It was late afternoon on Monday when the Potters returned to Hogwarts. They immediately had Dobby take them to directly to their apartment, unwilling to endure questioning quite yet. They hadn't talked much during the hike and then the bus ride had muggles nearby. After a quick unpacking, they settled down on the sofa and talked between themselves.
So love, we have our clues. I think we both have guesses on a few, but then others are vague. What is it about seers and being so obtuse?
Hermione chuckled at her husband's frustration.
Well, you know my feelings on the divination arts. I guess not everyone is a fraud, but they're way too unscientific for my liking. I think we need to get help with the clues.
Yes, I know our friends are going to want to know where we've been. And they need to know that my horcrux is gone. We may not be able to give details, but the change in my scar is obvious.
Yes, our friends and allies for sure, but I think we also need to bring Dumbledore in on this.
Before Hermione could continue, she felt Harry bristle and tense.
I know we haven't been happy with him love, but I still think he knows more than he's telling. I think we need to confront him. We tell him what we know with a guarantee that he doesn't hold back anything he can offer.
Harry's mind churned for a couple minutes and Hermione let him be while he sorted his feelings.
I guess you're right. I'm still not happy with him, but I need to set that aside. So, we need to tell our friends and allies. That includes the adults. I guess we'll need to meet again somewhere.
The Burrow or Grimmauld is a good place. Except with Grimmauld under the Fidelius, that means giving those who don't know about it the secret.
I guess the Burrow is the logical choice. We really do need our own home for this, but right now this apartment is the best we have. Or your parents place, but we can't ward it well enough. The Burrow's wards are quite significant. Alright, I guess I should make a floo call to Molly. When do we want to do this, tonight? I don't think we should delay.
Maybe give everyone a bit more warning. Certainly the students can make it, but we don't know what the other allies have on their schedules. Madam Bones especially is quite busy right now.
Alright, that makes sense. I'm just eager to get this done. So after dinner tomorrow night at the Burrow?
Hermione agreed and Harry was ready to do something as he called Dobby and asked to be taken to the headmaster's gargoyle, still wanting to avoid seeing anyone in the halls. Hermione stayed behind to start writing letters to everyone else. When Harry passed the gargoyle and arrived in the office, Dumbledore was just stepping in from his private apartment and smiled at Harry.
"Lord Potter, you've returned! Most excellent. I hope your business fared well."
"Good afternoon headmaster. Yes, we had a most productive week."
Harry stepped closer to the headmaster and leaned over his desk. As he did so, he swept his hair aside so the faint trace of his scar was visible. Dumbledore looked truly shocked for the first time that Harry could remember.
"Dear Maeve! Does that mean…the horcrux?"
"Yes. One more down. And there is more to discuss. That is why I am here. I need to floo the Burrow and see if Molly can host a meeting of all of House Potter's allies tomorrow after dinner. Hermione and I have discussed this, and we would like you there as well headmaster. We believe you have additional information that will be helpful, if you are open to sharing everything. I know the notice is short, but this cannot wait."
"Of course. Please, use the floo and check with Molly, but I'm sure it won't be an issue. And I'll gladly attend."
Harry nodded to the headmaster and went to the floo. It only took a moment for Molly to respond.
"Harry! How are you? Is everything alright?"
"Yes Molly, actually I have some good news. I need to call a meeting with all the allies and wish to ask once again for your hospitality so that we can meet at the Burrow."
"Pfft, of course. What time? Will it be everyone?"
"Hermione and I were thinking after dinner tomorrow, say around half past seven. And hopefully everyone will be there. Hermione is drafting notes now. The headmaster will also be in attendance."
"Alright, that time works. I'll make a couple cobblers for everyone. Oh don't argue young man! I've got no one but Arthur to cook for right now."
Harry laughed and proceeded to inhale a bunch of soot, starting a coughing fit. He waved at Molly through the fire and then pulled his head out. Dumbledore floated a glass of water over and Harry took it with a wave of thanks as he cleared the soot from his throat. With everything set, he called Dobby and was back in the apartment only minutes after having left.
Harry went over to the table where Hermione was working on notes and sat down to help with the last couple. Only the times weren't filled in. Once that was added, they had the notes all ready and sent Hedwig off on a journey to deliver them all. The last stop would be at the Grangers, and Harry instructed her to rest there for however long she needed before returning. With the notes done, their next task was to inform all their friends. Since the last of classes were done and dinner was still an hour away, they headed for the Gryffindor common room.
In the common room, they found all the Weasleys, Neville and Luna, but not the others. Everyone decided to move their studies to the Potter apartment while Ginny quickly ran off to find Susan and Blaise, returning just a few minutes later after locating them in the library. Once everyone had found seats in the apartment, Harry decided to make his first announcement in much the same manner as he had informed the headmaster.
"Alright everyone, I know you all are curious about where we've been for a week. We can only give you a few limited details, but I do have something very good to show you."
Harry swept his hair aside and there was a collective gasp. Several people jumped up to come look closer. It was Ginny who spoke first, her voice wavering a bit.
