When two worlds collide.

Resurrection Stone.

In the distance, shadows collect the dead, too occupied with their grim task to notice Alex. She stares straight ahead, just walking, until a voice tugs her ear.

"It's all right. We're going to get you inside." Ginny crouches over the tiny Ravenclaw girl, who is crying.

"I kept calling. No one came!" The girl whimpers.

"Don't worry. I won't leave you. I promise. Ginny strokes the sobbing girl's hair, her own face haunted by sorrow. Alex studies her, moved, then continues on. A moment later, Ginny turns, looks to the place where she was standing...but finds only darkness.

. . .

Alex reaches the Forest's edge. Within, further on, she can see Dementors drifting within the trees. Alex starts to enter, then pauses, reaches into her pocket and removes the Snitch. Eyes the words etched upon it: "I open at the close."

Alex frowns, then closes her eyes and brings the metal orb to her lips. Her fingers tremble, then she lowers her hand, watching as the metal shell fall away to reveal...the resurrection stone. A jagged crack runs down its center, along the line representing the Elder Wand. The triangle and circle, representing the Cloak and Stone, are faintly visible. Alex stares at it, then closes her eyes and begins to roll the Stone over in her hand.

"Once. Twice. Thrice...." Alex stands for a moment and then, slowly, opens her eyes.

Five people stand within the Forest: Remus, Sirius, Tonks, Fred and Theo. As if in a dream, Alec drifts through the trees and stops before him.

"You've been so brave, love.." Sirius smiles.

"Why are you here? All of you?" Alex questions.

"We never left." Theo smiles.

"Does it hurt? Dying?"

"Quicker than falling asleep." Remus sighs.

"And she will want it to be quick." Fred chimes in, the same mischievous glint in his eyes.

"See you on the other side, huh.." Alex chuckles lightly, folding her arms as tears roll down her cheeks.

"You're nearly there, sweetheart." Tonks smiles.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, this is all my fault! I didn't want any of you to die for me. And Remus, Tonks, your son..."

"Others will tell him what his mother and father died for. Someday he'll understand." Remus nods reassuringly.

A chill breeze shakes the trees as Alex looks ahead.

"You'll stay with me?" She whispers.

"Until the end.." Sirius mutters.

"He won't be able to see you?" Alex looks up.

Theo shakes his head and gestures to Alex's heart.

"We're here, you see."

"Stay close to me...please..." Alex whimpers.

"Always!" Remus reassures.

Alex glances back, toward the Forest's Edge, takes a last look at the castle in the distance, then sets off.

Dozens of dementors drift amongst the smoking trees, but her guides insulate her, and they merely peel away. Alex walks on, her legs driving her, until light splinters the trees ahead, and a clearing comes into view.

A fire burns, its light flickering over the throng of death eaters present. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, wary with fear, sit apart. Bellatrix and Riley pace in and out of the shadows, muttering madly.