A.N. I'd like to say that Jessica Rhea had a wonderful idea of Hedwig giving away Harry's identity to Ron and Hermione. Unfortunately, I won't be using it in this story, but in this chapter Hedwig will make an appearance! Thanks for the idea Jessica! Oh, and I'd also like to thank Brigade701 for beta-reading this chapter! And I'd like to thank everyone for reading this story, for I am now on the favorite's list of over 100 people! THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH! I hope you enjoy this!
Malena
"Enervate," Harry muttered, causing Sphinx to jolt into consciousness.
"Wh-what the hell was that?" Sputtered Cornelius Fudge, stumbling down the steps in the stands.
"That was a duel," Sphinx said, rubbing her head slightly. She started to heal her minor wounds.
"B-but y-you survived…"
"The Killing Curse?" Harry asked. Fudge nodded.
"Well that's because we've been specially trained since a very young age to survive Avada Kedavra," Sphinx said matter-of-factly. "I've been training since I was oh… 3. Stealth, when did you start A.K training?"
"At four," Harry lied. They had planned to say this in case anyone found out about Agents being able to survive Avada Kedavra. Harry held out a hand and helped Sphinx to her feet.
"Bu-but-"
"I'm starved," Ivy interrupted. "I wonder what's for dessert?"
"Yeah, let's go," Harry said. Harry and Sphinx picked up their cloaks. Then Harry, Sphinx, and the rest of the agents started to walk back to the school, with Fudge stumbling behind them.
Harry was walking back to the Gryffindor Common Room to begin his guard duty, but before he was able to give the Fat Lady the password he felt a tug on the back of his cloak. He looked down and saw Snuffles there. Snuffles gave another hard tug on the back of Harry's cloak and Harry nearly lost his balance.
"Easy," Harry said, "I'll follow you, just lead the way." Snuffles let go of Harry's cloak and walked down the hall and through a secret passageway. He then led Harry to a deserted room and closed the door behind him. He instantly transformed into Harry's godfather as soon as he was sure no one was able to overhear them.
"What the hell happened back there?" He gasped.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"What do you think I mean?" Sirius exclaimed. "You just friggin' survived Avada Kedavra! For the second, or is it third, time!"
"Sirius! Everyone in the Order can do that!" Harry exclaimed. "That's why hardly anyone in the Order ever dies."
"But… how?" Sirius asked, sitting down on the floor, looking up at Harry.
"I am not al-"
"-Allowed to tell me…" Sirius finished. "I understand Stealth…"
"I'm sorry," Harry said. "You know what's at stake if I tell you."
"Yes, I know."
They were both silent for a moment.
"Well, I'm supposed to be in Gryffindor tower," Harry said. "I'll see you soon Sirius."
"Bye Harry," Sirius said, transforming into the giant black dog once again.
Harry Molecularized and appeared in a couch by the fire with Ivy.
~*~
As November turned into December Harry saw dramatic change take place in the castle. Since the Agents had been there for over a month everyone was getting more relaxed around them, joking more, and talking more freely than ever. It seemed that Fudge hadn't told the teachers about Sphinx and Harry surviving Avada Kedavra.
The castle itself changed dramatically in December. Almost immediately the Christmas decorations went up. Icicles were hanging on the banisters and wreaths decked the walls. As usual, twelve Christmas trees were set up in the Great Hall. Several of the agents helped to decorate these. Ivy and Angelina were often whistling Christmas carols.
On the fifth day of December Harry and Ivy were walking to lunch together, and Harry dropped his wand just outside of the Great Hall. Ivy continued to walk through the door, but stopped right under it, and looked up at the doorway.
"Who in the world hangs parsley in the doorway?" Ivy said. Harry put his wand in his cloak and said, "That's mistletoe, dip-shit." He continued to walk through the door, when Professor Lupin said, "Ah, ah, ah, go back and kiss her. It's tradition."
"Not for me it isn't," Harry said. Nevertheless he felt himself blushing slightly.
"Go back and kiss her!" Prompted several of the teachers.
"KISS HER! KISS HER!" chanted the students. Harry rolled his eyes, took a few steps backwards and leaned close to Ivy. He kissed her on the cheek, then turned and walked back towards the Agents table. Ivy clapped her hand to her mouth and gave a fake, high-pitched giggle. The students started to laugh. Harry felt his face getting redder as he sat down next to Angelina.
