Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

The day before the Valentine Ball finally arrived and it seemed that girls were always in groups talking amongst themselves. Harry and Ron were sitting in the corner watching them. This reminded Harry how things used to be between the friends but had been very rare lately. With both of them having girlfriends and especially with Harry's being from a different house, they didn't spend as much time together as they used to.

"What do you suppose they're talking about?" Ron asked. "Looks like they're up to no good."

Harry chuckled and said, "I don't think we're meant to know." Ginny just came through the portrait hole and made for the group of girls. "So Ginny's going with Martin huh?"

"Yeah," Ron said with a scowl. "Hermione won't tell me much about him. How good can he be though, he's a Hufflepuff. He just better watch his hands."

Even at breakfast the next morning, all the Gryffindor girls were still sitting together at one end of the table. Glancing at the Slytherin table, Harry noticed Kari and 3 other girls sitting together but obviously in a different group than most of the girls from that house. Silently, Harry wondered if that was all the girls who didn't side with Voldemort.

A flock of owls signaled mail time and Harry picked up the Daily Prophet while Ron was reading his other mail. Seeing the headline he said, "Ron, look at this!"

Spies in the Ministry: How deep did You-Know-Who's Reach Go?

A massive sting operation was carried out last night. The new Administration suspected infiltration into the Ministry ranks and began planting false information weeks ago. The culmination of that operation began last night when Terry Wizenat, the Minister of Finance was arrested and accused of being a spy for You-Know-Who. Wizenat was appointed by Cornelius Fudge on the recommendation of Lucius Malfoy, an escaped Death Eater.

Six high-level posts were abandoned once word of the sting got out and that the Ministry was using vertiserum to question department heads. The Ministry is keeping those names under wraps, but Aurors are on the alert to bring them in for questioning.

"I think I like Minister Bones," Harry said, after reading the article. "She's really doing something."

"Wonder if they questioned dad?" Ron wondered out loud.

Harry saw a lot of the Hufflepuffs questioning Susan Bones but all she seemed to be able to do was shrug. She didn't seem comfortable in that position and understood how she felt.

After quickly finishing his meal, Harry was waiting for Kari outside the Great Hall when Susan hurried out looking frenzied. "How are you handling it?" Harry asked startling the girl.

Susan almost snapped at him but when she realized it was Harry; she softened and said, "I wish they'd leave me alone. They think I know everything."

Harry laughed and said, "I bet they'll get used to it and go back to treating you normal."

"Hasn't seemed to happen for you yet," she replied looking sad.

Harry shrugged and said, "You know I think she's doing a brilliant job though. She'll make a big difference."

"Me too," Susan said smiling. "She wants to meet you sometime?"

"Me? Why?"

Susan chuckled and said, "Because silly, you and Professor Dumbledore are they only people most of the community believes anymore. They like my Auntie but still aren't sure whether to trust anyone in the Ministry or not." Harry grimaced. "Besides, the only time you've met her was at a trial where the Ministry set you up. You should see what she's really like."

Harry thought and said, "You know I think I'd like that." "So you're going to the ball with Neville."

Susan blushed a bit and said, "Yeah. He asked me straight away."

"He's come a long way," Harry said smiling back.

"Having people believe in you makes all the difference. I've gotta go," she added as she walked away.

"Getting points with the Minister's niece....how very Slytherin," Kari teased, coming up behind Harry. "Maybe there's hope for you yet."

The two moved outside to the steps hand-in-hand when Harry asked, "What are you going to do after leaving Hogwarts?"

"My father owns an international trading company and I'd like to take it over one day so I'll either go to work there or something in the Ministry to make contacts," she replied. "You?"

"I thought about being an Auror," Harry said but her chuckle stopped him from continuing. "What's so funny?"

"Somehow I just don't see that."

"I can make it. I'd be a good Auror," Harry said sounding slightly irritated.

"Whoa, down..." Kari joked. "I'd say you could make it today but just don't see you lasting in that job." She saw his confused face and said, "Listen, you're 'The-Boy-Who-Lived'." Harry started to protest so she said, "For better or worse you are. With the current batch of Aurors, you've already faced more Death Eaters than most. And you kind of have an 'authority issue' so I can't see you taking orders from some political pinhead.

"Besides, once you kick You-Know-Who's arse why stop at being an Auror? You'll be able to just take over the Minister's job."

Now Harry laughed and said, "There's no way I'd be elected."

Kari shook her head and said, "You'd stand a good chance right now but once you're 'The Boy Who Kicked Butt' you could just take over the Ministry. Who's going to argue?"

