Harry idly whistled to himself as he left the Potions classroom and made his way down the hall to his office. He still sorely wished that he could have taught a subject other than Potions, but it wasn't that bad. He had managed to blunder through the daily classes without too much trouble and was now ready for a break. He opened the door to his office and was surprised to see Professor Dumbledore standing just inside.
"Albus," Harry said, clearly surprised. "I wasn't expecting you."
"Of course not," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling. "Forgive me for the intrusion. I wanted to talk to you about a matter and thought that your office would be the best option for finding you."
"There's no problem," Harry said. "I was just saying that I was surprised." He closed the door behind him and smiled at the headmaster. "What can I do for you?"
Dumbledore gestured toward the seat behind Harry's desk as he himself took the chair opposite. "I just wanted to talk. However, before we really begin the conversation in earnest, I wonder if you would enlighten me as to why you have a chicken in your desk drawer.
Harry winced as he took a seat. Faintly, he could hear the chicken squawking. The silencing charm from the night before was wearing off. Harry quickly searched for an explanation for the chicken in the drawer. Finally, he looked at Dumbledore and put on his best poker face. "It's a science experiment."
Dumbledore tilted his head and smiled. "How extraordinary," he said. "Especially…"
"Especially what?" Harry asked
"Never mind," Dumbledore said, waving his hand dismissively. "Harry, we need to talk about the things that are going on in our world."
"Oh?" Harry said.
Candidly, Dumbledore explained the observations he had made with regard to the raising incidents of crime throughout Britain, the recent political upheaval in the Ministry, and Bellatrix's experience with some of the Slytherin students. "I'm sure you also are aware of all these things, Harry," Dumbledore concluded. "In addition to these observations, I can't help but also observe that you seem to be closely tied to the Black family. You are protecting their… interests here at Hogwarts, aren't you?"
Harry shrugged, doing his best to act unconcerned by the topic Dumbledore was pursuing. He was prepared to reveal a certain amount of information to Professor Dumbledore, but he wanted it to be just right. "I try to keep their children out of trouble and harm's way. They've been very good friends since my arrival here."
"Thus, you have an inside curve with the Blacks, Harry." Dumbledore said. "If any family knows what is going on in Britain, it is the Blacks, especially with Cygnus now being the Minister of Magic. I'm sure they're doing their best to do what is right for everyone. I also want to ensure that everything is all right in the world."
"Of course," Harry said, spreading his hands in a placating gesture.
"I'm going to be direct, Harry. Do you know anything that maybe I should know also?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, I'm not sure," Harry said slowly, feigning nervousness.
"Harry, if there's something bad going on, I should know," Dumbledore said quietly, advancing his position. "I am a ranking member of the Wizengamot and an influential member of society. If there is a problem, it is my duty to help."
Though Harry was already convinced of the necessity of putting Dumbledore on the right path, he decided the part he was playing required just a little bit more reluctance. "I don't know," he said slowly. "I don't like breaking confidence."
"It would be far worse to keep a secret that could hurt people," Dumbledore urged.
Harry let out a put-upon sigh. "All right. The Blacks are convinced that there's some up-and-coming dark lord out there doing recruiting amongst the younger generation. My job is to supervise their children and report anything unusual I might see happening among Hogwarts students."
"Something like Bellatrix's little incident in the forest?" Dumbledore said gravely.
"Yeah," said Harry. "Stuff like that. You can't blame me, can you? I'm not doing anything dishonest."
"Of course not," Dumbledore said reassuringly, though it was clear his thoughts were elsewhere. "Helping out friends is above reproach. You've done nothing wrong."
"Do you know what else the Blacks are doing in their… opposition to this dark lord?" Dumbledore inquired.
Harry shrugged artfully. "I don't know. I would assume that Minister Black is doing his best to prepare the Ministry's defenses."
"Let us hope so," Dumbledore breathed.