Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

Falling onto his bed, Harry felt the book Moody gave him in his back pocket so he pulled it out and began to thumb through it. After an hour or so, he realized this would be one of his favorite books. If the legendary Auror thought these were important spells to know, Harry knew that he would be well served by learning them all as quickly as he could. The fact that the man had heard the prophecy and had given him his private journal had lifted Harry as much as anything Dumbledore had said recently.

Harry read until his eyes wouldn't stay open any more, but being exhausted didn't stop him from having the dream where Sirius begged for his help but it didn't wake him up this night.

At the Burrow the next morning Ron saw his sister slowly come down the stairs and said, "Well? Did the all-mighty Ginny Weasley get him to open up?"

"Shut up Ron!" Ginny exclaimed, annoyed at her brother for knowing Harry better.

"Did you get a note from Harry dear? Does he seem to be ok?" her mother quickly stopped fixing breakfast and asked.

"Yes mum, Harry wrote back last night," Ginny said sighing. "He says the same thing I told you, that he's fine and you shouldn't worry so much," she added trying to sound like she believed it.

"Hmmp," Molly groaned, "does that boy know how to say anything other than he's fine?"

Harry received nearly daily visitors over the next week and a half and enjoyed the ones from Lupin, Tonks and Moody the best. Those three always talked to and treated him like an adult, not trying to pamper him or sooth him with comforting words.

When the day came where Harry was supposed to leave for the Burrow, he was looking forward to seeing his friends. All the apprehension about being around people again had faded, leaving him with just the longing to be with them again. Lupin arrived early afternoon to escort him. "Ready to go Harry?" Lupin asked as he hauled Harry's trunk outside.

"Yeah, I really am," Harry said.

"Good," Lupin replied. "We won't have as much private time for a while but if you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me. You will never be a bother to me."

"Thanks Remus," Harry said as they approached Mrs. Figg's house. "I've really liked being around you guys this summer. It's helped a bunch."

"Helped me as well Harry," Lupin admitted. "I wasn't in much better shape than you at the beginning. I'm looking forward to when we can spend more time together."

"Me too Remus. Are you coming to the Burrow?" Harry asked.

"No. I'm just going to get see you floo away and then I'm off on an assignment," Lupin admitted. Harry knew he would miss seeing the man as often but quickly realized that the real priority was fighting Voldemort and that Lupin was an important player for their side.

When they stood in front of the fire Lupin extended his hand and said, "Remember Harry, if you need me I'll come. You come first to me. Don't forget that."

"Thanks Remus. You've been great," Harry said and with a final feeling of regret floo'd to the Burrow.

Flooing still wasn't his favorite way to travel but he had at least learned how to do it without falling down and he arrived in a somewhat dignified fashion on his feet with his trunk next to him. Before he fully took in his surroundings he was hit by something that nearly knocked him down.

"Harry!" his best friend Hermione screamed as she hugged him tight. For a second Harry completely forgot about any of his problems and just enjoyed seeing his best friend again.

"Blimey Hermione," Ron said laughing, "let the boy breathe."

"Good to see you too Hermione," Harry said getting her hair out of his mouth as she pulled back. "Did you have a good time with your parents?"

"Oh yes, it was wonderful spending time with them but I was so worried about all of you," she said wiping tears of joy from her eyes.

"Ok mate?" Ron asked shaking Harry's hand. "Now maybe mum will pay some attention to us. She's been going spare trying to get you out of there."

"I'm fine," Harry said. "The Dursleys pretty much ignored me. About as much as I can ask for."

Hermione gave him a questioning look and asked, "Are you really ok Harry?"

Before he could answer another voice was heard, "Of course he's ok Hermione." Harry turned and saw Ginny come into the room. "He said so in his notes. Unless of course you weren't telling me the truth," Ginny said raising her brow at Harry.

"I wouldn't lie to you," Harry said. "I'm fine...Honestly."

"Well let's get your trunk upstairs and then mum will want to have a look at you," Ron said as he grabbed one end of Harry's trunk. Hermione complained about not having her OWL results the whole time the trunk was being taken to Ron's room.

She was still complaining about it when they arrived back in the kitchen but Mrs. Weasley said, "You won't have to wait much longer. Dumbledore said you should have them by tomorrow."

"Hi Mrs. Weasley. Thanks for letting me stay," Harry said from behind the woman.

