Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

The students were just finishing supper Friday evening when Professor Dumbledore rose and said, "With Holiday fast approaching there will be a Hogsmead visit tomorrow." That was all it took for everyone to become excited and begin talking amongst themselves. "I know we have cancelled earlier visits but we understand your need to get shopping done. Please return before dusk and do not stray beyond the village limits." The talking became quite loud and the Headmaster continued, "On another subject that I have been questioned about many times this year." Everyone gave the old wizard their attention again as he continued, "There will obviously not be a Holiday Ball." There was a mixture of groans and sighs of relief. "However," now all the girls looked at the Headmaster expectantly and most of the boys scowled at him, "we will have a Valentine's Ball open to students fourth year and up. You have almost two months to prepare and I imagine some of you feel that is not nearly enough time."

"A ball?" Ron groaned, obviously missing the delight in Hermione and Ginny's eyes. "I was sure we were safe this year." Ron noticed Hermione giving him an eye and quickly said, "At least we can go to Hogsmeade tomorrow." Trying to get the focus off of him Ron surprised Harry by asking, "You coming with us mate?" Harry had assumed Ron and Hermione would want the time alone.

Harry was just about to answer when he saw Kari looking at him and making small stirring motions with her hand. He took that as a sign they needed to complete the potion since the Holiday was quickly coming up. "I thought you two would want some time alone," Harry said, hoping for an excuse.

"C'mon let's talk about this on the way to the Common Room," Ginny said, causing the other three to get up and follow. Once they were out of the Great Hall Ginny continued, "You've got to come Harry. You missed the first one and then all the others have been cancelled."

"Are you sure you two don't want time alone?" Harry asked, looking at Hermione and Ron?

Ron turned a bit red but Hermione said, "We've too much to do to be thinking about that. I haven't started my shopping and there are some books I need to buy before the break."

"You know her, if she can't have three new books to read, it wouldn't be a break to her," Ron teased.

"I tell you what," Harry said. "I've got some work to finish but I'll meet you after lunch."

"Work? You mean working with her don't you?" Ginny asked in a slightly annoyed voice.

"You said you'd quit that," Harry said. "I still have Potions work to finish," he honestly added.

"Ok, we'll meet you at 2:00 at the bookstore on the edge of town. I hope they have the new books I want." Hermione said.

"Some wild date you'll be Granger. What are you go going to do at the Valentine Ball, hold a reading session in the corner?" a cold voice said as the Slytherin they all hated stepped around the corner.

"What are you doing here Malfoy," Ron challenged. "This is Gryffindor's area."

"I go where I want Weasel," Malfoy snapped, then turned to Harry. "Don't bother trying to get a date out of your league again Potter. She'll shoot you down like Chang did. You know if Boslav didn't think you could teach her defense she wouldn't have anything to do with you. You're lucky these two don't have a real relationship or you'd be all alone. I suppose Granger's first choice will always be books though."

"Keep walking Malfoy or I may just 'accidentally' try out my Bat-Bogey hex again," Ginny snarled.

Malfoy was obviously bothered but did start walking away, "I may have to miss showing you what a real duel is Potter. But it'll be worth it."

"What'd he mean by that?" Ron asked, still breathing heavily from his anger.

"Those three caught me after I left McGonagall's the other night and he said something about showing the school who was the better dueler," Harry said, still trying to figure out what the Slytherin knew.

"Harry," Hermione scolded. "You need to be more careful. You can't let them get so close to you."

"Harry can handle those three in his sleep," Ginny said, drawing glances from Ron and Hermione.

Still focusing on what Malfoy could have meant, Harry absent-mindedly said, "Yeah, thanks Gin."

His use of that name for her caused her to smile and Hermione quickly picked up on the girl's reaction. "Well let's finish our work so we can leave early in the morning."

The buzz in the Common Room that night was the Hogsmeade visit considering it had been so long since the students had been able to leave the grounds. Harry noticed that Parvati and Lavender seemed to be extra nice to Dean and Seamus that evening. Noticing him watching the girls Hermione whispered, "They're trying to get the boys to ask them to Hogsmeade and then the Ball."

"Why don't they just ask them?" Harry asked.

"Well girls just don't do that," Hermione said, shaking her head at Harry's total lack of understanding about girls.

