After class that day Hermione wrote a letter to her parents, detailing everything that had happened and requesting their attendance on Saturday. As she was writing, the subject of transportation came up and it was decided to ask Arthur to retrieve them and apparate them back to the Burrow. So, before she sent the letter home, Hermione sent a quick note to the Burrow. The next morning, Hedwig returned with an affirmative reply from Arthur. Hermione added a note to her parents' letter and then sent it off before she and Harry headed down to have breakfast in the Great Hall.
"Well, it seems that all is set for Saturday. I'm assuming my parents will be there since this is so important. The issue of transport made me think of something else."
"Yes love?"
"Well, since we're legally emancipated, shouldn't we be able to receive apparition training? With everything else going on, I would think it would be a minor request."
Harry stopped and looked at his wife, pulling her close for a quick kiss.
"Of course dear. Why didn't I think of that? We'll talk to Dumbledore later and see how we can arrange it. In our copious spare time of course."
Hermione giggled and gave Harry one more peck before they entered the Great Hall. After their first two classes and lunch, they had a break and decided to check in with the headmaster. The gargoyle recognized them and passed them through readily. Dumbledore was buried in a stack of parchment, but smiled as they entered.
"Good day. Is everything alright? No difficulties since your announcement?"
"No, nothing yet. We just had a question that we were hoping you could help with. Since we're emancipated, shouldn't we be able to train for apparition?"
"Well I hadn't considered it, but you are correct Hermione. Apparition is taught by authorized trainers from the Ministry. The class is usually offered later in the year for all legally aged students. If you wanted to train sooner, you can write to the Ministry and request private instruction…or…I just thought of something. Your new Potions professor once worked with the Ministry and was an instructor for several years. I've never heard of an instructor losing their certification. You may try checking with Andi next week when she arrives. I daresay she will be busy settling in, but perhaps once she does she will help you."
"Really? That would help greatly to have someone here in the castle. Thank you headmaster."
"Of course. Now, while you are here, I have some other updates on the changes you requested. I've received a reply from Remus and he has agreed to return to teach. His first letter was a bit guarded, but once I explained that you were the one who requested him under Founders' rights, his next reply was much more enthusiastic. I believe he is on his way back now and will be staying at Grimmauld for a few days. He will be arriving at the castle later next week and starting the week after that. Also, I should have the new History of Magic teacher starting then as well. Her name is Fiona O'Brien and she graduated from Dumcree a couple years ago. She's been working on a research project that recently lost funding and was most pleased to find a position."
"Well, that's good to hear. It'll be good to have Remus back. Where is Dumcree? Is that a school?"
"Yes Harry, a small but elite wizarding school in the far north of County Limerick, Ireland. It is the only other wizarding school in Britain, although it is significantly smaller than Hogwarts. It offers a narrower range of subjects, taught over an intensive five year period. That is why we have a number of students from Ireland that come to Hogwarts instead."
"Interesting, well we'll see how the classes go. Thank you headmaster."
With that, Harry and Hermione left the office and went to the Gryffindor common room to study before their last class of the day, Ancient Runes. Harry was busy simultaneously studying new material and revising old material with Hermione in an effort to catch up. Their bond helped significantly with this effort and Harry already realized how important Runes were to an overall understanding of magic from a base level. That evening found them studying back in the common room. Although they had their apartment, they both felt it was good to keep their connection with their friends in Gryffindor.
The last of the week passed quickly and soon Saturday arrived. Harry woke earlier than he usually would on the weekend and soon realized what the problem was. Hermione had rolled over and her placement had her positioned so that Harry's hand was unconsciously holding her breast. Although barely awake, his body responded and he was at full arousal rather than his usual morning half hardness. Groaning, he began to fondle the handful while starting to nuzzle his wife's neck. It didn't take long before Hermione started to groan and complain about the wake up call. Harry kept up his ministrations, while working his hand under her gown to fondle lower as well. He shifted a bit and pressed his arousal against her thigh also. Soon she was more awake and yawned, smiling at him.
My, getting an early start are we?
You look so fucking sexy I can't help myself.
Language dear.
Just wait, I'll have you saying the same thing.
With that, his mouth found hers as he drove his tongue in and started to grind against her, while increasing the speed of his fingers between her legs. She quickly yielded to him, rolling over and spreading herself wider as her hips thrust to drive his fingers into her deeper. Harry was groaning at the throbbing pain between his legs and couldn't take it anymore as he removed his fingers and quickly replaced them with his aching manhood. His sudden entrance made her eyes fly open as she started to quake.
