Chapter 8

The Headmaster of Hogwarts was frustrated. It was a hard year this year. The school had noticed the absence of Harry and even though most of the students didn't believe in Voldemort's return, they seemed to feel slightly uneasy by the Boy who Lived's absence. The Ministry had even taken an interest in the boy's absence and it was getting worrisome. Fudge wanted to take control of the boy's account but the only way that could be done was if the boy was missing for more then five years and on top of that the boy had sealed his vaults all of them and so nobody but Harry himself or an heir could get into them. Now also thanks to the Ministry of Magic the entire world knew of Harry's missing statue and that also meant Voldemort knew. Severus along with Lucius were announcing that he had sent Death Eaters to search for the boy and he had noticed that Lucius seemed a little tensed as he spoke about it.

Suddenly his door opened and he looked up to see Minerva walk in. She looked paler then usual as she sat down in front of him.

"Minerva what is wrong?" The Headmaster asked worried.

"Terrible news Albus. Voldemort has announced his return. I presume it's because of Potter's disappearance. The Ministry is going crazy with worry and fear. Madam Bones is trying to do all she can but Fudge is being a right idiot and running around like a chicken with it's head cut off." She said making him pale.

"Minerva announce this to all the teachers and make sure that the order knows. Also if it is possible let some Order members guard around Hogwarts grounds. I will go to the Ministry." he ordered.

"Of course Albus." She agreed before leaving.

Hurriedly the Headmaster stood up and made his way to his fireplace. From their he appeared in the Ministry to see aurors running around. Shaking his head he made his way to the Ministers office.

Arriving he found Nymphadora Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt on ether side of the door.

"Headmaster Dumbledore sir. How can I help you?" The Minister's secretary asked.

"I need to see the Minister. I presume he has heard about Voldemort's announcement." The Headmaster announced making the woman flinch as he said Voldemort's name.

"Of course he has said to let you in Headmaster sir. You may off course go in." She stuttered.

"Thank you." He said before walking in with a nod to both aurors.

Arriving inside the Office he found the Minister arguing with Amelia Bones about something of sorts but it stopped the moment they noticed his entrance.

"Albus thank Merlin you came." Amelia sighed.

"Headmaster Dumbledore...I...I..." The Minister stuttered but the Headmaster raised a hand.

"Do not worry Cornelius. For now let us concentrate on what is happening. I need to ask one thing though. One way to make the public at ease again is to get one of your best aurors back." He said making Amelia frown.

"Alastor..." She started but the Headmaster shook his head making her pale.

"We need a trial for Sirius Black Cornelius. A trial with Veritaserum. I can assure you that this trial will reveal something that will give hope to the world. Sirius Black was the best Auror you had with James Potter and if he truly was Voldemorts right hand-man then he can give many names of Death Eaters." The Headmaster stated making the Minister gulp.

"Very well but it's the trouble of finding him Headmaster the man has not been found at all." The Minister said making Albus smile.

"Announce the trial in the Daily Prophet I can assure you he will be there." The Headmaster agreed.

"Alright he'll do it either way it will bring the Ministry into a good light. I mean if he really wants to be in good light. If Black is proven innocent then it will show that the Ministry is trying to clean their ass up and if he is actually a Death Eater then it is proven and we can get names of Death Eaters. Now who will do the questioning?" Amelia asked.

"If I may, I will do it." The Headmaster stated.

"Of course." the Minister agreed strait away.

"We need to find Harry Potter Albus, do you have any idea were he is?" Amelia asked worried.

Signing wishfully the Headmaster took a sit and shook his head.

"I'm afraid not Amelia but Harry did send a letter a while back. It stated that he was, in sort, kidnapped to attend a school of sorts. He said that he would return in a year's time and until then that nobody could ever find him." He answered making the Minister and Head of Law Enforcement pale.

"He needs to be trained Albus with a Dark Lord after him, because really the man is after him, he will be in real danger." Amelia stated.

