A/N) I finished this chapter a few days ago which has allowed me to have a head start on the next chapter... The next chapter will be quite exciting!

Twisting Time

Chapter Sixteen

Sunday 11th May 1986

"I assume you have come here for a reason?" asked Sirius, watching as his best friend made himself comfortable on the sofa in Grimmauld Place. Sirius had found a new place to buy but had to wait for the payment to go through and the contract to be drawn up before he could begin moving in. He still hated the thought of moving away from Oxford but since his security had been compromised he had to.

James leaned back in the chair, running one hand through his messy black hair. "I need to talk to you about your reaction the other day."

"Ah…" Sirius shifted in his own seat. "I thought you might wish to discuss that…"

"It's a Horcrux," said James, "but it must have a compulsion curse upon it which only affects the first person to really look at it… You were the first one of us. Lily and Remus unlocked the box but turned it back to you."

"I don't believe the ring carries a compulsion curse on it," replied Sirius quietly. "If the ring is one of the Deathly Hallows the compulsion would come from wanting to see one of your loved ones, bring the dead back which was the original purpose of the ring… Or rather tie them to life… The only death that could potentially make me put it on would be Reg's but…I feel bad he died trying to stop Voldemort but not enough that would explain my reaction to the ring. There is a dark curse on the ring but I'm not going to give it another look until we can destroy it. I told Remus to put it in his vault instead of mine just in case I get the urge to go and retrieve it. At least I can't get into Remus' vault."

James nodded, pleased with Sirius' forward thinking. "I'm worried your previous life could affect you. The timeline you altered… There has to be some regret there, surely?"

Sirius bit his lip, frowning. "I don't know…" He had come to accept this life here but there was still the lingering regret that the Harry Potter he had come to know didn't exist. His counterpart was a vastly different person, though Sirius had never known him growing up he doubted Harry had ever lived such a happy childhood he was now. But he still wasn't his Harry. But he couldn't regret changing things. Sirius was still older than his friends despite being in a younger body – mentally he was old and had far too much to carry on his shoulders. "I regret chasing after Pettigrew… Considering I wanted to kill him for everything he did, it's a miracle I managed to restrain myself when I came back here."

"I think you learned the value of patience when you died," said James quietly. "You said Remus tried to stop you leaving Grimmauld Place but you refused. It wasn't listening that got you killed. You were stuck in that house for so long that you wanted to get out. Do anything to get away. I don't blame you for it because if it hadn't have happened you'd still be stuck in that life and not here with us. Lily and I would still be dead. We wouldn't have had this chance to see our son grow up. I'm grateful for it." A grin spread across James' face. "I guess we owe Bellatrix a thank you since she was the one that killed you."

Sirius glared at his best friend. But then he grinned. "She'd be really pissed if she knew killing me would have led to this."

James burst out laughing. "Would she still kill you if she had known?"

Sirius shrugged. "Probably. But not via the Veil though. I think falling through it meant I could come back. But the theory can never be proven even if I am living proof. I doubt people would want to volunteer to go through. We'd never see them again. I could be an exception…"

"If you are an exception, why you?" James raised an eyebrow, folding his arms over his chest.

"I don't know," replied Sirius. "We'll never know so there isn't any point to continue speculating. As for the Horcrux, James, I don't believe you need to worry. I won't go back to it until we can destroy the Horcrux."

"Good." James glanced around the room. "Are you going to stay here for long?"

"All the payments need to go through. I still need to sign the contract. I expect I'll have to be here for another month or so." Sirius didn't like it but he understood the necessity of it. At least he had a way out unlike before.

"You can come and live with us if you like," said James. "We don't mind. We've got a spare room."

"You've got several spare rooms, Prongs," snorted Sirius. "When are you and Lily going to fill them up with more little Potter feet?"

James scowled. "We want more kids… but…" He bit his lip. "We worry we'll be putting them in danger especially if Voldemort decides to still go after Harry because of the Prophecy. Frank and Alice won't have any more children for that reason either."

"James," Sirius began quietly, "you want more kids. Have them. You don't know if you will be here one day and gone the next. Enjoy your life. Harry deserves to have a sibling. And it will be good for him."

James swallowed. "And Voldemort? The prophecy?"

Sirius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "At the moment he is focused on me wherever his spirit is these days. He knows I'm a time-traveller. I don't know exactly how much he saw in my mind but I don't think he will target Harry. I'm the one who is trying to stop him and even if he does try to get Harry again I will always be there to stop him. The prophecy is null and void. Prongs… have another kid. You and Lily both want one."

