Author's Note: I'm late with this one, sorry! Life happened this week and I couldn't do the last edits until today.

An Old Locket

The crisp bite of January's frosty breath swept through the Scottish grounds, sending a shiver down every spine and causing noses to turn ruddy in the cold. But within the walls of the ancient castle, a warm and welcoming aura enveloped the young witches and wizards, as if the very stones themselves were happy to have them back inside.

In the Headmaster's office, Harry Potter sat on a plush armchair, his legs crossed and his chin resting on his hand. He had once again been summoned by Dumbledore for one of their 'detention' sessions.

Dumbledore stood by the pensive, his long fingers swirling the silver liquid as he delved into the memories Harry had retrieved from another timeline. His usually twinkling blue eyes were clouded and dull, while his half-moon spectacles slipped ever so slightly down his crooked nose.

"Ah," Dumbledore murmured, finally breaking the silence as he straightened up and withdrew his fingertips from the pensive. "Interesting, very interesting indeed."

"Found something useful?" asked Harry.

"Indeed," Dumbledore replied, a thoughtful expression crossing his aged face. "It seems that Hepzibah Smith not only possessed the Locket we seek, but I am now convinced she also had the Hufflepuff Cup in her possession. Both items disappeared under mysterious circumstances."

"Sounds like the cup's a good bet then," Harry mused, raking a hand through his unruly black hair. "Though that doesn't exactly narrow down where it might be."

"True, but it is another piece of the puzzle," Dumbledore said. "We must continue to gather information and follow the leads we have."

"Right," Harry agreed, though his tone betrayed his disappointment. "So, where do we start?"

"Patience, Harry," Dumbledore chided with a small smile tugging at his lips. "All in good time. For now, let us focus on what we know."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "So," he began, "we have three Horcruxes thus far: the destroyed diary, the ring which is now secured, and yourself, Harry."

"Right," Harry said, happy to start talking about actions. "And we know where the locket is, too. We just need a way to get it from Grimmauld Place without Sirius finding out." He paused for a moment before adding, "As for the snake... well, that's still a bit of a mystery."

Dumbledore nodded, "It would be prudent to confirm if the snake is indeed a Horcrux. For that, we shall need the book of rituals from the Black Library. That way, I can decipher the necessary information, and we can determine whether Voldemort has created the seventh Horcrux already."

"Then we should retrieve them as soon as possible," Harry suggested eagerly. "The only problem is getting to Grimmauld Place without alerting Sirius."

Dumbledore's expression grew pensive as he considered this dilemma. "Perhaps, Harry, you may actually be the key to solving this issue." At Harry's confused look, Dumbledore went on, "I recall Sirius mentioning after your birth that he intended to name you as his heir."

"Me?" Harry exclaimed, surprise etching itself onto his face. "Sirius' heir?"

"Indeed," Dumbledore affirmed. "I never followed up on that matter, so I cannot be certain if he went through with it. However, if he did, accessing Grimmauld Place without his knowledge may be within your power."

Harry's mind raced as he processed this new information. Could he really be Sirius' heir? It was warming to think of Sirius doing something like that for him, but Sirius wasn't known for following up with his plans. If it was true, then he would have a means to obtain the locket and book without alerting his godfather.

"Let's find out, then," Harry said with a mischievous smirk. He took a deep breath and called out, "Kreacher!"

In an instant, the Black family's house-elf appeared before them, looking disgruntled and wrinkling his nose at the sight of Harry. "Why does Kreacher have to answer to the call of a blood traitor?" he grumbled.

"Charming as always," Harry muttered under his breath. Speaking louder, he addressed Kreacher directly. "I need you to confirm something for me. Am I the heir to the House of Black?"

Kreacher squinted into the distance, as if searching for an answer hidden in the horizon. A moment later, he grimaced and reluctantly admitted, "Yes, the nasty wizard is indeed of the House of Black."

"Good to know," Harry replied, his mind was already racing ahead, planning what to do next.

"Kreacher, I order you to keep this conversation and everything I'm about to ask you to do a secret from everyone, even Sirius Black."

The house-elf's eyes widened with panic, but the magic of House Black bound him to obey. After a moment of internal struggle, he choked out an agreement.

