Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

Lupin didn't respond right away, as he continued to pace obviously annoyed. "He told me what the prophecy said. Well not exactly what it said but the main parts. He said that only you and he know the exact wording right now and that if it got out others could be in danger as well. He shouldn't have kept this from me...or Sirius!"

Harry shifted a bit under the questioning gaze of his former teacher. Harry agreed with the Headmaster that parts of the wording of the prophecy shouldn't be known. It may put Neville Longbottom in danger and would also allow Voldemort to know that only Harry could kill him. This would allow him to take many more chances without fear of dying.

"Do you believe it?" Harry sheepishly asked, afraid of the answer.

Lupin sighed heavily and said, "Yes." Just that one word seemed to take quite a bit out of the man. "I told Dumbledore to stay away tonight. I wasn't willing to wait to talk to you about this."

Harry was impressed that Lupin would tell Dumbledore what to do like that. "I should have been told! I don't know when but should have known." Harry's brief flare of anger quickly faded and he sank onto his bed and asked, "How can I do it? I don't have a chance."

Lupin felt the despair in Harry's voice and realized that even though he, Lupin had lost his best and last true friend Harry had to deal with the loss of his Godfather and the burden of the prophecy. Lupin sat next to Harry and said, "The prophecy says you'll have powers he knows not. We don't know what that is yet but we'll figure it out." Lupin's voice was firm giving Harry a slight bit of relief. "Dumbledore has confidence in you Harry, he really does."

That surprised Harry but he only replied with, "Yeah well he's been wrong before. He probably had confidence in the fake Moody."

Lupin actually chuckled a bit and said, "I suppose that's true but I have confidence in you. We'll figure out what the power is."

"I just can't see how it can be me. I mean Dumbledore's the only one Voldemort's ever been afraid of and I have to be the one to kill him. It just can't be right," Harry exclaimed.

"Harry," Lupin firmly said, "Don't dwell on it right now. It doesn't have to be tomorrow." After a moment he added, "Thank you for letting me know this. I told Dumbledore he should tell the rest of the Order so they can understand better but he's not sure."

"Yeah, he likes to keep things to himself," Harry added coldly.

"He has his reasons but in this case I'd like to know them myself," Lupin added and then produced a book from within his robes. "Here," he said handing the old, worn book to Harry. "These are pretty advanced but if anyone has incentive to master them it should be you."

Harry looked at the book titled "Shields and Protection Spells. Stopping the Worst."

"Some are beyond what you'd learn in basic Auror training," Lupin said causing Harry to look at him strangely. "I know people," Lupin said with a sly grin and then added, "And no, Dumbledore doesn't know."

"Thanks!" Harry said stroking the book. "I'll read it."

"Occlumency first. This second," Lupin said. Harry nodded and Lupin stood up. "I need to go Harry but if you ever need to talk, just contact me. Don't dwell on the prophecy. Let's deal with one problem at a time. Keep Voldemort out of your head and stay safe until the time is right."

"Thanks Remus. For everything," Harry said with genuine gratitude.

After Lupin left Harry dove into the book of shields and quickly realized they were much more advanced than the simple shield spell he knew. After a couple of hours Harry longed to be back at Hogwarts so he could try out some of the new spells. They wouldn't do him much good without practice. It took almost all of his self control not to just go ahead and practice them right here not caring what the Ministry thought but he didn't want to give Remus and Professor Dumbledore any more trouble than he already had.

The next evening it was Professor Dumbledore who greeted him when he returned to his room after the walk. "Hello Harry," Dumbledore said studying him intently.

"Hello Professor. I've read most of the book and it makes more sense now," Harry said.

"That's good Harry but how do you feel about other things?" The old wizard gazed at him giving Harry the feeling the man could tell everything he was thinking. Harry was just about to act like he didn't know what Dumbledore was talking about but the Headmaster said, "Your talk with Remus Harry. How do you feel about him knowing?"

