Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

Harry felt the now familiar tug in his navel and after a swirl of confusion found himself standing just outside the main entrance to the school. Looking around Harry found himself feeling more comfortable than he had in a long time. A sense of contentment came over him as he gazed up at the huge castle.

"Are you ok with this Harry?" Remus asked concerned about the lack of comments from the young boy.

"It was my idea," Tonks spoke up also concerned, "I thought you'd like to be able to use magic a bit during the summer."

"It's great!" Harry announced. "This is way better than Diagon Alley."

"Told you Remus," Tonks said leading Harry into the castle. Remus laughed and followed the others inside.

"Where's Hagrid? And Dumbledore?" Harry asked looking around at the vast emptiness.

"Hagrid's off on a mission," Lupin said.

"Dumbledore's at the Ministry trying to get more support," Moody added.

"Speaking of missions," Harry said turning to Remus. "What have you been up to and how did it go?"

Lupin looked a bit nervous and glanced around. "Tell the boy Lupin," Moody growled. "He can keep a secret."

Harry felt his inside swell at the gruff comment by the ragged Auror. Lupin looked at him firmly and said, "This is Order business Harry." Harry started to protest but Lupin continued, "So you can't talk to anyone about it. I mean anyone."

"I won't!" Harry quickly said. "I haven't talked about the prophecy or anything else."

"I'm trying to persuade other werewolves to join our side," Lupin said and this didn't really surprise Harry. "Voldemort offers them more in the beginning but he'd just destroy them once they served their purpose."

"That's it?" Harry said. "I figured you'd already done that."

Tonks laughed but Lupin said, "I've also been trying to establish contact with the Vampires." Now Harry looked surprised. "I think it's going well which is good since the giants aren't as willing to help us."

"Vampires," Harry said. "Is there any chance I could meet one? That'd be brilliant."

Harry heard Moody chuckle and Lupin say, "We can probably arrange that sometime. But it won't be for a while yet. We want to make sure about their motives first."

The group made their way to a large empty room. "Lupin says he gave you a book of shield charms," Moody growled. "Think you can pull a few off?"

"Yeah! Let's go," Harry said excitedly.

"Ok, I'll be hexing you but don't worry I won't do anything Madame Pomfrey can't fix," Tonks said with an evil smile.

"Lupin and I will see if we can give any pointers," Moody said.

The first two curses Tonks fired were blocked with the Protego charm and Lupin said, "Use the new ones Harry. You need to get used to them."

Harry tried to focus on the spells from the book Lupin had given him and found they started to come rather quickly. He had a few that he thought would be the best and he tried these out more than the others. There had only been a few times that he either wasn't quick enough or used an inappropriate shield for the curse and ended up on his backside.

"Let me have a go at the boy," Moody said and Harry instantly became nervous. He knew Tonks was an Auror but Moody had been around so much more and Harry flashed to some of the curses he saw in Moody's journal and wondered if the man would use any of them. "I won't be pulling any of these boy," Moody growled. "Pomfrey is around if you can't keep up." Moody had been treating Harry like an adult and he accepted this as part of it.

Moody started with some fairly powerful curses but Harry knew they weren't the fastest or most powerful and he was able to block them all without using Protego. "I think I'm warmed up now," Moody said with an evil grin. "Time to go past the easy stuff."

Harry was totally focused on the man now, trying to run through the various shields in his mind. Suddenly Moody's wand flared and a red jet flew at Harry's chest. Instantly saying the shield charm, the spell flew off and smashed into a bookcase along the wall shattering it. Harry's eyes grew wide but Moody was already casting another spell. It was obvious that the man wasn't messing around and Harry realized he couldn't take anything lightly.

It didn't take long before Harry was sweating and doing more than just standing there using shields. He was moving from side to side and even diving out of the way at times. Moody wasn't letting up and Harry was beginning to tire when he remembered a spell that could give him some time. Right after diving to his side to avoid Moody's latest curse, Harry mumbled and quickly drew his wand from above his head towards his feet. Instantly there was a twinkle and Harry vanished.

"What happened?" Tonks exclaimed.

