Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

"Of course you do," Lupin quickly said. "If Dumbledore and I are wrong about any of them, I'll swap the books myself. Ok?"

"Whatever," Harry said still irritated.

Tonks had already started her mission and was explaining to Madame Malkin what she had in mind. A few minutes later, they came back with armloads of Muggle looking clothes. "We'll get the Muggle stuff out of the way first," Tonks said thrusting a pair of jeans and slacks into his hands. "Go try these on."

Harry went to the dressing room and tried the jeans on first. He realized instantly how much better they felt than Dudley's old hand-me-downs. Looking at them in the mirror he was a bit surprised when it said, "Perfect fit. She knows what she's doing."

"Get out here and let us see," Madame Malkin said. Harry went out and felt slightly uncomfortable at the way the two women were talking about altering the clothes.

"Now shirts," Tonks said handing more clothes to Harry who quickly tried them on. After what seemed like an hour of changing, Harry had quite a few Muggle clothes that he had to admit he actually liked.

"Now robes," Tonks said and Madame Malkin came back with some in green and red. Both Tonks and Harry cringed and when she saw his expression she laughed and said, "I think we both have the same idea. I'm kind of partial to black myself." Harry nodded and watched Madame Malkin shake her head and leave to get some other robes. This time she came back with two all black robes and handed them to Tonks.

"Nice material," Tonks said running her hand over the thicker robe. "Try this, it's a winter one."

Harry threw it on over the Muggle outfit he had kept on and did like it. Madame Malkin made some flicks with her wand and the robe changed to a perfect fit. She repeated this to the lighter weight robe and then left to find a dress robe. She returned with a robe that at first glance seemed jet black but then when it moved it shimmered a deep red.

Tonks grabbed it and whistled, "Merlin this is something." When she held it still it became pitch black but when she moved it around it showed the shimmering red. The lining was trimmed in a bead of gold. "Perfect Gryffindor colors," Tonks said handing the robe to Harry.

Harry put the robe on and got up on the stand. He did like the robe but kind of wanted just plain black. "Maybe plain black would be better. This is kind of showy," he said.

"Oh no Harry," Tonks said. "This is perfect. Especially for a Gryffindor." Harry felt her eyes appraising him and squirmed a bit but she said, "You really look amazing in it."

"She's telling the truth dear," Madame Malkin said. "It does seem perfect for you."

Harry turned again and scrunched up his face, still not sure. "Trust me on this Harry," Tonks said. "If there's one thing I know it's what looks good on a wizard."

Harry still wasn't sure but then heard a somewhat familiar voice say, "Take your friend's advice Potter. For a Gryffindor you almost look...acceptable."

Harry turned to see where the voice came and saw a stunning blonde girl from his school. Harry had grown a bit, but she was easily as tall as him and carried herself with confidence. Her long blonde hair flowed past her shoulders. Even though she was a Slytherin and her use of his last name was common with them, there was no venom in her tone and she almost seemed to have a slight smile. Harry cocked his head at her and asked, "And I should take a Slytherin's advice, Boslav?" Harry tried to say this so she knew he wasn't being mean and could tell by the look on her face he had succeeded.

"You're choice Potter," Kari Boslav replied looking directly into his eyes.

Tonks was watching the exchange between the two and was surprised when Harry said, "Fine, I'll take this one as well." He quickly shrugged the robe off and handed it to Madame Malkin.

"You're getting some nice clothes," Kari who had stepped closer said. "Planning on a bunch of public appearances?"

Harry didn't know how to take that one so he answered honestly, "No public appearances for me. Tonks just told me I looked like a slob." Harry turned and raised his eyebrows at Tonks who let her short hair grow and get long like Kari's.

"I know sixteen-year-old boys don't have much fashion sense but you were beyond that," Tonks joked even as Kari stared at her now changed hair.

Just then Remus Lupin came in an announced, "I got your books Harry. Sorry it took so long." Then he noticed the Slytherin girl and said, "Miss... Boslav isn't it?"

"Hello Professor Lupin," Kari said. "Are you coming back to teach us?" Harry was surprised that she actually sounded pleasant to the werewolf. He didn't remember any Slytherin being happy when Remus taught DADA.

"Ah no," Remus said, "I don't think the Ministry would approve of that at this point. We're just accompanying Harry for some shopping."

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence and then Tonks spoke up, "We're all finished now. What say the four of us go over to Fortescue's for some ice cream?"

Lupin and Harry both snapped their heads at Tonks as her hair shortened and changed back to black. "Um...I didn't mean to interrupt your day," Kari said catching Harry's attention.

"No, it was nice to see you. You can join us if you want. My treat," Harry said hoping for someone to talk to that wasn't in the Order.

"Sure. I don't need to be back for a bit," she said as Lupin held the door for everyone to leave.

