Harry Potter and the Undead Alliance

"Have you been following the Daily Prophet?" Dumbledore simply asked, watching the young man in front of him closely.

"Not for a while sir," Harry admitted, "None of my friends have said anything either."

Smiling again Dumbledore said, "You have good friends Harry. Quite a few of Voldemort's attacks have been less than totally successful. Now this is mainly due to the Ministry's preparedness and of course our friends, but there have been some editorials and many letters suggesting that you and I are having something to do with his failures. More often you."

"What!" Harry exclaimed. "I haven't done anything."

"Of course you haven't. However this has been an embarrassment to Voldemort, and added to the incident at Christmas, we have been able to get information from a few of his followers who are now re-thinking their choice."

'More spies,' Harry thought not really trusting their information.

"I don't trust them totally either," Professor Dumbledore said, drawing a glare from the student. "Not Legilimency Harry," the man quickly said, "It just seems we think alike on more issues than you would imagine." After a pause where the old Wizard turned a device on his desk as he continued, "What this does show is that he is being doubted from within and he knows this. He wants to make a point." The man produced a parchment and handed it to Harry.

After studying this for a moment Harry exclaimed, "This is my schedule and where I've been the past month!"

Dumbledore nodded and said, "Indeed. This was recovered from a Death Eater captured not far from Hogsmeade."

This shocked Harry but when he really thought about it, knew it shouldn't have. He had just been able to push the thoughts of being in danger out of his day to day thinking. The Headmaster's voice brought him out of his drifting, "You are being watched closely. As much as I wish you could go on as any other student, it is growing more obvious that you cannot. Things are rapidly progressing to a most volatile level. I'm afraid that you will not be able to leave the grounds for the remainder of the year."

Hearing some scuffling, Harry looked around to see the occupants of many of the portraits moving behind large objects in their surroundings, clearly ready for him to explode. Surprisingly Harry didn't feel like exploding, he agreed with the Headmaster. "I guess it makes sense," he said, and noticed the portraits looking quite confused.

"Thank you for understanding Harry," Dumbledore said, "There will be another Hogsmeade weekend and I'd like for you to make it known you won't be going." Seeing the look of worry on Harry's face, Dumbledore continued, "We will have a much more visible protection force for this trip. Please don't announce any plans you have and try not to wander around alone. I do not think anything will happen in the Castle but any information you let slip will surely find its way out."

Harry agreed and walked out, drawn into the thoughts of how cursed his life seemed. He just turned the corner when he was spun around and felt something warm and wet on his lips. "Now that wasn't one of your best," Kari said frowning at him.

The depression he was slipping into suddenly faded and he said, "You've got to give me a chance to prepare. How would I know it wasn't Moaning Myrtle?"

Kari's eyes got huge at his comment and she said, "Just for that I may make you kiss her before you get to me again." She clasped his hand and led him down the hall. "I take it you didn't get good news."

Harry shrugged and said, "Well just that a schedule of all my activities was found on a captured Death Eater and now I can't leave school grounds."

Without interrupting their walk she said, "Then we'll just have to make sure we have fun on school grounds."

Even with Kari's attitude about everything, the almost daily attacks began to wear heavily on Harry and his mood darkened. He tried his best to be as up-beat as he could, especially around Kari and his friends but he couldn't hide everything. Sitting by the lake one afternoon with Kari he exclaimed, "I should be out there doing something."

"Get a grip Potter," Kari firmly said. "Do you have a plan?" Harry shook his head in exasperation. "So, until you have one what could you do?" After a pause she added, "If you and Professor Dumbledore had a plan, I'd support you going off tomorrow. I wouldn't be happy but I'd support you." Harry just looked at her with a stunned expression. "But," she firmly added, "if you think I'm going to let you do something stupid without a plan, you're sorely mistaken."

"I know," he admitted. "It just gets to me."

"Well then," she teased, "let's see if we can take your mind off of it." Harry leaned in to kiss her but she said, "Hey! I meant we should practice defense."

Harry immediately felt bad but then was suddenly pounced on as Kari said, "But your idea is much better."

A few days later a note was on Harry's nightstand when he woke.

Hagrid's after supper

'A simple please would be nice,' Harry joked to himself. He assumed it was from Sirius and would show up no matter how the note had been written.

The Headmaster was not at supper that evening so Harry was even more anxious to meet his Godfather. As soon as he finished eating, he excused himself, telling his friends that he was meeting Sirius and would be back early.

