added the fact that any contracts without that name are null in void all along anyway. Which you would have known if you had been allowed to access the main Potter vaults at Gringotts or Pottermore Castle.”

Gabriel was grumbling there at the end, but it was mostly ignored by the couple it was already something they’d figured out.

“Do you still want to change your name?” Mal asked.

He looked at her and nodded. “I do. While I understand that Gabriel’s saying this won’t be needed, I still want to just in case. Better safe than sorry.”

“Constant vigilance.” Mal teased a bit.

Harry nodded. "After dealing with those people, and being manipulated to the extent that I have been by those, no more. I'm not taking any chances here."

Mal nodded supportively, “Then how about the name in your last life combined with aspects of your other lives?”

“What do you mean love?” he asked her confused.

“In our life together,” she reminded him, “Your name was Ares. I know that technically my father named you that for the constellation that shown that night, but I rather like it.”

He smiled at her, “You think I should be Ares James Potter?”

“Well,” Mal said sounding like Samantha Stephens, she really did spend too much time watching old movies and tv shows when alive on Earth. “I meant Ares Hadrian James Pendragon. Since Gabriel just told us about the Pendragon being the actual surname. Keeping the Hadrian James so as to honor your father, and so the nickname Harry would make sense and people like Dumbledore will understand the misdirect for what it was, and not ask too many questions we don’t want him asking.”

Harry grabbed her and gave her a searing kiss as Gabriel was writing furiously, knowing Harry just agreed to the change.

When Harry pulled back, he grinning gleefully, “That’s absolutely bloody brilliant love!”

“I do have my moments.” Mal smiled at him, then continued morosely. “I had thought Hayden at first. I always liked the name and planned on naming a son Hayden someday. But I know Hadrian suits our purposes better, and allow Dumbledore to have reason to believe your name is Harry James Potter, leaving out the actual first name and real surname. As we both know he doesn't want you to know your true name."

The newly dubbed Ares nodded in agreement. Silently promising Mal would have the son she mentioned, and any other child she wanted to give him. He would make damn sure of that.

Mal looked at Gabriel worried, “But what about other marriage contracts? Surely the Potter/Pendragons would use the actual names in other contracts. Would that cause us problems?”

Gabriel shook his head still writing. “One such contract will exist between Ares and whatever magical family we stick you into. Don’t worry, it won't be a dark family or one that Dumbledore will have cause to question their motives for such an ancient contract."

“Not that he has business questioning them in the first place.” Mal seethed.

“Easy love.” Ares said rubbing her back. “We’ll deal with him in time.”

“Fourth favor?” Gabriel asked looking up at them.

“Change in my appearance.” Ares said firmly.

“What about the eyes?” Mal asked concerned. “If you are the heir of Slytherin, wouldn’t the emerald green eyes be a marker of that?”

“No,” Gabriel said, “Well, not by its self anyway. While yes that is one indication, the parslemouth is the other.”

Mal nodded “Understandable.”

A mirror and a few dials appeared in front of Ares.

“The dials are for skin, hair, and eye color.” Gabriel explained as he was writing. “The mirror is to see the changes obviously.”

“Obviously.” Ares muttered, then smiled at Mal. “What do you think?”

She shrugged and moved to the other chair as he pouted at her through narrowed eyes. "Mess around with it." She instructed with a wave of her hand. "I'll be the final judge."

Ares sighed and began messing with the dials. He darkened his skin up a bit more to make himself look like he got a lot of sun, but enough so he wasn’t almost as pale as death anymore. While he liked the pale cream color Mal was, he figured she would be better for the look than he was.

Now for his hair, he changed the dial away from black. After living as many lives as he did with black hair, he couldn’t stand it anymore.

“What was my hair color in our life together?” He asked looking at Mal as he turned the dial down.

“Gray.” She said immediately, “Because you were a gray wolf.”

He nodded, then looked up at Gabriel, “Do I have an Animagus form?”

“All magicals do.” Gabriel said looking up at him.

“What is it?” He asked.

“Actually, you have three. Two are extremely rare, but not unheard of. Three was only known in the days of Merlin.” Gabriel grinned. “A wolf, a lion, and an eagle. They will forever be your Animagus no matter what life you’re in. Sometimes it may be one or the other, but they’ll always be there. Even if you change into another animal due to the situations of that world, your inner animals will always be a wolf, a lion, and an eagle.” He raised a finger, “However, like a wolf and an eagle, you will mate for life. That will be the only difference. It will also explain why in lives when you’re only lions you only have eyes for each other.”

