CHAPTER SEVEN
R.A.B.
Hedwig brought all four acceptance letters to Hogwarts, and returned three days later. The Weasley's left to The Burrow, as it was cleared by ministry officials, and Hermione went back to her home on the same day the letters where sent. Order members where moving through Grimmauld constantly however, so Harry was never really alone in the house. This appeased Harry, considering the atmosphere Grimmauld gave. He had a strange feeling that the house was watching him wherever he went, waiting for him to be alone.
Lupin had a few days before going back underground with the werewolves, and spent the time with Harry, helping him settle in. It took until Hedwig returned to get used to walking quietly up the hallway, and keeping Mrs. Black from screaming. Lupin, along with Tonks, helped Harry clean up the house, to make it more hospitable.
Hermione and Ron returned within a few days, to start research for Horcruxes. Harry insisted they spend more time with their families, however both protested, as Harry expected.
`Harry, we told you we'd help, and the quicker we find the Horcruxes, the better. Best place to start is in here' gestured Hermione, as the three of them sat in the library. Ron stood up from his chair, and scanned the stacks of books along the walls with a sullen look.
`I say Hermione checks the books' he said merrily, sitting back down, and smiling at her. She returned a scolding look to Ron, stood up, and went to the bookshelf looking at the various bindings.
`Not all of these are applicable. I mean, do you really think we would need to check "Dark Creatures and How to Capture Them?"' she said, pulling out a few books off one shelf, and returning to her chair.
`Well, if there a section on snakes, we might need it in the future. But we'll deal with that when we need to' remarked Harry, standing up, and going to a different bookshelf. Ron gave a sigh, and sauntered to the far end of the room, and started looking for books.
Harry was surprised at the number of Dark Arts books. He knew the Black family was into that stuff, but it seemed every book was dark. "Dark Sea Creatures and How to Manipulate Them," "An Alchemist Guide to Malevolence," and "Grimoire Spells for Intermediates." Harry flipped through them, however found quickly they dealt with nothing close to Horcruxes. Harry found some books that looked more promising, such as "Dark Objects, and their Uses," and sat down in his chair. Ron returned with a total of two books, and sat down on the chair closest to Hermione. Hermione, Harry saw, gave Ron's miniscule pile a dismal look, and continued to read.
The three of them spent most of the day in the library in Grimmauld, continuing to look through books. By time Harry's stomach told him it was supper time, Ron was asleep in his chair, his first book still on his lap, and Hermione was bleary eyed, finishing what Harry figured was her 15th book. Harry gave Ron a nudge, and stood up, stretching. Looking out the window, he saw the sun was setting.
Ron gave a sigh, and turned over, so Harry gave him a harder nudge, finally waking him. Harry went and put back the books he had just checked.
`We can do more tomorrow. Right now, I'm hungry' he said tiredly, turning around from the bookshelf to see Ron leaning over to Hermione. They shared a quick kiss, and Ron helped Hermione up. Harry looked away slightly. He was still getting used to seeing his two best friends kiss.
Hermione gathered her books, and moved to the bookshelf. Once they finished putting their books away, the three made their way to the kitchen. Harry found bread and sandwich meat that Mrs. Weasley brought earlier in the week, and they ate their makeshift supper.
`Sorry it's not anything better' said Harry miserably, as he passed a pitcher of water to Ron.
`Harry, you're on your own, and we both know you haven't had the chance to get food, and besides, this is more than perfect for supper' said Hermione supportively, taking a drink of water. Harry smiled, and started his supper. He saw Ron liked it, noticing the speed at which he was eating. Then again, the amount Ron usually ate made Harry think as long as it didn't kill him, Ron didn't care too much.
Once they where done eating, Harry used the same spell Mrs. Weasley used, Autopurgo, to clean the dishes. Once the dishes where put away, the three went to the Drawing Room, and sat down, to relax a bit.
`We need to plan things out' stated Harry determinately, looking at Ron and Hermione, who nodded in agreement.
`Looking in the library is a start, but it's going to take more than that. Dumbledore told me what he thought about the Horcruxes. He figured there are seven of them. I got one of them already, Riddle's diary, and Dumbledore got one too, the ring' said Harry.
`Well, first of all, did Dumbledore tell you how he destroyed the ring?' asked Hermione.
`No, he just said it took a lot, and that he almost died doing it. Destroying it caused that injury to his arm' elaborated Harry. Hermione's eyes widened in shock, and her hands covered her mouth. Ron gave Harry a nervous look.