Chuckling James tugged at his earlobe. "I came here to talk to you about your reaction to the ring and I go away with advice to create another little Potter."

Sirius grinned. "I'm quite good at derailing the subject. And you had nothing to worry about anyway."

James shook his head. "I really should expect this from you." He stood from the sofa and stretched his arms above his head. "So… do you know how we can find out how many Horcruxes there are?"

"Dumbledore mentioned about Horace Slughorn… I'm going to go and see him… He taught Tom Riddle and apparently gave him advice he now regrets… I suspect it may be something to do with Horcruxes. I expect he will throw me out when I ask… but I have to try," answered Sirius. "If I want to destroy Voldemort I have to take every bit of information I get and run with it."

"Hmmm," James frowned. "He was always fond of Lily. She was in his…err…Slug Club. If you fail, she may be able to coax it out of him. She still sends him Christmas cards."

"I'll keep that in mind… Thanks Prongs."

"Anytime, Padfoot."

Saturday 17th May 1986

He wasn't expected but Sirius figured Horace Slughorn would prefer it this way. He liked surprises especially when it came from well-connected people. Of course Sirius had always rebelled against this as it reminded him too much of the power his family had once wielded. The Blacks had once been one of the most influential families in magical politics but that power had since declined as Sirius refused to use it. He didn't care; he had never wanted it. But he did use it when he absolutely had to.

And today it was necessary.

Sirius wore his best robes and had made himself look as aristocratic as possible. Slughorn had always appreciated Regulus' efforts which Sirius had rolled his eyes at on multiple occasions. Sirius sighed. He didn't want to do this but if Dumbledore was correct he could at least come away with an idea of how many Horcruxes Voldemort had created. He would know how difficult his job would be. Therefore it was imperative for Sirius to impress his former Professor.

He Apparated from the road outside Grimmauld Place and reappeared in a small village square. He made his way to a small two-storey house on the left hand side of the road. Though it was a Muggle village it was the middle of the day and Sirius hoped his strange clothing and appearance would not be noticed. He had Apparated as close as he could to Slughorn's home without gaining attention.

Sirius pushed open the gate which had lilies growing to the side of it. He grinned. The flowers were a remembrance to one of his best students. Sirius walked up the garden path, glanced around and knocked several times on the door.

He didn't need to wait long for the door to open.

Slughorn hadn't changed since Sirius' own schooldays. The Potion's Master had retired in 1981, allowing Severus Snape to take up the position at Hogwarts. He had put on a bit more weight but when he saw Sirius standing there, Horace Slughorn threw his arms wide open, a large grin on his beefy face.

"My, if it isn't Sirius Black! My boy!" He thrust his hand out and shook Sirius' hand exuberantly. "What are you doing here?"

Sirius smiled. "I thought I would come and visit you. James mentioned you were still in contact with Lily and I remembered you used to spend a lot of time with my brother and I thought I'd come and visit you."

"Ah, yes… Lily Evans… one of my best students," sighed Slughorn, motioning for Sirius to step inside. "And your brother too. Regulus had great talent. It is a shame he died… Your mother told me it was a tragic accident… They were unable to recover his body. His memorial was one of the most poignant I have ever been to… I'm surprised you were not there, my boy."

Sirius bristled. "My mother didn't tell me he'd died until after the memorial."

"Oh… I'm sorry about that… Surely she would have wanted you there… Regulus Black was your brother."

Sirius grimaced. This wasn't how he had imagined the conversation starting but talking about Regulus did mean he would be able to drag the conversation onto Horcruxes quicker. "I ran away from home. I ceased to be a son to my mother when I joined the Potters. She only told me because she didn't want me finding out by other means…" He still loathed his mother had kept his brother's death from him.

"It is a shame you were estranged… But she must have been proud of what you became? I mean, you are the one who defeated You-Know-Who!" cried Slughorn. "You are a hero!"

Sirius scoffed. "My family supported Voldemort! Regulus was a Death Eater!"

"He was a Death Eater? Regulus? But he seemed too nice!" spluttered Slughorn. "He was always so kind…"

"Blacks are excellent at hiding their true faces," said Sirius. "I was the only one who was true to myself. Well that isn't strictly true… Andromeda and I. And we were expelled from our family because we didn't agree with the rest of them about the purity of blood. I know you believed in it too but you were never like the Blacks who wanted to see Muggle-borns wiped from our world for good and the suppression of the Muggle world. Regulus bought into the family creed and he became a Death Eater whilst still at school. He died only a few months after he graduated."