"It was good to have someone to talk to about it," Harry said and almost saw the Headmaster flinch. Harry didn't know why but he didn't want to talk to the man about the prophecy. Probably because he would end up with more questions than answers he thought to himself.

"I expected you to feel that way. You can understand what difficulties could come from Voldemort knowing this information," Dumbledore said. "Now onto preventing him from finding out anything from you," he added snapping Harry back to the task at hand.

Harry tried to prepare his mind like the book said to do and then nodded to the Headmaster who didn't seem to make a move at all. Harry quickly felt peaceful and content as he watched a vision of his first ride on the Hogwart's express swirl in his mind. Soon though he was reliving the final minutes of the incident at the Ministry of Magic. He had just told Bellatrix Lestrang that the prophecy orb had been smashed and that her master wouldn't be happy when he looked up and saw Voldemort standing above him with this wand tip already glowing green. Harry relived the emotions he felt at that exact moment. After watching Sirius fall through the veil he wanted revenge but now that Voldemort was ready to curse him, he just wanted it to end. Harry felt himself almost begging Voldemort to say the curse so his grief could end. Right after that rush of emotion Harry was suddenly aware of his surroundings again and found himself looking at the face of his Headmaster looking older and more hopeless than Harry could have ever imagined.

Harry felt terrible about reliving that but was most concerned about the look on Professor Dumbledore's face. The two were silent for a moment until the Headmaster softly said, "Was that really what you wanted?"

The shame was clear on Harry's face as he nodded.

Dumbledore sighed and asked, "And now? How do you feel now?"

Harry kept his head down but knew how he felt. This had been haunting him since that night so he looked up at Dumbledore and said, "Ashamed. I'd never given up before and I was just going to let him kill me." Harry paused for a minute and then said, "I never want to feel like that again. My parents; Sirius wouldn't want it to end like that."

Those words lifted the spirits of the old wizard who had been concerned that Harry would rather give up than fight. Before he could say anything, a firm voice came from Harry, "And now that I know about the prophecy, there's nothing I won't do to beat him. I can't let everyone down."

Harry saw the bright twinkle return to Dumbledore's eyes and that send a surge of warmth through his body. "Well then I don't think we need to discuss it anymore. However you didn't recognize my intrusion."

"It was totally different than the way Snape did it to me," Harry admitted.

"Professor Snape, Harry. And I can imagine it would be. Remember to focus your mind and then you should realize when that focus has changed. Let's try again shall we?" The two worked for well over an hour and by the end Harry could at least tell when his thoughts were being directed but hadn't been able to shut off his mind without trying to use magic. Harry didn't have his wand but Dumbledore would stop whenever Harry's arm rose in a casting motion. "Not bad Harry," Dumbledore said but this didn't help Harry's opinion of his performance much. "I'll return in a couple days to continue. Re-read the sections of the book on shutting off your thoughts before then."

"Thank you Professor," Harry said before the man vanished. Harry grabbed the Occlumency book but before reading it he replayed Voldemort standing over him and thought, "Never again."

The next couple weeks passed surprisingly quickly for Harry. He never had to send Hedwig off to the Order because between Dumbledore coming to teach him Occlumency and Professor Lupin coming over to just talk, Harry never went three days without seeing someone from the Order. Occlumency was becoming relatively easy for Harry and he had renewed his guilt over his failure to learn it when Professor Snape tried to teach him. However Dumbledore's techniques were nothing like the way Snape had tried to teach Harry so he doubted he would have learned from the Potion's master.

Harry still had fits of deep depression where he would do nothing but stare off into the distance and wish Sirius were around so he could have someone to talk to. He knew Remus Lupin would talk if he wanted but Harry didn't feel the same connection yet to the man. Harry also wasn't sure about visiting the Burrow. He was dreading the constant activity and how he would be fretted over by Mrs. Weasley. There was a longing that things could go back to how they were a couple years ago when he couldn't wait to go stay with his best friend and their family. Now Harry got the most comfort being alone and trying to figure out how his future would play out.

