Disclaimer: By now, you know all the disclaimers and warnings. If you don't, I suggest you refer to chapters 1 through 10.

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Back from Beyond the Veil, Part 11

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There was someone standing under a white arch overgrown with roses. This person was hidden in shadow, except for one hand which rested against the arch. A large, silver ring glinted on the hand. Remus had a shrewd idea of who the hand belonged to.



Sirius turned as Remus approached, taking a step out of the wall of shadow which had partially obscured him. Remus gasped and stepped back, raising a hand to his mouth. Sirius' eyes were blank and expressionless, strands of his long hair hanging in his face. He was dressed in flowing white robes, open over tight white trousers and high white boots. Splashes and streaks of blood stained the white garments.

As Remus stared at him, horrified beyond words, Sirius reached up and plucked one of the roses from the arch. Its thorns dug into his skin, causing thin streams of blood to run down his wrist. Sirius sniffed the rose, then looked up at Remus. They stared at each other for a few moments, speechless. The rose' petals turned black in Sirius' hand and drifted to the ground.

Finally, Remus cleared his throat and attempted to speak.

Sirius... what are you... you're covered in blood. What have you been doing?

His lover remained silent. He dropped the remains of the rose and lifted his hand to his lips, licking off the blood. The ring on his finger glinted ominously, its ruby almost like a sinister staring eye. Remus was very frightened now. He took a step closer, biting his lip, eyeing Sirius' empty expression as the man continued to lick blood from his hand and wrist.

Siri... say something, please! What's
wrong with you?

Sirius said nothing. He closed his eyes and turned his back on Remus, raising his right hand to the sky.

Flames suddenly sprouted from his ring, enveloping the rosebushes instantly and setting them ablaze. The flames quickly formed a ring around the two men, closing in.

Remus cried, reaching for his lover. Siri! No, stop - please - Siri!

Sirius kept his back determinedly to Remus, and began walking straight towards the wall of flames. At the same time, Remus could feel the fire coming closer and closer to himself, almost as if it wanted to keep him from getting to Sirius.

Siri! Come back! No - Siri!

The flames swallowed Sirius whole, but before he was fully engulfed in his pyre, Sirius turned to face Remus. His eyes were blood-red, and he grinned to reveal pointed fangs. Smiling like that, his clothes stained with blood and surrounded by flames, Sirius looked like a demon sent from Hell itself. Remus screamed in horror, turning away from that terrible sight, covering his eyes... screaming, screaming....

...Screaming himself awake at three in the morning, clawing at the blankets in his terror, sitting up to find himself in a hotel room, Sirius by his side.

Remmie! What is it? Blimey - why are you screaming? Sirius gasped, one hand over his heart. He reached forward to put his arms around Remus, but the werewolf pulled away, the remnants of his dream still sticking with him. For a moment, Sirius was still the horrific entity from the dream, covered in blood and grinning with terrible fangs; but as Remus stared at him, struggling to catch his breath, he realised where he was and who he was with. He squeezed his eyes shut, opened them, and looked back at Sirius.

He saw nothing now but a concerned man. He allowed himself to be pulled into Sirius' arms, burying his face in his lover's long hair and shuddering helplessly. Sirius held him until the shakes wore off and Remus was calm again.

Remmie... what was it? A bad dream?

The worst, Remus murmured against Sirius' neck. The very worst. Don't ask me about it - I can't - I can't....

He opened his eyes just as Sirius moved his hand to touch his cheek. His eyes widened at the sight of Sirius' father's ring.

Get it away from me! Now! He pushed Sirius away. Get rid of it!

Sirius was clearly puzzled. Get rid of what, Remmie?

That ring! Remus whispered. It's... it's evil. Get rid of it.

You know I can't, Sirius said softly. If I don't keep it safe, Narcissa could get her hands on it. I don't want to think what she and Lucius could do with it.

I don't care, Remus said wildly. I want it out of my sight - I can't look at it -

Sirius slipped the ring off, then put it in the drawer of the bedside table.

Remus said, and it was. He returned gratefully to Sirius' embrace, curling up beside his lover and shutting his eyes tightly. Despite the dream and the fear that had flooded him at the sight of the ring, he was feeling drowsy again.

he murmured to himself as he began to drift off.

Sirius asked softly, brushing Remus' bangs away from his face. What did you say, my love?

But Remus was already sleeping deeply, the ring forgotten.

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George Weasley pushed open the door of the Muggle pub and entered. After the events of that day, he had no desire to do anything but get drunk. Anything to dull the constant, gnawing hurt of Fred's absence. True, he wasn't even near the legal drinking age, but a few drops of Aging Potion and a magically forged ID would be plenty to fool the Muggles inside. Wearily, he slumped down at a stool in front of the bar, and ordered a strong shot of whiskey and a beer from the barman. He was so preoccupied with his own thoughts that he didn't even bother to look around at the other patrons of the pub. If he had, he would have received a nasty shock.

