Returning to the Veil

A few weeks later the weather began to clear up, the sun began to shine brightly and instead of cooling the air it heated it up. James sat in his office, looking as though he was sleeping at his desk. He was staring at a photo of Lily with a smile on his face. It was a rare moment where he had no work to do and he was now on the verge of sleep. He closed his eyes ready to sleep when there was a knock at the door.

"Go away." James shouted. The door opened anyway and Sirius walked in with April.

"Good morning James. Looking bright and chipper I see." Sirius said. James sat up sluggishly and glared at his best friend.

"Don't be sarcastic." James said.

"Alright." Sirius said.

"Why are you here?" James asked, "Not that I'm not pleased you stopped by but why are you here?"

"We're concerned." April said.

"About what?" James asked.

"Rhi-" Sirius started to say but April stamped on his foot.

"Ignore Sirius, Jenny's been doing a bit of scouting around and she's discovered there's a lull in Death Eater activity. Apparently Dwight has been saying there's just as much activity but Jenny's noticing a decline." April said. James frowned and rubbed his forehead.

"Ok, Death Eater lull. That would mean that Voldemort may be planning something. Get Dwight in here, I want to talk to him about it and I want Jenny here as soon as possible. We're going to have a meeting." James said.

"That's all you ever do." April said with a sigh.

"Just do it!" James said, trying not to snap at her. April left the room to get Dwight while Sirius sat in the chair opposite James.

"Lily not giving Prongs enough love?" He asked.

"Shut it." James muttered. "I'm just tense. There's been non-stop work. You'd be surprised how much stuff is started to backlash at me from when Fudge was an idiot. A lot of the legislation and laws he was drawing up were set up to protect people like Malfoy." Sirius nodded though he didn't appear to be taking in much of it.

"But yeah, you need a break, go to Hogwarts, Go and see your wife James." Sirius said. James looked at Sirius with a curious look.

"What do you want me to do?" James asked.

"Well, Jessie wrote to me the other day saying that Rhia and Harry are getting a LOT closer then they were over Christmas. Usually I would put this down to sibling rivalry if it was Kaylee or Orion but its Jessie and she's a legillmen." Sirius said.

"Right, and you want me to do what?" James asked.

"Just check on them." Sirius said.

"Why don't you just send an owl to Lily?" James asked, "I've got too much to do here."

"Fine." Sirius said. He crossed his arms as James began clearing his desk. "Apparently Orion is turning into me." Sirius said. "Jessie and Kaylee have spotted him kissing three girls in the last week."

"Kaylee and Jessie are turning into Fred and George Weasley by the sounds of things." James muttered as he realigned a photo of Lily. He smiled again as he saw the photo. He hadn't seen his wife in about a month now. He hadn't actually slept in a month now. Being minister was worse then being a rank 2 Auror. There was a knock on the door then Dwight entered the room.

"Ah, Dwight, please, sit." Sirius said as he got up. Dwight looked at Sirius strangely. Sirius gave him a smile and wondered around the office looking at various things. He looked out of a window and sighed.

"Nice weather we're having today, aren't we James?" Sirius said, turning to James. James rolled his eyes and turned to Dwight.

"Report on Death Eater Activity." James said.

"I'm not ready-"

"Just report Dwight." James said.

"Yes minister. Well there doesn't seem to be much change really. Azkaban has finally been taken back. Most of the Death Eaters fled when April turned up at the scene. So we're slowly beginning to increase the numbers of Death Eaters in there. The only people left in Azkaban were the half breeds that have killed people-" James glanced at Sirius at Dwight's choice of words. Dwight stopped. "Is something wrong?"

"No, carry on please." James said. Dwight nodded.

"Death Eater attacks, however, appear to be more concentrated in the countryside then in the major towns. About fifty people killed in Manchester, Thirty in Cardiff and a ship full of touristy witches and wizards was sunk just outside Bristol." Dwight said. James sat up straighter.

"When was this?" James asked.

"About a month ago." Dwight said, "We've been there and assessed it. There was a dark mark engraved into the side of the sunk ship when it was being checked out. It caught the attention of the muggles but the Magic reversal Squad has managed to hide the event from a lot of the muggles." Dwight said.

"Why wasn't I informed of this?" James asked sternly.

"I thought you had been informed." Dwight said.