"Don't feel so bad," Angelina whispered. "Anna had to kiss Jeff two times. And Brian had to kiss Elsa. Then again, I kissed Will 6 times, but that wasn't always under the mistletoe."
"Ooh," Ivy said in the same high-pitched voice as she sat down. "My boyfriend is going to be jeeaaalous."
"Ivy, shut up, that's really annoying," Harry said.
"That's the point," Ivy said.
After everyone had finished eating the delicious dinner Professor Dumbledore stood up and addressed the students.
"I would like to announce that Hogwarts will be having a Christmas Ball-" Dumbledore's voice was drowned out by the wave of whispers that had started from the students. After he got their attention again, he said, "It is for everyone from the fourth year and up, however third, second, and first years will be having their own party in one of the roomier dungeons. But, as usual, you are able to invite someone older or younger to accompany you to the ball or party. Now, it's time for bed! Chop! Chop!"
The students started to talk to each other excitedly as they started to go back to their common rooms.
"Ooh. Goody. A ball," Ivy said sarcastically.
"We should have half of us guarding the party, and half of us guarding the ball," Harry said.
"We'll only have four people guarding the party, and have the extra person guarding the front gate," Will said.
"Yes," Sphinx said. "Elsa, will you start writing out a schedule for that night."
"Is that anyone's day off?" Anna asked.
"No," Angelina said, looking at her personal calendar. "The day after that is Will's though."
"We'd better get to the Common Rooms," Harry said. Ivy and him Molecularized to Gryffindor Tower where people were talking excitedly about the Ball. Harry distinctly remembered the Yule Ball in his fourth year, when Ron and him hadn't gotten a date till the last minute. Harry hadn't enjoyed the ball very much.
"Hey, what's wrong with Hermione?" Ivy asked Harry, pointing to a corner where Hermione was doing homework.
"She's always like that," Harry said.
"I'm going to go talk to her," Ivy said. "She looks kind of sad." Harry noticed that Hermione did have a downcast look on her face.
"I'll come with you," Harry said.
"Heya Herm," Ivy said, conjuring up a chair and sitting down across from her. "Why the long face?"
"It's nothing," Hermione said, turning the page of her book. "No big deal."
"Oh come on," Harry said, sitting down next to her. "What's the matter?"
"I don't want to-"
"Boy trouble?" Ivy interrupted. Hermione looked up. "Stealth, could you please leave us for a moment. We need to have some girl talk." Harry shrugged his shoulders, but before he could go anywhere Ivy whispered, "Go an work on Ron." Harry then went over to where Ron was playing chess with Seamus.
"Now, what's the matter?" Ivy said. Hermione sighed and put her head in her hands.
"I just don't think he likes me," Hermione said.
"Ron?" Hermione nodded.
"And why don't you think he likes you?" Ivy asked.
"I don't know, he just thinks of me as a friend, not as a-"
"-Girlfriend." Ivy said, conjuring up a nail file and running them along the tips of her nails. "Been there, done that. When a guy is acting like that you have to make the first move."
"Me?"
"No, the Queen of England. Yes you!" Ivy said. "If you don't get him now, someone who doesn't deserve him will." Hermione looked at Ivy uncertainly.
"Trust me, that's how I got my boyfriend," Ivy said. "I'm seeing him on Friday, it's my day off. That's also how Celeste, my best friend, got Stealth. Unfortunately, Celeste dumped him."
"What's your boyfriend like?" Hermione asked.
"Well… he's a Muggle, and he doesn't know my secret yet. Let's see, he's tall, with brown hair…" By the time Ivy finished describing Alex she had a crowd of sixteen and seventeen year old girls crowded around her. Harry was in the middle of a game with Ron, when he brought up the ball too.
"So, Ron. Who are you going to ask to the ball?" Harry said, sacrificing his knight.
"Don't know yet," Ron said shortly. Harry saw his ears turn slightly pink.
"He does too," Seamus said. "He just doesn't have the bal-"
"Stuff it, Seamus," Ron said.
"Come on Ron, who do you have the hots for?" Harry said.
"I-er- Ilikehermione," Ron said hurriedly.
"Then ask her," Harry said. Ron's ears turned pinker.
