Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

Back in the Common Room, all the students were talking about Harry dueling Professor Snape and asking where he learned those things. It wasn't until Ginny yelled that she'd hex the next person who bothered him that Harry had any peace and quiet. He was quietly studying his Potions text when Hermione stood and announced, "I'm turning in early tonight." Harry saw the worried look on Ron's face as she kissed his cheek and then said, "Ginny can you help me with something up in the dorm?" Ginny quickly agreed and followed her up.

Ron and Harry sat in uncomfortable silence for many minutes. Harry finally decided to just go to bed but as he stood up Ron said, "Listen Harry..." Harry stopped. "You know... I just don't know what gets into me sometimes..." Now Harry turned to look at his friend. "I just go off the edge where Hermione's concerned."

"Hermione didn't have anything to do with the D.A. meeting earlier," Harry pointed out, reminding Ron of how he acted.

"But that was Ginny!" he exclaimed. "She was going to take on a seventh year Slytherin."

"And she did great," Harry replied.

"Listen Harry you just don't know how it is."

"Yeah, sorry Ron I don't have a girlfriend or a family so I can't understand how hard things are for you," Harry snapped and saw on Ron's face that his friend regretted saying anything.

"Bloody hell," Ron said sounding exasperated. "Why don't you just come to the Burrow? It'll make Her...ah...everybody happy."

It hit Harry what this was really about. "Hermione's making you say this isn't she?"

Ron fidgeted a bit and softly admitted, "She's not coming unless you do."

Harry felt a bit of happiness that Hermione would say that but even more irritation since that is what it took for Ron to ask. "Well Merlin forbid you should be away from your girlfriend. Tell her I'll be there."

"Thanks Harry," Ron said, and Harry could tell he meant it but silently wondered if things would ever be near the same anymore. Without another word he continued up to bed.

Dodging all the questions about the duel the next day was harder than Harry expected. It seemed the story grew and grew throughout the day and by supper; Harry had supposedly conjured Golems and could have easily beaten Voldemort and all his Death Eaters single-handedly.

When Harry found Kari sitting in the corner near the Room of Requirement she stood, grinned and said, "So You-Know-Who's got no chance huh?"

"Stuff it Boslav," Harry said, leading her into the room.

Quickly the two got to work on the final mixture of the potion and while it was simmering she said, "You're still holding out on me. None of those things came up in our little lessons."

Harry smiled and said, "I can't just give everything away now can I?"

Kari studied him and nodded, "That's very Slytherin of you, know that?" All she got was a sly smile in return. "Got your issues with Weasley worked out? You'll be there right?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I'll be there. I feel like I'm using them though."

"They invited you," she quickly said. "They want you there."

"But they don't know what I'm going to do. They'll be so mad," he said.

"Not if we do it right," she said. "No one has to know. We're in and out in a couple hours. You've got something for the guard, right?"

"Yeah, the Weasley twins gave me some Sleeping Snacks. I've already got them wrapped. We just need an owl to deliver them, and then we walk in," he said thinking.

"Without us being seen," she added with a questioning look.

"That's the easy part," he said without explaining.

The timer had just gone off so they ladled some potion into two vials and sealed them. "That's it," she announced. "Remember, there will only be one guard from 11 until around 3 in the morning. I'll meet you at midnight. That should get us there by 12:15 or so...ten minutes to get into the room...few minutes going over everything...twenty minutes inside...twenty to get back...back home in under two hours."

She had a very worried look on her face but Harry confidently said, "No problem, we can do this."

She nodded and said, "See, that's your part in this. Midnight...Don't be late."

"I'll be there," Harry said as they left the room.

Harry was just about to the Common Room when he was startled by a voice from the shadows, "Would you mind taking a walk with me Harry?" Turning, Harry saw Professor Dumbledore seeming to just appear from the shadows in front of him.

After the initial shock of seeing the man appear from seemingly out of nowhere Harry said, "Of course sir."

The two had just rounded the corner when Professor Dumbledore said, "It was a very impressive performance but you know of course that you gave away considerable information during the duel.

"I know," Harry said sighing. "I just couldn't give up. Snape had to know that."