"Well obviously not!" James said. There was another knock on the door and James called for the person to enter. Jenny and April entered the room. Dwight turned and gave Jenny a smile that she returned. She appeared to be wincing slightly and she held onto her lower arm.

"Jenny?" James asked apprehensively.

"I'm ok." Jenny said. "Why did you want to see me?"

"Report on Death Eater activity." James said. Dwight looked at James incredulously.

"Well, I've been doing some spying and undercover. It seems that Death eater activity is getting lower but more werewolves are being killed, as well as anyone who may be half magic and half…Veela, for example."

"Fleur?" Sirius asked.

"She's still ok. I think her and Bill are planning a wedding soon. I don't know, you'll have to ask Mrs. Weasley. But anyway, I'm getting worried about this, a lot of the werewolves that had been killed were reported to have a hand shaped burn on some part of their body." Jenny said. The worry for Bo was evident in her eyes and voice. Dwight scowled and turned to Jenny, he looked like he was going to say something but a look from April silenced him.

"Werewolves? That's still going on!" James asked.

"Well I was working on that until I had my accident." April said. "I think Voldemort sees them as a threat and they don't fit in with his pure-blood policy." James nodded.

"Right." James said. "You're excused now but I'm taking a break for an hour. I don't think I can be stuck in this office for much longer." Sirius smirked.

"Want to go for a quick drink?" He asked.

"Yeah, why not." James said as he got up. Dwight got up and glanced at Jenny with a slightly confused look. Jenny gave him a smile and excused herself from the group. April followed her and they wandered to somewhere they could apparate from.

"Was it me or did it look like Dwight didn't agree with what I was saying?" Jenny asked.

"Well, I don't trust him." April said.

"I thought you did." Jenny said.

"I did trust him but while you were speaking I did a quick search to find out what he'd reported to James. And we think he has a thing against 'half breeds'" April said.

"We?" Jenny asked.

"Sirius and me, it's wonderful how he spies for me." April said. Jenny smiled sadly and was about to say something when Dwight called her. Jenny and April turned to see Dwight catching up with her.

"Hey." He said.

"Hi." Jenny replied.

"What was all that about half-breeds?" Dwight said. "That's a load of nonsense." Jenny's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Half-breeds?" She questioned.

"Yeah, you know, half wizard half something else?" Dwight said, "Like Werewolves." April turned away, trying not to hit him. Jenny didn't have the same self restraint.

"What's wrong with Werewolves?" Jenny asked, crossing her arms

"Well, they're werewolves, dangerous, wild. You can't trust them." Dwight said like it was obvious. Jenny set her face gravely and slapped Dwight on the cheek

"I thought you were different to other people, obviously not." Jenny said as she turned on her heel and walked off. April followed her and linked arms with Jenny.

"Well done." April whispered.

Spring was quickly approaching and made the students more eager to go outside. Of course, with the onset of spring came the looming threat of exams, though they weren't for another several months yet Harry and Ron were already sick of them. Hermione had started getting more intense in her nagging Harry and Ron to get up and actually do some revision.

"After all, they are practicing for the real NEWTs next year. Whatever grades you get this year could reflect how badly or well you may do next year." Hermione said one day as they went for a walk around the lake in one lunchtime. Harry was staring in front of him listening to Ron and Hermione bickering to each other.

"Hermione, it's only sixth year exams, how hard can they be? Besides, we got through the OWLs just fine." Ron said.

"But I started revising early and look how well I did compared to you, do you want to be head boy next year?" Hermione asked Ron. Ron thought for a moment then answered.

"Honestly, no, but I'll be damned if Malfoy gets Head boy and I don't." Ron said. Hermione hit Ron's arm gently.

"If you don't want to be head boy then there's no point in me trying." Hermione said.

"Yeah right Hermione." Ron said, "I know you'll get head girl regardless of what happens." Hermione frowned at him.

"What if Malfoy gets head boy?" Hermione asked, "What will you do then?" Ron looked at Hermione with a slight look of confusion then looked to an amused Harry for help. Harry rolled his eyes and came to his friend's aid.

"Hermione, I think you'll be able to show Malfoy who's in charge." Harry said, "Besides, I think Ron has a better chance of being Head boy then Malfoy and you know how many detentions Ron has had." Harry said.