"He had a bright future…" whispered Slughorn. "Very promising lad he was. It is a shame you were never in Slytherin, Sirius. I would have had the full set of Blacks."

Sirius grinned. "I would never have fitted into Slytherin. I was always a Gryffindor."

"A Gryffindor with Slytherin tendencies. You are sneaky, Sirius Black."

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Sneaky?"

"If rumours are true about how you tried to trick You-Know-Who the night he attacked you…"

Sirius frowned. The full story had never been revealed but little bits had leaked out over the years. "I did try to," he admitted, "but it didn't work."

"Oh… But trying to is still a Slytherin trait!"

Sirius shook his head, a wry smile on his face. He hadn't even sat down yet. The only thing he could do is at least give Slughorn some ground. "I'm still more Gryffindor than a Slytherin. I would never have fitted in even if I had let myself be Sorted into your house. I'm sure you would have supported me but I would never have had friends like James and Remus. Without them I wouldn't be who I am today."

Horace chuckled. "Please take a sit, Sirius. Would you like a drink?"

"Just Butterbeer please," said Sirius, "if you have some. If you do not have any than just a glass of water."

"What no alcohol?" Slughorn looked shocked.

"I rarely drink these days." Sirius had drunk lots in the year he had been stuck in Grimmauld Place. It had been his way of coping with being stuck inside. He had vowed after being given this second chance to not drink himself to depression and slowly he had weaned himself out of drinking it altogether. The only times he did drink were when he was celebrating.

"That isn't you, Sirius!" cried Slughorn, surprised by Sirius' admission.

Sirius shrugged. "Being famous changes you."

"I never thought you would fight You-Know-Who…" Slughorn shook his head. "When I heard the news I just laughed."

"I surprised myself," grinned Sirius.

"Still… I hope he is gone for good…" Slughorn caught Sirius' eyes. "Albus believes he is still out there…"

Sirius bit his lip. "Unfortunately he is still alive. Voldemort doesn't have a body but his spirit lives on. He will come back. I want to stop him."

Slughorn had moved away at Sirius' words and began to busy himself with the drinks. An uncomfortable silence fell over them. Slughorn didn't like the idea of Voldemort still being alive. He sighed. He didn't think he would get any information out of him.

The beefy man passed Sirius a glass of Butterbeer and settled himself down in a green comfy chair, sipping a glass of Firewhisky. "Is there a way to stop him?"

Sirius was surprised by the question and he hadn't expected it from Slughorn. But it did give him the opening he needed to enquire further with his former Professor about Tom Riddle. "There is a way to stop him. I am working towards that particular goal."

Slughorn paled. "How?"

He had to be careful here. "By destroying things he has made to keep his soul safe."

Slughorn's demeanour changed. "Albus put you up to this didn't he?"

Sirius swallowed. "He mentioned you might know something which could benefit me."

"I know nothing!" spat Slughorn, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Nothing! Albus is wrong!"

Sirius could feel the air around him trembling. Could feel the magic sprouting from Slughorn. He was losing control. Before he could open his mouth to apologise, Slughorn stood up and waved his hand in front of him.

"Get out!"

He stood up quickly, stumbling back. So Horcruxes were a touchy subject. "I…"

"No! I want you out!" Slughorn pushed Sirius away, his face red with anger. "Go on! Out!"

Sirius jumped back. "Look…" One look at Slughorn's face told him he wasn't in the mood for Sirius' excuses. He reached the hallway, which was filled with pictures of the famous witches and wizards Slughorn had kept in touch with since their Hogwarts days surrounding a single flower set in a jar, and Sirius reached for the door handle and stumbled back outside.

Slughorn stood in the doorframe, glaring at Sirius. "I don't want to see you again! Stay away from me!"

Breathing deeply, Sirius turned on the spot and Apparated. He landed on the front step of Grimmauld Place and stumbled inside, leaning against the wall inside the front door. "That did not go well."

Whatever Slughorn knew he was ashamed of it. He wouldn't let Sirius go near him again.

"Prongs was right. I need Lily."

Friday 23rd May 1986

It was evening when Sirius arrived at the Potters. Harry was just going to bed and immediately demanded his godfather read him a story which Sirius obliged, whilst James and Lily had a bit of time to themselves. Half an hour later Harry had dropped off to sleep just as Sirius had reached the most exciting part of the story.

James and Lily were snuggled up on the sofa when Sirius arrived downstairs, their hands entwined and Lily sighing happily whilst James kissed her gently on the cheek.

