The Falling
Darkness Rising

Chapter Eight: Secrets Exposed

Hermione sat alongside Harry, sipping a coffee that Dobby had fetched them. Charlie and Tonks sat across from them, sipping fire whiskey. Silence filled the room. Only the crackling of the fireplace and the occasional shuffling of Dobby's feet could be heard.

"Does the elf have to stay?"

Harry took a long sip from his coffee. "You grew up with a ghoul living in your attic, and the presence of a house-elf disturbs you?"

"He's bonded to Harry," Hermione added as she spied the concern. "Anything he hears remains Potter family business unless he's permitted to divulge."

"Isn't this the same elf that helped Harry when his masters, the Malfoys, were trying to bring down Hogwarts?"

Dobby whimpered while eyeing the young witch.

"He was bonded to the Malfoys, but his heart wasn't," Harry deadpanned. "They treated him like some filthy animal. Now, I didn't ask you here to talk about house-elves."

Charlie cleared his throat. "You said before the meeting that you wanted to know what we're hunting. What exactly were you inferring?"

"Still playing games?" Harry quipped as he arched an eyebrow. "Let's check the facts, shall we?" Harry began to count off on his fingers. "You're working with goblins. You attempted to break into the Lestrange vault at Gringotts. You were exploring caves in the Valley of the Mills. You were at the Ministry disguised as Death Eaters, though I highly doubt you were there that night to help us defeat him. Then, you request an audience with us to team up." Harry leaned in on the table. "While I admire your cloak-and-dagger approach, I must question why. The only logical explanation is that you're searching for something but don't want anyone to know, especially Lord Voldemort."

Tonks flinched at the sound of the name.

"She's rubbing off on you." Charlie nodded in Hermione's direction.

Hermione smirked. "You knew that Gringotts would investigate the Lestrange vault the moment someone attempted to break in. You knew that they would find and remove any dark objects for questioning. We've visited Gringotts since, and the Potter account manager informed us that one of the objects in question had vanished from the holding vault. A cup bearing the Hufflepuff house crest." She folded her arms. "Tell us, why would the vault of a family in the house of Slytherin have a cup from Hufflepuff? One that bore the traces of the darkest of magic."

Tonks twitched in her seat, and Hermione could feel the phoenix wand in her robes grow warm. She didn't need to look at Harry to know that his patience had grown close to breaking.

"You can't defeat Voldemort, Harry," Charlie choked out.

"Why not?"

"Because Dumbledore wasn't honest with you," Tonks croaked. "He didn't tell you all he knew about You-Know-Who."

"You want to earn our trust and respect?" Hermione allowed Jean to flow. "Then call him by his name. We prefer either Tom Riddle or Voldemort. Old snake face works as well, but calling him You-Know-Who promotes the fear of a name and gives him power that he doesn't deserve."

Harry rubbed her arm. "Easy, Hermione. Breathe."

"Would Mistress Hermione wish for a fresh cup of coffee? Dobby would be happy to fetch one for you!"

Hermione breathed in cool, calming breaths. "Thank you, Dobby. That would be wonderful. My cup has grown rather cold."

"Dobby shall fetch it right away!" The tiny elf bounced on the balls of his feet and then disappeared with a crack.

"We're quite aware that Dumbledore wasn't straightforward with us." Harry glanced at Charlie, then stared at Tonks. "However, we're open to any revelations about Voldemort that you might have. Especially if it can help end this before it gets started. Now, why can't we defeat Voldemort?"

Tonks sighed. "Because he placed safeguards against his demise. It's why he didn't die when you were a baby. Dumbledore realized this. He'd begun to inquire about the vast movements of Voldemort and what he'd done while in places like Albania."

"Naturally, his inquiries gained the attention of other wizards and some goblins," Hermione interjected. "Goblins that Charlie encountered while working with dragons. These same goblins and wizards saw Charlie's access to Dumbledore as a prime recruiting opportunity for a spy. Am I correct?"

Charlie nodded, then lowered his eyes to the ground.

"Then tell us now how Voldemort prevented his death," Harry had risen to his feet and pointed a finger at Charlie, "and why should we trust that you're not playing the spy for the same goblins?"

