Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

The two went into the next room and Harry watched as Dumbledore said a couple charms. "I can't risk this being overheard by anyone," he explained. "Professor Snape was demanding to know if there is any relationship between you in the Veil and Voldemort's distress. I assured him that I didn't know."

Harry couldn't believe the Headmaster directly lied to Professor Snape. It must have shown because he said, "I don't know for sure Harry, I just strongly believe it does. I trust Professor Snape. However his ...feelings for you sometime cloud his judgment. For now we will keep this between the two of us." Harry nodded.

"I think meeting Tom in the veil directly relates to the prophecy," the old man said, making Harry pay close attention. "'Neither shall live while the other lives.' That was a line from the prophecy. I believe that Tom's original attempts at immortality were somewhat successful and when the killing curse backfired on him, a portion of him died. But since not all of him did, part is trapped where you found Sirius."

Dumbledore was silent while Harry thought about this. "Does that mean that some of me is in there as well? I mean I didn't die either."

Dumbledore sighed and said, "I believe so Harry. That could be why you hear the voices and why so many of the Hogwarts' Ghosts and Portraits have an affinity for you. If you had called for yourself, you may have found the one year old Harry Potter." Harry's eyes got huge. "You also have to realize that what you've had so far couldn't count as truly living now could you? And, Voldemort has been thwarted at ever major turn so he isn't succeeding either."

"So if I go back in the veil, maybe I could get him there!" Harry said excitedly.

"You will NOT go back into the veil," Dumbledore firmly said. "I don't believe destroying that version of Voldemort will fulfill the prophecy." He saw Harry's dejected look at added, "However it does give me an idea on how to get help when you need it." Dumbledore smiled at Harry's look and added, "Please let me keep this to myself until I am sure. I trust you not to reveal anything but I don't want to get your hopes up before the time is right."

"Sirius really seems happy," Harry said, after deciding not to get angry with the Headmaster.

"Indeed," Dumbledore added. "He has been given a new lease on life. The Ministry has cleared his name, although I would like him to stay out of the public for some time. It does give us an advantage. Why don't you go enjoy a little more time with him before you return to school."

Harry took the Headmaster's advice and spent the rest of his time away from Hogwarts next to his Godfather. The feeling of having a family returned to Harry and he once again felt that he actually belonged somewhere. It was like all the darkness from the past year had been lifted. Even leaving Sirius and returning to Hogwarts didn't bother him. Harry felt like he could produce the world's biggest Patronus with how happy he was.

Harry begged Professor Dumbledore for permission to send Kari an owl but the Headmaster always refused and said that she knew he was doing fine and he would see her when the students returned. Harry felt guilty about asking her to the ball under such a stressful situation. The remaining few days passed quickly enough, but Harry felt apprehensive about seeing his friends at the station and seeing Kari again without being able to owl her since Christmas.

Pacing at the train station, Harry was waiting on the arrival of students returning from Holiday. Finally, the train groaned to a stop and students began filing off. Harry exchanged pleasantries with those he knew but kept scanning the crowd for his friends and especially for Kari. It was Ron's head above the others that got his attention and then he recognized Hermione and Ginny along side as they made their way to where he was standing.

It was Hermione that noticed him waiting and ran to him but awkwardly stopped before hugging him as she normally did. "Oh Harry," she said, "I'm so sorry...There was nothing in any book that even suggested...."

"It doesn't matter Hermione," Harry cut her off and smiled brightly. "Everything's fine now."

Ginny didn't hesitate and ran up to give him a hug, "I can't believe you brought him back!" she exclaimed. When he released her from the hug she hit his arm and said, "Of course it was a stupid thing to do!"

Harry silently let out the breath he was holding. He had fully expected Ginny to rail at him about sneaking out. Harry didn't notice the way Hermione was closely watching the younger girl. "Yeah well no one's ever accused me of being bright," he joked. "I missed you all."

"You missed a good Christmas mate," Ron said, standing back a few steps.

Harry hadn't totally forgotten all the things Ron said before the holidays but having Sirius back made everything that had happened seem unimportant so he just said, "It was pretty quiet here. I wish you guys could have been around." Ron breathed a sigh of relief that Harry seemed to treat him normally.

Hermione watched the two boys and before she started crying, hugged Harry and said, "I'm so glad you're ok. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come back."

