Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

Harry woke up the next morning face down, still fully dressed and feeling slightly disoriented. He didn't feel horrible, just strange, like something wasn't quite right with his brain. A bit wobbly when he tried to stand, Harry noticed Ron was already gone. He found his way to the bathroom and took a shower which helped a lot, then threw on some clothes and headed downstairs moving slower than normal.

At the bottom of the stairs he saw that Ron, Hermione and Ginny were still sitting at the table talking. Harry made his way to Mrs. Weasley who jumped when she noticed him. "You startled me dear. You're up sooner than I expected. Do you regret your actions now?"

"Yes Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, and saw the woman stiffen when he called her that. Harry remembered what had happened; it was just coming to him slowly as he continuted to say, "I'm really sorry that we didn't tell you we'd be out late. I won't let it happen again. You shouldn't have to worry about me."

"Dear boy," she said hugging him, "you're not used to being around people who care. It's ok. Sit down, there's some breakfast left."

Harry sat down and Ron asked, "Feel ok mate?"

"A little woozy but not too bad," Harry admitted.

"You owe Mad-Eye for that," Hermione said, still not happy with him.

"Or Ginny and her tea," Ron said, smiling drawing glances from Hermione and Ginny.

Harry wouldn't talk much about the previous day and kept deflecting questions. Ron wanted him to fly around but Harry wasn't feeling totally stable and just decided to read his books sitting across from Hermione while Ginny and Ron flew around.

The next few days went along without hitch. Harry flew with Ron and Ginny but also spent time reading his books. He had felt empowered ever since Moody was pleased he had used a spell from the journal and had committed himself to memorizing as much as possible. The night started normally enough with Harry's common dream of Sirius asking him for help but once Harry got back to sleep after that dream he started twitching and felt the prickly sensation in his scar. He felt the burn in his scar and caught a brief flash of a large expanse of snow with a huge castle set out in the middle of nowhere. The emotion he felt was apprehension again but also pleasure. When Harry tried to focus on the image his scar burned even more than normal.

Harry snapped awake and knew he needed to inform Professor Dumbledore. Normally he would send Hedwig but living at the Burrow were two members of the Order so Harry silently stepped out of his bedroom, taking care not to wake Ron and plodded down to Mr. & Mrs. Weasley's room. Knocking lightly he said, "Mr. Weasley?"

It took two more tries until he heard, "Um...Who's there?"

"It's Harry Mr. Weasley. I've had a dream...vision and I think Professor Dumbledore should know," Harry softly said, feeling bad bothering them but didn't want to wait until Hedwig could get to the Headmaster.

"Of course Harry. Just a minute," Mr. Weasley groggily said, and then both Mr. & Mrs. Weasley came into the hall. "Let's go to the kitchen," Mr. Weasley suggested.

Once there Harry explained the vision and the description of the castle as well as he could. "I'm pretty sure it was a bit of his feelings and vision. This isn't like a normal nightmare. I can send Hedwig if you don't think it's important."

"Of course it's important dear," Molly said. "Arthur will inform Albus immediately."

"You did good Harry. This is important," Arthur said, as he headed back upstairs.

Harry sat there with Mrs. Weasley for a moment and then said, "I'm really sorry to get you all involved in this. I wish your family could just be left alone."

"Oh dear," Molly said, resting her hand on his. "You are family. The legal description doesn't matter to us. We wouldn't have it any other way. I just wish you didn't have to be involved. You deserve better."

"I'm fine Mrs. Weasley. Ron was my first friend. You all have been so great to me and it seems like I just keep bringing you problems," Harry said, dropping his head.

"Nonsense! We would support Albus even if you had never met Ronald," Molly said. "We're all in the middle of this now and will just have to watch out for each other." Harry nodded and she asked, "Have you told anyone about the prophecy?"

"No," Harry admitted. "I hate keeping secrets but they worry about me so much already. That would just be too much."

"Well..." she said, "I won't say anything of course and normally I wouldn't want any of the children to think about it. But, it may help if you talk to them about it."

"I don't know," Harry replied. "I'll think about it."