Ares grinned at Mal. “Sounds about right.”

When the dial stopped at red hair Mal shook her head. “You look like a Weasley, and if I have any say in the matter, you will not have anything to do with them other than the good ones.”

He nodded and turned the dial down to blonde. It was a pale silver blonde, more of a dirty almost grayish blonde.

“Maybe?” Mal drawled out.

He turned the dial down to white and stared in amazement before looking back at Mal.

She threw her head back laughing. “You look like Riku from Kingdom Hearts!”

“So that’s a yes?” He asked playfully.

“No.” She shook her head drawing out the word.

He turned the dial back up and landed on a deep umber brown just a few shades down from black. Liking it a lot, he looked at Mal.

“That,” Mal said with a grin, “looks pretty damn good.”

He looked in the mirror and nodded. “I like it too.”

“Good thing we went with this one. Wasn’t Neville blonde?” Mal asked.

“Dirty blonde actually.” Ares shook his head. “Malfoy was the silvery blonde close to a veela’s hair.

“Well, we certainly don’t want to steal their thunder. Especially if we raise Neville to new heights like we’re planning.” Mal said softly, with Ares nodding in agreement.

He turned the dial for the eye color and rested on red and barked with laughter.

“Oh, Dumbledore with love that.” Mal groaned.

Harry kept laughing as he messed with the dial, he landed on a goldenrod color and looked over at Mal. She grinned. "There's my wolf.” Then she paused and considered for a moment, “Or should it be my lion now?”

He used magic to make the changes permanent by casting away the dials and the mirror. He then pulled Mal into his lap again and kissed her deeply. When he pulled back, he grinned into her ice blue eyes, “Only if you’re my lioness.”

“She is.” Gabriel said writing again. “Fifth favor?”

“To be at my peak health with my core unlocked so I can be physically fit as well as at my full power from the beginning.” Ares said firmly as Mal stayed in his lap and they looked back at Gabriel.

Gabriel nodded as he wrote, “I’ll work on how best to make those changes come about.”

“Best time would either be when Fawkes heals him in the chamber or when he bonds with Dobby at the end of second year.” Mal said automatically causing both men to look at her curiously. She shrugged. “Having Dobby as a personal house elf would be a great benefit for the future, and keep him away from Dumbledore. Further, when the phoenix tears hit your system, it can trigger physical changes within the magical and appearance. I’m surprised this never came up before. Fawkes not only saved your life, but he gave you a Phoenix Blessing.”

“She’s right.” Gabriel nodded at Ares. Then looked at the young man curiously. “Was she precognitive in her life with you?”

“If you mean she could sense danger, bad things before they happened, or hear the babies crying before they did, then yes.” Ares clarified.

“Good to know.” Gabriel said writing furiously. “We’ll take her advice into account and do some checking. I’m pretty sure you’re a partial seer Mal, if not a full blown one.”

Mal looked shocked for a moment. “Okay.”

"Now," Gabriel looked back at them, then narrowed his eyes at Ares, "Why don't you let Mal choose a favor. After all this as much for her as it is for you."

"I completely agree." Ares said deferring to her. "I'm surprised you haven't spoken up before this."

Mal didn’t have the heart to say she thought this as all for show. Most of her believed that Ares would go back alone, and she would wait here with Gabriel while he was gone. She thought it was all a show to punish Rida for being such a terrible Guardian Angel to her. Still, they were asking her what she wanted, and there was no lying in this place.

“I would like slight metamorphmagus powers.” Mal said smiling at Gabriel. “I would love to be able to change my hair color without messing with hair dyes this time around.” She fingered her burgundy locks with a bit of a scowl. “I would like to have my purple hair back, maybe some other colors.”

Ares cackled for a moment before grinning at her. “I think that would be a great idea.” He then ran his fingers through her hair. “Though I would like it if you could find a reason to like your hair. I love this burgundy color on you.”

“Arnold did too. He called me his little princess.” Mal said firmly. “Later on, he made me keep my hair short because of how thick it is it was too difficult for them to maintain.”