"I think we can get you out of here after your birthday," Lupin said during his next visit, hoping that news would lift Harry's spirits. The look on Harry's face didn't quite meet his expectations and when Harry didn't say anything he continued, "You do want to leave here don't you?"

"Yeah...I mean I guess so," Harry mumbled. "I just hate the thought of returning to Grimmauld Place," he added with a sigh.

"You won't have to go there this summer," Lupin said causing Harry to quickly look at him. "We've had people putting charms around the Burrow for a month now and it should be well protected before long." The man saw the look on Harry's face and added, "This helps the Weasley's as well Harry. Even if you're not there the charms will provide extra protection for them. With so many members of their family in the Order, they are at risk all the time."

Harry flinched but agreed with Lupin and was glad the Burrow was getting more protection. "That's good then," Harry said. "I just don't feel like being fussed over and if I go there for my birthday it will be this big affair."

After a moment of silence Lupin replied, "It's your choice. I'm not going to try to make you do anything you don't want to but I think it would be good to be around your friends." Harry couldn't decide but knew that if he did go to the Burrow he wouldn't find much peace and quiet. "I'll mention this to Dumbledore tonight," Lupin said before studying Harry for a moment. The man seemed hesitant so say something but then added, "I think we should go shopping for some new clothes. You're getting too old to wear your cousin's hand-me-downs."

Harry felt slightly ashamed. He knew that Dudley's clothes didn't fit well but he never thought much about it. "That sounds ok," Harry said and could tell Lupin relaxed a bit. 'Probably expected me to explode,' Harry thought to himself.

"Ok, I'll come over the day before your birthday to let you know about the plans for the rest of your summer and we'll get your shopping done," Lupin announced before vanishing.

Harry dropped onto his bed with the shields book just as a small hyper owl fluttered into the room. "C'mere pig!" Harry exclaimed as he grabbed for the creature. After removing the notes. "Rest a bit pig, maybe I'll have something for you to take back," Harry said as the owl fluttered up to Hedwig's cage. Harry was glad Hedwig was out hunting because she didn't like sharing her cage with the little owl.

Harry

Have you heard anything from Hermione? I thought she may write you the Muggle way since they probably don't know where the Burrow is.

Dumbledore would have said if something had happened to her don't you think?

It amused Harry by how worried Ron was for Hermione's safety. He knew Ron fancied her but wasn't as sure about how Hermione felt about Ron.

Mom's going spare trying to get you out of there.

Now Harry felt a pang of guilt at telling Lupin he didn't want to go there yet.

She owls Dumbledore every couple days and I think she's about ready to send him a Howler. Don't give up hope, she's working on it.

People have been all over this place. Bill says it'll almost be as safe as Grimmauld Place before long. We still can't be involved with business but there's usually enough around to play Quidditch. Oh yeah, Dumbledore dropped your Firebolt off so it's here waiting for you. I'm sure your ban will be lifted and you'll be back on the team. Ginny really wants to be Chaser so everything works out.

Speaking of Ginny, she threatened me until I agreed to let Pig bring her note as well. Don't know what she wants but if she says anything about me acting weird, don't believe her. She's mental.

See you soon

Ron

Ron's notes always lifted Harry's spirits, especially his worry about their other best friend. Right now Harry was happy just receiving notes from his friend. This way he could read them at his leisure and still have time alone. An angry sound from the window snapped Harry out of his thoughts and he looked up to see Hedwig, carrying a small mouse fly to her cage and quickly push the smaller owl off to one side.

"Hey girl be nice," Harry said and then turned his attention to the second note. Ginny had never written him before so he wondered what she would say.

Harry

I hope you don't mind me writing. Can't believe I've never written before. Mum's really worried but I keep telling her you'll be ok. You will won't you?

I know my brother's an insensitive wart and with Hermione off this summer I just wanted you to know that you can talk to me if you want. You'd probably rather talk to Hermione but I promise not to say anything to anyone else if you do decide to talk to me. I'm worried about you as well but am trying to be strong for Mum.

