Chapter 19

Everything was white. A white so crisp and clear that it radiated light endlessly in every direction; only the smallest variations in opacity gave any distinction to this landscape. Harry was back in the clouds. Slowly drifting along completely at peace, Harry was again reminded of Luna Lovegood. Was she here in the clouds somewhere? Harry half expected to see her head go bobbing by; her nose buried in the latest issue of The Quibbler or sporting some ill fashioned head piece.

"Luuuu—naaaaa" Harry called out testing his voice and finding that he still had one. His voice range out dreamily and echoed out across the vast nothingness.

"Harry?" Cried someone from far away, but it definitely wasn't Luna. It sounded vaguely familiar but it was too quiet to place.

"I'm here!" Harry answered happily. He stretched out his arms and rolled over on to his back in mid-air. "I'm right here!"

"Haaarr—rry!" The same voice called out again, only faintly louder but it sounded more desperate. Unlike Harry who felt completely at ease the voice seemed very sad.

"Are you okay?"

"Help meee, Haaarrry!" but the voice was now much farther away and Harry heard what seemed to be the echo of an echo.

Harry tried kicking his legs to propel himself forward, "Wait!"

"Harry..."

"I'm coming! Wait for me!" More determined Harry moved his arms and legs, as if swimming in mid-air, trying to move faster towards the voice. He couldn't be sure how far he'd gone, or if he had moved at all but somehow he knew he must get to the voice.

"I can't move!" The voice called out suddenly clearer and louder than ever before. It sent a jolt of euphoria through Harry's insides, he was getting closer.

"Kick your legs! Come to me!" Harry eyes were wide with delight, smiling and laughing almost manically. He was getting closer! "Kick your legs like me!"

"HAARRRY!" The voice rang so loudly it was as if someone had smashed a gong inside Harry's head. Then several things happened at once. The airiness that had previously gently wrapped Harry in its embrace was now rapidly growing solid. Gone was the luminescence being emitted from the clouds and instead was a dull lifelessness. Worst of all was the very real feeling that Harry was plummeting, ever faster, downward. The lingering echo of the desperate voice was sucked out of Harry's ears leaving him completely deaf. Not even the sound of his own pounding heart penetrated the void.

The ugly, dull whiteness was closing in around Harry oppressively. Harry's mind worked overtime as he finally understood. "The voice, that voice, was Sirius's voice." If he could speak again Harry was sure he would stop falling. If he could only get to Sirius, he could help him. He only had to call out, make some noise. But Harry was falling, falling, ever falling; trapped in the nothingness.

Pressure started filling up Harry's chest, his lungs struggled to breath in or out. Harry's mouth opened as wide as it would go trying to gulp down air. The pressure was mounting, trying to escape and on the brink of what felt like internal combustion, it released. Air suddenly filled his lungs and Harry yelled out with every fiber of his being "SIRIUS, I'M HERE!"

Instantly Harry was transported. He could feel half of his body laying on something hard and flat; while something softer was supporting his neck and shoulders, making his head loll back and his mouth hang open. Something else was lightly slapping the side of his face repeatedly. Blinking lazily Harry opened his eyes only to find that black had replaced white. A jolt of fear went through his body, suddenly afraid he was still stuck in the nothingness. However, as his eyes focused and his vision widened he saw what was really before him. Not an endless field of blackness but only two small circles that formed Severus Snape's eyes. His face was white as a sheet with a worried expression that Harry hadn't ever seen cross the Potion Masters face before.

"Are you alright Potter?" Snape asked quietly, "can you hear me?"

Harry nodded, "What happened?" His voice was sounded weak to his own ears.

"You passed out, stopped breathing- No, don't try to sit." Snape slowly removed his arm from around Harry and laid him gently on the floor.

"I stopped breathing? Why?"

"I dont know." Snape's eyes searched Harry's, his expression was composed again as he raked his fingers though his hair. "You called out a name. Do you remember?"

"You're bleeding!" Harry said eyes widening, as what looked like blood so dark it was almost black, had wiped off on Snape's forehead.

