Chapter 20

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(5th Year 1995)

The wind and rain beat down on the stone floor in the courtyard, making the rain sound even louder. It had rained all of last night, giving pause for a few hours before resuming in the afternoon.

Hermione watched herself head to Care of Magical Creatures with Ron and Harry. Both who pulled her along since they would be late in about two minutes. At least the class wasn't outside or else they would have been soaked in seconds without the use of shields.

She had to meet with Severus in his private lab to go over what he had found. She pulled the hood of her cloak up as she tucked the time-turner away. It still hung around her waist but it was becoming irritating when she dressed or bathed since for the past week she had been asked to either get up early or change in a hurry to catch up with the boys.

Both who were going to try out for Quidditch. A fact that Hermione had to listen over and over all week. Not that she minded as she watched them be carefree. That was all that mattered at the time for them.

She slipped by several people who were running late to classes, making sure not to stand out too much as she did so. Nobody paid her mind so she quickly found herself at his door. He didn't have any afternoon classes so she just slipped in. Not once looking back.

Missing the pair of eyes that had widened in surprise.

Later in suspicion.

The classroom was lowly lit, only having one candle on the desk. She passed by it and knocked twice with a pause between them. Her hand curled over the knob and opened it. The room was washed in a warm glow from the fire. But he wasn't in the main room. The living room was small but big enough for a person who didn't need large living spaces. The doors to the right, one that was partially open, led to his room and the one with the metal frame, was his lab. But otherwise, his rooms reminded her of small flats one would find in Muggle London.

Since she knew not to disturb him while he was working she turned to the little kitchen to make herself a cup of tea. The mundane task cleared her mind, easing the strained muscles. She turned her mind to easier things like strategies and maneuverings or at least already trying to outthink Riddle and Dumbledore. She left the tea and pulled off her purse so that she could open it without spilling the tea.

Pulling the strings of her purse apart, she took out the locket. She set it on the table and also pulled out her notebook. She sent Dimitry a message as well as her boys. Since the room was not as cold as the classroom she took off the cloak and dragon-skin gloves, the days had already started to get cooler even though it was only September.

Not that she minded but Severus did.

Hermione wasn't sure how Severus's floo network operated. According to the rules of the school, nobody aside from the Headmaster was able to apparate in and out of Hogwarts as well as being able to use the floo to leave school grounds. Portkeys were a different matter since they had to authorized by either Dumbledore or McGonagall. But for some reason, Severus's fireplace was able to work like a regular one.

It wasn't long until the floo flared green, bringing Severus out of his lab. He looked sharply over at her before turning back, the door slamming shut. She smiled, his hair had looked ridiculous, all ruffled despite the fact it was pulled away from his face with a leather thong.

Leaving the necklace on the table, she walked over to greet Dimitry. His blank stare fading the longer he stared. He must have had his thoughts guarded before coming here.

She walked into his arms just as the floo flared again. It was Adrian, his familiar eyes burning as he climbed through. He elbowed his father out of the way as he too embraced her. It felt great to see them again. Even though it hadn't been long since the last time she had seen the pair. Dimitry strolled over to the little kitchen and finished preparing the tea while Adrian walked over to scrutinize the locket.

"I suppose the reason why you called us over is to discuss this?" Dimitry asked dryly. He set the tea mugs down.

A second later Severus walked out of his lab, his hair still messy. He looked rather dashing with his hair away from his face. She noticed the leather thing around his wrist and suppressed the urge to call him out on it. He wouldn't like it if she did it in front of others. He sat down beside her and took her mug. Hermione caught the look Dimitry sent her, his real self finally showing as he too grabbed one of the two chairs that Adrian had transfigured out of two forks.

After they sat down, Hermione lifted the locket up with her right arm and already she could hear it whispering to her. But her partial Occlumency shields only allowed a few whispers to actually be heard.

They tempted her with...

Severus spoke up, his voice gravelly. "I tested it with several different snake venom samples I had shipped in as well as other types of beasts. But the blood doesn't react like I thought it would. It completely integrates with whatever blood or venom it comes in contact with as long as its not human. I went as far as testing it against my own blood and it didn't react at all."

That did not sound right. By the expressions on the others, Hermione knew they were thinking the same thing as her. So, her blood was fine when in contact with another human but it wasn't with venom or other animals? The bite of a snake couldn't have done that, to begin with.