"Professor Snape, Harry. And I don't disagree with your actions, it may just make things more difficult in the future," the Headmaster said. "Do not worry about the ramifications of the demonstration. I have already spoken to Professor Snape." Harry instantly wished he could have heard that conversation. "That was a very interesting shield you used."

Harry new instantly which one the Headmaster was referring to and he said, "I think about how you dueled him that night all the time. I'd never seen anything like it before. That was the only shield he used to block your spells."

"Indeed it was Harry," Professor Dumbledore said as the two reached the end of the hall. "As effective as it was, it will no doubt give Tom more to ponder about your connection to him."

Harry dropped his head and said, "I know sir. I should have thought about it."

"Maybe," Dumbledore said. "I believe it will also give him pause when he considers attacking you again. It is a most advanced shield. I do not believe any other than Tom and Salazar himself have produced it."

After thinking about this, Harry asked, "Does this make me more like him?"

"It makes you nothing like him," the Headmaster firmly said, leading Harry back towards the common room. "That shield is nothing more than a shield. I'm sure Tom will ponder the meaning behind it for quite some time but it is just another tool you have in your belt. Don't consider it for another minute."

After a few steps in silence, Harry said, "Thank you sir."

"I don't know exactly how you learned all those spells Harry," the Headmaster said without slowing his walk, "but you have obviously been dividing your time between very worthwhile endeavors. Please don't shut others out in your pursuit of knowledge."

By the time Harry considered this comment, the two were in front of the Common Room and after a quick good-bye, the Headmaster disappeared down the hall.

During the train ride back to London, Harry didn't say much, worrying about what he was going to do in a few days took all of his thoughts. Ginny was only able to draw him into a conversation a few times but as soon as Ron joined the discussion, Harry shut himself off. If he had paid attention, he could see how this was affecting the other boy and maybe would have tried harder to patch things up but since his concentration was on something else entirely, the opportunities were missed.

Upon exiting the train, Mrs. Weasley pulled him into a tight hug just as soon as she let Ginny go. "Harry dear," she said, "So glad you agreed to come. It wouldn't be Christmas without you."

Harry felt the stab of guilt but said, "Thanks for having me Mrs. Weasley." Ron had just returned from saying goodbye to Hermione and saved Harry from any more comments from his mom. The ride to the Burrow was fairly quiet as well. Harry would only give short answers to any question and Ginny was too worried about him to say much.

"Harry dear," Mrs. Weasley said after arriving at the Burrow. "Take your things on up to the bedroom." Harry paused as soon as he rounded the corner of the stairs and as he expected he heard Mrs.Weasley ask, "He's not getting any better is he?" When no response came Harry continued up the stairs, not wanting to feel even guiltier about what his actions were going to do to her if he got caught.

The next two days passed dreadfully slow for Harry. He was worried about what he and Kari were going to do. At least the forced time together got Ron and him talking a little bit. It was still a very strained relationship but seemed as if had regained some hope of recovery.

Early afternoon Harry noticed Ron pacing in front of the fireplace and before it sunk in what he was doing, a soft voice said, "He can't wait for Hermione to get here." Ginny gave a slight chuckle just behind Harry. Not a moment later, there was a flash of green and Hermione stepped out of the fireplace with her trunk in tow.

"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, giving her a hug. "You finally made it."

The girl stepped back and said, "Ron I told you what time I was coming. In fact I'm a bit early."

"Well it's a good thing you came when you did," Ginny said with a mischievous grin, as she stepped forward, "Otherwise the floor would be ruined from all his pacing."

Harry chuckled as Ron's ears turned bright pink.

For the next few hours it seemed to Harry like things were getting back to normal between the friends. Ron was in a great mood and Hermione never brought up any sensitive subjects.

Harry grew more and more distracted as the night wore on. He was beginning to worry about how long Ron and Hermione would stay up when Mrs. Weasley poked her head into the living room and said, "Ok you lot up to bed. I'm not going to wake you in the morning to open presents if you oversleep."

Ron started to protest but Hermione said, "That's a good idea. I was up early this morning opening presents with my family." She turned to Ron and asked, "Walk me up?" Ron blushed a bit but quickly stood and followed her up stairs.

"Suppose I should give them a few minutes," Harry said, as he watched them go.

"Or you could sneak up and watch," Ginny added, and then chuckled at the horrified look on Harry's face. "I guess not," she playfully added. After a moment of silence she said, "See Harry it was good you came. Nothing has gone wrong."