"When we get out of all of this," Molly said, "you will always have a home here. Don't ever feel like you won't have a home."

"Thank you," Harry said. "That really means a lot."

There were another few minutes of silence and then Mrs. Weasley said, "I suppose neither of us will get back to sleep so I may as well start breakfast."

It turned out that Durmstrang had been attacked and a large portion of the castle had been destroyed. The attack had come as a surprise to everyone since Durmstrang was considered one of the schools most aligned with the Dark Arts. This news made Harry withdraw into his own thoughts even more and he wouldn't fly with Ron and Ginny, spending all of his time reading.

There was a meeting of the Order at the Burrow one night which meant Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Harry were sequestered upstairs and much to their chagrin, charms prevented the Extendable Ears from picking anything up. The four were upstairs complaining about being shutout when Bill came up and said, "Harry, they want to see you."

"What about us?" Ron exclaimed.

"They figure you'll find out anyway so you can come," Bill said, shaking his head as the four beamed and quickly ran downstairs.

It was a full meeting and the kitchen had been magically expanded so that everyone could fit. The four kids entered with Harry in the lead and except for Harry seemed nervous. Harry quickly moved next to Remus and stood waiting.

"Well Harry, you're information helped prevent a full takeover of Durmstrang," Dumbledore said, looking tired but pleased none the less. "We were able to alert friends and prevent the worst."

"Wasn't Occlumency supposed to prevent this?" Hermione asked.

"No Miss Granger," Dumbledore responded. "This is not Voldemort forcibly entering Harry's mind. This is more Harry entering his. Unintentionally of course but entering the same. When Harry focused on the details Voldemort realized what was happening and shut him out causing the pain." Everyone looked at Harry but he just watched his hands. "This has been very beneficial but we could find ways to prevent it if Harry desires," the old Wizard said looking at Harry.

"No!" Harry quickly exclaimed. "I mean if this isn't him controlling me than it's a good thing. These dreams have been the least painful in a long time. If it helps, I don't want to stop them."

Molly shook her head but Dumbledore said, "I hoped you would say that Harry. The problem is timely communication of the information. We have come up with a journal." Dumbledore pushed a worn journal to Harry. "This will allow instant communication between that journal and another. If you would write down the details of any dream, a member of the Order would be immediately notified and could read what you write."

Harry looked at the journal and thought that sounded good. "How will I be sure when to write things down?"

"Unless you've kept things from us already, you've done well so far," Dumbledore said smiling. "But we would like you to err on the side of caution. Any doubts....record them."

Harry nodded but then thought for a second and then asked, "Who will it alert?"

"Professor Snape will have the brother," Dumbledore said, causing Harry's mood to sink. "He is in the best position to evaluate the information."

Harry felt uncomfortable with this and obviously the others could tell. It was Snape that spoke next, "I can assure you I won't take pleasure in your pathetic adolescent dreams Potter."

Harry saw Lupin stiffen up. Harry took a stand and said, "I don't want to use it sir."

"What?" Snape exclaimed.

The Potions Master began to say something else before the Headmaster said, "Why is that Harry?"

"I don't want Snape to know about my dreams and every time I've tried to tell him something important he delayed until it's been too late," Harry said, not looking at the Potions Master.

"I can't help it if your information is full of confusing details Potter," Snape spat.

"I told you I needed to see Professor Dumbledore when Mr. Crouch had been hurt but you wouldn't let me. Maybe Crouch would have lived if you hadn't stopped me!" Harry exclaimed.

"Why you?" Snape spat, but Harry continued. "You could have stopped us being led to the Ministry last year but you chose to make Umbridge happy. You wanted us to go!"

"Just because you're so arrogant..." Snape started but was cut off.

"Harry," Dumbledore firmly said, cutting off all conversation. "This information is very important to us and I can assure you we will act upon it immediately."

Harry thought for a moment and hated what he was about to say but he firmly said, "No."

"No! No! Who are you to say no?" Snape, who was now standing, spat. Tonks and Moody had both moved around to stand next to Remus who was right behind Harry.