Draco Malfoy was there as well - like George, under the influence of Aging Potion - keeping a lookout under his father's orders. Eager to have the most unlikely meeting place, where there was absolutely zero chance of another wizard overhearing them, Lucius, Rodolphus, and Rabastan had rented a room on the second floor of the pub. They weren't thrilled at being surrounded by Muggles, but it was the best hiding place they could think of. Who would expect any of them to come to a pub packed with Muggles?

Draco's eyes narrowed maliciously as he watched George, who was downing whiskey and beer in a heroic manner. He sidled a little closer to the redhead, hoping to overhear something. George was talking to a man beside him.

Yeah... it's been bad, he muttered. My mum's completely broken up. She can barely function.

The other man made a sympathetic sound. How many in your family?

Seven, counting me and my brother.

You'd think with all those children, your mother would have something to occupy herself with...

Yeah, well... it's pretty much my younger brother and sister at home now... The rest of my brothers and I are on our own...

Draco smiled. George must be talking about Fred's death. He inched closer, his eyes focused on George. The redhead looked like he was on his way to being drunk - empty beer cans and shot glasses were lined up neatly in front of him.

It's all... his fault.. George slurred, swaying slightly on his stool. Lord... Voldemort....

He must really be drunk to say the Dark Lord's name out loud, Draco figured. He leaned closer, holding his breath. George hadn't even noticed him.

It's his fault Fred is dead... Fred chased the elf, and the house fell on him... That bastard... the Malfoys told him everything... he sent visions to Harry, to make him think Sirius was in danger... George hiccuped. Great... filthy snakes... well, I've got it in for them... Take them on... I'll... curse them like they never... He blinked, then shook his head as if to clear it. Get my brothers.... Harry... we'll go after those Death Eaters... teach them a thing or two.... They'll never know what hit them... Sic a dragon on them... bet Charlie can get me one...

Everyone around Charlie looked very nervous; they apparently thought he was a lunatic as well as a drunk. The barman tossed down his rag and grabbed George by the arm. Okay, I think you've had a little much... come on, now... he hauled George out of the pub, while Draco watched. A cruel smile spread across his face. This could be valuable information...

Come, Draco, Lucius drawled from behind him. It's time we were getting back.

Of course, Father, Draco replied sweetly, following his father and uncles out of the pub. There were ways, of course, that he could choose to divulge this information to his father... The best way, the way that would work, would be to seduce his father to bed, promising a secret, but not telling until he was satisfied... Draco smiled. This just might turn out to be a very enjoyable evening indeed...

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Lucius glanced up from a sheaf of parchment he had been reading. His son was standing in the doorway of the library. The Aging Potion hadn't worn off yet, and Draco still looked like he was in his twenties - he had a delightfully pouty, seductive look on his face, the same Narcissa sometimes used. It was something in the Black blood - every member of that family had been amazingly gorgeous, though unfortunate circumstances had ruined the beauty of a few. Lucius was pleased to see his son looking like that.

Yes, Draco?

The young man sidled into the room, casually perching on his father's knee. He twirled a strand of Lucius' long, pale hair around his finger. Guess what I heard today, he said.

I do not know. What did you hear? Lucius' hand rested comfortably on Draco's thigh.

Draco smiled. I might be tempted to tell... maybe... if you're nice to me.

How nice? Lucius asked, kissing Draco's neck.

Very nice.

I think I can be very nice... Lucius murmured huskily. Come along, my love... let's see what we shall see.

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How long are you going to be gone? Harry asked. He was sitting on the foot of Sirius and Remus' bed, watching them bustle around the room, packing up their things.

Dunno. As long as it takes, I guess, Sirius sighed. He cupped Harry's chin in his hand and smiled. I promise, though - no matter what, we'll come back in time to see you off to school. Okay?

Harry managed a small smile in return. Sirius and Remus were heading to France, on a mission for the Order. Harry didn't know what it could possibly be, and he couldn't help feeling conflicted over the timing. He was glad Sirius was able to get out and about and have something to do, and happy that the two men could finally get some time alone together after so many years of being apart; but on the other hand he felt it was a bad time to be going, what with all the turmoil over Fred's death and the great upset that seemed to have arisen among the adults with the arrival of the chunky ring Sirius wore on his right hand.

I think that's about everything, Sirius said. He and Remus had gone over the room at least three times, but in all honesty, there wasn't that much for either of them to pack. Remus emerged from the bathroom carrying a plastic bag containing their toothbrushes, shampoos, and other bathroom things. He stuffed it in one of the suitcases and snapped the lock.

