Chapter 6
The next evening Madame Pomfrey announced that Harry was fit enough to leave the hospital wing, though she stressed that he was to do nothing more strenuous than lifting a fork to his mouth for the next few days, much to Harry's annoyance. Hagrid had been to see him while he was in the hospital wing, and Harry was shocked to see the change Dumbledore's death had wrought on his friend. Hagrid was much quieter and after giving Harry a bone crushing hug (much to Madame Pomfrey's distress), a tin of teeth cracking toffee, and bit of conversation and a small smile, he had left. He told Harry that he was still working on the giants with Madame Maxime, as the death eater that was responsible for converting them for Voldemort had recently been captured by Mad Eye Moody on his return to England. Obviously Voldemort had sent another death eater out there but Voldemort did not yet know that the giants gurg had eaten him for breakfast, (literally) partly because they did not trust a new person within their mist, and partly because the man did not bring a gift.
He had said goodbye to Harry perfectly politely, but not as Harry had remembered him before Dumbledore's death; as the cheery man who was always a light in Harry's darker times. He sighed at the memory of Hagrid's dejectedness as he made his way to the Gryffindor common room to find Ron and Hermione and tell them that he had been given a clean bill of health. On a whim he decided to pass by the defence against the dark arts room. He had kept forgetting to ask someone why Remus was already at the castle, and Remus had not been to see him since he had woken in the hospital wing the previous day. He was hoping that his old professor had been allowed to take up his post again. Remus had left because a certain greasy haired, hook nosed bastard had let slip to everyone that he was a werewolf and Remus had been concerned that parents would complain. Now however, tame werewolves were the least of parents' worries, after the death eaters attack on Hogwarts and Dumbledore's death of last year. He heard noises coming from the open door of the defence against the dark arts classroom as he approached, and prayed for his friend's sake that it was Remus who was clattering about. He paused at the door frame and turned the corner into the room sharply and saw Remus leaning over his desk drawers, stacking papers inside. Harry grinned to himself.
"Boo!" he cried. Harry was rewarded for his mischief as Remus jumped ten foot in the air.
"Harry!" he cried as he spun round, "Don't ever do that again!" Harry chuckled and walked into the classroom. He could tell Remus was arranging things how they were when he had taught before.
"Apparently the curse only prevents consecutive years of teaching." Harry mused.
"Dumbledore told me about that curse. Riddle was quite young when he did it though. Maybe that's why it's not as strong as it could be. Something for which I'm very grateful for." He smiled, moving over and stacking a few books on a half empty shelf.
"It's great you got the job though." Harry grinned, and Remus returned the gesture, "It makes me feel slightly better about leaving Ginny here too." He said, his smile fading.
"She'll be alright, Harry. This place isn't exactly impenetrable, but the plugs from last year have been filled, apart from that Hogwarts always was and still is, perfectly safe." Harry nodded, though he had his doubts. "So are you going to be on your way then?" Remus asked,
"As soon as Hermione gets everything she wants from the library. She's managed to persuade Madam Pince to let her take as many books as she wants on long term loan." He said, rolling his eyes,
"No mean feat, I'm sure." Remus grinned. Slowly though, his smile faded as the two friends fell into silence. "I guess this is pretty much goodbye then. Again," said Remus. Harry could tell that he didn't really want the three of them to leave.
"How many times do I have to tell you, that-"
"You're going to be fine." Remus sighed, with a small smile, which Harry returned. The old professor walked forwards and hugged Harry quickly, patting him on the back a few times.
"Good luck, Harry. If you ever need anything, I'll be here waiting." Harry nodded,
"I'll try and write. I've promised Ginny I'll owl her so at least one of you will know whether I'm still alive." He grinned,
"Please don't joke about that sort of thing Harry." Remus muttered with a pained look,
"Sorry, Moony old friend," he smiled and Remus grinned at the use of his old nickname, "Well, I guess I'd better go and see if Ron and Hermione are ready."
"Do you know where you're headed?" Remus asked as he walked Harry to the door.
"Well, I wanted to drop in on Grimmauld Place, I hear Moody has taken over secret keeper position, but obviously that doesn't apply to us as we already know where it is, but at least I know the place is safe until this is all over. Then I've got to find the real locket," he said, pulling the fake horcrux out of his trouser pocket where it habitually resided, "I think I…" suddenly Harry froze. It had suddenly hit him. He didn't know how they could have been so stupid…how any of them could have been so stupid…
"Harry?" Remus asked, stepping closer, "What's…" suddenly he paused too, "Oh my god…" he muttered,
"The locket…Slytherin's locket…" murmured Harry, "It was right there under our noses…"
"In Grimmauld Place…" choked Remus,
"In that cabinet!" Harry cried, turning to Remus excitedly, "I can't believe this! We even all tried to open it, and we couldn't manage it. But how the hell did Sirius get a hold of it?" Harry exclaimed, shocked.
"Not Sirius…" Remus said, staring into space dazedly, "R.A.B…Regulas Arianus Black. Sirius' brother."
"I remember Sirius telling me about him! He was a death eater wasn't he?" Remus nodded,
"Apparently he got so far in, panicked and tried to back out, but they killed him. I guess he managed to do quite a bit of damage before he backed out."
"Why didn't he destroy the horcrux, instead of just taking it home?" Harry asked,
"Sirius always said his brother wasn't all that bright. Maybe he couldn't figure out how."
"Well what if I can't?" Harry asked, panicking slightly. Remus smiled at him, his head cocked to one side,
"What about that witch who's the brightest of your age?" He asked. Harry grinned,
"Okay, point taken."
"Plus, I'm going with you." He said decisively. Harry looked up sharply from the locket he was holding. Remus held up his hands before Harry could argue.
"Just this one time. You don't know how to deal with this, even with Hermione. I have a lot more experience with this sort of thing than you do. Let me come this first time, then I'll leave you to the last three horcruxes on your own." Harry considered it for a moment. It really would make him feel better to have Remus with him the first time. Slowly he nodded and Remus visibly relaxed.
"Get your cloak Remus, Snape knows where this horcrux is. He might already be on its tale." For once the older wizard did not object to being ordered around by his ex-pupil.