"I know and hopefully we will be able to start that training as soon as we find him. For now Minister make sure all Aurors are an standby also get new funding for law Enforcement. I can perhaps get Alastor to teach them. Amelia you cannot walk around alone nor can you be alone. Voldemort will want you dead as well. You are a prominent fighter in this war and the last not to mention the Head of Law Enforcement." The Headmaster continued.

"Encase I am killed the one who replace me is Kingsley Shacklebolt he is perfect for the position." She said making the Headmaster smile.

"I agree with Kingsley he is a good choice. Now Minister you need to make the announcement. The world needs to know about this along with the Queen herself. You know she has the right to know that her country is going to war." The Headmaster said making the Minister gulp.

"Of course Headmaster. Shall I contact America for help?" He asked making the Headmaster sigh.

"I'm afraid they may not take our side after we refused them last time. But perhaps the thought that we are asking for their help will help our cause. They would be a good accent and ask the Canadian Minister of Magic. He will be able to help and Canadians have always been feared on the battle field." The Headmaster stated. "After all they have entered many wars at our side and if I remember correctly in the muggle world wars they were very feared."

"Indeed they were feared, so we contact both. Hopefully they will help in this war because we all know that if You-know-who takes over Britten he wont stop there he will move to other countries." Amelia agreed.

"Let's try to get the Giants on our side along with some Werewolves. Remus Lupin is a member of the Light side Cornelius. He is also a very good teacher. Madam Umbridge has not taught the students proper defence. I must ask that I place him as Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. During the full moons he won't be an school property and during those classes I will take the classes. You know that Defence Against the Dark Arts class is one of the most important now." The Headmaster said.

"Very well do you think he will be able to do something?" The Minister asked.

"Yes because an hour after classes there will be another Defence Against the Dark Arts class for the entire school. Professor Severus Snape will help along with, if cleared, Sirius Black I'm sure." the Headmaster stated making the Minister sigh.

"Very well Headmaster I trust you, I will also replace the Dementors with Aurors and put alarms on the place. We will also station some aurors around Hogwarts." he said.

"Ask the Goblins, see if they will help if they do not it is fine. I suspect that they will probably stay neutral though so I would not put my hopes on them." The Headmaster said making both sigh.

When the Headmaster finally left he had spent another hour in the Ministers office discussing things that could help. From there he made his way to Headquarters were he found Sirius sitting in the kitchen with Remus.

"Albus how can we help you?" Remus asked curiously.

"I have just come from speaking with the Minister of Magic. We have come to many conclusions as he was eager to get into my good graces again. A trial has been given to one Sirius Black. It will be announced tomorrow. Sirius this is no trick and I have arranged for Veritaserum to be given and I shall be questioning you Sirius. You and I will arrive together it is the only way I can be assured that you are safe." The Headmaster announced but all Sirius could do was gap in shock.

"I never thought this would ever happen. I had always thought that I would, that I would stay in hiding for ever. Albus what can I say..." Sirius whispered.

"Nothing my boy, it was my pleasure to help a person in need. The Amelia Bones is hoping to get you back as an Auror though. If you are innocent then you will be given your old position back as it is currently unoccupied. Now one more thing Remus will you teach the students at Hogwarts? The Minister has agreed, as you were the best one the students ever got. Also I have informed him that you would not be at Hogwarts on the full moons and that I would take your classes." The Headmaster explained while raising his hand to stop Remus from interrupting him in the middle off his explanation.

"Please Remus, Harry himself said you were the best Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor he ever had and no we have not found him."

"Very well Albus I will teach is there something else?" Remus asked.

"Yes there will be an extra Defence Against the Dark Arts class in the Great hall every night after classes. You, Severus, Sirius and I will be teaching along with Filius once we arrive at Duelling. The students have had a very horrible excuse for a teacher this year and they will need all the help they can get." He stated.