Harry nodded a bit but then said, "There're still a few days left. Just remember your promise."

She shook her head and said, "You worry too much. I think we've given them enough time, let's head up."

When Harry entered the bedroom, he saw Ron was just getting into bed and still had a large smile plastered to his face. Harry was truly happy for his friend. Arranging the things he would need in his trunk, Harry got into bed and hoped Ron would sleep soundly. He was surprised by his friend saying, "Goodnight Harry. I'm glad you came."

Harry hadn't been expecting this but it both lifted his feelings and made him feel even more guilty. He kept his emotions in check and answered, "I'm glad I came as well. Goodnight."

After what seemed like forever, Ron's familiar snoring filled the room and Harry quietly got up and opened his trunk. After dressing, he retrieved the Sleeping Snacks and his cloak before slipping out the door. Stepping softly and being careful to miss the squeaky steps, Harry paused to make sure there were no voices coming from downstairs. Satisfied that no one was up, he reached the bottom and was just about to turn toward the fireplace when he heard, "Going somewhere Harry?"

With a quick spin, Harry turned to see Bill Weasley setting in a chair in the corner. Harry's mind was spinning, trying to figure out how to get out of this and to continue with the plan. "Um...Well.... I was just thirsty," he said, and instantly realized how pathetic that excuse was.

"Thirsty, huh?" Bill said, standing up. Harry now noticed that the elder Weasley brother was fully dressed. "Kind of over dressed for a quick water run," Bill added, surveying him closely.

"How come you came so late?" Harry asked, still trying to think of some way to save the situation.

"Back for Christmas," Bill said, still obviously not believing Harry's story. "This must be the first time you've gotten thirsty since one of us has been around every night."

'Damn,' Harry thought. He hadn't considered that an Order member would be around but it made sense with all of the kids back.

"So," Bill calmly said, getting Harry's attention, "are you sticking with the water story or do you want to talk about what you were really going to do?"

Harry made up his mind and said, "Actually I'm not feeling very thirsty anymore. I'll just go back to bed." Turning he went up a few steps before stopping and saying, "Bill. I hope you know that I'd never do anything to intentionally hurt any of you Weasleys."

Harry heard the confusion and concern in Bill's voice as he started to say, "Harry. What's...."

That was as far as the man got because Harry quickly spun around, wand in hand and muttered 'Stupefy!' causing Bill to fall in a heap on the ground. Harry went to the now unconscious man, took his want and sat it on the kitchen table before saying "Sorry Bill but I need to be somewhere." Harry stepped to the fireplace, pulled his hood up around his head, threw in a pinch of powder and said, "Diagon Alley" as he silently prayed that he hadn't woken anyone else up.

When Harry stumbled out of the fireplace in the Leakey Cauldron, he quickly made sure his features were still covered by his cloak as he scanned the odd patrons for any sign of Kari. Just as he was getting worried, someone grabbed his arm and hissed, "You're late!"

"Sorry," Harry said, relieved that it was the Slytherin. "I had a problem getting away."

"We're behind schedule, we need to go," she said, but Harry stopped her.

"Wait, we need an owl," he informed her, as he stepped up to the bar, trying to look older and larger than he really was. "How much to use an owl?" Harry asked in a clearly fake voice.

Tom, the barkeep eyed him closely and said, "5 knuts if she's back tonight, 10 if it's longer." Harry quickly pushed 5 knuts on the bar and took the large, ragged looking owl down from her perch before he and Kari stepped out into Muggle London.

"How are we getting there Harry," Kari asked, after they were a block away.

"We'll take a taxi," Harry confidently said, as he tied the package to the owl. "Take this to the guard at the Ministry of Magic please. And hurry," he added, as he tossed the owl into the air. "I hope she beats us there," he softly said.

The next block was a more traveled street and the two were able to get a taxi without much trouble. The driver eyed them suspiciously since they both had their hoods up, covering their faces but when Harry gave the address and pushed well over the fare into the man's hand, he turned around and drove in silence. Kari and Harry were too nervous to say anything either and both just stood on the corner after the taxi driver let them out and watched the car drive away.

"Ok, last chance. Are you sure about this?" Kari asked, which didn't make Harry feel better.