"Things'd be easier if they would don't you think?" Ron chimed in.

"Yes...well..." Hermione said, giving him a piercing look. "Come to think of it, I don't remember you asking me to go with you."

Ron looked shocked and exclaimed, "I didn't think I had to. Who else would you go with?"

"That's not the point Ron," Ginny quickly said before Hermione got wound up. "It would just be polite to ask."

Ron looked at Ginny and then to the scowl Hermione had and as he was turning red asked, "So...ummm... You wanna go?"

Harry and Ginny snorted in laughter but Hermione simply said, "That would be great Ron. Thanks for asking."

Giving a sly look to his friend Ron asked, "So who are you gonna ask?"

Harry growled at his friend and said, "This isn't like the Tri-Wizard Ball, I don't have to go."

Ron was grinning but Hermione frowned and said, "You need to go Harry. Just find someone you like spending time with and ask her."

"Easy for you to say, you girls don't have to do the asking," Harry replied.

"I did everything other than say the words," Hermione said, raising her eyebrows at Ron.

"C'mon mate," Ron said, trying to change the focus again. "You're're one of the Prophet's most eligible bachelors."

Harry rolled his eyes and said, "Enough thinking about this. I'm heading to bed."

He didn't notice the pained expression on Ginny's face but Hermione understood and said, "Two o'clock tomorrow. You know the bookstore right?"

"I think you've pulled us into every bookstore there is. Of course I know," Harry said with a smirk, as he continued upstairs ignoring the giggles of some of the girls left in the Common Room.

As soon as Harry saw his friends get on the carriage to Hogsmeade, he quickly went to the Room of Requirement where he hoped Kari would already by. The girl wasn't there when he arrived so Harry stepped back out and concentrated on needing a place to practice defense in. After pacing back and fourth three times, he entered and found the room setup in the format he needed. He was only able to practice shields for a few minutes until he heard, "I see you're holding out on me." Harry turned and saw Kari standing with a large bag in her hands. "Don't you think I can handle those?" she asked stepping closer.

"You'd have no problem. I just don't think of them until I need to use them. We can work on those for a bit before getting onto the potion if you want," Harry offered.

The girl set her bag down and said, "You know I dreamt about him last night. I really want to say goodbye."

Harry nodded and said, "I dream about Sirius most nights. I don't care what it takes, I want to do this."

Kari nodded and suddenly sent a stunner at Harry, but his reflexes took over and he easily deflected the curse then sent a Jelly-Legs back at the girl. She had a shield in place and the spell reflected off without doing any damage. For the next hour, the two worked on shields with Kari picking most of them up quickly. Harry enjoyed this and found that showing her the details of the spells helped to reinforce them into his mind.

After a brief rest, the two decided to work on the potion. Kari treated her brother's small journal like it was a priceless treasure and had jerked it back when Harry went to pick it up once. "Sorry," she quickly said. "No one's ever touched it since he died. You can if you want, I trust you."

Harry smiled and said, "That's ok. I know how those things are." He didn't want anyone to touch the mirror Sirius had given him.

The potion didn't look that complicated and Harry asked about it. "Well, it's really just a simple stasis potion that Healer's use," Kari explained. "There's only minor changes to account for the transportation." She scrunched up her face and said, "At least that's what I get from the notes." Harry felt this was too easy and it must have shown in his face because she added, "Of course it wouldn't work without this." Kari pulled a necklace with what looked like a small lump of stone at the end. Seeing Harry's confusion, she mumbled something and tapped the stone with her wand causing it to morph into a glowing blue gem. "It's a life-stone," she explained. "I don't know how Skylar got one; the Department of Mysteries keeps a pretty tight hold on them." She chuckled and added, "Of course he was a Slytherin. It takes the potion and the stone to get you back through the Afterworld Veil....I think..."

"How sure are you about this?" Harry asked, concerned that she didn't seem very confident.

"Skylar's notes said it will work but it just seems so amazing doesn't it? They can step into the Afterworld and come back. It's just hard to believe."

"Yeah well I want to try," Harry firmly said. "What do we need to do next?"

Kari looked at the boy in front of her and seemed to see him in a new light. Harry was totally committed to this and she gained a little confidence from him. The two jumped into making the potion and soon had a simmering cauldron in front of them.