"Fuck! Yes! Gods Harry, yes!"
"See, I told you I'd make you say the same."
"Stop talking and move already!"
Harry chuckled and picked up his speed. Hermione climaxed almost immediately due to his early warm up work. He kept up an insistent pace and, when he drove her over the edge again, he joined her. As he poured his last into her, his tension resolved and they both collapsed back to sleep.
A couple hours later, Harry woke again at a more reasonable hour. He was semi aroused as usual, but not intolerably so. Deciding that he didn't want to be social with anyone but his wife, he summoned Dobby and asked for breakfast trays. The sound of the elf's return woke Hermione, who was quite pleased to see breakfast. They ate in bed while discussing the upcoming day. As they finished eating, Hermione only had fruit left and smirked at Harry as she sensually began to run her tongue on a strawberry before gently nibbling it. Harry had never realized how damn sexy a piece of fruit could be, but as he watched her mouth work, the animal in him began to growl. Casting aside their trays, he was on her again. As he moved to position himself though, she had other ideas and pushed him back before moving to straddle him. Leaving herself poised just above his dripping shaft, she took her last strawberry and proceeded to run it across his chest before leaning over to lick the juice off him. As she placed the strawberry in her mouth, she bent over to offer him some and he took a bite before their strawberry filled lips found each other. As Harry was distracted by their shared fruit, Hermione suddenly lowered herself onto him. Harry let out a garbled moan and barely held back his eruption as he began to meet her rhythm with his own thrusts. She adjusted herself and slowed down into a pattern of rolling, rocking motions that made her coo in pleasure. Harry marveled for the millionth time at his luck as he took in the sight of his beautiful wife and reached to fondle her breasts. They kept the rhythm for many long minutes before Hermione's panting increased, along with her speed as she approached her finish. When she finally screamed and collapsed on Harry, he rolled her over and finished himself off with a few more strokes into her convulsing core. As he slipped out, she settled and reached to hold him. They stay entwined together, half awake and satisfied for another hour. Eventually Harry roused himself, knowing that they still had a long day ahead. Gently picking his wife up, he carried her to the shower.
After a long and satisfying shower, they decided to use the time to study and finish homework before it was time to depart for the Burrow. At a quarter to three, they gave each other a reassuring look and joined hands as they exited the apartment. Reaching the headmaster's gargoyle, they found all the Gryffindors waiting. Two minutes later, Susan arrived as well and they all made their way into the office. Dumbledore greeted them all merrily and then they stepped into the floo and made their way to the Burrow. Molly was waiting and eagerly welcomed them all, bustling them toward the living room. Arthur was out collecting the Grangers, but Augusta Longbottom, Amelia Bones, Bill and Charlie were waiting for them. Harry greeted them while Neville and Susan introduced their family members to those who hadn't met them. A minute later, a pop outside signaled Arthur's return as he entered with the Grangers. Neil and Jean greeted Harry and Hermione both with hugs and were then introduced to everyone else. While the introductions were underway, two more pops sounded and Sirius and Remus joined the group. After more greetings and introductions, everyone settled in and found a place to sit.
Alright love, here we go. I'll let you lead with the secrecy wards and oaths.
Hermione barely nodded and then stood and began to cast additional privacy and secrecy wards. The Weasleys looked a bit startled at the need for additional security since the Burrow was already heavily warded. Once she was done, Hermione sat and addressed the group.
"Alright everyone, I know you're a bit startled that I insisted on more wards, but once you hear what we have to tell you, you'll understand. Now, everyone here are friends, family, allied with House Potter, or a combination thereof. While you are all trusted, we need you all to swear secrecy oaths. This is more to protect this information if you are ever questioned under duress. Harry will administer the oath under House magic. Combined with the alliances, this will strengthen the oath so that it cannot be broken. Mum and dad, since you are non-magical, we have another method for you. We felt it was important that you be here since we are family, but we still have to be concerned about secrecy in case you are ever questioned. I've researched and found two alternative compulsion and confundus charms that I will be combining. As far as I can tell, this has never been tried on non-magicals before, but it should mean that, if you are questioned, even under torture, you will only be able to speak gibberish in regards to what you are about to hear. Of course, I don't even want to think about you being captured or tortured, but we can't be too careful. So, I'd like to start with the two of you?"