"Your scar is gone! Well, almost. Does that mean the horcrux is gone?"
"Yes Ginny. One more down. And we have clues on the others. There's a lot more we need to tell you, but all of the allies need to hear. We've scheduled a meeting tomorrow evening back at the Burrow at half past seven. The headmaster will be there as well. We need him to share some of his hoarded knowledge."
Everyone looked at Hermione and quickly agreed that they would be there of course. A number of questions hung in the air, but Hermione assured them that they would find out more the following night. With the questions set aside, talk turned to events of the last week at Hogwarts. Harry was happy to hear that Gryffindor had won handily with Ginny catching the snitch. There was some talk of classes, but studying was put off until after dinner. When dinnertime came, all the friends went down together and claimed a section of the Gryffindor table, even though all four houses were represented. Harry and Hermione's return caused a bit of a buzz, but they decided to ignore it. After dinner they stopped at McGonagall's office to pick up their missed assignments and then went to the Room of Requirement for their training with Tonks.
Training that night started with the usual physical workout. Tonks pushed everyone, but especially worked Harry and Hermione hard since they had missed a couple trainings. They finished the night with a round of dueling and everyone was exhausted as Hermione finished off the night dueling with Blaise while Harry dueled Tonks. They had strict instructions to focus only on their own duels and neither had a problem with that. In truth, each duel was well matched and trying. Harry found himself digging deep as he focused his magic using some of the meditation techniques he had learned in France. Even when he was at his most tired, it gave him a bit of extra energy that allowed a last spell barrage to overwhelm Tonks' shields. She was panting at the end and gave out rare congratulations.
"Well, your skills certainly didn't suffer while you were away. Amazing focus there Harry…wait…what?"
Harry was panting and had just reached to wipe his face, pushing his hair back without realizing. Now Tonks was staring at his forehead. He just grinned at their friend and instructor.
"Let's just say we had an eventful week Tonks."
She just nodded, obviously holding back on the questions they knew she must have. With the last duels complete for the evening, everyone dismissed back to their separate quarters. The Potters took a shower and then spent an hour working through a bit of missed assignments before finally calling it a night when they both found themselves nodding off into their books.
The following day of classes was busy as Hermione and Harry had a lot to catch up on. Their work in the weeks before helped, but they each knew they had long nights and weekends ahead. The good part of remaining busy was that neither had much chance to dwell on the meeting at the Burrow. Once classes finished for the day, they retreated to the Gryffindor common room and worked on assignments before heading down to dinner with their friends.
After dinner, all the friends made their way to the headmaster's office, arriving there ten minutes before the scheduled meeting. Dumbledore was waiting and led the way to the floo as they all followed and stepped through to the Burrow. When they arrived, Sirius, Remus, Xeno and the rest of the Weasleys were waiting with the others still to arrive. Harry and Hermione apparated to her home to collect the Grangers, arriving back just after Amelia arrived. Augusta arrived last. Fleur was with Bill, but the rest of the Delacours weren't in attendance since they had talked to Apolline and she was going to update her husband. Once everyone had taken their seats, Hermione laid down the extra privacy charms, as she had done before. The headmaster raised his eyebrows, but the others were familiar with the routine. Once that was done, Harry began.
"Alright everyone, thanks for gathering on such short notice. I know many of you are curious about the house business that called us away from school for a week. I can now tell you a bit of what we've been doing, although some details I cannot tell due to a binding secrecy vow. This past week was spent with us undergoing complex magic with the end goal of removing the horcrux from my head with the aid of certain allies. I can see Fleur looking at me, so I can confirm only that veela assisted us in this matter. Please do not ask for more details. I owe them my life since we were ultimately successful."
With that, Harry pushed his hair back and the room exploded in gasps, whoops and tears. Molly began sobbing so hard that Arthur had to take control of her. Sirius was unusually quiet, but crossed the room and embraced Harry in a silent hug for a moment. Fleur followed him, rambling in French. Hermione let everyone get under control and then continued.
"So obviously the week was a success with just that accomplished, but there is more. The piece of soul that left was harnessed for a brief time and used to take a reading to determine the location of the other pieces via the binds between each piece. Here is the precise text from that reading:
The rest of what you seek has been scattered amongst your lands.
The circle of gold for his family is ancient indeed but tainted for sure, residing where his mother once immured.
That chain from which hangs another resides in the house of the blackest brother.
A circlet of wisdom has returned to its home and is placed in the room holding lost tomes.
The cup of the most loyal hides deep within the caverns of golden toil.
Finally the last, close to the host, slithers and turns and will trouble the most."
"So, our next task is determine what articles are described and where they might be. We have worked out some of them, but we need input on the others. First, headmaster, you have the ring that you located. Could that be the 'circle of gold for his family'? And what about 'where is his mother once immured'? You didn't give us any details on that ring, but now we need all that you know about it."
Dumbledore was contemplative, but nodded, recognizing the emphasis that Hermione had placed in her statement.