But if the Sphinx had done something between her passing out and the others reaching her? Unless the others had seen it do something. She shook her head and changed the subject as she played with the chain of the necklace, the whispers making annoying hissing sounds.

"Does Riddle suspect? That I have found one of his Horcrux?"

Dimitry shook his head. "He has something else his working on. Well, he actually has several other people doing separate things. He's only now coming to trust us. But not exactly including us in any of the planning."

Adrian spoke up, his hand in her hair as he quickly made work of her braid. "I have been told to apply for Magical Law Enforcement. I'm not sure what they plan to do with me in it but I'm sure they want me to work up the ranks fast. As for Marcus, who couldn't come since his at the Ministry right now, has been asked to look for Horace Slughorn. He taught at Hogwarts a few years ago. We don't know why he wants him but Marcus is going to try and figure it out before he takes Slughorn to him."

Hermione stayed quiet for a few minutes. Horace Slughorn? She noticed the look Dimitry and Severus threw each other.

They recognized who it was. "I can see you both know who he is?" she asked, her eyes on Severus who had paused with the mug in hand. He nodded as he drank but only motioned to Dimitry, his long fingers wrapped around the mug.

Her eyes turned to Dimitry and noticed that he was already scowling. "He taught Potions for fifty years. It is said that he started teaching around the time Dumbledore did. But soon after Riddle was first defeated he went into early retirement. But for a while, he did go out with his "star" pupils or met up with them. But when talks of him coming back went around he went into hiding. Right now, Riddle, has Thorfinn Rowle and Travers looking for him and I suppose he has Marcus watching them. He probably wants Marcus to report back to him if they intentionally let him go. I only heard them randomly talking about them but I had thought I was mistaken."

Severus cleared his throat. "I'm not fully trusted yet so he hasn't told me most of this. He mostly wants me to stick close to the Order. The last time I was with him he asked me to keep making his potions and to seem loyal to the Order. I do know that his after the prophecy but he doesn't know how to get it. Rowle suggested the use of a Ministry worker."

Hermione paused, her hand suddenly tightening around the mug. She didn't look up at any of them as she set her mug down. She stood carefully and walked out of the kitchen and towards his room.

"Follow me, Severus." She said privately as she opened the door that led to his quarters. She waited until he was inside to close the door, her hand resting on the doorknob.

"Why am I just learning about this? What else have you kept from me?"

He leaned back against the armchair behind him. "I didn't think it was important until very recently. I was planning on telling you but it isn't like you can do anything just yet. The Order is watching out for any Death Eaters that show up. I see now, that it was a mistake not to tell you."

Not being able to say anything else against that, she shrugged. "I know that you think it wasn't important but any little detail has to be reported. Now, why does he want the full prophecy? Does he think it will change anything?"

Severus rubbed his shoulders. "I don't think so. I think he just wants confirmation. He knows it isn't the whole prophecy but only because he died when he tried killing Potter. But what he doesn't know is that nobody but Potter can pick up the prophecy. Anybody else that tries to pick it up will be attacked by the spells and charms on it. Not that anybody but the Unspeakables know about it. I know only because Dumbledore knows."

That sounded about right. Hermione knew that eventually, the Death Eaters would find a way in but they would ultimately find out that they wouldn't be able to take the prophecy for themselves. She would have to find a way to get to the prophecy with Harry. But that was for later.

After a few more words they rejoined the others. Adrian sent her a questioning look which she avoided. Now wasn't the time. The dynamics of her relationship with Severus were a bit too private to even talk them out with Adrian.

Dimitry continued on like they hadn't left. "I also just heard this morning that the Giants have a new leader. A bloodthirsty leader. He goes by the name Golgomath. He killed Karkus, who had been the leader until last night. Last I heard, Golgomath almost killed the half-giant Hagrid. He was with another half-giant, a woman."

Hermione nodded. "Madam Maxime. Yes, I know about that. I hope that not many Giants join Riddle but it will probably not matter in the end. For now, try and find out what are all of Riddle's plans. I need to plan around them."

She then told them about what she had figured out about the Horcrux. The way her left hand was able to silence the effect they seem to have on others and the fact that she suspected that the number Horcruxes was more than just two or five.

But how to know for certain was the real question.

Dimitry frowned as his hand went to the empty mugs and sent them towards the sink. "I have heard of certain beasts' blood being used to cure certain spells and charms. I know for a fact that a Sphinx's bite has healing properties but not many know that. I only know because I once worked alongside an Egyptian Healer and he tried Obliviating my memory of it."

