A/N: *rubs forehead* Bloody headache is bothering the heck out of me but I'm going to write anyway. If anything seems out of whack, BLAME THE RUDDY HEADACHE.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Okay maybe the plot but that's it.
Harry Potter and the Dark Defenses
Chapter 4 ***Time to Chat***
Harry Disapparated from Malfoy Manor and reappeared at the edge of Hogsmeade by the Shrieking Shack. He looked at the building, remembering when in their 3rd year he and Hermoine had dove through the tunnel under the Whomping Willow and ended up in the shack after his godfather Sirius, in his Animagus form, had dragged in Ron. What had happened later involved Peter Pettigrew, the man who had given his parents to Voldemort, escaping and sending Sirius back into hiding
Shaking his head Harry drove away the surge of anger that came up with the mention of Pettigrew. He was one of the two Death Eaters Harry had not killed since the Aurors had been unable to do it. The other one was Lucius Malfoy, who had been killed by an Auror during a raid gone wrong.
Sighing, he drew his hood closer to his face and started up the road towards the towering spires and turrets of Hogwarts.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As Harry went into the entrance hall he stopped, studying the place he had not seen in seven years except in his memories. Looking around once more he headed towards Dumbledore's office.
Stopping in front of the gargoyle he began to go through a list of sweets. As soon as he had said "Treacle Fudge" the gargoyle sprang open, revealing the steps up to Dumbledore's office. Heading up he knocked on the door and heard someone say, "Come in," from behind it.
Opening the door he saw Albus Dumbledore sitting behind his desk, looking down at a sheet of paper. The phoenix Fawkes sat on his shoulder but flew over to land on Harry's as soon as he saw him.
Fawkes rubbed his head up against Harry's cheek and he smiled, gently stroking the scarlet-and-gold plumage of the phoenix. Softly he said, "Hello Fawkes."
Dumbledore looked up and smiled, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Harry."
"Professor."
"It's been a while since I heard from you."
"Five or so months to be exact."
Dumbledore nodded and held up the paper he was looking at. It was a letter written in, from what Harry could see, Draco's handwriting.
"Mr. Malfoy sent me an owl last night telling me you had come to his house. He was fairly surprised when he found out what you had done."
Harry chuckled and said, "He seemed that way last night."
"I'd think so. He also said you told him and Mrs. Malfoy that Voldemort was dead, along with all of his Death Eaters."
Harry nodded and moved to sit down in one of the chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk. He pulled down his hood and ran a hand through his still unruly black hair.
"All of them but one."
Dumbledore was silent so Harry continued.
"I couldn't find Pettigrew. He was the one I was so hoping to find."
"I must say your godfather had the same thought in mind."
Harry perked. "Sirius? Is he here?"
"No, he's still in hiding. But he has been in contact with me."
"Damn. If only that git hadn't run." He sighed and asked, "How is he?"
Dumbledore smiled and replied, "Worried for you."
"You didn't tell him?"
"No. That is your secret to tell Harry."
"I don't think I can tell him Professor."
Dumbledore laid the letter from Draco on the desk and said, "You can Harry. He will understand why you did it."
Harry sullenly replied, "I'm not so sure. I've barely forgiven myself for all I've done. You haven't heard half of what I've had to do Professor."
"Harry. You did what you had to do. Those who love you will forgive you."
Dumbledore's eyes brightened and he changed the conversation by asking, "Do you know that the Malfoy's work here now?"
"Yes. They told me. Hermoine took over History of Magic and Draco's helping Snape."
"And the Defense Against the Dark Arts position is once again open."
Harry blinked and looked sharply at Dumbledore. "You're joking."
"You are one of the best to take the job."
"What about Snape?"
Dumbledore smiled and replied, "Severus took the job the year after you left. He lasted two years then returned to his old position."
"He didn't like DADA? And I thought he was always jumping for that spot."
"He said he preferred potions."
Harry laughed, a normal laugh, not the cold, hard laugh he had been forced to use over the last years. Still laughing under his breath he said, "Alright Professor. You have yourself a new teacher."
Dumbledore smiled and waved his wand. A list appeared in Harry's hand.
"That should be all you'll need. Classes will start soon you know."
"I know."
Harry rose and turned to leave but turned back and said, "Thank you for everything Professor."
"You're welcome Harry. And if you need a place to stay before the school year starts you may return here. It will be quiet with only Severus, Mr. Filch, and myself here."
"I welcome the quiet professor. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go and get a few things on this list."
Dumbledore nodded and Harry left his office. As soon as he stepped out into the sunlight he noticed that Fawkes was still on his shoulder. "Go back to Dumbledore Fawkes."
The phoenix blinked its black eyes at him then flew from his shoulder.
Harry began to walk back towards Hogsmeade, pulling his hood back over his head.
As soon as he was out of the bounds of Hogwarts protection spells he Apparated away.
A/N: So? Whatcha think? Reviews are welcome, flame's are not.
Next Chapter: Diagon Alley and an old face