Previously:

At the word guests, Harry's head swiveled around until he could see them. His face drained of all remaining color. One word made it past his dry throat and bloodless lips.

"Dad."

Chapter Three: Rant

Ensconced in the Room of Requirement, five young adults sat in silence. The room was comfortable, a blended mix of dorm room and common room. There were three four-poster beds to one side, sectioned off with a scarlet curtain trimmed in gold. The other side housed two comfortable sofas and an armchair, with a table between them in front of a roaring fire. Three of the occupants, all male, were absorbed in reading. Which, in itself, would not be unusual as this was a school. What was unusual was that they were reading, not for homework, but for the sake of knowledge. For Remus Lupin, this was not an unheard of activity. In fact, it was an oft repeated ritual. But for James Potter and Sirius Black, who were known to put their homework off until the last minute, this was an amazing feat. The two other occupants, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, were alternately looking at each other with worried countenances and staring into the fire.

Finally, one messy dark head snapped up and fixed hazel eyes on the two across from him. His face was pinched and white, and his eyes showed a fear that one can only accomplish in times of mortal peril.

"If this is true," James said, indicating the book on the table, "and I assume it is, then I'm not here with him because I'm dead."

Hermione nodded and this seemed to be the straw that broke the broomstick for James.

"Do you…? No, you can't even begin to imagine what it's like, can you? Knowing that you'll be dead by the time you're twenty-two. Knowing that you'll die a horrible death. Be killed by that monster that's terrorizing our world. And not get to see your child grow up! To have him left Merlin knows where-"

"Enough!" Ron shouted. "We may not know what it's like to know that you're going to die, when and how, but bloody hell! We have known since the end of first year that we are probably going to die a painful, torturous death by the hand of V-Voldemort because Harry is our friend. Every year we've gone through horror-filled events. First year, we had to protect the Philosopher's Stone from him, and Harry almost died because of it. He killed a Hogwarts Professor because the Professor had V-Voldemort possessing him. Do you know how Harry felt, still feels, because he thinks of himself as a murderer at the age of eleven? Second year, the Chamber of Secrets was opened. Do you know what monster was lurking in the school for a thousand years? A Basilisk! A Basilisk!! My sister almost died, and so did Harry. But once again Harry killed the monster. Third year, Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban, a murderer to the world, and we all thought he was after Harry. That he was V-Voldemort's right hand man. We know he was innocent, but he's still on the run because the Minister won't believe us. Minister Fudge says Pettigrew," Ron fairly spat the name, "was dead, so how could he be a Death Eater? Fourth year, Harry got a special invitation to V-Voldemort's rebirth, after a year of being almost killed in the Triwizard Tournament. He saw a classmate of his die then. Still blames himself for it. Fifth year, he almost lost Sirius in the Department of Mysteries and found out that he was one half of a prophecy concerning himself and V-Voldemort. Sixth year he had to put up with visions from V-Voldemort because of his scar. V-Voldemort almost killed him with the pain and suffering of innocents as well as the physical manifestations of curses on Harry's body. Drove him near to insanity. Then Harry had to duel him again, and barely escaped with his life. Why? Because Voldemort and his Death Eaters had 'Mione and me as prisoners. Harry rescued us when no one else could or would. So no, we don't know what it's like to know how and when you're going to die. But I think we have it worse. We don't know when we're going to die. But we know it will be painful. And horrible. But we do know that it will be an honor for us because we will die at Harry's side, for Harry and for the Wizarding World. We will die doing what's right, and keeping a monster from killing anymore people."

Ron's face was flushed with anger, his eyes sparkling with the love he felt for his best friend and leader. Hermione was staring at him with awe.

"I couldn't have said it better myself!" she said.

Ron turned a weak and weary smile on her. He stood up and held out his hand.

"If you have no more questions for us, then I think we'll be going to bed. Goodnight."

Hermione placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her to her feet. She said goodnight and they left the room together, faces flushed with anger and fear.

"Well," James said, "I think we should get some sleep, too. No doubt Dumbledore will want to speak to us in the morning."

There was a murmur of assent from Remus and Sirius and all three crossed to their beds, falling asleep nearly as soon as their heads touched the pillows.

Back in the Hospital Wing, though, there was a young man who couldn't get to sleep, no matter how hard he tried.

"Sirius?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"Why… how did they get here? And why are they here?"

"We haven't figured that out yet. But I'm sure that between Moony, Hermione, and Remus, we'll know soon enough. Why don't you try to get some sleep, kiddo? It can't be healthy for you to stay up like this after everything that's happened today. Your body needs to rest so your mind can sort through everything. Alright?"

"Sure, Sirius. Alright. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Harry. Sweet dreams."

As Harry drifted off to sleep, long after the Headmaster and Professors had left him with Sirius for company, Sirius Black sighed deeply.

"Tomorrow, my boy, we'll get some answers. Tomorrow, we'll see if we can't get Snivellus to make up a batch of that potion for you, too. Tomorrow," he whispered.

A/N: I know, it's short and has taken far too long to get posted. My thanks to those of you who have stayed with it through all my procrastinating. I really do appreciate you. Your reviews as well as the simple fact that you read it, whether you like it or not.

Nymphadora14: Thank you.

Aubyn Lin: Thank you very much. I'm glad you like it.

J.E.A.R.K. Potter: Here it is!

Liselle: I'm glad.

Penny: Here ya go!

Sohalia Talitha: More for you!

anonomous: I do try to make them longer, but for some reason I just can't seem to. I will continue to try, tho, for your sake and mine. The beginning has to start of slow… or all in the same few first days… because that's just how I do it. I need to introduce things that won't make a lick of sense if you don't understand first. So bear with me. It will move along faster soon enough. And here's more. grins

Taran: My love, my sweetheart… there will be plenty of Sev there for you. But you knew that already, of course, as you know me. I love Sev and couldn't have a fic without him. Stay tuned, hun. He'll make his reappearance soon.

PadFootCc: Here's more.

minnie-mae: Thank you. I try to keep the characters as canon as possible in the situations that I place them in. I hope you keep enjoying it.

Phoebe666: Thank you.