Hermione became suspicious. An Egyptian Healer would definitely know about something like that. She wondered if Halima had lied to her or had withheld information from her. She didn't want to think about her that way or of Amsu and Gahiji. But something nagged at her. Something was missing. An important part that she didn't seem to recall or been told.

Hermione put the locket away and stood with the others. Things were becoming clearer but the picture they formed was ugly.

"I will head to the address you gave me. Severus will go with me. We will only be gone a week probably less. I just have to figure out a few things. But I will let you know." she said, her eyes on her left arm. Things just needed to be cleared up and soon.

...o0o..

On Friday morning, Hermione stood with Harry and Ron by the Entrance Hall. Ron was speaking to a few first-year boys about being on time or else they wouldn't get to eat. Something that Harry and Hermione found amusing.

Hermione had spent the week planning and doing a month's worth of Homework. She already knew what most of the teachers would assign since they rarely ever changed their teaching schedules.

All except for Umbridge who seemed a bit prickly. The old toad had assigned everybody loads of homework but had also seemed a bit stressed as she snapped at everybody in the classroom.

Everybody except Malfoy.

Something that Ron and Harry had noticed right away. Which was odd in many ways. Hermione knew that the plan with the Dementors in Diagon Alley had been Umbridge's plan. But Malfoy had directed her to do it. Unless he was controlling her. That would make more sense.

After a few minutes, a voice behind them made Hermione turn in surprise. It was Professor McGonagall. Her face seemed a bit stiff as she looked directly at Hermione but directed her question at Harry. "I will have to burrow Miss Granger for a bit. Why don't you run and get Mr. Weasley, who seems to be having a bit too much fun over there."

Harry nodded but didn't say anything as he turned around and headed over to Ron. Hermione wondered what her Head of House wanted. She followed close behind her, passing several students. They ended up in a hallway that normally wasn't available to students.

It wasn't until McGonagall opened a large door at the end of the corridor and led her inside that she saw what looked like personal quarters.

McGonagall gestured towards the table in the center of the room. Hermione didn't say anything but made sure she looked nervous. Even though she wanted to keep still and read McGonagall, she didn't.

Outwardly, Hermione seemed nervous and kept rubbing her knee. Seconds later the door opened and in walked Severus. He stopped when he saw her but immediately turned towards McGonagall.

"What is this about, Minerva?" he asked her, his eyes coming to rest on his colleague. Her professor gestured to the other armchair across from Hermione. He sent her a bored look before opening the link between him and Hermione.

"What is this about?" he asked her as he sat down. Hermione gave inward sigh.

"I don't know. But I can guess as to what it could be." She hadn't been careful the past few nights as she should have. She had thought that somebody had been watching her from afar but she hadn't looked for a teacher.

Only students.

McGonagall stayed standing, her back rigid. "I asked for both of you to come here because I wanted some answers and I didn't want to make it so publically noticeable in case I was right. Now, Miss Granger, I would like to know why you have been meeting Professor Snape. I have seen you go into his classroom on two occasions. Especially in one where I had previously seen you somewhere else at the same time."

Shite.

She dropped the facade and went with her gut. McGonagall became weary the instant she dropped it.

Ah, yes, signs of emotional maturity and who she was could not be concealed with just a potion. Hermione had to play it up with her schoolgirl facade that even sometimes fooled her. Severus gave a sigh before leaning back comfortably. He turned to look out the window. It would be a long conversation.

"I will tell you everything, Professor McGonagall, but you will have to sit down for this. I also have to ask you if you know anything about Legilimency or Occlumency?"Hermione asked as she crossed her legs and removed her school robes. The white sleeve of her button-up shirt covered the mark on her left arm but she wasn't concerned. She looked up when she didn't hear anything.

McGonagall had just sat down, eyebrows raised at her. "I know about them but I don't practice either one. Never felt the need to. But I would like to know how you know about either subject."

Hermione gave a tired laugh before looking meeting her esteemed teacher's sharp eyes.

"Legilimens."

..o0o..

The corridor was ice cold, the floor and walls isolating the cold inside the castle. Winter would be making an early arrival this year and the castle was already broadcasting it.

Hermione shivered and pulled her cloak close around herself as she walked down the corridor, her steps quiet. Her bag was prepared for the week so she just had to finish her patrol and meet Severus. The day had been long, especially with the talk she had with McGonagall. Severus had been a bit amused but had not once changed character. It was a bit surprising to realize that the only one that saw him for himself was her. In front of McGonagall, he acted like his growly self. In front of Dimitry and the others, he didn't act out of character as much as when they were alone.

