A/N: Another plug.  I've got a pretty humorous story where some of the HP chars get locked in a room with yours truly.  Lots of insanity.

http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=583255

Disclaimer: I own the plot and Saerry Snape.  Everything else is JKR's.

Harry Potter and the Dark Defenses

Chapter 22 *** Back to Hogwart's ***

Harry Disapparated right outside Hogwart's gates and slipped in them quickly.  As he ran towards the castle, dodging the few Aurors that Fudge had obviously left to stand guard, he didn't notice Remus and a lump of black fur appearing in front of the gate.

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Remus glanced around then growled out "Enervate" at the mass of fur at his feet.

Sirius growled at him as he got up.

"Be quiet Padfoot."

Remus opened the gate and went through as Sirius tried to bite his leg.  He cursed and hopped on one foot for a moment, whacking the dog on the nose with his wand.

"You do that again and I'll bite you old friend."

Sirius blinked and whimpered.

Remus growled, "The day your sorry Padfoot, is the day you and Snape become friends."

The dog gave him a hurt look and he chuckled.

"C'mon."

With that the two entered the Hogwart's grounds and headed for the castle.

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Harry hurried through the halls to the gargoyle that guarded the headmaster's office.  He paused, not knowing if the password had changed recently.  Thinking it more than likely had not he muttered, "Chocolate Frog."

The gargoyle sprang open and he started up the stairs.

As soon as he reached the office he paused, listening to see if there was someone on the other side.

Not hearing anything he opened the door.

"Professor?"

Behind the desk, Dumbledore jumped then smiled.

"Hello again Harry."

Harry closed the door and said, "We have a problem."

Dumbledore frowned slightly.

"Problem?"

"Voldemort.  He's going to go after Sirius.  I don't know who'll be after that."

Dumbledore frowned even more and said, "This is serious."

Harry coughed to cover a laugh.

"Hmm?"

"Nothing.  What are we going to do?"

Dumbledore sighed, "I'm not sure.  Perhaps Sirius should stay here."

Harry shook his head then remembered he still had the hood of the cloak over his head.  He said, "That won't work."

Dumbledore arched an eyebrow and Harry added, "Voldemort said that he would get Sirius no matter what I did to protect him."

"Do you know when?"

"He said by the next full moon so Remus won't be of any help."

"Actually he might as werewolves only attack humans, not animals."

Harry blinked.  "You mean we could get Remus to somehow guard Sirius against Voldemort?"

"Yes."

"I don't think that'll work Professor."

Dumbledore smiled slightly and said, "It is worth a shot is it not Harry?"

Harry sighed.

"I suppose.."

There was silence in the room for a few moments, then Dumbledore asked, "Where will you go now?"

Harry shrugged, mentally slapped himself for forgetting he was invisible again, and then replied, "I'm not sure.  I guess I could head into the forest."

"Are you sure you could handle it?"

Harry laughed.

"Professor, I meant a normal forest not the Forbidden Forest.  But if I had meant that, yes, I could handle it.  Seven years in Voldemort's company made me pretty much able to handle anything."  Harry frowned and added, "Except maybe being practically exiled."

Dumbledore sighed and said, "We will find a way to get over this Harry."

"I'm beginning to think the easiest way is to turn myself in but as Voldemort's after everyone I care for, I don't think that's such a good idea."

A smile twisted the older man's lips as he softly said, "True."

Harry smiled slightly as well and said, "I should be going.  I've already stayed longer than I should have."

As he turned to go Dumbledore said, "Keep in touch Harry."

"I will.  Where's Hedwig?"

"The Owlery.  I think she'll be quite happy to see you again."

Harry smiled and replied, "I'm sure she will.  Goodbye Professor."

"Goodbye Harry."

Harry started out the door then turned back and said, "Oh, and if Remus and Sirius come looking for me, feel free to tell them all I've told you."

Dumbledore nodded in response and gave a half smile.

With that Harry headed back down the stairs then towards the Owlery.  He never noticed Remus and Sirius coming down the opposite hallway towards Dumbledore's office.

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Remus stopped in front of the stone gargoyle and looked down at Sirius.

"You wouldn't happen to know the password would you?"

Sirius shook his head then sniffed at something on the floor.  Almost immediately he let out a bark and ran off down the hall.

Remus blinked then yelled, "Si…Pa…SNUFFLES!  GET BACK HERE!"

"I think he has found Harry's scent."

Remus whirled around to see the gargoyle open and Dumbledore standing in the doorway behind it.

"Harry's been here?"

Dumbledore smiled, his blue eyes twinkling, and replied, "Yes Remus.  Just a moment ago."

Remus asked, "Where's he going?"

"I'm afraid I don't know."

"Does he?"

"I believe not."

"WHAT?"

Dumbledore softly said, "We must trust him Remus.  He is, after all, not the same Harry."

Remus groaned, "Don't I know it…  By the way, where was he going?"

"The Owlery."

"Thank you!"

With that the werewolf sprinted off, leaving Dumbledore to look after him.

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Harry slipped past an Auror standing just outside the door up to the Owlery and walked up as quietly as he could, avoiding steps he knew would groan.

As he reached the top he heard the soft rustles of feathers and looked around.

Several different kinds of owls surrounded him, most asleep with their head under their wings but some awake and looking at him as if they saw him.

Taking a quick look backwards he whispered, "Hedwig.  Hedwig, where are you?"

A soft hoot came from somewhere behind him.

Turning he saw the familiar snow colored form of his owl.  Walking over to her he stroked the feathers on her breast and said, "Hello old friend."

Hedwig hooted again and nipped at his invisible fingers.

Harry smiled and moved his other hand down to rest just in front of her feet.  She stepped up onto his wrist and flapped her wings for balance for a moment.  Walking over to a window he whispered, "I want you to go wait for me outside the gates.  Can you do that?"

Hedwig hooted softly in response, her amber eyes blinking once as if to say yes.

"Good.  Off you go."

Harry watched as the snowy owl flew out of the tower and off towards the gates.  He turned to leave then heard the sounds of barking from down the stairs.

Oh hell.  Sirius…

Blinking he charged down the stairs, taking two at a time as silently as he could, relying on Sirius' barking to cover up the noise he was making.  Just as he got to the bottom Sirius charged past him, followed by the Auror, who was cursing and clutching a bloodied hand.

Harry chuckled softly then headed back towards the entrance hall.

As he did he passed Remus, who was heading straight for the Owlery.  He whispered, "You might want to be ready to save Sirius from an Auror when you get there," as he passed, causing the werewolf to whirl about and hiss, "Harry!"

Harry smiled and replied, "Remember to watch him Remus," before heading on down the hallway.

Remus stared after him a second then sprinted towards the Owlery, where the sounds of barking, cursing, and angry hoots were beginning to come from.

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Harry began to run as soon as he got back out onto the grounds.  He charged past a group of Aurors, being as silent as he could then slipped out the gate.  Hedwig hooted at him from somewhere in the tree's and he followed the sound to her.  She sat in a tree and nipped at his fingers as he reached out to stroke her feathers.

Taking off the invisibility cloak he tucked it into his robes and went further into the forest, Hedwig flitting after him on silent wings.

A/N: Chapter 22 ladies and gentlemen!  I didn't manage to get Sev, Voldie, and Saerry in like I thought I would so that'll be next chapter.  And there will be some Ginny and Ron too, along with Herm and Draco.  *sigh*  At least I hope there will be….