Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

Harry couldn't believe they ran the article. If it wasn't for all the painful memories it brought back up, he would have been happy that the Prophet was finally taking a stand against the Minister of Magic. He was still staring at the article when he heard Hermione loudly say, "Yes it's all true and no we won't be talking about it."

Turning, Harry saw her glaring at the rest of the students in the common room who were watching him closely. "C'mon Harry, let's go to our chairs," she added, dragging him over to the corner.

"Can't believe they're blasting Fudge so much," Harry said, trying to push back down the feelings about Sirius.

"If they boot him I wonder who would be the next Minister?" Ron questioned.

"What about your dad?" Harry asked.

Ron looked like he was thinking but Ginny said, "Wouldn't happen." Ron looked at her strangely but she continued, "I mean he could do it but he doesn't have enough support in the Ministry. It'd have to be someone like Kingsley or Madame Bones. They have high profile positions and are well respected."

"Bet Percy is down at the Prophet right now threatening to shut them down," Ron said shaking his head. Ginny got a disgusted look on her face at the thought of Percy and what he had done.

Ginny soon left to find Dean and over the next hour, Harry tried to study potions, but kept being distracted by Ron acting overly nice to Hermione and by Hermione letting him. This wasn't like either of his friends. Finally, knowing he needed to study and not being able to ignore the two of them he stood up and said, "I'm going to the library." Hermione started to protest but he kept walking pretending not to hear what she said.

After finding a quiet table to himself in the Library, Harry now tried to focus on Potions but found himself just thinking about how unfair Snape was to him. He had just buried his head in his hands when he heard, "Love birds ditch you Potter?"

Harry knew the voice but turned and saw Kari standing behind him. "That and I hate Potions," Harry said giving a slight smile.

"Tell you what," Kari said taking the seat next to him. "I'll make you a deal." Harry looked at her skeptically but she continued, "You let me into that little Defense Club you've got going and I'll help you with Potions. I do alright in that class."

"You don't have to help me," Harry quickly said. "You can join the D.A. anyway."

Kari rolled her eyes and said, "You Gryffindors are such pushovers. Learn from a Slytherin will you. I want something from you and you can benefit from some of my insights. That way we both win."

Harry smiled and said, "You know, that was very un-Slytherin of you. It's a deal."

"Good," the girl replied, "and don't go spreading it around that I explained how I gave you a sweet deal."

Harry nodded and said, "I think I got the better deal. Helping me in Potions won't win you any points with Snape."

"I'll handle that," she confidently said. "I don't think you letting me into your group will get you any points with your friends either."

"And I'll handle that," Harry firmly replied.

The girl looked serious for a second and then said, "So Sirius Black was your Godfather?" It stung to her hear mention Sirius' name but surprisingly Harry wasn't angry about it and just nodded. "Nothing's ever simple with you is it?" After a pause she added, "You know it's getting easier to think of Skylar without it hurting so much. I mean I still miss him a lot but I hold it together better now."

Harry thought for a minute and said, "I do pretty good until the Prophet comes along and throws it back in my face."

"Well maybe we'll need to take a walk and talk about them sometime. I'd like to hear more about him," Kari said.

For the first time, talking about Sirius didn't sound like a bad idea so Harry said, "You know, I think I'd like that."

"Good," she said smiling, "Now let's talk Potions." Harry groaned but she said, "You may not know this but we have access to the lessons a day or so early." Harry's eyes got huge and the girl said, "So when I suggest we study something, it's probably a good idea if you listen."

"Oh I definitely got the better end of this deal," Harry said as he started to listen to the girl discuss upcoming lessons.

The two left the library just before curfew and were about to go to their respective common rooms when Professor Dumbledore's voice surprised them, "Now this is a sight I would very much like to see more of. Gryffindors and Slytherins are rarely in each other's company without one or the other losing house points."

Harry actually smiled but noticed Kari had a very worried look on her face and said, "We were just studying sir. I'm on my way to the common room now."

"Of course you were Miss Boslav," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye. "I'm sure Harry appreciates any assistance he could get with his Potions work." Both of the student's eyes got big at the Headmaster knowing what they were working on. "Now if you don't mind, I need to speak with Harry for a moment."

"Of course sir," Kari said, still nervous about the encounter.

She turned to leave and Harry quickly said, "Bye Kari. Thanks again." She turned and gave a quick smile before continuing towards the dungeons.

"I'm glad to see you don't paint all the Slytherins with the same brush," Dumbledore said.