"They're MY dreams. Mine! If you were such a good spy, you should know these things before me. Why does it take my dreams to reveal what you should be finding out?" Harry snapped back. Ron and Hermione were standing there shocked but Ginny had moved next to Tonks and looked like she was about ready to hex Professor Snape herself.

"Enough!" Dumbledore firmly announced. "Is there no way you will do this Harry? It is very important."

"Let someone else have the other journal. I don't care who as long as it's not him," Harry said with an evil look at Professor Snape.

"I'll do it Headmaster," said Professor McGonagall, who was standing off to the side so much Harry hadn't noticed her. "If that is acceptable to Mr. Potter."

Dumbledore looked at Harry and he quickly said, "Of course! I trust Professor McGonagall."

"Very well," Dumbledore said, handing the other journal to Professor McGonagall. "Thank you for agreeing to this. Would you four mind stepping out so we can continue our meeting?"

Once the door was shut behind them Hermione grabbed Harry and said, "Harry! He's still our Professor!"

"I don't care Hermione," Harry said, getting irritated thinking about Snape. "I don't trust him and never will."

Hermione started to say something but Ron put his hand on her arm and said, "Hermione...They're Harry's dreams. If they were mine I wouldn't want Snape knowing them either." Surprisingly, Hermione let it drop with this comment.

Harry turned in total shock to Ginny who just shrugged and said, "It doesn't matter now. Professor McGonagall can get a message to Dumbledore if necessary."

The friends moved to a couch in the living room and tried to figure out what else the Order could be discussing. The meeting broke up about an hour later and many members came out to talk to the four. Hermione tried her best to get people to let things slip about what's going on with Harry.

Harry was trying to make his way to the stairs so he could be alone again. He hated when he got so angry, it made him feel like he couldn't control his actions. He was just to the landing when he heard, "May we see you for a moment Harry?" Dumbledore was standing in the doorway. Harry sighed deeply and came back down to his headmaster. His sense of dread increased when he noticed Professor Snape standing behind the old wizard.

Snape was the only one in the room with the Headmaster and Harry didn't meet the man's evil gaze as he entered. He heard Dumbledore begin to shut the door and then heard, "I'd like to sit in. If you don't mind." Remus Lupin had just put his hand to stop the closing door.

"Your presence won't be necessary Lupin," Snape snarled.

"We are just going to see how Harry is coming with Occlumency Remus," Dumbledore softly said.

"Good idea," Lupin said, stepping by the old wizard and moving next to Harry. "But I'll be taking a more active role where Harry's concerned," the man said squeezing Harry's shoulder. Normally this would irritate Harry since he felt like he could take care of himself but this time it only gave him more confidence.

Dumbledore nodded and finished closing the door. "Severus has ...concerns about Harry hearing Order information."

"Since the boy has consistently let The Dark Lord into his mind, they are valid concerns. We can't have private information getting into the wrong hands," Snape said, with a sneer at Harry.

"I suppose it's up to you to decide what Voldemort finds out," Harry spat back, causing the Potions Master to take a step forward.

"No one wants Voldemort to learn things we aren't ready for him to know," Dumbledore calmly said. "And having someone as talented in Legilimens as Professor Snape test you would be very useful."

Harry shrugged and said, "He can test me. I'm not afraid of him." Truth was Harry was a bit afraid since he had never successfully kept the man out of his thoughts before.

"Very well then," Dumbledore said, "Sev..."

Before Dumbledore could finish, Harry was hit with the curse from Professor Snape. Harry had never felt anything quite like it before. Whereas the Headmaster's technique had been to slide into his thoughts, Professor Snape was direct and violent. Harry was prepared for Snape's direct approach, but not for how severe it was. His mind was suffering a direct assault and it took a moment for him to even realize what was happening, but as soon as he did, the training he had been doing paid off and he mentally erected a wall around the information he wanted to keep private. He could feel the attack continuing, almost like some giant creature pounding on the barrier into his innermost thoughts but the more Harry relaxed and let the automatic defenses take over, the easier it became. He could tell by the ferocity of the attack that Professor Snape was desperately trying to break through but it was now a simple thing to keep the intrusion out.