Once outside the pointing and whispering started again and became really annoying before they entered the ice cream parlor. The two students hadn't said anything as they made their way to the counter. "Hello Mr. Potter," Florean greeted.

"Hello Mr. Fortescue," Harry said as he shook his head at the whispers behind him.

Before Harry could order, Florean asked, "Would you and your friends like me to set up a table in the back? It could give you some privacy."

"Really?" Harry said. "If it's no trouble, I'd appreciate it."

"No trouble at all," Florean said as he flicked his wand and ushered them into the back area where there were now two tables setup. Everyone ordered with Harry and Kari sitting at one table and Remus and Tonks sitting at a table near the entrance.

Before Florean came back with the order Kari said, "I thought you would have loved all of that but you act like you can't stand it."

"I can't!" Harry quickly said. "I wish they never noticed me."

"Draco says you do everything you can to get attention," Kari said with a slight unsure look on her face.

"Yeah well Malfoy's a lying little ferret," Harry said forcefully causing both Lupin and Tonks to snort in laughter.

Kari didn't laugh and seemed to be studying Harry but then asked, "You live with Muggles don't you?" Harry nodded and she continued, "Has your summer been ok so far? Done anything fun?"

Harry thought for a second and felt the pain of Sirius quickly but didn't want to show anything to the Slytherin girl so he said, "It's been ok. But I don't really get to do anything fun. The Muggles don't like me much." Now the girl really studied him so he asked, "What about you? Having a good summer?"

Maybe that wasn't the thing to ask, Harry thought. Kari's expression seemed sad but then she said, "Not really. My older brother died just after I got back home. I miss him."

"I'm sorry," Harry honestly said. After a moment of silence he added, "My godfather died before we left school last term as well." Lupin coughed loudly and Harry saw him shake his head no. Kari caught this but didn't say anything. Harry continued, "I miss him too."

"Skylar was a good guy," Kari said. "He graduated three years before we started at Hogwarts." She went on to tell a little about her brother, which made Harry realize he wasn't totally alone in his feelings.

That was the last negative thing the two students talked about. After almost an hour there was a slight commotion in the main part of the parlor and the next moment, Kingsley Shacklebolt a large black man stepped directly to Lupin and Tonks who were already standing. The three spoke softly and neither Harry nor Kari could make out what they were saying. The three adults looked at the two students and then Lupin came over to their table. "We need to go Harry," Lupin said in a very serious voice. Harry saw that Kingsley was standing in the doorway looking intently outside.

Kari and Harry quickly stood up and Tonks said, "Let's get back to the Leaky Cauldron."

Florean quickly came in and said, "You can use my floo if you'd like. It's right through here." He motioned to a small door.

Lupin nodded but Kari said, "I can get back to the Leaky Cauldron on my own."

"I think it would be best if you left from here Miss Boslav," Lupin said. His tone was no-nonsense and Kari seemed to take the hint.

"Thank you Mr. Fortescue," Harry said, "for everything."

"My pleasure Mr. Potter," Florean said. "I've always believed you and will help anyway I can."

"Sorry about all of this Kari," Harry said feeling bad for causing the girl any problems.

"No problem," she said with a genuine smile. "I can finish shopping anytime. Not a bad afternoon considering I spent it with a Gryffindor," she added with a smirk.

"Let's just keep it between us," Harry joked back. "I guess no one would believe I hung out with a Slytherin anyway."

"See you at school Potter," Kari said before flooing home.

Quickly Harry turned on the others and asked, "So, what's going on?"

The three adults looked at each other but Lupin said, "We'll talk back at your Uncle's. Let's go."

Nothing else was said until they had walked all the way back from Mrs. Figg's. Only then did Harry demand, "Ok, we're back. What was that about?"

"There've been some incidents in Diagon Alley," Lupin said. "There have been some disappearances and minor things but we think they're all related. Death Eaters are trying to recruit more members by any means."

"But I didn't think anything major had happened yet?" Harry asked.

"True, nothing major has but it won't be long," Tonks said.

"He's mad Harry, really mad," Lupin said. "You embarrassed him. Again..."

"We hear the Death Eaters began to question him," Tonks said.

"He knows you can see things so he's being careful but he needs something to show that he's not weak. You haven't seen the Prophet but there's been articles where 'unnamed sources' in the Ministry say the only reason he hasn't done anything is that he's afraid of you," Lupin added.

"What?" Harry exclaimed. "C'mon no one could believe that."

"Well it's partly true," Lupin said. "He was hurt after he possessed you. He didn't expect to be expelled like that. So he was hurt and embarrassed and we think he's planning something. Dumbledore says you're doing well with Occlumency so he shouldn't be able to feed you fake information."

Harry didn't know what to say. He wasn't even angry about not knowing this before but felt bad about not demanding information sooner. Lupin's voice got his attention, "You're reading that book I gave you aren't you?"