Ares cringed. “Yeah, I can see your reluctance there.” Then he gave her a heartfelt smile. “But in our last life, he wasn’t there, and you were proud of your hair. My suggestion would be to forget what Arnold thought of you, you’ve been doing that for ages anyway. It doesn’t matter what he thought. He will never touch you again. Your hair is your own. You can take pride in its original state.”

Mal thought about that for a moment and nodded. “You’re right. I can’t promise it will be right away, Lord knows what we’ll be waking up to in that life. But if I could love my hair even with knowledge of Arnold somewhere in my mind, I can again.”

“That’s all I ask.” Ares said as he kissed her cheek.

“You know,” Gabriel tapped his pen. “I always intended to give that gift back to Ares.” He looked at the young man. “You were born with that ability, and Dumbledore locked you on a clone of James for several reasons. Eventually, you were stuck with that appearance because it was never unlocked and you never learned to control the gift. That's why we were able to change your appearance so easily."

"I'll gladly give that up for Mal." Ares said firmly. "With my new look, which I'll be keeping, by the way, I've no reason for it. Let Mal have it so she can change her hair color to whatever she wants when she wants it." He then looked at her firmly. "Just don't expect me to shag you while you're a redhead."

She grinned at him. “Bet you wouldn’t be saying that if it was candy apple red or Ariel red from The Little Mermaid.”

Ares’s eyes darkened, and he could feel his manhood wanting to react to that. “We’ll see.”

Mal threw her head back and laughed, but otherwise, let the matter drop.

“Seventh favor?” Gabriel asked.

Mal looked at Ares deferring to him. Ares looked at Gabriel firmly. “I want allies to go back with their memories to help me. Not only to end Voldemort once and for all but to bring down Dumbledore as well. And hopefully, prevent the Dark Lady Hermione before she becomes a problem again, and stop the Weasley's from love potioning before they try it again."

“I will be choosing them.” Gabriel said giving Ares a pointed look before he could list off names. “No arguing.”

“Don’t I know that world better?” Ares retaliated.

“Not necessarily.” Mal said looking at Ares. “As your Guardian Angel, and a guardian of that world, Gabriel is at a unique advantage point to know who would be better to help us. We could choose someone to help thinking it would be a benefit, but we’d actually be wrong. We don’t know the circumstances of a person. Someone we think of as evil may not be, they may be under a curse, or had their memory wiped to be remade the way they are, or contracts could have altered them to be the way that they are.”

Ares sighed and nodded his understanding as he looked at Gabriel. “I know you’ll choose the people who will help the most and make a difference in ending the war and prevent others from happening. I’ll do my best to remember that when I hear the names and hear people that I wouldn’t have thought of.”

Mal rubbed his shoulders in comfort and Gabriel looked at her with gratitude, knowing he never would have won that without her there. At least not as easily as he had.

“The eighth?”

“I want those blasted Horcruxes to be easier to dispose of!” He snarled.

Gabriel nodded and began writing furiously. He looked at Mal after a moment, “Any thoughts on that?”

Mal nodded. "The Goblins. They would be a huge benefit, and they are often overlooked by magical society as well as the house elves. I would suggest that the Horcrux in Ares get taken care of in the chamber, as well as the diary. Maybe have the venom pass over the scar as Ares wipes the sweat from his head before Fawkes cries tears into him to neutralize the potion.” Ares and Gabriel stared at Mal in shock again. “After that, we can leave the rest up to the Goblin’s once Ares can give the location and defenses of each Horcrux.”

“Why the Goblins?” Ares asked softly.

“According to some fanfictions, it’s why they have curse breakers and other such factions.” Mal said looking at him. “Voldemort’s wouldn’t be the first they’ve dealt with, and they made a sacred law back in the times if ancient evil to rid the world of such things.”

“I, . . . I guess I can see that.” Ares said softly deep in thought.

Meanwhile, Gabriel was writing furiously, then looked back up when he was finished. “I suggest the last two be up to Mal.”

“I agree.” Ares said with a nod sitting back looking at Mal who was still sitting up on his lap. “I’ve requested all that I wanted to anyway.”

Mal thought for a moment biting her lower lip. At least it’s not her nails Ares thought remembering how she’d bitten them to the point they were bleeding in their last life when she was worried about something and her anxiety took over to the point she was in a near panic.