The woman hadn't realized Harry was there and dropped the plate she was washing at the sound of his voice and startled the boy as she pulled him into a smothering hug. "Oh Merlin!" she said breathlessly. "You're finally here. Let me look at you," she said holding him at arms length. The other kids in the room were smiling brightly at the woman's display of affection.

"You at least look like you've been eating better this year," she said pursing her lips. "You're where you belong now and we'll make sure everything's ok," she said with another hug. "It's a beautiful day, why don't you lot go outside and get caught up on what's been going on," Mrs. Weasley said looking at Ron and Hermione. The three had already talked about trying to get Harry to talk about how he was feeling.

Once outside Hermione started by telling Harry everything she did during her holiday and then Ron and Ginny described everything that was going on with them and what the twins were up to.

Harry had to admit that hearing the fun things his friends had been doing made him feel both happy for them and a bit jealous. The feeling of being happy for them won out and he enjoyed hearing their stories. Hermione regularly tried to get him to talk about things he had been doing but Harry just responded with "not much" and "just took some walks". When Hermione started pushing like she usually did, Ginny would say something to help change the subject and for this Harry felt very grateful. Harry also noted that Ron passed up many opportunities where he would normally had made fun of Hermione and that the two of them sat a little closer than they normally did. This really made Harry feel better.

After hearing all about Hermione's trip there was an awkward silence and then Ron said, "You heard about the attacks didn't you?"

"Ron!" Hermione yelled rounding on him. "What are you bringing things like that up for? We talked about this, remember.

"I heard already!" Harry said loudly. "They're not keeping things from me this year and anyway, my scar hurt and Voldemort let slip that he was really anxious about something," Harry snapped then looked between his two best friends. "I'm not a little fragile kid you know and I don't need my two best friends treating me like one," he added and then headed back to the house.

"Told you so," Ginny said with an annoyed look at the other two and then ran to catch up with Harry.

"They're just worried you know," she said before he got to the house.

Harry turned, went to a bench at the side of the Burrow and said, "I know but I don't need them acting like that. They think they're fine knowing things but I can't handle it." Harry sat down and then quietly added, "I handle more than they'll ever know."

"What's that?" Ginny asked, sitting on the other end of the bench.

Harry shook his head and said "Nothing. I was just mumbling." He then looked at her and said, "You're not keeping things from me as well are you?"

Ginny looked uncomfortable and said, "Well...Mum's been really mad at Dumbledore lately so Ron and I listened in when they got back from a meeting and she seems really upset about something you have to do and they way you've been treated. She wants to get guardianship of you. But we didn't find out any details." Harry was silent for a minute and Ginny added, "You're not mad are you? I'm trying to not act worried."

Harry chuckled a bit and said, "I'm not mad. Remus was over when you sent your note and I told him you probably had the Extendable Ears out since you seemed to be fishing for information." Ginny looked shocked that Harry had figured her out. "And I appreciate you not acting like I'm going to fall apart or anything. I'm fine...Really"

"Well honestly I don't believe you're fine but if you promise to talk to me if things get really bad I'll let you off the hook," she said.

"Deal," Harry said, "And I'll try to not let the others get to me. I guess we should go back over there so I can apologize."

"Only apologize for walking away," Ginny said. "She shouldn't have acted like that."

The two walked back to where Ron and Hermione were talking. Harry could tell Hermione's eyes were red and he immediately felt bad for reacting so badly. Before either of them could say anything Harry quickly said, "Sorry for storming off like that. I should have just told you how much it annoys me when people treat me like I can't handle anything."

"It's ok. I just didn't want anything to upset you," Hermione said wiping her eyes. "I know how insensitive Ron can be sometime."

"Hey, I'm right here!" Ron said even though he had a slight smile.

"I'm fine but I won't be if my best friends keep things from me," Harry firmly said.

"She won't anymore will you Hermione?" Ron said giving her a smug look.

"No," she said wrinkling her nose at Ron. This exchange totally surprised Harry. He fully expected a major blow up between the two but they were both letting things just slide off each other.

"So what do you think of the attacks?" Ron asked his question again and Harry could see Hermione struggling to hold back a comment.

"He must have a lot more Death Eaters than we thought," Harry said and Ron nodded. "I mean he launched three simultaneous attacks with enough people to break the others out of Azkaban."