"Bring me the locket that Regulus gave you and the book 'Secrets of the Darkest Arts' from the Black Library," Harry commanded.

"What does the nasty wizard want with Master Regulus' locket?" Kreacher questioned, his voice a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.

"Kreacher," Harry replied, his gaze fixed firmly on the house-elf. "We're going to fulfil Master Regulus' order by destroying it."

"Does the blood traitor truly mean that?" Kreacher asked, something akin to hope in his eyes.

"Absolutely," Harry responded with a smile. "We will destroy the locket, and in doing so, we'll honour Regulus' memory."

For a moment, Kreacher hesitated, as if weighing the sincerity of Harry's words. Then, with a curt nod, he popped out of sight, leaving the room eerily quiet.

Dumbledore glanced at Harry, his expression inscrutable, before focusing his attention back on the spot where Kreacher had disappeared. Harry swallowed nervously, unable to shake the feeling he got any time something seemed to be working too easily.

The silence was broken by a sudden, sharp crack as Kreacher reappeared, clutching both the locket and the darkly bound tome. The house-elf's eyes darted between Harry and Dumbledore, his expression torn between pride and resentment.

"Here are the locket and the book, Master Blood Traitor," Kreacher said, handing over the items.

"Thank you, Kreacher," Harry replied, trying to sound as gracious as possible. He conjured a small pouch from thin air and carefully levitated the locket inside, before taking the book from the house-elf.

"Return to Grimmauld Place," Harry instructed, his voice firm. "And remember, you're not to speak about this to anyone."

"Understood, Master Blood Traitor," Kreacher mumbled while never losing sight of the newly conjured pouch. The elf stayed there for a second longer before popping out of sight once more.

Harry placed the book and the pouch on Dumbledore's desk, the worn leather of the tome whispering against the polished wood. With a deft flick of his wand, Albus levitated the pouch into an open drawer, nestling it beside the one containing the ring. Taking the book, Dumbledore traced a finger along its spine.

"Very well," he said, looking up at Harry. "I shall begin studying this as soon as possible. By our next meeting, we should have the information we need to extract your Horcrux and determine the current number of Voldemort's Horcruxes."

"I don't know, Albus," Harry remarked, running a hand through his untidy hair. "This feels like it was too easy. It never is this easy."

"You must learn to enjoy the small victories, Harry," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. "And we are still far from done, we must turn our attention to locating the Hufflepuff Cup and identifying the final Horcrux. Any thoughts on the matter?"

"Actually, I've been mulling it over" Harry admitted, his brow furrowing as he continued. "I reckon one Horcrux is here, in Hogwarts."

"Ah," Dumbledore said, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers. "And what leads you to this conclusion?"

"Think about it, Albus," Harry replied. "The curse on the Defence Against the Dark Arts position Tom created has gone on for far too long. It's got to be tied to either the castle's wards or a powerful object... like a Horcrux."

"Ah, quite a smart deduction, Harry," Dumbledore mused, his eyes narrowing in thought. "I have complete control over the wards of Hogwarts, and if the curse were embedded within them, I would know. Therefore, an object is acting as the anchor for the curse. A Horcrux would be potent enough to maintain such a long-lasting curse."

Harry nodded, feeling a bit of pride at Dumbledore's praise. "So our challenge now is to find the Horcrux hidden somewhere in the castle."

"If indeed the object is a Horcrux, Harry," Dumbledore cautioned. "But your ability to sense near Horcruxes should serve you well on this endeavour, though Hogwarts is a big place."

"Then I'll go through the entire castle, room by room," Harry declared, happy to have something to do despite the tedium of the task.

"Then I wish you good luck, my boy," Dumbledore said. "I believe you are more than capable of undertaking this quest. Thankfully, you have already visited at least half of the castle during your… adventures, so that should reduce the workload considerably."

"Still, Voldemort wouldn't have kept the Horcrux somewhere easy to find," Harry reasoned, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "The best course of action would be to visit all the hidden passages and rooms first."

"An astute plan, Harry," Dumbledore praised.

"Thanks, Albus," Harry replied, a hint of a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Right," Harry continued thoughtfully, "I'll start with the Chamber of Secrets then. The last time I was there, I was being chased by a giant killing snake. I didn't have much time to feel my way around."