I think we're ready, love.

Sirius hoisted a few suitcases off the floor; Harry rose and grabbed a few bags as well. Remus took the last few things, including the folder of plane tickets Sirius had purchased a few days ago (Apparation was not a thing to be attempted across continents; the two wizards were going to rely on Muggle transportation most of the way), then followed, closing the door neatly behind him. While Sirius headed for the main desk to pay the bill, Remus and Harry dragged the luggage out front to the rental car.

Do you guys really have to go? Harry asked quietly, as he and Remus loaded suitcases and bags into the car's backseat and boot. I'm going to miss you both.

Remus smiled, putting down the suitcase he had just picked up and drawing Harry into a warm hug. I'm sorry. But this is something we have to do, you understand?

Harry sighed as Remus let him go. I don't like it, though.

Neither do I. But everyone has to do things they don't like. Remus squished a backpack into the last available space in the boot and slammed it shut. Sirius doesn't seem that eager to go anymore, either.

How d'you mean? Harry asked.

Remus looked back through the glass doors of the hotel, where they could see Sirius talking to the clerk. He seemed so excited when Dumbledore first told us what we were going to do. And I was, too. Even though we'd be working, it'd be... well, like a holiday for us. A chance to be alone for the first time in much too long. But then... the fire... and that ring... He shivered slightly, then raised a hand and ran it through his light brown hair. Somehow, I feel like we should be staying, and so does Sirius. It's like something's going to happen, something major, and it might turn bad if we're not here.

He looked into Harry's worried eyes and smiled. Don't think about it too much, Harry. I'm sure we're just being paranoid. A little hard not to be, the way our lives have gone. He patted the teenager reassuringly on the shoulder. It's just the fancy of two old men.

Who are you calling old? Sirius demanded, joining them. I'm not old yet, Moony.

Of course not. Remus kissed his cheek and the three of them piled into the car. Harry was being dropped off at the nearest Underground station, where the Weasleys and Hermione would be waiting for him. He bit his lip uneasily, staring out the window as they drove. He had the same foreboding feeling as he had had last year, during the Christmas holidays, when he had been so reluctant to leave his godfather. It wasn't as strong, but Harry wondered if perhaps some part of him didn't know when bad things were coming... if that was true, he could take over for Trelawney after graduating... he smiled to himself.

What's so funny? Sirius asked, catching sight of his godson in the rearview mirror.

Nothing much, Harry said. Just.. thought of something funny.

But the foreboding feeling gnawed at him as he stood on the Underground platform with the Weasleys and Hermione, saying goodbye to Sirius and Remus. There were hugs and kisses all around, then the Weasleys got onto the train, letting Harry say goodbye in private.

You know the rules, Sirius said, catching Harry in his typical one-armed hug. Don't do anything stupid, be a good boy, don't run into any dementors.

Harry smiled. I promise.

I suppose I should advise you to eat your vegetables, mind your manners, and do your homework, Remus said, giving Harry a hug. Seeing as your responsible' godfather forgot those important little things.

Right. And I'll drink my milk, and I won't get detention, and I'll be very, very careful on my broomstick, Harry said. Have we covered the usual parental warnings?

The ones that'll do for now, Sirius ruffled Harry's hair. Keep in touch, okay? I expect lots of letters.

And I expect a postcard with a picture of the Eiffel Tower, or a croissant wearing a beret, Harry kidded, but feeling a lump in his throat all the same. A warning whistle sounded, and the conductor began calling for the last passengers to board. Ron stuck his head out the window.

Get a move on, Harry! Unless you want to go to France.

I'll be right there, Harry said. As soon as Ron's head disappeared, he hugged Remus and Sirius again. Love you, he whispered, so softly that no one else could hear.

Same goes both ways, Sirius whispered back. He and Remus looked close to tears, and Harry felt the same way. Hurry up, now.

Harry reluctantly boarded the train, and he, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny leaned out the window to wave as the train pulled out. Sirius and Remus waved until the train was a speck in the distance, then headed back up to the sunny streets and their car.

I don't want to go, Sirius muttered as they pulled onto the motorway.

Neither do I, Remus said softly. I have a very bad feeling something's going to happen while we're gone.

Me, too.

To Be Continued...

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(A/N: I'll be blunt. Expect a long wait until the next chapter. I'm sorry! But this story is so hard to write. I never meant for it to even be this long. It was just supposed to be a bring-Sirius-back-from-the-dead-everybody's-happy-the-end-five-chapters-maxium' kind of story, but I got carried away. I'm determined to see this through until the end, but it may take a very long time for us to reach the end. I apologize in advance. Just help me out by reading and reviewing when I update, all right? Thanks in advance, as well.)