Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters. I get tired of saying that!

Warning: Contains major *OOTP SPOILERS* and *SB/RL SLASH*. If you wish to avoid those things, please turn back now.

Notes: *PLEASE READ!* This story is COMPLETELY AU, meaning it never happened and probably never will (sadly). This is just me trying to bring back the character I love the most.



~*~*~*~*~
Back from Beyond the Veil, Part 7



Doors began opening all down the hallway, people blinking out at him sleepily. Sirius could hear his mother's portrait screaming downstairs, but ignored her. She might serve as a smashing fire alarm.

What are you yelling about, Sirius? Ron mumbled from his and Harry's doorway.

The house is on fire! Sirius shouted back. Ron, Harry, for cripes' sake, get out of here! All of you! Come on! He glanced at the floor and muttered, Mind the broken pieces, before ducking back into his room to fetch his wand.

Remus was tying his dressing gown, looking worried. Love, is something wrong?

Hell, yeah! Why isn't anyone listening? Sirius cried in exasperation, seizing his wand and hurrying out of the room.

The others had realized what was going on, and there was a flurry of snatching cloaks and important things. Mrs. Weasley was shepherding Harry, Hermione, and her children down the stairs, calling to her husband and two eldest sons to please, please be careful and hurry up. Sirius and Remus joined Arthur, Bill, and Charlie.

We might have a chance, if we use Extinguishing Spells, Charlie coughed.

Smoke's getting too thick, we can't get close enough, Mr. Weasley said, taking off his glasses to wipe at his streaming eyes. We'll just have to get out of here....

Coughing and wiping at their eyes, the wizards managed to find their way outside and out into the cool, clear night. Mrs. Weasley called over to them, looking panicked.

Arthur! Hermione is missing!

What? Hermione? Remus gasped, as Arthur turned back to the house. But before he could take a step, he was seized by another coughing fit. He bent double, coughing hard, and clutching at his side.

Dad, stay here, I'll go - Bill shouted, before whipping out his wand and running back to the house. Mrs. Weasley let out a piercing scream and made a lunge for her eldest son, but Remus and Sirius grabbed her and held her back.

No, Molly - It's too dangerous -

Bill! Bill! Mrs. Weasley cried desperately, clawing wildly at the air. Bill, come back!

Mr. Weasley, supported by Charlie, raised his head. No, Molly... you can't follow him, you'll be putting yourself in danger!

~*~*~*~*~

Bill held his sleeve up to his nose, trying to block out the smoke. Hermione! Hermione! he called urgently, quickly peeking into every room. He couldn't imagine why Hermione had come running back in; the only possibility was that she had remembered Kreacher and wanted to save him, or something. He couldn't believe she was actually putting her life at risk for the damned house-elf, but there was no time to fret about that now. Right now he had to find Hermione and get her out of the house.

he shouted desperately, reaching the last room. Oh, Hermione, please be here -

And she was, but she was lying on the floor with her hair and nightgown spread out around her, apparently unconscious. She must have passed out from the smoke. Bill rushed over to her and stuck his wand in his belt, then shook her hard. Hermione... wake up, please...

Her eyelashes fluttered. she muttered weakly.

Yes! I've got to get you out of here..... He scooped her up in his arms and ran out into the hall. By now, the flames were dancing all around them. The smoke was so thick Bill could barely see, but he prayed the stairs were still safe as he fled, sweating nervously.

There was suddenly an ominous, loud creaking noise, and Hermione screamed. A beam came loose from the ceiling and fell, knocking Bill over and making him drop Hermione. Bill's arm was caught under the piece of wood. He cried out in pain as he tried unsuccessfully to pull it free. Hermione crawled over to him and tried to help, but the effort and the lack of oxygen made her head swim, and she fainted once more.

Bill fumbled for his wand with his free hand, but he couldn't reach it, no matter how hard he strained. So he did the only thing he could - he began screaming for help.



Outside, the others were getting more and more worried by the minute. Mrs. Weasley was trembling uncontrollably in Remus' arms and sobbing; she was terrified that Hermione and Bill were dead. Sirius stared at the burning house, feeling cold dread beginning to creep over him. It had been much too long.

We've got to go get them! he shouted to Remus and Charlie. They nodded, and the twins hurried over to stay with their mother. As Sirius, Remus, and Charlie drew out their wands and ducked back into the inferno, Fred made up his mind.

I'm going too! he said fiercely. George, stay with Mum!

Fred, you're crazy! George screamed, but his twin ignored him and followed the other three wizards into the house.

He found Bill and Hermione on the second floor, both unconscious, Bill pinned under a broken beam. Sirius, Remus, and Charlie were already struggling to free him. As Fred started forward to help, he heard hysterical, cackling laughter just beyond them.