"Where'd he go?" Lupin also yelled, sounding worried. Harry heard all of this and knew the spell had worked. He had just stepped to the side and was trying to catch his breath. He knew that as long as he didn't cast a spell or get hit with one he should remain hidden.

"The boy's still here," Moody growled. "He's been reading." Just then Moody said "Aqueos" and moved his wand in an arc causing a stream of water to shoot across the room and when part of it contacted the invisible Harry, Moody instantly said another spell and before Harry could get his wand back up, he was sent flying onto his back as he became visible again.

"Bloody hell," He groaned sitting up.

"What was that Harry?" Lupin asked. "That wasn't in the book I gave you."

"The boy's been reading my journal," Moody said helping Harry up. "Not half bad Potter," the ragged man said giving a gnarled smile. Harry groaned a bit but felt buoyed at what from Mad-Eye was high praise.

"It's well past noon," Lupin said smiling at Harry and then added, "Let's see if we can get something to eat."

No sooner had he said this than two 'cracks' got there attention and the small form of a couple of house-elves were standing nearby. Harry recognized one immediately as his stalker-elf Dobby but it took a moment before he recognized the other one.

"Hi Dobby!" Harry said and then turned to the other one. "Winky is that you?"

"Yes Master Harry," the little elf squeaked. The last time Harry had seen Winky, she was drunk, dirty and still in sorry shape since being fired.

"You look great Winky. What happened?" Harry saw Dobby beaming at his companion.

"We is hearing from the portraits what happened in Master Albus' office," Winky said and immediately Harry felt ashamed. That meant Dobby and Winky knew about the tantrum he had thrown. But this isn't what Winky was talking about. "Winky knows that if Harry Potter can lose his Sirius and still be brave about what's to come than Winky should do better than to mope around. There is many good Wizards that need help."

"Really?" Harry asked stunned by her announcement.

"Oh yes Harry Potter!" Dobby cheered. "We is all talking about what happened and don't want things to be like the last time..." the little elf looked around and whispered, "You-Know-Who was around. Winky is pulling herself together right away and says she must help Harry Potter."

Harry was embarrassed but said, "Well thanks but you don't have to do anything Winky, I'm fine."

"Master Harry is not fine!" Winky scolded. "Harry Potter was not fine when he broke all of Master Albus' things."

"What?" Lupin exclaimed as Harry grimaced.

"The portraits scolded Master Albus for not telling Harry Potter everything earlier. Phineas Nigellus is telling Master Albus he was lucky Harry Potter didn't use Gryffindor's sword on him," Winky angrily said.

"We is not blaming Harry Potter," Dobby said. "All objects is almost fixed. House-elves are helping finding parts."

"Harry," Lupin said, "is this something you'd care to share with me?"

"Ummm," Harry mumbled, "maybe later, ok?"

"Harry Potter must know that Kreacher was a bad-elf. We is not all like that. Winky and Dobby want to help Harry Potter take care of You-Know-Who. We is helping good Wizards," Winky firmly said.

"Well thank you...both," Harry said. "But right now could you mind getting us some sandwiches please?"

Dobby stepped forward proudly and said, "Dobby will take care of that sir," and with a 'crack' he was gone.

"You really look good Winky. Hermione will be very happy when I tell her," Harry said smiling.

"Thank you sir. Please tell Miss not to make more clothes. Winky is getting used to being here and we know Master Albus would set us free if we want. We is not needing to be tricked," Winky said and then vanished with a 'crack' just as Dobby reappeared with the food.

"Here is the good Wizards' food sir," Dobby said. "Dobby is glad Harry Potter came to Hogwarts. We was asking Master Albus if we could visit you and Dobby promised not to act like last time," the little elf said looking like he blushed.

"It was good to see you Dobby. You've done good helping Winky," Harry said causing Dobby to blush even more. With a few giggles the elf disappeared.

Tonks was failing at holding in her giggles but Moody asked, "What's the story with the elves?"

Harry proceeded to tell the full story of meeting Dobby and how he was freed and then also meeting Winky and how she had been ever since being freed. It had been a refreshing way to spend some time and everyone, even Moody had laughed heartily at parts.