"I'm… I'm not good at that sort of thing…" Ron said. "I start stammering and…"
"Just go up to her and say, 'Hermione would you like to go to the ball with me?' if she says no, oh well. If she says yes, you'll be happy!" Dean said.
"Exactly," Harry said. "Go ask her."
"Come on! Go ask him!" Ivy said to Hermione.
"All right, I will," Hermione said.
"Okay, here I go," Ron said to Harry. Ron and Hermione got out of their seats and met each other in the middle of the room.
"Will you go to the ball with me?" They said together.
"Er-yeah," Ron said.
"I'd love to," Hermione said, sounding surprised.
"Great," Ron said.
"I'll see you soon," Hermione said. She turned back to Ivy and smiled widely. Ron was high-fived numerous times when he returned to the chess games. Over everyone's heads Harry gave a thumbs-up to Ivy, who winked in return.
"That went smoothly," Ivy said softly into her microphone.
"Yeah, I always knew they would end up together," Harry whispered back.
~*~
That Friday it was Ivy's day off. Will was taking Ivy's place in the Gryffindor Common Room. They had just finished dinner when Ivy came rushing through the portrait hole. Or rather, she stumbled in. She was wearing a long, dark red, spaghetti-strap dress that was so tight Harry wasn't sure how she had gotten into the room without falling on her face. She was wearing three-inch heels and her hair was piled on top of her head. Harry was sure that it was held up there by magic, but nevertheless it gave her sort of a majestic look.
"Have you seen my ruby nail polish?" She said, digging through her tiny handbag. "It's the only polish that goes with this dress."
"Oh my virgin eyes!" Will gasped, clapping his hands over his eyes.
"First of all, I know for a fact that not one person on this mission is a virgin. Second of all, my dress isn't that tight, is it?" She struck a pose.
"It's so tight I think I can see your heart beating," Harry said. Ivy gave him a sarcastic smile.
"Seriously, do you like it?" She said, looking at herself.
"You look great," Harry said. "I'm sure Alex will faint as soon as he sees you."
"Hmm… then I might have to use mouth to mouth," Ivy said thoughtfully. She gave up looking for her nail polish and Moldecularized to her destination.
"Damn, she was hot!"
"Tsk, tsk, Will. What would Jaleesa say?" Harry said.
"She won't have anything to say if you keep your mouth shut," Will said. "I gotta get back to this crossword." He looked down at the Daily Prophet and continued to work on the Crossword.
"It's midnight, Ivy should be back on duty," Will said, looking at his watch.
Harry glanced at his watch too. It was 12:01. At that second Ivy burst into the Common Room.
"Sorry I'm late," she snapped while putting on her earpiece. She took her wand out and flicked it, causing her brown hair to fall down.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"As much as I would love to hear about Ivy's date, I gotta go. Bye," Will said, Molecularizing out of the room.
"I don't want to talk about it," Ivy said, plopping down in a chair next to Harry.
"You won't feel better until you talk about it," Harry said.
"You sound like my mom," Ivy grumbled.
"Come on, tell me what's wrong," Harry said, putting down the book that he had been reading.
"All right, it all started out when I was at my house, waiting for Alex to pick me up," Ivy said. "He was nearly 20 minutes late, and when he picked me up he seemed… nervous. Well, he took me to a fancy French Restaurant, and while after we were ordering our meals (I showed of my French speaking abilities of course) and then when we were in the middle of dinner, BAM! I think we should see other people."
"He said that?" Harry asked in a hushed voice.
"Yes! Right when it was getting all romancey!" Ivy exclaimed. "I can't believe he did that."
"Well, what did you do?"
"I threw my fork down, said, "Fine." And then I turned and started to walk towards the door, but then I turned around again and punched him in the nose. It's not funny!" Harry had practically fallen out of his chair from laughing to hard.
"I-Is he okay?" Harry gasped, still shaking from laughter. "I know how much your punches hurt."
"Well, I think that when I had gotten my coat they were calling an ambulance, but I'm sure he'll be fine," Ivy said. She sighed and sank back into her chair. "So, this is what it feels like to be single."
"Yep."
"It sucks."
"You've got that right," Harry said.
"All right, I've told you how I got dumped," Ivy said. "Your turn." Harry shook his head.
"Please! I'm begging you!" She got down on her knees and gave Harry puppy eyes.
"No."
"Please!"
"No."
"Pretty please!"
"What did I just say?"