"She doesn't seem like a normal Slytherin," Harry admitted as he turned to follow the Headmaster.

"What is a normal Slytherin?" Dumbledore asked but didn't seem to expect an answer because he continued, "It is rare when a person is a clear-cut fit into any house. You know from your own experience that the Sorting Hat often has options before it decides on the best fit. I often thought Miss Boslav could have been a fine Ravenclaw."

The two walked in silence until they entered Dumbledore's office to find it occupied. "Prof...Remus," Harry said still not totally used to calling his former professor by his first name.

"Hello Harry," Remus replied putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Everything ok?"

"Sure," Harry said and then wondered why the man was here. "Nothing's wrong is it?"

"No Harry," Dumbledore said taking his seat behind the desk. "We wanted to discuss the article in the Prophet with you and to see what you thought about it."

"Oh," Harry said remembering the article. "I guess its ok. They seem to believe that Sirius was innocent and everything and I'm glad they're not letting Fudge off."

"That surprised me," Lupin said. "He's losing influence fast."

"What about the vote of no-confidence?" Harry asked. "Who could take over?"

"Well," Dumbledore softly said, "Since I have been re-instated as Chief-Warlock of the Wizengamot, I have some insight." The old wizard's eyes were twinkling brightly. "It seems Madame Bones is seriously considering challenging him for the post." Both men seemed to be carefully watching Harry's reaction to this.

"She seems ok," Harry quickly said. "I mean she didn't blindly side with Fudge at my trial."

"She is fair," Lupin added. "Tough but fair."

"Now Harry," Dumbledore calmly said, "There is something else we wanted to discuss with you." Harry waited to hear something bad but it never came.

"Would you mind if I became your legal guardian?" Lupin asked in a voice that clearly showed he wasn't sure of the answer.

"That'd be brilliant," Harry quickly said and saw the relief on Lupin's face.

"We'll make the necessary arrangements," Dumbledore said from behind his desk. "We didn't want to do anything without consulting you first."

"Thank you... both," Harry said smiling. "Will I still have to go to the Dursley's?"

Now Lupin's expression faltered a bit and he said, "I'm afraid you will. Both for the protection and the fact that the Ministry won't let a minor live with a werewolf."

"But, after my birthday I can go wherever I want," Harry said trying to hide his unhappiness at knowing he would have to go back to his Uncle's house.

Lupin didn't seem to be relieved by this statement and neither did the Headmaster. "That is true Harry," Dumbledore said, "However I hope you will keep in mind your importance to our struggle before making any decisions."

Harry thought for a moment and stopped his comments a few times before finally saying, "I'll consider it but I won't be locked away."

"I understand Harry," Lupin quickly said, "I really do." The man put a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder.

"When will it be official?" Harry asked feeling his anger subside.

"Before the end of next week," Dumbledore confidently said. "I think that's all for tonight Harry. I meant what I said about being happy you were getting along with Miss Boslav. It will serve you well to let more people in."

"Around Kari again Harry?" Lupin teased.

"She's helping me with Potions," Harry quickly pointed out.

"If you say so," Lupin said. "See you soon Harry."

Harry slowly walked back to the common room thinking about his evening. What started out as an attempt to escape watching his two friends flirt turned into an offer of help with his worst class and news that his father's other best friend would now be his legal guardian.

He tried to make noise entering the common room in case Ron and Hermione were doing anything he didn't really want to see. However, there were only a few Gryffindors still awake and his two friends weren't anywhere to be seen so he quickly made his way up to the dorm and went to sleep.

The next day the three friends had just finished lunch and were heading to the next class when Hermione said, "Did you finish your homework Harry?" Harry nodded, trying not to be annoyed at her question. "Just ignore anything he says. We don't want to lose any points."

"Right Hermione," Ron quickly said. "Even if Harry doesn't say a word the git will still take points." Harry was pleased to see that Ron occasionally challenged her on things.

"Yes well it'll be worse if Harry snaps at him," Hermione firmly said.

"I'll be a good boy Hermione," Harry said as sarcastically as he could just before they entered the classroom. Harry saw Kari sitting in the row behind Malfoy and she slightly inclined her head at him to which he responded in kind. He took a seat next to Susan Bones right behind Hermione and Ron.

Before Professor Snape arrived he whispered, "Susan, I heard your Aunt may run for the Minister position. I think she'd be brilliant."

Susan seemed a bit surprised at the comment but brightened noticeably and said, "Thanks Harry. I hope she does. Would you mind if I told her you said that?"