“I would like a freeze to be placed over my womb till we’re graduated Hogwarts.” Ares scowled at that, but Mal continued with her reasons not having noticed. “Once Ares and I start having sex, and let’s face it with the mind of adults, even in teenage bodies, it won’t take long for us to start, we won’t want to stop. Given you said this is a match made in Heaven, I doubt the charms or potions would work for very long. And it wouldn’t do for the esteemed Lord Potter, sorry, Lord Pendragon, and most likely Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Black too, to be a father before he’s of age, regardless of his legal status in that world.”

Ares sighed. “I can see the wisdom in that, and I have to begrudgingly agree.” He glared at her through narrowed eyes, “We both want a big family.”

She nodded. “I know, but I don’t want to be pregnant on the battlefield, and we both know Dumbledore would try to terminate it.”

Ares stared at her wide-eyed for a moment then nodded, "Aye, that never occurred to me, but you're right. He won't react well to my being with you in the first place, he needs me to sacrifice my life on the altar for the greater good, having a child is more reason for me not to. While I’m sure we’ll able to train you enough to at least be able to defend yourself against him, being pregnant would be a weakness he would exploit. I never thought of that.”

“Hence why I did.” She said softly.

“Tenth?” Gabriel quickly asked. Wanting to change the subject and fast.

"I want the timeline moved up." Mal said firmly. "I want my music, my writing, and all of my books."

Ares got excited at the prospects. “I agree, the weapons they make the future would be wonderful to have and implement in some fashion into the Wizarding World.”

Mal nodded having thought of that as well, “I know something it was because of World World II and the bombs going off in London that started Voldemort’s trek for immortality, but let’s face it, he would have ended up on that path regardless. He desires power above all else, and to ensure he can enjoy that power, he wants immortality. He wants to be a god, and Gods can’t be killed by any mortal means.”

Ares stared at Mal in wonder. She really did know her stuff when it came to his world and his life. This wasn’t a boy who lived fanatic. This is was a person who was invested in the world for the story its self. For all of the people, and the best possible outcome for them. If he wasn’t already head over heels in love with her, he would have become besotted just then.

Gabriel was writing furiously as they talked, and when they finished, he was still writing but looked up at Mal periodically shaking his head. "You have the right of it Mal, no matter the timeline, Tom Riddle/ Voldemort would have become exactly like he is regardless, so I see no reason to not give you this tenth favor. You're also so right it's downright scary. No wonder Michael seems to like you so much."

“Why would he like me?” Mal asked perplexed.

“That’s his story to tell I’m afraid.” Gabriel said with a sigh.

He finished and looked up at them, then past them to Rida. Having forgotten about her, Ares and Mal turned to look and both dropped their jaws in utter shock at what they saw.

Still glued to the corner, where she was finally able to understand the difference between a new fledgling angel and an Arch Angel's power level. Despite her not wanting to admit that Gabriel was one, the proof was in her still being trapped there despite her efforts to get free. She was shaking in rage as tears from said emotion flowed from her eyes and down her cheeks. Her sight was not comprised from this, in fact, it did not appear as if she was even aware of her tears. Her lips were pursed as if her mouth had been glued shut and she was trying desperately to vocalize in some fashion. To shout in dismay and utter fury the occupants of the office were sure.

As startling as that all was, what had them all three so shocked, even Gabriel, was in a state of shock having not looked over at her this entire time, was the state of her wings. Still clad in the pale silver robe Mal had always seen her adorned in, Rida’s once pure white, almost glowing wings, were now withered and rotted looking, clumped together on the floor having wilted away from her wings. Which were now bare of all feathers and nothing but the skeletal remains of her wings were left. Bone, covered in what appeared to be skin toughened to look like leather covered the bone of the wings but that was it, there were no feathers at all left.

Blood and puss that would indicate infection and rot in some places where the infection had festered covered the whole of them, Mal had to wonder if Rida was in tears from the pain of it all.

If a person obsessed with drawing the perfect fallen angel were to look upon Rida, they would have found their muse and the perfect picture. The front of the silver robe was still clean and blemish free, where it was clear the back of it was now blackened as the feathers had wilted and stained with what Mal could only assume had been blood and the infection still saturating the skeletal remains as the feathers had fallen away from the bones.

Mal looked over her once guardian angel worried and more than a little sick at the sight before her.