Harry was shocked by the outburst but saw Ron smiling and shaking his head so he hugged Hermione back and said, "I was supposed to be back before anyone noticed I was gone. Bloody Order guarding us."

Hermione let him go and saw a genuinely happy expression on her best friend, one she hadn't seen in a long time. Ginny jumped in and said, "You may need to keep an eye on Bill the next time you see him. He's pretty chaffed about you stunning him." She could see the pain in Harry's face at this so she added, "He'll get over it."

"I can't wait to hear all about it," Hermione said quickly switching to 'research' mode.

"You will tell us won't you?" Ginny questioned, hoping Harry wouldn't keep it all to himself.

He smiled at the girl and said, "Since you kept your promise to not get mad at me, I'll tell."

Ron and Hermione glared at the youngest Weasley, thinking she knew all about Harry's plan. Ginny caught this and said, "Hey I didn't know anything. I just thought he expected to get into another row with Ron! There's no way I would have let him get out of the house if I had a clue what he was planning."

Hermione believed the girl but Ron seem unconvinced. Harry however eyed her with a very curious look but still said, "I didn't tell her anything. No one knew."

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Ron went on to tell Harry how Christmas day was at the Burrow and it almost seemed like the past months of strained relationships had been forgotten. Harry could tell that Hermione was just holding back all the questions she wanted ask and he was just about to tell her that he would answer everything when an annoying voice said, "Why weren't you on the train Potter?"

The four turned to see Malfoy and his two slugs walking toward them. Harry just shook his head, not letting the Slytherin bother him. "Think you're too good to ride with normal students now?" Malfoy questioned.

"You know Malfoy," Harry said still smiling, "If you ever see a Grim you should be very, very afraid."

Ron, Ginny and Hermione started laughing while Malfoy looked on confused. Just then Harry heard his name called. Turning, he saw Kari push Malfoy out of the way and run directly at him. Harry took a couple quick steps and without thinking, the two immediately embraced in a tight hug. Ron, Hermione and Ginny's eyes were shocked to see Harry and the girl hugging.

"I'm so glad you're ok," she exclaimed, clutching him tightly.

Without loosening the hug Harry said, "I'll never be able to thank you for what you did. You're amazing!" Just then the two pulled back a little. Kari gave him an appraising look and pulled Harry into a very firm kiss. It felt like the most natural thing to do and Harry held her even tighter.

Now Harry's friends were just staring with their mouths hanging open. In fact any student who knew Harry at all was looking at him like he was crazy. This was something Harry Potter just didn't do. That fact didn't go unnoticed by Cho Chang who happened to be passing by with her friend Marietta.

"Wow," they said together after ending the kiss. Harry blinked a few times and then said, "I guess you're still willing to go to the ball with me."

"I always keep my end of a deal," she replied, and then lightly kissed his lips. Harry then realized how many people were watching and blushed furiously. "Who cares what anyone thinks," Kari said, as she took his hand and led him back through the crowd.

"He just left us!" Ron exclaimed.

"When did THAT happen?" Hermione asked, still staring wide-eyed at the retreating figure of her best friend.

"Studying potions my bum!" Ginny snapped, and quickly got in the next carriage.

Kari threatened the two first years in a carriage so she and Harry could have one to themselves. "They wouldn't let me owl you or anything," she said still squeezing his arm tightly. "That Tonks woman came and told me that you were going to be fine." Kari hesitated and hugged Harry tightly.

"Dumbledore wouldn't let me send you anything either," Harry said, and then fished around in his pocket and said, "Here, this is yours." He dropped the life-stone into her open hand. "I know this probably means a lot to you."

She stared at the necklace wide-eyed. "This is what brought you back," she softly said, and then put the necklace back around her neck and transformed it back into a non-descript looking stone. "I told my parents about you." She saw the look of shock on his face and added, "Not about what we did, just that I'm going to the ball with you."

Harry relaxed a bit and said, "How'd they take it? They were both Slytherins weren't they?" She nodded and Harry said, "This could really put them at risk."

"They understand and contacted Professor Dumbledore. They decided they couldn't stay neutral this time around," she said proudly. "They want to meet you sometime."

At this moment, that thought worried Harry more than Voldemort did. He was silent for a while and then Kari said, "You're going to have to tell me everything that happened in there."