"Not at all," Harry quickly said just before Snape entered the room.

The lesson had been about paralyzing potions; exactly what Kari said they should study the night before so when Snape came to Harry and asked, "Tell me Mr. Potter, what is the one ingredient that if left out will cause this potion to be fatal?"

"Ground unicorn mane sir," Harry quickly said.

Without even listening the Professor said, "10 points from Gryffindor." Hermione's hand was immediately in the air and he said, "Yes Miss Granger."

"Sir, Harry's answer was right. It is ground unicorn mane," she said, giving a look at Harry like 'How did you know that?'

Snape seemed stunned for a moment but quickly recovered and said, "Yes, so I see. Very well Mr. Potter will not lose 10 points but you will for being a know-it-all." Harry smiled inwardly as he saw Ron begin to say something but Hermione, even though she looked angry, stop him from losing even more points.

After class Harry was able to mouth 'thanks' to Kari as they left and before they were to the next corridor, Hermione said, "Oooh I can't believe him. That was uncalled for."

Her attitude annoyed Harry and he said, "Oh it's a big deal when he's unfair to you but when it's me, I need to study more and watch my temper."

"She was only standing up for you," Ron snapped with an angry look.

"I guess you're right," Harry quickly said and then added, "At least one of my friends still does that." With that he changed course and headed off in the other direction before either of his friends could respond. Instead of going directly to the common room, he went to the owlery. Looking around, he didn't see Hedwig and breathed a sigh of relief since he didn't want anyone to connect this note to him. Quickly scrawling a note, he gave it to one of the school owls and left before his owl came back and got mad at him for using another owl.

Entering the Great Hall, Harry saw Ginny sitting across from Ron and Hermione instead of sitting next to Dean. "Where'd you go Harry?" Hermione asked.

Harry ignored Ron's annoyed look and said, "Just took a walk, no big deal." "Sorry I snapped at you," he added with a little smile.

"No, you were right," she admitted. "He is unfair to you."

"Snape?" Ginny asked. She had been quiet since he first sat down.

"Yeah, who else?" Harry said rolling his eyes. "Is he like that to your class?"

"Not really," she said. "I mean he acts like he can't stand Gryffindors but he doesn't take points for nothing."

"Just me then," Harry said with a smile.

After a few more minutes of eating in silence Harry turned to Ginny and quietly asked, "Is everything ok? You're kind of quiet."

Ginny turned to him and her expression flashed anger for a second but then softened and she said, "I'm ok, it's just been one of those days."

"Ok, but let me know if you need anything," Harry said and then added, "other than help with Potions that is."

His smile instantly lifted Ginny's spirits and she joked, "If I ever ask you for Potions help, you'll know something's up." Harry wrinkled his nose at her and went back to eating.

Before long, Harry saw an owl fly through the window and circle the Slytherin table before dropping a note in front of Kari Boslav. She opened the note which read, "Proper supper tomorrow? Meet by the picture of the bowl of fruit on the third floor. I just want to be prepared in case I run into you again." Kari looked up and caught his eye before giving a very small nod and then turning back to her friend while pocketing the note.

That evening in the Common Room, Harry noticed Hermione glancing at Ginny who was sitting by herself studying and still looking like something was wrong. He really wanted to ask Hermione about it but couldn't with Ron around and also didn't want Ginny to get annoyed with him.

Harry actually felt really tired when he went to bed that night but was bothered by the vision of Sirius falling through the veil. The scene changed to one of darkness and all Harry could hear was his Godfather calling out to him. 'Help me Harry...Please' The dreams continued until the noise his dorm mates made getting ready finally woke him up, but he felt more tired than he did going to bed the night before.

Harry ignored snide comments from Malfoy as they entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and chose a seat just in front of Ron and Hermione who always sat together now. "Today we will begin learning a variant of the 'Confundus' charm. You should all be skilled enough to accomplish this and when used in the right situation can give you a brief moment where your opponent will be confused about what they are currently doing. This may give you enough time to make an escape." The teacher was interrupted by the waving hand of Draco Malfoy. "Yes Mr. Malfoy."

"Excuse me Professor but it seems everything we're going to learn is to be used to escape. What if we don't want to run away?" the boy asked in his normal slimy voice.

"Well Mr. Malfoy, this is 'Defense Against the Dark Arts'. You're here to learn how to stay alive when attacked and making a hasty escape is one of the best ways," Professor Ziter replied.

