Dark Veil

    Harry was troubled, immensely. Hermione and Ron didn’t know what to do for him. Quidditch wouldn’t even make him happy. He didn’t even accept his Seeker position from Ginny. Nothing would cheer him up; they had tried visits from the Weaslys, gifts, talks with Dumbledore, even leaving him alone to come to peace on his own terms. Nothing would make it better. Harry knew what to do though. There was only one thing to do. He would find Sirius and bring him back. But preparations would have to be made. He couldn’t just dissappear from Hogwarts and waltz into the Ministry of Magic expecting all to hail to the Man on a Mission. Even if he did get that far he had to prepare for the Veil itself, Sirius died when he entered the archway and Harry suspected he would to. Harry was sure that there was a book in the Restricted Section that would help him, if he could get in there and find it. That would be very advanced magic for someone just entering his sixth year. Hell, it’d be advanced magic for a graduating seventh year. It would be worth it though, if he survived.

    After lunch and an almost unbearable Double Potions with his least favorite teacher, Harry went up to his dormitory and donned his Invisibility Cloak and sneaked down into the Restricted Section. He was skiving off Defense Against the Dark Arts with a new dimwitted teacher; well at least she was better than Umbridge. Harry scanned the rows of shelves in front of him looking for a spine that would somehow point the way. Harry randomly pulled a book down and opened it gingerly, but it seemed that his cautions were not needed. This book looked almost ordinary, only the intricate patterns and drawings gave away any significance. It didn’t have what he was looking for though and Harry continued his search. But his search was a futile one it seemed for he had not found even a reference of anything to help him. He would try tomorrow and the next day and however long it took.

    Harry was just as depressed the following morning and afternoon and he decided not to skip any lessons today. Detention would not help when he was going to use the hours a detention would take up to look for an incantation that would suffice. Once again, Harry put on his cloak and went into the Restricted Section to look again. After many hours Harry thought he had found what he was looking for.

     Superstes vitalis haud exanimus

    Translated into English that meant Living Living Not Dead. There was no description; the rest of the page was ripped out. Harry figured it would have to work. He ripped the page out and stuffed it into his pocket and went up to his dormitory. The next day he was actually noticing his surroundings, Ron and Hermione hoped that the grieving process was coming to an end. Harry was looking forward to the end of double Potions even more than usual and in his haste to finish his Invigorating Potion he put in salamander tails instead of newt’s eyes. His potion turned a horrible acid green instead of the light maroon it was supposed to be. “Zero again Potter, it’s seems you will never learn. Tell me, did you put in the newt’s eyes while stirring counterclockwise twelve rotations?” It seems Harry’s blush and glare was answer enough. “Maybe losing some more House Points will make you remember in the future. Twenty points from Gryffindor.”

    Harry was relieved when he got out of the cold, dark corridors leading to Snape’s dungeons. After bolting a quick supper, Harry rushed to the library, getting there before even Hermione. He had been practicing the spell on various animals around the grounds and he thought he had the hang of it. He walked into the library, slowing to a walk, and found a deserted corner filled with books on history.

    He pulled out his wand and pointed at his temple. Any teacher or adult would strongly advise against using magic to advanced on yourself. Well, except maybe Snape. After taking a deep breath, trying unsuccessfully to calm his beating heart.

     “Superestes vitalis haud exanimus,” he murmured.

    Pain exploded into his body, his mind was reeling. He cried out, then the blackness came rushing in.