"I will, I promise," Harry quickly replied.

"And," she said hesitantly, "I have some questions that you need to answer for me." Harry looked worried and she said, "But not today."

Kari and Harry were two of the last students to arrive for the feast that night and Harry didn't want to let go of her hand when they entered. He stood and watched her go to the Slytherin table wondering how they would treat her. Surprisingly a few of the other girls smiled and started asking her questions but Malfoy just sneered and then gave her an evil smirk.

Harry contained his anger, knowing Kari could handle herself and made his way to the Gryffindor table ignoring the looks he was getting. Clapping started as soon as he was close. "Nice show Harry!" Dean exclaimed.

"Looks like you had a good holiday," Seamus joked.

The Gryffindor girls however just scowled at him as he made his way to an open seat next to Neville, just across from Ron and Hermione. "If you've just been studying potions; that seems kind of sudden," Ron said, and it immediately grated on Harry but when he saw Kari talking to her friends and smiling over at her table, all the anger quickly melted.

"I guess having her nearly kill me adjusted my priorities," Harry joked, as he spooned food onto his plate.

Hermione had expected Harry to explode at Ron's insensitive comment but she couldn't tell if he was joking or not with his comment. She wanted nothing more than to hear the whole story from Harry. As soon as Harry set his fork down Hermione quickly said, "Ok, you two have eaten. I want to hear what happened."

"But Hermione," Ron complained, "I'm not finished yet."

"You've had enough Ron," she replied. "C'mon Harry."

Before they had taken a few steps, Harry noticed Ginny wasn't with them and he finally saw her at the far end of the table with some other girls in her class. He caught her eye but couldn't make out her expression. With his head he nodded and then mouthed 'Come on'. She gave him a piercing look but her curiosity at what had happened won over her annoyance with him for leaving them standing and she followed the trio back to the Common Room.

Most of the students were still out so the four easily made it to their normal chairs in the far corner of the room. "Ok, where do you want me to start?"

"How about after you stunned my big brother?" Ginny snapped

Harry knew he deserved that tone and was about to agree when Ron said, "I want to know when you started kissing that Slytherin."

"Ron!" Hermione snapped.

"It's ok Hermione," Harry said. "I'm in too good of a mood tonight for that to bother me. I wouldn't count on it not bothering me again though," he added with a glare at his friend who did look a bit guilty. "Well....honestly we had only been studying potions and working on this plan when we were together. Nothing about seeing each other ever came up. It never even crossed my mind." Ginny gave him a disbelieving look so he added, "I promise! Well, she was just about to stab me ....."

"What?" the three exclaimed.

"Professor Lupin said you stabbed yourself," Ginny said.

"I don't know what Remus told you but I'll tell you the truth. It will make sense when I tell you the whole story but you asked about this part first," Harry said almost with a chuckle at how weird this must sound. "She was just about to stab me with this big piece of wood," he saw their grimacing faces and added, "She did cast a numbing charm on me." Ron rolled his head. "It just came to me that I 'd been afraid to ask anyone to the ball and what with I was about to do, figured I didn't have anything to lose so I asked her to the ball and she kissed me," Harry said thinking, "It just happened."

"Fine, now tell us the whole story," Ginny said still looking annoyed.

After finally getting through the whole story, leaving out the part about seeing Voldemort, even Ginny had gotten back to talking to him in an almost normal tone. "I can't believe you saw your dad," she said softly.

"I should have called my mom earlier. I only got a glimpse but she was beautiful," Harry sighed. "She had long red hair and really fair skin," he added with a far away look. Then he glanced at Ginny as if seeing her in a different light.

"But how did you even think you could bring Sirius back?" Hermione questioned, looking totally lost.

"I didn't really think about it. Magic didn't work there and I just couldn't kill him with my hands," Harry said very softly. "When I knew the stone was about to pull me out I just grabbed him."

"And where did you get the life-stone? They are really rare and tightly controlled. And how did you know it would work?" Hermione asked, studying him intently.

"That's not my secret to tell," Harry said with an apologetic look.

"And Sirius is really fine?" Ginny, who had been silent since the story ended asked.

"The twins said it was the best thing they've ever seen when he slugged Snape," Ron laughed.

"It was brilliant," Harry agreed.

