Rift

Harry paced, his mind riddled in equal parts confusion and fury. He stopped as he reached a wood crafted wall, turned, and began walking in the opposite direction. The wizard knew he was being watched and he didn't care. He wanted to think of what do, what he was going to say, how he was going to explain all this. He had been there and he had been unable to do anything. How was Elizabeth going to deal with this? the wizard kept thinking. He had lost children on two separate occasions and it was only because of Occlumency that he hadn't entirely gone over the edge.

But he could fix this, he kept thinking. There was a way. He just had to fast-track the process.

Finally he stopped. "You've thought of something?" asked Bonnie hopefully. She had been healed by vampire blood but she still looked a few shades lighter. She sat in a conjured sofa, her eyes oddly empty.

Harry sadly shook his head. "The only thoughts right now are of how we're going to tell Elizabeth," the man said and if it was possible Bonnie's eyes looked emptier.

"You can bring her back, can't you?" Bonnie asked and for the first time Harry became aware that room was not empty.

"Liz is human," said Stefan misreading Harry's pause. "Even if you used the ring she wouldn't be able to see Caroline."

"That's." Bonnie stopped when he noticed the look that Harry gave her. "Yeah. You're right," she said.

"Get the feeling you're missing something?" Lee asked in a loud whisper, but then he must have looked at Lexi because he said, "Damn. You know it too, don't you?" Lexi didn't answer and Lee's only response was a sigh.

"Let's focus on the present," Harry said. "Damon and Elena have are still on the collecting all the boats and destroying them mission, hopefully everything worked out and there aren't any possibilities of getting off the island. This gives time to at least think of our plan of attack."

"Attack?" asked Lexi. "Do you think that's wise?"

"I've always believed wisdom to be subjective," said Harry.

"That's not an answer," Lexi quickly responded.

"It's not the answer you're looking for, you mean," Harry amended. "But it is an answer," the wizard said. "Moving on," he said choosing to avert his eyes from Lexi. "Bonnie I need us to end this blasted spell Caitlin cast on this island."

"It wasn't her," said Bonnie. "At least not when we were around her she couldn't have cast the spell."

"No less, we should get started on a spell at least around this house. I don't think I can function without my sense."

Bonnie took a large breath and got to her feet. "Let's do this."

"Stanley," said Harry. The man looked away from his Hunter; the pair, along with two other Hunters, were in a little corner of the house, a boundary spell and a spell to keep their attention away from Harry's conversation along with it. "We'll be needing your help as well."

"Sure," said Stanley and he crossed the boundary.

It took all of three hours until the trio had come up with a spell powerful enough, but its range was tight. Harry could magic only so far as the small island in the middle of the forest, beyond that there was absolutely nothing. It was disconcerting to say the least and chilling the most. Harry assumed it must have been much like a person that could only see so far, after which there was only darkness.

Harry pushed thoughts of this strangeness. He had something of a plan and it all hitched on the following command.

"Stanley," Harry said. The man stopped and Harry could see weariness from his lowlight, drawn out in the man's expression so firmly that it disconcerted Harry. But as such thoughts that he was using this man came into his head they were quickly outweighed by the fact that he was working for Anna, who had caused the death of Caroline, who had been released from the Other Side because of Harry. Rather than punish himself with dread, Harry chose to do something else. "I have three commands that I'm hoping you'll pull-off."

"I can't refuse," said Stanley. Harry knew the signs, but he already had a plan.

"I want you to remember every spell that you've ever heard," said Harry. It took a few seconds, but Harry could see it. The cogs groaning and the man's mind starting to do something that was not oft done by the human mind. It started to remember everything. "Second I want you to escape. Hurt but don't kill. Third, I'm going to teach you a spell and you'll cast it as best you can."

Stanley nodded. The next set of events took fifteen minutes, and the next set of minutes Harry fought with a mind that remembered all.

"Imperio," it was the first spell and were Harry not immune to it, he was sure he would have fallen. He responded in kind, keeping his spells nonverbal for fear that they be used against him. He dodged, blocked and wove out of the way; two vampires came out of the house, Harry missed and caught them both with spells so terrifying that they weren't able move; and for it all the escape went well. When Harry woke up, his body groaning from being hurled at a tree and his hand bleeding from having his wand being ripped from it.

Harry was the first to wake up, he noticed. He found his wand and turned to Bonnie. He waved it in a complicated manner and the witch awoke with a large intake of breath. She groaned.

"What happened?" she asking, she a blood running from her head. Harry ran his wand along it and the cut healed.