"You heard who made it out didn't you?" Ron asked slowly. Harry shook his head and Ron said, "Malfoy and Dolohov." Harry saw Hermione flinch at the name of the Death Eater that had cursed her and Harry groaned that Malfoy had been the one freed."

The four sat in silence until Harry softly said, "I'm sorry about getting you guys into that. I won't drag you off again."

"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed. "You didn't drag us. If you'll remember we forced you to take us."

"Yeah mate," Ron added. "It was our choice."

It made Harry feel much better when he heard them say that but he still knew it was his mistake that had put them at so much risk. "Dumbledore's taught me Occlumency so Voldemort won't be able to trick me like that again," he admitted.

"Now that the Ministry admits he's back, they can work with Dumbledore and handle things. We can just focus on N.E.W.T.s.," Hermione said watching Harry closely.

Harry snorted and said, "Yeah right. N.E.W.T.s. I'm sure Voldemort will give me a couple years off so I can study."

Ron and Hermione kept glancing at each other and then Hermione asked, "Is something going on Harry? It seems Dumbledore and the others are really worried about you. Even before I left with my parents, he seemed really concerned."

"Yeah mate," Ron added, now deciding to speak up, "mum's been going off on Dumbledore about you."

Harry wished he could just tell them everything but didn't want more pity than they gave him already so he just said, "They're like you lot and think I'm going to crack." Harry didn't think they totally believed him so he quickly said, "I'm going to head back in." He got up before anyone could say anything and headed back to the Burrow.

"There's more going on," Hermione firmly said once Harry was away. "I never thought I'd see Dumbledore looking so worried."

"And mum," Ron added, "She's in a right state about something. And Harry... He's acting almost too good...that is until he stormed off."

"I know," Hermione agreed, "like there's no middle ground. He can either push everything back or it all comes out. That can't be healthy. He should just talk to us."

"But you can't push him," Ginny firmly said. "He'll just clamp down if we do."

Supper that evening was too quiet for Molly Weasley's taste. She kept trying to get Harry to talk about anything but he had only said a few words. He had eaten enough so that she didn't need to hound him but always seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. Even when she reluctantly accepted his offer to help with dishes, he hadn't answered any of her questions with more than two words.

Harry announced he was going to turn in early, hoping that Ron wouldn't follow and fortunately, his best friend decided he was going to stay up for a while with Hermione so Harry had time to continue reviewing the spells in Moody's journal. Ready Moody's description of what some of the spells did actually bothered Harry a bit but he realized if the experienced Auror thought they were valuable than he would try his best to learn them.

When Harry woke early the next morning, two things surprised him. First was how refreshed he felt, and second was that Ron seemed to snore even louder than he remembered. Harry made his way to the kitchen and when he was filling his glass with water, he was startled by a familiar voice. "Morning Harry," Hermione said pleasantly.

"Hermione," Harry said trying not to sound too startled. "I didn't think anyone else was up."

"Well I had an idea you might be up early and hoped we could talk without everyone around," she said firmly.

"Oh," Harry said turning back to fill his glass. "What did you want to talk about?" he finally asked, knowing what she probably wanted to discuss.

"Anything," she responded in a too-nice tone. "We didn't really talk before summer break and everyone was around yesterday. I just thought it would be nice to have some time alone."

"Sure," Harry said trying to hide his annoyance at this. He did find the idea of talking to Hermione appealing but wasn't sure he wanted to talk about the same things she did.

"Well let's take a walk before breakfast," she said leading him outside.

The two walked in silence until Hermione asked, "How are you feeling Harry?"

"I'm feeling fine Hermione. How have you been?" Harry replied as calmly as possible.

Hermione stopped, looked at him intently and said, "You know what I mean Harry." Harry only returned her look so she continued, "How are you handling losing Sirius?"

Harry couldn't get mad at her for asking this way. Just yesterday he had gotten mad when she had tried to baby him. "I'm handling it just fine," he said matching her gaze for gaze.

"Hmmm," she said. "You know it would really help to talk about it."

Harry breathed deeply and said, "How would you know? It seems to me you just had a nice vacation with your parents who, thank Merlin are still around."

The coldness of his response actually shocked her. She had prepared herself to deal with his anger and the possibility of him yelling at her but his cold response caught her off guard. "I miss him too Harry," she said almost starting to tear.

"Do you really think it's the same?" Harry asked shaking his head. "You have no idea."

