Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the wonderful wizarding world and all credit must be given to Ms. JK Rowling, however, anything unrecognisable is of my own creation.
Chapter 19: Crystallised Pineapple
I wondered up to Dumbledore's office Wednesday evening, hesitating before knocking. I'm not sure why I'm so nervous about this specific meeting with Dumbledore, but my stomachs been full of butterflies all afternoon. Dumbledore spoke as I knocked.
'Enter.' I opened the door, Dumbledore continued speaking. 'Ah Miss. Granger... please, take a seat.' I sat opposite Dumbledore. He offered me a piece of crystallised pineapple, which I accepted, whilst speaking.
'Have you found out more about the horcruxes?' Dumbledore summoned a pot of tea and teacups, as I asked this question. I watched the teapot pour two cups of tea, whilst Dumbledore responded.
'I visited the Malfoy Estate last weekend for tea, with the intentions of getting Abraxas to show me Tom Riddle's diary. Abraxas spoke very fondly of it, claiming it to be a Slytherin heirloom from the Gaunt family. I do not believe he knows the true nature of the diary.' Dumbledore then paused, meaning I spoke.
'How are we going to obtain the diary?' Dumbledore seemed to consider my question for a moment, before speaking.
'I have yet to devise a way of obtaining it. The Malfoy Estate is heavily guarded... though, Abraxas was very keen to talk about his son's engagement to Miss. Narcissa Black. I've been informed that the wedding is to take place this coming summer... this may be our chance to steal the diary. I trust Mr. Black will be in attendance at this wedding, and you will accompany him?' I didn't know Lucius and Narcissa were already engaged, though, I suppose it makes sense with what I've heard about the Black Family's traditions... and Dumbledore is right; the wedding is probably our best chance for me to steal the diary. I nodded, answering Dumbledore's question.
'Yes. I'm sure I will attend Lucius and Narcissa's wedding with Sirius.' Dumbledore grinned, although, as he did I suddenly realised something. 'So... I have to tell Sirius the truth?' Dumbledore took a sip of tea, before steepling his fingers.
'I believe Mr. Black might be useful in our search... he's much more adjusted to the Dark Arts than you are.' I've been dreading this exact eventuality, ever since Professor Cullen suggested it last year: I gulped.
'Professor, I don't know if I'm ready.' I think Dumbledore could hear the slight panic in my voice, because he offered me more crystallised pineapple.
'Miss. Granger... there are fully trained aurors, who'd crumble under the weight of what you're going through.' I smiled. 'You've done brilliantly, my dear, but everyone needs a little support sometimes.' I gazed into my cup of tea: I'd been Harry's support for 5 years, but it never occurred to me, that Harry couldn't have done it alone. There was silence for a moment, before I spoke.
'Alright, I will attempt to tell Sirius.' The distinctive twinkle appeared in Dumbledore's eyes at this point: I continued speaking. 'Have you made progress on finding Marvolo Gaunt's Ring?' I watch Dumbledore sip his tea again, before speaking.
'I scouted out the ruins of the Gaunt's Estate last weekend, and believe I've located a source of dark energy emanating from within. I do not believe Mr. Riddle will have left the ring unprotected, so I want to explore the Estate more, before we attempt to search for the ring... and as for destroying these horcruxes, I haven't come across anything useful.' I considered this for a second, before asking another question.
'What about other possible horcruxes?' Dumbledore said that he assumed Voldemort would use objects of sentimental value as horcruxes, though, as for identifying further potential horcruxes he'd been unsuccessful. Dumbledore then ended our meeting, suggesting that we regrouped in a month's time, after I'd told Sirius that I'm from the future. He said that Sirius could come to the next meeting, if I'd managed to tell him the truth. I left the headmasters office feeling rather sick. I had my next task: telling Sirius that I'm a time traveller.
A/N: Okay, so guess this is kind of my opening to Hermione telling Sirius the truth. I will publish the next chapter as soon as I proofread it, so you won't have to wait long. Hope this chapter is enjoyable. Love RoxannetheLaugh x.