Enough of that. You should see how Ron goes on about Hermione. He mentions her ten times a day! Really, could he be any more obvious? You do realize he likes her don't you?

I'll end now since Ron's trying his best to see what I'm writing. Don't tell him, ok. Make him wonder for a while.

It'll be ok Harry, you'll always have us.

Ginny

Her letter comforted Harry quite a bit. He realized last summer that Ginny was stronger than he had realized and she always surprised him. If he was willing to talk to any of them, he wouldn't mind talking to her but he really didn't want to let any of them know everything that was going on. Hearing Hedwig's annoyed sounds caused him to quickly grab some parchment and quill as he crafted a response.

Ginny

Thanks for writing. I can't believe that was the first time either.

Tell your mom I'm fine and she shouldn't worry. Neither should you but I'm glad you're being strong for your mom as she has enough to worry about without me adding any more.

I can honestly say that if I wanted to talk about things I would talk to you and may take you up on that sometime, even when Hermione gets back. You helped me feel better last year.

Ron won't find out anything about your note from me. Maybe it'll take his mind off of Hermione for a while. And yes, I did realize Ron fancies Hermione.

I'm sure I'll see you later this summer.

Harry

Harry suffered through another night of dreams about Sirius falling through the veil. The next dream always showed his Godfather begging Harry to come help him. When Harry awoke from the dreams he found himself wishing for dreams about Death Eaters and Voldemort; anything to keep him from feeling even guiltier about losing Sirius.

The day before his birthday Harry was surprised to find not only Remus Lupin but also Nymphadora Tonks in his bedroom after he finished his chores. "Wotcher Harry!" Tonks exclaimed in her ever-cheerful voice. For the metamorphagus she looked pretty conservative. Her hair was platinum blonde but other than that she didn't look out of place.

"Hi Tonks," Harry replied. Turning to give a confused look to Remus Lupin he added, "What are you both doing here?"

Before Lupin could answer Tonks spoke up, "Going shopping of course." The girl gave Harry an appraising look and with a grimace added, "How can you stand to wear that lard's old clothes? We've got to take care of that."

Harry didn't feel offended by this but Lupin wasn't sure how Harry would take it so he added, "As you can tell, I don't have good fashion taste so I asked Tonks if she wouldn't mind lending her expertise."

"And I never pass up an opportunity to go shopping," she said with a laugh. "Besides it gave me an excuse to come see how you were doing for myself. It's not that I don't believe what Remus and Dumbledore say but they are men after all and don't always pick up on things."

Remus rolled his eyes but Harry kind of agreed. As much as he liked spending time with Lupin and Dumbledore, sometimes he missed having a woman around to talk to. "I'm glad you came Tonks," Harry said trying to sound upbeat. Harry knew from Lupin that he didn't look like he was doing very well, even on days where he didn't feel so depressed about his life. "So where are we going?" Harry asked.

"Madame Malkin's has Muggle clothes as well. We should be able to get everything at her shop," Tonks said looking like she was thinking. "You're going to need a couple new robes and definitely a new set of dress robes."

"Dress robes?" Harry questioned. "Don't tell me there's another ball."

Lupin laughed and said, "Not that I know of."

"But," Tonks interjected, "every young wizard needs a nice set of dress robes for those special dates."

"I doubt I'll need to worry about that," Harry said glumly thinking that if Ron got up the nerve then his two best friends would be going on dates without him.

"You're quite the celebrity again Harry," Tonks said. "The Ministry and in turn the Prophet can't say enough good things about you. You're in almost every issue."

Harry groaned but Tonks continued, "You'll have your choice of witches, that's for sure."

"Yeah well I've got other priorities don't you think?" Harry said in a slightly evil voice looking at Remus Lupin.

Lupin stumbled with the words for a second and Tonks could tell the two men knew something she didn't but Remus finally said, "I'm sure James and Sirius would want you to give enough priority to the girls as well."