"What?" Snape looked at his hands and had the opposite reaction that Harry did. His eyes narrowed, he wiped the rest of the dark blood off on his cloak and in a flash had reached out towards Harry. Leaning across Harry's body he turned Harry's head to the side and lifted up his left shoulder. "Impossible." Snape breathed.

"What?" Without answering Snape pointed his wand at Harry and quickly levitated him to the bed. Then he pointed his wand at the door and a silver bird burst out of its tip and sped away. Turning on his heel Snape swiftly conjured a chair that appeared next to Harry's head. He sat, sparing another glance at the door, then looked back at Harry.

"Do you remember the name Potter? Do you remember anything?"

"I—" He was confused and could only remember a vague feel, falling maybe? And- "white, everywhere and falling."

"Were you alone? Was there someone else with you?" Snape asked rapidly.

"No—I don't—"

"You called out Potter, think" But there was nothing else and Harry didn't have any more time to think. A loud 'CRACK' sounded just outside of the bedroom door followed by several knocks. Snape waved his wand and the door opened.

Albus Dumbledore took one step into the room. "Severus?"

For several moments Snape continued to look at Harry before responding. "The Grimorie mark is expanding." Snape sounded concerned, "without invoking an incantation." Dumbledore had started moving towards them but Snape held up his hand which still was stained with the black blood. "He passed out and stopped breathing."

"For how long?"

"Not long," Snape replied immediately, "thirty seconds at the most."

Dumbledore shut the door quietly behind him and leaned against the wall with his hands behind his back. "Tell me what happened."

Harry wanted to know the same thing. He still didn't even know what the Grimorie mark was, so he stayed quiet and listened. Snape's full attention was on the Headmaster, "we were discussing our, predicament when he just fainted. I was trying to revive him when he stopped breathing. Then he just, called out, was breathing again and regained consciousness. Potter noticed this residue," Snape held up his hand once more, "when I checked his neck I saw the marking had grown."

Dumbledore turned his clear blue eyes on Harry, "was it another vision?"

"No," Harry didn't think so.

"He can't remember what happened." Snape said simply.

"What did Harry call out before he woke?" Harry had been wondering the same thing. Snape said it was a name and seemed eager to find out what Harry remembered.

The side of Snape's mouth twitched in a half grimace as he glanced at Harry. "He was calling out to Black. Said, 'Sirius, I'm here'."

"Really?" Dumbledore asked quietly, eye brows raised. Snape only nodded in confirmation and Harry was even more confused, why had he called out to his dead godfather? "Harry, have you ever heard of the Grimorie Mark?"

Harry looked away from Snape. "Snape-"

"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore chided.

Harry wanted to spit, but instead gritted his teeth. "No." Not long before Harry had fainted Snape had told him many things. About his mother, Snape's past and why Dumbledore trusted him. He had said they would talk about the meaning of the mark, but hadn't gotten around to it. A half-memory of a warm embrace and close bodies floated into Harry's mind but he pushed it away. Snape had been forthright with Harry, and the tiniest seed of trust was beginning to from between them, however miniscule it may be. Dumbledore, however, had been losing Harry's trust and his manner was chafing at Harry's good-will.

Dumbledore met Snape's eyes briefly before looking back at Harry. "The Grimorie Mark is a very old form of magic created by the first wizards and witches that walked this earth. Magic was much more prevalent then, running wild through the undeveloped landscape. The magical peoples of the time were tapped into that magic. They used the elements to create their spells and had incredible skill at wandless magic. In fact, the first people had yet to discover how to create wands so instead they created the Grimorie." Dumbledore smiled gently at Harry, "You probably already know that a grimorie is simply another word for a book of spells, but before they had books, they only had a few specific symbols. They were a series of symbols, when combined in a certain order, created the first written spells. For the Grimorie Mark to work however, it had to be etched onto their skin so they could focus its power. It was a crude but powerful way of using magic.

"That is the beginning of the Grimorie Mark. After wands were discovered the practice was quickly set aside. Over the years many witches and wizards built upon the first series of symbols creating the spells we use today. I want you to know all of this Harry because the mark can mean many things, have many different influences good or bad. I admit to you freely that I do not recognize your markings, but their symbols in essence do not seem sinister."