"Yeah…hey!" Ron said turning to Harry. Hermione giggled and held onto Ron's arm to stop him from getting to Harry who had jumped away a few steps. Harry was teasing Ron when Luna Lovegood came up to them with her usual dreamy expression.

"Harry." She said.

"Luna" Harry said, keeping an eye on Ron.

"I've been sent to get you, the headmaster wants you." She said. Harry turned his full attention on Luna.

"What? Why?" He asked.

"Well, I'm not supposed to tell you." Luna said, "But I think your girlfriend has gone missing, now I personally thing its-" Harry didn't hear the rest. He was running up to the castle with Ron and Hermione with Luna walking behind them telling herself her explanation. Harry ran into the entrance hall to find everyone talking and a few people turning to look at Harry. He looked through the crowd then began pushing his way towards the stairs so he could get to Dumbledore's office.

"Harry!" Shouted Emma as she pushed through the crowd to him. Harry turned to look at his sister.

"What's happened?" He asked urgently.

"Rhia and Bo, they've gone missing!" Emma said.

"How do you know, we saw her ten minutes ago." Ron said as he stood by Harry.

"Well, they were talking in the entrance to the great hall and everyone knew they were there because we could see them then suddenly they disappeared. The only reason people noticed was because Rhia screamed just before they disappeared." Emma said.

"Right, that's how they disappeared." Ron said. "Well, can't they have apparated somewhere." Hermione hit Ron lightly on the back of his head. Emma looked at him in disbelief.

"You idiot, you can't apparate inside Hogwarts" Hermione said.

"And Rhia doesn't know how to apparate" Emma said, "Even I know that apparating is banned in Hogwarts." Emma turned to Harry who looked vaguely pale.

"Right, we've got to get to Dumbledore." Harry said.

James' office door burst open. A young Auror stood looking panicked.

"Break in at the Department of Mysteries." He nearly shouted at James. James stood up immediately and got out his wand.

"When?"

"Just know." The man said.

"How did the intruders get in?" James asked.

"We don't know. No one saw them coming into the ministry." The man said. James ran down the many flights of steps until he came to the entrance of the Department of Mysteries. There were two unspeakables lying on the floor talking rubbish and gibbering away. The door looked like it had been blasted open. James went in immediately and saw another door that had been burst open. He walked through but he seemed to meet an invisible barrier. He was knocked back into the junior Auror. James got up again and walked to the door.

"Lumos" He said. He held up his wand and pointed it into the room. His expression grew dark as he looked in. He saw a young blond haired girl lying at the foot of the veil with a group of death Eaters around her. A Death eater approached James but didn't come all the way up to the door. She had long black hair and hooded eyes. She bore a resemblance to Sirius.

"Lestrange." James growled at her.

"Potter." She said with a smile. "Send a message to your son, he needs to be here soon or we will kill Miss. Black and Mr. Lupin." She said.

"Where's Voldemort?" James asked.

"Oh, he's busy, but he'll be here soon. You may thank your wonderful security staff for letting us through. We really thought you'd have upped the security around the ministry." Bellatrix said. James glared at her and then turned his attention back to where Rhia lay on the floor.

"Let them go." James snapped at her.

"Not until your son is here." Lestrange said. She turned and went back to join the rest of the Death Eaters. James swore and turned to some of the people who were gathering around.

"Get April and Sirius Black, Jenny Lupin and my wife. Inform Dumbledore and get the Aurors on full alert" James shouted.

Harry sat in Dumbledore's office fidgeting with the edge of his school robes. He watched as Dumbledore spoke quietly to McGonagall and Lily. So far all that he knew was that Rhia and Bo had gone missing. Not even Dumbledore seemed to know how. Hermione and Ron had gone to look at the Marauder's map to see if they could be located on the map but Harry was beyond caring, he knew Voldemort was behind it somehow. He knew that because his scar was tingling more then usual.

"I don't understand how it could have happened, no one can apparated and take the two of them. Rhia and Bo are strong enough to fight off these kind of people." Lily said.

"There could be many ways they could have been taken Lily." Dumbledore said. The door opened and Snape strode in. He held a letter in his hand and went straight to Dumbledore. He completely ignored Harry and Lily. Something Harry wasn't too bothered about.

"A letter from the minister." Snape said. Lily looked up. Dumbledore looked at the letter. Once he had finished he sighed and sat in his seat.

"What was it?" Harry asked.