Quite some time later, they were adding some of the final ingredients when three loud 'cracks' broke the soft bubbling sound of their liquid. Looking up, three wide-eyed House Elves were standing near them and then two large ghosts swooped through the wall as well.

"There you is Harry Potter!" Dobby said, looking more relieved than Harry had ever seen the little Elf. "Everyone is looking for Harry Potter."

"What happened Dobby? What's going on?" Harry asked, as Kari quickly stowed the journal in her pocket.

The three Elves looked worried but the Bloody Baron swooped down and said in his commanding voice, "You have to return to your Common Room Mr. Potter. There has been an incident. We're here to escort you."

"Escort me? What incident?" Harry demanded. "Dobby what's happened?"

Dobby started shifting uncomfortably and said, "Dobby is being told not to say anything and to make sure Harry Potter is safe."

"Dobby, you're a free Elf and my friend. What happened?" Harry intently asked.

Dobby seemed to think for a minute and said, "The nasty Dementors attacked Village."

"Elf!" the Bloody Baron exclaimed. "Potter it will be explained to you soon, now we'll escort you back."

"What about Kari?" Harry asked. "If I need an escort than she does too."

The two ghosts looked at each other and then the Baron said, "Mistress Elise and an Elf will see her to the dungeons. Leave now Miss."

"Wait a minute," Kari announced, seeming to come out of her shock. She quickly ladled out some of the Potion into a large jar before casting a suspension charm on it. "It'll keep until I can finish it," she told Harry. "Let me know if you find out what's going on?" she asked, as the small elf started pushing her out of the room.

"Out Potter," the large ghost demanded and once into the hall, Harry saw the commotion of groups of students quickly moving together. "Where'd they attack?" Harry asked, but none of his escorts answered. "Where?" he loudly demanded.

"On the edge of town. Only one building," the Baron said.

Suddenly it hit Harry that he had missed meeting his friends at the bookstore on the edge of town. "Was it the bookstore towards the Shrieking Shack?" The ghost didn't look at him but Dobby was suddenly very nervous. "Dobby, was that what was attacked?"

"Dobby is sorry sir," Dobby said, and then pleaded, "Please, we must make sure Harry Potter is safe."

"No! Was anyone hurt?" None of his escorts answered. "Where are Ron and Hermione? And Ginny?"

"Dobby is sorry. Miss Hermy...."

"Elf!" the Baron demanded, but Harry had quit listening and reversed course and started running towards the Hospital Wing. "Potter get back here!" the Baron called, swooping toward him.

There was a 'crack' and before Harry could change direction, he stumbled over Dobby but jumped right back up. "Dobby I have to see if she's ok," Harry called, running again.

Turning the corner, Harry barged into the Infirmary and instantly saw Ginny sitting on the end of one of the beds looking very pale and eating a large bar of chocolate. He then noticed bushy hair on the next bed and saw Madame Pomfrey pouring some liquid down the girl's throat. Harry skidded to a stop across from the Matron as she barely acknowledged his presence. "Is she ok? What'd they do to her?"

Madame Pomfrey had just looked up when Harry heard a crash and then felt himself being thrown to the side. "You! This is all you're fault!" the enraged voice of the youngest Weasley boy roared. When Harry got his balance again, he saw Ron's fist coming straight for his face. His Seeker reflexes saved him yet again as he dodged to the side causing Ron's momentum to carry him forward, where the larger boy then tripped over Harry's foot and ended up crashing to the floor.

"Mr. Weasley! Control yourself this instant!" Madame Pomfrey exclaimed.

Ron wasn't listening however and pulled himself backup with a rage in his eyes that truly scared Harry. Harry pulled his wand as Ron stalked forward and growled, "What, did you have another vision about an attack and decided stay here where it was safe? You just left us to them didn't you! Where were you?"

Before Ron could get any closer to Harry, there were two large 'cracks' caused by Dobby and Winky appearing between the two. "You shall not harm Harry Potter!" Dobby said in a voice that stunned both boys. Realizing what was about to happen, Ron turned and stormed out of the room.

Harry just watched his friend disappear through the door when a shaky voice said, "He didn't mean it Harry." Turning, he saw Hermione looking deathly pale but sitting up nonetheless.