"Yes, I believe you are correct that the ring fulfills the first statement Lady Potter. The ring is indeed ancient and was handed down to the Gaunts from one of their ancestors tracing back to the Peverell line. I retrieved it from a hiding place in the cornerstone of the ruins of the Gaunt family home. And Merope, Tom Riddle's mother, did live there almost as a prisoner."
"Okay, thank you. So that's the first one. Second, we have a chain holding something in the 'house of the blackest brother'. We guess this would be an amulet of some sort if it hangs on a chain? The reference to anything black makes us wonder about your family Sirius."
"Hmm, well that would be right. I always said that Regulus was the blackest of us. He was a Death Eater for a while, then tried to back out of his decision. Riddle killed him personally. Why would he have anything to do with a horcrux? Anyway, if he did have something, it would be at Grimmauld. Of course, the house is chock full of old artifacts. Maybe I should dig through the old jewelry. I wish we had a better idea of what kind of amulet. My mother and her ancestors were fond of jewels and there are a lot of baubles around."
Dumbledore looked at Sirius to reply.
"Perhaps I can help Sirius. In my research into Tom's past, I spoke at length with the matron of the orphanage where he resided. His mother was a bit delirious as she labored with him and spoke of a number of things. She mentioned being penniless after using the last of some money she gained from selling a family heirloom, specifically a locket that was handed down the Slytherin line. A memory that I obtained from a Ministry official who visited the house showed her wearing a locket with an elaborate S set with small emeralds. I thought I may have found the location for it, but hadn't had the chance to visit there yet. Perhaps I was wrong."
"Alright well, sounds like it's time to start turning the house inside out. Why don't we move on to the next Hermione."
"Okay, next we have a 'circlet of wisdom' 'returned to its home' and a 'room of lost tomes'. This one is the most puzzling. A circlet is round, so are we talking about a necklace again, or maybe a bracelet?"
"No Hermione. It has to be the diadem. Rowena's diadem."
"What Luna? Rowena? As in Ravenclaw? I guess not being from your house I don't know about that."
"That's alright Hermione, most of my house probably doesn't know. I talk to the Grey Lady a lot. Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem was supposed to grant great wisdom to anyone who wears it, but it's been lost for nearly eight centuries."
"Hmm, that does sound like a fit. So, if the circlet is the diadem, then its home would be Hogwarts. So somewhere at Hogwarts in a room of lost tomes. The library maybe? That will take some more thought. Anyone have any ideas?"
With no ideas forthcoming, Harry suggested that they move on with the next clues. Hermione agreed, but he could hear her mind still turning the last problem around in her head.
"Okay, next we have the 'cup of the most loyal' in 'caverns of golden toil'. Harry and I think we have this one figured out, at least partially. His last vision when Voldemort got angry showed Rodolphus being tortured for not being able to get a cup that Riddle had the Lestranges hold onto. It's in the Lestrange vault in Gringotts. That would be the caverns in question we think. I'm not sure about the most loyal part, but I think the big problem will be how to get something out of a Gringotts vault."
"Actually Hermione, I can explain the 'cup of the most loyal'. Another memory I procured involved Tom Riddle as a young man who worked for Borgin and Burke, buying artifacts for the shop. One artifact he was interested in was a cup that belonged to Helga Hufflepuff. The elderly owner didn't wish to sell, but she died under mysterious circumstances and the cup went missing."
Everyone took a moment to think over that information as the pieces started to fall in place. Bill was the next to speak up.
"Well, if the cup dates from the Founders' time, then it is most likely goblin crafted. If you have a description and it is stolen, then we can invoke goblin rights. There's an old piece of the original charter between the Ministry and Gringotts that specifies any goblin fashioned item remains under the protection of the goblin nation. Also, any items under protection have to be approved with the goblin nation before they can be sold outside a family line. If the goblins find an item that is stolen, it is within their rights to reclaim the item and the charter specifies that they must cede the item back to the family with legal ownership. Again, this is only for goblin crafted items."
Dumbledore rubbed his beard and nodded.
"Well, I have a memory of the cup and it appears goblin crafted to me. I can provide the description. What do we need to do to procure the help of the goblins in this matter William?"
"I think it would be best to speak to Ragnok directly. Harry, I can arrange a meeting for you, or I can talk to him if you'd like. If the cup is found, he'll want to know what we need to do with it. Also, I believe the Hufflepuff line is extinct?"
"Yes Bill, when I claimed my title and the ring for Gryffindor, we were told the Hufflepuff ring was destroyed since there are no descendants. And we do have plans for the horcruxes, but first, let's address the last clue."
Hermione nodded when Harry looked at her.
"Alright, the last clue is fairly straightforward. That which stays 'close to the host' and 'slithers and turns'. This has to be Voldemort's snake Nagini. And getting to her will be something that 'troubles the most'. So, with that last one answered, we're a lot further ahead on tracking these down. The next question is how to destroy them. If we can get to the snake, killing her will cause the soul fragment to leave. That's why using animate creatures is not usually desired. Freeing soul shards from inanimate objects takes a bit more, but we have a lead on that as well. Harry, why don't you go ahead with the rest?"