"But Professor," Malfoy said in a sarcastic voice. "I know some people," he glared at Harry when he said this, "prefer to run away but real wizards stand and fight."

"Is that so Mr. Malfoy?" Professor Ziter asked, sounding a bit annoyed. "Well when the time comes and you are either staring down The Dark Lord's wand, or maybe the wand of a Ministry Auror I hope you'll remember what real wizards do. This class is about defense. If you choose Auror training you will learn many offensive spells and if you choose the same training as your father, I'm sure you'll learn many as well," the Professor said with a menacing look at the blonde boy who had the expression of someone who had just been slapped in the face. Harry was stunned the teacher said that and heard Hermione gasp and Ron snort behind him.

After class Ron couldn't stop talking about the teacher's comments. "I can't believe she said that. It was brilliant!"

"I guess that means she's on our side," Harry added.

Hermione seemed deep in thought and then said, "Does it though? I mean she didn't make it sound any worse to be facing Voldemort than an Auror. Maybe she just doesn't like Malfoy's dad because he got caught."

"Hermione!" Harry said sounding confused, "You're usually telling us that we should trust the teachers."

"Yes well we've only had one that was trustworthy. And then after last year when Ministry officials sent Dementors after you and everything, you just can't be sure anymore," she sadly said as the three headed up to the common room.

Harry sat down next to Ginny who was studying in the corner and quickly told her what happened in the class. "She seems ok to me," Ginny said.

"Me too," Harry agreed, "but Hermione does have a point."

"When doesn't she?" Ginny teased.

After some time spent studying Hermione said, "Let's head down to supper you guys."

That snapped Harry to attention and he saw that he only had a few minutes before he was supposed to meet Kari. Jumping up he said, "Oh I can't. I need to...ummm... do something. I'll see you guys later."

"What do you need to do Harry?" Ginny said before Hermione could ask the same thing.

"Just something I remembered. Don't worry about me," he said as he headed out the portrait hole and down the corridor. He arrived at the painting and was relieved to see that Kari wasn't there yet. Even though this was a main corridor, since it wasn't on the path to any common room there wasn't much activity and after a few minutes, Harry started to worry that the Slytherin girl wasn't going to show up.

Those insecurities were building when he heard, "Sorry I'm late." Harry turned and was relieved to see Kari quickly walking towards him. "Since we're naturally untrusting, making an excuse to skip supper was tricky."

Harry smiled and said, "Yeah, and since my friends think I'm going to go do something stupid mine was as well."

"Well I know this floor pretty good and don't know where you're planning on treating me to a proper supper. You better pull something good out of your pocket if you expect me to be impressed," she said looking around.

"No worries," Harry confidently said and then added, "Turn around and close your eyes."

Kari raised her eyebrows, turned and said, "Try anything and I can hurt you."

Harry didn't know if she was being serious or not but he quickly tickled the pear and gave the password, causing the portrait to swing open. "I can handle myself Boslav. You can turn around now."

Once she saw the opening, her eyes got huge and she said, "I didn't know this was here!" Harry was already pulling her through the opening and glanced around to make sure no one saw them enter before pulling the portrait back over the hole.

Kari was looking around in wonder as they descended the stairs towards the kitchen. Once at the bottom, instead of taking the path to the main section of the kitchen, they turned the other direction and went into a small alcove that already had a table for two set for them. The alcove was lit from a single lantern on the wall above them. The girl stared at Harry and said, "I take it this is your normal table?"

Harry smiled as the both sat down and said, "Actually this is the first time I've been down this way. Usually I go to the main part of the kitchens and grab something to eat. A friend set this up for us."

Just then there was a 'crack' and Dobby appeared next to them and bowed until his nose nearly touched the ground. "Welcome Harry Potter sir. Dobby is honored that a great wizard like Harry Potter would ask for his help," the little elf squeaked. Kari was looking like she was torn between being disgusted and being ready to laugh at Dobby's antics. Dobby straightened up and had a huge smile as he looked from Harry to the girl. As soon as the elf recognized the girl however, his smile faltered and he actually stumbled back a bit and said, "Bbbbut...Harry Potter Sir...Miss is from His house." The little elf gave a very worried look to Harry as he said this.

Harry saw the hurt look on Kari's face and said, "Yes Dobby, Kari is a Slytherin and she's my friend. She's really ok. You'll like her."