"Ok, maybe I don't," she said unable to hold back the tears. "Talk to me about it. Please."

Harry thought for a moment and asked, "Ok. What do you think that veil was? What do you think happened to him?" Hermione didn't expect this question and didn't respond quickly so Harry said, "You wanted to talk about him and this is what I want to talk about."

Hermione saw through Harry's tough shield and could tell how much hurt he was feeling but she firmly said, "He died Harry. He fell through the veil and died."

"How do you know?" Harry exclaimed. "You were out of it! I nearly lost you as well! You didn't see what happened. How can you know what happened?" Harry was now pacing just out of her reach. She wanted nothing more than to hug him and help with his pain but he wasn't having any of it.

"I asked everyone I could think of Harry," Hermione admitted. "I wanted to know as well." She paused watching his reaction and then added, "He's gone. I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't be sorry, it's not your fault," Harry said in a very cold voice. "You tried talking me out of going. It was my fault. All my fault," he said sounding defeated and finally stopped pacing.

She was just about to pull him into a hug when another voice broke the silence, "Oi! What are you lot doing up so early?" They turned and saw Ron strolling up to them. "We should all still be asleep."

"Just catching up. Who can sleep over your snores anyway," Harry said in such a cheerful voice that it shocked Hermione. "Let's get breakfast," he added and then quickly headed back to the Burrow.

Ron saw the look of concern in Hermione's face but she just shook her head and they followed Harry inside. Mrs. Weasley was up and fixing breakfast when they entered the kitchen. "Did you sleep well Harry?" she asked while continuing to cook.

"Actually I did Mrs. Weasley. It's nice being here," he honestly said lifting the woman's spirits. Ron and Hermione came and sat across from Harry just as Ginny came down the stairs.

"Well you know you're always welcome here. If I had my way you'd never go back there," Molly firmly said.

"I'd rather be here but I won't have to be there much longer," Harry said with conviction. "I suppose they'll make me after this year but once I'm seventeen, I'll never set foot in that place again."

"But Harry," Hermione quickly said, "you're safest there. You know what Dumbledore says."

"Trust me, I know what Dumbledore says," Harry replied. "But once I'm of age he'll have no say on what I do outside of Hogwarts."

"We'll keep you safe here. Don't you worry about that," Mrs. Weasley said sounding cheerful at the thought of Harry living there.

Ginny caught Harry's attention and rolled her eyes causing him to give a slight smile. "I'm sure you can Mrs. Weasley but I don't like you all being in more danger because of me."

"Nonsense dear," the woman replied, "with everything the rest of my boys are up to I don't think we could get any further in the mix."

"And you know that if you don't come here, I'm going to have to go where you are," Ron announced.

"Ronald Weasley," Molly exclaimed, "You will not leave this house before you graduate."

"Then Harry will just have to stay here," Ron said smirking at his best friend.

"I won't be of age until we're back at Hogwarts and I'm sure my parents wouldn't let me go anyplace other than here," Hermione sadly said.

"And you will not be living with two single boys!" Molly quickly added in her motherly voice.

"A lot can happen between now and then so let's not argue about it," Harry said looking at the plate Mrs. Weasley just put in front of him.

Harry had been up in the room he and Ron shared since right after breakfast, thankful for some time alone. The quiet time he spent practicing Occlumency was a comfort to him lately. He heard more and more voices coming from downstairs and decided he should rejoin the others. Entering the kitchen, Harry noticed many other heads from outside. It seemed like all the Weasley children were now at the Burrow laughing outside. "Why is everyone here Mrs. Weasley?" Harry asked to the only other person in the kitchen.

"We're having a meeting tonight and they came over early to see everyone," the woman said with obvious joy. "I'm just fixing some sandwiches for everyone. There're some bits already on the table. Go on out and say hello."

Harry stepped outside and saw the smiles on everyone's faces. Harry couldn't believe he actually put off coming here this summer. Being around such a fun and loving family was helping him immensely. Harry grabbed one of the small muffins and stepped closer to the gathering of redheads. They turned just as Harry popped the muffin in his mouth trying to chew and smile at the same time. The look on the other boy's faces made Harry's heart stop. He turned to see Mrs. Weasley come out with the tray of sandwiches and then heard the twins yell, "Don't eat that!!!"