Harry felt a surge of accomplishment. He was now not struggling, had built a wall around his thoughts and for the first time he really felt it was being tested. Dumbledore never seemed to force anything, preferring to slide in through any crack but Snape preferred to bash down the walls and Harry's walls were holding. Harry actually cracked a smile, a genuine smile at this accomplishment. The look on Snape's face said it all, his effort was obvious and Harry was withstanding it easily.

Harry didn't know how long he stood there staring at the Potion's Master. He didn't care. It wasn't until Dumbledore's voice interrupted the assault that Harry gave up staring down the man trying to break into his mind. "Well Severus?" Dumbledore asked.

Professor Snape took a moment to collect himself and said, "Potter has evidently improved slightly. He still shouldn't be allowed to know our information."

"I stopped him!" Harry exclaimed. "He didn't see anything!"

Dumbledore raised his hands and said, "I am aware of that Harry." Snape looked astonished at this statement. "Severus," Dumbledore calmly said, "I am also sufficiently trained in Legilimens to know when Harry is being truthful or not."

Harry instantly felt grateful that he didn't directly lie about things to the Headmaster. He would, on occasion not be totally truthful, but he never directly told untruths. "I have no doubt that Harry will only reveal what he chooses to reveal," Dumbledore said, and then turned to Harry and Remus. "I understand you had a...stimulating outing the other day?"

Harry began to speak but Lupin interrupted and said, "We worked on Harry's shield charms."

"Yes, I heard," Dumbledore said with a knowing twinkle. "Over ten minutes, was it?" Lupin nodded. "The outing in the Hog's Head was also not exactly subdued now was it?"

Harry's eyes got wide and he also thought he felt Lupin stiffen a little, but the man said, "We had a small celebration."

"And then two Aurors and a werewolf left a sixteen year old boy to deal with a very angry Molly Weasley on his own," Dumbledore said smiling, leaving Snape wondering about the whole thing.

Harry now was beginning to smile, even with Professor Snape in the room. "The whole day was great sir," Harry said, causing Snape to mumble something and leave the room.

"That's good to hear," Dumbledore said. "However as you have no doubt realized; things that go on in Hog's Head are not exactly as private as you would think." The man looked intently at Harry and said, "You are being watched closely Harry, and not just by our side. Please remember that." The old wizard nodded and left the room also.

"I hope you didn't mind me sitting in on this Harry," Lupin said. "It's not that I didn't think you could handle it, it's just that...well..."

"It's ok Remus. I was glad you were here," Harry said, relieving Remus from having to explain.

Two days later Harry came downstairs after a particularly uncomfortable night in which his dream of Sirius begging for help was particularly disturbing only to be bombarded with questions from most of the people who were already up, "Why didn't you tell us?" "Do we get to go with you?"

Harry tried listening to each person but didn't have a clue what they were talking about. "What? What are you all talking about?" Harry asked.

"The award!" Ron said.

Seeing his lost look Hermione added, "The Scarlet Cross! Today's the presentation."

"Yeah, why didn't you tell us?" Ginny asked.

It took another minute before Harry realized what they were talking about. It had been so long ago that he totally forgot about the parchment he received from the Ministry earlier this year. "I forgot about it," Harry said.

"How could you forget about it?" Ron exclaimed. "This is a major deal."

"No it's not!" Harry snapped. "I'm not going. I told Remus a long time ago. They just want to use me for publicity."

"Harry," Hermione said, "this says there is a ceremony today at 11:00."

"I don't care what the Prophet says," Harry replied. "I'm not going."

"Fudge will go spare when you don't show," Ron said, smiling. "I wish we could see it."

"I don't care about Fudge," Harry said, snapping up some toast. "It's his own fault."

The friends dropped the subject but watched Harry closely as he ate. After breakfast the three were outside when Fred and George appeared. "Hello you lot!" George said.

"What are you two doing here?" Ron questioned.

"Had a note from Dumbledore," Fred said.

"Wanted us to spend a couple hours here for some reason," George added.

"Who's running the store?" Harry asked.

"Lee," George responded. "No worries there."

The group of kids were talking about why Dumbledore would want the two there when suddenly three 'cracks' got their attention. Percy and two unknown men had apparated near the Burrow.

