"Besides the fact he couldn't get anyone else?" Hermione responded. "Actually I wonder if that was true? Again, it was right after you had found the Horcrux. Dumbledore knew Voldemort would be coming back, and he'd need that loyal spy again wouldn't he?"
"You really think Dumbledore has just been using Moony?" Sirius asked.
"It's what Dumbledore does," Harry said.
"That bastard..." Sirius started.
"Remus did benefit from what Dumbledore did," Hermione reminded Harry's godfather. "But yes I think Moony is just another pawn in this game to Dumbledore."
Breakfast was a subdued affair with Tonks having puffy eyes and glancing every few seconds at Remus; Remus was keeping a conversation going with Arthur trying to ignore Tonks, Mrs. Weasley was scrambling around the kitchen making sure she had all of her cooking things, while the youngest Weasleys were sitting next to their father and had obviously been told not to say a word.
Near the end of the meal Kreacher popped in and said "Master Sirius, the bloody git Dumbledore is upstairs."
Every sound, every movement stopped immediately as every eye turned to the house-elf.
"KREACHER!" Molly finally screeched.
"Kreacher," Sirius said through the mirth on his face, "You can tell the bloody git, we'll be up soon."
"Kreacher will be glad to tell him."
"Sirius Black," Molly turned her attention to Sirius, shaking a wooden spoon in his direction as she continued. "How dare you let Kreacher speak of the Headmaster that way?"
"Actually I'd have used the words bloody arsehole, but git works fine," Sirius replied as he got to his feet. "Molly, your cooking has been excellent and appreciated."
Tonks rose from her seat as well. She glanced at Remus who was still ignoring her and then turned to Harry and Hermione. "Well, we should get going."
Dumbledore had his wand out and was tapping the frame of the new portrait of Regulus Black when they arrived upstairs. He turned to look when came into the hall. "I see there has been a significant change in the decor, for which I understand you are responsible Harry. May I ask what spell you used to remove Mrs. Black?"
"You can ask," Harry replied with a shrug, "But I won't answer."
Dumbledore sighed. "Must we continue with this hostility? I'm doing my best to accommodate your rebelliousness, but if you truly wish me to confide in you, don't you think I would expect you to confide in me?"
"Obviously your idea of confiding differs from ours," Harry countered. "Do you contend that you've told us everything that you know about Voldemort?"
"As much as is prudent at this time," Dumbledore replied.
"Uh..." Tonks spoke up as she looked at her watch. "We need to get going. Madam Bones would like to see Harry and Hermione before the trials begin."
"Ah...speaking of Madam Bones," Dumbledore said. "May I have a word with the two of you in private?" He was looking at Harry and Hermione.
Harry glanced at Hermione and after a quick mental conversation Harry nodded. "Why not."
Dumbledore led them a few steps away and said. "I am in need of a bit of help. Because of your actions, I do not have one of my most useful tools in discovering Horcurxes. I mean of course, my Pensieve. I am positive I know where one of the Horcruxes is located, but I need access to my Pensieve to obtain a vital piece of information. I have approached Madam Bones on several occasions about returning my property, but obviously my attempts have failed."
"Are you trying to make us feel responsible or was there some other reason for wishing to speak to us?" Hermione asked.
"You are responsible, but in this case, what I need is for you to approach Madam Bones on my behalf about the use of the Pensieve. It can be in her office, but she cannot see the memory."
"The ring?" Harry asked his wife.
"Most likely," Hermione replied as she led Harry away. "We have to pretend we're talking in whispers since we don't want Dumbledore to know we can do this. Just move you lips randomly."
"Randomly?"
"I'm personally reciting the twelve uses of Dragon's blood to myself. If he's trying to overhear us or read our lips, he'll be very confused. Now do you think we should do what he wants?"
"I think we have too," Harry said. "We need him to deal with the ring, but we can also insist on seeing the memory and going with him."
"Good idea," Hermione agreed.
"Sir, we'll talk to Madam Bones, but we have a condition," Harry said when he and Hermione returned to the Headmaster. "We would like to see the memory as well to make sure you aren't lying about why you need to see it, and we'd like to accompany you to search for the Horcrux."
"Such an endeavor would be extremely dangerous," Dumbledore replied as he felt a rush of satisfaction that he was finally regaining some control of the situation. He let out a sigh to show he was hesitant about giving into their demands but then continued. "Though maybe if you two will drop your rebellious attitudes and promise to obey my instructions, even if you disagree with them, you can accompany me."
Harry glanced at Hermione and they both mentally agreed.
....
Join my P*atreon to enjoy 60+ advanced chapters.
Link: p*atreon.com/ScarletRosee (Remove the *)
Free members can get 2+ advanced chapters FOR FREE.