He swore and dashed past the others, ignoring them when they called him back. It was all because of the insane elf that Hermione had come back, he just knew it. He hated Kreacher, but if Hermione was going to try and save the thing with no regard to her own life, he might as well get Kreacher away from here for her. He entered the drawing room and saw the elf standing at the opposite end of the room, laughing maniacally and talking to a photograph he held in his hand, illuminated by the flames dancing on the walls.

Miss Bella, Kreacher knew you would escape - Master isn't powerful enough to hold you here! And you've killed him! Oh, Miss Bella, Kreacher loves you for that!

Fred bellowed, dashing across the room and seizing the elf's bony arm. Come on, let's go!

Fred, where are you?! he heard Sirius' hoarse scream from the doorway.

I'll be right along! Fred shouted, pulling the struggling elf to the door. But Kreacher fought violently.

Young Master should let go! Kreacher needs to save the tapestry - Mistress would never forgive Kreacher if it was destroyed -

You idiot! Fred screamed, lunging for the elf. Just as he grabbed hold of Kreacher, the floor gave a sickening crack. Fred's eyes widened in terror and he shrieked, but was cut short by an enormous crash and the roar of the flames as the floor collapsed, sending Fred and Kreacher pummeling down through it, burying them in burning wood.

Sirius felt as if a cold knife had stabbed him in the heart. He staggered away from the drawing room doorway. Remus and Charlie, carrying Bill and Hermione, started to ask him something, but he shook his head and pushed them roughly ahead of them, down the stairs and out the front door.



Mrs. Weasley ran forward, sobbing hysterically and followed by George, as Charlie lay Bill on the pavement and then slumped down beside him, coughing heavily. Bill, Bill, wake up! What's wrong with him?

He saved Hermione, but a beam came loose and fell on him, Sirius panted, sweeping his hair out of his eyes.

Mrs. Weasley looked up from Bill. What about Fred?

Sirius hung his head and murmured, He... didn't... didn't make it, Molly.

Mrs. Weasley let out a blood-curdling scream, burying her face in her hand and sobbing without restraint. George sunk to the ground, wide-eyed and trembling, his face very white. Behind them, Ginny burst into tears.


~*~*~*~*~


Hours later, everyone except Hermione, Bill, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were crowded into the living room at the Burrow, sitting with untouched mugs of hot chocolate. After everyone had been examined at the hospital, Sirius and Remus had decided it was better to bring the lot back to the Burrow while they waited for news on Bill and Hermione - it would be stressful for the staff of St. Mungo's to have such a large crowd getting in the way.

Members of the Magical Law Enforcement, Emergency Division had arrived shortly after Sirius, Remus, and Charlie had brought Bill and Hermione out of the house. The fire had been put out, and some things salvaged, but not much. Sirius, Remus, Harry, Hermione, and the Weasleys had been hastened to St. Mungo's while the Ministry members were sorting out the damage. Fred's body had been identified, though not while any of his siblings were present.

Naturally, the atmosphere in the Burrow was one of pure misery. None of them felt like talking. George sat away from the rest, staring out the window but not really seeing what he was looking at. It seemed unreal for him. He just couldn't believe Fred, his best friend and lifelong partner in crime, was dead. He couldn't stop thinking that Fred would come walking in the door any moment, ready for another scheme or wild prank to make everyone laugh and feel better.

D'you think they'll have told Hermione's parents? Ginny spoke up after awhile.

Naturally... I think Molly gave the Healers the information they'd need to contact Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Remus replied softly.

There was another long pause, which Charlie finally broke.

How d'you think that fire happened?

Sirius growled. It had to be Bellatrix. She was the only one up there, and I certainly didn't see her running from the house.... She must have started the fire herself and escaped before any of us realized what was happening.

Ron frowned. But... Dumbledore has her wand, he said slowly. So... how'd she start the fire, anyway?

Beats me, Sirius shrugged. For all I know she could have started it the Muggle way... we didn't check all her pockets, she could have had matches on her or something... Frustrated, he glared into his murky cocoa. He had more than just an idea that Bellatrix had had help escaping. But who could have helped her? Who could have known that she was trapped in the fourth floor of Number Twelve? Who would have realized that she hadn't come back from going to kill him?

Only one answer for all those questions - Narcissa. Sirius knew very well that Narcissa and Bellatrix had been very close since they were very, very small, and he also had a hunch that Narcissa and Lucius were hiding Bellatrix in their home. It would be just like them to try and burn the house down while everyone inside's asleep, he thought.


A sudden woosh noise made them all jump. Everybody turned to see Mr. Weasley emerging from the fireplace, looking extremely tired and covered in ash, still wearing his pj's under his coat.