"How do you know this is even a Grimorie Mark then, if you dont recognize any of the symbols? How can you tell if nobody uses them anymore?"

"Ah well that's not quite true Harry, there is one person that I know of who still actively uses this magic." Dumbledore eyes twinkling, "but that's a very astute observation. If you asked many a witch or wizard today if they knew anything about the Grimorie Mark. They would most likely respond no, or perhaps have a vague memory of hearing about it in school. Like many things we try to teach you at Hogwarts, it simply flew in one ear and out the other. But what most people don't realize is that they have heard of a Grimorie mark, only under a different name. The Dark Mark. Lord Voldemort was an avid student if nothing else."

"But then how can you be sure Voldemort didn't give me-"

"An old mans intuition Harry. You have been here, at Godrics Hollow, since before the mark appeared and I am certain that Professor Snape hasn't marked you on the Dark Lord's behalf. Which leads us back to what you said when you awoke. You called for Sirius." A sad understanding smile appeared on Dumbledore's face which made Harry scowl in response. "You remember nothing?"

"I already told Snape-"

"Profess-" But it was Snape himself who waived the Headmaster silent.

"All I can remember is falling and—and white all around me."

Dumbledore considered this for a moment. "Can you remember what you were doing right before you fainted?"

Harry looked at Snape and quickly looked away chewing on the inside of his cheek, "I was—standing by my desk." Dumbledore's clear blue eyes looked deeply into Harry's. Knowing he was trying to read his mind Harry looked away.

"Just standing? Hmm, what were you feeling? An extreme emotion might explain how you've tapped into this power."

"I don't know, I was just standing talking to Snape."

Dumbledore and Snape stared at each other as if conversing mind to mind. "Alright Harry. Well, I know this is another issue you'd probably rather not have to deal with but I don't want you to worry. If I could just—look at the mark? See how it's changed so I can continue to research it's meaning." Dumbledore posed his question to Snape who inclined his head and stood so he could better grasp Harry's shoulders to help him lean forward. Harry's body was still weak and his shoulders were bruised where Snape had been gripping them earlier. The Headmaster came close to the bed and craned his neck in a very Petunia-ish fashion so he could see the mark, yet remain as far away as possible. He made a noise of assessment then backed away again.

"I am looking into this Harry. Please don't let this become another burden, I will find out, trust me." Harry didn't respond as he looked intently at the ceiling. "You'll keep me updated Severus?"

"Yes Headmaster."

"And the bond-?"

"Stronger."

"Very well, very well." Without another word the Headmaster exited the room and Harry turned back towards Snape who still sat next to his bed looking down at him.

"You certainly have an affinity for attracting the strange Potter."

"More like an affinity for passing out. I'm sick of feeling weak all of the time." Snape had a calculating look about him as he stared at Harry once again as if Harry was a very interesting potion. "What does this mean?"

"Your guess is as good as mine Potter."

"But you—you seemed like—like it meant something that I called out for Sirius." His godfathers' name made a lump rise uncomfortably in Harry's throat. He could clearly remember the dream where Sirius had shown up at Grodrics Hollow alive and well. And he had been sure Sirius was there when he was struggling to escape, laying a comforting hand on his chest in his time of need.

"I can only speculate."

"Well speculate then!"

Snape reached out one of his pale hands and touched it to Harry's temple. Harry felt nothing other than the skin to skin contact but Snape's eyes had gone out of focus. With a jerky nod and several hard blinks Snape came back to himself. "I can't be certain but I think perhaps Black is-lingering. No he's not a ghost, but if there was ever a man pig-headed enough to hold on after death, it would be him."

"What are you saying?" It wasn't possible, Harry had seen him go through the veil. Everyone had said he had died!

"That Black is reaching out to you, from beyond."

"How can you know that?" Harry whispered.

"I can't. I could be entirely wrong. Best not to dwell on it Potter." Snape said leaning back into his seat.

"Not dwell on it! If Sirius is alive I have to find him!" Harry cried struggling to sit up and failing.

