Chapter Thirteen~ Palace of Justice

Harry opened his eyes and glanced over at the others; who were all hiding behind Sirius, watching with wide eyes.

'This is it' he thought sadly ' it's over, because of me there all going to die.'

Harry's mind flashed back to when he saw the snake in the great hall and how it had given him a warning (*The Chosssen One will bring doom to all*) He also remembered how he had murdered poor Wormtail, and treated his friends as if they meant nothing to him. How could he be so...so heartless? And yet...they were still there. After all the horrible things he had said and done to them, they were still there, supporting him. He felt as if he didn't deserve such loyalty, for he had showed them none.

Harry felt a hard lump raise in his throat as he tore his eyes away from the group and looked back at growing green ball of power that was conjured from both his and Voldemort's spell. Suddenly, a series different flash backs formed in his mind. He remembered the first time he met Ron on the Hogwarts Express and ever since, has always been a true friend, right by his side in times of need.

He remembered Hermione and the number of times she has saved both his and Ron's life, not to mention saving them from detention on countless occasions. He remembered how Aki had helped him take care of Andrew in the hall and how she always stood up for what she believed was right. He remembered Ari and even though times were rough, forgave him and returned his love that he felt. Sirius, yes he remembered Sirius and how he was always both a parent and a friend, who would do anything to protect him, even sacrifice himself for Harry's sake.

Anger and determination swept over him, he wasn't going to let this be the end. A white light shot of Harry's wand and replaced the green one. Harry's eyes narrowed as the blinding white light began to overwhelm Voldemort's green one. Voldemort's red snakelike eyes narrowed.

"You're not going to make it out of this one alive! You know what must happen! Either you die or your friends."

Harry's gaze flickered back to his friends and then at Voldemort, "I'm not letting you win!!"

His breath quickened he knew what he had to do. He knew that if he and Voldemort continued this that the ball of power would explode would kill him and his friends. A single tear rolled down his cheek and hit the floor with a silent splash, at the same time he willingly let go of his wand. Memories flashed before his eyes; even the ones he had forgotten from a long time ago. A blinding green light flashed before him as he let out a gasp of pain and fell back into the floor.

An icy cold laugh along with the running of footsteps heading his way was all he could hear. All he could see was darkness, all he could feel was darkness. He heard his name being called out by endless crying. His body went numb as the pain disappeared and the sounds could no longer be heard. All, except one

"Harry..." the voice was soft and warm, "Harry..."

"Open you eyes Harry..." the female voice said softly.

"Huh? But, I can't Im dead."

Harry felt a soft hand touch the side of his face and opened his eyes. He looked around. Where was he? Everything around him was light, and soft fog floated freely around; there were no walls, no doors or windows, just nothing. so heavenly. Harry gulped, "Am I...In heaven or something?"

"No, you're in the Palace of Judgment. And to answer you first question you are neither living nor dead." came the same female voice behind him.

Harry looked around for the voice," So, I am a ghost?"

" No you're not a ghost..." she said again.

Harry turned around to ask another question, but when he did he became voiceless. His jaw dropped as he found himself looking into a pair of bright green almond shaped eyes, Harry's eyes.

"Mu...Mum?" he asked in a low whisper.

Lily smiled and held out her arms. At first, Harry seemed hesitant, but before he could help himself, he ran out to her. He gave a smile, tears running down his face, soaking into her white silk robe as he hugged her. Both overjoyed yet fearful Harry pulled away and glanced up at her.

"But...what happened? Why am I here? Where are the others? And if you're... " he gulped, "dead...then how am I able to see you? To touch you?"

Lily continued to smile and look down at her confused son," You know what happened. You and Voldemort had a duel and you sacrificed yourself for your friends."

Harry blinked, surprised that his mum wasn't afraid to say Voldemort's name. Had she always been this brave to say such a feared name? Or was it that the fact she was dead and it didn't matter anymore?

"You are here because your judgment has not yet been made..."

Harry blinked again," My judgment?"

