Author's Note: Due to unforeseen problems, namely my computer contracting a very evil virus that has now been taken care of, I wasn't able to update last week. I also lost or rather it got corrupted, the edited version of the fic. Thankfully I still have the unedited version saved elsewhere, so I've now reloaded it and am in the process of editing it. This is going to take some time, so my updates will probably continue to be every other week for a while. At least I don't have to rewrite the entire ending.

Chapter 44

Lanterns lit themselves as Sirius Black slipped into Hogwarts undetected. His nails made soft clicking sounds on the stone as he hurried towards Dumbledore's office. He'd have to maintain his canine form until he got there or risk being caught. Years of practice and honing his stealth techniques didn't make this any less dangerous. If he were caught it was back to Azkaban or worse. Shuddering mentally, he didn't want to think of what the 'worse' was. Ducking into a shadow, he waited for a student to pass before continuing on. After several more twists and turns he reached his destination. Peeking out of the shadows, he checked the passage before he slid back into human form.

He'd just reached the trigger to open the hidden staircase when he heard voices. Mentally swearing, he transformed immediately and dove back into his hiding place. A moment later Ron and Harry appeared. Breathing a sigh of relief he padded out to meet them. They smiled, scratching him behind the ears; making it appear to anyone who might happen upon them that this was a normal dog. Sirius didn't bark though, he kept his tongue silent while Harry pressed the statue that summoned the stairs. Moments later the three of them were in the office.

Dumbledore was standing by Fawkes' perch. The phoenix was preening itself while the old wizard watched with much adoration. Once the door was firmly shut, Sirius returned to his natural form.

"What news have you brought Sirius?" Dumbledore asked, wasting no time. He gave Fawkes a final brush of his cheek before turning his undivided attention to them. Black waited until he had it before beginning.

"There's been more activity at Malfoy Manor with in the past few days," he reported. "I think they're gearing up for something big." That's an understatement, he thought gloomily It appeared as if Malfoy were having a series of private soirees, but Black knew that wasn't the case. He'd seen many suspiciously familiar coaches coming and going from the manor the past week. They belonged to suspected Death Eaters from across England.

"Severus hasn't mentioned anything significant happening," Dumbledore muttered worriedly. "That doesn't mean Lucius isn't plotting though. Voldemort isn't pleased with how he's handled Draco or anything recently." The others nodded in understanding. Not knowing about the goings on of one of the most influential Death Eaters didn't bode well. Although, Lucius currently wasn't on Voldemort's good side, so how much aid the Dark Lord was willing to give would probably be small. This meant Lucius was more likely to try an appease Voldemort with Cassie, Harry's death, or both.

"Lucius is going to try to abduct Cassie again, isn't he?" Harry kept his voice low.

"I believe that's a distinct possibility," Dumbledore replied. "I'm sure they know she's your daughter."

"The best way to get to me is through those I care about," Harry said, wishing the sick feeling in his stomach would go away.

"Maybe it's time we called in back up?" Ron suggested, taking a quick glance at Harry. "There are too many students that could get hurt if they tried an all out attack."

"I don't believe they will," the Headmaster stated, moving to his desk. "But they will be more careful about how they abduct Cassiopeia this time. Lucius is determined to have her, and I have no doubt in my mind that he knows you're her other father Harry."

The Auror nodded sadly. Silence flooded the room momentarily as they all contemplated different courses of action.

"I believe," Dumbledore said at length. "That Ron's correct. We need at least one more Auror here. I believe it's time we brought Neville Longbottom into the fold."

-

At ten forty-five Neville Longbottom arrived. Having been summoned he'd made all haste to arrive at Hogwarts before his meeting with Dumbledore. It was always important to either be early or on time for an appointment.

Taking a piece of paper out of his pocket, he unfolded the letter one more time. Reading it over, he judged his time. Hopefully this meeting wouldn't take too long, he had another appointment today. Not as crucial as whatever Dumbledore had to say, but important nonetheless. Smiling wistfully, Neville sighed. Refolding it, he slipped the letter back into his pocket and headed towards the doors to Hogwarts.