"What?" Harry exclaimed. "I just stunned one of the Weasleys to get here. Of course I'm sure."

Kari couldn't hide her surprise at that statement. The two stepped into the phone booth and after dialing the number, Harry said, "Harry Potter and...good friend...I'm here to talk to my Godfather." Harry had forgotten about this part and hadn't planned any good lie. After a moment that was much longer than the last time he was here, two badges were spat out.

Harry Potter : Talking to the dead

Friend : Witness

Harry was stunned by the description but pocketed both badges quickly. "What if the guard isn't out and sees us?" Kari questioned, but Harry had already pulled something out of his pocket. "That's....an invisibility cloak!" Kari said with an amazed expression on her face.

Harry didn't say anything as he threw the cloak over them both. They huddled together as the lift finally stopped and the doors opened. They didn't move for a second until Harry slowly pulled her out just before the lift started back up. Glancing towards the guard desk, Harry breathed a big sigh of relief as the large man was face down on the desk with what looked like half of the candy missing from the package.

Still under the cloak, Harry quickly made his way to the room with rotating doors. "Show me the Death Chamber," he said with a catch in his voice that the thought of the room caused. The doors rotated but quickly stopped. They opened the door straight ahead and quickly stepped through. Harry concentrated and put the strongest locking charm he could on the door before pulling the invisibility cloak off.

The two just stood there for a minute, looking down at the veil sitting alone in the middle of the room. Harry felt very warm and shrugged off his winter cloak that had concealed his features so well then noticed that Kari had done the same. Taking a step, he turned to see Kari looking very worried and not moving. He gave her a slight look and held out his hand for her to take. She took it and they walked down to the level of the veil.

The voices immediately became audible to Harry who strained to hear them. When he saw Kari looking at him questioningly, he asked, "Can't you hear them? The voices?"

She shook her head and said, "I can't hear anything from it." The girl looked very worried and said, "I don't know if I can do this." Kari started backing away from the veil slowly.

"Kari we've got to hurry," Harry said, now worried about her hesitation. Trying to hold his nerves in check and knowing there was no turning back, he added, "If you don't want to go, that's ok. I'm going." He saw the fear on her face and said, "Listen, I'll be fine. Give me the potion and necklace, I'm going in."

"I don't know," Kari said seeming very confused.

"I didn't come this far to give up!" Harry firmly exclaimed, snapping Kari into attention.

"Right," she said, fumbling to retrieve one vial of potion and then to take the necklace off. She was about to drop both items into Harry's hand when she firmly grabbed it and said, "I don't want anything to happen to you. These past months...well...I've gotten used to you being around."

Harry squeezed her hand, smiled a genuine smile and said, "I agree. It's been great being around you. I'll come back. I promise."

Harry put on the necklace and was about to take the potion when she said; "Call for Skylar. Tell him I miss him." Harry smiled, nodded and then downed the potion in one quick gulp. Instantly, he began to feel cold and with a final deep breath, he stepped into veil which fluttered by an unseen wind and then when Harry was completely through, hung as still as before. Kari had a sudden revelation, something had just become more important than her constant thoughts about her brother; Harry coming back safely.

At the Burrow, Ginny tossed and turned with a nagging feeling that wouldn't leave. She had woken up and now couldn't get back to sleep. Deciding that some warm milk may ease her unease, she softly got up and left the room taking care not to wake Hermione on her way out. Pausing outside of her brother's room, she was relieved to hear Ron snoring away like normal. 'Maybe nothing's wrong after all,' she thought, as she continued down the stairs. Once she stepped off the bottom stair, her optimistic thoughts vanished as she saw a body lying on the floor in front of her.

A shriek, followed by the cry of "Bill!" were the first things out of her mouth. She then started yelling "Mum! Dad!" as she bent down and realized the Bill was still breathing. She called out again for her parents just as her father came charging down the stairs followed closely by her mother.

"My dear lord!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, as she clapped her hand over her mouth.

"He's just stunned," Arthur said, as he stood up and was about to cast a spell when Hermione gasped and then Ron said, "What the hell happened?"

"Eneverate," Mr. Weasley said, and Bill slowly came out of his stunned state and shook his head.