Harry nodded and Lupin said, "Good. Read it again."

Tonks lightened the mood saying, "So what's up with you and the Slytherin? She's a looker."

"Nothing's up," Harry quickly said. "That's probably the first time I've ever had a real conversation with her."

"See, you let me dress you and look what happens. A sexy witch hits on you," Tonks said causing Lupin to smile.

It didn't help Harry and he said, "And Voldemort's Death Eaters drive her off. See what I said about priorities."

"She didn't seem too bothered by it," Tonks replied. "A change in priorities is in order. Witches first, You-Know-Who second. That's an order," she added changing to look surprisingly like Professor McGonagall.

"Thanks for taking me shopping today," Harry said honestly glad they had gone. "It helped to get out of here for a while."

"Only a couple more weeks," Lupin said. "I'll be back in a few days. Read your book."

"I may find some excuse to get back as well," Tonks said. "Surely there's something I can teach you. Pointers for the witches or something."

Harry smiled and said, "I'd take all the help I can get. On both priorities."

That night Harry expected to have a good night's sleep since he went to bed feeling a little better than he had in a while but it wasn't meant to be. He saw the now-familiar vision of his Godfather calling out from a cloud of mist begging him for help. Harry always begged Sirius to tell him how to help but just as the ghastly looking man would start to say something Harry always woke up.

Harry drank a glass of water and was just about to try and get back to sleep when his scar burned and he had a sudden sensation of confidence mixed with apprehension. It shocked Harry since this was the first time in quite a while he had felt Voldemort's emotions. Quickly he wrote a note and took it to his snowy owl. Harry lightly scratched her ear and said, "Wake up girl, this is important." The owl's large eyes blinked but she seemed to be paying attention. "Take this to someone in the Order. The closest one and be careful." The owl hooted and quickly took off out the window.

Now Harry knew there would be no getting back to sleep so he picked up the shields book Remus had given him and in doing so noticed the clock said 12:45am. "Happy 16^th birthday," Harry thought to himself. "One more year and then I can do magic whenever I want," he thought causing a smile to cross his face. "I'll never come back to this place after that. No matter what the Order says," He also thought.

It was only a couple hours later when Hedwig returned with a short note that simply said, "It started. Stay inside."

The anger that flared at such a simple response faded with the focusing techniques that Occlumency had taught him. He knew that details couldn't be provided via owl post so he went back to his book. Not long after, he was jolted by three quick cracks and spun around, wand in hand to face three obviously shocked faces. Lupin, Tonks and Moody were standing in his bedroom. Of the three, only Moody smiled. If you could call it that. "Way to be prepared Potter," Moody growled. "Now put that away."

"What's going on?" Harry demanded.

"He's trying to break the Death Eaters out of Azkaban," Lupin said causing Harry to start asking another question but Lupin continued. "There's a large attack on Muggles north of London and," AND Harry though, there's more. "And there was an attack on the Ministry."

"All at the same time?" Harry asked. "How many Death Eaters does he have?"

"Obviously more than we thought," Moody said clearly annoyed.

"Then why are you here? Shouldn't you be helping?" Harry exclaimed, now pacing around the room.

"Dumbledore's orders," Tonks said watching Harry intently.

This really got Harry angry. They had no business guarding him, especially when they probably didn't know why, just because the Headmaster said so. "Don't you think that's a bit odd?" Harry asked looking back at Tonks.

"Harry?" Remus said trying to prevent Harry from saying anything.

"What? I think that's a valid question. Don't you think it would be a better use of your talents to actually be out there helping people?" Harry firmly questioned?

Tonks seemed uncomfortable but the gruff voice of Moody was clearly heard, "Yeah, I think that would be a better thing for us to do."

"Good! So do I!" Harry exclaimed. "Did you even question him about it?"

"Harry!" Lupin exclaimed. "It's none of your business what we discussed with Professor Dumbledore."

"I trust the Headmaster boy," Moody growled. "He has his reasons for keeping information to himself and that's good enough for me."

"Yeah keeping things from me did Sirius a world of good didn't it?" Harry spat back almost surprising himself by his firm calm voice.

"Harry," Tonks' pleasant voice grabbed everyone's attention, "we all know You-Know-Who wants to kill you and we think you're worth protecting. If Dumbledore has other reasons that's his business."

"You should ask him directly," Harry softly replied to her. "If your life is going to be placed in danger for me, you should know why."

"I may just do that," Moody said. "But for now this is where we're staying." The ragged wizard picked up the shields book and said, "Good book. Saved my hide more than once."

"Remus gave it to me," Harry said, "Can't wait until I get to school so I can try them out."

"Merlin I forget you're not of age yet," Moody stated, "no wonder you're so gung ho about everything." Lupin and Tonks both chuckled.

