Saviour of Nothing

Conversations

Harry stumbled into the dining room, rubbing his eyes. He was still in his pajamas and had followed his rumbling stomach straight downstairs. He settled into a seat between Severus and Hermione and began piling his plate with food. He didn't even glance at the other occupants, too hungry and tired to be polite.

    "Now that sleeping beauty has arrived, I would like to discuss my meeting with Albus last night," Severus said. He tousled Harry's hair with a fond smile and Harry stuck out his tongue at the man. Severus chuckled but otherwise ignored his son's antics.

    "What did the old fool want, Sev?" Lily asked, also laughing at their son.

    "He had fortuitous timing. He wished to discuss Horcruxes," Severus said.

    Everyone looked at him in shock. It was unusual for Dumbledore to share his plans with anyone else.

    "So he does know," Harry said, his tone matter of fact. He went back to buttering his toast.

    "Yes. He has an idea of how many there are, as well as what they are. On a side note, I would like each of you to wear these amulets at all times. They will protect you against obliviation, Legilimency to a small extent, and Veritaserum. That last only works if you know Occlumency," Severus said and handed an amulet to each person.

    "Auror training required Occlumency," James commented as he accepted his amulet. He nodded a thank you and slipped it on.

    "My gran said it's only proper for a pureblood to know Occlumency," Neville said, also accepting his amulet. He nodded a silent thank you to Severus and put it on.

    "You know I know Occlumency, since you're the one who taught me, love," Lily said. She also accepted an amulet and slipped it on.

    "You said my Occlumency was much-improved," Harry said as he slipped his own amulet on.

    "It is, yes," Severus replied before handing the last amulet to Hermione.

    "I started teaching myself last year when Harry mentioned it, but I don't know how good I am," Hermione admitted and put her amulet on as well.

    "You will join Harry in his lessons, then. In fact, Neville, I would like you to join as well," Severus said. Both teens nodded their understanding.

    "How many does Albus think he made?" James asked.

    "Seven, though one was unintentional. He was adamant I did not let Harry know, but he knew you were a Horcrux," Severus said.

    "What?" Harry shouted. Not only did Voldie have seven - six now - Horcruxes, but the old man had known Harry was one? And didn't want him to know?

    "Yes. He is under the impression that you would have to die to remove it. I, for one, am quite grateful that is not the case," Severus said.

    Harry gaped at his father. Lily and Hermione both gasped, clutching their chests. Harry saw the look on Neville's face and it soothed a small part of him to see the other boy so concerned for him. He knew Hermione and Lily, and even James, would care about him dying. But he and Neville had never been allowed to grow close. Harry wanted to change that.

    "It was removed when I got purged, Nev," Harry assured his - friend? He didn't know what they were anymore, if he was honest with himself.

    "Oh thank Merlin," Neville said. The relief was obvious on his face, and it warmed Harry to see it. Harry - and Severus, Harry noticed - smiled at the boy.

    "Yes. There are two others that have been destroyed, as well. Albus tells me you destroyed one in your second year," Severus said, looking at Harry with an obvious question in his eyes.