Harry and Hermione looked shocked but the Weasley boys were furious and all stood up. Ron was about to say something when the back door of the Burrow opened and they heard, "Percy! I thought....I....What are you doing here?" Mrs. Weasley asked, as she quickly approached, planning on giving her son a hug when his expression stopped her.

"On official business," Percy coldly replied causing Molly to look devastated and also causing the boys to get even more furious.

"You're not welcome here!" Ron yelled, and was backed up by Fred and George. Harry just watched the exchange feeling bad that some of this was about him.

"We'll be gone presently," Percy replied. "We've come to escort Harry to the ceremony."

"I'm not going!" Harry said, now standing. "They knew that a long time ago."

"You don't have to go dear," Molly said, and then turned to Percy. "Harry's not leaving the Burrow."

"I have my instructions mother," Percy smugly said. "We're here to escort Harry to the ceremony. He'll be safe with us."

"What part of he's not leaving don't you understand?" Ron said, advancing on Percy.

"You children should step away," one of the men with Percy said. "We don't want anyone to accidentally get hurt."

Fred and George both stepped closer with their hands on their wands and George said, "If anyone gets hurt, it won't be an accident."

"I think you should leave Percy," Molly said, almost shaking with a mix of apprehension and anger.

"The Minister wants Harry at the ceremony and we're here to take him," Percy firmly said.

"Doesn't it matter what I want?" Harry snapped.

Percy's eyes narrowed and he said, "It matters what the Minister wants. Let's go Harry."

In unison, Fred, George, Ginny, and Ron all raised their wands. "You lot have no idea how much trouble you'll be in," one of the men said.

"We took on a dozen Death Eaters earlier this year. You two and our git of a brother won't be any trouble," Ron confidently said.

"I don't want you guys in trouble," Harry said, stepping forward. "I can go with them."

Molly grabbed his shoulder and said, "You'll do no such thing." She turned to the men with her wand out and said, "Now you three get off my property now."

"Mother," Percy pleaded. "The Minister will be very unhappy."

"Goodbye Percy," Molly said, looking at her son with a pained expression. The three men vanished.

"I'm sorry," Harry said. "Now you guys will be in more trouble because of me."

"Don't you think about it Harry," Molly said, clearly upset. "This is Fudge's doing."

"Dumbledore must have expected something like this," Hermione said. "That's why he sent you two over."

"Very good Hermione," Kingsley said, stepping from around the Burrow followed by Tonks who didn't look happy at all. "We've been watching as well in case things got out of hand. Don't want to publicly come out against the man until we have no choice."

"This is going to make Fudge look like an idiot," Fred said.

"Can't believe Percy's still supporting the git," George added. At hearing her son's name, Molly turned and walked back to the Burrow.

"We'll be around for a bit longer," Tonks said, "In case they come back." She and Kingsley moved back to the side of the Burrow.

"Thanks guys," Harry said, heartened by the show of support.

"You'd do the same for us mate," Ron quickly said, and was supported by the others.

"I'm going to pop over to the ceremony and see how they handle this," Fred said, before he vanished.

Later, Fred came back and described the fiasco to everyone. It seems Fudge had assembled every Wizarding paper and magazine in Britain with the promise of an interview with Harry and when the guest of honor didn't show, Fudge tried to make up all kinds of excuses. It was the reporter from the Quibbler that initially suggested that maybe Harry wanted nothing to do with Fudge and as much as Fudge tried to deny it, the reporters all picked up on this as being the most likely reason. At the end, Fudge was demanding that no one report anything about the ceremony but it didn't seem like any of the papers were going along with that.

Harry stayed off to the side while the Weasley kids were talking about the days events. He felt terrible about adding to the problems for their family. Hermione came and sat next to him and said, "It's not your fault. You told them you didn't want the award."

"I know but I just seem to cause them even more problems," Harry whispered back.

"The Minister is just panicking," she replied. "I know you hate being a part of all of this but they're just trying to use you. We'll be back at school soon and then we can just focus on classes." Hermione looked down at the scrap of parchment Harry had been doodling on and noticed something. "You're not still thinking about the veil are you?"