"There you go again, action before understanding." Snape sneered but it lacked its usual menace. "There is no doubt that Black's physical body is gone. If, and only if, some part of him is sending this mark to you, where would you start looking for him? Hmm?" Snape shook his head, "No, until we have more information there is nothing we can do. Again, I may be wrong."

"If there's a chance.."

"If there's a chance he is alive, we need only wait to figure out the mark's symbols and how to activate them. Assuming it is the way to bring him back, or communicate with him. You must have patience for this Potter."

"I have more patience than you think Snape. I don't just go running blinding into everything! I tried to contact Sirius before I went to the Ministry, I tried to tell you about it in Umbridge's office. And—and everything else I've done I thought through." Snape scoffed looking incredulously at Harry.

"What about when you entered the Chamber of Secrets, or went chasing after the Sorcerers Stone? Didn't tell any Professors about those times did you? What about running after Black when you thought he was a mass murderer?"

"Ugh! I went to a Professor first every time! I had to do those things!" Snape made a face that meant 'exactly my point', "I had to go into the chamber, Lockhart was going to let Ginny die down there and modify my and Ron's memories! Plus I am the only Parslemouth at Hogwarts so who else was going to help her! And I told Professor McGonagall that someone was going to steal the stone that night. I tried to warn her, to warn Dumbledore but she didn't believe me. At the time, I thought it was you! I heard you intimidating Quirrell and thought you were trying to steal the Stone!" Harry sucked in deep breaths, "and when we went into the Shrieking Shack it was because a giant dog had pulled Ron into it. We didn't know that it was Sirius we thought it was the Grim!"

"So you're telling me Potter that you believe that chasing death symbols, going into secret basilisk chambers and heading off assumed dark wizards were all thought out plans?"

"Well no—but"

"Exactly. While you have managed to survive a great deal thus far it's time you start planning, because you're luck is going to run out." Snape summoned a vial from his cabinet and handed it to Harry. "You should sleep Potter. We have another full day to discuss everything, and I mean everything." Rather than engage Snape in a fight that would only go in circles Harry accepted the draft and downed it.

The seventh and final day of Harry's forced confinement passed much quicker than the others had. When Harry awoke that morning he found Snape already up and waiting. The day was filled with discussions of the rest of the meeting, the prophecy and Snape's theory about the Grimorie Mark. They barely paused to eat; taking turns pacing the floor, sulking in corners and eventually erupting in anger. Wearing down each others patience and insulting the other as much as possible during those times of anger. They fueled each other's fire, both men passionate on their own point of view, but eventually managed to find answers to their questions. They stayed up late into the night both men looking worse for the wear until finally falling silent, distracted by their own thoughts.

Harry hadn't slept, and he suspected that Snape hadn't either. Dawn's morning light filled their worn down room with a soft orange glow that was highlighting all the imperfections. Cracks of pealing paint cast shadows along the wall where it began to curl forward. The wood floors looked dull and faded from lack of upkeep. It was a room that reflected perfectly how Harry was feeling. Tired, worn down and full of cracks. Yet, he also felt sturdy like the room, ready to endure whatever came next. More prepared than he had ever felt before and more determined.

"We should go down to breakfast" Came 's voice from across the room, "being around others will be the first real test of the bond."

"M'kay." Harry replied absently and began pulling on a fresh cloak. He was ready to leave this room, especially ready to spend time away from Snape. He was not, however, eager to go amongst the Order. He needed to see Ron and Hermione as soon as possible. Though he would have liked to continued on his own, he knew that he needed them. The three of them together could solve problems better than on their own. It was just a matter of getting them alone without the others, even Snape, finding out. During the night Harry had come up with a plan to make sure they could speak privately. Though the library was usually empty there was another place that he knew was safe. The secret room where Harry had hid before in the house across the way.

Snape stood waiting by the door for Harry his face impassive. Without wasting any time Harry followed him out the door, down the stairs and into the court yard. The air was already warm even this early in the morning. The summer heat pleasantly warming Harry's skin and a light breeze ruffled through his hair. It felt so good to be outside. The fresh air was cleansing after being cooped up. Even Snape appeared more at ease as they took their time crossing to the main house. When they entered it was mostly quiet. Only a few voices were coming from the kitchen, it was still quite early in the morning but it was enough to test the bond. Snape didn't look at Harry as he pushed open the door and went confidently in. Harry hesitated on the thresh hold, as they had discussed, and let the door swing shut before him.