"We'll come with you," Ron quickly offered.

Hermione must have seen the strain on Harry's face because she quickly said, "Sirius would have invited us all if he wanted us there. Besides, we really need to review your Charms work."

Harry was grateful to her for her understanding and he left the Hall, giving a wave to Kari who he had already told about the meeting. Entering the hut, Harry was surprised to see not only Sirius but Remus and Professor Dumbledore as well.

"Ah you made it," Professor Dumbledore said.

"What's going on?" Harry asked looking at his Godfather.

Sirius didn't look entirely comfortable and before he could say anything, Professor Dumbledore continued, "There is someone we'd like you to meet Harry."

Harry turned and out from the darkened back room stepped a man who had occupied Harry's dream vision once before. Those pitch-black eyes couldn't quickly be forgotten. "You!" Harry exclaimed startling Sirius and Remus. Professor Dumbledore just watched the exchange. "You were dealing with Voldemort! He's going to give the Tome of Renaul to Voldemort!" Harry exclaimed not taking his eyes off the man he recognized as the Vampire who was in the vision.

"Harry," Dumbledore calmly said, but was interrupted by Sirius bellowing, "You had a vision and you," he turned to Dumbledore, "didn't tell me!"

Dumbledore swiftly said, "You were gone at the time and Harry dealt with it. It didn't matter for your mission."

Harry didn't take his eyes off the Vampire and when the man stepped closer, Harry was surprised as a slight wave of comfort came over him. The man stood just out of arms reach and studied Harry closely. "You feel it don't you?" the man asked in a thick eastern European accent.

Before Harry could answer Professor Dumbledore said, "Harry meet Altair Sinclair, the head of the largest Vampire clan in Europe."

"He's dealing with Voldemort!" Harry exclaimed not taking the hand extended to him.

"No Harry, he's not," Dumbledore softly said.

"But the book?" Harry questioned.

"This book," Dumbledore said, showing Harry a thick, obviously ancient book. "Altair has graciously let me borrow it."

"You were right Albus," the Vampire calmly said, "he is full of surprises."

"You're on our side?" Harry asked, watching the Vampire closely.

"Yes," the man answered. "It is a pleasure to meet you Harry Potter," he said extending his hand again. This time Harry shook it and felt even more comforted. "Lord Voldemort has not given up on us yet but I assure you, he will not have our aid."

"Harry," Sirius said getting his attention, "Professor Dumbledore told us the rest of what happened in the Veil and what he thinks it means." Harry could see the pained expression on his Godfather's face. "Altair has suspected the connection since Voldemort first attacked you. Vampires have strong connections to both living and non-living beings."

Harry now turned towards the Vampire again. "We've always known Voldemort wasn't truly dead. He had moved around many times before his return. But even now, his living being is struggling to overcome the part that was lost. You however," he said looking at Harry very closely, "don't seem to be fighting the part you lost. I can feel no conflict."

"I just found out didn't I," Harry said trying to figure out what it meant. "I've never felt any different."

"Don't dwell on it Harry," Dumbledore said, "It is just a part of who you are." After a moment of silence he added, "Voldemort is not pursuing this lone track to gain some advantage. He is seeking other relics and information to increase his power."

"Well that's not news," Harry said somewhat annoyed that it was even being said.

Sirius laughed but Remus said, "Harry. We're trying to keep you informed."

"Could you work with my kind?" Altair firmly asked, staring as if boring a hole through the boy.

Harry couldn't understand the feeling of comfort he got from the man but didn't have any real issues working with Vampires. "Sure. If you're against Voldemort, what's the problem?"

Altair cocked his head but Dumbledore said, "Didn't I say prejudice had not yet tarnished him?" Turning to Harry he said, "Harry, many in our world would not join forces with the Vampires, even as a last resort."

"But why? If we're on the same side I don't see what the big deal is."

"The problem is history," Altair swiftly said. "Vampires have killed and in some cases still kill. Both Wizards and non-Wizards." Harry should have realized this he thought. "It is our nature and necessity. Alternatives help but cannot replace everything."

"Some Wizards kill as well," Harry firmly replied drawing appraising looks from the others in the room. "Muggles kill. We need to work together and then when this is over maybe things won't be so bad between us."

"That," Dumbledore said, "is an admirable goal. Now Harry, we don't want to keep you any longer. We just wanted you to meet Altair and see if you would accept any help they offer."

"Of course, but why does it matter what I want? If you three trust him, that's good enough for me," Harry said.