"Urgh. Get a room!" laughed Sirius as he waltzed in and fell into the chair opposite the sofa.

Lily giggled. "I suppose I do have you to thank."

"What for?" asked Sirius curiously.

"You've convinced us to try for a baby," smiled Lily, her eyes shining.

Sirius felt his face brighten. "Really? So does this mean you will name your next born – if it's a boy – Sirius?"

James snorted. "Fat chance."

Sirius pouted. "Awww. I'm sad now."

"I don't know why you need to complain. Quite a few little wizards have been named Sirius since you defeated Voldemort. I'm not going to be one of those people," stated James.

"It's just a bit tacky people named their kids 'Sirius' because of me," frowned Sirius. "Though I know the name Harry became a popular choice in my original timeline." He shook his head. "Well I hope it happens soon for you, Lils."

Lily blushed. "Thanks. We hope so too."

"Speaking of which, we were not expecting you tonight," said James. "Nice of you to take over our bedtime duty for Harry."

"What can I say…" grinned Sirius.

"You're here for a reason, Sirius," stated Lily, her green eyes watching him like a hawk. "I know that expression."

"You can see right through me," laughed Sirius, leaning back in the chair, resting his head back. "I went to see Horace Slughorn a week ago. Dumbledore had hinted to me he might know something about Horcruxes in relation to Voldemort. The meeting, ah, didn't go well."

Lily crinkled her nose. "How come?"

"He got angry when I mentioned Albus had suggested he might know something that would benefit me. He had already asked if Voldemort was still alive which I confirmed. He asked if there was a way to stop him which then led into what I previously said. He got angry and chucked me out of his house," explained Sirius. "I think he does know something but is ashamed by it. James knew I was going to see him and he suggested if my meeting didn't go well then you could try, Lily."

Lily frowned. "What makes you think I'd be able to help?"

"Slughorn adores you, Lily," said James. "He loved you when you were his student. And you still send him Christmas cards."

"But that doesn't mean…" she began but Sirius interrupted her.

"He had lilies growing outside his house and…" Sirius' eyes twinkled. "You gave him a special lily once. He still has it. It's pride of place on his mantelpiece. He values you. I think you would stand a chance of getting him to talk."

Lily sighed. "But if he doesn't want to say…"

"Lily… Sirius needs to know what he is hiding. Even if it turns out to be nothing…" swallowed James, running his free hand through his air, "we need to know. If it helps us isn't it worth it?"

"I don't like this…" continued Lily, a sad smile on her face. "But I will do it. Because if it does help stop Voldemort then it is worth it."

"I owe you, Lily."

Lily laughed. "I'll keep that in mind, Sirius."

James grinned nastily. "When the next little Potter arrives you will be babysitting. Frequently."

"I don't think that will be a punishment for Sirius, James," said Lily. "He'll enjoy it too much. Perhaps banning him from seeing little Potters would be a more adequate punishment for him…"

Sirius stood up, shock radiating across his face. "No! You can't do that!"

Lily poked her tongue out at him. "See."

As James laughed at his best friend, Sirius merely groaned.

A few days later Lily took Harry to meet her old Professor. She also took a bit of research with her, hoping to get his input into a potion-mix she was investigating. The morning following Sirius' visit, she had sent an owl to Slughorn asking to meet with him as she needed his expertise in Potion-making. He had quickly replied and given her a date to visit which was set for three days later.

She dressed Harry in a light shirt and jeans, brushing his hair flat only to have it spring up again. She shook her head. Harry had certainly inherited his father's hair. She took his hand and flooed to Slughorn's home. Though she could Apparate, Harry wasn't too fond of the sensation so when she could she used Floo powder to get herself around the Wizarding world.

They both tumbled out of Slughorn's fire place and a hand immediately was offered in front of Lily. She gratefully took it, helping Harry up at the same time.

"My, Lily Evans, you are looking radiant!" gushed Slughorn.

"It's Lily Potter now, if you remember," she reminded her old Professor.

"You will always be Lily Evans to me," bowed Slughorn, kissing Lily's hand. He knelt down and looked at Harry. "And this young boy must be your son, Harry!"

Lily stroked Harry's hair. "Yes, this is my son."

"He looks just like James. Apart from your eyes. He has your exact eyes, Lily," breathed Slughorn. "Hello, little man."

"Hi," said Harry quietly. He shuffled on his feet, a little nervous.