Harry couldn't remember being in a better mood over the next couple days. He and Kari still studied Potions and practiced Defense but they also found time to just walk around the lake and talk. Harry entered his first Potions class since the Holiday without any worries. Snape didn't say a word to him throughout the class but once it was over the man said, "Potter stay after."

His friends gave him a sympathetic look while Harry started wondering what this was about. Once the other students left, Snape shut the door, rounded on Harry and said, "The Dark Lord found out how much you have learned from the duel within hours. This was worse than letting him into your mind. Your arrogance and ego has just told him how much you have learned."

Harry gritted his teeth and calmly said, "I'm sure that was your intention...sir. But he didn't find out how much I've learned."

"Blame everything on someone else Potter. That seems to be your style. And I know first hand that he does indeed know how much you've learned."

"I didn't show everything I've learned...sir," Harry said with a smirk. "And why else would you have challenged me if it wasn't to let him see? You had to know I wouldn't just fall down."

"Yes, you're ego is so easy to use," the man said. Harry could tell his attitude was slightly different than normal. After a moment of silence he said, "I want to know exactly what happened in the Veil."

"Sir?" Harry asked, not expecting that question.

"The Veil Potter! What happened?" Snape asked glaring at Harry.

"Just what I told Professor Dumbledore," Harry said not understanding why Snape was asking about this.

"I want to hear it from your own mouth Potter," the Professor replied. "You're not telling the whole story."

"I've told everything," Harry snapped.

"Listen boy!" Snape exclaimed taking a step forwards. Harry instinctively dropped his hand to where his wand was stored. Snape caught this and smirked, "Are you going to attack me Potter?" When Harry just glared he continued, "Do it. I'll finally have you out of here."

Harry fought with everything he had to keep control of his emotions and his voice cracked as he said, "I can't say anything about the Veil....Sir."

"You may have everyone fooled Potter. They think you're the great savior of our world but I don't believe in fairy tales. You'll be no use in the struggle and until everyone else sees this you'll continue to get people killed for no reason."

"Then convince them!" Harry exclaimed. "Maybe they'll leave me alone." After a moment Harry added, "But I still can't say anything about the Veil."

"So like your father," Snape scowled, turning back to his desk. "You think you're unbeatable. You'll end up just like him."

Having seen his father and come to grips with the failings Harry had learned of him, he replied, "I don't have a problem with that anymore. You're the only one who has anything bad to say about him."

"I won't put my future in your hands Potter," Snape spat. "Get out of my sight."

Harry quickly left the dungeon trying to figure out why Snape was pushing to find out what happened. Professor Snape was someone Harry always hated the man and never fully thought he was working against Dumbledore but lately Harry didn't know anymore. 'Could a schoolboy feud cause him to switch sides?' Harry wondered in his mind as he wondered the corridors.

That night Harry told Hermione and Ron about his confrontation with Professor Snape. "He is out teacher Harry," Hermione pointed out. "Why didn't you just tell him? It's not like he doesn't know already."

"Snape doesn't tell me anything. Why should I do what he wants?" Harry snapped.

"He's on our side Harry," Hermione said, but Ron didn't look too sure.

"I wouldn't bet a galleon on it," Ron said, drawing a surprised look from Hermione. "I know you think Dumbledore trusts him and that makes him on our side," Ron said and surprisingly Hermione seemed to be listening. "But does it though? Maybe Snape's playing both sides to see who's winning."

"That's what I've been wondering," Harry said, causing Ron to beam.

"Yeah," Ron added bolstered by Harry's agreement, "that'd be like the slimy git. He's probably been feeding V...You-Know-Who information ever since he came back."

"Ok listen," Hermione finally said. "I'll admit he's not the nicest to us and act's like his biggest wish is for Harry to ..well you know." She added with a sympathetic look at Harry. "But he is a member of the Order...."

She was cut off by Harry saying , "And one of Voldemort's Death Eaters. Remember, he has to run whenever he's called."

"He's in the inner circle on both sides," Ron added. "How do you know which one is real?"

"Dumbledore's not perfect Hermione," Harry firmly said.

"Ok Harry," Hermione said, "I know you have issues with Professor Dumbledore but I trust his judgment. However, maybe it is better to be careful around Professor Snape."

"Works for me," Ron said smiling at his girlfriend.

