The Veil in Order of the Phoenix *possible spoilers*

[JPA9]

In Harry Potter 5, Sirius is hit with a stunning spell by Bellatrix Lestrange, and he is sent through the veil. Apparently, this kills him.

I have read books 6 and 7, and as far as I can tell, it does not explain what the veil is, or why Sirius died by falling behind it. Have I missed the point?

[marwel7]

I took it that the veil was another way of referrring to death and that the avade kedavra spell killled Sirius.

[clairey-s]

I thought the same as you JPA9, although it also crossed my mind it could be metaphorical. Saw the film and that seemed to make it quite clear it was some kind of gateway or something...?

[potterfan3]

Although it is not stated, the veil is a gateway to the "Afterlife". Both Harry and Luna can hear voices from the veil, but others can't. Perhaps they are hearing loved ones? Also Dumbledore refers to the room with the veil in as the "Death Room". Finally Luna also says something along the lines of "It's not like you'll never see your godfather again, remember those voices from the veil?" (I can't remember the exact quote, and I CBA to get the book).

When I first read the book I though Sirius had been hit with Avada Kedavra because it does not say what colour the spell was I assumed it was green (it just says "another flash of light"). But apparently it was a stunning spell.

I can only assume that when Sirius fell through he passed into the afterlife, thus he died.

This is only speculation of course, after all, it is the Department of Mysteries!

[LeMarchand]

I have a sneaking suspicion that JKR planned having Sirius (never saw his body) and Dumbledore (Phoenix - bird of rebirth - flew over his funeral) and possibly even Harry's parents return to life. Fortunately someone seems to have convinced her that this would be a bit cheesy.

[LeMarchand]

Apologies for spoilers above - hopefully everyone has read the last 2 books!

[jessiedog]

I don't know why, but I have always thought of this as the execution chamber of the courts in the department of mysteries. Not sure if it is an assumption or stated in the book. However, what crime would merit a death sentence rather than life in azkaban I do not know considering some of the things the death eaters have got away with.

I guess the reason harry and luna can hear the voices is because they have experienced death, as with the thestrels.

[potterfan3]

They don't have the death sentence, they have the dementor's kiss.