"Easy, Harry," Charlie breathed as he held up his hands in surrender. "I'll swear a bloody oath if necessary that I'm not a spy sent here by anyone."

"Oh, you'll both swear an oath before you leave here tonight," Hermione (Jean) breathed, "but we'll get Bill and Sirius to perform them. Blood bonds create stronger oaths. Now, why can't we kill Riddle?"

"He created horcruxes," Charlie spat. "He ripped his soul into pieces, placing the pieces inside magically protected objects. That way, even if his body was destroyed, he could return as long as one of the horcruxes existed."

Harry looked at Hermione. "Is this possible?"

"To split the soul? Yes." Hermione knew all too well. "But it would take a near-death experience to rip the piece from your existence and place it in something else."

"Actually, he chose the substitute," Tonks interjected. "He chose to murder others. The act of murder weakens the soul and allows it to be ripped apart with the right spell."

Harry glared at her. "How many did he create?"

"Six, as far as we know."

"Six!" Hermione shouted. "Bloody hell!"

Harry's eyes narrowed to slits. "What makes you believe there are six?"

"Were six," Tonks corrected. "You destroyed one in the Chamber of Secrets, and we have extracted the piece of soul from Hufflepuff's cup."

"Riddle's diary," Harry hissed as his magic surged. "Dumbledore knew. The bloody bastard knew!"

An empty chair flew across the room and smashed into the wall. Harry rose to his feet and then began to pace back and forth. The wand in Hermione's pocket burned as his anger flowed.

"Breathe, Harry."

Harry rubbed the back of his neck and then glanced at Hermione. His eyes locked with hers, and she watched his shoulders relax. The heat from her wand faded as he leaned against the mantle.

"What are the others?"

"Not a hundred percent sure, but we believe he possibly used a family ring, an antique locket from Salazar Slytherin, something from Ravenclaw, and possibly something from Gryffindor." Charlie wiped his brow. "We're pretty sure Dumbledore had been preparing to retrieve the family ring before he died."

"Why would Riddle use something from each of the Hogwarts houses?"

Tonks cleared her throat. "We searched every record for the name Riddle. However, no magical families have had that name in the last four centuries. The simple conclusion was that his father was a muggle. Upon further investigation, we found that Tom Riddle had been awarded money from the school for attendance. He had been an orphan. We believe that he felt a connection to Hogwarts. A sense of belonging that would drive him to seek out ancient artifacts from the founders."

"Voldemort would desire a sense of belonging if he resented his muggle father." Hermione gazed at Harry. "That's why he changed his name."

"Correct, Hermione." Charlie nodded.

"This family ring that you suspect to be a horcrux." Harry's voice cut through the air like a knife. "It would have to be from his mother's side. What makes you believe that he would use it?"

"According to our sources, Tom Riddle wore it while at Hogwarts as a symbol of his pureblood status."

Harry smirked. "Always a liar. He probably used it to recruit his mindless followers. What was his mother's family name?"

"According to what little records we could find, his mother's maiden name was Gaunt. When Dumbledore retrieved him from the orphanage—" Charlie fell silent as a cold wind ripped through the room.

"Where's the ring now?"

Charlie licked his lips. "We went to retrieve the ring. However, someone got to it first."

Harry began to pace again. "What about this supposed locket of Slytherin?"

Charlie shook his head. "We don't know."

"But we know what it looks like," Tonks added. "It's an ornate gold and silver locket with an 'S' on the lid."

"Dobby has seen such a locket, Master Harry!"

Everyone jumped as they turned to see the tiny elf with a tray and a piping hot pot of tea.

"Where have you seen it, Dobby?"

