Left behind
As the significant date of the 16th of July approached, the whole world of Harry Potter had burst into activity. Everybody was busy preparing for the new Book, the sixth in the line. Hermione had returned from her long vacation in the world 'Neverending Story', Ron and Harry were making up potential plots, one more weird than the other, Voldemort was writing a new 'People to be killed'-list, Snape sadly postponed his correspondence with Erik, the Opera Ghost, and so on… All was excited, all was busy.
Meanwhile, beyond the veil, Sirius Black was running around in circles. He knew perfectly well that Book Six was about to begin, and that he'll be left out. And right now, now, when the real war, the real action had to start! The mere thought was nearly unbearable!
He tore his hair furiously. What's going to happen? Voldemort will advance, for sure… Will anyone die? Will Moony and –above all- Harry survive? If he only knew! That would help a lot… Yes, knowing the plot would make things definitely easier… But no, no… He'll have to wait until the Book is over, or somebody dies, and then ask… Too long… Oh, dear! Being stuck in this §)! place, unable to do anything, knowing nothing… This was indeed a good excuse for going mad!
He pressed his brow to the wall, giving way to his utter despair… when he suddenly felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. Spinning around he found himself gazing into the kind, smiling face of Boromir of Gondor. Sirius sighed and tried hard to smile. During the time they had spent here, 'beyond the veil', these two somehow managed to find each other, and became inseparable friends.
- You don't seem to be too happy today, master Padfoot!
- Not happy! Ha! I daresay that's the understatement of the century! – he snapped, resuming the circling.
- There, there! Calm down, Sirius! I've got something for you that might cheer you up! – said the Gondorian with a mischievous smile. Sirius noticed that he was hiding something behind his back.
- What's that?
His friend gave no reply, just smiled. – You'll never guess!
- Fire Whisky? I could use a bottle or two…
The warrior shook his head and –grinning broadly- handed him a thick, heavy book. Sirius starred at the cover with wide, surprised eyes: it depicted two determined-looking figures, surrounded by fire. And the title was…
- Nay… that can't be… I… How? Why? This…
- This is 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince'! Only for you!
- For me…? But… Oh, Boromir!
Then, without warning, he threw his arms around the Gondorian and pulled him into a fierce embrace.
- You're a real magician, you are! – he said, nearly sobbing.
- 'Tis all right, Padfoot… - whispered Boromir – See, I know how it feels to be cut out from the Story in the middle…
And then, stepping backwards, grinning broader than ever:
- Come, let's read it together!
END