Harry covered the doodles and said, "I think about it every day. I can't stand not knowing what really happened to him."

Hermione pursed her lips and thought for a moment. "Don't yell but you have to let it go," Hermione said, and it was all Harry could do not to storm off. "If it had happened to you would you want him being like this?" Harry didn't respond right away but knew that he wouldn't want Sirius being like he was, but he also knew that didn't change how he felt.

"No," Harry finally admitted. "But that won't stop me from wanting to know what really happened to him," he added firmly.

The next day the paper was full of articles about the ceremony and how Harry had stood the Minister up. Many editorials brought up that the community should have listened to Harry and Dumbledore for ages and that now everyone should give up on the current Minister. There were other articles praising Harry and Dumbledore for being the only independent voices not influenced by politics. Ron kept joking that Harry could run for Minister right now and beat Fudge.

The final week passed without any major news or events allowing Harry to spend most of the time reading or watching how Ron and Hermione acted around each other. He could already tell he was being left out of little discussions but couldn't complain since many times he wanted to be left alone anyway. Still, it made him a little sad that his two best friends were experiencing something great and he couldn't be involved.

It was announced that everyone would floo over to Grimmauld Place and then they would walk to the train station as they did last year. Lupin came and assured Harry that he wouldn't need to be in Sirius' house any longer than absolutely necessary and true to his word, as soon as Harry stepped out of the floo, he and Remus went outside to wait on the others. "You know Harry that you could live here if you want. Sirius left it to you," Lupin said.

Harry quickly replied, "I don't think I could do it. It's good the Order still gets to use it though."

"Well think about it," Lupin offered. "You'll be legal age before long and this is a well protected place. We could really try to get it in shape."

Harry shrugged at the thought. Right now he couldn't imagine ever feeling comfortable in the house but would need somewhere to live after his seventeenth birthday.

The trip to the station went smoothly and before Harry knew it, he had said goodbye to Lupin, finally extracted himself from Mrs. Weasley's hug and stepped onto the train. Once they all loaded their trunks into the luggage car, Ron and Hermione dashed off to the Prefect's car. "Looks like it's just us," Harry said to Ginny, watching the two rush down the hall.

"Um..." the girl said, "I'm off to find Dean. He's supposed to save me a seat." Harry was confused for a minute and then remembered the train ride last term where she had set her sights on Dean Thomas. "You don't mind do you? I could come right back."

"No!" Harry quickly said. "I don't mind. I just forgot about that."

"Ok," Ginny said, still sounding unsure. "Maybe I'll stop in later."

"If you want," Harry replied as she left.

Now Harry really felt alone as he went in search of an empty compartment. He was invited to sit in almost every one he opened, even when the occupants were students he had never really talked to before. Finally he opened a door and saw a lone figure sitting, hidden behind a large book. "May I sit in here," Harry asked, glad that it wasn't full of people.

"If you would like," came the sing-song voice he remembered from last year.

"Luna?" Harry asked, and the girl dropped the book. "How are you doing?"

"Oh wonderful," she said, observing him with her protruding eyes. "Father and I had a fantastic vacation. It looks like all the other papers are following the Quibbler with articles about you."

"Yeah, I wish they'd just all forget me though," he replied, and she buried her face in her book once again. Harry in turn pulled out his book of shields and quietly re-read areas he had previously marked.

Time was passing quickly and Harry had nearly dozed off but the entrance by his two best friends kept him awake. "You'll never believe it," Ron said, dropping down next to Harry. "Malfoy's still a prefect!"

"After what he did last year?" Harry exclaimed.

"I'm sure Professor Dumbledore has his reasons," Hermione said, looking over a schedule for the evening. This explanation didn't help Harry's anger at Malfoy still being a prefect.

"But he joined Umbridge," Ron exclaimed, as Harry unconsciously rubbed the back of his hand, remembering his detentions from last year.

Hermione caught the movement and said, "But she's gone and not coming back."

