Dysfunctional

30 - The Last Hogsmeade Visit

Sunday, October 6

"So, Greyback is actively working for the Death Eaters," stated Dumbledore resignedly from his place in the headmaster's chair.

Dumbledore had sent Fawkes to Potter Manor, requesting Sirius to come to Hogwarts as he was unable to come over himself. Sirius had been perplexed; Dumbledore usually came over to Potter Manor to discuss. But he understood his reason, once he actually laid eyes on Dumbledore. He was tired and looking older than Sirius had seen him.

Sirius had wasted no time in telling Dumbledore what had happened at the Abbotts'.

"Yes," said Sirius sharply, loosening the ascot knot on his necktie. "I don't understand why Remus still hasn't come back if Greyback is a lost cause."

"Greyback may be the leader of the pack, but there are other werewolves that Remus must try to convince against joining Greyback and in turn, Voldemort," said Dumbledore, leaning back on his armchair in his office. It was a little disconcerting to have a desk between them as Sirius had gotten quite used to the informal environment in which he had been meeting Dumbledore for the past couple of months.

Sirius huffed in annoyance but did not disagree with him. The werewolves always aligned with Voldemort just like during the last war. With the way the Ministry ostracized them, he couldn't blame them. But there might be some like Remus, who would wish to help in the fight against Voldemort. Maybe.

"What's next? Where do you think we must search for the Horcruxes?" said Sirius, leaning forward placing his elbows on the desk.

"Currently, I am researching some possible locations where Tom might have kept a Horcrux," said Dumbledore. "Once I am sufficiently convinced I have found a possible location, I shall inform you when we can make a visit."

"The Order is getting increasingly curious about where you're off to," said Sirius, with a frown.

After their visit to Albania, Sirius had been injured during the attack on the Abbotts and was told to take it easy for a week. He knew Dumbledore was still leaving Hogwarts without him for his 'research', but the others were getting very interested to know what Dumbledore was hiding from them.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes. I did hear Hestia's suppositions on what you had been doing during your absence as well."

Sirius snorted before continuing, "Johnson told us the Minister himself is trying to have Aurors tail you. That's why there's two more trainees, including Johnson, to the security team around Hogwarts."

Dumbledore sighed. "Scrimgeour was very upset after your meeting. Now that he knows you will not allow Harry to stand by him and the Ministry, he has become much interested in my whereabouts when I'm not in Hogwarts."

"In some ways, Scrimgeour seems to be no better than Fudge," said Sirius, scowling.

Dumbledore did not reply, but merely inclined his head, which in itself, spoke volumes on his opinion about Scrimgeour.

"What was so important that you called for me here anyway?" asked Sirius, curiously.

"Severus tells me that the Death Eaters have a fledgling idea to attack the Longbottoms. Augusta has been vocal about her opinion of them since last summer and they plan to retaliate in an attempt to threaten her."