"What could a sixteen year old wizard think is a higher priority than finding a nice witch?" Tonks asked looking shocked. When Harry didn't answer she almost apologized and said, "You're not...I mean... You do like witches don't you?"

"What!" Both Harry and Remus said at the same time. "Of course I like witches!" Harry added hotly.

Tonks let out a long sigh and said, "Thank Merlin. Not that there would be anything wrong if you didn't but do you have any idea how many witches' hearts you would break if they found out that you...you know...would rather play with brooms?"

Lupin snorted with laughter and Harry also found the statement amusing but was still touchy about her even considering the possibility. Firmly, Harry said, "I like witches. I really like them. It's just that I'm going to have to deal with Voldemort before I can think about anything else."

"Harry," Lupin warned since Tonks didn't know about the prophecy. She seemed to catch something was going on between the two men so Lupin continued, "What do you say we just get on with the shopping?"

The three walked down the stairs only to be greeted by the annoying voice of Petunia Dursley, "Where do you think you're going? I can't have the neighbors seeing your kind leaving my house."

Tonks who had heard more stories of Harry's time with the Dursleys wasn't quite as accommodating to them anymore, so she coldly said, "What you want doesn't matter to me at all Dursley." Harry was actually taken aback at how threatening Tonks sounded. "I almost hope I hear that you've been horrible to Harry so I can show you what I really think about you," she added.

Lupin seemed surprised as well but said, "We'll slip out the back Petunia. We're going to London to get Harry some new clothes. He won't be out late."

Petunia seemed too afraid to say anything but Harry kind of felt bad for her and said, "They'll carry their robes Aunt Petunia. I'll make sure they look normal." Quickly Harry pushed Tonks toward the back door.

Once outside the girl said, "Oooh, I hate those people. Why you have to stay here is beyond me. I mean there's always someone at headquarters and you'd be treated better there."

Once again, Harry felt extreme gratitude to her but said, "It's been ok Tonks. Way better since you talked to them. Besides, I'll be back at school in a month."

"We'll get you to the Burrow for the last two weeks," Lupin said watching Harry to see his reaction. Harry nodded at the man to show that was fine with him.

The trio quickly made it to Mrs. Figg's house and floo'd to the Leaky Cauldron. Lupin who had gone first was waiting for Harry when he arrived with a thud. Almost immediately elderly witches and wizards were coming up greeting Harry. It was worse than the first time he had come with Hagrid. Tonks, who had now arrived said, "Told you."

"Afternoon Mr. Potter," the man behind the bar said. "Anything I can get for you and your friends?"

"Thanks but not right now Tom," Harry replied, "We're off to do some shopping."

Lupin directed Harry though the numerous well-wishers and opened the portal to Diagon Alley. The sight never failed to brighten Harry's mood. All of the magical shops and activity reminded him of the first time he had been there. Looking around he noticed some changes. There were many older wizards seeming to stand guard and not as many children. Lupin must have seen Harry's confusion and said, "Hit-wizards and guards."

Harry nodded and asked, "Why aren't there many kids?"

"Book lists haven't gone out yet. They'll start coming in a week or so," Tonks said.

There was pointing and whispering as the three walked by. Tonks just smiled brightly at it but Harry cringed. By the time they got to the robe shop, they were being looked at by a group of witches and wizards that seemed a little younger than Tonks' age. The door to the shop opened and they quickly entered. Right after them, the group tried to enter but Madame Malkin stepped up and said, "If you're not here to shop you have to leave. This isn't the place to stand around and gawk," causing the group of witches to quickly leave.

"Thanks," Harry said to the woman.

"My pleasure Mr. Potter. Now what can I do for you today?" the woman asked.

Before she could answer Lupin said, "I'll go get some money for you Harry. And your books."

"I thought you said the book lists hadn't come yet?" Harry asked.

"Yes well I have connections, remember," Lupin said. "I know what you're taking."

"Don't I get any say in what classes I take?" Harry snapped.