"My boy," Mrs. Weasley said, hugging the still confused man. Ginny joined her mother in the hug.

"What happened to him?" Ron demanded.

"Yes Bill, what happened?" Arthur questioned, as Bill sat on the arm of the couch and tried to clear his head.

"I was talking to Harry when...." Bill said, and then trailed off.

"Where is Harry?" Hermione demanded, as everyone turned to Ron.

"He wasn't in the room when I came out," Ron said, and then looked at Bill.

"Bloody Hell," Bill exclaimed standing up, "The little bugger stunned me!"

"What?" the other voices in the room rang out.

"He came down fully dressed with his winter cloak and when I said something, he got really nervous and said he was just thirsty," Bill shook his head and looked really mad. "I didn't push him about it and when he started back upstairs, he said something about never intentionally hurting a Weasley and then he stunned me."

Arthur eyed his son closely and saw Bill give a nod so he went to the fireplace and said, "Headmaster Dumbledore!"

It was only a few seconds before the head of Professor Dumbledore came to the fire, "Arthur. What can I do for you at this hour?"

"It's Harry sir," Arthur said, and the others saw the instant change in the Headmaster. "He's gone."

"Taken?" Dumbledore questioned.

"No sir, he left," Arthur said, and felt the drop in the pit of his stomach.

"I'll be there directly," Dumbledore said just before he vanished.

"Did he say anything to any of you?" Arthur quickly asked the children.

They all shook their heads looking at each other, hoping for any sign that someone knew where Harry may have gone. "I knew he wasn't doing well," Molly said, as she began to cry.

"Now mum," Bill said, comforting the woman. "He seemed ok when he came down. Maybe he just went out for a bit."

"Right," Ron sarcastically said. "Harry doesn't 'go out for a bit'. And even if he did, he wouldn't stun you to get out."

Just then there were some 'pops' and three people appeared in the living room. Tonks, Remus Lupin and Headmaster Dumbledore all appeared with very worried expressions. "Could you please tell me exactly what happened? Don't leave out any detail," Dumbledore calmly asked.

Bill recalled the events with more detail now that his head was clearer and then Ginny added how she found her brother. Professor Dumbledore got up, moved to the fireplace before muttering a charm. The ghostly figure of Harry Potter showed up and they heard him say 'Diagon Alley' before vanishing.

"I'll see if Tom noticed him come through," Dumbledore said before vanishing.

"Yeah, I want to be here when you bring him back," Bill menacingly said.

"Let us help!" Ron exclaimed.

"You are not leaving this house if I have to guard the fireplace myself," Molly roared.

It only took a couple minutes before Professor Dumbledore came back. "Well?" Ron quickly questioned.

"Tom saw someone about Harry's build come through the fire around midnight," Dumbledore paused and saw Bill nod his head. "He met up with another cloaked figure and they rented a delivery owl before exiting into Muggle London." The Headmaster studied the faces of the others in the room before asking, "Do any of you have any idea where he might have gone?"

Ron obviously had no idea and Ginny seemed clueless as well. Hermione seemed to be trying to put something together so the Headmaster asked, "Miss Granger?"

"I don't know sir. I can't believe he would go there?" Hermione said, and then paused.

"Hermione," Lupin prodded trying hard to restrain himself.

"He's been pretty obsessed with the veil that Sirius fell through," she said, causing Molly and Tonks to gasp. "He wouldn't go back there would he? I mean what would that accomplish?"

Dumbledore seemed to age many years right in front of their faces. Lupin visibly stumbled for a second before catching himself. "No!" Tonks firmly said. "Harry would NOT go through the veil. He wouldn't do that!"

"I knew telling him about everything was wrong," Molly challenged. "How could anyone his age take that much responsibility?"

"Molly," Dumbledore said, regaining his form. "That is Harry's information to share..." Molly turned to see Ron, Hermione and Ginny watching her closely. "I for one do not believe that Harry will use the veil as a way to escape. Nymphadora, Remus," he added with a firm look. "Let's go make sure shall we." He held up his hands to show the discussion was over and the three vanished with quick 'pops'.

"I want to know what responsibility Harry has!" Ginny demanded in a voice that sounded quite like her mother. Ron stood behind her nodding.