Harry couldn't tell if she was kidding or serious but a voice stopped him from wondering. "Who's going to take over the Ministry?" Ron anxiously questioned as he and Hermione walked up. Hermione had been making more of an effort to talk to the Slytherin girl.

Not wanting any argument Harry started saying, "Oh it was....."

"I was just telling Harry that once he deals with You-Know-Who that he could just take over the Ministry. Just walk in, tell the current Minister he wants the job," Kari firmly said. Now Harry thought she was being serious and hoped she wouldn't say anything about the prophecy.

Ron just glared at the girl but Hermione found her voice and said, "Well Harry won't be dealing with Voldemort. He'll leave that up to Professor Dumbledore and the Ministry." She now looked firmly at Harry and said, "Won't you Harry?"

"It's not like I've gone off looking for him before you know," Harry said.

"Besides," Hermione quickly added, "he's going to be an Auror. Right Harry?"

Kari chuckled and this made Harry laugh. His friends were looking at him strangely when he explained, "I'm not so sure anymore. Someone pointed out that I have an 'issue with authority'...among others."

"But Harry," Ron said, "we're going to the Academy together."

"I'll probably still go through the training no matter what," Harry said, taking Kari's hand in his.

"Then you can take over the Ministry," she threw in.

Harry could see that Hermione was biting her tongue and holding back a comment so he said, "All that's a long time away." Without thinking he added, "I may not make it that long."

That was the wrong thing to say as all three rounded on him with Hermione saying, "Harry!"

"Don't you ever say that again Potter," Kari scolded, poking him in the chest quite firmly. "You'll make it and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure of it."

It struck a cord how convinced she sounded and Harry quickly said, "I can live with that deal."

"Good," Kari added, "and you know I always keep my end of a deal."

Hermione watched the exchange and began to think she may have to re-evaluate her opinion of the Slytherin girl and her impact on Harry. "So," Hermione said trying to change the subject, "are you going get Harry on the dance floor?"

"Of course," she confidently said to the shock of Harry.

"I told you...."

"Yes...yes...you can't dance. If you'll remember, I'm decent with numbing charms. I'll just use a couple on my feet," she smirked at him.

"What about you Ron? Have you two been practicing?" Harry asked, trying to get Ron into the conversation.

"One song. A short, slow one," he said with a glare at Hermione.

Ron and Harry spent the morning of the ball making fun of the girls in their house. Even Quidditch practice had been a disaster because the girls on the team couldn't concentrate on flying. The two boys had finally settled into a chess match in the corner as most of their housemates scurried around in frenzy about one thing or the other. "Aren't you nervous about your first ball with Hermione?" Harry asked just as Ron checkmated his king.

"Why should I be nervous? We're only going to dance for one song. I can do that," the boy replied after clearing the board.

"You really think she'll let you get away with only one dance?" Harry asked and saw Ron look at him intently. "Mate," Harry said shaking his head, "apart from you I probably know her the best and there's now way she's going to go along with only one dance at this thing. You remember her at the Tri-Wizard ball and she only liked Krum as a friend." Seeing Ron suddenly become worried Harry added, "You're up for five or six trips to the floor easy."

"B...b...but she said only one short one," Ron snapped.

"If you say so," Harry said laughing. "Hermione seems to have a way to get me to do whatever she wants and I would imagine she has more ways to exert pressure on you."

Ron started to look nauseous and said, "Well what about you? You've got to dance too."

"Well the difference is that I already know Kari would kick my arse if I don't dance so I've kind of given up. You however seem to have some delusion that you have any say so on what happens tonight," Harry replied seemingly resigned to his fate this night.

Ron studied him for a second and said, "How are you ok with this? I mean you've not the same since she's been around."

Harry almost snapped at his friend but calmly said, "I don't feel the same since we got together. At first it was really just a deal, you know Potions help for Defense. But somehow it became more about spending time with her and I didn't realize it until the Holiday." After a second he added, "She just treats me normally. She doesn't care about all the stuff that goes along with me. I trust her."

Ron grimaced and then said, "We don't care about the other stuff either."

Harry quickly spoke up before Ron could continue," You do too Ron. Listen, I don't want to get into it but this year hasn't been good for us. You cared back in fourth year and early this year both you and Hermione did treat me differently." After an uncomfortable pause he added, "You two are together and that means we can't be the same anymore." Seeing the hurt look on his friend's face he said, "That's not a bad thing though. You're still my best friend and like my brother and Hermione is like my sister, it's just different now." After a very uncomfortable couple of minutes Harry said, "C'mon let's join the rest and get ready."

The boys were changing and joking back and forth when Dean said, "So Harry maybe you'll get a chance to see the Slytherin Common Room tonight?"