"Yes, we have another good bit of news. Thanks to Charlie's research in the rare book archives housed at the reserve and guarded by the dragons, we have a way to destroy the horcruxes. He worked with a translator on a very old book that details the use of a rare rock called reticulated massiopyte. When the rock is chewed by a dragon, the dragon fire that results is particularly hot and can free the soul shard from the item. Charlie believes the best dragon to use would be an Ukrainian Ironbelly…"
"Actually Harry, I've been doing some more research and I found references in some easier to translate works. Nothing specific to horcruxes, but the books mention magic fueled dragon fire. It isn't just the heat of the fire that matters, but the magic employed. The Ironbelly is good for heat, but not very high on magic. The Ironbellies are big, dumb and full of fire. There is a rare dragon from the north called the Finnish Tulenhengittaja that I would like to try first. My hope is to accomplish what we need with less rock. The Tulen dragons, as they are known, are quite small, only about 300-500 kilograms. If the Tulen doesn't work, we can switch to the Ironbelly."
"Well, I'll yield to your expertise on dragons Charlie, although we do have a slight issue with the rock. It turns out that reticulated massiopyte is radioactive. Not overly so, but for every two hours of exposure, the miners need an eight hour break. It means we will need to store it in lead lined containers somewhere away from people until we need it. If we have to go to Finland, then we'll need to arrange transport for the rock up there."
"Interesting, that does complicate matters. I have a friend who used to work at our reserve who is up in Finland now. Let me see if we can borrow one of the smaller Tulen for a brief time. I'll work on it and let you know."
"That sounds good. We still have at least five weeks until we get the stone. It comes from a small isolated mountain region in southern Russia. So, that's all we've got updates on for now. I think we're making good progress at least. The sooner we get these damn horcruxes dealt with, then we can focus on Voldemort himself."
"Once we are ready for him."
Harry nodded and acknowledged the fierce look from his wife before turning his attention back to the rest of the room.
"That's all I have. Let's recap our action items. One, Sirius is going to search Grimmauld for the locket. Two, we need to check on Ravenclaw's diadem, see if we can find out more about it and where it might be hidden…"
"I'll talk to the Grey Lady for you Harry."
"Thanks Luna, that sounds good. Three, Bill is going to talk to Gringotts about invoking the charter rights to get hold of the cup in the Lestrange vault. Any other thoughts from anyone?"
"One more thing Harry. If I find the locket, what should I do with it until we can destroy it? I don't know that I like the idea of keeping a bit of old Tom hanging around the house."
"Harry, if I may?"
Harry nodded for Dumbledore to continue.
"I have the ring stored in a Dankov contraption for containment and then placed in a special vault at Hogwarts. I can store the other items if we find them before the stone is ready."
"Will there be an issue keeping them close together?"
"I don't believe so. I have some other containment devices that I can use on the different items and I'll put wards around each as well."
"That sounds fine. Any objections to that plan?"
When no one had further comments or questions, Harry thanked everyone for their help and then the mood lightened as everyone turned their attention to the dessert Molly had prepared. When all the students returned to Hogwarts that night it was only minutes until curfew and everyone separated to their different quarters. Even with horcruxes and Voldemort on their minds, the more immediate matters of schoolwork were foremost as nothing else about the meeting was said throughout Wednesday's classes. After dinner that evening, Luna pulled Harry and Hermione aside to an empty classroom.
"Harry, I've been thinking you need to talk to the Grey Lady. Do you want to come to the Ravenclaw common room now?"
Harry pondered for a moment, but it was Hermione who spoke up.
"Actually Luna, your common room probably isn't the most private. Do you think she would come to our apartment?"
"Hmm, well I usually only see her in the Ravenclaw tower, but she does come to the feasts with the other ghosts. I think though the elves gather the ghosts when it's time for the ghosts to make their entrance."
Harry's eyes brightened.
"Dobby!"
The energetic elf popped in immediately.
"Master Lord Harry Potter sir! What can Dobby be doing for youse?
"Ugh Dobby, just Harry please. We need to talk to the Grey Lady. Can you have her meet us in our apartment in ten minutes?"
"Dobby will try sir, but the Grey Lady not always listen. May Dobby be saying that the Founders' heirs be needing her? She might be listening better then."
"Um sure Dobby, whatever you need to tell her to get her to come."
Dobby popped out as Hermione turned to Luna.
"Luna, can you please notify all the allies to come to our apartment right away? Harry and I'll go up there now."
Luna nodded and skipped out of the classroom as the Potters left to return to their apartment. Minutes after they arrived, their friends joined them. Everyone was still finding seats when Dobby popped in with the Grey Lady floating through the wall behind him.
Hermione, maybe you ought to take the lead. You wear the ring of Ravenclaw after all.
Hermione agreed and stepped forward to address the Grey Lady, rubbing her Ravenclaw signet slightly as she did so.
"Dear Lady, thank you for joining us. We have dire matters that need to be handled urgently and we believe you can assist."
