"It would take months or years to build up the trust you need to get the information that is most useful," Remus explained. "But as someone who is looking out for their interest, helping them legitimately to find a better life, I think I would be much more successful. Understand that as Mr. Delacour said, it is the werewolves who come first, not the information they may have against Voldemort."
Dumbledore looked disappointed but nodded at Lupin.
"Maybe your country can start thinking about better laws in regards to ze werewolves as well."
"With the current makeup in government, it would never happen," Dumbledore replied as he sat back in his chair. "Most of the population consider werewolves dark creatures and automatically align them with Voldemort. Any softening of the laws would trigger a political backlash at this time."
"Most of ze population..." Alain murmured to himself before looking at the Ancient Wizard behind the desk. "Ow long 'ave you been 'eadmaster 'ere Professor Dumbledore?"
"Twenty-five years, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"You've 'ad twenty-five years to change ze opinions of ze students who learn at zis school," Alain stated bluntly. "Tell me, 'ave you put any effort at all in ensuring zat particular subject is taught in a more enlightening manner?"
"It's not that simple Alain," Dumbledore replied. "There is only so much I can do."
"Sir, he did go to a lot of trouble to allow me to come to this school," Remus interjected.
"Non, 'e allowed Remus Lupin to attend zis school oui," Alain said. "And 'e went to great lengths to protect ze student body, but 'e did not allow Remus Lupin ze werewolf to come. 'E 'id your condition from ze school, it's not ze same."
"I did what I could," Dumbledore stated with a shrug of his shoulders. "Would it have been better not to have invited Remus at all?"
"Non, but I'm saying you 'ave done very little but seem to claim a lot of credit for what you 'ave done."
"Okay, that's enough," Remus interjected in the argument between the two men he admired the most. "We are all on the same side, and I think since we are all very concerned for Harry as well committed to the fight against Voldemort."
"I will 'elp ze young man anyway I can," Alain admitted. "E is my family."
"Then let's concentrate on Harry okay?" Remus suggested. He looked at Dumbledore. "From the people I contacted last night, I presume the Order is being reactivated?"
"Yes," Dumbledore replied. "And there are a lot of things that needs to be done."
"Anything I can 'elp with?" Mr. Delacour asked.
"You discussed the matter with your Minister last night? What are his plans?"
Alain shrugged. "My Minister is wary at ze moment. 'E wants to see what ze English Ministry does. 'E 'as no intentions of fighting zis war for your country. If you require something specific, 'e might be able to 'elp. I did 'ave to explain about 'Arry and my daughters so 'e would understand why ze young man is coming to France zis summer."
Dumbledore nodded his understanding. The international community had stayed out of the conflict the last time Voldemort had rose in power. Some countries out of fear, but many of them because they felt the English government and magical society had brought the darkness upon themselves. Unfortunately he had to admit that there has not been much improvement over those years. He just hoped they could keep one step ahead of Riddle while they tried to find his horcruxes.
The meeting lasted for a few more minutes before breaking up. Sirius had made plans to meet Harry during the night and after getting Buckbeak out of the castle, he would take off for parts unknown. Though the capture of Pettigrew gave him hope, there was still a lot of Aurors looking for him, not to mention the Dementors. He would return either when Harry made it to the Delacours or when the Ministry was ready to conduct his trial. Dumbledore and Alain set up a signal that would be an ad in the Daily Prophet if either were to happen. He again thanked Alain for all he had done for Harry and for the emergency portkey he still had in his pocket.
"No need to thank me," Alain replied. "Good luck and we shall see each ozzer in ze summer."
A short time later Remus and Alain left Dumbledore's office and started down the revolving staircase. As they descended Remus turned to Alain and said. "Sir, I think you were a little harsh on Dumbledore, he really has been trying."
Alain sighed. "Maybe so, but trying does no good without results," They got off the stairs and started down the hallway before the French politician spoke again. "Dumbledore is 'Eadmaster of zis magical school. 'E is also Chief Warlock of your Wizengamut, two of ze most influential positions in zis country. Ze people believe 'im to be almost a deity, yet nothing 'as changed. With as much political power as ze man 'as, something should 'ave changed if 'e truly wanted zem to."
Remus was stunned. He really hadn't thought of that before. What had Dumbledore done over the last decade? He could have easily stepped in as Minister five years ago, but quietly refused even being considered, even though everyone knew that Fudge was an inept and weak minded politician fronting some powerful people.
Alain saw the troubled look upon Lupin's face. "I do not think 'e 'asn't tried some," He said. "But I do believe 'e tries to do too much. Even now 'e is planning on leading ze people against Voldemort while still doing everything else," He stopped and looked at the werewolf. "Zere is only so much a single man can do. Only so many 'ours in a day, but 'e insists on doing everything 'imself. It's almost like 'e doesn't trust anyone," He frowned as he remembered something from the previous night. "Yet 'e says 'e trusts a former Death Eater with 'is life. Tell me Remus, do you know why Dumbledore trusts Severus Snape as much as 'e does?"
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