Before Harry could joke back Ron said, "Oh, we saw that second year." Then the boy realized what he said and just stared at Harry who was blankly looking back. They turned to see the other three Gryffindor boys looking wide-eyed at them.

"You're kidding right?" Seamus asked as the others just stared.

Ron still looked worried but Harry suddenly broke out laughing and said, "Oh you should have seen us setting there talking to Malfoy." This brought even more strange looks from the boys and Ron was looking at Harry like he was crazy. "What? Of course we looked like Crabb and Goyle at the time."

Now Ron started smiling thinking about what had happened and he joined into telling the other boys what had happened. This passed enough time that they finally got serious about getting ready. Harry noticed Ron pulling out his dress robes and asked, "New robes?"

Ron seemed to get a bit red and said, "I did some -product testing- for the twins this summer to make extra money."

"You let them test their stuff on you?" Harry asked thinking Ron was smarter than that.

"They're past the stage where anything's dangerous," Ron said shrugging. "I started thinking about...you know...her and knew I needed some new things."

"She wouldn't have cared about any of that," Harry said, knowing how Ron felt about money.

"Yeah, I know. But I would," Ron said firmly.

Harry had just pulled his dress robes on when Ron said, "Whoa now those are wicked."

"Tonks picked them out," Harry said thinking about that day in the shop and how Kari told him to keep them as well. Looking at the robes now Harry was amazed that he wasn't more nervous about this ball. He hated the thought of the Tri-Wizard ball but now he was very anxious to go. "I'll see you guys down there," he said making his way to the door.

"You sitting with us mate?" Ron asked before he made it out.

Harry hadn't thought about that. Kari probably wouldn't want to sit at a table of Gryffindors and he wasn't sure he felt comfortable sitting at the Slytherin table. Seeing his hesitation Dean joked, "He's got to check with the boss first."

Harry gave a half-hearted laugh and said, "I'm sure we'll be moving around a lot."

The two had agreed to meet near the passage to the kitchens and Harry quickly realized they should have picked someplace else. This was directly on the path many students were taking to the ball and it seemed everyone was staring at him as he paced back and forth waiting for the girl. Looking up after many back and forth walks Harry saw Kari standing near the wall just watching him. She was dressed in a pitch black robe trimmed in silver beading. Her top under the robe was also a soft silver fabric that gracefully came together in a V. Harry always knew the girl was pretty but honestly hadn't thought much about her looks before. Seeing her dressed like this pointed out just how pretty she was.

Kari saw the look Harry was giving her and smiled brightly sensing what he may be thinking. "I take it you approve," she said, starting to walk toward him. When she made this motion and her robe began to move, Harry saw it shimmer green and knew it was made of the same fabric as his robe but charmed green instead of red. He also saw she was wearing high heels that put her slightly taller than him.

"You look great," Harry said a bit more enthusiastically than he intended, causing him to blush. Trying to recover he said, "Nice robes."

"Thanks," she said reaching Harry. Without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. Harry still wasn't quite used to just being able to kiss her whenever he felt like it. "I couldn't have a Gryffindor dressing better than me now could I?" she teased. "I asked my mom to get them since I was pretty sure what you'd be wearing."

"Don't you think we'll clash? You know green and red," Harry teased back taking her hand as the two started down the hall, ignoring the looks the other students were giving them.

Without looking Kari said, "You should know by now that I don't care what anyone thinks. But if you want to change into something a little more green I won't argue."

"Not on your life Boslav," Harry quickly said, then looked down at her shoes. "You had to go and wear shoes that made you taller than me didn't you."

"What?" she said, faking not knowing what he was talking about. "You're not feeling inadequate are you?"

Harry just shook his head as they reached the Great Hall but stopped her before going in. "Oh, by the way happy Valentine's Day," Harry said, holding a small box in his hand.

She eyed him appraisingly and said, "So you're not totally clueless. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt." She took the box and opened it. Harry watched her closely and saw the look of surprise quickly flash on her face before it changed to a sly look. "And I suppose you want me to wear this?" she asked, holding up a thin gold chair with a grouping of four brilliant red stones.

"Well," Harry said, taking the necklace from her and stepping around, "it would be the proper thing for you to do. Especially since you said you don't care if we clash or not." Carefully putting the chain around her neck, he felt her flinch a bit when he brushed the back of her neck. Taking more time than necessary he finally closed the clasp and stepped back in front of her.

"It's beautiful. Thank you," she honestly said giving him another kiss.

"What a disgrace Boslav," Malfoy said, as he had just walked up with Pansy Parkinson draped on his arm. She also had a look of disgust on her face.

