Cabin Fever (dm.hp)

T H I R T E E N

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Getting the memory from Slughorn had been no easy feat, but Harry had accomplished the task with a mix of flattery, alcohol, and playing on the Professor's emotions. He was determined to get this over with and refocus Dumbledore on the goal of getting Draco out of the Death Eater's clutches. After leaving Slughorn at Hagrid's hut, Harry sprinted back to Dumbledore's office, reciting the password and racing up the spiral staircase.

"I got it, sir." Harry wheezed, terribly out of breath.

"Wonderful Harry, well done. This is the key to our future, the difference between failure and success." Dumbledore congratulated him, plucking the tiny vial that contained the swirling memory from Harry's hand. "Let's take a look, shall we?"

Once again, they dove into Slughorn's memory. Harry found it just as confusing as the altered version.

"Horcruxes, sir? You think he made one?" Harry asked upon emerging from the pensieve.

"Yes, Harry. This confirms my worries. You see, I believe that Voldemort was successful in creating not just one, but seven Horcruxes." Dumbledore informed him. "They could be absolutely anything... a piece of jewellery, a journal..." Dumbledore waved Harry over to his desk, where a ring and Tom Riddle's diary lay.

"The diary was a Horcrux?" Harry asked with wide eyes.

"Yes. When you stabbed it with the Basilisk fang in your second year, you killed the piece of Voldemort that lived inside of it. They are painfully difficult to destroy, posing a great risk to anyone who stumbles upon them." Dumbledore shook back his sleeve to reveal his withered hand, which looked even worse than it had when Harry noticed it the first time.

"The ring did that?"

"It was protected by a nasty curse. Thankfully, Professor Snape has helped me contain it for the time being, but as I'm sure you've noticed, our efforts are gradually becoming less effective."

"It's killing you, sir." Harry stated. His heart raced, the fear of losing his mentor so soon taking over his mind.

"Let's not worry about that now, Harry. You see, I believe I have located another Horcrux. I wish for you to accompany me, if you're willing. I warn you, it will be heavily guarded, and likely a very dangerous task."

"I'm coming." Harry said firmly.

"However, there are conditions. You must promise me you will do exactly as I say. If I tell you to hide, you must hide. If I tell you to run, to abandon me, you must do so. Can you promise me that?" Dumbledore looked more serious than Harry had ever seen him.

"Sir, I-"

"Can you promise me that, Harry?"

"Yes." Harry's voice was barely above a whisper.