However, the look of pure rage that could have rivaled Ares’s murderous ones, told her that in that moment, and during the whole time her wings were falling apart, Rida felt no pain. In fact, Mal was sure that Rida wasn’t even aware of the state of her wings.

After getting over their shock of it all, seeing the still present, ever growing rage on Rida’s face and in her eyes, Gabriel and Ares gave no indication of caring whatsoever. For Ares, in his mind, it was justice for what was done to Mal by Rida’s hand. For Gabriel, it was the fate of a fledgling promoted too soon for the rank of angel, and in truth, was probably never meant to be one. The proof lay on the floor.

While all angels could feel human emotion, the white wings to a lesser degree than all of the others, they were not ruled by them as the black wings were. White-winged angels were supposed to make logical decisions based on fact, and perhaps a little emotion motivating them. Black wings tended to ignore logic and act on emotion or impulse. Only the higher-ups like Satan tended to combine both logic and their emotions when they acted. Mostly because their age had taught them discipline.

Narrowing his eyes at Rida, he knew at that moment, no matter what she was thinking or planning, it was fueled only by her rage. Again, the proof, lay on the floor, pooled at her feet. Otherwise, that never would have happened. Or at least, not as fast as it did. He expected her wings to gain some color yes, perhaps gray, or some other color, but to have them wilt at her feel like that, rotted in such a way, it was proof that her thoughts and intentions were along the lines of murderous.

“As you can see,” Gabriel said firmly to her. “Mal is my charge now.”

He glared at Rida furiously. “You are dismissed, and as of this moment on, you are never to approach Mal again! Furthermore,” he moved on before she had even processed the last part, “You are never, under any circumstances, to have another charge.” He released her from her position on the wall, her eyes still on him. “In case you were wondering, this is your official notice of investigation.”

There was a flash, and while Rida looked around confused, Mal and Ares understood what just happened. Officially, she was under investigation, and all of Purgatory knew it. Just as they now knew she was never to have a charge until cleared or demoted from her position to ensure Gabriel's order on the matter.

“Now leave!” Gabriel barked at her, the door appearing on the wall from where it had disappeared after Gabriel closed it.

Shock was the only clear thing on Rida's face before the expression of utter fury returned. Apparently not realizing or understanding what just happened. She squared her shoulders and faced Gabriel.

“Now you see here!” Rida raged. “You can’t tell me what to do with my charge! And you certainly can’t take her away from me!”

Gabriel’s patience with the fledgling snapped. Seeing that look, Ares quickly got up and pulled Mal with him. Not behind the desk, but clear on the other side of the room, backed against the windows. Away from the two fighting angels.

Deciding to take a page out of Ares’s book, Gabriel began yelling and put his power into his rage and voice.

“Shut up, you insignificant little shit!” He yelled at Rida, finally gaining her silence. “I am an Arch Angel, far older than you can imagine and far more powerful than you! I most certainly can tell you what to do with your charge! And I can take your charge away from you!”

He came around the desk and got up in her face to further his point. To his immense pleasure and amusement, she was almost cowering in fear.

“For the record, you’re being punished for several reasons! You forged a contract with an accomplice in Record. Whom I will find and personally deal with! You forced an innocent soul to suffer a fate worse than some of those in hell repeatedly! Forcing her to suffer an incident that is among our greatest sins and punishable by a lifetime in Hell! You backed the Sinner, not the soul! Who was innocent! That Arnold man should have been thrown into the pits of hell to burn for eternity! Furthermore, you purposely derailed a world of its set destiny! Mal was supposed to break free of that cult at a young age in her and go on to have a few children and become the pillar that would see that cult destroyed!”

“Really?” Mal asked in utter shock, her hand resting on her womb, remembering the children she had with Ares in the life they had been together in.

Gabriel shot her a brief glance over his shoulder and nodded. His voice significantly calmer and lacking in power as he said, “Yes, your father was supposed to win you in the divorce as your mother wouldn’t have wanted you when she moved onto her next relationship with Arnold.”

Gabriel turned his attention back to Rida, his voice once more yelling and laced with his power as he did so. “That world has been frozen and now needs to be completely reworked by our specialists to get it back on track because of your actions! Michael himself might have to get involved, and believe me, if he does, it will mean a death sentence for you! You won’t be reborn as a mortal soul to try again later, you will be slaughtered as an angel and thus die for good, no soul remaining to be punished in Hell or ascend to Heaven! You will quite literally cease to exist! Not to mention your own behavior towards me, other angels, and your previous charge, are all neon signs that something isn’t right about you! Hence the punishment! Hence the investigation that will be held against you!”