"It is not good enough," Dumbledore firmly replied. "In the end, we are merely playing supporting roles in this struggle. Each day that goes by, your part becomes more obvious."

"But I'll be right there with you," Sirius quickly added squeezing Harry's shoulder. "I'll walk you back to the castle."

Harry said his goodbyes to the others as he and Sirius walked in the shadows towards the castle. "I wish it didn't have to be you," Sirius said after walking in silence.

"Me too," Harry agreed. "But you know," he added thinking, "In some ways it's easier than knowing I was dependent on someone else."

This statement obviously stunned Sirius and when Harry saw this he added, "Kari has a way of making me look at things differently. She asked me how I would like it if some Hufflepuff was destined to kill him? I'd go crazy wondering what they were doing."

Sirius shook his head and said, "She's ok, you know that?" Harry just nodded. "Take any help you can get Harry. We'll get through this and then we'll make up for those years at the Dursleys."

"I'll hold you to that," Harry joked as the two stopped walking. He saw Sirius look at him intently and asked, "What's up?"

After a moment where Sirius seemed to be thinking hard he said, "Listen Harry, this is kind of hard. Remember when Molly said I only saw James in you?" Harry nodded, easily remembering that night. "Well she wasn't far off." Seeing the confusion in Harry's eyes he continued, "When I let myself see James in you, I think we're off on some grand adventure. Sure it'll be dangerous but it's just like old times." Harry genuinely smiled at this. "But that's the problem," Sirius continued, "You're not James, you're only sixteen and when I think about that, I have a hard time dealing with the fact that you're in the middle of this."

"I'm not going to do anything stupid again," Harry quickly said, hoping to alleviate his Godfather's worry. "I want to help."

"That's the thing Harry. You won't just be helping. It will be the rest of us helping you," Sirius said pacing. "That Vampire knows it. We all do. Half the time I want to say 'Let's just go kick the sorry slug's arse and be done with him.' But the other half wants to keep you out of this so you can try to enjoy yourself."

"You can't keep me out of this," Harry firmly said. "Too much has happened for me to go back to that."

"I know," Sirius admitted and then sighed heavily. "The Vampires aren't giving their support to the Ministry, Dumbledore or the Order. They are supporting you. With all the things happening, it's just getting too real and I can't pretend this is the Marauders off on some mission."

Harry knew this was bothering his Godfather because the man never really talked about things like this. He wasn't sure he really bought the idea of the Vampires supporting him or not but Sirius obviously believed it. "I can't be my dad but I don't see what's wrong with you thinking the Marauders are off doing something. You three obviously enjoyed the time, why wouldn't I?"

"Because James died!" Sirius exclaimed. "I'm supposed to keep you safe, not get you involved in even more danger."

"Don't be so serious, Sirius," Harry joked trying to lighten the mood. "Isn't that what you kept telling me? Don't think about keeping me safe; think about how we can win. That's really the only way to keep us safe isn't it?"

"Yeah, yeah," Sirius said. "I don't know what's with me lately. Maybe I just need to go find a nice poodle." Seeing the look on Harry's face made Sirius chuckle. "I guess you have to be an animagus to appreciate it." After a pause he added, "You know, maybe we should work on that."

"What, getting a poodle?"

"No! How about this summer we work on you joining the animal kingdom?" Sirius said suddenly very excited about the idea.

"Really? We could do that?" Harry asked eagerly. Sirius just nodded. "Would Dumbledore say it's ok?"

Sirius' expression quickly changed and he said, "No reason he has to know...Unless you feel it's necessary..."

Now Harry smiled and said, "Not at all. That'll be brilliant."

The two said their goodbyes and Harry trudged back up to the castle thinking about what kind of animagus he might be.

For a while Harry was able to pretty much keep his emotions in check when the almost daily reports of attacks were reported. Putting all his extra time into either practicing defense or walking with Kari kept his mood up. One morning however, there had been a massive attack directly in Diagon Alley. The place Harry had first been exposed to the wonders of the wizarding world had been the target of a large scale attack. Seeing the moving pictures that showed smoke billowing from the rubble of some familiar stores ruined any good feelings he had.

Harry heard others talking around him but it all sounded like mumbling as he focused on the pictures in front of him. Finally looking up, he noticed many eyes in the room were on him. Scanning the tables, it seemed that students from every house seemed to be staring at him. Finally pushed to the breaking point, Harry stood up and wanted to scream, 'What? What do you all want from me?' However, he was able to hold those comments to himself and instead of yelling, he ignored his friends asking him what was wrong and swiftly walked out of the room.