Moody's magical eye seemed to scan around and then he said, "These Muggles don't have a clue do they?" Harry shook his head. "Why'd he pick them to leave you with?" Moody added more as a statement.

Hoping to change the subject Lupin said, "Harry took a nice looking girl for ice cream today." Harry's head snapped to the former Professor. "A Slytherin," Lupin announced with a smirk.

"A very pretty Slytherin," Tonks added.

Moody took it in stride and said, "Yeah but you're a Parslemouth too. Maybe you've just got a thing for snakes." Lupin and Tonks broke out laughing and even Harry smiled at the joke.

The mood and conversation for the next few hours was tense but didn't get as hot as it had been at first. Except for the worry about what was happening with the Death Eaters, Harry enjoyed talking to the three adults. Moody always talked to Harry like he was an adult and there had even been stories of things the Order had been doing. Harry liked this; he wanted to be treated like an adult instead of being babied all the time.

The sun was well up when a weary Professor Dumbledore appeared in the now crowded bedroom. Harry immediately started to ask questions but Dumbledore spoke quietly, "We were unprepared for this. We had expected them to try and free the imprisoned Death Eaters and perhaps begin attacks on Muggles. To launch those in addition to a direct attack on the Ministry was unexpected."

"But why the Ministry?" Tonks asked, "At that time of day it would be nearly empty."

"To show he could do it," Moody growled causing Dumbledore to nod.

"Did he free all the Death Eaters?" Harry asked.

"Only two," Dumbledore said. "However the Ministry lost three Aurors and eleven prisoners, including three of the Death Eaters were killed. They were surprised we had prepared for the attack."

"What about the Muggles?" Lupin asked.

"Six homes on a single street were destroyed. Four of those homes had families in them," Dumbledore said with a sigh.

"Is this how it was last time?" Harry asked, not sure he wanted to know the answer.

No one answered for a minute and then it was Lupin who spoke up, "It was just different. It was a slow rise last time but by the end it was worse than this, much worse. This time it's just sudden for most people. We've known he was back but remember that most people didn't believe us."

"So what do we do now?" Harry firmly asked.

"We?" questioned Lupin.

"We continue to thwart his plans," Dumbledore calmly said. "You continue doing what you have been, learning as much as you can. Now we will let you get some sleep Harry since I'm sure you couldn't with everyone in your room. I will miss our Occlumency lesson this week."

Harry couldn't think of any valid reason to say he needed to do anything else so he just agreed and said goodbye to everyone.

Instead of sleeping, Harry went down to watch the news with his Aunt and Uncle and quickly saw the report; "An unexplained gas explosion has leveled six homes in the quiet hamlet of North Winning last night. Authorities have been unable to explain the green gas clouds that were reported by numerous witnesses." Harry gave a cold chuckle that caused his Aunt and Uncle to look at him.

"What are you getting on about boy?" Vernon bellowed.

"That wasn't a gas explosion," Harry said.

"What do you know about it? Don't give me that cock-n-bull about Voldythingy," his Uncle shot back.

"Fine I won't then. Believe whatever you want but what kind of gas explosion leaves a green cloud? But I bet only four of the homes had any people inside," Harry said back causing Petunia to get very concerned.

"And how would you know that?" she questioned.

"Because people where here guarding us since midnight and they told me this morning," Harry said.

"You're kind were here? In our house?" Vernon said with a terrified look. "I told you I don't want them around here."

"They were trying to keep us safe. Are you sure you want to make them angry. Voldemort won't hesitate to level this whole block you know," Harry said.

Petunia and Vernon exchanged glances and then Vernon yelled, "Go on about your business boy and leave us alone."

"Fine by me," Harry quickly said and went back to his room.

At that same time there was a drama playing out in the kitchen of the Burrow. Ginny and Ron were trying to get information from their parents about what had gone on. They knew their father had left last night and had been told only the basics about what had happened. Nothing more than what the Daily Prophet would report. When Professor Dumbledore appeared in their kitchen, the two student's surprise at that was dwarfed by the attitude of their mother. Instead of flying off the handle and yelling she got an extremely cold look on her face and said, "Ron, you and Ginny need to go to your room now."

Ron and Ginny gave each other confused looks and Ginny started to say something but Molly rounded on them and calmly said, "Don't say anything. Go to your rooms." With wide, shocked eyes the two quickly left the room.

"I've never seen Mum like that," Ron said as they headed up the stairs.

"This is big," Ginny said. "You know what that means?" Ron shook his head. "We need the ears," Ginny added.

"You know what she'll do if we get caught?" Ron quickly said.

"You don't have to listen but I'm not telling you if I find out," Ginny said as she entered her room and started digging in her closet and quickly producing two of the stringy objects.

"Fine but if we get caught I'm blaming you," Ron said.

"Yeah, like she'll buy that," Ginny said putting the object to her ear.