"Indeed young one. I am not usually inclined to interfere with the petty matters of the earthly plane, despite my being imprisoned within it. Still, you wear my mother's ring, so I am inclined to help if possible. Ask what you will."
"We are looking for a couple of items that have been tainted by a dark lord who calls himself Voldemort. We have a prophecy that lists one of these items as a 'circlet of wisdom'. We believe it may reference your mother's diadem. The diadem of course is thought to be lost and we wish to know if you have any knowledge of it? The second part of the prophecy says it is in the 'room holding lost tomes', but I have been throughout the library and know of no place there where a diadem can be stored."
"Alas, the item you seek is that which has caused me the most pain. Still, I betrayed my mother once and I will now attempt to make amends with the one who bears her mark. One other came before you, half a century ago. He also sought the diadem and charmed me until I told him where I had left it in the forests of Albania where I had fled to. I believe he quested for it after, although what his ultimate goal was I am uncertain. If your prophecy mentioned a room of lost tomes, then I suggest that you do not ask within the library, but instead talk to the elf who has already led you to the room once. If you find the diadem and it is tainted, then I ask for you to cleanse and return it if possible. If not, at least see to the end of the disgrace."
"Thank you my lady. It is our intention to remove the taint. I am not sure if we will be able to save it after though."
The Grey Lady gave an almost imperceptible nod and floated out of the room as Hermione called for Dobby, who returned immediately.
"Dobby, the Grey Lady was helpful, but she gave us a clue that we need your help with now. We're looking for a 'room of lost tomes'. The Lady said you had already led us there once?"
"Yes! Mistress Lady Potter, Dobby has shown you the Come and Go Room, but it also be known as the Room of Lost Things."
"The Room of Requirement?"
"Yes, it hides much, youse just have to ask the room to show you where youse be needing to hide something and it be there."
"Alright, thanks Dobby."
The elf popped out and Hermione turned and looked at Harry and the others.
"Should we go now?"
Everyone agreed and left the apartment, heading up to the seventh floor. They reached the picture of Barnabas the Barmy and Harry nudged Hermione forward to do the honors. She focused intently on an illicit book that she needed to hide and paced in front of the wall three times. When a different looking door appeared, she grinned at Harry and stepped forward to open it. As they entered the room, everyone stood in stunned amazement. It looked like the world's largest trunk sale had exploded. Hundreds of years of hidden objects were piled everywhere. Ron let out a low whistle as several others shook their heads.
"Alright Luna, so what does this diadem look like?"
"It will look like a tiara, studded with crystals with a large sapphire in the center that is known as the stone of wisdom and is supposed to be the focus of Ravenclaw's power."
"Okay, I guess we should split up. Let's go in pairs in different directions. If you find it, don't touch it. Levitate it and wrap it in cloth or find a box to put it in. Send up blue sparks if you find it. If you get in any kind of trouble, send up red sparks. Be careful. Who knows what all we'll find in here."
Everyone acknowledged Harry's instructions and began to spread out. Harry and Hermione went down the right wall, spotting everything from a mounted troll's head to beaten up old broomsticks. They were searching for about twenty five minutes when suddenly two sets of sparks went up, one blue and one red. Harry immediately started for the blue and then saw the red and began to change directions. Then the red sparks stopped and he and Hermione paused for a moment. When the red sparks didn't come back, they went back in the direction of the blue sparks. Five minutes of twisting through piles of debris found them back with Blaise and Susan. Blaise was holding something wrapped in layers of moth eaten velvet. Ron and Luna were the last one's back and Ron was holding his ear. Everyone looked to him with concern.
"Sorry for the alert guys. We got ambushed by an old fanged Frisbee. It latched onto my ear and I panicked and sent the sparks. Luna got it off me though."
"Alright, glad you're okay. Shall we see what Blaise has?"
Blaise set the item down and carefully unwrapped the layers. Sitting in the fabric was the diadem, just like Luna had described.
"Excellent! That looks like that's it. So, I guess we take it to the headmaster to store?"
"Well, I certainly don't want to keep it in our apartment."
"It sure is beautiful. I hope it survives the cleansing."
"Magical dragon fire…not likely…too bad."
"Anyway, let's wrap it back up and get it to the headmaster. I prefer to get it contained. One more down."
Blaise carefully wrapped the horcrux again and happily handed it to Harry. Everyone then began to wind back out to the door. By mutual agreement, everyone accompanied Harry as he made his way to the headmaster's gargoyle.
Harry, you do realize this is a good sign.
What is?
You're holding a horcrux in nothing but fabric, no containment. And you're not feeling any pain. Remember what it was like being near the ring before?
Wow. You're right. I don't know why I didn't realize.
They reached the gargoyle, which opened immediately upon seeing Harry and Hermione. The entire group ascended the stairs and the office door was open to them with Dumbledore waiting.
"Ah hello everyone. I must say, I usually don't see so many students at once."
"We solved one of the clues headmaster. We have the lost diadem of Ravenclaw."
"Oh my. You have had a busy night I see. Please, bring it here. I have a containment device, a bit larger than the Dankov contraption."
