A/N 1: Thank you soo much for the amazing love you've shown to this fic. It warmed my heart truly! Here is the next chapter for you awesome guys, and I sincerely hope that you like it. I do not own Harry Potter; it solely belongs to J.K. Rowling!

Warnings: Drama, language.

Harriet was waiting for her company to arrive at their designated meeting spot. She looked around here and there, making sure that she was well hidden. Today was a Hogsmeade weekend, and students were going crazy about it, even Barty, Regulus and Lucius.

Harriet, however, had politely declined and told them she wanted to stay indoors only. Thus, the hiding-she didn't want her friends to find out about her sneaking out.

Her company was late though. It had nothing to do with the fact that she had arrived earlier than the allotted time.

She thought Marvolo was punctual, so he would have been here 15 mins before eleven. But no. Of course it was his Dark Lord ego—making other people wait for his gracious presence!

Harriet angrily clutched the tiny letter in her hand.

'If you would like to go on another adventure, meet me near the secret passageway beneath the one-eyed witch statue. I'll be waiting for you.

Marvolo'

"Waiting, my foot," she whispered under her breath. It was also one tiny change she'd noticed in herself—Harriet had been growing a little impatient and angry lately. Something she wasn't fond of, but somehow things always seem to turn in another direction than she'd expected.

Her getting angry was normal then, right?

"You're early," Marvolo's voice echoed in the quiet corridor, catching Harriet off guard.

She let out a small squeak of surprise. Glaring daggers at Marvolo who was now smiling at her mischievously, she spoke, "That wasn't funny."

"Pinching me in the Great Hall while I was having dinner with the other teachers wasn't funny either."

"Actually it was, you scared Professor Merrythought too," Harriet said with a cheeky smile, but this time Marvolo couldn't say anything further.

"Ready?" he asked, receiving a 'yes' in response.

"Where are we going, by the way?"

"Do you know how to apparate?" Marvolo dodged her question with his own.

"Yes, I do know, but I prefer not to," Harriet replied. She politely waited for him to answer her, but got no response.

Harriet caught Marvolo's arm simultaneously to stop him from going any further and avoiding answering her question, she asked insistently, "Where are we going?"

Marvolo raised his eyebrows at her bold move, no one has ever dared to touch him like that. He ignored the feeling of warmth he felt at her touch. Harriet, though caught onto his gaze and immediately retreated her hand, muffling out a quick apology.

Marvolo kept on moving, forcing Harriet to follow his lead. "Since you have told me a secret of yours, I thought it is only fair that I tell you one of mine. Don't make me regret my decision, Harriet."

"Okay," Harriet spoke and quietened down. She was still getting used to his mood swings, so when he was irritated at her like that, she did not like it.

Marvolo side-eyed the young witch beside him, sighing internally at his own patience. She was just curious, he shouldn't have talked to her like that.

"How is the investigation going on? Have you talked to any students yet?" Marvolo spoke, trying to start a conversation. He was feeling guilty at his sudden outburst, but didn't know how to apologize.

"We did actually," Harriet nodded. The four students, Regulus, Severus, Frank and herself, had started with the investigation as requested by Fleamont Potter. And to say she was surprised, would be an understatement. Frank, unexpectedly, had written the first report against Headmaster Dumbledore himself. And with the help of his girlfriend Alice, he'd been able to reach out to the Hufflepuffs as well.

"Some work is still left though. We'll show you the reports on Monday. Only Severus is left, but he'd gone to Mahoutokoro for his class this weekend."

Marvolo nodded. Things had been turning out in his favour lately, and he wasn't complaining. Like the sudden outburst of Albus Dumbledore in front of Fleamont Potter, when the latter had told the headmaster about Severuss scholarship programme. To say that Lord Potter was angry would be an understatement. Marvolo was sure that the Board of Directors would look into Dumbledore's file separately.

"I hope Mr Snape is doing well now?" Marvolo asked. It had been two weeks since Severus had started with his classes.

"He gets a little tired, but he's much better. Thank you," Harriet genuinely thanked him for his favour. The way her green eyes sparkled in the sunlight, enthralled Marvolo to no end. Forcing his eyes away from her, he found that they'd reached their destination.