Bill and Hermione are going to be fine, physically, he told them. But they're both still unconscious now; the Healers don't know when they're going to wake up... He slumped into a chair and accepted the mug of cocoa Ginny brought him. You're mother's sitting with Bill right now, he continued. I've come home to change and head for the Ministry - I've got to see Fudge about this, and...... I should tell Percy while I'm there, too. He put down his half-empty mug and rose; before he could leave the room, Ron spoke up in a panicky sort of voice.

What about Hermione, Dad? She's not all alone, is she?

No, no, the Healers contacted her parents, and they're with her... Mr. Weasley murmured unhappily. He looked over at Sirius and Remus. I hope it's no bother for you to be here, he said apologetically.

Not at all, Remus said quickly. Arthur, really, hurry and do what you need to. Sirius and I can stay here and help out....

In fact, I think all of us need sleep, Sirius said firmly, looking round at the Weasleys and Harry, who all looked very tired, miserable, and out-of-sorts.

Mr. Weasley nodded absently and went upstairs to change. He came back in a few minutes later, cleaned up and wearing fresh green robes, but looking depressed and much older. He rummaged around behind furniture, looking for his briefcase, and when he had finally located it, bid them all good-bye and Disapparated.

C'mon, I think we all need rest, Sirius said. Even George didn't protest; but trudged tiredly upstairs to his room with the others. Sirius and Remus flopped down on two of the Weasleys' mismatched sofas and were asleep almost instantly.


~*~*~*~*~


I'll be glad to see Hermione, Ron said as he, Harry, Sirius, Remus, and his brothers and sister departed from the Knight Bus. Despite the events of last night, they were in slightly better moods; early that morning an owl had arrived from St. Mungo's bearing the news that Bill and Hermione were awake. Relieved, Charlie had wasted no time booking seats on the Knight Bus for as early as possible.

It's good she's finally woken up, and Bill too, Harry agreed. Maybe they saw something of Bellatrix.....?

I don't think so, they were pretty much preoccupied, Sirius muttered as they halted in front of Purge and Dowse, Ltd. Charlie leaned close to the ugly dummy in the window and murmured something to her, then took Ginny by the arm and led her through the glass. The others followed Charlie and Ginny into the crowded waiting room.

It was fortunate they didn't have to ask directions; as Charlie led the way to the Creature-Induced Injuries floor (the only floor with a burn ward), Harry and the others noticed that the queue in front of the Welcome Witch was unusually long today. Some of the people waiting looked like they needed help quite badly - one wizard had a chipmunk's head growing out of his shoulder; a plump witch with curly hair had sprouted caribou antlers.

When the group reached the room Hermione and Bill had been placed in, it became apparent that though both patients were physically better, they were depressed over hearing about Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Percy, Penelope, and Fleur were sitting in between the two beds, in the middle of a serious conversation; but as Harry, Sirius, Remus, and the Weasley children entered, they looked up. Hermione introduced her parents to Sirius and Remus as Mr. Weasley gave his wand another wave and made chairs appear for the rest of the visitors.

So, when are you two getting out of here? Ginny asked Hermione and Bill, both of whom were looking good. They had a few minor bumps and bruises; Hermione had a bandage around her head, Bill's arm was in a sling, and there was orange paste smeared on their burns, but at least they were awake and in their right minds.

Soon, I hope, Hermione replied. It's fine when you're sleeping, but this place gets very boring when you can't get up and about.... Bill just nodded absently, looking quite depressed. A teary-eyed Fleur was sitting beside him, holding his good hand and dabbing occasionally at her eyes with a tissue.

There was a long, dismal silence. Everyone was thinking of Fred, and wondering why he had put himself in so much danger. Hermione looked rather hard at Sirius. You know, Sirius, I've been meaning to ask you something.



What happened to Kreacher?

Sirius gulped. Hermione.... Fred went back to save him... The crew from Magical Law Enforcement found him afterwards - the stupid idiot was trying to save the tapestry, and wouldn't let Fred pull him away... He's dead, and though I feel bad about Fred, I really don't regret Kreacher dying.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked shocked, apparently thinking Kreacher was a person; Hermione, however, was incensed.

And why couldn't he escape?! she shouted. Because you told him he couldn't ever leave the house! Even if he wanted to get away, what you said to him was an order, and he obviously couldn't disobey you!

Sirius growled. Hermione, it's his fault any of this happened! He was the one who went off to the Malfoys back in December and told them everything they'd need to hurt Harry - he deserved to die!