"Why isn't he here Albus?" Molly Weasley's voice came through. Ginny gave Ron a thumbs up.

"He was protected Molly," the calm voice of Professor Dumbledore was heard.

"I know you say that house is protected but with attacks like this I'm not so sure," she said. "He should be here."

"Harry felt Voldemort's mood and sent an owl to us. Remus, Moody and Tonks were with him the whole night," Dumbledore said.

"Three members of the Order where there!" Molly exclaimed. "You can't tell me there's not more going on here when you pull three capable members to stay with him. If something's going on with him I demand to know."

Ron and Ginny gave each other looks after hearing the news that Harry was being guarded like that. "He will be here within two weeks Molly," Dumbledore said.

"I'm sorry Albus but that's not good enough," Molly said but was cut off by Arthur Weasley saying, "Molly, we're not his legal guardian. We can only ask."

"He doesn't have a legal guardian!" Molly said. "If something isn't done I'm going to take steps to rectify this."

"Molly!" Arthur exclaimed. "You can't go to the Ministry about this."

"I can and I will," she firmly said causing her two children to look at each other in awe of their mother. "I want what's best for Harry. I want him protected, not just physically but emotionally as well and by Merlin that's what I'll get."

There was silence for a few minutes and then Dumbledore said, "I think it is time I let you all know some important information about Harry. If you will give me until the meeting tomorrow Molly, I believe my actions will make a little more sense."

Molly started to say something but Arthur spoke up, "Of course we'll wait Albus. You understand we're just concerned for him."

"Of that I have no doubt," Dumbledore said and then added, "Until tomorrow."

"He has a lot to deal with Molly. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt," Arthur said.

"Not this time Arthur," Molly said. "I wouldn't let him get away with this with any of my children and Harry's just as much a part of this family as any of them."

Ginny and Ron both let the ears drop and sat there in silence for a moment until Ron said, "Man Mom's scary sometimes."

"She'd do anything for her family," Ginny said.

"So why do you think they had three people guarding Harry?" Ron asked. "They don't think he'd go off again do they?"

"I don't think so," Ginny replied. "Even if they did it wouldn't take three of them. Harry's good but it's got to be something else."

"We've got to stay up until they get back from that meeting tomorrow," Ron said with determination. "Maybe they'll let something slip."

"Why don't you just ask Harry?" Ginny asked.

Ron rolled his eyes at his sister and questioned, "Our Harry??? I thought you knew him better than that. If it's something that he thinks will worry us there's no way he'll talk. C'mon Ginny."

This actually surprised the younger Weasley. She had always thought that the trio shared everything but hearing that Harry didn't share much with her brother made her feel like less of an outsider. The siblings didn't say much more and each went about their own business for the rest of the day.

The meeting of the Order had been very tense the next night with everyone trying to determine how they could have been so surprised by the scale of Voldemort's first real attack. At the end of the discussion about normal events Dumbledore asked everyone to stay a moment, "I feel I have kept relevant information from all of you for far too long." This simple statement got everyone's attention and the old wizard continued, "Privately some of you have questioned why I have placed an above average priority on protecting Mr. Potter."

"Above average!" Severus Snape spat. "I'd say more like obsessive."

"Do you know how the community would react if something happened to him Snape?" Dedaleus Diggle added with others agreeing.

"The community would get over it," Snape spat back.

Dumbledore's voice focused everyone again, "The community's emotional response is not the primary issue." There was silence again and Dumbledore took a deep breath. "The prophecy Lord Voldemort so desperately desired last year further explains why Harry is such a threat to him and why he will never stop coming after Harry. Voldemort would have done anything to hear the details."

"What!" was the collective response. "But it was destroyed!" Arthur Weasley said.

"True, but I was the one the prophecy was made to," Dumbledore softly said. "It is time for all of you to understand what is at stake." With that, Dumbledore produced his pensive and let the prophecy play out for the group. Immediately after the prophecy vision faded Dumbledore quickly told them the only part that Lord Voldemort was aware of. "So you see why he would be so interested in learning the details. He knows Harry has the power to destroy him, he just doesn't know what that is and doesn't know that he transferred certain abilities to Harry during the first attack."

The rumblings started immediately. Some silent and some quite vocal.

'Remus knew!' Tonks thought to herself. 'That's what was with him and Harry the other day.' 'It all fits now. How could they just dump him at those horrible Muggles?' 'My future...The future of the rest of my family and friends on this one boy...'

'Merlin Albus!' McGonagall thought, 'you never told me! He's in my house and you never told me.' 'My dear Gryffindor', she now thought, 'You don't deserve this. You didn't deserve those Muggles all those years ago.'

'So that's why the boy can break every rule and not be punished,' Snape instantly thought. 'If the boy ever found this out, he would have run of the castle.'