"I'll go with that but I don't trust him," Harry said. The three sat around talking about their classes and Harry went to be feeling extremely happy that he was on good terms with his friends again.

The next morning the Daily Prophet had a headline that everyone except the Slytherins thought was good news:

Fudge Out - Bones In

Cornelius Fudge was formally removed from office after a vote of no-confidence. The nearly unanimous vote reflects the community's opinion of the man who labeled Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore liars, and hid the fact that You-Know-Who had returned.

Almost immediately, Madame Amelia Bones was elected as the new Minister of Magic by an overwhelming majority. Madame Bones had the public support of Albus Dumbledore. It has also been rumored that Harry Potter supported Madame Bones, even though she was on the panel that tried him for Underage Use of Magic when Harry defended himself and saved his Muggle cousin from the Dementors that Undersecretary Umbridge sent to destroy him.

Minister Bones expressed her desire to work with any within the Wizarding Community and even with other races to present a united front against You-Know-Who. Already we at the Prophet are optimistic with the new direction of our leaders.

All of Fudge's appointees have been removed from office, replaced by Madame Bones' picks.

"It's about time!" Harry exclaimed.

"She did treat you fairly," Hermione added, watching Harry beam but noticed Ron's odd expression. "What's wrong Ron?"

"I know he's been a royal git and all. Especially to you," Ron said, nodding at Harry. "But I wonder what Percy's going to do. The Ministry was his whole life."

Harry held every comment he wanted to make in check, not wanting to spoil the goodwill that was back between him and Ron.

"He'll be ok," Ginny said. "Dad will find him something. His biggest worry will be what the twins do to him."

Things for Harry were on a roll for the next few days. The Chasers were picking up the new plays easier than he expected which made the entire Quidditch team optimistic. There was even a change in Potions. Professor Snape didn't even acknowledge Harry's presence in the room, never said one word to him and didn't look up when Harry handed in his potions. Harry wished his past five years had been like this.

Kari and Harry had continued studying Potions with the only difference being how close they sat near each other. He had told her every detail of what happened in the Veil except for meeting Voldemort. He tried to describe exactly how Skylar had looked and acted and could tell she now regretted not going in as well.

That night Harry went to sleep without any negative feelings at all. However, his lack of thoughts about Voldemort contributed to him not doing his Occlumency exercises and he was soon dreaming through Voldemort's eyes.

"The time is right my friends," Voldemort said to a gathering of Dementors. "This area is yours for the next hour. Feast....Soon you will have no limits on your desires."

The creatures screamed and glided to the quiet neighborhood causing it to turn dark. There was horrible screams from inside the houses, causing Harry to start tossing and turning. His view changed from being in Voldemort's eyes as the evil wizard seemed to look directly into his eyes and in a laughing voice said, "Good of you to finally join me Harry. Enjoy the show. This is just the beginning. Soon the rest will join me and I will personally see to your death." Voldemort gave an evil cackle and Harry snapped awake dripping in sweat.

Pulling out the journal, Harry wrote down every detail he could think of and then softly closed the cover. 'I had almost forgotten about him,' he thought. 'I can't forget. The longer he's around the more people will die.' Harry's thoughts turned to his girlfriend and how much she was risking by being close to him.

It was reported that morning that almost 50 Muggles had been kissed by the Dementors. Ministry Aurors had arrived within half an hour driving the creatures off before any more innocent people could be attacked.

Walking almost in a daze by the lake after supper, Kari's irritated voice got his attention, "You just blowing me off?"

"What?" Harry asked and then realized what he had done. "Of course not. I'm sorry," he added taking her hand. "It's just those attacks. I was thinking."

"I know the attacks are bad but why are you taking it like this?" she asked, her agitation receding.

Harry studied her for a second and said, "Let's sit down, I should explain." For the next thirty minutes he went through how he sometimes saw through Voldemort's eyes and felt the evil Wizard's emotions.

Kari sat in silence listening to him and when he was finally done she said, "You know that would bite. I guess you get a pass for keeping me waiting." Her attitude was not at all what Harry had expected. He half expected her to think he was crazy. She didn't seem to think poorly of him or take pity on him. "Just don't let it happen again," she added with a fake evil glare.

"I'll do my best," Harry replied now smiling.

The two sat in silence until Kari asked, "I told you after the holiday that you needed to answer some questions for me. Think you can do it?"