"We're here."

They had stopped somewhere at the beginning of the Forbidden Forest. Marvolo turned to Harriet and explained, "This is one of the places where you can apparate out of Hogwarts without the Headmaster getting informed about it. The Floo networks in all the teachers' offices come under the Headmaster's supervision as well."

Harriet nodded. It made sense because if they had used the Floo network then Dumbledore would definitely be at their tail. Plus, she was nervous as to where Marvolo was actually taking her.

"Now, the key to apparate properly is to take a deep breath and then start, this will reduce your nauseousness once you land at your destination. Then, keep your body relaxed and lastly, cast the spell." Marvolo told her.

"How did you know?" Harriet was surprised at that. She had just said that she didn't like apparition, how did he know that she actually got sick because of it.

"It's quite common in young wizards. Plus, you don't hide your expressions very well," Marvolo commented off-handedly, making Harriet frown.

"Ready?" Marvolo asked again, but he could see the clear reluctance in her eyes. With some hesitation and ignoring his own wildly beating heart, Marvolo moved forward standing close to Harriet. Harriet stood stoic when he put his arms around her in a loose embrace.

"Hold onto me tightly," he whispered and goosebumps broke onto her skin. She could feel his breath on her forehead, but it felt so good to her. Her mind felt calm and at peace. Instinctively, she put her arms around him, clutching hard and took a deep breath before they vanished from their spot.

Harriet landed on the ground gracefully, but still clutching onto Marvolo tightly.

"Woah!"

"You okay?* Marvolo asked as he straightened up, wanting to make sure that she was indeed fine.

"Yeah," Harriet nodded and took in her surroundings. The place did not look familiar to her. There were small houses lining the sides with a wide open ground on her left-hand side. It looked like they were visiting the countryside or some village.

She started walking, easily falling in step with Marvolo. Harriet, however, could not ignore the whispers that followed them around.

"Where are we going, Marvolo?" Harriet asked one last time.

"You see that Manor over there, standing upon the hill." Marvolo pointed towards the biggest and the grandest buildings for miles around. "It belonged to my father. My father was a wealthy person, they owned almost half the village around here."

"Riddle Manor," Harriet whispered. She had stopped mid-track as soon as she'd heard about Marvolo's father. "This is Little Hangleton village?"

How could she be so stupid? Of course, it was. She could remember bits and pieces now from what she'd seen in the pensieve memories.

"It is, but you already know it, don't you?" Marvolo asked suspiciously to her. Harriet nodded gravely at him. She was sure that he was not happy about it. Marvolo's childhood, his father being a muggle, his lineage—all were a part of him that he'd hidden from the world.

Knowing that Harriet was already aware of that hidden part, was definitely bound to anger him to no end.

Marvolo started longer strides towards the manor, "What else do you know?"

"I think we should not talk about this now," Harriet tried to avoid the conversation altogether.

"My mood is already spoiled, dearest. You might as well just spill out everything now," Marvolo almost snarled at him.

Harriet was conflicted. They were standing in the middle of the village with people shamefully staring at them, and Marvolo was on the peak of his anger. So, Harriet did the only thing she could at the moment—she reached out to her faithful servant.

"Death?" Harriet spoke in her mind. "What should I do?"

"I think you should tell him the truth for now, mistress," an immediate reply was received by her. "He thinks he's all alone. To bring a change in him, you must show Tom that you support him. I can sense that he's willing to mend the mistakes he hasn't made yet. Regardless, if he does try to harm you, that won't be spared."

"Okay," Harriet replied. She saw Marvolo looking at her expectantly.

"Well? What do you know?"

"I know about your family, your parents, the conditions of your birth." Harriet said, backing a little away from him. The action did not go unnoticed by Marvolo. He did not say anything after that, instead took long strides towards their destination. Harriet quietly followed him.

Upon reaching the manor, Marvolo pushed the wide doors open. The entrance of the manor was followed by a large living room with centrally located sofas, and on the right side stood a huge fireplace.

Harriet took in the manor's surrounding greedily. The Riddle's were surely a well-off family, it seemed. She saw her companion stand in the middle of the living room and send a powerful 'Bombarda' on the flooring.