"PLEASE…"
The next day at breakfast Ivy was busy checking out all the seventh and sixth year guys at Hogwarts.
"He's kinda cute, oh wait, nevermind…"
"Ivy, give it a rest," Harry said.
"Are we allowed to take a date to the dance?" Ivy asked.
"No, Sphinx said that we aren't allowed to have a date. However, if someone asks us to dance we are allowed to," Jeff said. "I already asked.
"Hmm…" Ivy said, turning back to look at the boys.
"Ivy, turn around and eat the doughnuts that Victoria dropped off today," Harry said, pulling Ivy back.
"Are there any jelly-filled?" Ivy asked.
"I think that Brian already ate it, but take a look," Angelina said.
Just then, Snuffles approached the table. He had a note attached to his neck. Harry made sure that no one was looking and then took it off. He slowly opened it and read:
Stealth-
Meet me tonight at 1 am in the Owlery. I have it.
Snuffles
Harry folded the letter back up and put it in his cloak.
"Here's your schedule," Ivy said.
"Thanks," Harry replied. "Damn, outside today. In this weather!" Harry glanced at the window and saw that there was snow falling sharply outside.
"Well, we'd better get going…"
~*~
It was a little before 1 am. Harry had escaped from the Gryffindor Common Room by telling Ivy that he was going to go get coffee again. Sirius hadn't arrived yet. Harry looked around at the room that had a few owls looking down at him from their high perches. Harry glanced around some more, but jumped when he felt something land on his shoulder. He looked around and saw… Hedwig. She was flapping up in down, apparently very happy to see him.
"Hedwig," Harry gasped. He stroked her white feathers and she nuzzled against Harry's head.
"Ah, I see you two have been reacquainted," said a voice behind Harry. Sirius had arrived.
"I was wondering what happened to her," Harry said. "Is she working for the school now?"
"Yes," Sirius said, patting Hedwig as well.
"You said that you have it," Harry said. Sirius reached into his pocket and pulled out the Marauder's map. It hadn't been wiped blank and Harry could see the his name on the paper.
"Thank you Sirius, this means a lot to me," Harry said. "How have you been doing?"
"Good," Sirius replied. "I just wish that we didn't have to have all of this secrecy."
"Yeah, but don't worry, after I defeat Voldemort we'll be able to tell everything."
"You're defeating Voldemort?" Sirius asked.
"Well, I am the Dueling Master," Harry said. "And when you're the Dueling Master it usually means that you will be dueling…"
"I know that," Sirius said. "But… how?"
"We have a special spell that can kill anything, immortal, mortal, you name it. The only reason no one has killed him yet is because it has to be shot straight into the eye."
"Oh," Sirius said. Harry patted Hedwig again.
"How're your parents?" Sirius asked suddenly.
"They're good," Harry said. "Dad's on a mission right now in Bangladesh. Mom is working as a Greeter, but when she's not working she's at home taking care of Olivia and listening to Victoria play the violin."
"Your little sisters?" Sirius asked. "Was that one girl who brought those potions today your sister?"
"Yep! That's Victoria," Harry said.
"She looks like Lily, but she's got your father's hair. Except longer," Sirius added.
"Yeah, and Olivia has mom's hair." Harry said. He glanced at his watch.
"Sirius, I'd better be going, I told Ivy that I was going out to get coffee and it usually doesn't take this long to get coffee."
"All right, see you soon Harry."
"G'night Sirius."
~*~
Date: December 25. Christmas Day.
"Deck the halls with boughs of Holly! Fa la la la-" Harry clamped his hand over Ivy's mouth.
"Jeez, 1 second after midnight and you're singing more Christmas Carols. You'll wake everyone up."
"I can't help it, I'm happy!" Ivy exclaimed. "It's Christmas, it's Christmas, it's-"
"Shut up! We know already!" Harry said. "I'm going to get some an Italian Soda, do you want eggnog or something?"
"Sure, what the hell!" Ivy exclaimed. "Don't forget to have them put extra whipped cream and-"
"A candy cane, got it." Harry finished, walking out the portrait hole. Instead of going to the Order to get coffee Harry Molecularized to the Shrieking Shack.
"Merry Christmas Stealth," said Sirius, who was sitting at the table. Harry reached down to his wrist and pulled off his bracelet. He felt himself change back to his regular self.