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed, and quickly stepped next to her. "Ginny," he added, remembering the other girl. "Are you both ok?"

"They'll be fine Mr. Potter," Madame Pomfrey. "They need their rest and I don't want a repeat of that scene from a moment ago."

"Please Madame Pomfrey?" Harry begged. "I promise to just stay a moment."

The woman pursed her lips and strode over to her desk without further comment.

Harry went around to the other side of the bed so he could be between Ginny and Hermione. "Are you ok Ginny?" Harry asked, putting a hand on her arm noticing she felt very cold.

"It was awful," she said, still sounding shaky.

Harry turned and asked, "Hermione?"

"My Patronus wouldn't form," she said sounding regretful. "I stepped up but it wouldn't form."

"It's ok Hermione," Harry comforted. "It's a bunch harder with them around...Eat some more chocolate." Turning he said, "You too Ginny...What happened?'

"We were waiting for you," Ginny softly said, and Harry's heart fell. "Then it seemed to get so cold...."

"And dark..." Hermione offered.

"Then people screamed and we saw them," Ginny continued. "We all tried our Patronus'. Only one worked...A swan I think..." Harry knew Cho's Patronus was a swan. "Then Hermione stepped to the front and tried a couple more times..."

"But it was only a mist," Hermione said through tears. "Then I couldn't move and passed out."

"That's when some of the Auror's showed up," Ginny said. "A Dementor was just about to grab Hermione," the girl added, shaking her head in fear.

"I'm so sorry..." Harry said, trying his best to not cry as well. "Where was Ron?"

"Well he was across the street since he can't stand bookstores," Ginny said. "That's why he doesn't feel as bad. Madame Pomfrey gave him chocolate as well." After a pause she added, "He didn't mean what he said earlier... He's just upset."

"He's right though," Harry sadly said. "They had to be after me. Why else would Dementors come to Hogsmeade?"

"But they wouldn't know where you'd be," Hermione said.

"Malfoy," Ginny hissed. "He heard us talking about meeting you."

Harry thought for a second and said, "He did say he was watching me and that he made sure other people knew."

"What?" Hermione said. "You didn't tell us that."

"Didn't think it was important," Harry said rubbing his head. "I'm so sorry..."

"It's not your fault Harry...Why didn't you meet us though?"

"I was working on a potion and just lost track of time," Harry admitted, before he remembered that he didn't want them to know.

"You were with her!" Ginny exclaimed.

Madame Pomfrey saved him from any further wrath by saying, "Time's up Mr. Potter. Miss Weasley will be leaving before long and Miss Granger should be out by morning. Off with you."

"I'm really sorry..." Harry honestly said, before leaving. He faintly heard Hermione say, "Ron's just upset..." as he left the room.

Harry began wondering without any real direction and then felt something near him. Turning he saw the Bloody Baron and another menacing ghost behind him. "You don't need to follow me. I'm not going to do anything stupid."

"You don't have a good history on those lines," the Baron said. "This is the Black Night," he said, motioning to the large ghost next to him. Harry saw that this ghost was in black armor with the shield pulled down in front of his face.

"Yes well I don't need either of you to follow me," Harry said, and began walking again.

After a moment he heard the Baron say, "Turn left here." Harry stopped and realized where he was. A left turn would take him to the Headmaster's office.

"I don't need to see him," Harry replied.

"No but he would like to see you."

Harry thought about refusing for a minute but realized that he would in fact like to talk to the Headmaster. The Dark Night went through the wall ahead of Harry and the gargoyle moved aside without a password, giving Harry access to the stairs.

"Hello Harry," Dumbledore greeted him through tired eyes as Harry entered the office. Harry didn't say anything and just moved to one of the chairs in front of the desk. "I understand you've seen that your friends are alright."

"Alright! They're not alright. They've been attacked by Dementors," Harry exclaimed, almost letting his emotions get the best of his judgment again. Harry saw the portraits start to move breakable things out of the visible area of their frames.

"But no one was permanently injured," Dumbledore softly said. "However a fourth-year from Hufflepuff was bothered enough that she is as St. Mungo's for care. She will be fine I assure you," the old wizard added, seeing Harry's look of pain. "Your friends tried valiantly to fend them off. Miss Granger put herself directly in their path."

