Title: 'Til Eternity Breaks
Summary: Some say it's a fate worse than death.
Author's note: I view this as Hermione describing the Veil to Harry, and Harry's reactions to the Department of Mysteries. This is a very strange piece (one of the weirdest I've written) and doesn't make perfect sense to everyone who reads it, but I like it. Reviews are appreciated; no flames please.

"It's called 'The Veil'…"

It's a terrifyingly real thing. How can such simple words be so devastating? With a simple breeze, I could hear them - the voices of wizards and witches past.

"The Veil? What…what does it do?"

They sounded so afraid…so lost. I could feel a sharp tug at my heart, begging me to stay, to help them.

"It's full title is 'The Veil o-of...'"

The haunting voices proved more addicting than the Mirror of Erised. There had to be some way to help them…any way.

"Yes? Go on…"

I felt as if I stayed there long enough, that I could figure out its meaning, its purpose, its secret. There was something there that I couldn't see…I knew it.

"It's called 'The Veil of…Death'. It…it kills. Physically, at least."

Then it happened. And who was she to take away the only true father figure I've ever known? As I watched him fall gracefully back, I froze.

"I don't understand. Isn't all death physical?"

I was so…weak. I sat there and watched him fall to his death, watched him become one of those left wandering for eternity in that endless pit of midnight darkness.

"No. I can't explain well, but someday you will understand. The soul is left unscathed and alone until the end of time. Some say it's a fate worse than death."

Now he's gone, and the guilt is eating away at my very soul. My eyes are lifeless - my face emotionless. After holding it all inside for a year, I've grown accustomed to this., because I know that he's there, isolated, separated from those that he loved.

"Oh. And what say you?"

So while he's alone in the realm of the fallen, I walk through the cold, cruel world, my head hung low, aware of the fate I dealt the one who deserved it the least. It's a burden I must live with for the rest of my days - one that will haunt me forever.

"…I agree."