All Harry wanted to do was let off some steam. The thoughts that he kept pushing down were now flooding to the top. 'This can't go on much longer,' he thought as he opened the door to the Room of Requirement. However, instead of finding the room setup where he could spar, he saw a totally empty room with the Headmaster standing just inside.

"You've kept that in check quite well until now," Dumbledore softly said.

"How?..." Harry started to ask.

"We are not that different," Dumbledore swiftly said. "Take a walk with me," Dumbledore said and then stepped out of the room. Without even thinking, Harry followed the man in silence.

Even at this time of day there were usually students in the corridors but it didn't register to Harry that they didn't seen another sole. After taking a few turns and stepping through a door, Harry realized there shouldn't be any castle here. His expression was caught by the Headmaster. "Wondering why this doesn't show up on that wonderful map of yours?" Harry nodded. "There are parts of the castle that no student has visited in many years. This being one of them."

Harry looked around and even though the surrounding seemed dark and dreary, Harry felt a strange comfort from the area. "As you know, the castle is very old. In those years there have been many wondrous things accomplished here. However, there have also been horrors committed that should have never been allowed to take place."

Harry couldn't imagine anything terrible happening in the castle but then thought that the Heir of Slytherin had a chamber with a 60 foot basilisk in it. "Hermione's never mentioned anything like that happening."

"Ah yes," Dumbledore said, "That's the trouble with history isn't it. Someone has to record the details. It is all too easy for us to simply sweep events under the rug so to speak." Harry could see the Headmaster was thinking hard about something. "Would you mind trying something for me?"

Finally paying attention to the Headmaster, Harry noticed the man looking at him intently. "Of course sir," Harry quickly said.

"Can you picture someone who loves you?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

Even though Harry thought this odd, he swiftly thought of Sirius and nodded. "You must know they love you. Are you sure?"

It didn't take any time for Harry to say, "I'm sure."

"Good," the Headmaster said and then produced the Tome of Renaul, opened it to a page and held it out to Harry. "Memorize this spell and then while focusing on someone you know loves you say it. Do not lose your focus."

After studying the ancient text for a moment, Harry thought about Sirius and said the spell. A white cloud formed at the tip of his wand and then circled the two men for a moment. Suddenly Harry could see shapes of figures moving just beyond the cloud.

The walls that only moments ago seemed so barren now pulsed with color and movement. Figures moving in and out of Harry's visible range seemed so different and yet familiar. At the same time, Harry felt both repulsed by their shapes and yet drawn to the hollow looks in their eyes. Some seemed to be reaching for him and just as he was about to reach back the Headmaster said a spell and the cloud vanished, leaving the two alone in the hall.

"What was that?" Harry asked, still looking around.

Dumbledore sighed and said, "Tormented souls. Victims. Usually of horrific crimes."

The old man seemed lost in thought until Harry asked, "Why did I feel comfortable around the Vampire? And in this place?"

"Your trip into the Veil gave us the key," Dumbledore said looking intently at the boy. "Altair mentioned feeling the connection to Voldemort and we wanted to see if it would be the same with you. If a part of you is really in the Veil it gives you a small link into their world."

"But why is Voldemort struggling with this and I don't even notice?"

"Because you are nothing like him," Dumbledore said. "Voldemort seeks to control, even dominate everything and everyone so he struggles with the parts he knows exists but cannot rule." After a pause the man said, "You however are accepting of things. You are comfortable with many different forms. It is not a struggle for you."

"But how will this help me?"

"It will make all the difference in the world Harry," Dumbledore firmly said. "Voldemort can never wield as much power via domination as you can through cooperation." The two stood in silence until Dumbledore said, "You have something Voldemort could never have and doesn't understand. People follow him out of fear and hate. People choose to help and follow you out of love and respect. Yours will always be the more powerful.

"I would like to discuss a course of action with you," Dumbledore said getting Harry's full attention. "I have been most torn with this decision," the man admitted. "On many levels I feel it is far too soon, but when I put my personal feelings aside I realize that if it was anyone other than you I would take the chance." The man studied Harry and then went on to explain his plan to the boy.

"And you think they'd help?" Harry asked after letting the information sink in.

"Not exactly help," Dumbledore said. "But I believe you would be safe from them with certain precautions. And you would still have the escape route."