As soon as Harry turned back to see who they were talking to, he felt it. He was suddenly breathing in deeply and unable to stop. He could just make out the voices around him as he tried to stop inhaling. Harry saw his hands and arms expand like some balloon in a parade.

"They weren't for you Harry!" one of the twins said. "We'd never target our backer," the other announced.

By now Harry was at least three times his normal size and still breathing in. "Why'd you do that to Harry?" Ginny angrily said.

Before they could explain again Harry violently started to exhale and began shooting around like a balloon that has just been let go. SLAM...the balloon Harry bashed into the side of the house before streaming off toward the swing set.

"If you boys hurt Harry you'll have me to answer to!" Molly exclaimed.

"He should be fine mom," George replied and then softly said, "You did put the cushioning charm on them didn't you?" Fred looked like he was trying hard to remember.

"You'll wish it was just mom after you if he's hurt," Ginny said still wincing when she saw Harry bounce off the swing set.

With the final push of breath, Harry went sailing and landed with a loud thud in the hedges along the yard. "You have no idea what he's going through!" Molly yelled as she turned and ran after the twins who were heading to where Harry landed.

"He seems to be handling Sirius being gone well enough," Ron said, confused at his mother's comment.

Charlie caught this and angrily said, "Sirius being gone is the least of his worries." Then the older brother joined the rest checking on Harry.

Just before the group reached the hedge a disheveled Harry stood up with the largest smile his friends had seen in a long, long time. "That was great!" Harry exclaimed looking with wonder at the twins. "Bloody brilliant! Didn't hurt a bit!"

"Must have remembered the cushioning charm," Fred said letting out a deep breath causing all the boys starting laughing.

George beamed and said, "It was what you did to your aunt a few years ago that gave us the idea. See, you're our financial backer and give us ideas."

"You boys have gone too far!" Molly exclaimed, still not seeing the humor in this. "You can't risk hurting Harry!"

"I'm not hurt!" Harry exclaimed and then added in a quite annoyed voice, "I'm not a fragile little thing. I can handle myself."

The other Weasleys were watching to how their mother was going to react. The boys never spoke in that tone to her. To their surprise she pleasantly said, "Of course you can dear. They just shouldn't have those things around where anyone can get to them."

"I'd like to try it again!" Harry said now smiling again. This seemed to be good enough for everyone because they went back to the table and started lunch, still recalling how Harry looked flying around.

Hermione pulled Ron out of a discussion with Fred and then grabbed Ginny, leading them both off to the side of the Burrow. "What do you want Hermione? Fred was just teaching me some jokes," Ron said in his annoyed voice.

"What do you think Charlie meant?" she asked and then noticed the look of confusion on Ginny's face so she explained what happened.

"I don't know," Ron quickly replied, "maybe he needs to worry about his grades or something. What does it matter?"

"It matters Ron," Ginny said, "because we know something's up with him and Charlie knows as well. That means everyone in the Order probably does."

"Ok, maybe you're right," Ron said. "But Harry's happy right now. Don't spoil it. Please."

Hermione hated to admit that Ron was right. This wasn't the time to talk to Harry about it. "You're right, I'll wait," she said and saw the astonished look on Ron's face. "C'mon get back to your joke," she added as she pushed him back to the table.

"You're right though Hermione," Ginny said. "Something's going on and we'll find out what it is. Harry won't tell voluntarily. He'll need to be tricked."

The family get-together lasted another hour until Tonks and Mad-Eye Moody showed up. Tonks quickly got in the spirit of things by changing her hair red but Mad-Eye came to the table and growled. "Potter. Over here."

Harry got up and followed the ex-Auror to the edge of the property. "Doing ok?" Moody asked.

"Fine. It's good being here," Harry honestly replied.

"Keeping up with your reading?" Moody grumbled. "No time to be getting complacent."

"I'm reading," Harry sighed as Tonks walked up.

"Heard you tried a new form of flying Harry," Tonks said.

"Ha..Ha...Nymphadora," Harry teased back.

The girl looked shocked, angry and then evil as she turned her hair blonde and made it grow longer. Her facial features changed slightly and she said, "Now what would your friends say about your date with the Slytherin?"

"Ok...Ok..." Harry quickly said, "Tonks it is."

"You learn quick Harry," Tonks said reverting to her normal appearance. "Was I close?"

"Close enough. And it wasn't a date," Harry said.

"So what do you think of the journal? Do they make sense?" Moody grumbled.