"It should have been me!" Harry exclaimed. "She shouldn't have done that."

"It is obviously not only you that has a ...how was it said... 'thing for saving people'," Dumbledore said, watching Harry's stunned expression. "Miss Granger mentioned she dearly regrets saying that to you. Remember she is a Gryffindor as well."

"They were after me weren't they? I was supposed to be there at that time but got busy and forgot," Harry sadly said.

"I honestly do not know why they chose that time and place to attack but we may know soon. Professor Snape has been summoned to a meeting." After a moment of silence, Dumbledore said, "If they were after you and if it was Voldemort who sent them, then he isn't aware that you can easily handle a dozen Dementors. You drove off many more than that during your third year. He is still underestimating you."

Harry sat in silence with one thought forcing itself to the front. "Ron hates me. He thinks I knew there was going to be an attack and stayed here where it is safe."

A slight twinkle returned to the old man's eyes as he said, "When have you ever willingly stayed where it was safe?" Harry looked up but didn't answer. "I'm sure Mr. Weasley will realize that. We can all be a little ...reactive... where those we love are concerned."

It didn't take much for Harry to agree with the Headmaster since he was himself contemplating something very risky just to see his Godfather again. "I know you feel guilty and that nothing I can say will help much," the Headmaster continued. "However, the vast majority of students look up to you in times like this," the old man raised his hands to stop Harry's coming protest. "Even though you weren't there, they want to see your reaction and it will mold their own. Please try to show them you were proud of how they tried to react and at least have an external appearance of this being another setback for Lord Voldemort. So much of what happens depends on the attitudes and confidence of those involved." After another moment of silence, the Headmaster asked, "Why do you think they knew you'd be at that location?"

Harry recounted all his interactions with Draco Malfoy to the old wizard who didn't react one way or the other to the news. At the end the Headmaster said he would keep those things in mind but didn't say if he agreed with Harry or not.

The Common Room was buzzing with activity when Harry entered some time later. Other than Ginny and Ron, none of them had been near that end of the village and only Ginny was currently in the room trying to answer questions about what happened. Putting on his best face, Harry approached the group and tried to keep telling them that the students that were there had obviously done great, holding off the Dementors until help arrived. They were all begging to work on the Patronus charm at the next D.A. meeting.

It wasn't until late that Ginny and Harry had some time alone in the corner. She saw the look on his face and knew him well enough by now to know what his thoughts were. "No one blames you Harry," she softly said.

Harry tried to smile but replied, "Ron does."

"He doesn't... Not really," Ginny said. "I think he blames himself more than anything but can't go around yelling and trying to punch his own face." Harry gave a slight smile at this. "He wasn't there to help Hermione and he feels terrible about that."

"I know, I wasn't there to help anyone," Harry said with a sigh.

"You can't protect all of us all the time," Ginny said in a calming voice. "Even if you could, we wouldn't want that. We've got to learn to do it ourselves. We don't want to depend on you for our safety."

Harry gave a cold snort and said, "Yeah well you've got no more choice than I do."

"What do you mean by that Harry?" When he didn't answer she asked, "Does this have something to do with why the Order is so protective of you?"

Harry really wanted to talk to someone about the prophecy but just couldn't bring himself to burden one of his friends with it. "You know you're pretty smart," Harry said, trying to smile. "Let's just say that it's clear that Voldemort will never stop coming after me and he's going to use anyone he can to get to me."

"I won't pry Harry," Ginny said. "You've got enough people trying to do that. Just know that I want to help you so if you ever want to talk about stuff, I'm here. I'll even try to control my Weasley temper if need be."

"Thanks Gin," Harry said giving her a shiver at the use of that nickname. "I suppose Ron snuck up to see Hermione?" Ginny nodded. "I'm tempted to go sleep in the Room of Requirement so he won't try to kill me in my sleep but I guess an alarm charm will have to do. Night."

"Night Harry," Ginny said. "Remember I'm here if you want to talk."

"That means a lot," Harry said as he left.

Harry slept fitfully that night. Between the dreams of his Godfather, he was woken up by a burning in his scar that had been absent since he had gotten good at Occlumency. The emotion he felt from the connection was raw rage. Harry assumed it was because of the failed attack and hoped the evil wizard punished some of his followers for it.