Neil and Jean looked a bit pale, but both nodded in the affirmative. Hermione crossed the room and had them both stand as she began the incantations. A faint bluish light settled first over Neil as her wand pressed into his outstretched hand.
"Do you, Neil John Granger, hereby foreswear to keep all you are to hear this afternoon regarding the business of House Potter firmly unto yourself, never to be divulged by either magical or non-magical means?"
"Yes, I swear."
Hermione finished the incantation and moved next to repeat the same with her mother.
"Do you, Jean Elizabeth Granger, hereby foreswear to keep all you are to hear this afternoon regarding the business of House Potter firmly unto yourself, never to be divulged by either magical or non-magical means?"
"Yes."
Hermione finished the second incantation and smiled at her parents.
"Alright, that is the best we can do without you having magic to be bound. Thank you. Let's hope it's never necessary."
Hermione turned and sat as she nodded to Harry. He rose and looked around at everyone else.
"Okay, for everyone else, please stretch out your right hands with your wands in your palms."
Everyone did as instructed. Susan and Ginny both looked a bit excited at this new demonstration of magic.
"Repeat after me. I…state your name…do hereby foreswear on my magic and by my life…"
Around the room, the oaths began as everyone inserted their full names and followed Harry.
"…that I will keep all House Potter secrets divulged to me this day and henceforth, when expressly decided and determined by either the lord or lady of the house…"
Everyone continued to recite the oath as Harry paused.
"…And that I will not be released from this oath except by individual exception. So do I bind now with my magic and my life. So mote it be."
Each person completed their oaths and each wand flared briefly as the individuals finished. Neil and Jean just watched, looking around the room in awe. As Harry was about to continue, Neil spoke up.
"Harry, a quick question for us non-magicals. That oath, by my magic and my life, does that mean that if anyone here breaks the oath, they die?"
"No Neil, not in the physical sense. If anyone breaks that house bound oath, they will permanently lose their magic forever. Many would consider that worse than death. It also means that the oath cannot be broken by any charm or potion."
Neil nodded as Harry turned back to the rest of the room.
"Alright, thank you everyone for your oaths. I know some may consider it extreme now, but I think that very shortly you may think otherwise. I've gathered alliances and bring you all here today because I need your help. First, there are some in this room who are members of the Order of the Phoenix and may be partially familiar with the first piece of information I need to tell you. For those who are unaware, the Order of the Phoenix was founded during the first war with Voldemort. It is an elite, information gathering and subterfuge organization that works within the Ministry, businesses and other elements of wizarding society to covertly fight against Voldemort. Now, some in the Order have been told that the reason I am being targeted by Voldemort is due to a prophecy that I was given before I was born. I don't believe those members know the prophecy, or at least the full extent of it. So, here is the prophecy, as Dumbledore heard it when Professor Trelawney spontaneously delivered it over fifteen years ago:
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."
Harry paused after delivering the prophecy and looked around the room. There was shock on most faces. Several looked uncommonly pale. Molly was clutching onto Arthur. Ginny looked like she was close to tears, which was unusual for her. Harry held Hermione's hand and glanced at her. She nodded and took over as the room remained silent.
"So, you now know some of the reason for the secrecy. We've talked this over with Dumbledore and here is the interpretation of the different elements from the prophecy. First, there were two couples who could fit in the category of having thrice defied Voldemort. First, Frank and Alice Longbottom. Second, Harry's parents. Next, the mention that the person would be born as the seventh month dies. The Longbottoms and Potters both had one child, each of whom sits here in this room. Neville's birthday is July 30th and Harry's is July 31st, so again it could be either of them. Finally, the third identifier is that the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal. This is where Voldemort chose Harry. For whatever reason he targeted the Potters first and, when he gave Harry his scar, he marked him as the one who could defeat him."
Hermione paused and Harry couldn't help but lock eyes with Neville. Quiet and unassuming, Neville had recently started to come into his own. He had been a good and true friend for over five years and now he was an ally. He looked stunned and then he shook his head and seemed to come to.
"Bloody hell! You mean everything that happened to you could have been me?"
Ginny reached over and took Neville's hand as she shot him a comforting look. Hermione smirked at that. She had thought something may be brewing there. When they got past world shaking news, they'd need to have a girl talk.
"Yes Neville, it could have been either of us. I know from a couple of comments among the Order that your parents were also attacked. I've never asked, but I can only assume the worst since your grandmother raised you. It's not my business, but I'm sorry."