No waves of anxiety went through Harry's stomach, no nausea or weakness. The first step proved successful so Harry pushed open the door and entered the kitchen. There were more people inside the than he thought there would be. Kingsley, Tonks and Moody sat at the far end of the kitchen table silently all looking completely exhausted. Tonks had a thick green paste covering a long gash across the side of her face and dark bruises around her eyes. Lupin stood with his back to Harry pouring himself a cup of tea while Mr. Weasley leaned towards him speaking in a low voice. Snape had already sat down and engaged Professor McGonagall in conversation. The last person in the kitchen was sitting all by himself, slouched forward and extremely pale. It was Draco Malfoy and he was the only one that didn't look up when Harry entered the room.

Harry moved to get himself a cup of tea, exchanging minimal pleasantries with Mr. Weasley and Lupin, and thanking them for his gifts. Tonks had waved him over, gesturing to an empty seat next to her. "Wotcher Harry." She smiled at him, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Doing alright?" She asked in a lower voice.

"Yeah, fine." He replied. "What happened to you?"

"This?" She motioned to the green paste, "ah just got knocked head first into a cursed mirror is all. Be right as rain in a few."

"Sure you're alright Potter?" Moody asked joining the conversation.

"Yeah." He said again, "thanks for the foe-glass Professor."

Moody nodded gruffly, "glad you recognized it Potter. Keep it close, you never know when you'll need it."

Harry only nodded and stared into his tea cup watching the dregs slowly swirl to the bottom, as they all feel silent. Kinglsey, who sat across from Harry, was actually sleeping upright and made low wheezing noises as he breathed in and out. Harry glanced up at the door every time it opened, hoping to see either Ron or Hermione enter the room. But after a half an hour of waiting they hadn't shown up. The kitchen was starting to fill up as the morning progressed and Harry decided he would have to wait elsewhere for his friends.

Harry left the kitchen without a word but he could feel many eyes following him out. Deciding that the library would be the best place to wait Harry headed up the stairs. He pulled an overstuffed chair over to one of the windows and stared out into the court yard. He had a clear view of the front doors of the other house and waited for his friends to emerge. Harry drummed his fingers along the window sill impatiently, willing his friends out.

Several of the Weasley children tumbled out of the front doors, stretching their limbs and yawning widely, but Ron wasn't with them. Not long after that, Harry straightened in his chair when he saw Hermione's bushy head exit the house. She was walking with her parents and Ron towards the main house. Harry jumped out of his chair and quickly headed towards the door. Stopping himself suddenly Harry forced himself to wait. They couldn't see him just yet, it would draw too much attention if he met them in the hall while everyone sat in the kitchen. He let ten minutes go by before peaking out the library door to see if the coast was clear. Noise from the kitchen floated up the stairs and down the hall but the kitchen door remained closed. Harry quickly dashed down the stairs, passed the kitchen and went out the front doors. If anyone saw him hurrying towards his own house they would assume he was probably overwhelmed.

Harry raced up the stairs to his room and threw open the door. Thankfully it was empty; Harry tore open the wardrobe and grabbed his invisibility cloak. Swinging it over his head and dashing back out the door Harry ran towards the house across from his. Breathing hard from exerting more physical energy than he had in days Harry leaned against the door frame. It was another waiting game for Harry but he was so close to getting to Ron and Hermione that it didn't matter. He didn't have to wait long as Ron's gangly from came bursting out of the main house, similar to what Harry himself had just done, with Hermione closely tailing him. Instead of heading back towards their house though, they were moving towards Harry's.

Harry quickly looked around for something to use to draw their attention. Nothing looked promising so Harry had to resort to yelling. "OY!" He called out looking around to see if anyone else was milling about the courtyard. Ron had stopped so suddenly that Hermione ran into his back and nearly fell over. "Over here!" Harry called again and poked his hand through the folds of the cloak. What looked like a disembodied hand beckoned Ron and Hermione over. They immediately changed course and ran back towards their house.