`It killed his arm? Blimey, do you think the others will do that?' he asked edgily. Harry had no idea if the others would be like that, or worst, but he had a feeling Voldemort would not make destroying them simple.
`I don't know. We didn't talk anymore about it really. We left to go and look for the locket' said Harry, pulling out the gold locket he now always carried around with him. Harry had told them about the trek, and wished not to remember it. It was such a waste now in Harry's eyes. Leaving the school, going all that way, Dumbledore going through all that pain, just for this fake Horcrux. Harry pulled out the paper out of the locket, and put it and the locket on the table between himself and Ron. Harry stood up, pulling his hands over his face, sighing.
Ron took the paper, and read it over again, while Hermione looked at Harry with concern as he walked around the dark room. The sun has set, and a fire and two lamps lit the room, bathing it in an orange glow. Harry walked to the far wall, closed his eyes, and listened to the crackle of the fireplace.
`We still don't know who R.A.B. is? Or was for that matter?' stated Ron gloomily as he put the paper down. Harry had not thought of who R.A.B. could be, however he had no were to start looking. They could be anyone as far as Harry knew. Hermione in the mean time, picked up the letter, and read it through again herself.
`Well, we do know one thing, he or she was a Death Eater' she declared, putting the paper back on the table.
`How can you tell that?' asked Ron incredulously, giving Hermione an astounded look. Harry opened his eyes, and looked back to the two of them.
`Well, the letter is addressed "To the Dark Lord." Only Death Eaters call him that' she stated simply, leaning back in her chair. Ron smiled at her, and looked across the room to Harry.
`Well, that shortens the search, now doesn't it. Only need to find a Death Eater named R.A.B.' said Ron happily. `Still,' he continued, sounding doubtful, `that's still a lot of people. And I doubt we'll find an index of Death Eater's names in any of these books' he droned, slouching in the chair with a disheartened look on his face.
Hermione stared blankly at the table, thinking hard, while Harry turned and looked back to the dark corner, where the tapestry hung.
Harry remembered when Sirius showed him it, and all the Black family tree. The blast mark was still there, in the place where Sirius' name would be. He looked over, and found his brother Regulus name. Harry gazed at the name for a while, and didn't notice Ron and Hermione come up behind.
`Harry?' asked Hermione worriedly, `Harry what is it?'
Harry bent down, and looked closer at the tapestry. Ron looked puzzled, and gave Hermione a concerned look. Harry ran his hand over the name, and it felt as if a floodgate was opened in his head.
`Sirius' brother, he was a Death Eater, and his name was Regulus. Regulus Black' said Harry quietly, his mind still racing.
`Regulus Black. That's R.B.!' said Ron excitedly.
`Harry, did Sirius ever say what Regulus' middle name was?' asked Hermione hurriedly. Sirius however never did tell him his middle name, and shook his head.
`So how can we find out?' asked Ron. Harry wondered if anyone would actually know Regulus' middle name. The Weasley's didn't know Sirius or his family, however Lupin did. Asking him however, was impossible now, since he was with the werewolves. Harry only knew of one who would possibly know and was alive. He stood up, and turned to face Hermione and Ron.
`I think I know someone who might know' said Harry quickly, walking to the middle of the room, Hermione and Ron following.
`Kreacher!' shouted Harry, and with a crack, the old and wrinkly house elf appeared in front of Harry.
`Master has called for Kreacher' said the house elf, bowing so extremely low his snout-like nose touched the ground. Harry distinctly heard him muttering `half breeds, blood traitors, and mudbloods in my precious mistress's house.' Kreacher came up, and gave a nasty look to Hermione.
`Kreacher, do you know what Regulus' middle name was?' asked Harry, giving the elf a mingled look of disgust. Kreacher glanced around the room, muttering something about `horrible stench,' and looked back to Harry.
`Master Black was a good master. Never sent Kreacher to work with unworthy elves' he said, giving the tapestry a hungry look. Harry was getting annoyed.
`Kreacher, you will tell me Regulus' middle name' demanded Harry. Harry remembered that giving an order to a house elf gave better results.
`Oh, Kreacher was never allowed to know Master Black's full name. Mistress never allowed such privileges' he said with an evil grin. He started towards the tapestry, when Harry stood in the way.
`Kreacher, go back to Hogwarts' ordered Harry. Kreacher gave Harry a nasty look, and snapped his fingers, returning to Hogwarts. Harry sat back down in his chair, Ron and Hermione following.