But he might as well be since Dimity loved to rile him up.

Hermione shivered as she turned a corner and headed down to the dungeons. She saw Malfoy, who was also on patrol with her, head down to the Slytherin Dungeons. He had only nodded at her earlier when she had met up with him to patrol and they had left on patrol without one insult being thrown. Something that Harry would have never believed. She walked right into Severus classroom only to stop when she saw Theodore Nott in the middle of the classroom. He had a piece of parchment paper in his hands as he spoke with Severus.

They both turned to see her slip in. Nott only nodded once as he handed the parchment to Severus. Curious as to what it could be, she came to stand by Severus when both of them hissed.

The Mark, he must be calling them.

Severus shot her a look while Nott only walked away from them and towards Severus private rooms. "Stay in my rooms until I come back. I don't understand why his called so early. I wasn't supposed to meet him until I had something to give him. But if he's even called Nott than its something urgent."

He grimaced as he pushed his sleeve back and followed her into his room. Nott had already left by floo and Hermione watched Severus step in. He met her eyes and dropped the floo powder. He was gone in the next second, flames eating up his body as he headed to his master.

Hermione turned away and began pacing. That soon grew old so she headed towards his desk in his lab. The room smelled strongly of herbs as well as other scents. She headed straight for the desk at the end of the room and sat down. There was fresh parchment on the desk already so she took his quill and began writing to Sirius.

Once the letter was done she put it in her purse. She checked her watch but only a few minutes had gone by. She was becoming antsy. She stood and walked out of the lab and into the living room. She turned the fireplace on with a wave of her hand and sat down in front of it, ignoring the chairs around her. It wasn't like her to worry this way. She didn't know how long she waited before the fireplace flared a bright green and Severus came through.

Alone.

He staggered in. His face ashy but otherwise unmarred. She helped him over to his armchair as he lifted his hand and rubbed his face. "I need to go to Dumbledore. He has to know about Podmore."

Hermione paused. "Sturgis Podmore? Isn't he a member of the Order?"

Severus nodded as he rubbed his temples. "It was his first attempt at obtaining the prophecy. Lucius was the one to Imperius Podmore and command him to retrieve the prophecy. But he was caught before he could even step inside. He was caught by an Auror on night duty as well as Mad-Eye. Or at least that's the story that Lucius is sticking to. Riddle was not happy, to say the least. He wants me to get information on the night patrol schedules of the Order. He was very upset so he has ordered Nott to also keep a close watch on Potter and his friends. He wants to confirm something but I don't understand what it is he wants."

Hermione frowned. That did not sound good at all. "Is the Minister not going to question Nott Snr? Or Barty and what of Pettigrew? They all bare the mark on their arms, why isn't he questioning them. Especially Nott."

"I think you know why. But for now, let me talk with Dumbledore and afterwards we'lll leave. We will sort out all this out but not right now. I still need time to check out the issue with your blood. I think we need to change our plans slightly. We will probably be gone about two weeks." he said as he stood. He went back into the fireplace and was gone before she could say anything.

It wasn't long until he came back, his eyes holding slight annoyance. Ah, yes, Dumbledore would obviously say something to irritate him. He only gave her a nod and grabbed the bag that had been between two of the armchairs.

Yes, they would have to go back far longer than she had planned. She grabbed the potion he just pulled out of his bag.

"Take it now. It will get rid of your school girl look. I already have more potions for you ready. I made other potions as well in case we do need to blend in with the muggles." he said, his dark eyes watching her unscrew the lid and drinking it all before he could even finish talking. They grew dark with an emotion that forced her to look away.

They weren't ready for what that look meant.

Not even close.

But they would eventually be.

..o0o..

They walked down the paved pathway, the sunset casting a warm glow over the village. It was mostly deserted, with the occasional muggle walking by. An elderly couple walked next to them, both speaking in low voices as they brushed past them.

Hermione was walking next to Severus, her arm locked with his. Something that had been agreed upon when they started their facade. Severus had taken to making minor enchantments to alter his face. He now sported a short beard with glasses. His hair seemed to be cut short but really the charm had made it shrink. But what stole the show was his crisp dark blue button-up shirt. He blended in with the muggles so well that she would have never once thought of him anything but a muggle.