Harry nodded and firmly said, "Ok, let's do it."

"Very well Harry," the old man said. "I will take care of the details but you need to do your part. We will monitor things to know if you are successful or not."

The two started walking back with Harry thinking about what the Headmaster had said. He didn't want people to follow him, feeling that would only get more people killed. Even though the thought lifted him greatly on many levels, he still would rather no one else be in harms way because of him.

Harry stopped by his dorm to pick up an object before heading back to the Great Hall. Once Kari saw him approaching, she left the group of friends and hurried over to him. "Is everything ok? The Headmaster left just after you did."

Harry smiled and then speaking a bit louder than necessary he said, "Everything's fine. Great actually. C'mon, I've got to tell you." Before she could question why he was not whispering he held up a finger and then led her down the corridor, just inside one of the doorways. Taking out the parchment he whispered, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." Touching the parchment, the lines quickly formed and Harry scanned the immediate area for the dot he hoped to see. Kari looked confused until a small dot came close labeled 'Draco Malfoy'.

Harry smiled and then said, "Dumbledore gave me some really good news." Seeing the dot stop not far away, Kari realized what Harry was doing. "The Vampires are going to join our side."

Kari didn't have to fake surprise at this as she exclaimed, "Vampires! They can't be trusted."

Nodding that they could Harry said, "They can and they're going to give us something that can kill Voldemort." Harry thought he heard shuffling and could imagine Draco straining to hear the details. Kari looked confused but Harry nodded to show he was serious.

"They will only deal with Remus Lupin since he's...you know a werewolf," Harry said. "He's going to meet their leader in a couple weeks at some graveyard in Wales called Ballemore. The night of the last Quidditch match. That'll give him an excuse to be at the school and then he'll leave just before dusk."

"What are they going to give him?" Kari asked, not having to fake being curious.

"Some book of ancient spells," Harry said and then firmly added, "You can't tell anybody. If Voldemort found out he'd kill Remus and then if he got that book...well I don't want to think what would happen."

"I won't say anything," the girl said, and then they saw the dot move off.

Now Harry leaned in and whispered, "C'mon let's go someplace we can talk." The two took the secret passage to the kitchens and Harry told the girl the full story. She sat in silence once Harry finished. "He told me not to tell anybody but I'm not going to keep anything from you."

Kari tried to smile in appreciation but was finding it hard at the moment. "Are you ok with this?" Harry tentatively asked.

"I guess it is a real plan," she slowly said. "And I said I'd support you but it's just so soon. I kind of figured we had a few years."

"It could work and there's a way out," Harry pleaded.

"I know," she admitted. "No heroics though," she firmly said looking at him. "If it goes to pieces, you use the way out."

"I promise," he said squeezing her hand.

Later that night, Harry found Ron and Hermione studying in the Library and joined their table. "Harry," Hermione said, "not off with Kari tonight?"

Listening closely, Harry heard footsteps a few rows over so he said, "I told her I needed to tell you guys something. Some big news."

"Really?" Ron questioned but Hermione quickly said, "Maybe we should go someplace more private."

"No one's around," Harry said glancing around. He then proceeded to tell them the same story he told Kari in the hall earlier and Harry was sure he saw a green robe dash out of the Library when he was done.

"Harry!" Hermione scolded, "You should have waited until we were in the Common Room at least. What if someone overheard?"

"Other than you two, everyone is out having fun," Harry said, but saw that Hermione was still irritated. "I guess you're right but no one was here."

Back in the Common Room later, the three discussed Remus meeting the Vampires and Harry felt slightly guilty for not telling them the real plan but couldn't take the chance on Ron blurting something out if the two got into another argument.

After his talk with the Headmaster and Kari, Harry surprisingly felt calmer than he had the past couple weeks, even though today was the final Quidditch match of the season and would decide which house took the coveted Hogwarts Quidditch Cup. It seemed like such a normal, everyday event and it took his mind off of the other things that were going on at the moment. The team was in the training room just before the match and Harry was actually feeling more relaxed than he would have expected with what was going to happen soon.

"If we win or lose by less than 100 points, we've got the cup," Ron nervously said.

"We won't lose!" Harry exclaimed.

"You didn't see their last match Harry. She's gotten really good," Ron said as the team was talking about how much better Cho had gotten this year.

"He's right Harry," Ginny said. "It's like she's on a mission to beat you this year. And..." Ginny continued, "She's studied our last match so she knows how we walked on the Slytherins."