`So now what are we supposed to do?' asked Ron, looking downtrodden into the fire. Harry was wracking his brain, trying to think of anyone else who would know Regulus' middle name. Kreacher didn't know, Sirius was dead, Lupin was away doing work for the Order, and he doubted anything in this house would have his middle name on it. Harry wished Mrs. Black had told Kreacher Regulus' middle name. Harry's mind came to hault, and realized: Mrs. Black would know. He stood up quickly, and ran from the room. Hermione and Ron gave a startled look to each other, and followed hastily.
`Harry? Harry! What's wrong?' shouted Hermione, as they ran down the stairwell, catching up to Harry.
`We have to be quiet,' she wispered, `we'll wake up-`
Mrs. Black's yells and screeches filled the hallway as the three of them skidded to a halt in front of her portrait, and Harry opened the curtains. She screamed louder now, seeing the people looking at her.
`Filth! Vermin! You disgust and befoul the house of my father's with your presents!'
Harry took a step forward, and held his head high. `Shut up and answer my question!' he yelled. The woman gave an appalled look, and looked to start shrieking again, when Harry quickly spoke.
`Tell me Regulus' middle name, NOW!' yelled Harry, hoping to shock her into answering and keeping the conversation quick. She still looked mortified with Harry, and started shrieking anyways.
`How dare you think to yell at me you dirty scum! I do not answer questions of a child of such disgusting and vile blood!' she finished, turning herself away from the three. Harry glanced to Ron and Hermione for help, however both where looking bewildered. Harry could think of only one thing that would work: a threat.
`You will tell me Regulus' middle name, or I will burn down your house' said Harry calmly. Both Ron and Hermione gave Harry a shocking look, and glanced quickly to the portrait.
`Augustus! Now leave you revolting pieces of filth-!' she roared, as both Ron and Harry pulled the curtains shut, and Mrs. Black's yells and screeches died behind them. The three of them moved quietly to the kitchen, and sat around the table.
`Augustus. Regulus Augustus Black. R.A.B. It has to be him' said Harry relieved, moving his hair out of his eyes. He would have never guessed Sirius' brother was the one to find the original Horcrux, had it not been for the tapestry.
`Do you think that's why he was killed?' asked Ron.
`Couldn't be. I mean, if that was the case, Voldemort of would have gotten the message in the fake locket' said Harry, Ron twitching mildly, and Hermione giving an angry sigh.
`Really Ron, are you ever going say his name?' asked Hermione snidely, giving Ron a bitter look.
`I don't know! It takes some getting used too you know' he said back defiantly. Hermione looked to Harry, and rolled her eyes.
`Well, anyways, we know Regulus took the real Horcrux. So, now we just need to find out if he actually destroyed it or not. If he did, then it's one less for us. If not . . . well, then we'll need to find out where it is' said Hermione matter of factly. Ron nodded in agreement, as did Harry.
Harry felt too drained however by this time of day to start searching for more information, and felt they deserved to relax for the night. Searching the library for hours had caused his eyes to feel crossed, and he knew he could not focus properly on a task that needed his full attention. He asked if Ron and Hermione wanted to go home for the night, but they both objectioned. Harry was happy to hear they wanted to stay, even if it was in Grimmauld.
`My mom said since I am of age, I could do what I want. Got excited, then she said don't do anything stupid. Had to ruin the fun' Ron said moodily. He got up, and moved to the kitchen, opening up some cupboards, no doubt looking for food.
`We're both staying, if it's alright. Maybe we can take our first night here, and have some fun' he said hopefully, coming back to the table, finding no food worth eating.
`Of course you can stay, but what do you mean, "have some fun"?' questioned Harry.
`Well, I mean, we can all Apperate now, and we're of age. So, we can go where we want, anytime' he said beamily.
`So what did you have in mind?' asked Harry, worried about what the response could be. He saw Hermione looking nervous as well.
`Well, we could go to Three Broomsticks' he said optimistically. Harry was glad Ron kept the idea out of the extraordinary, like traveling to France. Hermione also thought it was a good idea.
`That sounds nice. We might see Hagrid there too. It would be nice to see how he and Grawp are doing' she said. Harry laughed, his voice cracking slightly, since he rarely laughed these days.
`Yes, I'm sure he'd like to see how his "Hermy" is doing' said Harry, all three of them laughing now.