"Lily, you're needed at the ministry. It seems that Voldemort has invaded again. James seems to feel the need to have you all present, and I have to agree, you are all stronger when you are all together then when you are apart. The Order will be informed and they'll come to your aid as soon as they can." Dumbledore said.

"Has it got anything else?" Harry asked. Dumbledore looked at Harry and nodded.

"It seems that Rhia Black and Bo Lupin have been taken to the Department of Mysteries. They cannot get in and they are demanding that You be there." Dumbledore said.

"What?" Lily asked. "Harry, you are going to stay here, understand!" Harry glared at his mum.

"Harry it's best if you do as your mother says." Dumbledore said. "Stay in my office. Lily go quickly." Dumbledore said. Lily made a portkey using a pin that she wore that had been a present from April. Lily disappeared and left Harry with the teachers.

"I have to go, my girlfriend has been taken captive!" Harry said.

"Harry, we understand your concern for Miss. Black but it is for your own safety that you stay here. Your parents know what they are going to do." McGonagall said. Harry crossed his arms and slouched in the seat, planning of some way to get to Rhia.

Bo stood over Rhia. He wasn't entirely sure what had happened to her but she wasn't waking up. They had only been talking about a present for Lily's birthday when people had grabbed them from under an invisibility cloak and forced them to touch a portkey. He had his wand out and glowered at the death eaters. A few of them seemed to be watching him carefully, almost warily. He watched as Bellatrix Lestrange spoke to a few people as if organising for something. At the door he could see James Potter and April Black blasting the invisible barrier with all the spells they knew. The result was a display of brightly coloured lights and rather loud bangs and flashes.

"What do you want with us?" Bo asked.

"Well, you were an added bonus, we wanted her to get Potter here" Lestrange said after a few minutes. Bo looked at them suspiciously

"I'm an added bonus?" He asked.

"Our new mission, eliminate the half breeds. You're worse then a werewolf! Someone actually slept with a werewolf to conceive you." Lestrange said.

"It's not disgusting, you don't even-"

"Crucio!" Lestrange said casually, sending the spell and Bo. Bo crumpled into a ball as the pain made his muscles contract and spasm. "I've always wanted to try this on your kind. There's a rumour that if you curse a werewolf enough they being to transform"

"No." Bo managed to say as he writhed in pain. Bellatrix laughed and turned to the other Death Eaters.

"Secure the area and make sure that those ministry idiots don't get here. Close off that door." She said. The deatheaters all moved out of the way and did their jobs.

Rhia stirred slightly and opened her eyes. She stared straight at the hem of Bellatrix's robes. She moved and saw around Bellatrix. She gaped in shock and stood up quickly and as silently as she could. She got out her wand and was about to throw a curse at Bellatrix when someone grabbed her wrist and began to squeeze it until it began to feel like her wrist would break. She turned and saw Wormtail holding her wrist. His silver hand gleaming in the dim light. He smirked at her as she gave a cry of pain.

"Rhia!" she heard her mum's voice shout. Rhia glanced towards the door.

"Mum! Mum, help me!" She shouted. "Bo's hurt and -" Wormtail spun her and held her by her throat.

"Be quiet you little brat." He said. Rhia gasped for air as he squeezed on her throat. Rudolphus Lestrange approached them from behind.

"You don't want to kill her yet Wormtail." He said. Wormtail grunted his annoyance and threw her down next to Bo. Bellatrix lifted the curse and Bo collapsed on the floor. Rhia pulled Bo closer to her and put his head on her lap. She looked up at the Death Eaters in fear.

Harry started pacing in Dumbledore's office. He wanted to get out but he couldn't. He eventually sat down on the chair and rubbed his scar furiously. It was tingling and causing a little discomfort. Nothing too serious must have happened to Rhia or Bo otherwise he would have felt it. But what if he'd actually gotten better at Occlumency. His mother had been a good teacher and his scar had stopped hurting for several months now. Voldemort may have already killed Rhia and Bo. Harry got up again and began his pacing. The door to the office opened and Hermione ran in followed by Ron.

"We know a way to get to the department of mysteries." Ron said.

"The only thing is we've never tried it before, though the theory behind it is rather simple." Hermione said.

"I don't care! What is it?" Harry said.

"Um, well…" Hermione looked at Ron then went and closed the door.

"Hermione feels that she could try and make a portkey." Ron said. Harry looked at Hermione.