Harry saw the other three give each other a look but before he could ask about it Moody asked "Up for a little test Potter?"

"Sure!" Harry said feeling better than he had in quite a while.

"Have you ever had your magic fail?" Moody asked.

Harry tried to think and said, "I don't think so."

"You'd know if it did," Tonks said sounding very serious.

"We think you should see what it's like to be taxed to the limit," Lupin said looking concerned. "Hopefully it will never come to that but if it does you'll be able to tell when you're close and try to get away."

"Ok," Harry said still not sure what this would entail. "What do I do?"

"Put up a simple shield," Lupin said.

"And then we hex you until it fails," Tonks said making an evil face at him.

Harry didn't really like this idea, "I just stand there until I can't block any more?"

"I knew you were a smart boy," Moody said shaking his head. "Move over there," he said pointing to an open area.

"I've put a cushioning charm on the wall so you shouldn't get hurt," Lupin said.

"Yeah," Harry thought as he remembered how hard Snape flew back when he, Ron, and Hermione hit the Potions Professor at the same time in the Shrieking Shack. Slowly Harry walked to the open area and turned to face the three adults ready to curse him. Of the three, only Lupin showed any sign of reluctance about what they were going to do.

Harry raised his wand and firmly said, "Protego!" and saw the shimmer of a shield form around him. The others didn't waste any time and quickly began cursing him. Harry felt the impact of each curse but also saw them dissipate around the protective shell. After a few minutes Harry could feel a slight pull seeming to come from within him whenever a spell impacted with his shield. He knew this was far longer than he had every held a shield before so didn't know if this was normal or not. A few more minutes of deflecting spells now made it feel like the breath was being pulled out of him each time he was hit and physically he was starting to feel tired and winded. Now Harry was starting to feel some of the effect of the curses even though his shield was still standing. He felt Tonk's 'expelliarmus' pull on his wand and the 'stupefy' from Moody cause him to pause for a second. The sensation of loosing his breath was very forceful now and when the next salvo of spells hit him, his wand flew from his hand and he went sailing back against the wall. Lupin's cushioning charm worked and kept him from being hurt but he still felt like he couldn't catch his breath.

"Ok there Harry?" Lupin asked as he stepped forward. Harry held up a hand to show he was ok as he began to breathe normally again.

"I assume there was a good reason for three adults to be attacking one of my students?" the stern voice of Professor McGonagall grabbed everyone's attention. Her lips were pursed as she glared at the adults in the room.

"Ah...yes...Professor," Lupin said sounding very much like a student just caught breaking rules. "We wanted to give Harry a day out while his friends are in Diagon Alley."

"And you think being hexed compares to a day shopping?" the Professor asked.

"It's been fun Professor," Harry said now standing but breathing deeply. "I've got to practice a lot and now I know how it feels to have my magic fail."

"I see," McGonagall said raising an eyebrow at Lupin. There was silence until she narrowed her eyes and asked, "Well?"

"Oh!" Tonks said and smiled brightly, "Over ten minutes."

McGonagall looked between the three and stopped on Moody who added, "All of us...nonstop." McGonagall raised an eyebrow.

"How do you feel Potter?" McGonagall asked, now looking at Harry.

"Fine Professor," Harry added. "I agreed to do this, don't be upset at them. This has been a great day."

"If you say so," McGonagall gave him an unsure look. "I was about to owl this to you but overheard the portraits saying you were here." She handed a small envelope to Harry who didn't directly open it. "Well open it," she snapped.

Harry tore the envelope open and out dropped a small shining 'Captain' pin. Holding the pin he looked up confused at his Professor. "Yes Potter that's the captain's badge. Congratulations," she said with the slightest twitch of a smile.

"Quidditch captain? Me? I didn't even play last year," Harry said.

McGonagall turned sour and said, "Yes last year...Well many mistakes were made last year but this isn't last year. Do you wish to be captain or not?"

"Well...Yeah! Thank you," Harry said smiling brightly.

"I'm quite accustomed to having the trophy in my office and trust you will assure it stays there," she said trying to look menacing.