Harry quit paying attention to their discussion and stared out the window, trying to remember that this was a new year and things could be different. "Now isn't this the lowest car on the train," the irritating voice of Draco Malfoy said, as the door slid open. "Potty, Weasel, Mudblood and Looney. At least you're all with your own kind."

"Hello Draco," Luna pleasantly said, drawing a confused look from the blonde boy.

"Sod off Malfoy," Ron angrily said.

"You can't last much longer Potter," Malfoy said, ignoring Ron's comment. "You've just been lucky so far but it can't last. My father will make sure of that."

"We handled your father just fine last year," Ron spat back, causing Malfoy's eyes to flash dangerously.

"Oh right, when Potter lost his pet," Malfoy smirked while saying this.

Harry almost jumped up but held his temper and said, "I'd say Lucius' time is about up Malfoy. The Aurors have been told they can use Unforgiveables on Death Eaters. He shows his face, masked or not and it's over."

Draco's hand went for his wand but before he had drawn it, there were four wands inside the car pointing at him and then he heard, "That would be a very stupid thing to do Malfoy." Looking down the hall, he saw Ernie McMillian and a couple Hufflepuffs pointing their wands at him. Crabbe and Goyle were looking around lost.

"Very stupid indeed," Justin Finch-Fletchley said, from the other direction

"You won't always be protected Potter," Malfoy spat, and then said, "C'mon you two."

"Alright in here?" Ernie asked.

"Yeah, it was just Malfoy," Harry said. "Thanks for that though."

"Anytime...We're starting the D.A. up again aren't we?" Ernie asked, and the other students in the hall looked in expectantly.

Harry hadn't really considered it and was just about to say no when Hermione said, "Of course we are." The students seemed pleased and proceeded down the hall.

"We are? When did we decide that?" Harry asked, a bit irritated at Hermione for assuming he would be involved.

"Well...I mean...It was good last year and we all need as much practice as we can get," she said, stumbling a bit.

"Yeah mate. I would never have gotten an Outstanding without it," Ron added, being rewarded with a proud smile from Hermione.

"Well I don't know," Harry said. "I'm not sure I'll do it."

Luna interrupted objections by the others when she said, "We wouldn't have made it out of there without things you taught us. There's a war starting and we really need your help."

"I'm sure Hermione can teach it better anyway," Harry offered.

"Not Defense Harry," Hermione said. "You're the one who kept us alive last year."

"You wouldn't have been in danger if it wasn't for me and I didn't keep everyone alive did I?" Harry snarled.

This killed all the conversation and Hermione let it drop with, "Just think about it."

Now the battle was all Harry could think about. The vision of Sirius falling through the veil was as fresh as ever. He remembered something Luna said and asked, "Luna. What do you think happened to Sirius when he fell through the veil? You heard the voices as well."

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "You said you'd give that up!"

"No! You said I'd give it up. I'll never give it up until I'm sure," Harry snapped back.

"I think he died," Luna's swirling voice got his attention. "That doesn't mean he's not there." Harry simply stared at her. "My mom is dead but I know she's there and watching me."

"But he wasn't dead when he went through," Harry said, almost pleadingly.

"You've got to drop this Harry," Hermione said. "I don't want to tell Professor Dumbledore."

"You'd do that wouldn't you?" Harry snapped. "Why don't you go join Malfoy since you want me in trouble as well?"

"Hey!" Ron exclaimed. "That's out of line."

Harry wanted to say something to Ron about siding with Hermione but he knew that he would regret it later and promised himself he would try to take a walk before spouting off so he quickly got up and said, "I'm taking a walk." Once outside, Harry turned and began to storm off down the hall, he rounded the corner and ran into someone, ending up with both of them on the floor in a heap. "I'm sorry," Harry said, trying to see who he had knocked down and fallen on. "I wasn't watching," he added.

"That's obvious Potter," a familiar voice said. Harry focused on the voice and realized he had ran into and fallen on Kari Boslav.

Harry extended his hand and helped her up. "Are you ok? I'm really sorry," he continued.

"Of course I'm ok," the girl said. "If you want to grope me Potter you're going to have to buy me supper first. Ice cream doesn't count" Kari said as Harry helped her up.