'This is it,' Harry thought. If she asked certain questions and he answered truthfully, she would bolt, he just knew it. "I owe you big time so I'll answer whatever you want."

"Ok then," she said looking intently. "What's this about you being the one to kill You-Know-Who?" she asked firmly.

Harry's eyes just got huge at the direct question. As much as his normal instincts told him to make something up, he wanted desperately to tell her so he said, "It's true. It all starts with this," he said lifting up his bangs to show his scar. Kari listened quietly as Harry told her about the prophecy and that he's supposed to have the power to destroy Voldemort. All the while he was telling the story; Harry felt this would probably be the last conversation he had with the girl.

Once he was done, Kari was very silent, just staring out over the lake. Harry took this as a sign that his concerns were coming true so he wasn't surprised when she said, "Well I suppose you know what this means."

With the feeling of loneliness sweeping back in Harry didn't look at her when he said, "Yeah."

After another moment of silence she said, "I guess now's as good a time as any."

"Whatever you say," Harry said sounding dejected. "You know I'm still glad you hung out with me for a while. It was nice to get to know you."

"What are you talking about Potter?" Kari asked.

"You're breaking up with me," Harry said. "I figured you would as soon as you found out. It wasn't a surprise."

Harry could tell right away that was the wrong thing to say. The girl's features hardened considerably. "If there was any reason to break up it would be that you thought so little of me that I would bail just because of what you told me," she snapped. "I meant that now's a good time to get back to practicing defense."

"What?" Harry exclaimed. "After what I just told you? How can you stay around me?"

"I'm a Slytherin Potter. If we pick sides, we always try to pick the winning one. My bet is that you and Professor Dumbledore will wind up standing at the end," she confidently said as Harry just stared at her. "Besides," she continued, "you're not half bad to hang around."

"You're something Boslav," Harry said, not quite believing how she had taken the news. "And you're really ok with this?"

"This is a war," she firmly said. "It's going to be bad either way but I'm not willing to walk away from this just because you're going to play a big part." After a pause she added, "It's not like it's that big a surprise anyway. Everybody with half a brain knows something's up with you and him. At least this is better than the rumor that you're his son."

"That I'm what?" Harry exclaimed.

"Your friends must shield you from all of that," she said now smiling again. "Let's see," she started counting on her fingers, "You're You-Know-Who's kid... You're Dumbledore's great-grandson or something.... I actually could have bought that one...You-Know-Who is after you because he thinks you're going to be the next Dark Lord."

"You're kidding!" Harry said not believing people were saying these things.

"Not at all," she said, taking his hand and leading him back to the castle. "By the way, how did the rest of the Dream Team react when you told them?"

"They don't know," Harry said, and was surprised when his arm was jerked back.

Kari had stopped and was just staring at him. "They don't know?" Harry shook his head. "Have you told anyone?" she asked looking totally amazed.

"Just you," Harry said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Wow," she said studying him. "You didn't think they'd bail on you did you?" The look on Harry's face told her that he did think that.

"Either that or they'd put themselves in more danger because if it," he threw in.

"You've got some real issues, you know that," she said as the two fell into step. "Nothing we can't deal with though," she added, squeezing his hand.

The morning of the Gryffindor/Slytherin Quidditch match had the whole school anxious.

These matches had shown some of the fiercest action over the years. The new Gryffindor members were very nervous at breakfast and even Ron and Ginny seemed anxious. "C'mon guys they're nothing. You've got those plays down pat," Harry said, still riding his high from the holidays.

"They're so much bigger," Sally said looking pale.

"But you're faster and smarter," Hermione said to the girl.

Harry noticed Kari get up to leave, giving him a look. "I'm going to go for a walk guys," he announced standing up.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Ron snapped. "You know what she did last time."

"Yeah, she told me we could talk to Snuffles last time," Harry threw back, forgetting he hadn't told them that's what had happened. "I don't think something like that's going to come up again. I'll be on time."

She was waiting for him just outside and the two quickly fell into step heading toward the lake. "So who are you rooting for?" Harry asked.

"I'm Slytherin through-n-through, Potter," she quickly said. "But you do have certain qualities.... How about Slytherin to win but you to get the snitch."

"I'd rather Gryffindor win and let Malfoy have the snitch," Harry quickly said.