"Of course! I'll do my best," Harry said still staring at the badge.

"Well then I'll leave you to your...fun..." McGonagall said with a glance at the others and then left.

"Congratulations Harry," Lupin said putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Way to go Harry," Tonks said messing his hair. "The Prophet's favorite wizard, Quidditch Captain. You'll need to practice some repelling charms," she added with a smile. "Except for a certain Slytherin....huh?"

"Do you have time for this boy?" Moody growled. "Seems to me you're one big target out there."

"Moody!" Tonks said and even Lupin looked shocked.

"I have time," Harry snapped. "I can handle it. I'm not giving up Quidditch for anything, and I'll make time to practice my spells."

"Good," Moody said. "You need to have some balance. All worrying about spells will leave you ... well like me," he said sounding serious.

"Let's buy Harry a butterbeer before we head back," Tonks suggested.

"Bit risky don't you think?" Moody replied.

"C'mon," Harry said. "You can't keep me locked up forever. Next July I start doing what I want."

"Yes well it's not next July yet Harry," Lupin firmly said. "However a quick celebration shouldn't be too much of a risk," he added looking at Moody. "Three Broomsticks is out, he's too well known there....Hog's Head may work."

The three made their way to town and Lupin made Harry put his hood up as they made their way to the dingy Hog's Head pub. Entering the dark room Harry saw the same somewhat familiar bartender and saw Moody give the man a slight nod as they made their way to a booth in back. There were only two other people at a side booth and Harry wasn't sure one of them was really a person. Moody made Harry sit on the side of the table facing the wall so it would be less likely he would be recognized. After sitting down, Tonks said, "I'll get the drinks. Three firewhiskeys and one butterbeer."

"Why don't I get a firewhiskey? It's my celebration," Harry snapped.

"Because you're not of age Harry," Lupin calmly said. "Besides Molly Weasley would have my hide."

"Afraid of the woman are you?" Moody chided.

"Ah...well he still isn't of age," Lupin replied.

"And when, do tell, did you have your first real drink? And was it around responsible adults such as us?" Tonks asked with a wink at Harry.

"Yeah Remus," Harry joined in, "when did you have your first drink?"

Lupin looked at each person and said, "Fine...four drinks. Don't expect this to be totally pleasant Harry."

Tonks returned and sat down next to Harry pushing the glasses in front of each person. Each glass was the size of a small tumbler and gave off a deep red glow with yellow and blue flames springing up from the top. "Now there's only one right way to drink firewhiskey Harry," Tonks said. "Better to learn now than at Auror training. They tend to put rookies into...compromising positions," she added and Harry thought he saw a blush. "Maybe when you tell me how things go with the Slytherin I'll spill the story," she added and Harry laughed. "Now you take the glass and swirl it around to get the flames going," she said demonstrating and watching the flames get larger. "Then you take a deep breath, down the drink in one shot and breathe out through your nose. When you get good you can get the flames down to the table."

Harry's eyes were huge as he said, "We're going to breathe fire? Wicked!"

"Remember breathe in before you drink," Moody said. "Many a man was sent to St. Mungo's when they fried their lungs."

Now Harry was concerned until Tonks laughed and said, "About as many as lost their buttocks in wand accidents Moody." Lupin snorted at this as well.

"Ok, after this if I find out you've been drinking this until you're of age, I'll turn into the werewolf form of Mrs. Weasley," Lupin said looking like he meant it.

"Ready," Tonks said, "One..." they all started swirling, "...Two...Three!" Harry took a deep breath, tossed the flaming contents of the glass down his throat and nearly spat it back at Moody who was sitting across from him. Somehow he kept it down and actually felt like he was going to explode. He then caught the flames come out of Tonks' nose and remembered the next part. Pushing the air out of his nose he saw two streams of bright flames extend a good four inches. He was almost afraid to breathe in but finally gave in and gasped in a lung full of air. His eyes were watering and his hand was up to his throat.

"Good job boy. You kept it down," Moody said. "Maybe you got that from your father as well."

"Nope," Lupin said smiling. "James would have spewed it all over you Moody. Now Lily...She could shoot it to the table."