Everyone other than Remus Lupin seemed stunned. It was the pleasant voice of Tonks that broke the rumbles, "But what about you? Surely you can stop him as well?"

Dumbledore sighed heavily and said, "I assure you I cannot. I can thwart his plans and maybe even banish him for a short time but I cannot stop him. Of this I am sure."

There was considerable mumbling between the members with everyone other than Molly Weasley taking part. Finally she asked, "What is this power Harry has?"

"That is unknown but I believe it to be his capacity to love," Dumbledore said causing everyone to look confused. "He was saved as a baby by his mother's love. Professor Quirrel and the wisp of Voldemort couldn't touch Harry when he saved the Sorcerer's Stone in his first year. His love and loyalty to Hogwarts and directly to me called Fawkes to him when he was in the Chamber of Secrets and gave him the tools to defeat the Basilisk and seventeen-year-old Tom Riddle and to save Ginny Weasley. His parents and their love of him helped him escape Voldemort after he took Harry's blood to return a body to himself." Dumbledore paused, wondering how to broach what happened in the Ministry without announcing that Harry had given up. "Harry was at his weakest at the Ministry, after Sirius was killed. He charged off after Bellatrix Lestrang alone and had her in a stalemate until Voldemort showed up. At that point, he felt all was lost. He felt alone and unloved," Dumbledore said.

Molly Weasley quickly exclaimed, "But he's not!"

Dumbledore raised his hand and said, "No he is not. But you have to remember that Harry was brought up to believe that he was worthless. The lowest of low." This comment brought confused murmurs from the group. "A few brief exposures to a loving family environment will not erase years of emotional abuse."

"You can't expect us to place our faith on the back of an undisciplined, arrogant little boy," the cold voice of Snape cut through the noise.

Lupin quickly stood but Dumbledore calmly said, "I cannot force you to believe this. I can only say that I believe it with all my being. Harry wouldn't hesitate to give his life for any of us. I dare say for any Hogwarts student. He cannot comprehend that his life could ever be more valuable than anyone else's."

"He'd do it even for you Snape," Lupin said still looking very angry. "And he holds you just slightly above Bellatrix Lestrang."

There was more talking amidst the group and then Moody growled, "What does the boy think of this?"

"Surely you didn't tell him?" Snape quickly added.

"I agree, you can't tell Harry," Molly Weasley chimed in. "He has to deal with too much already; you can't add this to him."

"His already swollen ego would be completely out of control," Snape added drawing deadly looks from most of the other members.

"Harry already knows," Dumbledore said causing many groans. "We had a discussion right after I sent him back from the Ministry."

"He's known all this time?" Molly exclaimed. "How could you Albus? He's been alone dealing with Sirius' death and this as well!"

"Remus and I have regularly visited Harry," Dumbledore said trying to alleviate her concerns.

"You said he's emotionally abused by his relatives by what about you! Has he been hugged every day? Checking in on him every few days can't help much," exclaimed Molly who was now standing.

"So what does the boy think of this?" Moody asked again, loud enough to get everyone's attention.

"I suppose he wants even more special treatment," Snape said with a smirk.

"Harry was ...upset when I returned from the Ministry," Dumbledore said with a pained expression. "However once I told him of the prophecy he was surprisingly calm. I would not have been surprised if he had directly attacked me but he did not." Dumbledore thought and then added, "I think he accepts the prophecy but doesn't believe he has much chance of victory. However, I am sure he will never give up trying."

"He needs to get out of there Albus," Molly firmly said.

"And he will Molly," Dumbledore replied, "he will come to the Burrow in a bit over a week." The woman started to protest but Dumbledore stopped her and said, "And we will visit him more often until then. He is most protected there."

"Maybe physically but that's all," Molly coldly replied.

"He'll be of age next year. What then? I can't see him willingly staying with the Dursley's," Moody gruffly said.

"He'll stay wherever we tell him to," Snape spat. "The boy needs to learn to do what he's told."

Lupin looked ready to physically attack Snape but Dumbledore firmly said, "I can safely say that once Harry is of age he will not do anything just because any of us say so. He believes and rightly so that he has been manipulated too much already and knew how much Sirius hated being confined. No, Harry will do what he chooses to do and it will be our job to convince him what is the best thing. Harry will blindly follow no one."

"Smart boy," Moody growled drawing a quick look from Molly Weasley.

The meeting broke up a bit later but Mr. & Mrs. Weasley approached Professor Dumbledore. Molly had a very determined look in her eyes and noticing this, Remus Lupin approached as well.

"I want him out of there Albus," Molly firmly said.

"It is less than two weeks Molly," Dumbledore said.

"I mean permanently," she firmly replied and Arthur lightly put a hand on her shoulder.

"He's protected there," Dumbledore replied.