Lily knelt down to Harry. "This is one of my old teachers. Professor Slughorn. I was one of his favourites."

"You are still one of my favourites!" boomed Slughorn. "Never had anyone else like you in my class before or after you! I hope young Harry will have inherited your talent!"

"We'll see."

"Come, come," Slughorn led Lily to the settee and motioned for her to sit down.

Harry scrambled up beside her and Slughorn handed him a few quills and parchment with moving pictures on for the young boy to colour.

"He seems like a very well behaved boy," smiled Slughorn tenderly. "Not at all like your husband was!"

"Yes, well James always had a talent for trouble," smiled Lily. "But I think Harry takes after me. He has his father's looks but his temperament is all me." She was very proud of her son, especially after knowing what he had achieved in a life he had now never lived.

"It is a shame I will never get to teach him," sighed Slughorn. "I'm sure Harry will be just as talented as you."

"We'll see," smiled Lily. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm fine. I'm going to a Quidditch match in a few days. In the top box as well!" Slughorn looked really pleased.

"That's nice. I've been to a few matches myself but Quidditch isn't my thing. My husband had such a big head when he was younger from his success. It took me a while to deflate it." It was a standing joke between her and James. Excelling at Quidditch had made him big-headed. Fortunately James had matured and grown out of his childish ways, for which Lily was thankful for.

"Considering the way you treated James Potter throughout your years at Hogwarts I'm surprised you married the man!" chuckled Slughorn.

Lily smiled. She had never really hated James. She had disliked how he had treated people who were not fortunate enough to be in his little group of friends. James had known he was talented and had loved the attention it had garnered. Yet during his sixth year at Hogwarts, Lily had discovered his secret life as an Animagus on the full moon. His love for his friends had endeared him to her and she had decided to give James Potter a chance, something she had never regretted. They had become friends and then Lily had taken the unusual step of asking James to Hogsmeade on the first trip in their seventh year. As a condition of their fledging friendship, Lily had asked James to not ask her out again. As a result he hadn't and Lily had made the first move. Neither of them had ever looked back.

"James needed fine-tuning," she admitted. "I'm glad I gave him the chance."

"What is your husband up to these days?" asked Slughorn.

"He works in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts office with Arthur Weasley," answered Lily. "It's something he is passionate about."

"But it doesn't pay well!" said Slughorn, shocked. "I thought he would be in a higher position!"

Lily shook her head.

"Daddy likes Muggles," said Harry, blinking up at them. "He likes taking Muggle stuff apart and putting it back together."

Lily laughed. "James does like that. He and Sirius especially."

Slughorn's face scrunched up at the mention of Sirius' name. Lily caught his look and realised he was afraid of what this visit was really about. "So about this potion you wanted my help with? I'm sure you would be able to crack it without my input."

Lily frowned. "I'm not sure I can. The basis of it is very difficult and the effects I want may be impossible to achieve."

Slughorn seemed curious and went to look at his bookshelf, running his eyes over the many potion books he had accumulated over the years. "What potion are you working on?"

"It is a potion designed to prevent those bitten by werewolves from being affected by the same malady. We know werewolves sprang up from a mutated gene in a real wolf which then combined with our magical genes transformed the first wizard into a werewolf at the full moon. We need to find a cure for this condition. One of my friends is afflicted with it, you see."

"Ah, I presume you are talking about young Remus Lupin?" asked Slughorn. "The Professors were told about his condition when he came to Hogwarts. I tried not to treat him differently because of it. Though it was hard because of the stigma surrounding anyone bitten by one."

"You did very well in not showing your worry over Remus. He was very unfortunate when he was bitten," explained Lily. "It's his plight that has made me want to research this. But the solution is proving difficult. Once bitten by a wolf a wizard has a certain amount of cursed genes in them which then makes them turn at the Full Moon. We need to find a potion which permanently deactivates these cursed genes."

"This would prove difficult… I cannot give you an answer today, I hope you know it," replied Slughron sadly, his watery eyes looking sad.

Lily nodded. "I do." She rummaged in the bag she had brought with her. "This is the research I have completed on this subject, including interviews with Remus and everything I can find on Wizarding genes. I hope you find it useful and will be able to help me with this. If we can find a cure for a werewolf we will not have to fear them anymore and Remus can live a normal life without being stigmatized against just because he has one night a month when he is not himself."

Slughorn took the papers. "I will do my best but I cannot promise anything, my dear."

"I know but your guidance will be greatly appreciated," she smiled.

Slughorn sat back in his chair, interlocking his fingers together. "Sirius asked you to come didn't he?"

