Harry Potter: Love's Second Chance

"Is there a limit to how many you can make? From what I've read and experienced with Harry, Voldemort has always considered himself the most powerful or the best at everything," Hermione said as they tried to give the answer to Dumbledore. "He wouldn't settle for second best, I mean last year he had to have Harry's blood because it was best for his purpose even though any enemy's blood would have worked to resurrect him."

Dumbledore grimaced slightly at the mention of Harry's blood and horcruxes.

"In Arithmancy Professor Vector said seven was the most powerful magical number," Hermione continued. "Is it possible that he could split his soul into seven pieces? If it is, I'm sure that's what he'd do."

"Very good Miss Granger, though it is only speculation I think you may be right. Unfortunately I fear we need proof of that to be certain, otherwise we're risking all on a hunch," Dumbledore said. "Until we are sure all of his Horcruxes are destroyed, we will be unable to kill Riddle." A sadness descended upon the Headmaster as he knew he looked upon the last horcrux sitting in front of him. "Now is not the time for that though. I need him to trust me, to trust that I know what must be done. I must find a way to convince him to DO what must be done," He thought. Finally he turned his mind back to the conversation. "I hope you now can see why keeping this quiet is extremely important. If Tom knew I was searching for his Horcruxes, he'd make them impossible to find."

"Do you have any ideas on where they may be?" Hermione asked.

"I had hoped to find one in the Chamber of Secrets," Dumbledore admitted. "But even though I searched it, none were to be found. Though I did realize why afterwards."

"Why sir?"

"Remember that he made his first when he was only sixteen years old," Dumbledore explained. "I am positive he used the death of Myrtle to accomplish the endeavor."*

"So...it takes a death to create a Horcrux?" Harry asked knowing full well what it took.

"It takes murdering someone. The ultimate act of evil."

"Then it couldn't have been Myrtle, unless you can create the Horcrux days or even weeks after the murder," Hermione remarked. "I mean according to Harry, the Diary Voldemort knew about things happening well after Myrtle's murder including knowing you were watching him. In fact I think Harry said that Voldemort mentioned it was only AFTER you started watching him once Hagrid was expelled did he think to leave the Diary."

"I guess I only heard what I thought I was going to hear when Harry told me the tale," Dumbledore admitted. "That is a very good observation Miss Granger. I don't think it will bear any great meaning about how many Horcruxes Riddle created but I shall have to rethink that part of what I know."

"Thank you Professor."

"Now let us discuss what I feel Peter was here to retrieve," Dumbledore said. "He said Voldemort called it a Diadem. I think that is very important."

"Why would it be? Isn't that just another name for a tiara or crown?" Hermione asked.

"Yes but you see I think and this is something else my Pensieve would have assisted me in showing you, I think that Riddle is collecting objects that are associated with the founders..."

"You don't think it's the lost Diadem of Ravenclaw do you?" Hermione asked in a surprised voice.

"You're familiar with it?" Dumbledore asked.

"Luna mentioned it just recently," Hermione answered. "She said her father wanted to recreate it, but hasn't it been lost ever since Rowena Ravenclaw herself died?"

"Yes, but if anyone could have found it, it would be Tom Riddle," Dumbledore replied. "Of course there is no guarantee that's what it is. You should alert me to anything that might resemble a jeweled headpiece for examination."

"Of course sir," Hermione replied.

"Do either of you have any questions?" Dumbledore asked.

"Do you have any other ideas of what his Horcruxes might be or where they might be located?" Harry asked in return.

"I am positive I know where one is," He replied. "In fact if you would, I'd like you to assist me in something Harry," Dumbledore paused for a couple of seconds but finally he rose from his seat and walked over to a cabinet where he tapped his wand in a complex pattern on its door. When he finished, the cabinet sprung open. Dumbledore reached inside and pulled out a very familiar item; the gold locket of Salazar Slytherin. He briefly stared at it before returning to his seat. As he sat back down, he placed the locket in the middle of the desk. Both Harry and Hermione eyed it with disgust. They each could feel the effects it had on them from the months of carrying it around with them.

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