Harry tightened up but Kari firmly said, "I warned you Malfoy. Not another word."

The torn look on Malfoy's face was evident but he pulled his date and said, "C'mon Pansy I'll be sick if I stay near them any longer."

"What was that about?" Harry asked.

"I think the mood in the Slytherin house is changing. More of us than you think don't put up with his kind anymore. Of course we won't show that outside of our area though. Wouldn't want you Gryffindors to get a good impression of us," she said raising her eyebrows. Seeing his expression caused her to laugh and say, "C'mon let's make an entrance. Oh, by the way maybe I'll thank you properly for the gift later."

Harry nearly stopped when he saw the look on her face but she kept walking. The two walked into the elaborately decorated hall hand-in-hand with Harry feeling more content than normal. When she veered toward the Slytherin side Harry said, "This can't be good."

"We're going to expand you horizons Potter," she said not slowing down. "I've been around your friends quite a few times and you don't think that was easy now do you?"

Harry hadn't really thought that much about how she would feel when then spent time with his friends. He knew that Ron often said things that were inappropriate but Kari never seemed to let it bother her. If she could do that for him, he owed her the same consideration. "As long as you're going to protect me," he teased.

"Well since I am bigger than you it only seems fair," she smirked, and Harry merely shook his head.

The two walked to a table that was nearly full and as they stepped up, Harry saw one of the boys charm the candles to give off a green light. 'This won't be pretty' Harry thought ,and Kari must have sensed it because she squeezed his hand.

"Hi guys," Kari confidently said, and Harry did notice that most of the girls greeted her brightly but the boys eyed him warily. "I'm sure you all know Harry but let me introduce you," she said and Harry's nervousness rose a bit. Harry tried his best to make it seem like this was normal and he was comfortable. By the time he had been introduced to everyone at the table he felt much calmer. Only one of the boys had gripped his hand as if trying to break it but Harry gave as much back as he could.

After a few minutes, Harry had a new appreciation of how Kari handled herself around his friends. He still drew odd looks from the boys but the girls seemed to be giving him at least a chance. Kari, to her credit drew him into many conversations and tried to steer them toward neutral topics. Harry was quite surprised that they talked about the exact same things that his friends did when they were together.

He must have smiled at this thought because the boy across from him; Tyler coldly said, "What's so funny Potter?"

The table became silent and Kari was about to say something when Harry said, "Just thinking that these are the same conversations I have around my friends." With a quick laugh he added, "I don't know what I expected you guys to talk about."

"We don't all sit around planning your painful death. Some of us don't care if it's quick and painless," a boy two over from Tyler said.

There wasn't any sound as Harry stared at the boy but then saw the Slytherin's mouth twitch and form into a smile. Harry laughed loudly and said, "Well I guess that's good to know."

It seemed that brought down some of the hesitation they all seemed to have and the group quickly got into discussions about all kinds of topics. They even briefly touched on the Battle at the Ministry a few times but most of the conversations were light-hearted.

Over at the Gryffindor table a few of the occupants were watching the exchange at the Slytherin table closely. One of them to the extent that her date began to notice. "Is everything ok Ginny?" Martin asked, knowing what she was looking at.

"What?" Ginny snapped and then softened. "I mean everything's fine."

"It does seem odd," Martin said, and it only took Ginny a second to realize he knew who she was watching.

Ron must have heard because he loudly said, "I can't believe he's over there joking with them. Doesn't he remember everything they've done to us?"

"Maybe he's hoping that later tonight she'll show him how sorry she is for the way they've treated him," Dean joked, and was immediately hit by Lavender.

"C'mon honey," Dean sweetly said. "If anybody needs a good roll it's Harry."

"Let's dance," Ginny said, nearly dragging Martin out of his seat.

"I'm sure he'll come over here Ron," Hermione said, also confused at how happy Harry appeared at the Slytherin table. Ron started to say something but Hermione added, "And remember what you said about trying to think about what you say to him. Just because he's making other friends doesn't mean you're not his best friend."

Ron relaxed and softly said, "It's just not the same anymore. Why did it have to change? It was always supposed to be the three of us."

"I know Ron," Hermione replied, and surprisingly had nothing else to say.

Kari had finally gotten Harry onto the dance floor and after a few moments of awkwardness, he found that he actually enjoyed dancing with the girl. "See this isn't so bad and I haven't had to charm my feet yet," she teased dancing close to him.

"Not bad at all," Harry said, squeezing her a little. "How about after the next song we head over to my friends?"

"I hoped you'd forget about that," she replied making a sad face. Seeing his look she added, "Fine...I know it was a deal."