The question caught Lily off guard. She hadn't been expecting it.

"Mummy said not to tell you," answered Harry innocently.

Lily shook her head, chuckling softly to herself. She couldn't be angry at him – he was only five. "He did. But I do need your help with the potion."

Slughorn sighed. "I know so I will. But I will not help Sirius Black."

"Why not?" she asked.

Slughorn stared at her and then stood up, motioning for her to join him in the kitchen.

"Harry, stay here. I'll just be in the kitchen."

"Okay. I'm just colouring in these snitches," smiled Harry.

Lily followed Slughorn out into the hall and then into his small kitchen. He leaned against the side, his face a mixture of sadness and anger.

"I won't help him because I can't. I do not know anything of value."

Lily frowned. "I think you do. You are just ashamed of what you said to a young Tom Riddle all those years ago. You want to hide from it and pretend it never happened but you cannot. Professor…"

"I am not your Professor anymore, Lily," interrupted Slughorn.

"I know but that doesn't change the fact you once were," replied Lily quietly. "If you know anything about Horcruxes we need to know. If he asked you about them…" She bit the bullet. "We've found two already. So whatever information Dumbledore believes you gave him, he's used to make himself immortal. If we are to end the threat of Voldemort we have to destroy them all but none of us believe he just made two. And I think you know how many he could have created or had in mind if he ever asked you about Horcruxes when he was a pupil."

"It wouldn't make any difference," said Slughorn.

"Yes, it would," Lily beseeched. "I'm your favourite student… I'm trying to help Sirius end this threat forever but we can't do it if we don't know how many he could have created." Lily moved forward. "Please. I won't hold it against you. None of us would. Did you know Voldemort wanted to kill me? Not because I was Muggle-born but because of my son. Harry was a threat to him and Voldemort would have done anything to have reached James and I. He would have killed me if not for a change in circumstances. I wouldn't be here…" She bit her lip. "If you can help us, we can make sure Voldemort never becomes a threat to anyone ever again. We can end him for good, but only if you tell us what you know."

Silence fell between them.

Lily began to turn away but Slughorn's next sentence stopped her.

"I fear I did great damage that day he asked about Horcruxes," whispered Slughorn, his face stark white.

Lily turned back but did not interrupt. She knew if she did he wouldn't be able to continue.

"He once asked me… If it would be better to split your soul into more pieces… to make one stronger…. He mentioned seven…"

Lily's eyes widened. Seven Horcruxes? Could Voldemort have created that many? Had he ripped his soul so much?

"Please don't ask me anymore… I don't know anything else…"

And Lily believed him. "Thank you. We won't tell anyone else."

Slughorn nodded. "If he finds out I told you…"

"We will protect you if it comes to it," promised Lily. She smiled at him and then stepped forward and pulled her old Potion's Professor into a hug.

And Slughorn sobbed into her shoulder.

Sirius hadn't expected Lily to be so successful. She had flooed him that evening and told him what Slughorn had revealed to her. The thought Voldemort had potentially created seven Horcruxes was a scary thought. Sirius didn't feel confident enough he could find all of them so he started to make a list.

The locket: check.

The ring: check.

Two out of seven accounted for.

The diary still in the possession of Lucius Malfoy would be a third.

But what else?

Sirius was fairly sure his Harry had been a Horcrux, made accidently when the Killing Curse had rebounded upon Voldemort so that would mean he wasn't one now… And it was probably unlikely Voldemort had known Harry had been made a Horcrux.

Three he knew of. How could he identify the rest?

Sirius shook his head. What other valuables had Slytherin passed on? He only knew of two famous objects that had been linked to Slytherin and he had both.

For now Sirius knew he still had time before Voldemort made his first bid to return to power. He wouldn't worry about identifying the other Horcruxes until after he had destroyed the other two. After that he would tackle the diary.

A niggling thought tugged at his brain as he considered the dairy.

If Lucius Malfoy had possession of a Horcrux, was it possible is other most loyal servant, Bellatrix Lestrange, had been given possession of one too?

To be continued!

Please let me know what you think!

Yes... there will be another little Potter on the way!

I think Horcruxes would still be a touchy subject with Slughorn though I figured if Harry was able to use his mother's sacrifice to persuade Slughorn to give him the true memory in canon, then Lily herself might be able to coax information from Slughorn.

The next chapter will deal with getting into the Chamber of Secrets to collect the Basilisk fangs!

To be posted next Tuesday!

Until then,

the-writer1988