Percy Weasley stared at the picture hanging on his wall, in his office at the Ministry of Magic. It was Friday afternoon. He kept playing the same painful scene in his head, over and over again. Penelope Clearwater had given him the boot. She told him how tired she was of having to take a backseat to his ambitions. The truth about Voldemort's return and Dumbledore's consequential death was the straw that broke the camel's back. Discovering the truth about Fudge being under the influence of the Imperious curse added to Percy's woeful feelings of guilt. 

His father was right all this time, he thought to himself. They were just out to get my family. Then another idea abruptly pushed its way to the front of Percy's thoughts. What am I saying? I'm not the failure here. The Ministry failed me! It took Dad over twenty years to get promoted. Big deal! He heads a department that deals with counterfeit spells! Stupidest thing I've ever heard! I got promoted only after two years! So, who cares about that thing with Crouch? I'm Scrimgeour's boy now! Percy stopped for a moment. Scrimgeour, the vampire? Even Percy had to concede, being this Minister's right hand man was nothing to be proud of.

Dolores Umbridge's feigning support and false appreciation for Percy, while she was torturing Harry for standing up to her, did not make things any better. She got Dumbledore ousted from his position, albeit temporarily, at Hogwarts! There's nothing wrong with me, or the Ministry. There's good and bad apples wherever you go. Percy tried to rationalize everything that was going on around him, but it was no use. Percy knew he had been had. Somewhere, somehow, some of the members of the Ministry were supporting Voldemort's cause, and Percy fell right into their trap, which helped them gain advantage. What do I do now? he thought. 

The people he thought he could trust in the Ministry were, for lack of a more sophisticated expression, untrustworthy. Where could he go now? Not back to his family, after everything he had said and done to parents-- especially his father. No. I can't go back home. They'll never let me live it down. How could he expect his father to forgive him? Percy felt the need to go for a walk. It was the middle of the afternoon. On his way down, he met someone from the Treasury Department. 

"Oh, Percy," summoned the little beady-eyed man, "you wouldn't happen to be on your way to Gringotts, would you?"

"Well, no, not really. Why?" Percy inquired.

"These checks need to be deposited before the bank closes and unfortunately, I have an important engagement with Scrimgeour. It's my fault. I had the checks sitting on my desk for over a week and I guess, well, I procrastinated too long."

"I can take them for you," Percy offered.

"Oh, bless you, dear boy, bless you!" replied the little man, as he stuffed the checks in Percy's hand and ran off.

Percy laughed for a moment then Apparated over to Gringotts. He suddenly remembered his brother, Bill, worked there. Even though Bill was disappointed in Percy's behavior, Percy knew that Bill was still a good person to talk to. He figured, perhaps, having to go to the bank was a good omen.

Percy arrived at Gringotts and ventured inside. He walked over to one of the goblins sitting behind the tellers' desk.

"Excuse me, would it be possible to see William Weasley? I'm his brother, Percy." 

The goblin, behaving rather coldly, as goblins were known to do, looked down his nose at Percy, then replied with a raspy, elf-like voice, "Wait here. I will summon him."

"Thank you," Percy replied, forcing himself to be polite.

The goblin rose from his chair and went through the door behind him. A moment later a tall, slender, good-looking man, with some scars on his face, walked out to meet Percy. Bill's bright red hair and good looks were striking. Some would have thought he was the most handsome of all the Weasleys had it not been for the scars on his face, compliments of Fenrir Greyback, the werewolf.

Bill walked up to the gate that separated the staff from the public, unhooked the latch and opened it to allow Percy entrance.

"To what do I owe this pleasure, little brother?" Bill asked.

Percy could sense the sarcasm in his elder brother's voice. It was understandable and Percy had expected some resistance from Bill.

"Bill, I have some checks from the Ministry that need to be deposited," Percy explained. He tried to not let on that he had anything else on his mind. He was glad to see Bill. He sensed a comfort in seeing his older brother that he had not experienced before. 

"Is that it?" Bill asked, rather indignantly. "Is that why you brought me out here?" Bill looked at Percy, shrugged his shoulders, and then said, "Okay, come on in." 

Percy followed Bill into his office.

"Take a seat, Percy," Bill invited, with a smirk on his face. 

Percy sat down across from Bill, who flipped through the checks.

"You know, you could have just let one of the tellers take care of these," informed Bill, sensing that Percy had something else on his mind. 

Percy sat quietly, watching Bill. He wanted to say something. He wanted to tell Bill what was on his mind, but he didn't know how to start.