The next song was a slow one and the two began slowly moving together. Harry began to feel extremely content and soon began to let his mind just drift as he moved along with Kari. Soon however, his thoughts weren't on the softness of his date. He was now looking into the dark piercing eyes of an intimidating man and speaking in a voice that wasn't his own.

"You have the book?" Harry said in his head.

The man firmly said, "I can get it."

"I told you to bring it!" the voice in Harry's head roared and he saw a wand extend.

The man stood firm and said, "It would not serve you to harm me. My kind can either been a valuable ally or an imposing enemy."

"I could destroy you all," Harry said.

"At a great cost I assure you," the man calmly replied.

"The Ministry won't want your help," Harry calmly said.

"They won't refuse it at this point. Now back to the Tome of Renaul."

"Yes the book," Harry said. "I expect you to deliver it soon."

"Tampering with the dead is risky. Are you sure you can control them?"

The evil voice in Harry's head laughed coldly and said, "You get me the book and they will listen to only me."

A softer voice was calling out, "Harry...Can you hear me?"

Finally getting his bearings, Harry realized he was now standing against a wall at the side of the Great Hall. Kari was standing before him looking very worried. "What happened? Are you ok?"

Still slightly confused Harry said, "Yeah, I'm ok. It was..."

He was cut off by Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall approaching. "Harry, would you join us in the next room please?" Dumbledore asked then turned to Kari and said, "Miss Boslav you are welcome to join us."

Harry squeezed her hand as they followed Professor McGonagall into the next room. Once Harry was through and heard the door shut, another voice got his attention, "Do tell what does the Great Harry Potter have to say?" Professor Snape was standing just behind Professor Dumbledore.

Harry was surprised to see Kari glaring at her head of house so fiercely. "Severus," Dumbledore cautioned. "Now Harry," he said turning back to the boy, "I take it that wasn't simply dozing off was it?"

Kari was studying him closely still with a tight hold on his hand. "It was Voldemort," Harry said straight away. "I was dancing and just thinking about how great it was," he said, and then smiled a bit as Kari glowed brightly, "I guess I just let my mind wander and then I was him."

"You were him?" Dumbledore questioned. "Like the last time?"

"Yes," Harry admitted.

"So it was a planted vision," Snape swiftly said. "You have absolutely no control over your thoughts."

Harry really didn't know if it was real or not but Dumbledore asked, "Please tell us what you saw."

Harry went on to tell the whole story up until Kari snapped him out of the vision. "It seemed odd that he was alone with the man."

"Maybe not," Dumbledore softly said, but when Professor McGonagall and Snape looked at the old man he said, "Would you mind if I spoke to Harry alone for a minute." Professor McGonagall immediately turned to leave and only after a glare at his student did Professor Snape make to leave. Kari obviously didn't want to leave until Professor Dumbledore said, "I promise to have him back in just a moment Miss Boslav."

"I'll be right outside Harry," she said before following the teachers out.

"It wasn't planted was it?" Harry quickly asked.

Professor Dumbledore studied him and said, "I don't believe so. Voldemort has been trying to recruit help even more so than we have. He would covet the Vampire's aid greatly."

"That man was a Vampire!" Harry exclaimed.

"If he spoke of the Tome of Renaul, I believe he was," Dumbledore said seeming to ponder something. "I assume you know Remus and Sirius are on a mission?" he asked.

"They're talking to them as well," Harry said realizing what the mission was.

"They would be tremendous allies," Dumbledore said. "And they are not so distrusting of wizards yet."

"How is it going?" Harry asked.

"I cannot say for certain, but hearing that they did not turn the book over yet gives me hope," the Headmaster said brightening a bit.

"Why is this book so important to him?"

"I believe that he knows it could be a great danger to him. He does not yet know that only you can destroy him, he only knows that you will have the power to do it. There are ancient spells in the book and until he is sure they can't be used against him, he will not want this information out," Dumbledore said watching Harry closely.

After a minute the Headmaster said, "I am trying to make sure you are more informed as you have been doing with me. Don't let every bit of news weigh on you so much. Now why don't you go back to your date before she decides to come in and drag you away."

Harry smiled a little and said, "Thank you for telling me." Trying to keep his thoughts up Harry opened the door and was immediately grabbed by his date.

"One more minute and I was going to drag you back out here," she said looking angrily to where Professor Dumbledore still stood. "Is everything ok?"

"Yeah. He thinks it was a real vision." Harry looked at her worry and said, "Sorry about that."

"Don't be," she quickly said as they walked to the punch table, "It was just a shock but next time will be no problem."

They had just picked up their punch when his two best friends arrived looking worried. "Did something happen? We saw you on the dance floor and then you all went into that room," Hermione rapidly said.