"Dobby last saw such a locket at Grimmauld Place, Mistress Hermione. It was amongst Kreacher's belongings."

~~~Darkness Rising~~~

Harry, Hermione, Charlie, Tonks, Bill, and Sirius sat at one end of the oval table. Dobby and Kreacher stood at the other end. Sirius leaned forward on the table as he observed the two house-elves.

"Kreacher, Dobby says you have a silver and gold locket with an 'S' on the lid. Is this true?"

"Yes, Master Sirius. Kreacher has such a locket."

"Where did you get it?"

"It belonged to Master Regulus."

Sirius leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Tonks covered her mouth with her hand as her hair turned a pale pink. Silence filled the room as the others waited for Sirius to speak.

"Kreacher, please fetch the locket."

Crack! The group sat in silence while they waited. A few minutes later, the age-ed house-elf returned with a locket clutched in his hand. He walked around the table, bowed, and then handed the locket to Sirius. Sirius held the shimmering object up by its chain for everyone to see.

"Kreacher, how did my brother come to possess this object?"

The house-elf rubbed his hands together, then sniffed. "Master Regulus once served the dark lord with pride. Then, one day, Master Regulus came home and said that the dark lord required an elf. Kreacher went with Master Regulus and the dark lord to a cave. In the cave was a lake. At the center of the lake was an island. Upon that island sat a basin. In the basin was the locket. The dark lord filled the basin with a potion and made Kreacher drink the potion. Horrible thoughts filled Kreacher's head. Visions and memories tortured Kreacher. Finally, the dark lord ended Kreacher's pain. Kreacher and Master Regulus returned to Grimmauld Place. However, Master Regulus was troubled. Then, one night, Master Regulus came for Kreacher again. He and Kreacher returned to the cave. We crossed the lake and landed upon the island."

Kreacher began to gasp as he recalled the event. Sirius and Tonks mirrored Kreacher's pain-stricken expression. Harry's eyes remained fixed on the locket, and Hermione could feel her wand growing warmer within her pocket. Charlie took Tonks' free hand in his while they waited. Dobby covered his face, and Bill studied Kreacher as though he'd never seen a house-elf before.

"Please continue, Kreacher, when you can."

The house-elf sniffed as his breathing slowed. "Thank you, Master Sirius. Once we reached the island, Kreacher and Master Regulus approached the basin. Master Regulus withdrew a fake locket from his pocket and told Kreacher to take the real locket and destroy it. Then," Kreacher began to sob, "Master Regulus drank the potion until it was gone and replaced the real locket with the fake locket. Kreacher watched as Master Regulus writhed on the ground. Then, bodies rose from the water and grabbed ahold of Master Regulus. Kreacher watched as the bodies pulled Master Regulus beneath the water."

Kreacher collapsed on the floor as he finished the last word. Tears flowed down Hermione's face as she watched Sirius and Tonks share in the house-elf's grief. Harry, Charlie, and Bill lowered their heads.

"Then, Kreacher failed!" The house-elf howled. "Failed Master Regulus! Kreacher tried and tried, but Kreacher could not destroy the locket!"

In a move that shocked the table, Sirius lifted Kreacher off the floor and embraced him. Kreacher froze for a moment before bursting into sobs and wrapping his arms around his master. Dobby dropped to a sitting position on the floor as he watched. Five minutes later, the group regained their composure, and Sirius sat Kreacher on the table.

"Now, you've held onto this locket ever since."

"Yes, Master Sirius. Kreacher has kept the locket safe until the day came that Kreacher could destroy the locket."

Sirius cleared his throat. "Would you allow us to help you destroy what is within the locket?"

