Veils Removed

The Ring

As they read, Hermione's eyes widened in horror, her stomach churning at the thought of the unspeakable acts Voldemort must have performed to create his Horcruxes. Severus's expression grew more intense, his jaw tightening as he reached a section that spoke of the sentience of the dark artifacts.

"Listen to this," he murmured, his voice low and urgent. "It says that living Horcruxes can sense the presence of their original soul. If Voldemort is aware that we're hunting them, he could be drawing them closer to him, making them harder to destroy."

Hermione felt a cold knot form in her stomach as she thought back to Harry's first year, the way his scar had burned whenever the Voldemort was near. "The same way Harry's scar hurt when he was near Quirrell?"

Severus nodded, his eyes darkening as he thought of the connection between Harry and the Dark Lord. "The same way," he murmured. "But with the locket, it's more than just pain. It's a bond, a link that can be used to take over someone's mind."

Hermione swallowed hard, the implications of what he was saying sinking in. "You think Harry could be in danger?"

Severus's eyes met hers, filled with a solemnity she had never seen before. "Yes," he said, his voice tight. "And that's why I need to speak with Dumbledore. He must know the truth about the prophecy, about what Voldemort may have done to Harry."

"But how do we destroy the Horcruxes without endangering Harry?" Hermione's voice was a whisper, her eyes searching for any sign of hope.

Severus paused, his gaze flickering to the book and then back to her. "There might be a way," he said slowly, his voice a mix of hesitation and urgency. "A ritual, one that could sever the bonds between Harry and the Horcruxes. But it's dangerous, and we can't risk anyone else knowing about it."

Hermione felt her heart race at the thought of cutting Harry free from Voldemort's grasp. "How does it work?" she asked, leaning closer.

Severus's eyes remained fixed on the book, his expression grim. "It's a complex incantation, one that requires a deep understanding of the soul and its bonds," he said. "We would have to perform it while Harry is unconscious, and we can't risk anyone else knowing the truth of his connection to the Horcruxes. It's too dangerous."

Hermione nodded, her mind racing with the possibilities. "But if we could find a way to transfer the soul piece into another object," she began, her voice hopeful. "One that's less...personal. Something we could then destroy without endangering him."

Severus's expression was thoughtful as he considered her words. "A risky proposition," he mused, his eyes never leaving hers. "But one worth exploring." He closed the book with a thud, the sound echoing through the room. "We'll need to find a way to lure Harry here, without raising suspicion."

Before they could delve deeper into their strategy, the door to the chamber swung open, and a figure strode in with a confidence that could only belong to one person. Hermione's eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight of Severus, his doppelgänger standing before them. The clone's eyes flicked between them, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"You've returned," the original Severus said, his voice devoid of emotion.

The clone nodded, stepping forward and holding out its hand. Severus took the proffered hand, the two of them sharing a brief moment of silent communication as the memories of the clone's mission flowed from the copy into the original. He felt the rush of recent events, the tension and urgency of their mission, and then something else—a flicker of curiosity and temptation.