"Tell you in a moment," said Harry. "First I have to wake up the others." He walked outside and went on to healing the wounded vampires, except Stefan who looked to have already healed.

"I fed," said the Ripper when Harry frowned in question. The wizard shrugged and moved the disgruntled party into the house.

"What happened?" asked Lexi, "And don't tell me your spell broke or something stupid like that. What are you planning?"

Everyone turned a pointed look at Harry. "You planned us being attacked?" asked Lee his voice rising. Harry glared when he felt a force gently try and enter his mind.

"It would do you well not to try and Compel me," said Harry and before Lee could answer Harry went on. "Yes, I planned this little escape, and before you ask why I didn't fill you in, it's because I wanted it to look authentic."

"Not authentic enough," said Lexi. "You hitting me with your curse was intentional."

"Sorry," said Harry. "But it still had to be easy for Stanley. He's talented, but in a fair fight he wouldn't be able to beat me much less the rest of you and survive."

Stefan, if it were possible, looked slightly impressed by something beyond Harry's knowledge. "What's the plan then?" he asked.

"Simple," said Harry. "We have five forces on this island with five separate goals in mind. Two of these forces were working together because they could help each other out, but now that's become sort of improbable because of two things: Silas is unbound and untombed, and Bonnie is with us. Anna will want the latter while the Hunters the former. Of course they can work together, but time is of import to both of them. Bonnie can desert this island and hide behind a powerful Cloaking Charm and Silas, who we can assume is the most powerful vampire alive, can also do the same and the Hunter will be hard-pressed to find him.

"The Hunters, thank Merlin, are impulsive, therefore if Anna does not want to find Silas first, they'll do without out her. The Spirits only care about their way, therefore they too won't let Anna breath before she kills Bonnie. From the displays I've noticed it looks like Anna's drunk on power and the Spirits will use this addiction to make sure she does what they want post-haste."

"They'll separate," said Stefan. "Anna will look for Bonnie, which means she'll come here."

Harry nodded. "She'll know I'm here, which will mean she'll be prepared."

"Or she might not," said Bonnie. "Like you said, she's drunk on power. She might think she can take the both of us." Bonnie paused. "She might be able to take on the both of us."

"Not to sound full of myself, but I've fought an Original, love," said Harry. "Anna might be more powerful, but that restricts her thinking. What use is coming up with a plan when you can muscle your way through it?"

Lexi snorted. "Not too long ago the same might have been said for you," she said.

"Hearing that a fight between three brought down an entire town is somewhat humbling," said Harry.

"Emphasise on somewhat," Lee commented.

Harry flinched as his spine was doused by cold water, the same expression was apparent on Bonnie. Harry's wand was in hand and was pointed at the door in a heartbeat. He opened it and a light blinked on at the tip of his wand; he saw two figures that looked as though they had gone through hell, the wounds had cleaned but their clothes were ripped and caked with blood. Elena looked paler, her eyes shifting from left to right and her shoulders tensed.

Damon looked both pissed and scared out of his mind.

"What's wrong," asked Bonnie. There was already power around her prepared to pounce at a moment's notice.

"Hunters," said Damon. "Elena killed one of them."

Harry couldn't help the sigh that left him. "Fantastic," he said.

Damon was at him in a second, hand around the wizard's neck and slamming him against the wall of the house. "Is it really?" the man asked his voice laced with anger. "Is it fantastic that our only way of getting off this island is gone because of you?"

"Let me go, Salvatore," Harry said his voice as cold as ice.

"You fix her," said Damon. "Fix her or I'll drain you dry."

"Damon, don't," said Elena but the words didn't seem to reach the vampire.

Harry disappeared with a rush of wind. Damon looked a confused, but that confusion gave way to unadulterated pain on the vampire's features and a cold look on Harry as he walked closer to the vampire.

"Perhaps as of yet I haven't made myself clear," said Harry. "I do not fear you, Mr Salvatore. You mean absolutely nothing to me except that you killed two of my friends without even a thought." Harry heard footsteps and reacted without even thinking. He slashed his wand and had only a moment to see Elena flying back and slammed into a tree, in a moment she was on fire. Bonnie screamed something and Lexi and Lee backed away, Harry felt the power rise but he didn't care, his attention was back on Damon. "Ever touch me again, Damon Salvatore, and I will cause you such pain that to kill you would be mercy."

Harry came back to himself and it was to the glare of Lexi. "We need to talk," she said. "In private." Harry nodded and made an Imperturbable Barrier around them. "What was that?" she asked.

