Lust for Death

“There were once three brothers who were traveling along a lonely, winding road at twilight. In time, the brothers reached a river too treacherous to pass. But being learned in the magical arts the three brothers simple waved their wands and made a bridge.
“Before they could cross, however they found their path blocked by a hooded figure. It was Death, and he felt cheated. Cheated because travelers would normally drown in the river. But Death was cunning.
“He pretended to congratulate the three brothers on their magic and said that each had earned a prize for having clever enough to evade him. The oldest asked for a wand more powerful than any in existence. So Death fashioned him one from an elder tree that stood nearby.
“The second brother decided he wanted to humiliate Death even further and asked for the power to recall loved ones from the grave. So Death plucked a stone from the river and offered it to him.
“Finally, Death turned to the third brother. A humble man he asked for something that would allow him to go forth from that place without being followed by Death. And so it was that Death reluctantly handed over his own Cloak of Invisibility.
“The first brother traveled to a distant village where, with the Elder Wand in hand he killed a wizard with whom he had once quarreled. Drunk with the power that the Elder Wand had given him he bragged of his invincibility. But that night, another wizard stole the wand and slit the brother’s throat for good measure. And so Death took the first brother for his own.
“The second brother journeyed to his home where he took the stone and turned it thrice in hand. To his delight, the girl he’d once hoped to marry before her untimely death appeared before him. Yet, soon she turned sad and cold for she did not belong in the mortal world. Driven mad with hopeless longing the second brother killed himself so as to join her. And so Death took the second brother.
“As for the third brother Death searched for many years but was never able to find him. Only when he attained a great age did the youngest brother shed the Cloak of Invisibility and give it to his son. He then greeted Death as an old friend and went with him gladly departing this life as equals.” Hermione told the tale.

“So there you are. Those are the Deathly Hallows.” Xenophilius spoke looking out the window,
“I’m sorry, sir. I still don’t quite understand.” Harry spoke, Xenophilius walked off and found a piece of paper to draw on. He then drew a line straight down, as we all watched. “The Elder Wand. The most powerful wand ever made.” Xenophilius spoke then drew a circle. “The Resurrection Stone.” Xenophilius spoke, as he finally drew the triangle,
“That’s the Cloak of Invisibility, right?” I asked,
“Yes. Together, they make the Deathly Hallows. Together, they make one master of Death.” Xenophilius explained as I held onto Harry’s arm.

“That mark was on a grave in Godric’s Hollow. Uh, Mr. Lovegood, does the Peverell Family have anything to do with the Deathly Hallows?” Hermione asked,
“Uh-- Uh-- Ignotus-- Excuse me. --And his brothers Cadmus and Antioch are thought to be the original owners of the Hallows and therefore the inspiration for the story. Uh-- Uh-- But your tea’s gone cold. I’ll be right back.” Xenophilius walked passed us and checked the pot, I tugged on Harry’s arm gentle as he went downstairs,
“Something is bothering him.” I whispered weakly as Harry held my hand and put his arm around me.

“Let’s get out of here. I’m not drinking any more of that stuff, hot or cold.” Ron spoke and picked up his bag, Harry picked up his and helped me downstairs as Hermione spoke to Xenophilius.

“Thank you, sir.” Hermione spoke,
“You forgot the water.” Ron spoke,
“Water?” Xenophilius asked in confusion,
“For the tea.” Ron replied,
“Did--? Did I?” Xenophilius laughed and walked off as I stopped halfway with Harry stopping in front of me. “How silly of me.” Xenophilius laughed as Harry helped me down the last few steps,
“It’s no matter. We really should be going anyway.” Hermione spoke,
“No, you can’t!” Xenophilius yelled suddenly and walked to his door.

I gripped Harry’s arm,
“Sir?” Harry asked as Xenophilius turned around toward us.

“You’re my only hope. They were angry, you see, about what I’d been writing. So they took her. They took my Luna. My Luna.” Xenophilius explained stepping forward, he pushed Harry’s hair aside to see his scar. “But it’s really you they want.” Xenophilius spoke,
“Who took her, sir?” Harry asked, Xenophilius stared at Harry for a few moments then spoke.

“Voldemort.”