"Only physically and we can protect him at the Burrow. What price is he paying for physical protection? Even when he wins he'll never truly heal," she said with more conviction. Dumbledore sighed and with a loud, firm voice Molly added, "I want guardianship of him Albus."

Lupin was not surprised by her asking but was surprised by how it came out. She was directly challenging Professor Dumbledore. He decided now was the time to let her in on some information. "I am going to be his guardian Molly," Lupin calmly said. "Sirius's will suggested that as Harry's closest link to his parents I take the responsibility and I am anxious to do it."

"But the Ministry?" Arthur Weasley spoke up, questioning the Ministry's position on werewolves.

"The Ministry will be convinced Arthur," Dumbledore said. "Once Harry is back at school we will inform them of recent events."

Molly and Remus were looking directly at each other. Remus knew the woman wanted to challenge him for custody and couldn't blame her. "If you wouldn't mind Molly, I would very much like your assistance with him. My connection to his parents could never make up for your experience with teenagers."

No one knew if the woman was going to rage or cry but she firmly said, "I only want what's best for Harry. He deserves better than what he's been through. Let's go home Arthur." Arthur quickly said goodbye and they disappeared.

Ron had dozed off waiting for his parents to return but Ginny still had the extendable ear firmly in place and kicked her brother as soon as she heard her mother's voice in the kitchen.

Molly's cold, calm fury quickly changed to her comfortable, loud voice. "How can they do this to him? He's just a boy," Molly exclaimed, now in tears. The two children listening upstairs both had wide eyes and knew something big was up.

"He had a right to know," Arthur said in a tone that conveyed his regret that it had come to that.

"How much more can he take? That poor dear boy," Molly said sobbing now. "I still want guardianship. They can't keep treating him like this," she announced in a firmer voice causing a gasp from both of the children upstairs.

"He'll be here before long and then back at Hogwarts. After this year he'll only have a short time before he's an adult. Remus will listen to us Molly. He cares about Harry as well," Arthur said.

"I just can't stand for this to be happening to him and not be able to do anything," she said through her tears.

"I'm writing Harry," Ginny announced as she ripped the extendable ear away.

"I wish Hermione was here," Ron said and almost instantly regretted it with the look his sister gave him. "I mean she's better at getting him to talk."

"Yeah, I'm sure that's what you meant," Ginny said. "If you'll remember I got him to talk last year," she added as she grabbed some parchment and a quill.

"What are you going to say?" Ron asked starting to look over his sister's shoulder.

"None of your business Ron," she said. "Unless you want to let me read your letters to Hermione." Ron blushed. "I know you've been having mum pass them to someone who can get them to her."

Ron stumbled and said, "Well... you know... Just trying to make sure she's ok. I don't think you'll have any luck with Harry though." Ginny just glared at him and he added, "Ok. I'm leaving."

Harry and Remus Lupin were sitting in the backyard of #4 Privet Drive discussing the comments from the meeting the night before. In ways Harry was relieved that all of the Order knew about the prophecy but in other ways he dreaded how he would be treated. After an awkward silence Harry looked down and asked, "What do you think really happened to him?"

It only took a moment for Remus to realize what Harry meant and had been expecting this type of question for a while now. Even though Remus dreaded talking about the subject, he knew it was healthy for Harry to talk. "I've asked a few people and the best I can gather is he just died. It's not supposed to be painful or anything. They used to use it as a form of execution until that was outlawed. I've been wondering if being in Azkaban is less humane."

"Are you really sure he's dead?" Harry asked now looking up.

"Yes, I'm sure," Lupin said.

"But how can you be? There's no body. He was alive when he fell through. I'm sure that he could have been saved from the curse," Harry said in a pleading voice.

"Maybe he could have been but he fell through the veil. That's it. You've got to let it go Harry," Lupin said.

"I still dream about him," Harry admitted but wasn't willing to go into details about the dreams.

"So do I," Lupin admitted. "Sometimes I could almost swear he's around."

The erratic flying of a small owl caught their attention. "Ron's owl," Harry announced, "the one Sirius gave him." Harry grabbed the owl, took off the note and said, "Go on up to my room Pig. Don't mind Hedwig." The little owl fluttered away.

Harry quickly glanced at the note, folded it back and said, "It was from Ginny. Wants to make sure I'm ok. Want to bet she had Extendable Ears out last night?"

Lupin chuckled and said, "I wonder how much Molly and Arthur said. Probably nothing specific if she didn't mention it in the note."

A crack got the attention of both of them. "Moody!" both of them said.

"Lupin, Potter," Moody's ever gruff sounding voice replied. "Forgot it was your birthday the other day Potter. Thought you may be interested in this," he said as he handed an old worn book to Harry. Harry opened the book to see it was some sort of journal and with further inspection he realized it listed various spells and counter curses. "It's my private book of spells I think are useful."

"Can I see that Harry?" Lupin asked taking and then thumbing through the journal.

