AN: Sorry this took so long, everyone. I hate to tell you, but I'm not going to be able to update 'til at least Thursday of next week, and maybe not then. I'm going on vacation, and it's highly unlikely that I'll get enough time on a computer to allow me to type and post a chapter. I had a debate in my head as to whether or not Harry should talk to Sirius, but I finally decided…
Harry could feel the very foundations of his soul being rocked. The magic that was coursing through his veins was the most extreme he had ever felt. Up became down, black became white, and he wondered whether or not the prophecy would really protect him from death.
Finally, he landed. Standing in front of him was the spirit of Sirius Black, looking well-rested, well-fed, and as youthful as he did in the pictures Harry had of his parents' wedding. "Harry?" he said "What the bloody hell are you doing here? Oh no…"
"I'm not dead, Sirius," he responded. Harry related what had happened since the night of Sirius's death, nearly in tears the entire time. "I can't believe I'm actually talking to you," Harry sobbed. "When you fell through the veil and Remus said you were dead, I thought the world ended. It's just…" he trailed off.
Sirius grasped Harry and pulled him into a tight hug. "That veil is a portal to this…place," he said. "If you touch it, your soul is sucked from your body and it's brought here. This…Limbo…is the place usually reserved for people who've been kissed by Dementors.
"It's unsettling here," he continued, "most of the people who are here really deserved getting their souls sucked. Before the Ministry harnessed the Dementors, being pushed into that veil was used as severe punishment.
"Harry," Sirius said, "I don't want you trying this again. That prophecy will protect you from death until you kill Voldemort, but I don't want to know what's happening to your body right now. Facing the Dark Lord while in traction probably isn't a good idea. Now go, Harry. Forget the past, but remember me. Remember any happy times that we had, even though there aren't many. Look toward the future."
"But Sirius," Harry said, "what'll you do? Are you damned to stay here?"
"I'll find a way out," Sirius said, "You think a place like this will hold a Marauder? Naw, I'm guessing another week and I'll be up in Heaven with your mom and dad. Goodbye, Harry. I love you."
"I love you to, Sirius. Nox," he said. A warm feeling spread over Harry, and he felt his soul return to his body.
"Oh my God, Harry, you're okay!" he heard Hermione scream. "We were so worried!"
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"You did the spell, then you fell down and went into convulsions. About a minute later, you stopped. You were breathing again, but otherwise pretty much comatose. Didn't respond when we called you, or cursed you. Sorry about the burn, by the way. Had to try it."
Harry noticed a pain on his leg and saw a hole in his jeans, just above his knee. "What the hell did you do that for, Ron? Never mind, do something for my head. This must be what a hangover feels like," he said.
Ron quickly gave Harry a potion and immediately his head felt better. "Thanks," Harry said, "how long was I like that?"
"About three hours," Hermione said, "It's one in the morning now. We'd all better get to sleep if we don't want to be completely out of it for our classes tomorrow. Goodnight, Ron, goodnight, Harry."
"Night, Hermione," said Ron, trudging off to his room.
"G'night," said Harry.
AN: Short chapter, I know, but I'll work on a good long one while on vacation. Once again, sorry about not updating sooner.