"I suppose...." Molly began, but Arthur put his hand on her arm and said, "I'm sure Harry will tell you when he feels comfortable." He gave a pleading look at his wife who softened quite visibly.

"But what if he...." Molly started, before breaking down into tears.

"They'll get to him Mum," Ginny said, rubbing her mom's back as she softly added, "Harry wouldn't do that. They'll find him."

Harry no longer felt as cold and slowly opened his eyes after stepping through the veil. He hadn't known what to expect but seeing nothing but a calming blue light in every direction still surprised him. Remembering what Kari had read to him from the journal Harry focused and called out "Sirius Black". Turning in every direction, hoping for some sign, Harry only saw blue. Focusing even harder he called, 'Sirius Black' one more time but again nothing changed. 'Am I dead?' he thought to himself. 'Is this what happens?'

Harry felt like he was about to break down and cry when another thought crossed his mind. Focusing with all he had, he called, "James Potter!" He then focused and said, "Skylar Boslav". A section of the blueness seemed to brighten and Harry took of in a run toward the lighter area. The area was getting brighter, and even when Harry stopped for a quick rest, it continued brightening. A shadowy figure seemed to be taking shape and suddenly standing before his eyes was the form of a man he had only seen in scant few photographs but instantly recognized. "Dad?" Harry gasped, and the man smiled brightly.

"Son," James said, hugging his son tightly. "I'm so sorry son," James continued. "You're too young to have died."

"Died?" Harry said, stepping back. "No...I'm not dead." Harry remembered his Godfather and said. "Listen, I don't have much time. Have you seen Sirius?"

"Sirius? Oh no..." James seemed shocked but then thought for a second and said, "I haven't seen him. You called me to you, did you try with him?"

"I tried," Harry said, still looking into the eyes of his father. "He didn't come."

"Then he isn't here," a cold voice said from off to the side, startling them both.

"Who are you?" James quickly asked, but Harry tentatively said, "Skylar?"

The new visitor studied Harry for a second before realization hit his face. "You're Harry Potter!" the man said and then noticed Harry's necklace. "And where did you get that?" James Potter was staring at his son, confused about what was going on.

"I'm a friend of Kari's. This is hers...well yours..." Harry said, not noticing that his father seemed totally lost.

"She's here? You didn't let her come did you?" Skylar asked, suddenly worried.

"No, she's waiting for me on the other side," Harry answered.

"Other side?" James questioned. "Harry...So you're really not dead? And what about Sirius? Take your time son."

"I don't have time! I'm not dead, dad. I'm fine," Harry said with another hug. "Sirius was cursed and fell through the veil and I came to try and talk to him. To tell him I was sorry...." Harry's voice faltered as he said the final part.

"It's ok son," James said, as his son fought to control his emotions for his Godfather.

"Was he dead when he went through the veil?" Skylar firmly asked.

"Does it matter?" James questioned the other man.

"Yes it matters," Skylar spat out. "Listen Potter. I wouldn't know what's with Kari and you but if she lent you this necklace than she obviously trusts you and you must believe that neither she nor I were supporters of You-Know-Who. If this Sirius was critically hurt but not dead when he fell through, then he's in a horrible place."

Now both James and Harry listened intently to the man. "If you die you can come here depending on your past," he said pausing. "If you go through the veil alive, it sucks all the life out of you, you die and you come here. This hasn't happened in many years, since the Ministry banned executions with the veil." After a pause, he said, "But, if you are mortally wounded and go through the veil, it doesn't suck anymore life out of you but you aren't brought here either. You are left in a place between the living and dead worlds. You never get better and you never die. You are condemned to eternity in the state you were when you fell through the veil. If your friend was cursed and in pain, he will endure that pain for eternity."

"No!' Harry gasped. "That can't be right." He saw the look of horror on his father's face and said, "Dad, it's my fault he got hurt. Voldemort led me into a trap and Sirius came to rescue me. He's stuck there because of me."

James couldn't grasp all that had happened to his son, so he just pulled him into a hug. Skylar's voice caught his attention, "Tell Kari I'm sorry. I should have stopped Damien from joining them. Tell her I miss her."

He turned and started to walk away when Harry yelled, "Isn't there anything I can do for Sirius?"

Skylar paused and said, "Not unless you can find a way to kill him."