Neville looked down for a moment and squeezed Ginny's hand tighter. Then he looked back at Harry.
"Actually Harry, it is your business. Our houses are allied now, so you deserve to know. I should have told you all a long time ago…My parents…they were…attacked by the Lestranges. Bellatrix tortured them for hours…crucio. She didn't kill them, but she drove them out of their minds. They're at St. Mungo's permanently. I visit them on holidays, but…but they don't even recognize me."
Neville was barely holding himself together as he trembled. Ginny finally gave in and crawled into his lap, hugging him. The two sat with their foreheads together. Harry couldn't help but smile. Looking around the room, he saw a mixture of smiles and curious expressions. After allowing Neville a minute, Harry spoke up.
"Wow Neville. I don't know what to say. I wish I had known. I think you actually do have it worse. I am glad to see you have certain, um, supporters."
Neville blushed and looked at Ginny. Seeing them, Bill spoke up next.
"Alright, I know Harry has more to discuss, but first things first. Longbottom, as the eldest of the Weasley brothers, I demand to know what your intentions are with my baby sister?"
Neville turned deeper crimson and Ginny exploded.
"Intentions? Really Bill? I'm not a baby and his intentions and mine are quite the same."
"Ginevra, wand down. No hexing your brother."
Ginny turned and frowned at her father, who was trying not to look amused. Neville stood up and came to her side.
"Bill, Arthur, everyone, Ginny and I met a few times over the summer and decided we wanted to pursue our feelings and try being more than friends. We've just decided to start pursuing this and see what happens. I feel lucky that she is interested in me and give you my word that I will always treat her well."
"Well said Neville and thank you. As her father, I am the least you need to worry about, although I am sure you know that. Augusta, any concerns?"
"What? Of course not Arthur. Ginny is a lovely young lady. I just hope you both put your studies first."
Harry looked back and forth between the two families. This meeting had just taken a major, but happy detour. Now he had to get it back on track.
"Alright, well my congratulations to both my friends. As much as I wish I could focus on happier subjects, there is still much more I need to tell you. Once Dumbledore told me the prophecy, the next request I had was for him to share any information he had on Voldemort that I might need to know to fight him. Dumbledore has been researching Tom Riddle's past from before he entered Hogwarts, as well as what he did after he left school. Dumbledore has collected a number of memories and we have had a chance to view them. Now, here is what has been pieced together regarding Tom Riddle…"
Harry proceeded to go into all the details of Tom's lineage and his time at Hogwarts. When he finished, he chugged half a glass of water and once again let all the information settle before he continued.
"So, Tom Riddle, who we now know as Lord Voldemort, is actually a half blood from the last dregs of Slytherin's line. It's quite ironic since he espouses pureblood ideals. Despite his past, he was uncommonly bright and especially cunning. He began to woo followers to his side from his first days at school. The next question is what did he do after school? Finally, the most important question: how has he managed to return? The answer to this brings about the most disturbing piece of information. The last memory Dumbledore showed me was one that had been forcibly modified by a former professor who was charmed by Tom and later regretted their friendship. Although the memory was modified, it still gives an answer to the most important question. Tom specifically was asking his potions professor, and head of Slytherin house, about a piece of dark magic called a horcrux…"
Harry's words were cut off as Bill leapt out of his chair and spewed an impressive stream of language, not all of it in English. Once he finished, he looked sheepish and apologized to Harry as he sat back down.
"No worries Bill. Obviously as a curse breaker, you've heard mention of a horcrux. For those who haven't heard of it, it is a way by which a wizard can separate a piece of their soul and place it in an object. By then hiding that object, the wizard can never be completely killed. As long as the soul piece remains, the wizard can be restored to life. Which answers how Voldemort managed to return earlier this year. The problem with the modified memory is that the discussion was around a number of horcruxes and that is the part that is obscured. Dumbledore believes from his research and personal knowledge of Tom, that he would have chosen a powerful magic number. Three seems too few. Thirteen would most likely be impossible since each soul fragment degrades the original and pushes the individual closer to insanity. So, the logical theory is that Voldemort intended to make seven horcruxes. One though has already been destroyed. Some in this room can probably figure out what I am talking about."
The room was deadly silent as everyone was over traumatized by the deluge of information. Harry glanced briefly at Ginny and she looked at him hard, then the light went on.
"THE DIARY! THE FUCKING WANKER. REALLY?"
"Ginevra!"