"I'm losing it," said Harry his voice a bit shaky. "At least beginning to. Years of emotions held back are starting to surface."

"What about Occlumency?" she asked.

"It only works so long as I dull my senses," said Harry, "and with all that's happened I'm having trouble shrugging of the fault."

"Buck up," she said. "We don't need you angry or you're going to do something stupid. Like burn this island down with us on it."

Harry chuckled at that. "You know I've been thinking about doing that."

"Guessed as much," said Lexi. "I have faith you'll bring her back," she said. "Bring back the three of them. You've done it before. It shows that it's possible."

Harry sighed. "I know, it's just that until I do, where does that leave Elizabeth? I've lost children before and it's not the easiest thing to deal with, now compound that to both Elizabeth and Mayor Lockwood, and all of it my fault."

The wizard tensed but in moments he melted into the hug. Emotion flooded him and it was to the point where he felt uncomfortable. The hug helped, but this was still all his fault was what resonated through him and at that moment he knew that he had to do anything to ensure he brought them back. The Veil of Death had to work. It was no longer just for him but for those that had died because of him.

Harry pulled back. "Thanks," he said. "I think I needed that."

"It's not a problem," said Lexi. "Now we need to get back to all the turmoil," she said with a frown. "Speaking of which, something's bothering me." Lexi paused and then stopped. "Never mind," she said abruptly.

A frown appeared on the wizard. "No," he said. "Tell me."

"It's just...well it's Stefan. Something about him seems off," she said. "But I might be overthinking things with everything that's going on."

"What do you mean?"

"I know Stefan," said Lexi. "Beyond his brother I know him the best. He would have rushed in much like Elena when you were cursing Damon; he would have snapped your neck for burning Elena, and yet he did nothing."

"What do you suspect?" Harry asked and Lexi took on an almost blank expression.

"That a switcheroo has taken place," said Lexi. It sounded much like she would speak but Harry got the distinct impression there was something off. "Hello, Harry Potter," said Lexi.

"Who are you?" Harry asked, but he already had a feeling. "How are you doing this?"

"These abominations call it Compulsion," said Lexi. "But my methods are a little more refined. I'm simultaneously reading and shaping her thoughts. Quite the task I'll have to admit. But I couldn't miss the chance of speaking to you. Although indirectly."

"Silas."

"In the flesh," said Lexi. "So to speak of course."

"You know," the wizard started. "I didn't have any feelings towards you. I thought you were an ass for your manipulations, but I didn't hate you. But this is cause for me to hate you. If you want to talk to me, don't use the minds of my friends."

"Sure," said Lexi. "I'm right outside."

Harry's wand quickly moved in a complicated pattern and the barrier disintegrated. He expected to see Silas, but it was only Elena, Bonnie, the Salvatores and Lee that he saw. Harry looked around, trying to get a sense of any magic that might have tried to hide the man.

"You're confused," said Stefan. Everyone did not move. Harry could see them breathe and blink at times but they stood still.

"Silas?" Harry asked. "You know, hate is starting to bubble up in the pit of my stomach," he said. "You don't want me as an enemy."

"I don't," said Stefan. "Which is why I will tell you this. Stefan Salvatore is my doppelganger."

"I should be surprised," said Harry. "But honestly the only thing I can think about is where Stefan is. You've been posing as him for the last few hours, which means you're sure he couldn't have made an abrupt appearance. Where is he?"

Silas sighed. "There's not much pleasing you, is there?" the man asked. "I snapped his neck and buried him somewhere in the cave. I give six hours before he can claw his way out and find Qetsiyah."

"Merlin, she's alive isn't she?" the wizard said with a sigh.

"That she is," said Silas. "Which is why I've been watching you. Trying to gauge if you're worth trusting or not."

Harry snorted. "You killed my protégé and the daughter of the woman I'm dating," said Harry. "I tell you now. Don't trust me."

"What if I said I could bring them back?"

"I'm interested," said Harry.

"Do you know why Caitlin and Atticus Shane wanted to bring me back?" he asked to which Harry shook his head. "They have a warlock son who died in a car crash. They want me to bring her back."

Harry, for a moment, felt sympathy for them, but then the images of Caroline and Jeremy came to mind and that sympathy evaporated into nothing. The wizard began to think, to put together pieces and though some of the pieces were missing, he knew just one thing: Atticus had been the one he had been supposed to be watching. It had been his wanting his son and wife back that led him into finding Silas, to finding out about the ritual that would kill thirty-six. What Harry didn't understand though was the how?