Bill looked up from the checks on his desk, and bluntly asked Percy, "So what's this really about? I know something's up. You look like rubbish."

Percy's mouth dropped open. This was the break he was looking for. Who would have guessed Bill would break the ice? 

"I've been thinking about things lately," Percy nervously confided.

"Yeah, like what?"

"Everything that's happened. The Ministry. People I should have never trusted. Dumbledore's death..." Percy's voice trailed off.

"Yeah...and?"

Then Percy said it. "Dad was right." 

Bill smiled at Percy. 'Finally,' Bill thought, 'Percy had come to his senses.' He replied, "Dad usually is. Have you spoken to Penelope about that?" 

Percy felt as if Bill was seeing right through him now. "Penelope...left me." Percy looked away from Bill.

"Oh, I see," Bill replied, now understanding the whole story. "So, it took the loss of someone you loved to make you come to your senses," Bill deduced, his face held a stern look. "You know, it's okay to be ambitious and all that, but if it's going to cost you the things that mean the most to you, it's not really worth it now, is it?" Bill preached. 

Percy could say nothing to this. A lump formed in his throat. He slowly shook his head. 

"So, what do you want to do now?" Bill asked. 

Percy thought for a moment. He was hoping Bill would say something like, 'Well let's go home to Mom and Dad and I'll help you clear everything up,' but he did not. Percy knew he had to express this wish to Bill in order to receive an invitation.

"Well, I was hoping I could talk to Dad," Percy confessed, studying Bill's expression.

"I suppose that would be a good start. It's good that you finally came to your senses and realized how much you need your family," Bill said somewhat smugly. 

"Wait. I didn't say anything about needing anyone! I don't need anyone, Bill!" Percy snapped.

"Percy, I didn't mean anything by it. I just meant that it's good that you finally got your priorities straight," Bill clarified. 

Percy glared at Bill. This was not going as well as he had hoped. He was hoping for a simple invitation to ease back into the family. Apparently, Bill was not going to let him get off that easily. 

"Look, Bill, if you think the only reason I'm here, talking to you, is because you think I can't handle it out there, you're wrong. I'm doing just fine! I've been on my own for over two years now, and I've been doing great without Mum and Dad's help, or anyone else's help for that matter!" Percy growled defensively.

"Hey, Percy, take it easy. You know that pride of yours is going to get you in a heap of trouble one of these days. Look, I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to offend you. I think it's great that you want to talk to Dad," Bill calmly replied.

Percy relaxed back in his chair. He knew he was not fooling his elder brother. Bill was well aware of how much it would mean to his parents, if Percy were to return to the family. Yet, at the same time, he felt an obligation toward them as well that Percy return to them on proper terms. On the one hand, Bill could be held responsible for a terrible backfire if Percy's and his parents' reunion did not go over well. On the other hand, he didn't want to be the one to blame for Percy's decision to never want to come back.

"Hey, Percy, do you really want to clear things up with Dad?" Bill asked sincerely, looking directly into Percy sulking eyes.

Percy looked back at Bill, a slight smile formed in the corner of his mouth. "Yeah." He answered solemnly.

"Okay. Here's the plan. I'm meeting Dad back at the Ministry at five. Mum invited Fleur and me over for dinner. Meet us outside then," Bill instructed, with a reassuring smile. "I'm sure Mum will be happy to have another guest. You know how she is -- always room for one more. She'll want to fatten you up. Look at you. You're a bloody rail!"

Percy smiled at the thought of coming home to his mother's cooking. Molly Weasley was a wonderful cook. Percy got up from Bill's desk. Bill led Percy back out to the main lobby of the bank.

"So, five o'clock," Bill confirmed. 

"Thanks." Percy smiled and nodded. 

Five o'clock arrived. Bill waited outside the Ministry for his father. Mr. Weasley stepped out the front door of the Ministry five minutes after five. He greeted Bill. 

"So, we ready to go?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Uh, almost," Bill replied. "Were having another guest for dinner."

Mr. Weasley looked puzzled. Bill gestured toward the door of the Ministry. It did not take long for Percy to walk out through it. Mr. Weasley's jaw dropped. His heart leaped. Bill watched his father's reaction with glee. Percy stared at his father for a moment then greeted him sheepishly. It was not with the same formal, cold greeting he had given his father last Christmas. The casual greeting said everything to Mr. Weasley that he had desperately longed to hear.

"Hi, Dad." Percy smiled at Mr. Weasley nervously.

