Sirius sat hunched over letting the cold night air pass over his thick fur coat as his right paw came up to scratch at a spot just behind his ear. There were times when being a dog was nice, but when you itched like this it was almost maddening to have to remain in this form. Seeing someone cross out of the shadows ahead, Sirius sniffed the air, then quickly trotted off after the cloaked figure.

He followed at a distance, the familiar scent unmistakable. The cloaked figure went around a corner, into a dark alley when another shadowy figure was waiting. The figure in the shadows lit a cigarette once the other man had gotten closer. Sirius approached cautiously, seeing the figure beside the one he'd been following.

"It's alright, Sirius. No one can see us here." Pulling the cloak from his face Remus Lupin smiled down at the black dog coming towards him.

"I can't stay long." The second man said just as Sirius transformed in front of them.

"What's going on? Why are we meeting? Is something wrong with Harry?" Sirius was brimming with questions as both men frantically shook their heads.

"What are you talking about, Sirius?" Lupin raised his arms in confusion.

"I forget you've been away for the last few months." The other man nodded, as Sirius wrapped his arms around himself, feeling the coldness of the night on his thinly covered skin. "Harry was entered into the Triwizard Tournament. I can't tell you what the plan is, but you need to get a message to Dumbledore."

"How are we supposed to do that?" Remus shouted as he fervently shook his head.

"That's not really my concern. I'm risking enough by being here. Somehow I think you and Sirius can manage transmitting a little message."

Sirius growled softly. "If it's that trivial, why don't you do it yourself?"

The other man sighed heavily. "You don't get it do you, Sirius? I'm trying to help Harry. I'm risking a helluva lot to do so. If I could safely get a message to Dumbledore, I would, but as is I can't."

"Well, what did you need us both here for?" Sirius asked as he wrapped his arms tighter around himself.

"My message was for Lupin. I'm guessing he called you in for backup in case I tried anything."

Remus nodded. "You have to admit it is a little strange hearing from you, considering the last time we saw you, you were…"

The other man put up a hand to stop Remus mid-sentence. "I realize all that. I'm just asking you do me a favor. Really, it's not even for me…it's to save HIS godson."

Sirius gaped at the other man's blatant hostility as he pointed a finger at him. "What's the bloody message?"

Remus and Sirius watched as their companion pulled a bulky misshapen envelope from inside his robe. He handed it to them, shaking his head as Remus moved to open it.

"It's only for Dumbledore to see. He'll understand what it means. Just get it to him."

Reluctantly, Remus nodded as he stuffed the unopened envelope in his pocket. "I'll do this, but I have one question for you."

The wizard smirked. "What?"

"Why are you doing this? Didn't you get enough last time? Why go back to all of this?"

"I believe that was three questions." Sirius and Remus did little to hide their irritation at the other wizard's response. "The only answer I can give you is that this is more than personal for me. I made a promise and I intend to keep it. Harry isn't the only one whose life is at stake here."

Remus and Sirius stared blankly as the other wizard pulled out his wand, apparating before they could respond to what he had said. They stood in the dark alley for a few moments longer, their confusion clear in their eyes. Once they'd regained their composure they both went their separate ways, promising to meet again soon.

> > > >

His dreams had gotten more vivid over the passing weeks, and he was no closer to understanding them then he was the morning he'd barged in on Daniel Jackson. In fact, he was more confused that he had been because of the surprising frequency of the dreams as of late. Despite having been able to kel'no reem again, his meditation was constantly broken by the dark images from his dream.

Daniel and Sam were exhausted for all the effort they had put in to helping Teal'c return to a state of normalcy since his dreams had begun. They were both at a loss as to what was going on. Carter had even suggested they ask Dumbledore about them, in case there was some magical connection, which had shocked and surprised Daniel and Teal'c.

"Did you just say what I think you just said, Sam?" Daniel craned his head around the desk where Sam was tapping away at the computer keyboard in front of her.

"I know it sounds crazy coming from me, but I can't think of any other plausible explanations for Teal'c's dreams. I'm just thinking maybe that he might."

He did a quick double-take then carefully walked around the desk so he was standing beside Carter.

"I suppose you have a point, of course there's the little problem of contacting Dumbledore."

Sam nodded as she looked up from the keyboard. "Didn't think about that."

> > > >

Dumbledore walked casually towards the fireplace, the familiar face staring back at him seemed rather upset.

"How come I wasn't told about Harry being entered in the tournament?"

"Things have been rather busy of late. Forgive me, Remus. I shall try not to leave you out of the loop in the future."

Remus's expression seemed to soften at the Headmaster's words. "Sorry. Guess I was just surprised when…"

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow in curiosity as Remus trailed off. "When what, my friend?"

"It doesn't matter. I need to send you a secure message."

Albus nodded as he pulled his wand from inside his robe. He whispered a few words, then tapped the edge of the fireplace with the wand. A moment later an envelope popped out of the flames, landing in Dumbledore's hands.

"This isn't your handwriting." Dumbledore commented as he flipped the envelope over reading the name scrawled on the top of it.

"I was told you'd understand."

"Very well. Was there anything else?"

Lupin shook his head. "I have to go. We'll talk again as soon as I get a chance."

"Good luck, Remus. Take care."

With a nod, Remus's head disappeared from the green flames and the fireplace was left empty. Dumbledore turned the envelope over in his hands feeling the outline of whatever was inside. He moved to his desk, took hold of the seal and pulled the envelope open.

The contents fell onto the table in heap. Inside were a letter and a necklace that appeared to be in two pieces. Taking a closer look, Dumbledore sighed heavily as he lifted the note in his right hand.

Dumbledore,

I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but this is truly important. I know you'll already be wary of what is going on in the tournament, but you must be VIGILANT. Things are not as they seem. I'm doing what I can from this end. I would tell you more, but I'm afraid I can't risk it in a letter. As for the necklace, I'm sure you know what it is. How I came to possess it is really of no consequence, but I'm sure you know what must be done. I trust you'll do just that. Keep them safe.

Sincerely,

Your lost student

The poorly scrawled handwriting was familiar, and the headmaster was quick to read the note once more before quickly setting it aflame to dispose of it. He carefully picked up the necklace, letting the chain tangle in the long fingers of his right hand as he brought the two pieces closer to his face.

The portraits in the room had taken notice of what he was holding one of them, a bearded man with a pointy nose and thick glasses, was quick to speak up.

"You must get rid of that thing. Having it in the school is far too dangerous."

"That I will, Everard. I merely wished to look upon it once before I did so."

A moment later Dumbledore pocketed the necklace and hurriedly left his office. He swept through the school grounds, stopping only when he reached Hagrid's hut. He went inside and few minutes later he and Hagrid left, going quietly into the Forbidden Forest together.

tbc...