Dobby's eyes darted back and forth between Kari and Harry but he finally turned to Kari, bowed deeply and said, "If Harry Potter says Miss is a good witch then Dobby is glad Miss is here. Harry Potter is too great to not tell the truth..." Kari only gave a half-hearted smile and then Dobby said, "Is Sir and Miss ready to eat?" Both of them nodded so Dobby snapped his fingers and plates of food appeared in front of each of them. Dobby stepped back next to Harry and said, "Harry Potter will just call for Dobby if he needs anything. Dobby will take care of it."

"Thank you Dobby. You've been a great help," Harry said causing the elf to blush tremendously before vanishing.

"You actually talk to them?" Kari asked eyeing Harry strangely.

"Of course," Harry said. "Dobby's...well he's a bit enthusiastic."

"I guess. We have one of course but I've never really just talked to it," she said looking a bit uncomfortable.

"Oh," Harry said wondering about his choice of places to eat. "Dobby used to be Malfoy's elf before I tricked Lucius into freeing him. I hope he didn't make you feel uncomfortable."

"No it's just...well...I guess you're just full of surprises," she said finally showing a real smile.

"Yeah..." Harry said, again realizing how far from normal he was in both worlds. His expression must have shown because Kari said, "I didn't say that was a bad thing. We just have our own way of doing things in my house and pretty strong opinions. This is nice and I would have to say qualifies as a proper supper." Her genuine smile lifted Harry a bit and he smiled back. "Should I start worrying about you running into me after tonight?" she teased.

"Maybe you should," he teased back and began eating. After enjoying pleasant conversation over the meal, once dessert was served Harry said, "We're having another D.A. meeting Saturday after supper. Do you still want to come?"

"Yes, I really do," she quickly replied. "You probably won't be anyone's favorite person for letting me though," she added watching his expression.

"It'll be ok," Harry quickly said. "Hermione always says we should work with you guys more. I never thought I actually would though," he added with a chuckle. "Ron won't hide that he'll be upset about it but the rest will be ok. Don't let it bother you, they'll come around."

"Oh, I won't let it bother me," she firmly said. "I intend to make sure you keep your end of the bargain. What have you already worked on? How lost will I be?"

Harry went on to tell her the main things they worked on last year and how they had tried to review the Patronus charm in their first class this year. "Some of that is really advanced," she exclaimed. "They'll be fifth years in there that can show me up," she added with an unhappy expression.

Harry thought for a second and said, "If you want we could go over some of the stuff we've done and I'll show you what I'm planning on doing in the class. That way you'll be a bit ahead for this class."

"Really?" she quickly asked and Harry nodded. "Ok, after our study session for Potions. Do you have a place we can practice?"

Harry smiled brightly and said, "Oh yeah, I know a place."

"You are not at all like I expected Potter," she said shaking her head.

"Same to ya Boslav," Harry said. After eating and talking for quite some time, they noticed it was about curfew and made their way back up the stairs. Kari was about to push the painting open when Harry stopped her and removed a parchment from his robe. He turned, whispered 'I solemnly swear I am up to no good' and tapped the parchment with his wand. After making sure the coast was clear whispered, 'mischief managed' before turning back to the girl and saying, "Had to make sure no one was out there."

The two stepped out into a vacant corridor and Harry smiled brightly when it was indeed deserted. "How long would it take me to find out all the secrets your friends know about you?" she asked with a large smile.

Harry thought and said, "All the secrets they know or all of my secrets?" He raised his eyebrow at this statement.

"This could get interesting," she said with a laugh. "Well I better hurry before Professor Snape catches me out after curfew. Maybe I'll rate another one of these sometime?" she said as she began down the hall.

"Maybe," Harry joked back as he hurried to his own Common Room. Harry entered the room to find most everyone up and studying in their own little groups. He noticed his friends in their corner looking anxious and Ginny waving him over. Seeing their hesitant expressions he asked, "What's up? Did something new happen?"

Ron and Ginny both stammered a bit but Hermione, still looking nervous said, "Did something happen in Professor Dumbledore's office after the battle?" She asked this very slowly and almost looked unsure if she wanted to hear the answer or not.

Harry clearly hadn't expected this because his eyes snapped wide open and he turned to see if anyone else was watching them. Once he saw that they were being ignored he got a pained expression and asked, "Wwwhhy would you ask that?"

"So it DID happen!" Ginny said. "Oh Harry, why didn't you tell us?" she asked looking very concerned.

Harry wasn't ready to give in yet so he said, "I...I don't know what you're talking about. What did you hear and how did you hear it?"