"Some of them are disgusting," Harry said shaking his head.

"That's right they are. Remember that. They're not to be used lightly," the man grumbled.

"That can't be all you're here for," Harry said looking at the man.

"Are you sure you're just sixteen?" Moody asked almost smiling. "There've been more attacks. Another Muggle neighborhood and some Ministry families."

Harry felt this was the case and asked, "Anyone I know?"

"Don't think so," the man replied.

"Why did you tell me?"

"You have a right to know and I for one won't keep things from you," Moody firmly said. "Also the Muggle street was Provet," the man added watching Harry's expression.

"Do you think it was coincidence?" Harry asked worrying about his Aunt and Uncle.

"Hard to tell but I don't much believe in coincidences," Moody said. "Dumbledore's changing the wards around the Dursleys. They will be fine. If they were looking for you it means someone in the Ministry isn't on our side."

"The Ministry's never been on my side," Harry said.

When they got back to the table Mrs. Weasley gave Moody an evil look and said, "Alastor. You know how I feel about this."

"Just talking to the boy Molly," Moody said. "Giving him tips on being an Auror." Molly gave a "hhhrump" and walked away.

Just then Fred yelled, "Quidditch anyone? We should have enough for a good match."

There were many yells of agreement and Harry was torn. He really liked the idea but hadn't been on a broom in a while. Freds' voice got his attention, "We need one more player?"

"I'll go get my broom," Tonks said. "Can't have Ginny being the only girl."

Harry was standing there while the Weasley boys ran inside to get their brooms and heard, "Try to enjoy it while you can." Moody was standing beside him. "You won't do his memory any good by punishing yourself."

Before Harry could say anything, Ron came out and thrust his Firebolt in his hand. "Forgot we had this inside. C'mon let's play." Ron mounted his broom and was gone. The rest of the boys came out and were in the air warming up. Tonks returned the next moment and was also in the air surprising Harry with how well she flew considering how she was on the ground.

Hermione came over and said, "You're going to play aren't you?"

Harry nodded and tried to smile as he called "Up", causing the broom to snap into his hand. He mounted it and stayed hovering just off the ground for a minute. He didn't notice the others looking at him until Ron came over and said, "Why don't you have a warm up for a few minutes. You haven't flown in a while."

Harry looked around and caught Ginny's eye and saw her give him a nod of encouragement. Taking a deep breath, Harry pulled the handle up sharply causing him to rocket straight up. Harry missed hearing all the gasps and Hermione's scream as the rush came over him quickly, pushing him to go higher, faster.

"Is he out of control?" Hermione screamed.

"Hermione, this is Harry and a broom. There's no such thing as out of control," Ron yelled still craning his neck to see the quickly fading dot in the sky.

About the time that Ron began to wonder, the dot grew larger. Harry was laid out flat on his broom as he coaxed it to go ever faster. The ground was coming up at an alarming rate but Harry felt more alive than he had in a long time. Hitting speeds he couldn't remember feeling before, Harry didn't notice the look of horror on his friend's faces as he pulled up barely a foot from the ground and sped off toward the wood at the edge of the property. "What's he doing?" Ginny asked. "There's no room to fly in there!"

Harry didn't slow down and quickly disappeared into the thick grove of trees. The only sign that anything was going on was the screech of birds as they flew up and out of the wood. Deeper and deeper he went, causing more and more birds to leave the comfort of the trees. His friends were discussing what to do when they saw the retreating birds come closer and closer to the property line. Just then a black blur came shooting out, looped Ron and hovered right next to the shocked redhead. "Ok, let's play!" Harry announced and then looked around to see everyone with their jaws open. "What? I think I'm warmed up," he said a little self-consciously.

Ginny's voice focused everyone, "Right! Let's play. Fred, you and George can be captains. Pick teams."

Harry and Charlie were the first two picked as seekers. Harry's team ended up with Fred, Ron and Ginny and the game started quickly after that. All the troubles he felt vanished once their practice snitch was released. It quickly became apparent that Charlie was an amazing seeker as he almost caught Harry with a quick back-to-back feint. Harry found himself doing something he normally never did; he was trying to mark Charlie's moves. The only advantage Harry had was his broom. Charlie was as good a seeker as Harry was.

The match had gone on for over an hour when Hermione's shrieks got everyone's attention. She was standing on the table jumping up and down, holding three large envelopes. When everyone got to her she screamed, "Our O.W.L.s are here!"

