I Open at the Close

8

Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in silence as their carriage took flight. It was the middle of the night, just a few hours after they'd destroyed the diadem. The disagreement they'd had before their departure still hung in the air.

"Where now?" Ron had asked, still in the Room of Requirement.

There were many options, some easier than others. Malfoy manor, Gringotts, the Black residence. Romania.

Dumbledore had told them about Quirrel's, and thus Voldemort's, escape from his travel to Azkaban. Their way guess was he'd fled to Romania, but there was no way to know for sure.

"We should go to Malfoy Manor." Hermione said, at the same time Ron had said, "Gringotts," and Harry'd said, "Black's"

They all stared blankly at each other.

"We already know how to get the cup." Ron argued

"Our old plan won't work this time." Hermione shook her head, "Belatrix is still in Azkaban. Malfoy Manor is safer. That's where the diary is right now."

"We don't know where though." Harry crossed his arms, "Kreacher has Slytherins Locket stashed away in Sirius's home."

"It's not like he's just going to give it to us though." Ron shook his head, "Unless house elf magic already thinks you own him."

Hermione pursed her lips but didn't say anything.

Harry shrugged, "It's our best bet. Plus it'll be somewhere to stay that's not Hogwarts."

"Until Sirius gets out." Hermione said, "Snape's at the ministry right now turning Peter in."

"Because that went so well last time." Ron rolled his eyes, "You just want to go there so you'll see Sirius as soon as possible." He said

"So what if I do?" Harry snapped, "He's my godfather! He's my family."

"I haven't seen Fred." Ron said, "My brother died. But I'm not planning our mission around trying to see him."

"Ron," Hermione said gently, "That's not fair."

Ron started at his two friends before turning away, "I know."

Hermione looked at Harry, "I still think the diary is what we should go for first, but if you want to go for the locket, I won't argue about it anymore."

"What about you?" Harry looked at Ron.

Ron didn't turn around, he sighed, "Fine."

Hermione went to comfort Ron while Harry left to inform Dumbledore of their plan.

Dumbledore agreed to lend them a thestral drawn carriage, along with giving them food for their journey.

Harry looked out the window as they flew above the castle. Watching Hogwarts get smaller and smaller.

"What do you think young us is doing?" Harry asked, breaking the silence.

"You're probably telling us all you found out today." Ron was also looking out the window

Hermione quietly laughed, "Do you think he waited this long?"

Ron smiled, "Good point." He nodded, reaching for Hermione's hand.

Harry watched the two, wishing Ginny was here with them as well. It was different now that they were together. Not bad, but Harry felt slightly out of the loop in a way he hadn't before. It wasn't that he wasn't happy for them, he was, but he was also lonely.

It was while he was contemplating this that his wand, the Elder wand that is, shot a few harmless sparks out into the air.

The trio all turned their heads to look at it but before any of them could say anything, Ginny Weasly was sitting in the empty seat next to Harry.