"Gryffindors," she said shaking her head. "I'll never understand you lot? I'm sticking to my pick."

The two had just reached the spot they had claimed as there own when they both heard a rustle in the bushes and something large came charging out. "Harry!" Kari exclaimed as a large black beast jumped, knocking Harry to the ground. Quickly pulling her wand, she said a spell that caught the creature on the hindquarters, causing it to yelp as a large tuft of fur sailed into the air.

She was just about to send another curse when Harry jumped up, put up a shield and said, "Don't!"

The great black dog sat, licking the minor wound as Harry quickly walked to it. "What are you doing?" Kari asked.

"You deserved that you know," Harry said when he got to the dog.

Suddenly, the dog morphed into a person Kari had only seen on wanted posters before. She was too stunned to say anything but Sirius continued to rub his backside and spoke up. "Ok stabbing my Godson was bad enough but shooting me in the arse is way over the line." His robes had a slight tear but the mark wasn't too bad.

"You're an animagus! That's why you weren't caught," Kari said, stepping closer to Harry.

"An illegal animagus," Harry proudly added with a smile. "Kari Boslav, meet Sirius Black."

Kari slowly extended her hand as did Sirius. The two seemed to be eyeing each other very closely. "I don't know if I should thank you or curse you for stabbing him," Sirius said in a cold voice.

"You're safer thanking me. Harry's taught me quite a few tricks already," she replied in an equally cold voice.

Sirius stepped back shaking his head. "Isn't anyone afraid of me anymore? I can't believe I've lost it." Harry started laughing as Sirius turned back to Kari and said, "I really owe you."

"Seeing how much happier Harry is now is good enough for me," she said, taking Harry's hand.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, clearly happy having the two people that made him the happiest around.

"The match! I want to see you wipe the pitch with those slimy, worthless pieces of..."

Harry coughed and Sirius saw how Kari was looking at him so he threw in, "present company excluded of course."

"You really need to send him to training," Kari said to Harry, causing Sirius to give her a strange look.

"It's ok if you're seen now?" Harry asked, ignoring their comments.

"I could if I wanted but it'll be less of a distraction if I stay as Snuffles," he replied.

Seeing the confusion on her face Harry said, "Snuffles...you know the dog..." Kari chuckled.

"You don't think it fits?" Sirius quickly asked, giving a hurt look.

"So where are you going to be?" Harry questioned, shaking his head.

"Just around. I'll try to find a decent spot."

"Can you climb the stands?" Kari asked.

Sirius gave her a condescending look and said, "I'm not some little yipper. Of course I can climb."

"Well come sit with me," she offered, and drew amazed looks from the two men. "What? If we're going to hang around together Potter, I might as well get used to the mutt," she said with a slight smile.

Harry wondered how Sirius would take this but the man said, "You know what Harry? I don't think she's half-bad...for a Slytherin." It lifted Harry to hear his Godfather say that.

"You should get going," Kari said. "I don't want the Weasel King to blame something else on me."

"Try to behave yourself Sirius. I'll see you both after the match," Harry said.

"Only for a minute," Kari replied, "I'll have to get to our victory celebration."

The team was standing outside the pitch getting ready for the start when Hermione came down and pulled Harry, Ron and Ginny to the side. "Harry," she said breathing hard from running, "Is that Snuffles over there?" She pointed to the front row of the Slytherin side and Harry saw the big black dog sitting happily with its paws on the railing next to Kari.

He laughed but Ron said. "He's setting on their side!"

"She knows about Snuffles?" Ginny angrily asked.

"Listen," Harry said, watching to make sure the rest of the team weren't listening, "they just met. He was going to just prowl around and watch but she offered. He'll root for us. As much as he can as a dog."

"Ok team," Harry said getting them focused. He saw Hermione kiss Ron on the cheek and slip off. "They play dirty but we're better. Ron, you've seen them before so just don't let them get to you. Beaters...You need to hit them hard because that's what they're trying to do to us. Chasers...You've got those plays down. They won't know what hit them. And I'll keep my mind on the game."

They all put their hands in a circle and said, "Go Gryffindor!"