"An excellent choice," Dumbledore agreed, nodding sagely. "I shall compile a list of hidden rooms and passages within the castle for you to explore once you've checked the Chamber."

"Thanks, Albus," Harry replied. The enormity of their task seemed more manageable now, having made tangible progress. He exchanged a look of quiet camaraderie with Dumbledore, the air between them alive with shared purpose.

"Harry," Dumbledore began, somewhat uncertain, "how is your life at Hogwarts otherwise? Are you finding happiness amidst this arduous journey?"

Harry hesitated, mulling over Dumbledore's question. "It's strange, really," he admitted, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "I'm incredibly grateful to see the castle whole again and my friends alive, but... I can't help but feel like I should be doing more. Sometimes it feels like I'm being too lax, considering what's at stake."

Dumbledore regarded Harry with a thoughtful gaze. "You have been planning for this while far removed from the situation, Harry," he said gently. "It is only natural that you might find some distractions."

Harry sighed. "I know, but I should know better than anyone what is at stake. It's hard not to feel like something dreadful is just around the corner."

"Ah, yes," Dumbledore acknowledged, nodding. "The mission we have embarked upon is indeed of great importance, and it is vital that we remain vigilant. However, you are also doing well in enjoying the lighter moments life has to offer. Remember, happiness can be a powerful weapon when facing our darkest battles."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Harry's mouth, though his eyes remained clouded with doubt. He nodded, trying to accept Dumbledore's words, even if it was hard to believe them. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts, until Dumbledore broke it once more.

"Tell me, Harry," he began with a twinkle in his eye, "how have you been getting on with young Fleur Delacour?"

"Er –" Harry stammered, feeling his cheeks grow warm. "We're just friends, Albus. Nothing more."

Dumbledore chuckled softly, leaning forward with an air of mischief. "Ah, to be young and in love again," he mused, causing Harry to blush even deeper.

"Shut up," Harry muttered good-naturedly, unable to suppress a grin. "I've never had a relationship before, and now's definitely not the time to start. Besides, I'm pretty sure she just sees me as a friend, too."

"Perhaps," Dumbledore agreed, remnants of his teasing still in his voice. "But as they say, the heart wants what it wants, even in the most trying of times."

"It's not like that," Harry refuted, his gaze drifting to the window as his mind wandered. But he was still consumed by the mission at hand, leaving little room for romantic entanglements.

"Harry," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling with gentle humour, "Now is perhaps the best time to indulge in matters of the heart."

"Really, Albus?" Harry asked, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "In case you've forgotten, we have a few Horcruxes to find and destroy."

"Of course, my dear boy," Albus replied, unperturbed by Harry's tone. "But I'm not entirely convinced that Fleur sees you as just a friend. She may be growing feelings for you as well, and love is a powerful magic in itself."

"Trust me, Albus, she's not," Harry insisted. "Besides, it's not like I can just walk up to her and ask if she likes me."

"You make this old man miss his youth, Harry," Dumbledore mused. "So full of marvellous confusion and trepidation. But until you speak with her, how can you know for sure?"

"Because it's not that simple," Harry retorted, his frustration mounting. "I'm not ready for a relationship, especially with everything else going on."

"Nevertheless," Dumbledore said gently, "as a friend, I believe you should have a talk with Fleur. I won't pressure you, but do consider my advice."

"Fine, I'll think about it," Harry conceded, eager to change the subject. "I think it is time for me to depart."

"Very well," the headmaster conceded with a cheeky smile. "Start your search, and we shall regroup at our next meeting."

"Thank you, Albus," Harry said, before he turned on his heel and left the office.

Harry made his way to Gryffindor Tower, Dumbledore's words replaying in his head. The idea of Fleur having feelings for him both thrilled and terrified him. He knew he couldn't afford any distractions, especially romantic ones, while carrying out his mission. Yet, the thought of Fleur's golden hair and entrancing blue eyes seemed to follow him like a persistent ghost.

Something inside Harry yearned for Dumbledore to be right, but for now, he had to keep his heart locked away, hidden even from himself. He had a mission to fulfil, and until he did, there would be no room for anything else.