"Listen Harry," James said, "we'll figure something out to help Sirius. There's so much I want to know. I want to hear everything about your life. Can you call your mother? That's the only way to get her here."

"Mom!" Harry gasped. He hadn't even thought of calling her. Harry knew his time was running out but he focused and called, "Lily Potter!" "Dad, I don't have much time. The necklace is going to pull me back out any minute. I should have called mom from the start."

"Oh son," James said. "Tell me anything? Are you doing well." He paused and said, "Obviously not if Voldemort is trying to kill you."

Harry saw the necklace start to flash and knew he was about to get pulled away, "I'm fine dad. I play Quidditch...I'm the seeker. I miss you so much." Turning he saw a figure with long red hair step into focus. Her eyes got wide and he saw how bright green they were. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He threw his arms open and stepped toward her just before he felt suddenly cold and then found himself sliding across the floor of the Death Chamber. "No! Not yet!"

Instantly he had arms around him and Kari said, "Oh Harry I was so worried. Are you ok?"

Harry latched onto the girl and just clutched her tight, trying to keep himself from breaking down and crying. Kari was shocked and could tell something had affected him deeply but didn't let him go. After a minute or two of this Harry composed himself and said, "Sorry about that."

"It's ok Harry," she said, wiping away her own tears. "What happened?"

"I found my dad," he said with a small smile. "And Skylar! I saw Skylar."

"You did!" she exclaimed. "Did he say anything?"

"He said he misses you and he's sorry about Damien," Harry said as he saw her tear up. Then it hit him the other thing Skylar said. "Sirius!" Harry exclaimed, standing back up. He quickly told her what Skylar said about falling through the veil.

"Oh Harry," she said. "I'm so sorry."

Harry wasn't going to let it just go that he couldn't see Sirius. Only one thing was on his mind and it was what Skylar had said. "Unless you can find a way to kill him.' Thinking Sirius had died weighed heavily enough but he couldn't deal with knowing he caused his Godfather to suffer for eternity.

Harry stood and began pacing, ignoring Kari's questions. Finally, he stopped, looked over at one of the benches and noticed part of the side was broken off. The shape of the broken part got him thinking. He walked over to the part and felt the tip wincing at his current line of thinking about how Sirius got to be trapped. "Harry what are you doing?" Kari asked as Harry pulled the piece off the bench and looked at it. It was about two feet long, slender with a sharp point on one side. He winced again as his finger touched the sharp point.

"You still have the other vial don't you?" Harry asked, not taking his eye off the piece of wood.

"Yes but I'm not going in," she said, obviously terrified at the idea.

Harry approached the veil, then turned to her and said, "I'm going back in."

"No Harry," Kari quickly said. "Once is enough, you can't help Sirius."

"Skylar gave me an idea," Harry said thinking hard.

"What? What did he say?" Kari questioned.

"There's no time. I think I can find Sirius," Harry firmly said, causing the girl to just stare. He started rambling, "Ok then. I'll take the potion, summon this piece of wood but won't catch it. It should do enough to mortally wound me. I'll fall through the veil but won't get any worse. Then I should be able to find Sirius."

"What are you talking about?" she asked, but quickly saw he was very serious. "That's insane!" Kari couldn't believe Harry was saying this. "Even if you do manage to fall through the veil and find Sirius, then what? How are you going to help him?"

Harry thought only for a second and said, "I'll kill him." Kari just stared at him. "If that will let him pass on to the other side, I'll just kill him. I mean if I'm the one who has to kill Voldemort than I'm already destined to be a murderer, and this would be better for Sirius...I can do this."

'Kill Voldemort?' she heard. Harry had said this like matter-of-fact. "Harry listen..." she started, but Harry cut her off.

"No! We don't have enough time. Give me the vial," Harry demanded, and Kari handed it over with shaky hands.

Harry sat the piece of wood on the floor and then moved to the veil. He thought about what he was about to do and turned to Kari. "Do you know any numbing spells?" The girl nodded. "Ok, can you cast one on my stomach and hopefully the wood will hit there?"

Kari moved to him and cast a numbing spell on his stomach. Tears were starting to drip down her face. Harry grabbed her hand and said, "I can't take the chance that I'll miss or not fall through the veil. I need you to do it."

