Spur of the Moment

Chapter 58

Harry knocked on the door to the headmaster's office and walked in when he was granted entrance. As Severus had said, Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk as though he had been waiting for Harry to arrive.

"Harry," Dumbledore greeted. "What can I help you with this evening?"

"I hope it's not too late, Professor," Harry said.

Dumbledore waved a hand through the air. "Not at all, not at all, my boy. Take a seat."

Harry nodded and sat. "I watched the last two memories you gave me."

"I see. Any questions or thoughts?"

"Did you ever find out why Voldemort came back?" Harry asked.

"I have had ideas, possibilities," Dumbledore said. "I have nothing conclusive, however."

"Why do you think he came back?"

"Why do you think he came back?" Dumbledore repeated.

"It wasn't just for the job. He obviously knew he wasn't going to get the job. Was he after the Defence position again?"

"Yes, he definitely wanted the position." Dumbledore nodded. "You see, Harry, ever since I refused the post to Voldemort, we have never been able to keep a Defence professor for longer than a year."

"So it's true? The position is cursed?" Harry said, somewhat shocked. He had always heard it and had believed it, but it was strange knowing for sure that the position really was cursed.

Dumbledore inclined his head. "It would appear so."

"But why would he come back? There had to have been another reason. What could bring him back to Hogwarts for such a short time?" Harry said, frowning.

"I wish I had more to tell you."

Harry sighed. "What about Hufflepuff's goblet? Do you know where it is, or where it could be?"

"Again, I wish I could tell you more. However, I have been unable to locate even possible locations of the goblet."

Harry groaned in frustration. "But we at least know that the goblet is a horcrux?"

"Yes, I strongly believe it is. There is no other reason that would cause Voldemort to be so anxious to get the artifact," Dumbledore said.

"So we just have three horcruxes left, but we still have to figure out what one of them is," Harry said, more or less thinking aloud.

"Yes."

"How do we find out what the last horcrux is?"

"Research the Founders. I believe it may be something of Gryffindor's or Ravenclaw's."

"And it's not the sword?"

"No, it is not. I believe it may be something of Ravenclaw's. I do not think Voldemort would want something of Gryffindor's, but we cannot rule it out yet."

Harry nodded. "I'll see what I can find, Professor."

Dumbledore smiled. "I know you'll do your best, my boy."

Harry returned with a small smile. "Good night, Professor."

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Mist swirled around in the dark, seeming to make the dark thicken. As Harry watched the mist, he wasn't sure if he should feel afraid or not. True, he was alone in...wherever he was, but he didn't feel afraid. It was cold, but he wasn't afraid. It was oddly familiar. He turned around again when he felt a brush against his back. The touch had been cold but comforting. He had a feeling that 'comforting' was not a word he should be using in reference to...whatever was there.