This chapter probably won't be as funny as the others, but it sets up a lot of stuff later on.
Courtroom Ten was just as dark as the day Harry had first seen it, the air just as cold. Massive stone benches rose up in columns on every side, broken only by the judges' balcony on one side and large double doors on the other. The dias rose from the floor, and from the dias the Veil. Neither appeared constructed by human hands; Harry wondered if both had been called up from the depths of the Earth by some long-ago warlock, and had simply refused to return.
"Harry, are you sure you want to do this?"
Arthur's question startled him; he shook his head abruptly. "Hm? Yes...of course."
"We can leave, if you want."
"I don't want to leave. I- I have to do this." Heart pounding, Harry started toward the dias, feeling the chill grow with each step. A breeze ruffled his dark hair, the air stiff and musty-smelling, but he continued on his way. His shoes felt as though they had been filled with water as he climbed the steps, but it was no relief to sink to his knees. One thought filled his mind, and he whispered it to the cold.
"Sirius."
The name hung in the air, trembling like the boy who spoke it. Harry stared into the Veil, but the Veil itself gave no reply. And why should it? It had taken Sirius from him; it answered to no one. But Harry would have liked an explanation, instead of the whispers, too soft to discern.
And then, as though he intended to do it all along, Harry began to sing.
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
Arthur's voice came from nearby; Harry hadn't heard him approach.
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time
Harry raised his head and looked at Arthur.
It's something unpredictable
And Arthur sang back, his brown eyes moist.
But in the end it's right
Harry smiled sadly and sang to the Veil, wondering if Sirius could hear him.
I hope you had the time of your life
An acoustic guitar took up the slack, singing with unseen violins. Harry had no idea where they came from, but the music was beautiful. As it drew to a close, Arthur put a hand on his shoulder.
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
Harry thought of his godfather: his smile, his laugh, his advice and humor. The next line he sang with all his heart.
For what it's worth, it was worth all the while
Arthur smiled and joined his voice with Harry's.
It's something unpredictable
But in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
The guitar seemed louder this time, but this fact registered only dimly. He closed his eyes and repeated the chorus, letting the words flow over hidden wounds like a balm.
It's something unpredictable
But in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
It's something unpredictable
But in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life
A loud crash made Harry open his eyes. An equally loud thunk followed. The Veil billowed, as though someone had brushed against it from behind. Arthur grabbed his arm and pulled him off the dias.
The crashing and banging continued.
"What's going on?" Harry cried.
"I- I don't know- this has never happened before!"
The Veil billowed again. Was it Harry's imagination, or did he glimpse a boot beneath the cloth?
Arthur tugged at his arm. "C'mon, Harry, we should go."
"But-"
"There's no telling what'll happen! For all we know, the Veil is coming for the both of us!"
Arthur gave another tug on Harry's sleeve, then released him as he stumbled backward. Harry fell on his backside and scooted back, eyes wide.
Sirius Black brushed the Veil from his shoulder, dusted off his guitar, and made his way down the steps, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, I wouldn't say it was the time of my life, but it sure was a time!"