A Brave New World

Prologue

Harriet "Harry" Potter looked around solemnly at the destruction surrounding her, black flames burned nearly everything as far as her eyes could see. She was in an unplottable location near the Amazon forest. She had her phoenix feather wand in one hand and a small pouch hung from the waist belt of her dragon hide uniform.

"Expecto Patronum!" A regal phoenix emerged from her wand. "Mission accomplished." Harry relayed to her Phoenix. "To the big boss, Nix." The phoenix dematerialised leaving a trail of blue as it disappeared.

Harry transformed into her animagus form- a majestic jet black phoenix with intelligent emerald eyes. She flew up and watched on till the flames died down to reveal a huge crater in the place of what used to be a mysterious tomb. One which Harry had just examined, excavated to scour the place for anything of interest and value.

Harry, who would be turning twenty six in a day, worked as an independent curse-breaker for the Ministry. She had joined the auror corps after the 'Battle of Hogwarts' nearly a decade ago, but quickly lost interest in fighting battles she wanted no part in. She still wanted to help others and her 'hero complex' as Hermione always called it was still strong, however, she was exhausted. No matter how hard she tried, there was no changing the world, much less save it.

The crimes never ended. Even with Voldemort gone, the peace was short lived. Another rogue, uncaptured death eater had taken his place. He too was defeated in a few months, but the damage was done- muggles and muggleborns along with a few aurors became casualties. There were thieves, serial killers, abusers, rapists and so many other evil-doers; Harry couldn't save everyone.

There was no changing the world. The world didn't want to be saved. Peace was short-lived, even that always came at a heavy price.

Balance. For every positive thing in the world, exists something bad. Harry had learned that lesson the hard way- many times over.

Harry was just about to teleport when a voice rang behind her. "Wait!"

A strange orange portal opened and a tall aristocratic man, wearing a long red cloak seeped in magic stepped through.

"Are you the Master of Death?" The strange man enquired looking straight at Harry.

Harry ignored him but she was scared. She had no backup and this man had addressed her by the title no one except Hermione, Ron and Dumbledore (possibly) even knew of. She flew a bit further but he followed her by flying towards her. The man was powerful, Harry noticed, as he was capable of unsupported flight in human form.

"Please hear me out." The man said pleadingly. "I am the Sorcerer Supreme of a different dimension. If you're the Master of Death, I require a favour from you. It is of utmost importance." 

Harry examined the man closely. He looked weary and worn. He looked to be healing from a big fight if the gashes on his cheeks bones, highlighting how prominent and angled his jaws were really, looked fresh. He looked earnest and desperate.

Something resounded within Harry and she decided to listen to his story. She transformed back to her human form after landing on the ground with the Sorcerer following.

"What do you require from the Master of Death?" Harry enquired with a quirked eyebrow.

"Uh, I suppose Mistress of Death would be more appropriate." He looked surprised.

"I'm Harry." Harry supplied amused.

"Strange." The man said casually and Harry frowned preparing tell him off for insulting her but he must have sensed it. "My name is Doctor Strange."

Harry slightly blushed realising her mistake and smiled apologetically. "And what brings you here, Dr. Strange? Are you a doctor or a sorcerer?"

"Both actually." Strange replied. "I am in search of the Master, or rather, the Mistress of Death as the world I come from has lost its best defender."