As for Hermione, she had asked Zephrine to send her clothes two nights ago. They had arrived the next day, of course with a note attached. Zephrine hadn't known much about muggle clothes or their styles so she had gone to Hermione's mother for advice. Something that Hermione knew her mother appreciated. She wrote to them once every two weeks, the letters only brief and filled with random words so she knew that they took advantage of any opportunity they could to help her.

They had both sent her several outfits but Hermione only brought the ones that will help blend in with the muggles. The village wasn't high end or anything but it wasn't poor either. So, she wore what she would wear on a day to day basis.

Jeans with a flowy shirt. A coat thrown on instead of robes.

She had glamoured the bite mark since she didn't want anybody asking her about it. The story they were sticking to; newly wedded couple stopping by to rest before continuing to their next destination. Something that had made him smirk in amusement. Not that they expected anybody to ask them about it or any personal information. Dimitry had somebody take care of the muggle documents just in case.

They had set up a room for the night in the local Inn in the village but Little Hangleton wasn't very big so there was only one place to get rooms without having to go to the bigger town down the road.

Severus changed direction when they didn't see anybody else and took a shady little walkway that led away from the main road and town lights. They didn't talk, only looked around in complete alertness. They didn't think Riddle would actually appear but it was better to be safe than sorry. Hermione gestured towards a dirt road that seemed to lead to a deserted gate. Severus took his wand out so she did the same.

But not her actual wand.

"Don't touch anything or talk out loud. Just to be sure." Severus said, his voice almost whisper-like in her head. She only gave a nod and jumped the gate with a flick of her wand. He raised an eyebrow before disappearing into his Death Eater smoke. He flew past her, making sure he pulled her braid as he did so. She smirked and followed him.

It wasn't until they were near the front of the shack when Hermione stopped. He turned to look at her as she did so. "I can feel something making me want to turn away. It must be a spell or charm. It keeps making me rethink every step I take." she said, her hand tightening around her wand.

Severus nodded as he gestured towards the shack-like-house that was rotting away. It wasn't large but it would have been an adequate size once. The door to it was partially open, hanging by the last leg. He swept his arm and the door opened wide; they both had expected to hear the metal protest but it was silent. That wasn't good. After all these years it should have made noise, especially with half of the shack rotting away.

Severus walked in first, wand held loosely held in his fingers. She would have taken it as him being at ease except for the fact that he was scanning the room with dark and watchful eyes. His eyes not missing a thing. "I will search the rest of the house. Search that way and try to find it while I get rid of most of the spells around here," he said as he slipped away and into the shadows.

The sun was completely gone by then so she held her wand up and wordlessly produced a light orb. It bounced up before swaying down, matching her steps as she turned into a small room to the right.

She would have fallen if she hadn't looked down to see that half of the flooring was gone. The other half of the room only held one armchair that had seen better days. Otherwise, the room was bare, the roof half caved in. Hermione gave a sigh and took out the locket from her bag. Instead of holding it in her left hand she held it with her right hand. She gave a shiver as she wrapped the chain around her wrist.

It only gave mindless whispers as she walked back into the hallway. It was only an idea but she was winging it. But she hoped that the locket, the Horcrux, would react in some way if in the same room as another.

She crossed the little hallway and into the next room which was a little better than the one before. But this one had half a wall missing, a large chunk near the ceiling was missing as well. But otherwise, the room remained the way she thought it had once looked like. She cautiously walked in, making sure to barely put pressure on the dark and rotten wood when all of a sudden the whole floor gave way under her.

Hermione gasped and felt her ankle twist the wrong way as the wood ripped through her jeans and layers of skin. Half of her body was under the rotting floorboards when Severus suddenly appeared, his eyes furiously checking the room before kneeling down beside her. She could read his furious thoughts as he helped her up, his arms closing around her as he pulled her body up.

"Bloody hell, I had thought somebody had attacked you. The whole bloody shack shook," he said, his voice sounding furious and amused at the same time.

Hermione glared at him as she pulled her leg up and froze when the locket made a hissing sound. She glanced briefly up at Severus before lifted her other leg out from the hole. Right under her foot was what appeared to be a dirty golden box. It was small but large enough to hold a locket or two inside of it.

Ignoring the burning pain coming from her leg, she leaned down slightly and picked it up. Severus leaned forward and hissed as his hand closed over the box.

"It's definitely in there. My mark is acting up once again. Just like the time I touched the locket. How's your leg?" he asked as he avoided touching either things and instead inspected her leg.