"Of course I completely agree. I suppose I start tomorrow?" Remus asked.

"Yes, Sirius trial is tomorrow as well." The Headmaster stated making Sirius smile then it fell slightly.

"I wish Harry was here for this." He whispered before standing and leaving the room, leaving Remus and the Headmaster alone.

"He really misses Harry." Remus whispered softly.

"We all do my boy, we all do." The Headmaster said before standing. "Tonight at diner you will be announced hopefully you can be there in time."

With that final phrase the Headmaster left. He needed to speak with Alastor to tell him the news then he had to get to Hogwarts for the feast.

Disappearing from Headquarters he arrived at Alastors house and went up to the front door. He knocked softly and waited. Suddenly the door was thrown open and he found wand pointed at him.

"What is my favourite jam?" Alastor Moody growled making the Headmaster smile.

"Peach, old friend. What is it I see in the Mirror of Erised?" He asked.

"Your sister with you again." Alastor answered making the Headmaster smile sadly. "Come in Albus and tell me what an earth you want. Voldemort just announced his return and your coming here." The man grunted.

"Indeed old friend but this is important. I spoke with Cornelius and Amelia. We discussed for a good hour or so. I told them to get more trainees and that I would try and get you to teach the academy." The Headmaster stated making the man sigh.

"Albus I'm old I know that but really taking me off battles?" Alastor asked.

"No you would still participate in them but we need you to teach Alastor. You would do well to the academy." The Headmaster argued. "You yourself said that most rookies don't get enough training."

That of course made the ex-auror laugh.

"I will think about it Albus.

"That's all I ask old friend, that's all I ask." The Headmaster said before leaving.

Looking around the cool night he let a sigh leave his lips then he disappeared and appeared at Hogwarts gates. Going he made his way to the castle and into the Great hall were he happilly noted that Remus was sitting at the Head table, speaking with Minerva while Dolores gave him a glare. Walking to the Head table he turned and waited for the attention of his students. When he received it he started to speak.

"As you have perhaps heard, Lord Voldemort has announced his return. The Minister, Amelia Bones and myself find that you're education in Defence Against the Dark Arts has been lacking and that is why one Remus Lupin shall be replacing Madam Umbridge. Also for the rest of the year every night after classes for an hour another class of Defence shall be taught to all students no exceptions. The teachers shall be Remus Lupin, Severus Snape and myself." The Headmaster announced and as soon as he finished, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and even some Slytherins burst into cheers. Clearly happy to see Umbridge gone and replaced with the best teacher they ever had in Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Soon the Headmaster took his seat and was very satisfied to see Umbridge gaping like a fish with out a fish bowl.

Down at Gryffindor, Hermione and Ron were both smiling for the first time in a long time and it didn't go unnoticed by the staff and other Gryffindors.

After diner both approached their new Professor who smiled at them.

"Congratulations Professor, Harry would really be happy to have you back on staff." Ron said.

"Yeah, you were always Harry's favorite DADA teacher. It had something to do with not trying to kill him or erase his memory." Hermione said making Remus laugh softly.

"Thank you, both of you. How are you both hanging on?" He asked.

"As well as can be expected. I suppose its hard to know that we didn't know our best friends as well as we had thought. But we promised ourselves that no matter what, no matter who he's dating that we will always be by his side." Ron said making Remus smile brightly.

"Great to hear both of you now remember. Stay on guard Voldemort is now out in the open and that is very dangerous." Remus said.

"We understand Professor." Hermione said.

"Then I shall lead you to Gryffindor common room. It is always good to be safe." He said making both smile.

"It isn't needed..." Hermione tried but he stopped her.

"It might not be needed Hermione, but you are both Harry's best friends and so that makes you targets. I will not let you be hurt now lets go." He stated making both blink in shock.

"Sure thing Professor. Oh by the way you suck Umbridge." Ron shouted causing the woman to scream in rage.