"Yes Ginny. And Molly, I think in this circumstance the language is understandable. The way that Tom managed the control he did through that diary was by placing a piece of his soul in it. This was his first horcrux when he was just sixteen and it was probably the most crude. What you should understand is that to create a horcrux requires splitting off a piece of the soul. To do that requires committing a murder."
Neil shook his head and rubbed his temples. The Grangers had been the quietest, as all of this was foreign to them, but now he had to speak up.
"I'm sorry, but what is this about a diary? And you're saying a sixteen year old was working with dark magic and committing murders?"
Harry nodded and then briefly detailed what had happened in the Chamber of Secrets. He and Hermione had given the Grangers the basics before, but the diary had never been mentioned. It became clear as he spoke that Sirius, Augusta and Amelia had never heard the full story either. Once he finished, he braced himself for the most difficult part that he had to do. When he took an overly long pause, Hermione squeezed his hand.
Want me to take over for a bit love?
Please.
"Alright, so as Harry mentioned, we are fairly certain that the number of horcruxes Voldemort wanted to make was seven. His first was a rather mundane item, a simple leather bound diary. Dumbledore knew Tom Riddle well and he was quite arrogant in many ways. Dumbledore believes that the first was a test more than anything and the ones created after would have been more significant items, something worth holding a precious piece of Tom's soul. Dumbledore is researching what these could be and will be sharing all information on his research with us. Once we find them, there are only a couple ways to destroy a horcrux. First is with basilisk venom, like how the diary was destroyed. The second is with fiendfyre. Mum, dad, fiendfyre is a volatile bit of dark magic that conjures a fire as hot as the sun and violently uncontrollable. Using it is banned by the Ministry and will incur hefty fines and/or extensive jail time. Now, Voldemort took a while to create his horcruxes. The magic required for them is complex and takes a good bit of preparation. While he was working on his last, something went wrong."
Hermione turned and looked at Harry as she wrapped an arm around him. This next part was his to tell. He took a breath and steeled himself.
"Thank you love, well summarized. Now, the last and most difficult piece of information. It seems likely that Voldemort had prepared to create a horcrux on the night he attacked my parents. Murdering me would be the catalyst to extract the final soul piece. Unfortunately, when the spell backfired, the previous murders of my parents ripped the piece away and it sought a place to live. While a horcrux is usually left in an inanimate object that can be hidden for a long time, a soul piece naturally prefers to lodge in a living being. It seems that the last horcrux settled in the last living being in the house that night, me."
The room had been silent before, and it was again for a brief fraction of a second before the explosion. Exclamations, curses and unintelligible screams enveloped the small room. Seconds later, Molly passed out. Amelia looked close to doing the same. Declaring his sentence to everyone ripped at Harry and he burrowed his head into Hermione's hair as he fought for control. The chaos ensued for several minutes before Neville finally brought the place to order.
"Damn Harry. Is Dumbledore sure? If so, what do we do?"
Harry collected himself and looked around the room.
"Yes Neville, we're sure. You've lived in the same dorm as me. You certainly know I have nightmares. I also have times when my scar burns and I can feel Voldemort's emotions. I also have the gift of parseltongue, which has never been found outside Slytherin's descendants. It seems that, along with a piece of his soul, he transferred some of his abilities. This scar isn't normal, it is where the horcrux lies. If it was on my arm, I'd say cut it off and burn it, but I do need my head. Dumbledore has been researching other methods to destroy a horcrux and has now given Hermione access to his library and notes. She's the best researcher at school. If anyone can find an answer, I know she will. So, this is why I called us all together. You now know what I face. I am here to ask for your support and understanding, as well as any ideas you may have to find and destroy horcruxes. Bill, your position as a cursebreaker makes you an obvious asset. Charlie, we've heard that there are libraries and resources at some of the old dragon preserves. Arthur, Amelia, you have additional resources in the Ministry. Everyone else I am sure will add their own unique input. Mostly I need support now. We both need support. Now that we're bonded, destroying the horcruxes safely has double import."
"Double? Oh shit, you mean?"
"Yes George, this is the part I hate the most. If this was just about me, I could face it easier. Now that I've bonded with this amazing woman, we're one person woven from two people. Every recorded account of soul bonds shows that the bond mates die together."
This final piece of information caused Neil and Jean to finally break down. Harry felt for them terribly. They'd been thrown into the world of magic, even though they would always remain on the fringe. They'd handled everything well, including their daughter's early marriage. Now they were being told that she may follow her husband to an early grave.