"My mom!" Harry exclaimed.

"Hey, we women are just as good as you blokes," Tonks' said acting hurt.

"Yes your mom," Lupin said. "It annoyed James and Sirius to no end. She couldn't drink much but had a natural talent for shooting fire." Lupin caught Harry's eye and they nodded to each other at the thought of Sirius.

"So what do you think? Better than butterbeer?" Tonks asked.

"It must be something you have to get used to," he said still sounding a bit throaty.

"Well congratulations on making Captain Harry," Lupin said. "You should savor the good moments. There may be more times you can't do things with your friends. You don't want them to be in any more danger do you?"

Harry shuffled a bit and felt bad that his friends were targets because of him. "No," he softly said. "I understand. I wish they had never been in danger because of me."

"They'd have other things to say if you ask them," Tonks said. "Can't imagine they'd swap being your friend for anything. You all make a good team." Harry just shrugged his shoulders.

After a moment of silence Lupin said, "Why don't you tell us exactly what happened in Dumbledore's office." Harry hesitated and Lupin added, "It won't leave this table."

Harry thought for a moment and with the warmth of the firewhiskey felt a little more open so he said, "Ok, after one more firewhiskey."

Moody snorted and Tonks ruffled his hair but Lupin didn't look convinced. "You will regret this in the morning Harry." When Harry continuing matching the man's stare Lupin said, "Don't say I didn't warn you." Lupin got up headed to the bar.

"Don't make this a habit Harry," Tonks said leaning in. "Any respectable Witch won't want a blithering drunk." She leaned closer and whispered, "If you need any tips on dealing with the Slytherin you can ask. I'm not sure Remus is the best source of that kind of information."

Moody snorted and shocked Tonks since she thought she was being quiet. "Just don't ask her for tips on sneaking around boy. She probably got caught every time."

Lupin arrived and slid the drinks in front of everyone. "Don't blame me tomorrow," Lupin said and Tonks did the countdown again. This time Harry didn't hesitate after drinking and shot the flames an extra couple inches. Not matching Tonks but further than his first try. He still couldn't imagine anyone enjoying the taste of this but he did like the way it made him feel so warm inside.

"The story," Lupin said and once Harry got his voice back he slowly started recounting everything that happened from the time he took off after Bellatrix. He left out the part about wanting to die when Voldemort first arrived. Harry could tell that whatever they had heard from Dumbledore wasn't exactly the same as his version since they seemed shocked by some things. Once the story shifted to Dumbledore's office they all had pained expressions but didn't interrupt Harry's story. Harry had run that episode over in his mind so many times that he was sure he accurately told the story.

At the end Harry just looked at the table and there was silence until the Tonks' choked voice announced she was going for more drinks and Lupin didn't raise any objections. It was still silent when she got back and no one touched the drinks for a moment. Finally Moody took his drink and said, "To Sirius." Harry saw Lupin and Tonks pick their glasses up and he followed suit. "To Sirius," the three said and without countdown they all downed the drinks and snorted fire onto the table.

Without further reservations, the four sat around the table and told stories about Sirius and other friends. Some of the things that stuck with Harry were how some great friendships and relationships had been formed during the first war and how many were still strong today. This gave him some sliver of hope that life could still be enjoyable.

It ended up being very late when the four decided to leave the dingy pub. Moody made Harry pull up his hood and they made their way into the dark streets of Hogsmeade. Harry felt happy but very unsteady. This was the first time he had stood since arriving and couldn't understand why his legs weren't working correctly. Tonks kept laughing at him but she wasn't that much better than he was. Moody and Remus were the only ones who seemed relatively unaffected. Moody seemed to talk more and Remus smiled a little more than normal but they both appeared to be in full control of their actions.

"Are we taking back portkey?" Harry slurred.

"Ha! You can't right talk," Tonks said punching Harry in the arm.

Remus shook his head and said, "No we won't take the portkey. You two would probably hurt yourself on the landing. I'll get the Knight Bus." Lupin stuck out his wand hand and a second later there was a loud 'crack' and the large vehicle appeared in front of them.