Twenty-four had died and Harry couldn't think of the ties that would lead back to Atticus. How had the man done it all without the smallest hint that he was involved? Harry rubbed his chin. He wanted to bring Caroline, Jeremy and Tyler, and Bree and Connor back but Harry didn't think this method was worth it. He would need to kill twelve more people and added to that he would rip the veil to the Other Side apart, letting loose all the evil vampires, werewolves and witches that called the place home.

"Okay," said Harry.

Silas frowned. "I don't seem to believe that," the man said.

"It was a lie," said Harry. "I know about your spell and it's dangerous."

Silas grinned. "I also know about yours," said Silas. "I'm a genius of magic." Harry's brow rose. "Granted I couldn't come up with a spell for immortality, but I think I could help you with your spell."

"I really hate that you're reading Lexi's mind," said Harry.

"I'm not," said Silas. "But I've read through every thought she's had of you. You are peculiar, Harry Potter. Your magic is peculiar."

"It's a speciality of my," said Harry. "If you're really interested in working with me then you won't mind me taking Caitlin out of the picture."

Silas shrugged. "Go right ahead. Though I ask for one thing."

"Which is?"

"Caitlin took the Cure from me," said Silas. "As much as I like being Immortal there's something I hate about not having access to my magic."

"I can relate," said Harry. "Release them."

Harry heard large intakes of breath. "What's going on?" Harry heard asked and the question reverberated.

"Mrs Gilbert," said Silas. Elena frowned. "You'll want me to have a look at your mind. That curse is potent. Trust me I know."

"Who are you?" asked Lexi.

"Everyone," said Harry. "I'd like to introduce you to Silas."

"I wouldn't rush at me Damon," said Silas. "Lee and I both know where your brother is."

Lee looked confused as Damon proceeded to scowl between Silas and Lee. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Really, I don't," he added when looks of non-belief were pointed at him.

"Silas has a 'refined' sense of Compulsion," said Harry.

"Meaning?" Lee asked.

"He can read and control minds," said Harry.

"Crap. I thought only Originals could do that," said the man.

Silas snorted. "I'm way older than Originals," said Silas in a drawl. "And that you compare me to them is insulting."

For a moment everyone stopped. "Okay," said Harry. "Moving on. Silas I'm guessing you'll remove the curse form Elena?"

"I can block the visions, yes, but it will only build up. We have to either kill every Hunter alive or find two new Hunters. One for me and the other for her."

"You killed a Hunter too?" Elena asked and Harry cringed. The woman realised what that meant because for the first time she looked around. "Where's Jeremy?" she asked. "Caroline and Tyler?" No one spoke. No one moved. "No," she said beginning to shake her head. "No. No. No. No," she said as though adding emphasise to the word might mean that it all wouldn't be true. "He can't—They can't—No."

The girl broke down, losing her footing and was quickly caught by Damon who eased her to the ground. She began sobbing and Harry had to try with all his might to push back the emotions that threatened overwhelm him, but he was failing.

Everyone stopped except Silas.

"I'm beginning to get the words 'my fault' coming from you," the man said. "I'm thinking that's bad. Fair warning."

"Give me a moment," said Harry. He took a few breaths, pushing back all emotions and got a hold on his Occlumency barriers. "We need to find Stefan," he said. "He and she used to date, maybe both the Salvatore brothers can help her deal with this less she does something stupid."

"Not to mention that I'm the one that killed her brother," said Silas. "She'll try to kill me I'm sure of it."

"I wouldn't put that past a disgruntled vampire," said Harry. "I need to talk to Bonnie." Silas nodded and Bonnie was released from whatever hold Silas had on her. "Silas is probably not the person Elena will want to see for the next few minutes so he and I will go looking for Stefan. Protego Horribilis. Use that spell around this place. It will protected against all who mean you harm."

Bonnie nodded, she looked a lot emptier and Harry had to remind himself that he still had a working plan. Harry walked to Silas and took the man's shoulder. "Don't try to breathe," said Harry before he turned on the spot.

They appeared at the cave mouth and Silas didn't show much reaction to Apparition.

"Quite the ability," said Silas. "Magic has really moved far since my time."

Harry spared Silas a glance. "Yeah, sure," said Harry. He worked his wand and shot out a large white spell that looked to be unravelling as it moved through the air. There was the sound of gunfire and a bright white light.

