Quick disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Katekyo Hitman Reborn

Chapter 1 – Death's Waiting Room

Xanxus was dead. He knew he was. So why the fuck was he in a train station?

"Xanxus of the Vongola, Boss of the Varia."

Xanxus spun around at the sound of the deep ominous voice to see a tall figure – easily at least seven feet tall – draped in a flowing black robes, its face hidden by a deep hood, and carrying a scythe.

"Who's asking?" He demanded. Between the stereotype and the fact he was dead he had a good idea who the figure was, but he wanted confirmation.

"Death." The figure replied. Suspicion confirmed.

"Where the fuck am I?" That was the most urgent question. The existence of Flames confirmed the existence of the soul, and therefore leant quite a lot of weight to the belief that there was somewhere the soul went after death, but the scriptures only mentioned Heaven and Hell – the latter of which he had been half expecting – not a train station.

"The doorstep of the Afterlife; the waiting room, if you will. The trains will take you Onward, should you wish to go. Not all do," the being calling itself Death explained. A skeletal hand emerged from the robe and gestured to Xanxus. "Follow me."

After a moment's hesitation, Xanxus did. It wasn't like there was much else to do. "Where are you taking me?" he asked curiously.

Death looked back over its – his? The voice sounded male – shoulder. "To meet someone."

Xanxus hummed in acknowledgement, his mind already beginning to mull over the implications. Who would be waiting here for him? His mother? Nonna? No, they had likely gone on ahead. His Guardians? The memories of his death were a bit fuzzy, so he didn't know if they would be here or not. Then again, Flame bonds were essentially soul bonds, so they likely would have come and found him had they also died.

Death stopped in front of a door and opened it, gesturing for Xanxus to precede him into the room. Inside was desk and four chairs, two on either side, one of which was occupied. The chair's occupant was a young woman with unruly red-black hair in a messy ponytail, thick framed glasses, and the most vivid green eyes Xanxus had ever seen on anyone not using Lightning Flames. She wasn't anyone he recognised. Death closed the door behind him and took a seat opposite the girl. Xanxus took the seat next to her.

"Hello. I'm Amaryllis. What's your name?" The woman introduced herself.

"Xanxus." He replied.

"Nice to meet you, Xanxus. Are we waiting on anyone else?" Amaryllis asked Death. She didn't seem to be the least bit perturbed by the situation.

Death nodded, "Just one more. They should be here soon."

As though summoned by his words, the office door opened once more and a beautiful woman with golden hair and angel wings on her back entered. "Sorry I'm late," the woman said, taking the chair next to Death.

"And you are?" Amaryllis asked curiously.

The woman smiled. "I'm Fate. Nice to meet you."

Amaryllis stood up and punched Fate in the face.

To say Amy Potter was upset was an understatement. She had good reason to be; finding yourself in Death's waiting room for the second time in less than two hours after being cursed in the back while duelling your prophecy-appointed nemesis would make anyone upset. Finding herself face to face with the being responsible for said prophecy, and therefore the effect it had on her life, had destroyed the last of her iron self-control.

"I've been wanting to do that for years." She said, a tight satisfied smirk on her face. Fate gently touched her nose, seemingly checking for breaks.

"You punched me!" the personification complained. Amy had no sympathy.

"If you hadn't given out that prophecy that ruined my life then I wouldn't have punched you." The witch replied, sitting herself back down. Death and Xanxus just watched, enjoying the show.

"Nice punch." The red-eyed man complimented her.

"Thank you," she replied as Fate finally determined her nose was not broken and settled back down again. "Now, would you two be so kind as to explain why we're here? I was rather looking forward to meeting my parents and seeing Sirius and Remus again."

Death nodded. "You are here because you, Amaryllis Potter, have not completed your fated task of defeating the Dark Lord Voldemort."

"Gee, I wonder why? It wasn't like I had training or anything. Or any real support," she said sarcastically, shooting a venomous glare at Fate. "For God's sake, I was an abused, barely trained teenager, working off half-truths and riddles, trying to defeat a Dark Lord more than seventy years my senior with no actual bloody help!" Amy knew she was ranting, but she was past caring. She was very definitely dead this time, she could say what she wanted.

"Because you failed to complete your task, through no fault of your own, we are going to send you back to relive your life. However, you will not be going alone," Death said as Amy began to growl.

"What?"

"A large part of why you failed was because you had no one to rely on and trust. That's where Xanxus here comes in." Fate explained, turning to the man in question. "You also suffered much in your life and died with many regrets. If you accept our offer, you will have the opportunity to put things right."

"And what is your offer?" Xanxus asked, eyes narrowed suspiciously. Amy didn't blame him for being cautious; Fate was known for being fickle.

"You will be reborn as Alexander and Amaryllis Potter, twin children of James and Lily Potter. The prophecy will still be in effect – don't look at me like that, there's no other way to stop Riddle," Fate said as Amy glared at her in a manner reminiscent of Slytherin's basilisk. "To sweeten the deal, you will both possess the abilities of Magic and Dying Will Flames, and your memories will return when one of you activates your Flames."

Amy shared a look with Xanxus before turning back to the two beings sat opposite. "Can we have some time to discuss this in private?"

Death nodded, "Of course." He rose, pulling Fate along with him, and exited the room, leaving the two human souls alone.