"Merry Christmas Sirius, I've got a present for you."
"I've got one for you too," Sirius said.
"Wait! Mine first." Harry reached up to his earpiece and said, "I'd like to talk to James Potter. Dad?"
"Harry! Merry Christmas!"
"One minute Dad," Harry took off his earpiece and handed it to Sirius. Harry had told his father about Sirius knowing about him.
"What's this?" Sirius asked, looking a little stunned.
"Put it on, and talk into the microphone." Harry said. Sirius placed it over his ear and said, "Hello?" There was a pause, and then he whispered, "James?"
Harry smiled and said to Sirius, "I'll be back in a few minutes." He left so they could have some time to catch up…
When Harry returned to the Shrieking Shack Sirius had tears of joy rolling down his face.
"I-I'll let you talk to your son now," he stuttered when he saw Harry reappeared, carrying two drinks.
"Hey," Harry said after he got his earpiece back.
"Harry, thank you for arranging this," James said.
"Yes, thank you," said his mother's voice in the background.
"We just wanted to tell you that we miss you, and that Jimmy is going to be dropping off your present. You're only getting one today, but when you return from the Mission you'll be getting the rest."
"All right Dad," Harry said. "Thanks. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas Harry. I love you."
"Love you too, bye." The earpiece went quiet.
"Thanks Harry," Sirius said. "It was the best Christmas Present I have ever gotten."
"It was the least I could do," Harry said.
"Here's your present," Sirius said. He reached down and picked up a rather thin package. He handed it to Harry who tore off the paper and saw-
"This is a picture of all of you when you are at Hogwarts," Harry said. "Except Wormtail."
"Yeah, I removed him from the picture since… you know."
"Thanks," Harry said, still staring down at the picture. He glanced at his watch.
"I've been gone way to long Sirius," Harry said. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas Harry." Harry shrunk the picture so Ivy wouldn't get suspicious when she saw it. He put his bracelet back on and then he Molecularized back to the Common Room.
~*~
"Ooh! This is nice," Ivy said when they walked into the Great Hall later that evening. There was white garland hanging from the walls and ceiling, and the tablecloths looked like giant snowflakes. There were fairies floating around. Like in the Yule Ball, instead of 4 giant tables there were several small tables positioned around the room.
The band was already setting up.
"Dumbledore got The Dragons!" Ivy said. The Dragons are a famous wizard musical group that played swing, jazz, rock, anything. They had played at Ashley's once.
"Cool," Harry said, putting on his sunglasses. "Do you think anyone will ask you to dance?"
"If they do I'm going to turn them down," Ivy said. "I am protesting against the pressure of having to be a couple. If I am to dance, then I am to be dancing alone!
"You're weird," Harry replied. Ivy punched him in the shoulder.
"Well, we'd better get in our positions before the ball starts…" Harry said. Will, Angelina, and Sphinx were already there.
A little while later, after everyone had finished eating, the ball started. The Dragons started to play a swing dance. Harry saw Ivy swaying a little to the beat on the other side of the room.
At around the second song Harry spotted Ron and Hermione in the crowd, slow dancing. Harry smiled slightly. He was happy for his friends, he only wished that they knew who he really was.
"Hey Stealth, how's I going?" Will and Angelina came up to him.
"It's going good, no casualties," Harry replied.
"Why don't you ask someone to dance?" Angelina asked. "I mean, there's nothing else to do."
"Yeah, but I'm not the best dancer."
"It's a slow dance, everyone can slow dance. Look over there at Ivy, she's slow dancing by herself, go dance with her." Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Go on," Will prompted. Harry rolled his eyes, but walked over to Ivy.
"Would you like to dance?" Harry asked.
"I told you, I'm dancing by myself tonight," Ivy said, turning slightly pink.
"Well, then can I dance by myself really really close to you?" Harry asked. Ivy gave a lopsided smile.
"All right, you've convinced me. Fine," She took one hand in Harry's and put the other one on his shoulder. They revolved on the spot until the song ended.
"That was nice," Ivy said as soon as the dance ended. "I'd better get back to dancing by myself now. People might think I gave up my protest."
"You're weird."
"So are you." Harry grinned, but then he heard a voice in his ear.
"Stealth!"
"What?" Harry asked. It was Brian's voice. There was a sound of struggling and he said. "Death Eaters! They're attacking!"