Ron's attitude hadn't improved the next day and it started to wear on Harry. He felt guilty enough without Ron blatantly blaming him for Hermione getting hurt. Hermione made every effort to assure Harry that she didn't blame him. She only blamed herself for not being able to do a proper Patronus and Voldemort for calling for the attack. Ron didn't see it like that however. All he saw was that she was hurt and Harry had stayed safe in the castle. Just before Quidditch practice that evening, Hermione came to Harry and asked, "I know you're real busy and everything but do you think you could help me with the Patronus charm? I never want to feel like that again."

"Of course!" Harry quickly agreed. "I'd do anything for you...If it doesn't bother you, you could come to my lesson with Kari and we could do it then. I'm sure she'd want to work on it as well." Harry quickly thought that may have sounded insensitive so he said, "But, if you want to do it privately, I can either cancel my thing with Kari or we could come up with another time."

Hermione genuinely smiled and said, "I don't mind working with her if she doesn't. What's up with you two anyway?"

"I told you, we're tutoring each other," Harry quickly said. "Potions for Defense, we both get something. She says it's very Slytherin."

Hermione chuckled and said, "I suppose it is."

Harry began Quidditch practice by trying to seem upbeat and focused on the task. He quickly acknowledged how badly he performed during the first match and assured them it wouldn't happen again and then went on to point out things he knew the other players did poorly again.

After his mention about how many goals Ron let by, his friend looked ready to kill but Ginny said, "And Ron will actually try to stop something next time. We'll all do better."

Practice went pretty well as long as Harry didn't meet eyes with Ron. The Chasers worked on the few simple moves they had been doing all year but Harry took more of an interest in them and they seemed to do perk up. At the end of practice Harry said, "I'd like the Chasers to stay a few minutes but the rest can go."

After a few groans the four of them were together and Harry said, "Ok, I know I haven't suggested much...well anything useful for you guys but I think I have some ideas if you want to spend a few minutes." The three quickly agreed and Harry diagramed one of the least complex maneuvers from the Puddlemeyer playbook without telling them where it was from.

"That's pretty complicated. Can we do that?" Sally exclaimed.

"Of course you can," Harry said, trying to sound confident. "We just need to work and if you guys want, I can come out with you on other times or we can stay after regular practices. The other team won't be expecting this."

"We can do it," Ginny said. "It looks kind of familiar but way better than our pathetic moves now....Sorry Harry."

"I agree they're pathetic," Harry offered. "I've got a couple more but we've got to get more comfortable with this one first." The three worked together for over an hour until Madame Hooch forced them off the pitch. Surprisingly, by the time they left they had actually managed the move a few times and everyone's spirits were lifted.

The next week in the Common Room, Ginny received a note and brightened noticeably. "You both are invited to the Burrow for Christmas," she said, looking at Hermione and then nodding at Harry who was on the other side of her. "You're staying of course Harry and you can come whenever you can make it Hermione."

"Why didn't she send that to me?" Ron snapped.

"Because I'm the responsible one," Ginny said with a smirk.

"At least as far as she knows," Harry threw in, drawing a scowl from her brother. Seeing that look reminded Harry of how Ron was treating him. Before he thought about what else he had planned for the Holiday he said, "I think I should stay here again this year."

"You can't!" Ginny exclaimed.

Before she could plead anymore, Ron glared and said, "What, is there going to be an attack on the Burrow? Wouldn't want the great Harry Potter to be in any danger would we?"

"Ron!" Both Hermione and Ginny snapped but before they could get in any more words the temperature swiftly changed and Harry's cold voice stopped them.

"I've had enough of you." Just the tone of Harry's voice told the other three that he wasn't kidding and they felt the change around him instantly. The immediate area seemed to grow quite cold. "I'd love to go to the Burrow if you weren't going to be there," Harry added, challenging Ron to comment with his glare. They had gotten loud enough that most of the other students in the Common Room were now watching the exchange. When it became clear that Ron was too stunned to say anything Harry added, "I'd rather spend time with Malfoy than you." With that, Harry turned and stormed up to the dorm only feeling slightly guilty at his outburst. He just didn't need any more confrontations in his life right now, especially from his so called 'best friend'.