Summary: Voldemort didn't kill James. Instead he sent him to a place equivalent to hell. Now 14 years later, he has escaped and is looking forward to spending some quality time with his children. Too bad Voldemort has other plans.

A/N: I know I said after I got out of school at the beginning of April but my cat tore half my keyboard off of my laptop and I just got it back from the shop. Thank you for your patience. Enjoy!

Thoughts

Chapter 22: Connected

Melinda shook as yet another curse hit her. She tried not to scream for her father's sake but the pain was so bad that her scream escaped trough her clenched teeth. Suddenly all she could think about was Harry. She could see him clear as day in her head and could not seem to get rid of that image no matter how much she tried. Even odder the image began talking to her.

"So are you just going to shut me out?" Harry asked.

"Uh in case you haven't noticed I am being tortured here. Bug me later."

"I'm not here to bug you. I am here to save you. You have to let me connect first."

"Are you actually trying to convince me that you are really in my head and I am not going mad."

"That is exactly what I am trying to convince you of. Although you were always a little bit mad."

"Harry? Are you really here?"

"YES! Now let me in."

Melinda lowered the defenses around her mind and after a few seconds she felt Harry's mind merge with hers. It was so... comforting. Her brother's presence in her mind brought a sense of security with it leaving her peaceful.

"You're ok, Melinda. I got ya. We're on our way." That was the last thought she heard before she was snatched out of her head and back to reality by a particularly nasty Crucio. Voldemort smirked as at last the girl screamed out loud. He glanced at James who's eyes were fixed on his daughter's now limp form. I think I can go ahead and kill him now. Then I can finish off this welp.

James didn't flinch when Voldemort's wand turned to him. He was not going to die groveling in front of Voldemort he was going to go out like a true Gryffindor. Brave and Strong.

"Say hello to your lovely wife for me." Voldemort sneered as he leveled his wand at James' heart. James' last thoughts centered on his family. Lily, the love of his life. Melinda, his angel, who loved him more than he deserved. And, Harry, his son, who made James more proud each and every day. I love you guys. I'm sorry.

A sudden pop caused both James and Voldemort to whip their heads around there behind them was Sirius, Remus, Gabby, and Harry.

"Let them go Voldemort and we just might let you escape with your life." Sirius said as they drew their wands.

"You will regret ever coming here Black." Voldemort turned to face them and drew his own wand.

After a few more seconds began flying all around the room. Sirius, Gabby, and Remus lured Voldemort away from James and Melinda so that Harry could get to them. Harry rushed over to Melinda and slapped her to wake her up.

"Harry? Its about time."

"Yeah, yeah you can thank me later. BOMBARDA!"The chains immediately shattered and fell to the ground. He did the same with James' then the three of them ran over to where Sirius was.

"Padfoot we have to get out of here before any more deatheaters come."

"Right, Prongs. OY, MOONEY GABBY GET OVER HERE!" Gabrielle was almost to Sirius' side when Voldemort launched a curse right at her back. Before it could connect James jumped in front of it and took it directly in the chest. He collapsed on the ground and didn't move at all. Melinda dropped to the ground beside him and kept screaming Daddy. All James heard as he floated away was his daughter's frantic screams.

A/N: Next chapter is going to be the last. Is James going to die again? Guess you will have to read to find out. Love ya. R&R.