Dumbledore turned to a cabinet behind him while Harry stepped forward and placed the wrapped diadem on his desk. When Dumbledore turned back around, he set a large, rune engraved silver box on the desk. He then leaned over the wrapped diadem and carefully peeled back the layers of old fabric. Once the diadem was visible, his eyes lit up.
"Yes indeed. This is the famed diadem. I had truly thought it lost."
Dumbledore then drew his wand and ran a few spells over the diadem, which suddenly let out a low hiss and he stopped.
"Well, that confirms this is indeed a horcrux. Pity, it is such a beautiful piece. Well, at least it is found. Now we just need to contain it until it can be cleansed. I'll put it in the box and store it in the dungeon vault."
Dumbledore carefully levitated the diadem into the silver box, closed the lid and then sealed it with several spells that caused the runes to glow. Although Harry's head didn't hurt, once the horcrux was contained, he felt a bit of weight lift off him.
I do as well love. I think we all felt a malevolence from it.
"Well once again, thank you all. Is there anything else I can assist with this evening?"
"No headmaster, thank you. Good evening."
Everyone else wished the headmaster a good evening and then left the office and made their way back to the Potter apartment where they spent the rest of the evening working on assignments together.
With another horcrux found, Harry felt a resurgence of hope as he focused on schoolwork and spent another grueling couple of hours training with Tonks on Thursday night. Once the horcruxes were taken care of, he wanted to be ready to fight Voldemort.
On Friday morning, Dobby popped into the apartment just before breakfast with a summons from the headmaster. Harry and Hermione grabbed their book bags and headed up straight away. To their surprise, not only the headmaster was waiting, but so was Sirius and he was grinning. They each gave him a quick hug and then Sirius couldn't hold back any longer.
"Well I found it! And Albus just confirmed it's what we're looking for. I've been turning the house upside down the whole week. Kreacher's been in a right state grumbling at me about it too. Then I woke up early this morning with a sudden thought that I should ask him about the locket. The little bugger was so evasive, I knew something was up. As soon as I told him we needed to destroy it, he actually got helpful. Asked me to help 'finish Master Regulus' work'. Turns out Kreacher was hiding it in his den. Took me a good half hour of round about frustrating questioning to get most of the story. It seems that when Regulus decided to leave Voldemort's side, he had overheard something he wasn't supposed to know. When he left, he retrieved the locket from its hiding place and was trying to figure out how to destroy it. He tried several weapons in the family vault, but nothing could crack it. When he went on the run right before he was killed, he gave it to Kreacher for safe keeping. That elf and my brother always got along better than we did. Anyway, I promised the bugger I'd see it destroyed like Reg wanted."
Harry stepped forward to where Sirius was gesturing and looked into a glass capsule etched in runes, another containment device. The locket was just as described and Harry breathed a sigh knowing that one more was found.
"Well, this is very good news and quite a lot of progress for one week. I'll see that this one is contained in the dungeons as well. I do hope young Charles can arrange that dragon as soon as the rock is available."
"Indeed. Thanks so much Sirius. I guess we should be getting on to breakfast and class."
With a final goodbye, they left the office and the day that started monumental proceeded into more mundane tasks. That evening when the Potters were back in their warded apartment, they shared the good news with their friends.
On Monday, Harry received a letter via owl bearing the seal of Gringotts with an additional side seal attached. It looked quite official and his suspicion was confirmed when he opened it:
Lord Potter,
Cursebreaker Weasley has informed us of your quest and asked for our assistance. The Council of Elders has been in contemplation about whether to grant the request. It has been decided that more information is needed, but Cursebreaker Weasley has taken a vow that does not allow him to reveal the specifics. We would like to discuss this with you as soon as possible. Given your class schedule, will Monday at four in the afternoon be acceptable? If so, please reply back with the owl that is waiting.
Regards,
Ragnok
Chief Elder of the Goblin Nation
Hermione heard as Harry read the note and blew out a light breath. Ragnok himself was now in on this.
Well, it looks like Quidditch practice this afternoon is out for me. Care to come along?
Actually I think you can handle this Harry. Are you going to tell him about the horcruxes?
I probably should. Hopefully it will convince him. We always knew getting the goblins to help wouldn't be easy. The sanctity of the old vaults is legend. They need a good reason to violate that.
Hermione gave him a hug of support and Harry drafted a quick affirmative reply, sealing it with his house ring. As the owl flew off, they left to return to breakfast and Harry experienced a surreal moment. His thoughts made Hermione chuckle as she agreed.
Yes love, this whole business is surreal. Dealing with diplomatic relations to take steps against the worst dark wizard of our times one moment and then off to classes like good little schoolchildren the next.
When they arrived at breakfast, they were still grinning, causing a couple of their friends to look at them curiously. Harry brushed it off and instead delivered the news that he would miss practice that afternoon.