"Neil, Jean, I'm so sorry to have to tell you this. I can't apologize for bonding to Hermione. I couldn't imagine not doing so, but I can wish that things were different."
"It just means we need to find a solution Harry my love. And we will."
"Indeed Harry. I'll start using all my free time to research the goblin archives."
"Aye, there's an old library at the reserve. Unusual books that have been placed there to be guarded by the dragons. I'll start looking as soon as I get back."
"And I'll start researching at the Ministry. As the head of the DMLE, I can talk to the Unspeakables. I'll have to be vague, but they've got a lot of material that has been banned from the main Ministry library."
"And I'll start going through the Black library book by book. I should check the vault also. I haven't been in it in an age. There's a bunch of old books there too. If anyone would have information on rare, dark magic, it would be my forsaken ancestors."
"I can't offer any of that Harry, but you've got my friendship and whatever support you need."
Neville's final sentiment was echoed by the others around the room. Harry looked at each one in turn and then turned to close the subject.
"Thank you everyone. While the tangible help with research is important, it is your support and friendship that means the most. If anyone finds anything or has any information, we should keep it out of the owl post. Please floo call the headmaster's office and he will pass on messages. Now, if I may impose, Arthur, do you have something to settle us before we eat?"
"Of course Harry. Wine, butterbeer or firewhisky?"
Everyone agreed to start with a shot of firewhisky. After everything they had heard their nerves needed it. Molly was about to object to Ron and Ginny partaking when Arthur stepped in.
"Molly, it's only one glass. If they want it. I'd wager that it won't be Ron's first and perhaps not Ginny's either."
"Well, I've never had a full glass. Just a few sips."
Molly turned and looked aghast at her youngest while Arthur just nodded. The drinks were passed and everyone raised a toast to a grimacing Harry. Neil and Jean were unprepared for the liquor and Neil was left gasping a bit while Jean smacked her lips and declared it was quite good. Ginny never finished her glass, but Harry noticed that Neville took care of it for her. With the tension somewhat relieved, Molly turned her attention to finalizing dinner. The meal was a bit more somber than the usual affairs at the Burrow, but the food was excellent as always. Once the pudding was done, Harry felt drained and declared he wanted to head back. The other students all joined him and Hermione and made their way back through the floo to the headmaster's office. Dumbledore looked up from a particularly large tome as they all descended.
"Ah, welcome back everyone. I take it all went as well as can be expected?"
Each person nodded at the headmaster and turned to leave his office. Before Harry could take Hermione's hand to exit, Dumbledore called them back. He let everyone else depart before regarding them.
"Now Harry, Hermione, I just want a few moments to give you a very important update. I know this day must have been especially trying. While you were out, I ran an errand of my own. Months of research finally led me to a conclusion that I wanted to check out. Do you remember the Gaunt home that we visited via the pensieve? Well, I decided to go there myself and look it over. The place is falling down, but I did find one corner of the crumbling foundation that had some very odd traces of magic. Of course, it could have been residue left from the previous owners, but I decided to investigate further. As I sifted aside some debris, the traces became more malevolent and it became harder to continue. I'm not bragging when I say that someone of lesser talents would not have been able to proceed. I did finally clear enough that I found a small box buried deep under the older cornerstone. Within there I found what is most certainly another horcrux."
Dumbledore paused and reached out to place a golden globe like object on his desk. The globe was actually not solid, but composed of bands, much like a cage. Within the structure, Harry could see what appeared to be a ring. As he leaned in closer, his scar was suddenly on fire and he dropped to his knees. Exerting his occlumency, he shut down the pain and gathered himself as Hermione grabbed hold of him. After a minute, he was able to stand again and look into the serious eyes of Dumbledore.
"Ah, well I think you just painfully confirmed my suspicion Harry. My apologies, I had hoped the Dankov contraption would contain it enough. It was actually quite worse before I placed it in there. I daresay you wouldn't be able to be in the same room without it. Now, I just found this and I have more research to do. I have a suspicion that I will explain later. I think you have had enough for one day. In the meantime, we need to consider how best to destroy the ring. It is getting late now and I'll let you retire."
Harry just nodded, completely drained after the long day and his exposure to the horcrux. Seeing his exhaustion, Hermione called for Dobby and had the elf pop them back to their apartment. Once there, she led him to the bedroom and undressed him down to his boxers before pushing him into bed. She gave him one final kiss and then gently nudged his mind to urge him to sleep.