She looked horrified at the thought and began shaking her head no. "Kari listen," Harry calmly said. "I'm going to do this and if I miss, it won't work. Please."

"You're really going to do this no matter what aren't you?" she asked, now convinced there was no stopping him.

Harry nodded and said, "Now as soon as I fall through, you take my invisibility cloak and go get help. Make up some story that I dragged you here or something but try to find someone. I'll take the blame."

Harry stood back in front of the veil and Kari picked up the piece of wood looking very nauseous. Harry nodded to her and was about to drink the vial when he stopped, studied her confused face for a second before walking up to her and asking, "Kari would you go to the Valentine's Ball with me?"

The question almost didn't register to the Slytherin girl but she saw the pleading look in Harry's face and it got her focused. "You come back safe Harry and I'll go with you. Just make sure you come back," she said, and then kissed him quickly on the lips.

Harry gave a quick smile as he stepped back to the veil, opened the vial and downed the contents in one gulp. He nodded to Kari as she pulled her arms back and with all her might, thrust the wood into Harry's stomach. The pain wasn't as intense as Harry was expecting, it was a sharp local pain, nothing like the Cruciatus curse. The blood started flowing freely as soon as the wood was pulled back. As Harry stumbled backwards the pain intensified, he began to feel lightheaded and he suddenly began to think he had made a terrible mistake, but once he fell through the veil, the pain stabilized.

The coldness of his last trip through the veil was replaced by heat. Oppressive heat that seemed to bear down on him. The pain from being stabbed still pulsed and he hoped the numbing spell wouldn't fade. His robes and hands were now covered in blood but on inspection he realized the wound, while open wasn't bleeding any more.

Having determined that he wasn't getting worse, Harry surveyed the surroundings and found it quite different than his last trip into the veil. The calming blue had been replaced by blackness. The gentle softness of the area replaced by hardness and uncertainty. Turning around, Harry could swear he saw small flashes that looked like eyes peering from the darkness but when he tried to focus on them, they disappeared, only to seem to appear in another location.

Grimacing as another pang of pain from his wound doubled him over; Harry focused and called out "Sirius Black". Turning as quickly as he could, Harry couldn't see any difference in the surrounding area other than moving flashes of eyes watching. Beginning to panic Harry thought, 'He has to be here. Please.' Focusing even harder, he called, "Sirius Black!"

Turning around again, Harry almost missed one direction being slightly lighter than the rest. "Sirius?" Harry asked to no one and began to walk as best he could in the direction of the lighter area. After many steps, it obviously began to get lighter directly in front of him but every other direction was still pitch black, only the eyes were now not making any attempt to hide, they were watching his progress intently.

With a final call of "Sirius Black", it was considerably brighter and Harry saw a shape lying on the hot uneven ground just in front of him. 'Sirius!' he exclaimed momentarily forgetting his pain, and stumbled to his godfather lying motionless on the ground.

The body lay face down on the ground with one arm underneath and the other, still clutching a wand, held out as if he had crawled to this spot. As soon as Harry touched his Godfather, the body began shaking as if trembling in fear. Harry rolled the man over and nearly fell backwards at the haunted look in Sirius' eyes. The arm that had been under his godfather now fell limply to the side and Harry saw the scorch marks across his torso from Bellatrix' curse.

"Please Sirius," Harry cried. Pulling on the scorched area of Sirius' robes revealed scalded and still bubbling flesh. The act of moving the robe caused Sirius to involuntarily shudder in pain.

"I'm so sorry," Harry cried, watching his godfather tremble with a mixture of pain and fear. The gravity of Harry's guilt came crashing down and he cried out, "Please let me take his place!"

When no sound came, Harry stood with tears threatening to stream down his face and prepared to do his best to relieve Sirius' suffering. With wand in hand, Harry shuddered from his own pain and the thought that he was about to kill his Godfather. Not knowing if he could do it or not, Harry was frozen. Even though he knew this would end Sirius' eternity of suffering, he wasn't sure he could mean it enough to say the curse.

A strangely familiar voice sounded before Harry could get any further, "That won't work here." Turning with wand thrust towards the voice, Harry noticed a shadowy figure standing just beyond his sight.

"Who are you?" Harry demanded.

"The question is," the haunting, calm voice said, "Who are you and what are you doing here?"