"Master asks Kreacher?"

"Yes. I know that my brother tasked you with the destruction of the locket. However, it's what's inside the locket that my brother wanted destroyed. He gave his life to see to that end. Now, I want to bring honor to his death."

"Take it, Master. Destroy the locket for Master Regulus. For the noble house of Black."

Sirius nodded. "For the noble house of Black and my brother, the hero."

"How do we know if this locket is indeed a horcrux?"

"Good question, Bill." Sirius turned to Harry. "Can you tell us, Harry?"

Harry extended his hand, and Sirius placed the locket in his palm. Immediately, a chill spread through the room, and Dobby shivered.

"It's definitely filled with magic. I can feel the energy pulsing." Harry sighed, then looked down at the table. "How did you two extract the piece of Voldemort's soul from the cup?"

Charlie shook off a shiver at the sound of Voldemort's name. "We know a goblin that can extract the soul from the locket. Wizards underestimate what goblins can do."

"Indeed. However, the locket stays with us. We will need to find a neutral meeting place that we can secure. The only reason that you and my cousin are sitting here is because of the blood oaths you performed."

Tonks' hair turned a bright red. "Sirius! We're on the same side."

"We are now, my dear cousin. However, I know how quickly loyalties can shift." Sirius stood up. "One last thing, and then I'm headed to my quarters for some fire whiskey and my bed. I have classes to prepare for." He winked at Harry and Hermione. "Once the evil has been extracted from the locket, we will return the locket to Kreacher."

"That's a historical artifact. I'm not sure if the goblins—"

"It's not up for discussion," Harry interjected as he rose to his feet. "The locket stays with Kreacher. As far as the rest of the Wizarding world is concerned, the locket remains lost."

Charlie looked as though he had swallowed something sour. "Very well."

Harry extended his hand to Hermione, who took his in hers. Kreacher bowed low to Harry, then stood beside Sirius.

"It's been a long day," Bill groaned.

Sirius nodded. "I agree. Now," he handed the locket to Kreacher, "Kreacher will keep the locket safe until we dispose of the vile within. Charlie. Tonks. You're welcome to stay at Black Palace."

"Thank you, Sirius, but we have our own place."

"Then you'll need one of these." Harry tossed them one of the fake galleons. "We'll contact you with the galleon or Fawkes when we're ready to meet again. Dobby can apparate you back to your place."

"Thank you for trusting us, Harry."

"Don't. I'm not there yet. However, I'm willing to take a risk on you."

"You won't be disappointed."

Harry stared at Charlie. "I hope not."

Dobby stepped between Charlie and Tonks. Then, with a 'Crack,' they were gone.

Harry turned to Hermione. "Ready to be Harry Potter and Hermione Granger again?"

"Who are we now?"

Harry smiled. "This is the Room of Requirement. In here, we're who we need to be. Tonight, the leaders of the Alliance. Tomorrow, who knows."

"You're in a good mood, considering the sheer amount of information we just learned."

"Knowledge is power, Bill." Hermione could feel her wand grow warm in her pocket again.

"But we don't know what the other horcruxes are or where to find them."

"Not our issue. Let Charlie and Tonks sort that out. If we find a couple along the way, such as the locket, we'll deal with them."

"You heard them, Harry. Volde-Riddle cannot be defeated as long as they exist."

"Wrong, Bill," Hermione (Jean) interjected. "Harry proved that as a baby. The reason he was able to come back was because of these horcruxes. Cut off his head, and this version of Riddle is history. Destroy his horcruxes, and we send his soul to hell, once and for all."

"Once we're done, we'll assist your brother in hunting Riddle's horcruxes," Harry assured Bill. "But first, we stick to the plan."