Harry nodded toward the wall and the four moved away from the other people. "You know, just normal stuff," he said pointing to his scar. "Voldemort's trying to get something." Seeing the worried look on Hermione's face he added, "Dumbledore said not to worry and I don't know anything about it."

"And you're ok with that?" Ron asked.

"Yeah," Harry quickly said, "He explains more to me so it's ok."

Hermione eyed him carefully and Harry fully expected many more questions but she surprised him. "Are you two going to make it over to our side?" Hermione asked and Harry noticed Ron looking hopeful.

He was just about to say 'sure' when Kari said, "We would have been there by now if Potter would just leave You-Know-Who alone. I mean here he is in my arms and all he can think about is The Dark Lord." Harry saw an evil smile on her face.

"You shouldn't joke about that Kari," Hermione firmly said.

"It's ok Hermione," Harry cut in, "Better than worrying about it. C'mon."

Hermione stood staring for a moment at how Harry didn't seem to be letting the vision get to him. Only last year he would have gotten all moody and worried about it and for the second time she found herself surprised by the changes in him since meeting the Slytherin girl.

Harry felt grateful to his dorm mates when he introduced Kari. The boys had already accepted the fact he was seeing a Slytherin, and of course her being very pretty didn't hurt. Lavender and Parvati started off acting very cold to the girl. Kari however didn't seem bothered by this and once she started complimenting their robes, the two Gryffindor girls came along nicely.

The only person not warming up to the Slytherin was Ginny Weasley. She steadfastly refused to even speak to the girl. Harry was about to ask her what was wrong when a slower song started and she pulled her date onto the dance floor.

This reminded Hermione of something and she said, "C'mon Ron you promised."

Ron turned a bit pale at the thought of dancing but Harry said, "It's not that bad Ron. And you don't have to worry about somebody getting into your head."

"Are you coming out as well?" he pleaded.

Harry started to say sure but Kari quickly said, "I think I'll give Harry a pass on having to dance anymore." Getting a sly look in her eye she asked, "Can that room of yours be anything?" Harry hesitantly nodded. "Even..." she started, and then whispered something into his ear.

After blinking a couple times, a bright smile crossed Harry's face as Kari began to lead him away. Turning he said, "Ummm... I'mm.....Well...See you later."

"Told you she was going to apologize," Dean teased, but then looked slightly annoyed as he added, "That room never opens for me."

"Me either," Seamus quickly said, drawing an evil glare from his date. Trying to cover he said, "Wanna dance love?"

Coming down from his dorm the next morning, Harry was still in a dreamy state after his evening with Kari. She had been right on with the setting she suggested and the two spent time walking but still taking frequent breaks for snogging. If this was what having a girlfriend was about, Harry was very pleased to have one. Without even realizing anyone else was in the room, Harry hit the bottom stair and turned to go towards the portrait hole.

"Harry!" he finally heard Hermione yell and it snapped him out of his thoughts. Turning, he saw her looking concerned. Ron was sitting next to her with an amused expression on his face.

"Sorry," he quickly said, "I was just thinking."

"Thinking or reliving a special moment from last night," Ron joked drawing a scowl from Hermione.

"Ron," she scolded, "they haven't been seeing each other very long. I'm sure nothing happened. Besides, there's no way Harry would do anything like that yet." By the end of this she was almost asking that as a question rather than making a statement.

Not catching this Harry said, "C'mon let's go to breakfast, I'm starving."

Ginny had sat down next to Hermione and was quickly in a quiet conversation with the other girl when the Daily Prophet arrived. None of the trio bothered to pick up Hermione's copy until gasps from other tables go their attention. Hermione was the quickest and opened the Prophet to see:

Ministry Attacked! New Wards Hold!

At least 50 hooded wizards launched a wide-spread attack on sections of the Ministry late last night. The wizards entered the main hall and quickly began attacking sections on the main floor.

Thankfully newly reinforced wards held where they had been installed. Only the Department of Magical Creatures which did not have the new wards was heavily damaged. Squads of Aurors appeared within minutes causing the attacking wizards to flee, but not before some were captured.

A spokesperson for the Minister said, "Minister Bones' highest priority has been the protection of the Ministry and the community. She pushed non-stop for the wards to be changed immediately after taking office. Thankfully the staff was in areas where the wards had been improved. The Department of Magical Creatures was scheduled to be upgraded next week."

Kingsley Shacklebolt, Auror Division Leader said, "We've been expecting this. He started with Muggles but we knew that wouldn't satisfy him."

Hermione turned to Harry and asked, "Is this what your vision was?"