Rida stuck her nose up in the air. “We’ll see.” She snarled. “I do believe Sir Stephan will have a thing or two to say about this.”

"Your Sir Stephan is nothing but a Head Angel with a measly few centuries under his belt facing beings with eons under theirs. He has no real power here.” Gabriel snarled back. “Because he's the one that promoted you, he too is under investigation. As of this moment, his Head Angel status is suspended, he can no longer promote, or demote angels, and any and all charges under his command are to be redirected to others.”

Another flash, again Rida was confused, but Ares and Mal knew that Gabriel's orders had been carried out. Mal shrunk into Ares's side, and his arms came around her confused. He saw the fearful look in them and felt her shaking. Her stomach felt sour and her eyes filled with tears. There was something about this Stephan that made her scared. When she looked at Ares, she knew he understood and he nodded.

“You’re dismissed.” Gabriel said again taking a step back, looking and feeling much calmer. “You should go straight to the infirmary.”

"Why would you suggest that!?" Rida screamed, even more, upset that things were not going her way, and that he dared threaten an angel as noble as Sir Stephan. It was her duty to defend and protect him. “I’ve no need to see those pathetically weak angels!”

When Gabriel said nothing and merely looked her up and down with a look of annoyance. She followed his gaze, reluctantly, not wanting to take his eyes off him. He looked at her so critically, her curiosity won out in the end.

It was then, at last, she noticed the state of her being. Her wings in tatters on the floor looking as if they had rotted away, the skeletal remains on her back, and disgusting state of the back of her robes, that could be seen clearly from her sides.

If it hadn’t been for the silencing barrier that Gabriel erected as she looked down, the other three in the office were sure they would have been rendered temporarily deaf by her screams of utter horror. Which lasted for several minutes as she cried and fell to her knees. The three waited as she gathered her feathers, and attempted to put them back where they came from. When it was clear it wouldn't work, she let them fall back to the floor sobbing in utter heartbreak at the sight. As the feathers disintegrated into dust then vanished, she got up and ran from the room.

With a twitch of his mouth, Gabriel slammed the door shut and vanished into a wall once more. No matter what Rida might try later, she would never gain access to this office, and neither would Stephan.

“I can’t help but feel a little sorry for her.” Mal finally said breaking the silence. “She took such pride in her being an angel and her white wings.”

“Don’t love.” Ares said firmly, but laying a kiss on her head, turning her so she was looking into his newly golden eyes. “She brought this on herself.”

“I’m with Ares on this one.” Gabriel said as he sat back behind his desk. “If she had been a proper guardian angel, none of what happened to you would have, and business with her wings would not have happened. It’s clear she didn’t attend a single class assigned to the fledgling angels. She’s completely ignorant of the truth of this place.”

"She didn't." Mal confirmed as she and Ares sat in the chairs again. "She told me once that Stephan said she didn't need to complete the schooling, despite her initially wanting to. He claimed to her that it was nothing but a process to brainwash young angels into accepting the devils among them and eventually seeing them fall to the rank of devils.”

Gabriel shook his head. “How did we not see the truth of Stephan?”

“To my understanding, it’s because he doesn’t want anyone to know.” Mal said softly.

“Rida was definitely promoted too soon.” Ares said looking at the now blank wall where Rida had been.

“My guess would be five lives.” Gabriel mused. “It’s the lowest I’ve ever gone.”

“I’d say three.” Ares added his theory.

Both looked at Mal, and she rolled her eyes realizing they expected an answer from her. The fact that she had it, didn't stop her annoyance that they immediately looked to her. "One."

Both stared at her in shock.

She nodded. “Rida boasted about that after my third death. She was promoted after one life, and she was best friends with my great grandmother growing up and both entered the nunnery to become devote nuns. She claimed that my great grandmother fell into sin while she remained pure. If she was promoted and proved worthy, so too would I. She could correct the mistake her once best friend made with me.”

That had Gabriel facepalming.

“That actually makes a lot of sense.” Ares mused. “Why she was so fixated on you, love," Ares said taking her hand, "And why she defended the cult you grew up so adamantly. She grew up in it.”