Slightly chuckling Harry said, "That's what I'm counting on." Seeing their confused looks he continued, "Listen. You Chasers just do the same play we used against the Slytherins."

"But Harry," Ginny exclaimed, "she saw that. She's bound to have them prepared."

"I know,' Harry said smiling, "Trust me. Don't do any other play until we're down by 50 points. They'll think that's all we know." Now the team was listening intently. "Once we're down by 50 points, we'll change to the new plays that no one's seen before. "

"Let's just use the new ones from the start," Ron suggested.

Harry was about to respond when Ginny said, "No! Let them get overconfident and then we'll stick it to them. It'll take them awhile to figure out what we've done and by then we'll have made up the 50 points easily. Then they'll wonder what we're up to."

"Exactly!" Harry exclaimed and then turned to Ginny. "It's your call when we switch to the new plays." Harry saw the look of indecision on her face and continued, "You remember the signs don't you?" She nodded and then he raised an eyebrow and said, "All of them?" With a sly grin she nodded again.

"Ok team," Harry confidently said, "If we win this, we've got the cup."

"Or lose by less than 100," Ron added.

Harry scowled and firmly said, "We won't lose!"

The team flew out and Cho waited for Harry in the middle of the pitch. "Good luck Cho," Harry honestly said when he reached the pretty seventh year girl.

"You too Harry," she replied in an obviously fake pleasant voice. "It's my last chance to beat you."

"My team says there's a good chance you will," he replied.

"So they've been scouting me," she said smiling. "I take that as a compliment. Either way, no hard feelings?"

"No hard feelings," Harry said, and then the two went back to their own teams.

The match started quickly and it was clear to Harry that Cho had indeed gotten better and more confident. Instead of solely marking him as she had done in previous years, she was searching for the snitch on her own and only occasionally keeping tabs on where he was. By the time Harry was aware that she was playing her own match, Gryffindor was down 30-0.

Acting like he was bothered by this, Harry flew to the Chasers and then to the Keeper, seeming to scold them but this only fueled the Ravenclaws to think they had correctly analyzed their opponents. Suddenly, Harry caught a flash of gold and zipped off in the direction. Without warning, a dark blur came from above him and got into his path to the golden winged ball. Cho had seen the same thing and had been in a better position to grab the snitch. Gryffindor strategy wouldn't help now and with Harry trailing, if Cho reached the snitch first, Ravenclaw would with the match and in turn the Quidditch Cup.

Just as Cho swerved to follow the dashing ball, Kirk directed a bludger that hit a Ravenclaw Chaser causing the boy to collide with Cho, sending her swerving off course. After the two seekers recovered from the distraction, neither of them saw any sign of the golden object.

Breathing a huge sigh of relief, Harry re-doubled his efforts to find the snitch and end this instead of playing around. Hearing a huge roar from the Gryffindor side Harry turned to see Ginny grinning widely and the Ravenclaw chasers looking a bit confused. Ginny raised a signal to Harry and he knew she started using the new plays. It didn't take long for another loud roar to come from the Gryffindor side and this lifted Harry's spirits.

After a few more Gryffindor goals, Harry saw that Cho's confident flying was failing a bit and she began marking him closely. 'Going back to her old self,' Harry thought. Harry had just circled the Ravenclaw goals and was heading back towards the center of the pitch when he turned to see if Cho was there and spotted the snitch near the ground back by the Ravenclaw goal.

Trying to make sure Cho didn't have a chance to see it, Harry took off, top speed towards the Gryffindor end and sure enough Cho put on a burst of speed and was tailing him closely. Looking up, Harry saw the Gryffindor Chasers flying in formation on a scoring run. Holding up his hand with two fingers extended, he saw Ginny's eyes bulge out but then she focused and put on a look of determination as she flew directly towards Harry and Cho.

When Cho saw the speeding Chaser on a collision course, she pulled up slightly at the last second to avoid contact. Harry however thrust out his left arm just as Ginny did the same, passing on his left side. The two teammates linked arms and twirled around in a circle a couple times before letting go, both with much of their speed intact and heading in the opposite direction they had been.

When Cho looked to her left expecting to see Harry still going for the snitch, she was met with Ginny Weasley's look of triumph. When Cho realized what happened, Harry had already reached the Ravenclaw goal and had just clamped his hand around the snitch, winning the match.

"He ended up being a pretty good captain. Don't you think?" Ginny said while Cho was still in a daze from what had just happened. Without waiting for an answer, Ginny zoomed to where Harry had landed.