"Harry?" Hermione whispered quietly, her eyes scanning the place where Harry's arm had been.

"Get inside, and go up the stairs." Harry instructed. They did as he said, Ron lingering on the porch to give Harry time to enter the house. Once they were on the second story landing they all stood silently listening. "Okay down that hall" Harry exposed his hand once again and pointed towards a hallway lined with portraits. Harry had been here before, but he was half out of his mind with pain and couldn't remember which portrait lead to the secret room. Glancing both ways down the hall Harry pulled off his invisibility cloak and address the nearest portrait. "Where's the entrance to the Potter's room?" Harry asked hurriedly.

The painting was of a slender woman with long black hair. She had a kind face and wore high-necked blue dress robes. "And who are you young sir?"

"Harry Potter! Please we must hurry!" Her hazel eyes widened and looked up at Harry's scar.

"Two portraits down!" She ran with Harry, Ron and Hermione into the next two paintings, pushing into a wizard that had hair like white cotton candy. She whispered excitedly into the old mans ear and he puffed out his chest importantly. "Welcome young Harry!"

"Will you let us in?"

The old man eyed Ron and Hermione, "Just touch my frame-" Harry quickly touched the gold frame, cutting off the wizard before he could continue and stepped into the room. Ron and Hermione rushed in after him and the portrait swung shut.

When Harry had been here before he wasn't in the state of mind to really take it all in. The walls were lined with shelves containing a vast range of objects. Several rows were taken up by many trophies of different sizes. Old framed photographs were placed randomly around the room mixed with books, boxes, and busts wearing different ornate pieces of jewelry. Several large chairs were placed around a low oval table that had two three-pronged gold candlesticks resting on top of it. Everything was sparkling clean, the floors polished to a high shine and not a speck of dust rested on any surface. Ron and Hermione stood as dumbstruck as Harry did staring into the room.

"Well, we've figured out what the house-elves have been up to these past fifteen years." Said Ron who was studying his refection in a silver polished plate. Ron's voice seemed to pull Hermione out of her reverie.

"Oh Harry" She exclaimed wringing her hands, "we've been so worried about you. Trapped in that room with Snape! Are you alright?"

Harry waved off her worried expression and threw himself into the nearest chair, "Yeah—it doesn't matter. But I've got loads to tell you!" Ron and Hermione exchanged a look and sat down promptly. Harry quickly told him everything about the Minister being under the Imperius, and what he thought that meant for Hogwarts. They discussed the possible secrets that Voldemort wanted to know about the castle. How Dumbledore may be planning to remain away from the school and what might happen if Voldemort took over full control. He also told them about the increased security measures around the castle and that Hagrid was hiding in the Forbidden Forest.

"Oh my!" Hermione cried, "But the centaurs probably hate that!"

"Yeah well Hagrid can take care of himself can't he." Added Ron.

"Yeah, and he's probably the only one who could live in the forest, and it's the best place to keep an eye on Hogwarts." They continued on this subject for a while, eventually moving onto the prophecy. Harry left out Snape's orders from Voldemort as well as what Snape had told Harry about his past. "I told Snape the second half of the prophecy. He wouldn't believe that Dumbledore really thinks that I have to be the one to kill Voldemort" A shock of pain range through Harry's scar but he ignored it.

"Does he believe you now?" Asked Ron.

Harry laughed bitterly, "no, he says that it only proves that Voldemort will continue to hunt me down until either I'm dead, or he is. Snape thinks that Dumbledore's getting a bit carried away, taking the prophecy to literally."

"Well maybe he's right Harry," Hermione said, but seeing his expression, quickly added. "that would be a good thing! Maybe you don't have to kill Him, prophecies after all are such an imprecise branch—"

Harry shook his head, "No, it must be me. I know it."

"Why did you tell him Harry?" Asked Ron. "I thought Dumbledore said he wanted this kept secret. You know, besides us I mean."