`So it's settled' said Harry cheerfully, getting up from his chair, `we'll go to Three Broomsticks.' Hermione and Ron both stood up, and moved away from the table.
`Great. And I don't care what you say,' Ron said defiantly, looking at Hermione, `I'm trying some Firewhiskey.'
`I won't stop you, but I'll stick to butterbeers thank you' she said with a smile. Harry decided to leave a note incase anyone from the Order wondered where they went, and left it in the kitchen. The three of them got their cloaks, Harry using the new dark green one Hermione just got him, and exited the house. Harry locked the door, and the three moved into the lawn.
`So, just outside Three Broomsticks right?' asked Ron casually. Both Hermione and Harry nodded, and Harry began to think hard, picturing the front of Three Broomsticks. He gave a turn, and felt the tube like siphoning envelope him. He exhaled as he went, and found, to his surprise, it made the siphoning less intense. His feet hit the hard ground, and he found himself outside Three Broomsticks alone. He looked around, and about three seconds later, Hermione and Ron Apperated next to him.
`What took you guys?' he asked jokingly. Hermione gave him a `mind you own business' look, and the three entered the pub.
Harry expected few people to be here, and was not disappointed. About a dozen wizards and witches where strune about the pub, talking in small groups. The large form of Hagrid was not visible, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked to one of the many empty tables with a booth, taking a seat. Madame Rosmerta approached their table with a smile.
`Hello there dears. Surprising to see you here during the summer, but always welcome of course. What can I get you tonight?' she asked.
`I'll have a butterbeer' said Harry. Hermione got the same, and Ron decided to start with a butterbeer as well.
`I thought you where going to try firewhiskey?' she asked amusedly.
`Well, I'm not going to start out with one. I mean, I'll be more adventurous later' he said, as Rosmerta returned with three butterbeers. They took them, and placed them on the table.
`What should be toast to?' asked Hermione. Harry thought for a moment, and came up with one.
`To Hogwarts' said Harry, raising his glass. Hermione smiled, and quietly cleared her throat.
`To the Order' she said, raising her glass as well. The two looked at Ron, who looked to be in thought, and he raised his glass.
`To the Chudley Cannons' said Ron. They laughed, and toasted. Harry remembered all the times the three of them came here and enjoyed the atmosphere. It was odd coming here when it wasn't either windy, or snowing, but it was still nice. It made him feel older, the fact that it was not full of students from Hogwarts.
`I think this was a good idea' said Hermione happily, taking another sip. `I mean, we do need to work fast, but we need to take some time for ourselves' she finished.
`Well of course. I mean, when we go back to Hogwarts, we won't have the freedom. Well, at least I won't' said Ron, looking slightly dejected.
`Oh Ron, you'll have just as much freedom as we will. Just because we're Head's, doesn't mean we won't be sticking together. Right Harry?' she asked, looking hopeful.
`Yeah, definitely. Besides, Hogwarts will be different when we go back, so who knows what it will be like' said Harry. It was true, they had no idea how Hogwarts would be now since Dumbledore was gone. Plus, Harry doubted Hogsmede trips would be allowed.
`I guess that's true. I hope they still have Quiddich. Even if they're scrimmages, I'll take it. Without Quiddich, Hogwarts is just. . .' said Ron. Hermione glared at Ron.
`Just what Ron?' she asked, her voice drenched in attitude.
`Well, school. It's no fun with just our classes and homework' he drawled. Harry understood entirely. Quiddich was something Harry always associated with Hogwarts. Without it, it would be hard finding some fun between studying. Harry however had no time for fun. He imagined trying to find the Horcruxes would take a long time, maybe years. Taking time to play Quiddich would definitely be a waste of time. Just as he began to remember all the tasks ahead of him, putting him into misery, Hermione nudged him in the shoulder.
`Look who came in' she said, motioning towards the door. Harry looked and smiled, his thoughts of his impending tasks vanishing, seeing who he once called `their biggest friend'. Ron waved his hand, and called him over.
`What'er yeh doing here' said Hagrid, sounding more disappointed and upset than happy. Harry's smile vanished, and he felt bad now, seeing how much in the open they where. It would be easy for Death Eaters to come and kill them.
`We came to get away from the house, and we hoped to see how you where doing' expressed Hermione. Harry hoped Hagrid would be cheerier to see them. Granted, he understood if he was still upset about Dumbledore's death, everyone was, but this was the first time they had seen each other since Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express. Hagrid surveyed the three of them, and, to the delight and relief of Harry, his expression relaxed.