"You stopped Quidditch for O.W.L.s? How could you?" Ron loudly asked and was joined by the groans from the other Weasley boys.

"Well we're stopped now," Harry said grabbing the envelope with his name. "May as well see how bad I did."

"You go first!" Hermione said barely able to keep her hands still.

"Just do it at the same time," Ginny said laughing at her friend. Ron and Harry shrugged their agreement and on three they opened their notes.

Harry quickly scanned his and wasn't too surprised.

Ordinary Wizarding Level report for Mr. Harry Potter:

Astronomy Acceptable

Care of Magical Creatures Exceeds Expectations

Charms Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts Outstanding - Highest point total of the year

Divination Acceptable

Herbology Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic Poor

Potions Exceeds Expectations

Transfiguration Exceeds Expectations

Based on your O.W.L. scores you may select from the following classes to continue your N.E.W.T. level training.

Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration.

Please see the attached note for the book list once you have chosen your sixth year classes.

Minerva McGonagall Headmistress Gryffindor House

These were slightly better than what Harry had expected and he looked up to see what his friends thought. Ron looked happy as well so Harry asked, "So how'd you do Ron?"

"I got seven!" Ron exclaimed and the twins groaned loudly. "Two Outstanding!" he added. They both turned to Hermione who didn't look quite as thrilled.

"Hermione?" Harry questioned.

"C'mon Hermione," Ron said, "You got all O's we know. We won't be jealous."

"I got an E in Astronomy!" she exclaimed. "There were extenuating circumstances...How could we concentrate when McGonagall was being attacked?"

"Talk to McGonagall," Ron said sounding outraged. "I'll come with you."

Harry turned and raised his eyebrows to Ginny who just shook her head at her brother and how supportive he was of Hermione.

Ron looked back down at this list and said, "Hey! This says I can take Potions! I only got an E."

"Mine too Ron," Harry said, "I think McGonagall pulled strings knowing we wanted to be Aurors. She'll be all over us to do well."

"I can just imagine how Snape will treat us," Ron groaned.

"You two did really well," Hermione said seeming to beam at Ron. "I'm so proud of you...both."

"What are you taking Harry?" Ron asked.

"Whatever I need to be an Auror I guess. Charms, DADA, Potions, Transfiguration and then Care of Magical Creatures I guess. Maybe I could get into Muggle Studies instead," he said seeming to think.

"Why would you want Muggle Studies?" Ginny questioned.

"Well it should be pretty easy since I grew up with them," Harry admitted. "And, unless the Ministry turns around I'm not having anything to do with them."

"Harry!" Hermione scolded. "You can't think that. We have to support them and try to make changes."

"When have they supported me?" Harry snapped back. "I'm not going to blindly support them after all the lies they've told."

"Yeah mate!" Fred yelled. "Bunch of idiots. Can't trust the lot," George added.

"How can you say that? Your father and brother work there," Hermione said.

"I guess Dad's one of the only good ones," George said and then saw Tonks looking slightly hurt so he added, "And you of course Tonks. And Kingsley. You know the ones in the Order are ok."

"You know Percy didn't mean it," Hermione said and instantly realized this wasn't the right thing to say.

Even Bill who was very reserved snapped, "Don't bring that traitor up around me." Now all the boys were mumbling angrily.

"She doesn't realize what its like," Ginny said shaking her head in disappointment at Hermione. "She's an only child and can't understand what it's like when someone betrays your whole family."

Hermione started to say something but Ron squeezed her arm and firmly whispered, "Don't push this one."

"C'mon," Ginny said feeling bad for snapping at her friend. "Let's go in and see what books you lot need. Maybe we can go to Diagon Alley."

Mrs. Weasley was extremely pleased with the O.W.L. scores and fixed a special meal that evening. It was decided that they would go to Diagon Alley in two days to get their school supplies. Mrs. Weasley had been against the children going but her oldest children convinced her that they should all go.

It was decided that the trip to Diagon Alley would happen Friday and everyone was excited to get out for the day. Hermione had her list prepared early listing all the books she wanted to get as well with everything to replenish her supplies. Ron only wanted to get to Quality Quidditch Supplies. Harry didn't really need anything since he went earlier but he was looking forward to spending the day with his friends in Diagon Alley.

"Besides books what do you need Ginny?" Harry asked when he saw Ron and Hermione talking quietly in the corner.