Harry shook his head and said, "No! It was only him talking to some guy." After a pause he added, "This is going to make him mad. He'll make up for it."

It was only two days later before Harry's prediction came true. A wizarding community near Kent was attacked and nearly leveled. Over 80 Death Eaters destroyed 40 homes and killed 113 people. The mood in the castle darkened considerably that day.

A couple days later, Hermione came to where Kari and Harry were studying in the library and sat down. "Harry, a lot of people are asking if they can join the group. I mean a lot."

Harry rolled his eyes and Kari added, "She's right. I bet half my house has asked as well." She nodded her head when she saw the amazed look on Harry's face.

"I can barely handle how many we have," Harry said getting worried.

"We should try to help them," Hermione hesitantly said.

Harry was really torn. The group right now was large and he didn't spend as much time with each person as he thought he should. Adding more would only make it worse. But the feeling of guilt at not helping other people learn was gnawing at him.

Just when he was about to agree Kari firmly said, "No. Don't let any more in."

"Kari!" Hermione exclaimed. "They need to learn."

The Slytherin didn't respond to Hermione and just locked eyes with Harry and said, "You know what's important Harry. It important what you learn. You know that by helping us you're learning some but taking time away from other things you could learn. They can form their own group. You have to focus on what's really important."

The conviction in her eyes couldn't be missed by Harry and he did know she was right. She was the only one who knew about the prophecy. "Harry?" Hermione questioned.

"I just can't handle any more," Harry said to her. "If you or anyone from the group wants to start another, they can do the same things we are. I just don't have time. They can learn from someone else."

Looking at the determination on Kari's face, Hermione wondered if she knew why everyone in the Order was so worried about Harry and she felt the jealousy begin to bubble up again. Not wanting to get into it now, she decided to agree. "They want to learn from you Harry," Hermione said, "But I understand you've got a lot going on. We'll keep it the same size."

"Thank you," Harry said relaxing a bit.

Once Hermione left Harry turned to Kari and said, "And thank you."

"Anytime," she softly said, "You can't do everything for everyone. Not even The-Boy-Who-Lived's that good." Harry tried to fake a hurt look but she only added, "Besides that would cut into times we could be using to keep your mind off of things."

Finally arriving at the Common Room well after curfew, Harry was surprised to see Ginny sitting with Ron and Hermione. Making his way directly to him he said, "I didn't think anybody would be up." Ginny scooted over so Harry could sit down. This was his first indication something was up since she hadn't said more than a couple words to him since he explained about finding Sirius.

"So how do you think Quidditch is going? It looks like Ravenclaw will be in the running for the cup," Hermione brightly said and Harry's jaw dropped.

"Who are you and what have you done with the real Hermione?" Harry said smiling. "Has she been sniffing potions too long?"

Hermione playfully hit his hand as Ginny and Ron laughed. Harry knew something was up but was willing to play along. "Very funny Harry," Hermione said acting mad. "We just haven't really talked in a while and I was curious."

"We talk every day Hermione. You're in most of my classes," Harry said raising his eyebrows. "Besides there's no way I could give you any more information about the team than these two. If it wasn't for them we wouldn't be in the running."

"That's not true," Ginny quickly corrected him. "Ever since before Holiday you've been coming up with great plays. Ravenclaw won't know what hit them."

"I knew you must be reading those old magazines," Ron added.

"Ok, what's really going on?" Harry asked. "You all didn't wait up for me to talk about Quidditch."

Ron's ears turned pink and Hermione fidgeted but Ginny firmly said, "We just miss how it used to be. Where we all sat around talking about things and studying."

In truth so did Harry. He had been spending almost all his free time with Kari and wasn't willing to give all of that up but did miss his friends. The issues he had with Ron seemed like such a long time ago. "Well," Harry said smiling, "I miss you guys too but we've never really sat like this. Last year, well I was a royal prat." Harry laughed and then added, "And Ginny was off with her boyfriend." Ginny rolled her eyes. "But I think we should start doing it more."

"Really?" Ron said, surprised Harry had agreed so quickly. He then asked, "What do you think the Order is dong. Things are getting bad."

That wasn't the topic Hermione had in mind but it worked out well as Harry told them all he knew and even learned that Bill was trying to get an alliance with the Goblins. For the next couple hours it was just like four best friends again. Hermione had occasionally tried to get Harry to talk about more personal things but he successfully dodged her attempts each time.

Harry went on to bed while the other three were slowly making moves in that direction. Once out of earshot Hermione said, "Thanks Ginny, it wouldn't have gone as well if you weren't here."