Harry laughed bitterly, "Like I care what Dumbledore wants anymore. He's been pushing my life around for far too long. And if he is keeping the prophecy away from Snape, but trusts him enough to force me to bond with him then- well, i'll either find out the reason Dumbledore didn't want Snape to know, or Snape will help me figure out how to kill Voldemort." Ron and Hermione looked a worried. "That was Snape's reasoning at least. Said that he was trying to help me understand Voldemort and the Order, said he'd be there to answer my questions like."

Ron was frowning out right, "that's strange mate. Snape actually offering to teach you stuff."

"I know!" Harry agreed, "but he seemed to think it was the only way we'd get the bond to take hold. It wasn't working you know, that's why I got so sick when he left and even after he came back something wasn't right. Snape suspects that we are both resisting the connection too much or something. Oh, but I wish you guys were there the other night" Harry smiled wickedly "Snape totally lost his mind." Harry launched into the story of their wild Potions Master hurtling objects at Harry head. "I don't know why but I couldn't stop laughing, I couldn't control myself."

"You laughed in Snape's face?" Asked Hermione incredulously, "it sounds like he might have killed you!"

"Blimey Harry." said Ron, "what I'd give to laugh in that slimy gits face without punishment." Harry and Ron laughed together for the first time in what felt like years. Eventually even Hermione joined in.

After their laugher trailed off Harry got serious again. "Look, you guys aren't supposed to know any of this Order stuff, so I don't need to remind you not to talk about it." Ron and Hermione nodded. "Good, but there is something else I wanted to talk to you about and you can't let anybody, and I mean anybody, find out that you're looking into it." They nodded again and Harry scooted to the edge of his seat. "Hermione have you heard of the Grimorie Mark?"

"Oh yes it's-"

"Good, then you can fill Ron in on it later." Hermione frowned a little at not being able to share her knowledge out in the open. "I need you guys to look into this with me." Harry leaned to the side, turned his head and pulled away the back of his shirt. "Come look at this." Ron and Hermione got up to examine the Mark. Hermione letting out a little gasp and Ron shuffling around, obviously confused. "Dumbledore told me he didn't recognized the symbols, like they aren't regular Grimorie markings."

"How did you get that Harry?" Asked Hermione.

"I don't know, it just appeared one day a few weeks ago, and then two days ago when I was passed out Snape said it got bigger-" Harry told them about the sensation of falling and being surrounded by white. He told them what Dumbledore had said, making it vaguely clearer to Ron what was going on, and the part about Snape's own theories.

"Harry-" Hermione said concerned, "it can't be Sirius."

"Why can't it be?" Harry demanded more than asked. "How do we know that going through the veil automatically means you die?"

"Well we can't be certain Harry, but what if it turns out this has nothing to do with Sirius? What's going to happen if you convince yourself that he is alive and it turns out he isn't?" Hermione's eyes were wide and sad, "I just don't want you to get hurt Harry."

After all of the times people had said that to Harry this summer, this was the first time that Harry had believed it, been reassured by it. "Well it's just a theory, but I think we need to look into it anyway. Are you guys in?"

"Yes definitely" Replied Ron, "we'll figure it out mate, either way..."

"Yes," Agreed Hermione. She looked around the room searching for something, jumped up and crossed the room. She came back quickly with a piece of parchment in her hand and a quill in the other. "Let me just copy the symbols down for reference. Oh c'mon Harry I wont leave it laying about." Harry agreed and exposed his neck so Hermione could see better. When she was finished the three of them sat silently staring down at the drawing. Harry had examined the mark in the mirror but it was so awkwardly placed that he could only make out a few lines and a vague shape. Looking down now Harry could see more distinct images.

Something that looked like a tiny black oval, or maybe an egg, was surrounded by an almost perfect circle. Except for a tiny space that broke up the continuous loop to the left of the egg shape. Three staggered lines extended a short ways downward from the bottom of the circle. Each different in thickness and in length but all three had a tiny five-pointed star right below the end of the line. After a while Hermione folded up the parchment and tucked it into her pocket. She and Ron promised to discretely look further into it and they made their way back towards the portrait. It was lunch time, which would be a sure give away if Ron was missing from the occasion, so they decided to go their separate ways for the rest of the day. Harry pulled the invisibility cloak over his head and exited the room, feeling much relieved to have lighten his burden by confiding in his friends.