Remus got on first and looked around before giving the ok for Harry and Tonks to get on. "Blimey Stan! It's little 'Arry...." Ern started to say before Tonks had her wand at his throat.

"Say his name and it will be the last sound you make," she snarled surprisingly clearly.

"Call me Neville, Ern," Harry said shaking the man's hand.

"Right 'A...Neville. Don't want no one to bother you," he said.

A couple came up behind Moody who was starting to step into the bus and he turned and growled, "It's full. Take the next one." He turned to the driver and said, "Ottery St. Catchpole. No stops in between."

"Um...Yes...sir," Ern said and then told Stan.

"Here Ern," Harry slurred. "For the trip. We need chocolate," Harry dumped some coins into the young man's hand causing him to smile brightly.

Harry and Tonks kept singing little tunes during the trip which didn't last long at all. They stepped off the bus, waving goodbye to Stan and Ern and walked up the drive to the Burrow. Before they got half way, Tonks stopped, kissed Harry on the cheek and said, "Remember I've got a few secrets I'd be willing to let you in on." Harry was glad it was dark because he really enjoyed being so close to the woman. Tonks straightened up and said, "I think I'll just head on home."

"We're all going up!" Moody snapped. "Present a united front." He reached inside his cloak, seeming to fumble around a bit and then handed Harry a vial. "Drink this before you go to bed. It'll help."

"That's cheating!" Tonks said.

"C'mon, time to face the music," Remus said leading the group on up the lane.

Just before they got to the door it flew open and they heard, "Where HAVE you been?" Molly Weasley was standing there in full 'angry mother' mode. "You were gone ALL DAY! We were worried." Harry could see Ron and the twin's faces peering through the window watching with huge eyes.

Remus pushed Harry in front and said, "Love to stay Molly but we need to...."

"Report in," Moody added.

"Bye Harry," Tonks said before the three vanished with pops.

"YOU'VE BEEN DRINKING!" Mrs. Weasley bellowed just as the adults were vanishing. Harry was now thoroughly scared at being left alone with the angry lady. He had seen her go off on the other Weasley boys and that was scary enough.

"Drinking?" Harry heard from inside and saw more eyes at the window. Mrs. Weasley had started pushing the still unsteady Harry into the house. He immediately saw his friends and the twins standing around staring at him in shock.

"Hi guys!" Harry said waving at his friends whose mouths were now hanging open.

"Where were you? We were so worried?" Molly asked loudly.

Harry looked at the faces of the people watching and said, "Hog...Hogwarts."

"You were drinking at Hogwarts?" George exclaimed and Fred followed with "Brilliant!" The two were looking at him in full appreciation of what he'd been doing.

"What were you drinking?" Ron asked drawing a glare from his mother.

"Firewhiskey," Harry said with a large smile recalling the evening.

"Firewhiskey!" Fred and George both exclaimed looking even prouder. "Did you shoot it?" George added.

"Yeah!" Harry exclaimed, "Eight inches!"

"Bloody Hell!" Ron exclaimed.

"Ok you two!" Molly rounded on the twins. "Time to leave. NO arguments."

"It was good knowing you mate," George said. "Yeah, we'll put your share of our shop to good use," Fred added before they vanished.

"How COULD you?" Molly exclaimed turning back to Harry. "We were worried to death? You know what you mean to me...to everyone," the woman yelled almost shaking.

Harry felt terrible and turned to see Hermione also scowling at him and Ron looking like he wanted to laugh. When he caught Ginny's eyes she mouthed something and when he didn't get it, she mouthed it again. Harry got it that time and turned back to Molly and softly said, "I'm sorry...mom."

This had the desired effect as Mrs. Weasley got stiff as a board. Hermione gave a small gasp and Ron's jaw dropped. Molly quickly engulfed Harry into a tight hug and said, "I'm sorry I yelled dear. You were just gone longer than we expected. You've got so much to deal with."

"I'm really sorry," Harry said honestly meaning it and trying not to slur.

Molly sniffed, wiped her eyes and said, "I'm sure you are but tomorrow you'll be even sorrier. You'll feel horrible and I won't be able to help you much. You three make him drink some tea...I'm going to bed." The woman turned and could still be heard sniffing as she climbed the stairs.