`Well, alrigh'. I understand, but yeh shoulda told me yeh were comin'' he said, pulling up a large chair to the side of the table. Harry glanced around, and found it was the only chair of such size. Rosmerta must keep it just for Hagrid.
`So did yeh get yer letters?' asked Hagrid, as Rosmerta approached. `Ah, Rosmerta. Mulled Mead please' he said, leaning back in his chair as it creaked in protest.
`Yes we got them. Sent them all back saying yes. Ginny made Prefect' said Hermione. Harry knew all too well that she was avoiding the fact that she and himself had been made Head Boy and Girl.
`And Harry and Hermione are Head Boy and Girl' said Ron. Harry could tell Ron was still very upset about the situation, and noticed after he said it, how he looked around the pub, obviously trying to not listen to Hagrid's response.
`Yeh did! That's great!' he boomed, giving both Harry and Hermione a pat on the shoulder, that made both of them slide off their seats, and half way under the table. They both recovered their seating, and Harry noticed Hermione glance at Ron remorsefully.
`Ron made Prefect again too' said Hermione enthusiastically. Hagrid turned to Ron, and patted him on the shoulder too, having the same affect that it had on the others.
`That's great Ron! Now yeh three are at the top. Proud of yeh. Your mum and dad woulda been proud Harry' he said, as Ron sat back up. Harry was glad that Ron smiled, and he seemed to awaken from his stupor. Harry believed what Hagrid said about his parents, and thanked him, and reminded himself mentally to thank Hermione for beleaguering him to go back. Rosmerta returned with Hagrid's tankard of mead, and headed back to the bar.
`How are Grawp and Whitherwings doing?' Harry asked, feeling better talking about Prefects and Heads where behind them.
`Buck- I mean, Whitherwings is doin' great. Grawp's gettin' a lot better. Got'em learnin' poetry!' grinned Hagrid. Ron, who was taking another sip of his butterbeer, choked on it slightly. Harry turned away to laugh, and Hermione looked baffled at Hagrid.
`You're teaching him poetry?! Oh Hagrid, What in the world made you think that would be helpful?' pleaded Hermione. Harry smiled, picturing Hagrid standing underneath the sixteen foot Grawp, teaching him how to read Haiku.
`Well, it'll help him when he's trying to get a mate!' he said credulously, taking a sip from his tankard.
`How in the world do you plan on finding a mate for him! His kind aren't exactly everywhere' said Hermione, keeping her voice low so no one outside their table would hear.
`Well, I'm jus' preparin' him for when he does is all' said Hagrid, taking another drink.
`So what are yeh up to the rest `o the summer?' he asked, obviously trying to change the subject.
`Well, we're just enjoying our summer before going back to school' said Harry. The four of them talked more, about Hogwarts, and what each of them had been doing during the summer. Hagrid heard about Bill and Fleur's wedding, and felt sorry it happened, and that he was unable to attend. He said Grawp was `bein' a bit rowdy,' which Harry knew meant he had probably ripped up a few trees on the grounds.
Hagrid had also rebuilt his hut, since it had been flamed as the Death Eaters escaped last June. As midnight approached, Harry decided it was time to leave. Hagrid mentioned he had to check on Grawp, Hermione was falling asleep, and Ron still had not tried firewhiskey. Hagrid left, and as the three friends left Three Broomsticks, Harry asked if Ron was going to try actually firewhiskey.
`Maybe another time. I'm too tired' he droned, as they moved into the street. Hermione wiped her eyes, and let out a long sigh.
`Alright, you ready to go back?' she asked tiredly. Harry and Ron nodded. `Well, lets go' she said.
Harry thought carefully of the lawn of Grimmauld, and Apperated back, remembering to exhale as he went. The three appeared in front of Grimmauld at the same time, and entered the dark house. Harry checked the kitchen and saw the note was still on the table, and put it in the rubbish bin.
The three then made their way to their rooms. Ron stopped on his way to his room to say goodnight to Hermione, and Harry waved goodnight to them, as he walked up the stairwell to his room on the second floor. Harry entered the dark room, lit some lamps, and sat on his bed.
His first night with Ron and Hermione in his house, and it went great. They found out who R.A.B. was, and caught up with Hagrid too. Now they just needed to find out if the Horcrux was destroyed or not. Harry put his pajamas on, extinguished the lamps, and went to sleep.