"New robes," she said quickly. "These old things are just too small. I finally started to grow," she added calmly and then realized who she was talking to and what she meant. Instantly she turned bright red.

It took until the look of shock on Ginny's face before Harry realized what she was talking about. He felt like he matched her blush and stammered, "I...well...I guess that's good. New robes are always good." There was awkward silence and then Harry nodded his head to his other friends and said, "I think Ron finally realized Hermione's growing as well."

"If they don't kill each other they may actually work out," Ginny said grateful for the change of focus. She glanced at Harry and said, "It's not going to bother you is it?"

Harry almost instinctively replied 'of course not' but saw that Ginny really wanted to know so he said, "Yeah it is." Harry saw the slight look on Ginny's face that his answer caused so he continued, "I mean I'm really happy for them and if anyone deserves it, they do. I'm just being stupid."

Ginny smiled and said, "Do you know that's probably the first time you've told me how you feel other than saying 'fine' or something like that?" Harry kind of shrugged so Ginny continued; "They won't shut you out on purpose you know. They both love you."

"Yeah, I know," Harry admitted. "You're pretty easy to talk to you know."

Now Ginny blushed softly and said, "Thanks Harry. Remember that. I won't go running to anyone either."

"I may take you up on that sometime," Harry said. "I'm heading up to bed," he announced hoping to get time to read his books uninterrupted. Thumbing through the shields book Harry was happy to remember each incantation for the various spells. Moody's journal wasn't coming as quickly though and wasn't as enjoyable to read at night but Harry forced himself to read some anyway knowing how important they could be.

Harry was asleep before Ron came up and was surprised to find his friend already gone when he woke the next morning. Harry showered and put on some new clothes and his new black robe before heading down to find his friends already dressed and eating with Tonks, Remus, Mad-Eye, Bill, and Charlie Weasley. Harry stopped in the doorway looking at the gathering and Tonks said, "Wotcher Harry! 'Bout time you rolled around."

"We were about ready to send Ginny up to wake you up," Bill said drawing a death glare from his little sister.

"Wouldn't let them do it mate," Ron said. "You were the calmest you've been since getting here."

"Thanks Ron," Harry said grabbing some toast. "Slept really well." Harry looked between the adults and said, "So why are you all here? Do we really need this many bodyguards?" Molly visibly flinched when Harry calmly asked this but didn't say anything. Harry could tell they were keeping something from him by the guilty looks on their faces.

None of them said anything even with the kids looking between them all until Remus said, "Been a slight change of plans." Harry sat his fork down knowing this would be about him. "Bill and Charlie are taking everyone to get their books today," Remus said causing most of the kids to let out a sigh of relief. "But," the man continued, "Mad-Eye and Tonks will be spending the day with you and I Harry."

"What!" Ron exclaimed. "Harry's not going?"

"I'm not going if he can't," Ginny announced drawing an agreement from Ron.

It made Harry feel worse that his friends wouldn't get a day away than it did that he couldn't go so he said, "You guys go! You all need your books and Remus already got mine for me. I'll be fine."

"You always say you're fine," Ginny quickly snapped.

"And I am," Harry said trying to sound like he meant it. "C'mon it's just one day and I'll be fine. These three can be surprisingly fun when they want to."

"I promise I'll make him have fun," Tonks said.

"We really do need to shop," Hermione said looking apologetically at Harry.

"Yeah, maybe there're all kinds of new books, huh?" Ron teased.

Harry saw the look of concern on Ginny's face so he grinned and whispered, "Remember you need robes since you've grown SO much."

Ginny's eyes got huge, her face turned red and she stammered something before leaving the table.

After more protests, the shoppers left and Harry calmly asked, "So what are we really doing?"

"Yes Remus," Molly asked looking at him suspiciously. "What are you three doing with Harry today?"

"Actually Molly," Moody said drawing her gaze, "We're off to Hogwarts." This caused Harry to snap to attention. "Thought the boy may enjoy a day around the castle." Molly couldn't say much to this and Harry didn't want to say anything and cause Remus to have to explain any more in front of the woman.

Once outside Remus held out a thin piece of rope. "We're using a portkey to go directly to the grounds. Better than walking from Hogsmeade. Grab hold Harry," Remus said holding an end of rope out to Harry. Removing his wand Remus said, "One...Two...Three..."