Harriet observed as Marvolo cleared the debris off the floor, and took out a golden box from underneath the ground. He held the box with utmost care and began to chant numerous spells in Parseltongue.

As soon as Marvolo cast the last spell, the box opened with a loud click, and seized the Gaunt ring lying within.

Harriet stiffened on her spot. The ring had been made into a Horcrux, she could feel it. She knew because the soul piece residing inside of her, wanted to hold the ring too.

Harriet was entranced by it. If she could touch it one time, it wouldn't harm her right. Just one time….

"Harriet," Marvolo's voice snapped her out her thoughts. She never realized that she had reached to where he was standing , with her hand outstretched to take the ring.

"I'm sorry," Harriet pushed away from him and towards the floor-length window panes that once overlooked the luscious gardens of Riddle Manor. She needed some air, but luck wasn't on her side today.

Harriet opened her eyes to have the perfect view of Riddle Graveyard. Memories from her past came back with force this time, and Harriet was unable to keep them locked away.

She was remembering everything—the cup, Peter Pettigrew, Voldemort resurrecting from the void, the death eaters, Cedric's dead body, the Cruciatus inflicted upon her, her duel with Voldemort, her parents—it was all coming in loops.

A hand on her shoulder brought her back to reality, and Harriet backed away in fear. Marvolo stood in front of her with an unreadable expression, but he must have sensed her anxiousness because he lowered his hand then.

"Harrie?" Marvolo's voice was soft when he spoke to her. "It's okay, you're okay."

Harriet could only nod her head in response, but she was shivering in anxiousness. Marvolo was quick to draw her in an embrace, rubbing her back soothingly to calm her down. This time, she couldn't stop her tears from falling.

Marvolo was caught in a whirlwind; first, he didn't think that bringing Harriet here would cause her to have a breakdown. Secondly, he was shocked by his own actions. He was not able to see her cry; it was crazy, he knew, but he could feel the deep ache in his bones upon seeing her distraught form. It physically hurt him.

"I'm sorry," Harriet muttered so quietly that it was difficult to hear her.

"No, it's okay. Don't worry about it." Marvolo saw the stream of tears on her cheeks, not liking them in the least.

"How about we go back to Hogwarts now?" He felt her retreat from his hold, trying to maintain her composure.

"Do you have any other work?" She asked in a quiet tone.

"Visit Gringotts, but I'll rearrange the meeting to another day."

"No, I'm fine," Harriet insisted otherwise.

"Harriet," he protested, but she was quick to dissipate his worries.

"I'm fine really, I wouldn't have suggested going with you otherwise."

"Very well," this time he was reluctant.

Marvolo was quick to leave the Riddle Manor with Harriet. The place had never brought any kind of happiness to him, and Harriet having a full breakdown here made Marvolo hate this place even more.

GRINGOTTS BANK, DIAGON ALLEY, LONDON

Marvolo and Harriet landed in the apparition room of the bank. Upon Harriet's questioning look, he simply replied, "There are many prying eyes in Diagon Alley, specially informants of Dumbledore."

Harriet nodded and the duo led their journey towards the entrance of the bank.

Harriet walked close to Marvolo, who was wearing his glamour of Professor Nicholas now. Looking around and observing people, Harriet wondered how they would react if they knew the fearsome Dark Lord was walking amongst their midst.

The world would turn down topsy turvy.

"Merry meet, Griphook. May your business flourish," Nicholas greeted the Head Goblin with respect, as soon as he reached his seat, and his greeting was much appreciated. Harriet too, extended her greetings. Though, she could read the surprise on Griphook's face upon seeing her with Nicholas.

"I reckon that you have received the letter from the Board of Directors?" Nicholas asked and got a nod in response from Griphook. Harriet, on the other hand, remained stoic.

"Yes, Professor. If you would follow me, please. I informed manager Ragnok about your business as well, he will be helping you out." The head Goblin led them towards the main hall of the bank where Ragnok—the bank manager—was waiting for them.

"Merry meet, Ragnok. May gold flow freely in your vaults." Nicholas greeted him with a charming smile too. He knew that having the goblins on his side would only prove to be beneficial to him. The Goblins may be cunning and greedy species, but they did handle the money of Wizarding World. It would be foolish of him to sideline these creatures.