At five minutes until four, Harry floo'd to Gringotts and was greeted by Bill in the arrivals hall. Bill greeted him formally and set the tone for what was to come. Harry had come prepared, dressed in his robes with the Potter crest, and followed Bill through the twisting maze of hallways until they came to a large, carved ebony door. They paused for a moment and Bill knocked. When the doors swung open, Bill stayed behind as Harry stepped in. Although the doors were massive, the office inside was fairly average sized, although every wall featured trophies and weapons. A tall goblin with a stocky build sat behind the desk and stood when Harry entered.
"Hello Lord Potter. Thank you for being prompt. I am Ragnok."
"Good day Chief Ragnok. It is an honor to meet you. I appreciate you giving me your time."
"Yes, yes, now let's talk. And, in case you're wondering, this office has the best privacy wards that are possible. Cursebreaker Weasley has told me that you need us to find a stolen item from the Hufflepuff line that is tainted with dark magic, and would like us to give it to you once found. I need more details on the cup itself and what you consider a 'taint'. Also, there is the issue that there are no descendants from that line. By rights, if we found the cup, it would return to the Nation."
"I understand your concerns Chief Ragnok. I can give you more details, but I wish this information to not go further."
"Well, the final decision will be with the Council of Elders. That's six more, plus myself."
Harry paused for a moment. He needed Ragnok's help, but the idea that there would be seven more with knowledge of the horcruxes was unsettling. Ragnok immediately read his concern.
"Lord Potter, let me speak clearly. I am more open minded than some others. Wizards and goblins have a difficult history. With that, I have learned to not judge all by a few. I was personally acquainted with your grandfather and met your father several times. The Potters have always dealt fairly and with honor. Would you accept my oath that this will go no further than the Council?"
"Yes Chief Ragnok. That would be appreciated."
Ragnok stood and picked up a silver dagger from his desk. He drew it across one finger and then turned behind him to where the seal of Gringotts was displayed as a large, carved medallion in gold. He pressed his finger to the seal and spoke loudly.
"I, Ragnok, Chief Elder of the Goblin Nation, foreswear that the information divulged by Lord Potter this day will be kept only within the Council of Elders and hereby bind all the elders by my oath to the same."
Once he finished reciting the oath in English, Ragnok next spoke in the goblin language and the medallion glowed briefly when he finished. Once he pulled his hand away, he waved his other hand over the finger and healed himself before sitting down again to face Harry.
"Thank you Chief Ragnok. I believe when you hear what I have to tell you, the reason for my concern will be obvious."
Harry then proceeded to give a brief history of Tom Marvolo Riddle and the memory of Hephzibah Smith and the cup, and how it was believed to have been stolen upon her death. Then he explained about the horcruxes and the fact that a number had already been found and were being held to wait for cleansing. Finally, he explained about the intended method of cleansing that was being arranged. As he spoke, Ragnok let out a hiss and it seemed obvious that he was aware of the dark magic involved. When Harry finished, he waited for a response.
"Alright Lord Potter, this does explain quite a bit. And the oath is understood. I will call an emergency meeting of the Council. I am certain that they will agree now that we know the reason for this. If we do locate a stolen goblin artifact in the Lestrange vault, by the charter we have the right to seize half the vault's value as fine for the crime. For notifying us of this item, you will receive twenty percent of that value. As for cleansing the cup, I ask that you let us examine the cup and try to discover a way to cleanse it ourselves. If we cannot, we will turn it over to you personally to proceed with your current plan. Because the Hufflepuff line is extinct, I ask only that you return whatever remains of it once you are done."
"That sounds more than fair Chief Ragnok. I only wish to know once it is removed and secure. As for my percentage of the fine, I honestly don't want or need it, but I'll consider what to do with that in the future."
"Very good. I will notify you as soon as the Council meets. I would expect by sometime tomorrow."
Harry rose and thanked the Chief, then turned and left the office. Bill was waiting outside and Harry indicated that it went well. They walked back to the floo and Harry returned to Hogwarts in a bit under an hour since he had left.
Once he was back, Harry went immediately to the library to meet up with Hermione and some of their friends to spend an hour or so studying before dinner. He gave her a brief update mentally so that she knew they were back to waiting.
After dinner, they had training with Tonks and Harry was now thinking about a different focus for himself. They started with the usual warm up exercises, including four laps around a provided track in the room. As he ran, Harry talked to Hermione.
I've been thinking about our training Mione and what's left of the horcruxes. I think I need to start working on how to fight Nagini.
Hermione gave a mental shiver before responding.
I suppose that makes sense, but I still hate it. Anyway, how are you going to find the snake?
I've been thinking about this. She's a big snake. That means she needs food and big food. And snakes typically like live prey. That means she needs to hunt. If we can figure out where Voldemort is, then we know she will be hunting nearby. I have to assume since she's a horcrux that she is smarter than an average snake and will know where Voldemort's ward perimeters are. I was thinking I may be able to call her out using Parseltongue. Then, once she's beyond the wards, I can fight her.
Or get someone else, or several other people to help. Remember, this doesn't have to all be you.
Of course you're right. We wouldn't have gotten this far without our allies.
So, maybe we all train to fight the snake. I wonder if the room can create snake dummies?