Mal nodded. “My thoughts exactly.”

Gabriel groaned. "As if my workload wasn't enough."

“Sorry.” Mal mumbled sheepishly.

Ares glared a little, that was a habit he was trying to break her of. He himself was guilty of it as well in his lives. Here, however, he quickly rid himself of it, and he would do the same for Mal.

“Not your fault.” Gabriel said as he resurfaced. “I just can’t believe things got this bad.”

“Has this ever happened before?” Mal asked.

Gabriel shook his head.

“That might be why then.” Mal said softly. “Nothing can remain perfect forever. There are bound to be people who disagree.”

Gabriel nodded. “A good point.”

“Change of topic?” Mal asked raising her hand.

“Please!” Gabriel begged.

“Why do you have an infirmary here?”

Ares looked at her surprised, he honestly never thought to ask that, and was also quite curious as to the answer.

“The infirmary is for cases such as that.” Gabriel said with a wave of his hand, indicating the situation with Rida. “As well as other injuries and such.” He smiled at her, “We’re not immortal, we do get injured as well. It can also be for souls who come back damaged or hurt. If they’re in pieces they have to be sent to the special artisans who piece back together souls.”

Mal stared wide-eyed. "I wasn't aware that was a thing."

Gabriel nodded. “Didn’t you ever come back feeling bruised or sore?”

Mal nodded, “A pink winged angel came in a took care of me before Rida could send me back. Even when I signed the contract, it wouldn’t take while I was in that state.”

“That would be why.” Gabriel growled. “A soul cannot be sent back damaged. A decree God made about two thousand years ago when souls were sent back to mortal realm damaged only to come back in pieces or not at all because they fell apart and couldn't be fixed." He sighed. "In any case, yes there is an infirmary, and it's run by the cherubs. They used to be the choir or messenger angels, such things are more or less not really needed nowadays. So they built the infirmary so they could have a useful job instead of sitting around doing nothing. Now they work as healers, and they take great pride in their work.”

“The one who healed me did and tried to take me away from Rida.” Mal remembered, “But Rida smacked her and chased her away.”

Gabriel sighed. “That’s what started the others not liking her. It was shortly after that that Michael and I asked for angels to observe her. It wasn’t the final straw of her actions that led to it, but it was among the last.”

“Her wings were coming in gray.” Ares commented looking at Gabriel quizzically. “I’ve never seen that to be honest.”

"Gray wings are unaligned, most usually student angels." Gabriel explained tapping his fingers on his desk absentmindedly. "It’s the state of which most fledglings find themselves when they can’t decide where they want to go, or their state of being can’t decide between black wings or white.”

“What’s the difference?” Mal asked.

Gabriel smiled. “Their way of thinking. White wings use logic and a little emotion, black wings use emotion and very little logic.”

“Ah.” Mal said with a nod. “Regardless, that change in color is not going to go over well with Rida, much less her backer.”

“No,” Gabriel mused, wondering how much what she just said was a premonition, and how much was simple deductive reasoning. He decided to keep an eye out just in case. He looked down at the mock contract and took a deep breath. “Moving on to more important matters, I’ll have the final draft finished within a day or two. I’ll work on it myself with the Arch Angel Raphael who heads the Records department, so whoever is helping Rida in Records can’t get their hands on this and make unknown changes to it.”

Mal looked at Gabriel shocked, “Wait, this is a serious contract? Not a fake one like what Rida gave me?”

Ares was a little hurt that Mal hadn’t realized this before. “Did you think that test life was just to benefit their curiosity and send me back alone?” Before she could answer him, he continued. “Of course, this is real Mal. Gabriel isn’t one to joke, and even if it had been one at Rida’s expense this place won’t allow us to lie, so it wouldn’t have had the same meaning and Rida would have known it was a fake.”

Mal looked between the two in shock, tears once again in her eyes. “I thought it was.” She said softly. “I thought you would have to go back alone since I’m not of that world.”

“If this were about two thousand years ago, I would have said that would have been the case.” Gabriel said softly. “However, we’ve started shifting souls around in the afterlife to go to other worlds to keep them from stagnating.” He pointed to the ceiling, “God made us after she told us that would happen if we didn’t. Michael was reluctant, and it took a, well, rather tragic turn of events to make him see reason.” He smiled softly at Mal. “Don’t worry, you’ll learn about the afterlife while you’re under my care.”