Harry finally let out the breath he was holding and stumbled back against the counter. "You're brilliant," Harry said to Ginny who smiled proudly.

"I knew she couldn't resist that," Ginny said moving to stand next to Harry.

"You told him to call her mom?" Hermione snarled. "How could you?"

"C'mon Hermione," Ron said laughing. "You saw her. She loved that."

Harry took a couple unsure steps and managed to plant himself in a chair at the table. "Let me get you some tea," Ginny offered.

"Don't have to Gin," Harry said softly placing his hand on her arm causing her to stop instantly. "What?" he asked not knowing what he had done wrong.

"What did you call me?" she asked seeming to blush.

"Ummm.. Gin. Sorry. Thought it was cute," Harry said with a small chuckle as he removed his hand.

"It was," she said turning back to make tea.

Ron and Hermione exchanged glances at Harry actually talking. "So what did you do all day?" Ron asked.

"It was great!" Harry said. "Went to Hogwarts and did shield charms all day."

"You got to use magic?" Hermione said. "I would have loved to do that."

"But you needed books," Ron said.

"Oh yeah Hermione," Harry said. "I saw Winky. She looks good. Not drinking or anything."

"Unlike someone else," Ginny said sitting the tea down.

"Had to learn sometime didn't I?" Harry said winking at Ginny which shocked her. "May as well learn from those three...cowards!" he added with a snort. "It was great," he admitted shaking his head. "We talked about Sirius, Quidditch and everything."

"You mean they talked and you listened," Hermione said.

"I talked!" Harry said. "I can be quite a good conv...convers...conversat..talker," he added sipping his tea while the others laughed at him.

"So what was said about Sirius?" Hermione asked drawing a concerned look from Ron who was used to Harry being very touchy about his godfather.

"Told stories, heard things from Lupin about school," Harry sighed and almost missed his mouth with the next sip of tea. "It was great."

"Did you talk about why everyone's so worried about you? You know about what's going on?" Hermione asked and Ron realized what she was doing.

"Oh yeah, that," Harry said only withdrawing slightly. "They know..." Harry got a strange feeling that he should be talking about this and said, "Um...everyone's just worried. No big deal." After another sip he asked, "How was Diagon Alley?"

Ron chuckled at the look on Hermione's face. She thought she could capitalize on Harry's talkative mood. "It was good to get out," Ginny said. "The twin's shop is brilliant."

"Yeah mate you'll love it," Ron said. "Of course most of our time was at the bookstore."

"We needed new books Ron!" Hermione snapped.

"Got free ice cream at Fortescue's," Ginny said. "He felt bad you were bothered earlier and knew we're your friends."

"'Bout time we get some compensation for it," Ron joked causing Harry to laugh loudly. The other three smiled at each other at seeing Harry like this.

"Saw Malfoy," Ron said. "Bloody git."

Harry instantly focused on that. "What'd the little ferret do? I'm not putting up with him this year."

"It's ok Harry," Hermione said. "Just normal Malfoy. Of course he's not getting as much respect now with his father being an escaped Death Eater but he's still arrogant."

"I think he's afraid of Ginny," Ron said proudly. "Slunk away when she threatened him."

"Good! He should be," Harry said smiling at Ginny as he lightly punched her in the arm causing her to blush far more than normal.

Ron started going into detail about their day and soon Harry was nodding off. When Hermione saw this she said, "Harry...Maybe you should go to bed. You're probably not going to feel well tomorrow."

"Huh?" Harry said and then remembered something and began rummaging in his pocked. "Here it is," he said holding up a small vial of blue liquid. "Moody said to drink this before I go to bed," Harry said as he grimaced as the liquid went down his throat.

"Was it horrible?" Ron asked.

"Almost as bad as firewhiskey," Harry joked as he turned back and said, "Goodnight good friends." And with a wave he slowly made his way up the stairs.

"Why can't he be happy like that all the time," Ginny said frowning.

"I thought he was going to spill it," Hermione added.

"Even totally snockered Harry won't give up his secrets," Ron said smiling.