Chapter 8

Ron shut the door as the dog turned into Sirius. Harry walked over to him and Lupin then crossed his arms.

"What are the two of you up to?"

The men exchanged looks and Lupin sat down behind his desk.

"Who says that we're up to anything Harry?"

Sirius spoke up before Harry could start in on Lupin.

"Remus, there's no use in trying to hide this from them.... Harry is too much like James."

"I know that Sirius, but all the same, we can't let them get hurt either."

Harry and Ron both cleared their throats.

"Remember us? We're still in the room, you know."

Sirius laughed a bit.

"I'm sorry Ron. So, how much have you figured out on your own?"

Harry started to pace in front of Lupin's desk.

"Well, we know that Voldemort probably has Alex and Cat. He has the were-wolves on his side. Dobby knows something, but he isn't telling us what it is. He just said to stay inside the castle. And we're pretty sure that Voldemort is hiding the girls in the dark forest."

"Say You-Know-Who please!"

Ron shuddered a bit and Harry stopped pacing to look at Lupin.

"We also think that he is using them to start a war between wizards and Druids so he can take over."

Sirius sighed and nodded.

"That's pretty much the same thing that we've come up with so far. Though, this information that you think Dobby has is new to us."

Lupin stood up and walked over to the window, staring out of it.

"And he's about to get his wish. The Druids have started to prepare for war. And you can bet that Hogsmeade and the school will be the first targets...we don't stand a chance against Druid warriors."

Sirius started pacing now.

"You forget one thing Remus; the Clans have not united. The Dragon Clans will go after the Dragon Hearts first. That battle could take weeks, seeing as how they are missing their main chosen warriors. And the Dragon Clans have never beaten the Dragon Hearts...ever."

Sirius smiled at the confused expressions on Harry and Ron's faces.

"You hear a lot when everyone thinks you're a dog."

"I...I bet you do Sirius. But how does that help us?"

Harry sat down on top of Lupin's desk. Lupin turned around and leaned on the windowsill. Sirius had a lopsided grin on his face.

"It helps us, because it buys us some time Harry. While the Dragon Clans battle each other...we can go and find the girls, before they really do some damage."

Ron grinned at this and nodded.

"Yeah, that makes sense. So when do we leave?"

Both Lupin and Sirius laughed.

"We're leaving tonight. You two, however, are staying here. You'll be safer in the castle."

Harry shook his head.

"No, I am at least coming with you. They're my friends; I will not leave them out there to die."

"Harry, it's out of the question. You will stay here...even if we have to put you into a full body bind...you; Ron and Hermione are staying here."

Harry and Ron began to protest...that is until Lupin pulled out his wand and pointed it at them.

"You heard your Godfather Harry. No arguments. You three are to stay here. Understood?"

They both sighed.

"Fine, we'll stay here...for now."

Sirius frowned at them.

"No, you'll stay here no matter what. You're not to go to the forest. Have you already forgotten what has just happened Harry? You almost got yourself killed. Kagato did get himself killed. You will stay here, where Dumbledore can keep an eye on you."

"But we can't just sit here and do nothing!"

"Harry's right. We'll go mad waiting in the common room for news."

"Then don't think about it. I know that's hard but play chess. Do your homework. Do something to keep your mind inside the castle."

Suddenly the fireplace roared green and Dumbledore's voice came out of it.

"Professor Lupin, I need a word with you. Send Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley back to their common room."

"On my way Sir."

The fire returned too normal.

"You heard him. To your common room. Now...and stay there."

Reluctantly, they left Lupin's office and started for the Gryffindor tower.