"That was loud," Silas muttered. "It's probably best we aren't trying to sneak around."

"I'd rather we be heard that my sense hampered," said Harry as he felt whatever spell had been laid on the land begin to edge back. "We have five minutes. Lead the way."

Silas gave a curt nod and started into the cave, the darkness doing nothing to hamper his path. Harry lit his wand and followed, watching the man that sauntered in front of him. He looked much like Stefan Salvatore but everything else was different, the man looked a lot more blasé and less brooding. They turned into the maze and the man navigated it with perfect knowledge. They turned into a large cavern and Harry could see from the floor that the ground had been recently turned.

"My shadow self should be here," said Silas. Harry focused, pushing away Silas' stronger presence and looking for anything else. He felt it, the magic of not quite a witch and yet more powerful than a Hunter.

"He's still here," said Harry.

"I know," said Silas, "and he's trying to dig himself out. I give him a few more minutes before he dies again. There's only so much time he can hold his breath."

"Much more remorse in that would be appreciated," said Harry.

Silas spared him a glance. The Immortal snorted. "As if you care about the wellbeing of Stefan Salvatore."

Harry said nothing and turned his attention to the ground. He said a spell and dirt started exploding as though it was furiously being dug up.

"You know," said Silas. "I should be angry at you at this moment."

"Whatever for?" asked Harry keeping a firm concentration on the ground. He didn't want to accidently maul the vampire below.

"The reason you were so gung-ho to have us look for Stefan. You wanted to get me away from your friends, so I wouldn't be able to control them." Harry smirked a little and said nothing, keeping his attention firmly on his work. "Let me guess. That spell you told Bonnie. It will also keep me out."

"If you mean Bonnie, and be extension her friends, harm, then yes. It will," said Harry not sparing Silas a glance.

"You really weren't lying when you told me not to trust you," the man said and Harry didn't answer. Silas sighed. "You really aren't that into trusting are you?"

"No," said Harry. "I still haven't ruled out that all this might be a trap."

"Hence the spell earlier," said Silas. "You know, their memories of you don't do you justice. You actually do think."

"That might be a compliment, but your wording of it is shoddy." Harry was starting to at least see the shape of Stefan. The earth being spilled out of the deep hole started to become less fervent.

"Good thing too," said Silas. Harry felt the scratching of Expression coming closer. He showed no sign, but if Silas had been reading his mind, the Immortal knew that he could sense magic. If this was a trap and he was working with Caitlin, then a Boundary spell was already set and the magic he felt was it being activated. Harry stopped his spell and looked at Silas, the man had a large grinned painted on the face that looked too much like Stefan Salvatore. "This is a trap."

Harry felt it. Walls of magic rose and he knew he was trapped. He could have sighed, but he didn't feel even the slightest bit of apprehension. As he'd said, dealing with those stronger than him was somewhat humbling and having trapped so much in the last two months it had forced him to think. Magic had loopholes. He'd seen his own wards being tricked by such loopholes. He knew he couldn't fill these holes, but he at least knew how to use them as well.

Harry pointed his wand at Silas but the man smiled. "Your barriers are good," he said. "But they've been growing lacklustre with everything that's happened. I still haven't figured out how to read you. But implanting thoughts is a lot easier than reading them."

"You're not real?" Harry asked.

Silas flickered, his image wavering like a mirage. "I've been implanting this illusion ever since you thought I was Stefan. I almost thought you'd catch me when you felt it, but I was lucky that you thought it was Lee."

Harry didn't react. He tried even harder to push back the emotion that had been winning over, but with Silas' image still in his mind he figured the plan hadn't worked.

"You're trapping me here," said Harry. "Why?"

"Because you're a threat to my plans," said Silas. "I know you're desperate, but there's still that whole morality thing I don't like about you."

"I'm going to get out of here, Silas," said Harry. "Do you really want me against you when that happens?"

"Qetsiyah taught me this spell," said Silas. "But like I said. I'm a genius and spell creations isn't the hardest thing to do. Caitlin bound this spell to a total solar eclipse. I don't know when that will happened. But I'm sure it's not in the near future. You'll be long dead by the time that happens." Silas grinned broadly one last time. "Bye Harry." He disappeared.

Harry looked into the hole, hoping that Stefan at least hadn't been an illusion. Luckily he hadn't, but there was the statement Silas had thrown of him working for Qetsiyah. It might have been a lie, but Harry didn't think so. Qetsiyah was alive and Harry guessed that this too was because of him. Everything was because of him. He stopped himself mid thought. He still had plans at work. Everything would work out he was sure of it, but he would need Stefan.