"Thanks Moody," Harry said. "Would I learn these in school or Auror training... If I make it."

"Ah no, you wouldn't learn these," Lupin said giving a strange look to the other wizard.

Moody glared back at Lupin and said, "You don't have an issue with this do you Lupin? No reason this can't stay between us is there?"

Lupin handed the journal back to Harry and said, "Actually I think it's a great idea and may see if I can put one together myself. I seem to recall James and Sirius had started something like this. I'll look in Sirius' vault." Noticing Harry's look of confusion Lupin added, "Some of these are what the Ministry calls 'Grey Area' spells. Not Dark Magic but close. Only the most senior Aurors are exposed to them."

"Would I get in trouble for using them?" Harry asked.

"Not if you've no other choice," Moody growled. "Now keep this to yourself. I'd be in a right pickle for showing you these but..." he glanced at Lupin and continued, "after what Dumbledore told us last night exceptions need to be made."

"Thanks," Harry said with meaning.

"Let me know if you need anything," Moody said before vanishing.

"Not everyone is going to pity you Harry," Lupin said smiling.

"This reminds me," Harry said. "I went through the school books you got and there is a sixth year potions book. How did I get an O in Potions?"

"Well...Officially I can't say anything about your grades but I do know you didn't get an O in Potions," Lupin said and Harry started to mention Snape's restriction but Lupin stopped him. "Professor Snape was...convinced...that you needed to be in the class." A large smile crossed the older man's face and he added, "Professor McGonagall can be quite persuasive when she wants to be."

They were interrupted by a large, regal looking owl as it floated down to Harry and stuck out its leg. As soon as Harry removed the note, the owl didn't hesitate and flew away. "It's from the Ministry," Harry said and then added, "I haven't done anything. I promise."

"Well open it," Lupin said shaking his head.

Mr. Harry Potter

In recognition for your unwavering dedication to the Wizarding Community, the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge has awarded you the Scarlet Cross. The Minister has scheduled a ceremony for August 25^th at 11:00am in the Grand Hall at the Ministry building. Your unselfish actions will be acknowledged and then you will be formally presented with the award at that time.

Congratulations Mr. Potter. The Ministry looks forward to awarding you this honor.

Percival Weasley, Senior Assistant to the Minister

"They've got to be kidding," Harry said as he handed the note to Lupin.

After reading it, Lupin seemed to be choosing his words carefully, "You deserve this Harry but you do know what they may be doing don't you?"

"Of course I do!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm not a total dweeb. He just wants some good press. What have they been saying so far?"

Lupin smiled that Harry had such a good grasp of how the Ministry worked and said, "He's afraid he's going to be booted. They're trying to get a vote of no-confidence in him."

"Good!" Harry said.

"In some ways but until we know who the next Minister would be we can't say for sure. So what are you going to do about the award?"

"I'm not going," Harry quickly said. "I don't care about the award."

"It wouldn't make you look bad if you did go," Lupin said but then saw the look of disgust on Harry's face. "You really don't like the Ministry do you?"

"Can you blame me?" Harry replied and then said, "I'm not even sure about being an Auror any more. I mean that's still part of the Ministry and I'd be used for political purposes."

Lupin laughed and said, "That may be but you don't have to decide right now. The classes you need to be an Auror are good things to take anyway. I'm going to talk to Dumbledore about this." Lupin looked at Harry and said, "You know we all really care about you don't you?"

Harry seemed surprised at this and said, "I know you...and the Weasley's do. That's all that matters to me."

"I think you'd be surprised how much others care about you. Not just because of the prophecy either," Lupin said and finally added, "See you soon."

Harry headed up to his room and properly read the note from Ginny. It amused him at how she tried to make it seem like she was just writing him for no reason but Harry saw through it quickly. Hanging around the Weasley's so much had got him accustomed to how their sneaky minds worked. He took out parchment and quill to respond.

Ginny.

It's nice hearing from you so soon. I hope everyone is still doing fine and that Ron is surviving without seeing Hermione so far. There was no special reason you wrote so soon since your last note was there. Not using any of the twins' inventions are you?

Tell your mom to not worry so much. I'll be fine...really. Being ignored by the Dursleys is really a good thing. You're doing me a favor by being strong for her, she worries too much.

I haven't heard if my Quidditch ban is lifted or not. It may be difficult for me to play this year. There seems to be a lot going on right now. If I can't you'll need to make sure the cup stays in McGonagall's office.

See you soon

Harry.

"Here you go Pig," Harry said giving the note to the little owl. "Don't let them worry so much," he said as he gave the owl a toss out the window. Harry actually smiled when he thought about how different Ginny's technique for getting out of him was than Hermione's. Ginny tried to trick him into giving information where as Hermione would just demand he tell her. Harry had no intention on burdening his friends with any more of his problems.