No, he didn't! Hermione shrieked back at him, twisting the blankets between her fingers in fury. If you had been nicer to him from the beginning, he never would have considered leaving you to go to the Malfoys! Dumbledore told you so! If it weren't for you, Kreacher would have gotten out! Fred would still be alive! She burst into tears, as did Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, Mrs. Granger, and Fleur. I hope you're happy with yourself, Sirius Black! This time you are a murderer!

Sirius half-rose from his chair, very angry now. Mrs. Granger flung her arms around Hermione, looking at Sirius with a positively terrified, tearful look on her face, but her daughter shrugged her off impatiently. Stop, Mum! She glared defiantly back into Sirius' furious eyes through her own tears; Sirius was so angry he could have hit her. He restrained himself with difficulty and slowly sat back down. Everyone was looking between the pair warily.

Hermione, we're safer and better off without him, Sirius said, glaring at her as if daring her to argue some more.

Hermione sniffed angrily and made no reply; they stared at each other in silence for a few minutes, until -

Ummm... bad timing?

Everyone in the room jumped and turned to the door, where Tonks was standing, dressed in red leather trousers and a pink t-shirt. Her hair was black and straight today, cut shoulder-length, and suddenly Harry could see the resemblance between his godfather and Tonks.

The girl tilted bit her lip nervously, looking between the red-faced, furious Sirius and the tearful, angry Hermione. What's going on?

It's nothing, Sirius mumbled. Hermione and I were just having a - difference of opinions. He finger-combed his hair into a loose ponytail and looked down at the floor. Remus took his hand and kissed it, tears welling in his own eyes as well. He could tell by the expression on Sirius' face that his lover was trying not to cry.

Er - I brought someone with me, Tonks said softly, looking uncharacteristically nervous. Come on, Mum, she called over to the doorway.

Sirius gasped, rising from his chair.

Looking closely at the woman who now entered the room, Harry could see the similarities between her and his godfather. Andromeda Tonks had the same waist-length black hair, dark blue eyes, and pale complexion as Sirius; however, her hair was streaked with white and there was no bump on the bridge of her nose. Also like Sirius, she was tall and thin. She wore somber black robes and several necklaces, bangles, and rings.

Andromeda smiled sadly and embraced Sirius. The pair remained in each other's arms for a few minutes; Harry couldn't be sure, but he thought they might have been crying.

When they let each other go, Andromeda gave a rather watery smile. Poor baby, she said softly, reaching up to brush a strand of hair out of Sirius' eyes. Being innocent all that time, and no one believing you..... it must have been so hard...

It's okay, they believe me now, Sirius said gruffly, sounding as if he had a lump in his throat. He conjured up chairs for Andromeda and Tonks before sitting back down. Remus reached for his hand and squeezed it in concern, feeling even unhappier than he ever had while Sirius had been in Azkaban.

Tonks began the introductions at once, as her mother shook everyone's hands with her right and dabbed at her eyes with a hanky clutched in her left. When she reached Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, she gave them both tight hugs and murmured, Oh, Molly... Arthur... I'm so sorry... poor Fred... Mr. Weasley made an odd choking noise and patted her back, but Mrs. Weasley hugged Andromeda backed and sobbed on her shoulder for a few minutes. When they finally separated, Mrs. Weasley dabbed at her eyes with a wad of tissues Fleur had offered her.

Andromeda... I'm sorry...

Don't be.... I can't even imagine how hard it must be for you... you need all the shoulders to cry on that you can get.... Andromeda turned to Sirius and said, a little sternly, Sirius, can I talk to you out in the hall?

Sirius muttered, getting up and following her out of the room. Assuming this had to do with his argument with Hermione (they had probably been shouting loud enough for the whole hospital to hear), he closed the door behind him and leaned against it. What is it?

His cousin looked very serious and bit at her bottom lip. Well..... I have to.... give you something, she said softly. She twisted off one of the numerous rings she wore. This one was silver and chunky, set with a ruby and engraved with odd symbols and runes. Sirius' eyes widened as she placed it in his hand and curled his fingers over it.

Andromeda.... I... can't...

You can, and you will, she said softly, looking up at him rather sternly. I want you to have it. It's been in our family for so long.... I don't need it, and I can't use it..... as the heir of the Black family, it's yours by right.

Sirius shook his head. Andromeda, I -

She silenced him with a shake of her head. You hated your parents. They hated you. You never wanted anything to do with the family traditions. But you are the eldest male child of the family, which makes you the heir, no matter how you or anyone else feels. Take it.

This ring..... God, Andromeda, I can't control it!

You're a Black, Andromeda said. The power to control it is in you. She took the hand that held the ring in both of hers.

Bellatrix deserves punishment for all the horrible things she's done. Sirius..... if you won't kill my sister and send her to hell....... then give her hell on Earth.




To Be Continued.....