While Harry and Ron ate breakfast the next morning, Hermione came down late, looking groggy. She sat down next to Ron, who gave her a kiss on her cheek. Harry wished they wouldn't make a habit of kissing in front of him all the time. He felt if they kept it up, they would be almost flaunting something he can't have.
`You alright?' asked Harry, wondering why she was so tired, and getting his mind back on track.
`I'm fine. Just have to get used to falling asleep later, that's all' she yawned, getting up and getting some toast, returning shortly after.
They decided for the day, that they would focus on finding out if Regulus had indeed destroyed the Horcrux or not. Harry knew it would be impossible to tell if he destroyed it or not. For now, their only solution would be to see if they could find it.
`So where should we start? I mean, it could be anywhere' asked Ron.
`Well, if Regulus was trying to hide from Voldemort, the best place to come would be here' said Hermione, Harry nodding in agreement.
`Exactly. So, we need to search Grimmauld for the locket' he said determinately. The three of them spent the day working through the upper levels of the house, however very few items could be found. A few books, an old broken flask, and some cutlery were all they really found aside from the furniture. As they entered the drawing room in the afternoon, Hermione looked around with a sullen face.
`We might run into some problems in here' frowned Hermione. `Don't you remember, we cleaned up a lot of stuff when we first came here. Sirius threw out a lot of things. Do either of you remember what he threw out?' she asked.
`A lot' said Ron, looking dismal. Harry tried to remember, however Ron was right. They threw out dozens of items. Harry was trying to remember the rooms they cleaned, and what was in each of them. It was hard, considering it was two years ago.
`Well, we did clear a lot out of the library, and here in the drawing room. A lot of things came out of those cabinets that are empty now' said Hermione, pointing to the large empty cabinets on the side of the room. Harry tried to remember the things they took out. He remembered a set of tweezers that crawled up his arm, a music box that made them all drowsy, and . . .
`There was a locket. I remember, we couldn't open it' he exclaimed. Hermione and Ron looked astounded at Harry.
`I remember that!' boasted Ron. Hermione however looked a little down.
`I remember too, but I also remember Sirius threw it out with the rest of the stuff' she sighed. Harry knew it was all gone now, and the chances the locket was still in the house was minimal.
`Well, what about Kreacher? He kept coming into the room trying to knick stuff, maybe he got it?' Ron interjected. Harry remembered Kreacher coming in every few minutes trying to take things, and keep them safe, and felt a surge of excitement. Just the night before, Kreacher had looked at the tapestry eagerly. Harry got up immediately, and went to the bottom cupboard in the kitchen.
`What are you doing Harry?' asked Hermione, and both she and Ron came behind Harry. Harry crouched down, and put his hand on the handle.
`Remember on Christmas. You came, and put your present down here, where Kreacher slept. He kept things he knicked down here' he said, taking a deep breath, and opening the cupboard.
The inside was just as it was Harry remembered, with a boiler taking up most of the space, and Kreacher's nest-like bed just below, strune with old smelly blankets and rags. Harry also noticed Hermione's blanket was still in its package, wedged unceremoniously under one of the pipes. The pictures of the Black family where still in their shattered frames, and in the far back, various objects and trinkets glinted.
Harry hesitated, and reached into the back, moving some of the coins and objects forward so he could see. The first ones he saw where old Galleons, and, what heightened Harry's spirits, an Order of Merlin First Class. This was the same one that they had cleared out of the drawing room on the day they saw the locket. Harry remembered Sirius telling him his ancestor received it for giving the Ministry money.
Harry moved the objects aside, and dove his hand into the pile again. He felt a rush of excitement as he moved another pile of objects to the front again, noticing how many of them felt round. He looked, and found that all the objects where coins, and his heart fell. He looked into the back of the cupboard again, and saw a few more glimmering objects. He reached deep into the back, feeling the back of the cupboard, and grabbed the remaining objects. He pulled them out, and put them on top of the pile of other coins and objects he had already taken out. He looked, and his heart leapt in excitement. Both Ron and Hermione bent down, and Harry picked up the object on top of the pile, holding it up in the light.
Harry was holding a heavy, golden locket. As he moved it on an acute angle, an ornate serpentine S was imprinted on its face. Hermione let out a gasp, grabbed onto Ron's shoulder as she nearly fell over, and looked to Harry.
`Slytherin's Mark' she whispered.
Harry had found it. It was what he and Dumbledore had first set out to find, and now it was found. He could not believe that here, in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, he held the third Horcrux of Lord Voldemort: Slytherin's Locket.
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