The first half hour of the match had been as one-sided as anyone could remember. Harry's new attitude made a huge impact on the rest of the team. With him flying like no one had seen before, the Chasers fed off his energy and were having their way with the Slytherins. Gryffindor was up 200-30. The Gryffindor Chasers had only failed on two scoring runs, keeping the other team totally confused by their moves. Slytherin had only gotten five shots on goal and Ron stopped two of them.

Slytherin had been so flustered by the Gryffindor plays that they couldn't even pull any of their normal dirty tricks. This had made Malfoy furious and as he was yelling at the team to get dirtier, the snitch appeared just behind the tail of his broom. Harry instantly saw it and in a streak, flew straight at the blonde. Draco must have seen the wide-eyed expressions on his teammates and turned just as Harry grabbed the snitch and continued as a black-blur off to the side.

Glancing at the Slytherin tower, Harry thought Snuffles was going to jump over the railing. He also saw Kari shake her head at the dog but give a smile to Harry as he flew by.

After a quick shower, Harry walked to where Kari and Snuffles were standing but just before he got there he heard, "Mark my words Potter. That's the last bit of good luck you're going to have."

Before Harry could reply, Snuffles had jumped from behind Kari and started growling at the Slytherin boy. Draco's eyes were huge as he started backing up. Tripping over his own feet, he fell flat on his back and whimpered as the huge dog barred its teeth and growled.

"Remember my 'pet' Malfoy?" Harry asked, clearly enjoying this. "You know the one you said I lost last year."

Malfoy didn't take his eyes off the dog but stammered, "Th..Th..That's impossible."

"Then maybe this is really a Grim," Harry said. "C'mon Snuffles he's not worth it."

With a loud bark, Snuffles turned and walked away with Harry back to where Kari was standing. When the three were hidden from easy view Sirius changed and said, "At least someone still cowers in fear."

"Maybe it was just your breath," Kari calmly said raising an eyebrow.

"You're going to fit in just fine," Sirius joked back. "Kari would you mind if I spoke to Harry for a few minutes?"

"No problem," she quickly replied, "I need to try and put the loss out of my mind anyway. Later Potter."

"Bye," Harry said, watching her walk away.

"Earth to Harry," Sirius joked, noticing the way his Godson just watched the girl leave.

"Shut up Sirius," Harry replied, blushing a bit.

"I wanted to talk to you about something else," Sirius said, and Harry could tell he wasn't playing around. "If you want, I could be around Hogsmeade more often so I'd be there if you need me."

At first this sounded great to Harry but he caught a flash of something in Sirius' tone that made him realize his Godfather may not be happy with that arrangement. "Don't you like Headquarters anymore?"

"Ah, the house is fine. Actually Moony and I have made great progress turning it into someplace I actually want to be. I just thought that after all you went through, I should be around here."

"Listen Sirius," Harry said, "I'd love to see you more often but then you'd just feel trapped in Hogsmeade instead of at Headquarters." Harry stopped his Godfather's reply and added, "I didn't go through all that for you to be unhappy. I want you to go do what makes you happy. We'll owl each other and I'll see you a bunch this summer. If you don't do anything stupid we'll have plenty of time."

Harry could tell Sirius was torn between what he really wanted to do and what he thought was best for Harry. "If you're sure," he said watching Harry closely.

"I'm sure."

"Well then Remus is going on a mission and I thought I'd join him if you don't need me around."

A small part of Sirius' comment slightly annoyed Harry. "Don't take this the wrong way Sirius because I couldn't be happier you're back but I can take care of myself. I'll be fine. Maybe if you two are together you can keep each other out of trouble." After a quick pause he added, "More likely Remus keeping you out of trouble but whatever."

"Hey!" Sirius exclaimed. "I've pulled Moony out of plenty of situations, I'll tell you that."

"Yeah, but you probably got him into them to begin with," Harry said laughing, and was quickly joined by his Godfather.

"Ok, I'll go to keep him in line. Do you still have that mirror I gave you?" Sirius asked.

Harry winced at the thought of the mirror. "I broke it," he admitted. "I didn't even open it until after you...you know. I didn't want to bother you with school stuff while you were hiding."

"You would have never been a bother to me," the man softly said. "Do you still have the pieces?" Harry nodded. "Well send them to me and I'll see if we can get it working before Moony and I leave."

"I'll send Hedwig tonight," Harry quickly said, anxious to have a good way to communicate with his Godfather.