"Well you should have told me that earlier Boslav," Harry said, picking up her bag and handing it to her.

"Well now you know the rules. Where's the rest of the Dream Team?" she said with a smirk

Harry had heard of them being referred to as that before and it always amused him. "I think the other two are getting a bit closer so when Hermione starts to mother me, Ron won't stop her," Harry admitted.

"So, Weasel King finally realized he's a Gryffindor and started something?" Kari joked.

"Being brave with girls isn't on the Gryffindor list. I checked," Harry calmly replied.

Kari laughed and said, "Remember what I said about supper Potter," as she continued down the hall.

'Girls,' Harry thought as he continued to walk around wasting time. He successfully avoided returning to the car by talking to people he really didn't feel like talking to for the rest of the trip. When the train stopped, he quickly made his way off and into a carriage for the ride to the castle without being spotted by his friends.

Neville walked with him into the castle and the two made their way directly to the Gryffindor table. Harry hoped Ron wouldn't start taking Hermione's side in everything, and he really hoped to keep his own jealousy at their relationship from being noticed.

Hermione quickly entered the Great Hall almost dragging Ron behind her. She came over and directly sat next to Harry. "I'm not trying to get you into trouble Harry," she angrily said. "I'm just worried about you."

"Well don't be," Harry said. "Let's just drop it." She didn't seem like she wanted to drop it and Ron seemed unusually silent. Luckily the table was quickly filling up and the other conversations distracted everyone. Ron saw Ginny sit down next to Dean and spent the next few minutes give death stares to the boy next to his sister. Harry couldn't help but be amused at Ron's protectiveness of his little sister.

"Who's that next to Professor Snape?" Hermione asked. There was a short, stocky witch with dark hair and large glasses engaged in a conversation with the Potions Master. Snape seemed to be talking back normally which was something highly unusual.

"Well there's only one spot open. Got to be the new Defense teacher," Ron replied.

"Then why's Snape nice to her?" Harry asked.

"Maybe she's another Death Eater," Ron said.

"Ron!" Hermione scolded. "Keep your voice down."

Harry barely paid attention during the sorting, instead trying to watch the interactions between the instructors. Many times he would catch the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall looking directly back at him and he quickly tried to look away. Professor Dumbledore got everyone's attention after the sorting. "Welcome to our new first year students and welcome back to the rest of you. Those of you who were here last year shouldn't have been surprised by the announcement that Lord Voldemort" there were many gasps and the sounds of many objects being dropped at the mention of his name... "has indeed returned. This changes nothing for us except that it may be freely discussed without fear of reprisal from overzealous Ministry administrators." There was a pause as the mumbling died down and then he continued, "I would like to welcome Madame Ziter to the inauspicious position of Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. I can assure you that you will find her class much more stimulating than last year. We are entering some regrettably dark times but would do well to remember that our world has been through this before and love and friendships were formed even in those times. We must work together because Voldemort will seek to divide our world and will stop at nothing to reach his goals. I assure also you that Hogwarts is still one of the safest places you can be and we will make sure you have an interesting year. Tuck in..." With a wave of his hands, the tables were filled with food and everyone quickly dug in.

"Why does the Sorting Hat even spend time coming up with songs about the houses working together? I mean there is still no way I'm working with a Slytherin," Ron said between mouthfuls.

Hermione turned and Harry was sure she was going to launch into a speech about how they're not all bad but she just looked at Ron eating for a minute and turned back to her conversation with Parvati. "This is just too weird," Harry thought to himself.

Ginny sat next to Ron and said, "When do you think Quidditch tryouts will be? Dean wants to try out."

"Can he fly?" Harry asked.

"He says he can," Ginny replied, and then asked, "You're coming back as seeker, right?"

"If you'll let me have my spot back," Harry joked back.

"Wonder if I'll have to tryout for the Chaser position?" Ginny said.

"We need three since Katie isn't going to play so you shouldn't have any problem," Ron said. "Wonder who the captain will be?" Harry had forgotten that he didn't tell anyone about becoming captain.

"It'll be Harry of course," Ginny said.

"But he didn't play last year," Ron quickly said, touching a nerve withHarry.