Harry levitated the man and took his hand. Harry closed his eyes and focused on Stanley. He found the connection from his mind to the witches, he focused and the tether between the two of them. 'It's time you called," said Harry.

The wizard felt a tug at his naval and he was wrenched from the cave and into a small niche surrounded by tall trees that hid the moon above. Harry hit the man with a spell before he could reach for his stake. Alexander, who also had been keeping watching, quickly got his feet, a silver knife in his hand drenched with magic. His eyes were cold as he looked at Harry, but he didn't attack.

"What do we owe the pleasure, wizard," said Alexander; at his words Galen and the pale man jumped to their feet, Galen reaching for twin daggers and the man reaching for his stakes. They both tensed when they saw Harry, though to the latter it more had to do with that Stanley was standing beside Harry.

"Please don't tell me you're still working for him," the man said his eyes looking stricken.

"I'm cursed," said Stanley. "I don't have much of a choice."

The man snarled and threw both stakes at the wizard, they met his shield and blew apart. "Tell you hunter to stop his attack on me Stanley, less I be forced to retaliate."

"Mark, stop," said Stanley. "He's told me that he won't kill you if I do what he says."

Mark ground his teeth but he let out a sigh and his shoulders sagged.

"Brilliant," said Harry. "I'm not here as an enemy, all things considered. At this point we want the same thing. Let's work together in getting it and I'll live you about your lives."

"You want Silas dead too?" asked Alexander and he didn't hide his disbelief.

"At the moment yes," said Harry. "But first we'll need the Cure. Which means we'll need Anna to stop whatever spell she's cast on this island."

"Us and the young witch are no longer in league," said Alexander. "She could not agree that Silas was the first to be found as he posed the most danger."

"Tell me where she is and I'm sure I'll be able to persuade her."

"Why should we trust you?" asked Alexander.

"You shouldn't," said Harry. "But at this moment you don't have much of a choice. Silas is working with both Bonnie and Caitlin, both powerful in their respects and with a man who knows old spells that are a lot more potent than what witches of this day have."

"I say we trust him," said Galen. He looked down when Harry looked at him. Guilt the wizard guessed. "We're in bad odds as it is. We need a witch and since Harry has Stanley—who could have killed us and didn't—that's at least a point on his side."

Alexander sparred Galen a look, then looked more firmly at Harry. "As a show of trust detach the control you have over Stanley."

"No," Harry answered and he didn't explain.

"If you can't grant us this, then our working together would bear no fruit," said Alexander.

"Guessed as much," said Harry. "Which is why I give you an ultimatum: work with me or I take one of your Hunters."

"I call your bluff," said Alexander.

Harry pointed his wand at the man on the ground who was still groaning a little. A green spell left his wand and the way slumped. Not moving or breathing. It was a moment before his ghost stood over him looking to Alexander with an amount of shock.

"You killed him," said Galen looking between Harry and the spirit.

Harry didn't answer instead looking at Alexander. "I'm not a vampire. The Hunter's Curse doesn't affect me. I can kill everyone one of you without remorse, and in the greater scheme of things it will be for the greater good. Work with me and tell me where Anna is."

Harry turned his wand on Galen. The man tensed, preparing to jump aside if a spell was sent his way.

"It's your life on the line, Galen," the wizard said when Alexander showed no intention to answer. "I'm sure you know where she is. The end result will still be the same. You'll get Silas."

"Say nothing," said Alexander and Harry felt magic in the words. "We will not follow him. If we die here today then so be it. Our mistress has contingencies for such an occurrence."

"Fair words for one protected," said Harry. The wizard quickly turned his wand on Alexander and the spell shot out. It hit and the man dropped to the ground. A ghostly figured of him shot back, moving rapidly away, but something else tethered him to his body. The tether snapped back and with a large intake of breath Alexander awoke. "Like I said. Protected. I think you saw that."

Galen nodded.

"I wouldn't trust Alexander," said Harry. "His in this deep. He was part of the first Hunter who knew nothing of the compulsion and therefore couldn't fight it. You know better. You don't want to die. You work with me and I can somewhat ensure that."

"Like you did for Connor?" asked not Galen but Alexander.

"Connor knew something that you didn't, Alexander. Something he will tell Galen if were to ask about the door through the veil." Harry took Stanley by the shoulder. He looked at Mark. "This could all have turned out well if Alexander had said yes." He turned on the spot and disappeared with a small crack.