~~~Darkness Rising~~~

The following day, Hermione awoke to a sight she never thought she'd see again. She stared up at the inside of her four-poster bed. It felt foreign and lonely. Hogwarts felt cold. The castle had lost the magic and mystery it had once held.

Hermione rolled out of bed and stretched as she fetched her clothes. Then, she made her way into the washroom. She splashed water on her face and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

"What's wrong with me?"

You don't belong here.

Hermione closed her eyes. Why don't I belong here?

This is a place for innocence, Hermione. We've seen the throes of war. We've shared nights of passion with our lover. We're no longer innocent.

"Innocence lost."

Someone cleared their throat, and Hermione spun around.

"Hey, Hermione. Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay, Parvati. I was just preparing myself for the day."

"Is it hard? I mean, returning here after everything?"

Hermione sighed. "Yeah. To tell the truth, it's bloody hard. The sheer idea that we're going to go back to class while Voldemort and his followers are roaming free sounds insane."

"I'm surprised my parents allowed Padma and me to return. With all the chaos, Dumbledore's death, and the ridiculous stories in the Prophet, I thought they'd surely ship us off to Europe."

"Why didn't they?"

Parvati shrugged. "After the funeral, they asked me and Padma what we wanted to do. We just couldn't imagine attending another school. Then, word came that Professor McGonagall would become Headmistress. I guess that was enough for them. They've always loved her as my Head of House."

"Well," Hermione placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm glad you're both here."

"Is the whole thing still on?" Parvati opened her palm to reveal a fake galleon.

Hermione nodded as they headed out of the washroom. Parvati pocketed the galleon and then grabbed her book bag.

"Excellent. After everything, I don't think I could go back to watching and waiting. Besides, you and Harry are the best teachers." A wry smile curved her lips. "I also heard that those two Curse Breakers are our new professors, alongside Harry's godfather and Professor McGonagall's niece."

"Correct, as always."

"Good. It'll be nice to have some handsome professors again."

"Unlike Lockhart, this time they'll have some brains."

Parvati stopped dead as she gaped at Hermione.

"What?" Hermione smirked. "I'm in love with Harry, not blind."

Both girls giggled as they exited the dorms. They found Harry, Ron, and Neville conversing in the common room by the fireplace. A broad smile curved Harry's face the moment he saw Hermione. They circled the sofa, and Harry greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"Ready to face the new day?"

Hermione couldn't help but smirk. "Don't look so chipper, Mr. Potter. One would forget that there's a secret war going on."

Harry offered her his arm. "Isn't that the point? Now, let's go have some breakfast and then see what our new professors have for us. I believe we have Transfigurations and Potions with the Slytherins today. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to play with the Dungeon Prince."

"Is that Malfoy's new title?" Ron snorted.

Harry rubbed his chin. "For today. Thought I might change it up."

He's back in his element.

Hermione smiled. Oh, how I wish everything could stay just like this.

When we're done, Hermione, it'll be better than we've ever dreamed. We just have to be patient.

"Knut for your thoughts?"

Hermione looked at Harry as they exited the common room. "Oh, just imagining what it'll be like once all the other stuff is over."

"There's that confidence I love so much." Harry dropped his voice to a whisper as they headed down the stairs. "We're going to win, Hermione, and when we're done, we'll bury all those bloody bastards where they stand."

Hermione squeezed his arm, then turned her attention to Parvati and her sister, Padma, who had joined them as they passed a lower floor. Luna had joined their little parade as well. She hummed as she slipped her hand inside Ron's, and the girls shared smiles. Seeing Luna do something 'normal' felt strange but in a good way.

They earned the usual snarls from the Slytherin table when they entered the Great Hall. However, Hermione noted Malfoy's absence. He didn't come down for breakfast or show up for their Transfigurations class.

"Probably just pouting," Harry breathed dismissively as they headed for Potions. "Malfoy has always been a prat when he doesn't get his way. If he doesn't show up for Potions, we'll inquire of our new Professor after class."

Hermione nodded as they entered the dungeon classroom. To their surprise, Malfoy didn't show up for Potions either. After class, Harry and Hermione fumbled with their cauldron until the classroom had cleared, then approached Professor Maxwell.

"Greetings, you two." Maxwell looked up from his desk. "Have a class question, or is this Alliance business?"

"Alliance business," Harry breathed. "Draco Malfoy has been absent all day. Do you know why?"

Maxwell straightened in his chair. "Being the Head of Slytherin, I do. His mother sent for him. Family emergency. That's all I know."

"Well, we'll just have to refocus our strategy."

"I believe, Ms. Granger, someone else has done that for you."

Harry and Hermione spun around to see Headmistress McGonagall standing behind them.

"What's wrong, Professor?"

"A package has arrived for you, Mr. Potter, via my office. It's addressed to the Head of the Alliance."

"What's inside?"

"That's an excellent question, Ms. Granger. I've pulled Professor Hughes from his class to examine the package. I had come to collect Professor Maxwell, and then I was headed to find you two. Seems like you saved me the trouble."

Harry took Hermione's hand in his as they followed the headmistress out of the classroom. Her wand grew warm within her robes, and she knew he shared her concerns.

A/N: It's been a long time, but we're back and ready to finish some stories! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Special thanks to Critters At Play for being beta. Please review, and if you loved it, share!