"Well," Hermione quietly said, "Ron and I were...studying earlier." Harry saw Hermione blush a little but noticed Ron had gotten bright red. "And well one of the portraits was having a gathering of some women and one of them scolded us for not taking care of you. She said that after what happened in the Headmaster's office that you'd need someone to make sure you were ok."

Harry's expression showed his surprise and then Ron said, "We asked what she was talking about and all the women in the picture started whispering and then said they couldn't believe that we didn't know. Two of them started crying and said, 'that dear boy' sounding just like mum. Finally all we could get out of them is that you trashed Dumbledore's office and that they thought you should have done more than that."

"Bloody gossipy portraits," Harry snarled as he sat down dropping his head into his hands. He really didn't want his friends to know what he had done since he felt so ashamed of his actions. Now he would have to tell them something but he wasn't about to tell them that he knew about the prophecy yet, if ever.

"Harry," Ginny softly said sitting next to him, "we only want to help and can't without knowing what's wrong. But if you really don't want us to know, we'll drop it."

Ron started to protest but Hermione said, "She's right Harry, we want to know but won't push you."

After rubbing his head for a few moments Harry softly said, "They were telling the truth, I broke a bunch of stuff in Dumbledore's office. I suppose I should start with the part where I ran after Bellatrix." Harry went on to recount everything that happened at the Ministry but left out which specific curse he tried to use on Bellatrix Lestrang. "So then when everyone started arriving, Dumbledore sent me to his office," Harry said so softly his friend had to lean way in to hear. "The door wouldn't open. I was trapped," he said fighting back the tears. "Then Dumbledore showed up and started telling me how he knew how I felt and that it was my compassion and love that forced Voldemort out of me when he possessed me. I wanted it to end when that happened," Harry said looking up at his friends with a lost expression. "I wanted to die, right there," he admitted but kept his head down so he didn't seen the pained expressions on his friends. Ginny now had sat down right next to him and put her hand on his shoulder. "Dumbledore wouldn't let me out and I kind of lost it and started breaking things and he just let me," Harry added shaking his head.

Just replaying everything made Harry feel both ashamed and angry so he was already getting wound up when Hermione, in her condescending voice said, "You really shouldn't keep things from us Harry. We could help."

Harry didn't notice Ginny rolling her eyes but did see Ron nodding his head in agreement with Hermione's statement. All of this tripped his mood and he snapped, "Of course you lot tell me everything." His friend's snapped their heads, clearly not expecting the quick change in Harry's attitude. "You two kept everything from me last summer," Harry said and then held up his hands when Ron started to explain. "Oh I know 'Dumbledore made you promise.'" He shook his head and said, "And didn't you keep the time-turner from us for all of third year? Seems fine for all of you to keep things away from me but as soon as I do it, it's a crime."

"Hey, I didn't do any of that," Ginny snapped.

Harry rounded on her knowing that she had in fact kept something from him but realized he would have done the same thing so he pushed the anger down and said, "Yes you have Ginny." He looked hard at her and softly said, "But I would have done the same thing in your place so I can't complain." Harry saw the pained expression in her face and knew that she realized he was talking about the diary in her first year.

"I wish you'd quit snapping at us," Ron angrily said.

"Yeah well I wish you'd get off my back," Harry replied, matching Ron's tone.

"Harry," Ginny softly said, putting her hand on his arm, "We really just want to help. Everyone knows something's going on. The others in the Order are really worried about you."

Harry gave a cold laugh and said, "Don't mistake their worry for actual caring. They don't care about me; I'm nothing but a tool to them."

Ginny quickly pinched his arm hard making Harry yelp. "You're lucky people are around or I'd hex you bad," she said looking furious. "Mum, Dad and the rest of the family care about you. Mum's already trying to add your hand to our clock. Lupin and Dumbledore care about you too."

Harry softened a bit at this and said, "You're right, your family is great. And Lupin, I guess he does too. Not so sure about Dumbledore."

"No matter what Harry, remember that you can always go to Mum. She'd do anything for you," Ginny said, again using her soft voice.

Harry looked between his friends and saw Hermione near tears, Ron looking furious and Ginny looking like she understood. "There's just a lot going on with me right now and it's nothing you can help with. I really don't feel like talking about it."

"Of course, whatever you want. As long as you're happy," Ron spat.

It took all Harry had not to hex Ron right there. He turned and left so quick that he didn't see the scowl Ginny had given her brother.