I have another idea…
Harry gave Hermione a vision of his idea, which only made her shiver again. They finished their running and stopped back in front of Tonks, only slightly out of breath. Tonks returned to drilling them on Transfiguration shields, which had been causing a few of the group some difficulty. They spent the next half hour using debris on a simulated battlefield to transfigure into different types of shields to block spells. Once they'd practiced for a bit, Harry made his way over to their instructor.
"Tonks, this is going better and I was wondering if we could try something new."
"Sure Harry, what do you have in mind?"
"I want to practice fighting a snake. A large snake. I was thinking serpentsortia and an engorgio would give us what we need. Oh and maybe de-fang it somehow. Can a summoned snake poison you?"
I think so Harry. The spell should be deostium.
"Hermione says the spell is deostium and the snake would be able to poison me."
"Hmm, alright. Planning on meeting Voldie's pet sometime soon? Let's start with just yourself first and see how this goes. I know you can call it off, but I want to be ready to curse it if needed."
Harry nodded and visualized a dueling ring as the room adjusted. He started with the serpentsortia spell and a good size cobra appeared in front of him. He tried the deostium next and then the engorgio. The snake grew at a gradual pace until Harry poured more magic into the spell. He had to cut it off quickly as he soon had a cobra the size of Nagini. A couple of his friends behind him groaned and made retching noises. The snake began attacking and soon he found himself dancing with it, only sending minor curses in an attempt to get more time to watch how it moved. It was an interesting exercise that was completely different from any other duels. After twelve minutes, the summoned snake had taken enough minor hits that the magic needed to hold it together failed and it disappeared. Harry was a bit winded, but quite glad for the practice.
"Well that was interesting. Definitely different than dueling a person. Thanks Tonks."
"No worries, I think it's a good exercise. Anyone else want to give it a go?"
A couple of the group seemed hesitant, but when the majority quickly volunteered, everyone agreed to split into pairs and switch off. One person would stay on guard while the other dueled the snake. They all practiced the three spells first and then Harry began to circle the room and watch for problems, ready to use parseltongue if needed. The exercise went well for the first five minutes or so, but then Ron was nearly struck by his snake until Harry called it off. Ron wasn't willing to try again, so he stepped aside to watch as the others went for another few minutes. Eventually the summoned snakes started disappearing and soon the time of their session drew to a close. After their warm down, everyone began to leave before curfew, but Harry held back to talk to Tonks. She agreed to continue the snake drills for a couple more sessions at least and Harry became a bit more confident that they were preparing for the horcrux that would 'trouble the most'.
The following morning Harry was hoping for a note from Gringotts, but none arrived, so he was left to continue on to classes with an added distraction. Just before lunch, Dobby popped in to the library and delivered a message that he was needed at the headmaster's office once again. Harry had been making a lot of trips up to the office lately and was tempted to ask Dobby to just pop him up there, but he knew that would be rude and instead gathered his books since it was almost lunch anyway. Hermione joined him and laced her fingers with his as they walked together in companionable silence.
Upon reaching the office, Dumbledore gestured to a table near the fireplace where a floo delivered envelope awaited. It bore the seal of Gringotts with the side seal of Ragnok. This time the seal had an extra inscription that Harry recognized as the blood binding with his name. He dug in his bag and found his potions knife to prick his finger with. As soon as his blood touched the seal, it smoked and cracked open. The letter inside showed the need for such security:
Lord Potter,
The Council of Elders met yesterday evening and was quite shocked with the news that I delivered. They agreed immediately to the search, which then proceeded first thing this morning. The cup was indeed found within the Lestrange vault. It has no ties to that family and has been deemed a stolen artifact. An initial examination does show the dark magic that has been inflicted on the artifact. We are unsure if it can be cleaned, but more examinations are underway. In the meantime, it is being stored under the highest security. If we cannot cleanse it before your other method is available, I have authorization from the Council to yield it to your possession for that purpose. In addition, the fine has been levied on the Lestrange vault. Your percentage total of the fine for the information leading to the recovery of the stolen artifact totals 921,319 galleons and has been deposited to your vault.
Regards,
Ragnok
Chief Elder of the Goblin Nation
As Harry finished reading, the parchment disintegrated and vanished. Harry was left happy, but stunned. Hermione's touch on his arm broke his shock as he turned to the headmaster.
"Headmaster, that note was from Gringotts. The cup is in their possession and they have confirmed a dark taint on it. They will try to remove it, but if they cannot, the Council has agreed to let me take the cup and proceed with our plans for the removal."
"Excellent! I must say, this is amazing progress. That set of clues you received has certainly moved us forward. That now leaves only Nagini. Finding and isolating her though will be a task.
"Yes sir. That is something else I've been considering. I need some additional time though."
"Well, please don't do anything rash. That is a most dangerous beast."
Harry nodded and said goodbye to the headmaster. He knew Dumbledore was concerned, but now that he was bonded with Hermione, his propensity for rash moves was severely curbed. Still, it had been a fruitful couple of weeks since they returned from France and he was feeling decidedly more hopeful.