Ron had beaten her to the ground and yelled, "What the bloody hell was that?"

"Oh just something Ginny and I'd been working on," Harry said as Ginny hugged him. "You were brilliant!" he yelled when she let go.

"I hoped we would get to use one of those," she said. "You should have seen her face when she realized it was me flying next to her."

"How did you two come up with that?" Ron asked above the other congratulations.

"Harry and I have been practicing," Ginny beamed. "I may have to take up seeking again once you two are gone."

After showering, Harry had only slightly come down from the excitement he was feeling so he didn't notice Kari seeming a bit down when he hugged her. "I wish you could come to our celebration."

She snorted a bit and said, "A bunch of fired-up Gryffindors would probably try to burn me at the stake." After taking his hand she asked, "Still going through with this?"

Looking around to make sure no one could hear them talk he said, "It's our best chance. It'll be ok."

"It better be," she firmly said. "I haven't put up with your Gryffindor nonsense for this long to have you go do something stupid."

"C'mon," Harry said, leading the girl towards the lake. "Let's take a walk. I can be late to the celebration."

The celebration was in full swing when Harry finally arrived in the Common Room and after quite a few minutes of listening to play-by-play commentary from Ron on how the match went, Harry snuck over to where Hermione was sitting in the corner. "That's two in a row for him," Harry said, sitting across from the girl.

"Yes, that's all I heard on the way up," Hermione said smiling as she watched the redhead conversing animatedly with the other boys. "You've been a bit distant the last week, is everything ok?" she asked, now looking at Harry.

"Oh, I'm fine," he said and saw her raise her eyebrows. "So much is happening. I know you guys don't even tell me about all the attacks." The girl looked slightly surprised that Harry knew they had kept some of the stories away from him. "It's ok," he quickly said. "I know you'd tell me if you thought I needed to know."

"You've really changed a lot since last year," Hermione said but Harry didn't know how to take it and it must have shown. "That's not a bad thing," she quickly said. "I guess Ron's changed as well." Just then Ron snorted at something funny and shot butterbeer all over Seamus. "Well maybe he hasn't that much," Hermione said with a scowl.

Harry smiled and said, "I don't think some things about him will ever change." Hermione smiled a bit at this. After a moment of silence Harry said, "You know I'm really glad you two got together. You both deserve to be happy."

Hermione studied him closely and said, "Thank you Harry. You do as well you know."

Before Harry could reply Ron stepped up and said, "Oi mate! Let's go eat. That match really took it out of me."

"Sleeping takes it out of you Ron," Hermione joked clasping his hand. "But I guess it is about time for supper."

Harry sighed knowing what was about to happen. "You guys go ahead, I'm going to wish Remus good luck and then I'm going to meet Kari."

They both grimaced but Ron said, "We can come with you if you want."

"Nah, that's ok," Harry replied. "Don't want it to be too obvious. I'll see you at supper." Harry headed out of the common room and straight to the Hospital Wing where the other participants of the plan were waiting.

A short time later, Ron and Hermione arrived in the Great Hall and sat next to Ginny. It only took a minute for Hermione to notice something she didn't expect to see. "Ron," Hermione said, "Didn't Harry say he was going to meet Kari?" Ron nodded. "Well she's here and doesn't look very happy."

Ginny's head snapped up to look at the girl and Ron glanced up as well. "Wonder what happened?" Ron asked, before biting into a roll.

Hermione continued to glance at the Slytherin and noticed she wasn't talking to her friends like normal and was only pushing food around on her plate. The next time Hermione looked over; Kari seemed to be holding back tears and stood up before almost running out of the Great Hall. Before saying anything, Hermione glanced to the teacher's table and noticed that the Headmaster was missing and Professor McGonagall looked worried about something as well.

"Something's up Ron," Hermione firmly said. "Did you see Kari run out?"

Ron shook his head but Ginny cheerfully said, "She didn't look happy did she? Wonder if they had a fight?"

"Maybe," Hermione said. "But I wonder where Harry's at. I think we should go find him."

"But Hermione," Ron started but was cut off. "That's a good idea Hermione," Ginny said with a sly look in her eye. "We should go make sure he's ok."

Hermione knew what the younger girl was doing but her concern for Harry won out and the three headed out of the Great Hall. "How will we find him?" Hermione asked.

"The map of course," Ron said. "I'll get it out of his trunk."