He sat back and fixed her with a patient look. “Now that you know the truth, do you want the chance to back out?”

Mal looked at Ares, “Do you want me?”

"With all of my heart and soul, even before that life, we lived together." He said in a soft voice, but his conviction firm. “Having lived that life I’m not afraid to voice my opinion on the matter and what I feel now.”

Mal got up and curled up in his embrace. “I feel the same.”

Gabriel smiled at the couple and let them have their moment. “Now that that’s settled, how about I take you to where you’ll be staying for a while, hm?”

The couple stood and followed Gabriel to the newly reformed door. Instead of going out into the hallway, it opened up on a flat piece of earth that was several miles across in all directions, floating in the middle of the cosmos Mal had seen outside the office window.

“This,” Gabriel grinned, “is Pottermore. I thought it best that you two get acquainted with it while you’re here so you can feel at home once you go to it in the mortal realm.” He grinned at the souls exiting the castle. “And I thought you would appreciate the company.”

Harry saw the crowd headed their way and grinned. “Mum! Dad! Sirius! Remus!”

He rushed forward to embrace them all while Mal followed slowly behind Gabriel who walked at a more sedate pace.

Along with the four aforementioned adults, there were Tonks and Ares's paternal grandparents who introduced themselves as Fleamont and Euphemia Potter/ Pendragon. Who insisted on being called Monty and Mia respectively.

Mal stayed far away when Ares turned to look for her, he saw her some distance away and the crowd walked toward her.

“What’s wrong?” He asked softly taking her hands.

She sniffed back tears. “I’m a little embarrassed.” She whispered.

“Why?”

“Because everyone here is basically royalty and I’m a stripper.” She whimpered.

Lily, was the one who stepped forward, gently pushed Ares aside and gathered Mal in her arms. “We saw. We know. We’ve been here watching everything since you came into contact with my son.”

Mal stiffened in horror, which had Mia and Tonks also come and join in on the hug.

“As you spoke of your life, we saw everything.” Lily explained. “We know what you were put through, and we know you did what you had to do to take care of yourself.”

"And you were damn good at it!" Tonks grinned at Mal pulling back. "I swear if I go back with my memories, I'm asking you to teach me to dance."

Remus looked at Tonks shocked. “Excuse me?”

She grinned at him. “Gotta tease you somehow.”

Remus reddened. “Oh Merlin, help me.”

Lily and Mia pulled back as well and smiled at Mal who had tears running down her cheeks in shock, relief, and joy.

“No one here thinks less of you, dear.” Lily assured her.

James grinned. “I’m proud of my son for bagging such sexy woman.”

“Oi!” Ares snapped. “Hands off!”

James raised his hands, “I’ve got my own spitfire and I’m quite happy with her.”

Mia patted Mal's cheek, "I have a distant relative who was a Veela daughter. Back when there were a male and the Veela traits could diminish over time. They are very sexual beings, and being a stripper is the least of what they do, and they do that for fun!" She grinned at Mal and said wholeheartedly. "Enough of this nonsense now my dear, you’re my grandson’s wife, and you’re family. No one will put you down here.”

Mal breaks down. Embarrassed, and overwhelmed by the sheer acceptance and love that was coming off of everyone in waves crashing into her heart leaving no room for doubt. Not even in the life she lived with Ares, had this level of sheer positivity and acceptance surrounded her. There was little else to do but welcome it.

Ares grinned, he could see then that whatever doubts she had about herself, whatever fear she still carried from having to work as a stripper, was gone. It was in the past, and they had their future to look forward to.

“What do you say we take this inside?” Sirius asked with a grin. “I think we can use a rest.”

Monty nodded. “I agree son, let’s continue this tomorrow.” He nodded at Gabriel, “With your permission.”

Gabriel nodded and grinned at the Mal and Ares. “Go rest, get to know your family. I’ll be back soon with the finished contract and more things we need to go over.”

Mal and Ares went into the castle with the others. While she wanted to explore the place, they all headed upstairs and Monty and Mia pointed to a room where the two could sleep as the others all went to their bedrooms they had been occupying before. Stripping down once more, they fell asleep. This time, they were not dragged off to live another life. This time, their souls did manage to get the rest that they needed.