"My ankle is twisted but not broken. The wood cut me but I don't know how bad. I don't think we can apparate out of here so let's at least get to the pathway and apparate there." she said. Her voice sounding a bit weak. He didn't say anything as he leaned forward and slid his arms under her. She suddenly felt slightly better as she found her face against his chest. He didn't seem to notice it and walked them out of the shack.

Hermione tucked the locket into her purse and held the gold box carefully in her lap. They didn't talk again until they were back in their room. Which he had somehow apparated them into. He set her down the large bed in the middle of the room and turned to his bag. She slipped her bag off and left the box next to it as he came back with a flask. He opened it and gestured towards her leg. She winced as she straightened it out in front of her. He kneeled down and briefly stopped before using his wand to cut the rest of the jean up her leg. Leaving her leg bared all the way up to mid-thigh. He seemed unfazed as he applied a bit of Dittany on it.

He quickly stood and closed the flask with fluid movements. She didn't comment on it and instead used her wand to check her own ankle. It wasn't broken but it was swollen.

"How exactly did you fall?" he asked, no longer needing to refrain from talking out loud.

Hermione shrugged. "I was just walking, not doing much. I was actually careful but I guess that wasn't enough. The wood floor in one of the rooms was half gone at the entrance. But the next one looked relatively good enough to walk on. But I was wrong. I thought it would be harder to find but I literally fell on it."

Severus gave a grunt of agreement. Yes, almost too easy. She turned to it as Severus mended her ankle. The gold box seemed to be genuine gold and old. It had a few scratches and dents. As well...as blood? Hermione leaned over and saw a few drops on it. Some of it was smeared, probably when she had grabbed it. She guessed it was her own blood from her cuts.

The box had a little lock that was loose enough to simply be unlatched. Yes, too easy. Uneasiness filled her body as she leaned even closer. Things were too easy. Riddle must have placed spells and jinxes. But what kind?

Throwing common sense out the door, she opened the box and the lights inside of the room vanished. Severus left her side and suddenly two light orbs floated up to the ceiling, lighting the room up. Hermione flinched when she saw something flow out of the box and hurl towards her. Her leg, which was still tender, buckled under her weight as she tried jumping off the bed. It began changing shape rapidly, confirming her suspicions.

It was a Boggart.

It screamed and transformed. At first, nothing took shape as Hermione stared at it in mute horror. She couldn't see Severus since the Boggart was between them. The Boggart suddenly froze, its black shape finally taking a final form.

It first showed her the body of Dimitry, Zephrine, Adrian, and Marcus. Separately but no less horrifying. It didn't take long for it change into Ron and lastly Harry.

The Boggart changed again and in total horror, it finally showed Severus. Kneeling down on his knees, face bathed in blood and his clothes in tatters. His eyes staring deeply into hers, empty and soulless. Hermione felt tears prickling at the corner of her eyes as she stared.

No, it wasn't real! It wasn't. She trembled as she stood and raised her wand at it; her magic crackling around her uncontrollable rage.

All her rage became cold and focused, directed towards the Boggart.

With a clear voice and mind, she whispered. "Riddikulus."

Severus finally appeared from behind it with a large cotton bag; it already seemed to hold another Boggart. She directed hers to the bag and calmly watched the blob disappear inside of it. Seconds later, she called for Sunmi. Her elf appeared the next second in a flowery dress and mittens. Sunmi turned to Hermione, her large eyes taking her in with concern.

"Lady Hermione need Sunmi? What can Sunmi do?"

Hermione summoned a smile and gestured towards the bag. "Please take this to Dimitry. He will know what to do with it. Thank you, Sunmi."

Minutes later, they were alone. Hermione figured he had a similar experience but he didn't mention it. He would tell her if he wanted to eventually. Their attention went back to the box, which sat innocently on the bed. Hermione held her wand to it and re-opened it. Nestled in the middle of the box in black satin was a gold ring with a dark stone in the center.

The stone held a symbol that she didn't recognize. The box didn't give a threatening feeling like before. But the ring was a whole other thing. Maybe her blood could be the key to destroying the Horcruxes. It all came back tonher blood in the end. But only three other people had seen it happen. Had seen the snake. The answers to their questions didn't lay here, where the cold was already creeping onto the land.

But in the hot temperatures of Egypt.

...o0o0o0o0o...

Thanks for reading once again! Love to hear from you all!

Edited 4/1/19

Vanee