Ginny was still looking at the stairs Harry had disappeared up and said, "Yeah well acting mad at him wasn't doing any good. Besides, they can't last forever. Harry will come to his senses before long and I don't want to be acting all mad at him when that happens."

"What?" Ron questioned. "But you're over him! Hermione told him so."

"I know she did Ron," Ginny said glaring a bit at her female friend. "Hermione and I -discussed- that already."

Hermione looked a little guilty and Ron said, "So you're not? I mean you still fancy him?"

"You have a problem with that?" Ginny snapped at her brother.

"No...I mean not really. But why couldn't you have done something earlier. You know before that Slytherin got him," Ron asked sounding sad.

Now Ginny looked only annoyed as she said, "Just shut up Ron. You're not meant to figure girls out."

"You still handled tonight really well," Hermione said. "We'll do this more often. It'll do all of us good to work on our friendships again." Even Ron agreed with this.

The next day, Hermione timed her arrival to the corridor leading to her Arithmacy class specifically to meet up with someone. "Kari," Hermione called from a few steps behind the Slytherin girl.

"Hello Hermione," Kari pleasantly said.

"Can I talk to you for a minute," Hermione asked, pointing to a quiet corner.

"Sure," Kari said following the girl. "What's up?"

"Well," Hermione said suddenly seeming a bit nervous, "I'm not sure how much you know but there's a group of people that are really worried about Harry."

Kari didn't express any emotions, while replaying Tonks' conversation to her in her mind and calmly said, "So I've heard."

Hermione silently cursed the Slytherin girl's ability to keep her feelings in check. "Well I'm sure you know by now how Harry keeps everything to himself if he thinks it will bother us."

"Tell me about it," she said with some emphasis.

Hermione took this as a good sign and said, "This group knows something's going on with Harry. Something big but Harry won't talk about it. He just changes the subject whenever we try."

The Slytherin didn't answer and just continued to look Hermione. Slightly flustered, Hermione continued, "Anyway I was just wondering if you happened to find out what it was."

"Hermione," Kari said with an understanding tone, "I can promise you that the last thing I would ever do is to betray Harry. To anyone. So, even if I knew something, nothing could make me talk about it."

"But we could help," Hermione exclaimed, now more sure than ever the girl knew.

"If," Kari emphasized, "something is going on with Harry I truly believe that you could and would help him, and it would be good for him. I think that IF something was going on with him that he should talk to you about it. But, if I'm being honest, I don't think that your boyfriend would be any help at all...That is IF something was going on with Harry."

Hermione thought hard and then asked, "But what if he's going to do something stupid and get hurt?"

Kari didn't have to think very long. "If I thought Harry was going to do something stupid, I would try my best to talk him out of it but I would not...for ANY reason...betray his trust and tell someone about it. Harry's smart enough to make his own decisions," Kari said knowing this wasn't what Hermione wanted to hear.

"I see," Hermione said, disappointed that she didn't find out anything.

Before Hermione could head to class Kari said, "Hermione. I have no problem with you continuing to try and get Harry to talk about anything that might be going on with him." Hermione didn't like where this left her but did have to respect Kari's loyalty.

Over the next week, things got into a routine with the four sitting up a few nights a week studying or just talking about what was going out outside the school. Harry should have realized things were going too smoothly and after supper, Professor McGonagall came to the Gryffindor table and said, "Mr. Potter the Headmaster would like to see you."

Harry hadn't been to see the Headmaster for a while and knew of no good reason he needed to so his mind immediately went to the worst possible reasons. "But we were going to study," Ron quickly said drawing a look from Hermione.

"I'm sure you can study without Potter's presence Mr. Weasley," McGonagall said stepping away.

Kari caught Harry's eye and looked worried but he just shrugged and mouthed, 'tell you later.'

McGonagall said nothing on the trip to the Headmaster's office and left him once the staircase started rising. Before he could even knock the Headmaster said, "Come in Harry."

Stepping in, it felt like ages since Harry had been in the office. Fawkes gave a trill and Harry went directly to the beautiful animal. "Hi Fawkes," he said, stroking the bird's plumage, causing it to rub its beak against Harry's arm.

"Fawkes becomes more attached to you each year," the Headmaster said, stepping around next to Harry.

"Well it's a good thing he was just a baby at the end of last year. He must not remember how I acted," Harry said, surprising himself by joking about that night.

Professor Dumbledore twinkled brightly and said, "He would have probably joined you if he was grown. And when Fawkes is upset, you know it."

Looking around, Harry saw the portraits watching warily and it annoyed him slightly. He wondered how much they sat around talking about him. Noticing that the Headmaster was silently watching him he asked, "Is something wrong sir?"