Lily nodded," Yes, when a person's soul separates from their body, they are sent here and when they reach this place their fate is decided. Yours will either be to come with us or go back to your friends."

As quickly as his happiness came, it left. What if he had to choose between the two? Or worse off, what if he didn't get to choose? She continued to answer his questions.

"You are able to see me and touch me because I was sent to help guide you, to answer any questions you might posses and I see that you had quite a few."

He smiled slightly but let it fade, "What about the others? My friends..."

Lily's smile dropped as her eyes averted away from Harry's," Follow me..."

Lily led Harry over to a three legged, small glass circular table; which to Harry, seemed to have appeared from nowhere. On the table a glass sphere floated a few inches from the surface. " Look into the sphere Harry" Lily said softly while directing him to the glass sphere with her hand. Harry bit his lip and looked down into the sphere. It swirled white wisps off light before fading, clearing and revealing the seen that was now taking place. Harry's eyes widened at the sight.

He saw his lifeless body lying on the floor and Sirius sitting next to him ordering Voldemort to take him as well. But Voldemort only laughed and told Sirius that he had more fun watching him suffer over Harry's death. Sirius eyes narrowed as he held onto his bleeding stomach and one arm around Harry, refusing to give up on him. Ron stood beside them holding on tightly to a shaking Hermione, crying loudly even though most of it was muffled as she leaned in Ron. Aki sat by her brother holding on to one of Sirius's arms, with closed eyes, blinded by tears not being able to even take a glance at Harry. Ari lay down on her stomach beside Harry holding his hand with her shaky one. Tears silently ran down her face, making a salty puddle on the floor.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder Harry looked away from the sphere and turned around. A man stood beside Lily, also dressed in a white robe; although it wasn't silky like Lily's, with the same untidy hair, black rimmed glasses and a signature smirk that anyone could reconize,"Hello Harry"

Harry's mouth dropped open again,"D..Dad?"

Lily and James smiled at each other before looking back and smiling at Harry. James walked up to his son," Your judgment has been passed...the elders, have given you a choice. You may stay here with us.....or return to Earth, to live with your friends."

Harry gulped. More then ever he wished for this day. A day where he could finally see his parents and live happily with them. But then again, he thought back to his friends. What would become of them if he left forever?

James took Lily's hand in his," It is your choice my son...whatever you want, it will be so." Harry walked over to his parents and looked up at them. Pain, suffering, confusion and loyalty swirling in his emerald eyes. They both nodded, understanding what he said without him really saying it.

" Very well...if that is what path you choose then-" James started to say but was quickly cut off by Lily.

" James?" She pleaded, tugging gently on the sleeve of her husband's robe.

He switched his gaze from Harry to Lily, amazed by the fact that he was staring into the same eyes. " Hmmm?"

" James he can't.not by himself.we go together. It's the only way." Lily's eyes became glossy as if one whom was going to cry.

James hated to see Lily in pain; both physical and emotional, " But Lily.the elders wont allow us to-"

"Since when did James Potter ever listen to a instruction given?" She asked firmly and wrapped her arms around his neck.

James couldn't help but smirk and wrap his arms around her waist, " That boy you once knew long ago is gone.he grew up."

"The boy may have grown up but his smirk remains." She nuzzled her nose against his affectionately.

James chuckled softly and pressed his forehead against hers, " I love you."

" I love you too.." She smiled softly staring deeply into his hazel eyes.

The look on Harry's face was priceless as he stood there watching them. He had never seen nor imagined his parents get..emotional. He didn't know whether to feel shocked, happy, sad, disgusted, or to start twitching. Harry cleared his throat very loudly, causing both Lily and James to pull away slightly and look at him. James chuckled, "Alright son.alright." Lily grabbed Harry's hand and the three headed towards a bright light. " I hate lights." Harry moaned. James looked down at his son and laughed, "You'll get use to it..."

(*gasp* I wonder what choice Harry made?! I am thinking of ending the story here but if enough people who care will review and rate I will write another chapter or two. *smirks* It's your choice...)