The three ran up to the now deserted Common Room. Hermione followed Ron up but Ginny seemed hesitant. "C'mon Ginny," Hermione called when she noticed the girl had stopped.

Ginny looked around once she slowly stepped through the door. Ron was already pulling things out of Harry's trunk. Ginny noticed a picture on the dresser next to Harry's bed and picked it up. It showed a man who was obviously Harry's dad and a woman with long hair next to him. The two were waving at her with bright smiles. Ginny smiled looking at Harry's belongings. His bed was so neat and the pictures were carefully set on his dresser.

"Got it," Ron's call startled her and she sat the picture back down.

"Ok, most everyone's still in the Great Hall," he said, scanning the parchment. "Hmmm.nope..."

"Wait," Hermione said, "There's Kari? Where's she heading?"

They watched for just a moment before Hermione said, "Hospital Wing? Why's she going there?"

"Do you think Harry was hurt?" Ginny questioned.

"What are they doing here?" Ron exclaimed. "Look! Professor Dumbledore... Sirius... Tonks...Bill... Mom... Professor Lupin!'

"I thought he went to meet the Vampire?" Hermione questioned.

"Vampire!" Ginny exclaimed. "What's going on?"

"That's what I want to know," Ron said standing up. "Why are Bill and Mom here? And where is Harry?" Ron wiped the parchment and put it back in Harry's trunk. "I'm going up there."

"Maybe we're not supposed to know," Hermione said.

"Too bad," Ginny exclaimed. "Something's going on and I want to know what." With that the girl bolted out of the door with the two older students hot on her tail.

Just before the three turned the last corner heading to the Hospital Wing, a figure appeared in front of them. "Well well well, what do we have here? Three Gryffindors skipping out of supper. For what reason?"

All three of them groaned at the sight of their least favorite professor. Hermione calmly said, "We're on our way to the Hospital Wing Professor."

"Really?" the man sneered. "What has Potter done now?"

"We don't know where Harry is," Ron snapped, "but my mom and brother are in there."

Before Snape could say anything Ginny added, "So's Professor Lupin, Sirius and the Headmaster."

"And Tonks," Ron added.

Snape did look confused but still said, "I assure you that your family is not in the castle Weasley. And I am most confident that that mangy mongrel and werewolf aren't around either."

"They really are there Professor," Hermione said, hoping Ron wouldn't do something stupid.

"Now how would you know that if you haven't made it to the Hospital yet?" Snape asked.

While they were thinking of an excuse other than divulging the Marauder's Map, Peeves appeared and blew a raspberry at the Potions Master diverting his attention for a moment. This was all the three needed as they bolted the final few steps, ignoring Snape's calls to stop and crashed through the doors of the infirmary.

They stopped a few steps inside and stared at the sight. There were four beds arranged closely together with Mrs. Weasley, Harry, Sirius and Professor Dumbledore lying in them. Bill and Tonks both had their wands trained on the intruders and Kari sat off to the side looking like she was very close to a breakdown.

"What's going on here?" Ron bellowed.

Just then the doors flew open again and Snape roared, "You've done it now...." Then the man took in the sight of the other people in the room and demanded, "What is going on here?"

The Headmaster leaned up slightly and said, "Do you all know what is happening?"

Hermione said, "Professor Lupin is going to get some book from a Vampire." Ron nodded but Ginny and Professor Snape only looked confused.

Professor Dumbledore looked directly at her and asked, "Is that all?"

"Yes. That's all Harry said," Hermione said, and then turned to the bed that Harry occupied. "Tell them Harry."

Harry didn't say anything and looked a bit guilty.

Only a moment later, the doors flew open and a very angry looking Professor McGonagall came in dragging a confused Draco Malfoy through the door. "You'll be able to hear better in here Mr. Malfoy. No need to keep your ear against the door."

The Headmaster sighed and said, "Minerva your wand please." After taking the woman's wand he said a spell and pointed at the doors to the Infirmary. Instantly, huge bars crossed the doors. "No one leaves until this is finished," he said before handing the wand back to Professor McGonagall. "Nymphadora," he said, nodding to the young Slytherin.

Instantly, Draco's wand sailed into the Auror's hand. "Just to make sure you don't cause any trouble."

"What's going on here?" Snape demanded.

Before anyone could answer, the four occupants on the beds all seemed to suck in a breath and their eyes flashed wide open. "It has begun," Dumbledore said. "Conserve your energy."

"What was that?" Sirius asked.

"Fear," Dumbledore softly said.