"Merry meet, Professor. Merry meet, Miss Christopher. I hope you are doing fine," Ragnok replied with a genuine smile on his face. Well, that surprised Nicholas.

"I'm fine, Master Ragnok. Thank you." Harriet spoke politely.

"Very well, then. How can I help you today?"

"The Board of Directors would have sent you a letter, I presume." Upon receiving an affirmative nod, Nicholas continued.

"You see, there have been some unfortunate occurrences happening at Hogwarts lately, which has led to some parents being concerned for the safety of their wards. Heir Potter, being one such student in particular. Now as you might understand here, the Board members have been involved too, and a secret investigation has been started at Hogwarts wherein all the teachers including the Headmaster are under scrutiny."

Ragnok nodded solemnly; he was surprised to hear Heir Potter's name though. Any news regarding the Pureblood families could mean loss to their business and in return, Gringotts as well.

But the name of Albus Dumbledore being dragged into all this ruckus was a cherry on the cake. That wizard may have charmed others, but he was bad news for the Goblins.

"Where do we come in?" Ragnok asked.

"Since Gringotts manages the accounts of all of Hogwarts, I have come here for the same reason. I would like to have a detailed list of all the students' accounts of Hogwarts. Whether their trust funds are being maintained or not. Whether they are receiving money in time, as per the rules," Nicholas spoke, gently handling Ragnok a list of all the students studying at school. The list was long as Harriet saw.

"Our concern here is that the money allotted to the students may not be getting into their accounts at all," Nicholas explained his reasoning as discussed by the Board members.

It also made sense, Harriet thought. Otherwise, why were Severus and Remus, and so many other students, not able to get their school supplies? The money must be going somewhere.

"I would also like to review the Headmaster's and the teachers' salary accounts, myself included. If there are any discrepancies or uninformed source of income that you may notice, please do inform us about it. Here is the permission letter, for the same, from two of the Board members—Lord Arcturus Black and Lady Augusta Longbottom."

Ooh, so the Black family head and the Longbottom family head were involved in this too. Things were getting messy, it seemed.

"Very well," Ragnok said. "But it would take a little time for us. The list is long."

"No worries, sir. I would request you to send the original copy to Lord Fleamont Potter, and a copy of the same to myself at Hogwarts. But please make sure, no one knows about it. This investigation is under wraps and purely for the safety of Hogwarts and its students."

When Nicholas mentioned someone else, Griphook looked at Harriet and Nicholas followed his gaze.

"I trust Miss Christopher and so does Lord Potter," Nicholas showed his full support to the green-eyed girl sitting beside him. He knew that she had questions in her mind, but he will cater to them later on. Besides, it would give him a chance to spend some more time with her. Something that he was enjoying these past days.

"We trust her too, Professor. You do not have to worry," Ragnok gave Harriet a respectful nod, something that Nicholas couldn't understand.

"Your work will be done."

After being reassured, Nicholas was quick to take his leave from the bank. The girl beside him though, was lost in her thoughts.

"Its almost lunchtime. Would you like to have something?" He asked her.

"A female student having lunch with her male teacher, outside of school….now wouldn't that create headlines?" There was the tone of mischievousness in her voice again. Perhaps, making corny jokes was her defense mechanism.

"I can always remove my glamour. Then the headlines can say 'New, mysterious student having lunch with the Dark Lord'. What do you think?" Nicholas played along, making Harriet laugh at his silliness.

"I don't think there would be any headlines, people will be too busy scrambling here and there for their life."

"That's true," he hummed along.

"I think we should go back now," Harriet suggested. "My friends must be waiting for me after their visit to Hogsmeade."

"Friends or Mr Crouch?" there was a tone of jealousy present in his voice that Harriet couldn't miss. She snorted in return.

"Barty is my brother," Harriet clarified. "Why are you jealous anyway?"

"I'm not." Nicholas quickly responded.

"You are," Harriet teased him.

"I'm not."

"Whatever makes you sleep at night, Marvolo."

Nicholas tried his best to keep the smile off his face.

-A/N: Let me know what you guys think about this one! Reads, followers, favorites and reviews are always appreciated! Good day to all! :)