"Are you joking?" He asked.

"No, I'm being serious. I've read up on the theory and I know what I have to do, I've just never put it into practice before. It can't be as difficult as conjuring a patronus!" Hermione said.

"But-" Harry started to say but Ron interrupted him.

"Don't bother mate, I've already tried to talk the idea out of her head. I swear she used to be the one against breaking the rules." Ron said. Harry's face became set.

"Alright lets do it." Harry said. Hermione got out a feather quill and Ron stood between them so they formed a triangle. Hermione got out her wand and closed her eyes. She stood and composed herself for a few moments before she tapped the feather.

"Portus" She said. Harry thought he detected a little bit of uncertainty in her voice. She opened her eyes. "Alright, hold onto it." She said. Harry and Ron instantly took of hold of the feather and felt a jerking feeling at their navels. Harry felt his hair blowing past his face. Ron had his eyes closed and Hermione looked as though she regretted not tying back her hair. They landed with a thud in a pile in a large black room. Harry's scar suddenly erupted in pain, causing him to wince.

"Where are we?" Ron asked as he looked up.

"I don't know but if you don't get off me I think I'll die." Harry muttered.

"Just get up" Hermione wheezed. She was at the bottom of the pile and sounded as though she was in some pain. Ron and Harry got up then helped Hermione to her feet.

"Alright, where now?" Ron asked

"Lumos." Harry said. A small disk of light appeared on a wall that was fairly close. He jumped as it also lit up Rhia's head. She had her eyes closed, to block out the sudden light. Harry winced slightly again and rubbed his scar.

"Rhia!" Harry said. Rhia opened her eyes in shock.

"Harry?" She asked. Hermione and Ron both said the spell as well. "Get out of here, you have to-"

"Silenco." Someone said causing Rhia to fall silent. Harry, Hermione and Ron all turned their wands on a figure behind them. Harry bit his lip not to scream out in pain as the pain in his forehead got stronger and stronger.

"Nice of you to finally drop in." said Voldemort with a sneer. The room suddenly lit up with light, revealing a fair few number of Death Eaters surrounding the three. Rhia was tied up and left against a wall with Bo unconscious in her lap. Harry turned and gasped as he saw the veil.

"Harry we're surrounded." Ron muttered.

"I know." Harry said.

"Where the heck are the adults?" Hermione muttered. They were back to back now, neither of them wanting to reveal their back to the death eaters.

"I don't know" Harry said. His eyes were fixated on the veil. A plan was beginning to formulate in his mind but he wasn't certain if he could carry it out successfully. "There are various spells and curses that can be used to release the souls individually or as a group" Harry muttered.

"What?" Hermione asked. Harry didn't answer, he turned to Voldemort.

"You know what to do Harry." He said. Harry nodded, he turned to the veil and pointed his wand at it.

"What are you doing!" Ron shouted at him.

"Heraldo Lupin!" Harry said. Voldemort's eyes widened as if he wasn't expecting that particular summon. A breeze stirred in the room. Rhia's eyes were wide with shock and she looked on the verge of fainting. Ron and Hermione looked uncertainly at one another while the Death Eaters were looking curiously at what was happening. The Veil stirred and someone stepped out from behind it. Rhia nearly did faint at this point while Hermione stifled a scream.

Remus Lupin stepped in front of them and straightened his robes. He looked up at the people watching him and raised an eyebrow.

"Right, a fight, I gather." Remus said. Harry grinned.

"Reducto." Shouted someone from the other side of the room. A barrier burst open and April and James tumbled into the room. James looked up and went white. April almost fell to her knees.

"Moony." James gasped.

"Kill them all!" Voldemort shouted.

A/N:- Ok, managed to get this chapter written for you guys at school. Too kme like...5 free periods after i've finished my work of course and a lot of concentrating, cause i'm distracted at the moment. I think there are a few questions that i'd like to clear up first before i sign out. a) Harry and Rhia did not sleep with each other, they were just getting intimate int he last chapter, b) I DON'T study english. I study chemistry, biology and Psychology, c) Bo and Emma will hook up soon, if things go according to plan (i moved it a little forward compared to what i was going to do). Anyway, thanks for all your support, i have noticed i've lost a few reviewers but the ones who have stayed with me and are still reading the chapters i write, thanks for understanding that i have to put work first this year.