Mr. Weasley could not speak. He smiled and acknowledged Percy with a nod of approval. Mr. Weasley looked at Bill and shared a thoughtful moment.

"Well, let's go. Your mother will never let us hear the end of it if we're late," Mr. Weasley joked. The three began their journey back to the Burrow.

Molly Weasley was busy at the stove, preparing Friday night dinner. Everyone, except Charlie, Ron and Ginny, would be eating at the Burrow that evening. Fleur was assisting Molly in the kitchen. The aroma floated out of the windows into the chilly November air.

Mr. Weasley, Bill and Percy arrived at the Burrow, taking in the aroma from the kitchen. Mr. Weasley opened the door. Mrs. Weasley turned around and hurried over to greet him. Bill followed behind Mr. Weasley, but Percy hesitated, watching from the threshold. Fleur followed in pursuit with Mrs. Weasley to greet Bill.

"Arthur, dear, Bill, get cleaned up. Dinner is almost ready," Molly announced.

"Er, do we have room for one more?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Why, who's..." But before Molly could finish, she caught a glimpse of Percy standing in the doorway.

"Percy!" Molly squealed with joy, dashing over to him and throwing her arms around his neck.

"Hi, Mum," Percy murmured, starting to feel the lump form in his throat again.

"Well, of course we have room!" Molly assured, taking Percy by the hand and leading him to the table. "You sit right here," Molly insisted, seating Percy down next to her side of the table.

Soon the rest of the Weasleys arrived. Fred and George walked into the house and stopped briskly in their tracks when they saw Percy sitting at the dinner table.

"Well, boys, don't just stand there. Sit down, dinner is ready," Molly ordered, hurrying Fred and George to their seats. 

Everyone ate their meal quietly. No one was sure what to say. Percy was a disturbing presence to Fred and George. Arthur and Molly would occasionally look up from their meal to observe the others. Molly would periodically ask a question, eager to make small talk, in order to break the unbearable silence. Except for the sound of silverware clanging against a dish, very little sound was heard. The tick tock from the clock on the wall had never sounded louder. 

"So, what else is new?" Molly asked, looking at the faces around the table, searching for someone to respond. 

No one said a word. Percy subconsciously rested his fork on his dish, and stared at a bowl of meatballs. The silence was starting to get to him as well, but he did not dare look up to meet the eyes of any of his siblings. He could feel the stings from Fred and George sitting across from him. He strained to look out of the corner of his eye to see what his father was doing. 

Suddenly, Fleur rose to the occasion and broke what seemed to be an eternity of deafening silence. "I'm pregnant."

Everyone immediately stopped chewing and looked up at Fleur. They looked at one another. Molly looked at Arthur in shock. The shock subsided. She jumped out of her chair and ran over to Fleur.

"A baby! Did you hear that, Arthur?" Molly screamed, grabbing Fleur around the neck and chest. "We're going to be grandparents!" 

Bill sat still, looking at Fleur with just as much of a surprised expression as everyone else.

"Congratulations, Fleur, Bill!" Percy exclaimed, relieved that the silence had been broken. 

Molly moved over to stand between Bill and Fleur. She had her arms stretched around both of them. "Well, this calls for a celebration. We have so much to celebrate. What say we have a big dinner next Saturday night? This way Charlie, Ron, and Ginny can join us too." 

The following Saturday arrived before Percy knew it. He was getting dressed in his London apartment, not far from the Ministry. He was feeling a bit apprehensive. Percy remembered the letter he sent to Ron two years before, in reference to his parents and Harry. He was hoping this night would be his chance to apologize to Harry. He finished getting ready, stepped out into the hallway and locked his apartment door.

The light from the Burrow gave it a warm appearance in contrast to the crisp November air. Bill, Fleur and Charlie had already arrived. Fred, George, Ron and Ginny walked to the Burrow together. Along with them, were Harry and Hermione. The aroma from the kitchen was beckoning. 

"So, I wonder what the celebration is all about,." Ron shared his thoughts.

"Yeah, Mum didn't mention anything in her letter," Ginny added.

"I think it has something to do with Bill and Fleur," Fred replied, not letting on that he knew part of the reason for the celebration was because Percy had returned.

They finally entered the Burrow. Molly greeted Harry and Hermione with her usual bone- crushing hug. Ron and Ginny looked around. They glanced at Bill and Fleur, then at each other. Charlie came over to Harry and Hermione to greet them. 

"Well," Ron declared, " we're all here. What's the news?" 

"Wait," Molly replied mysteriously. "We're still short of one."

Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny exchanged puzzled looks. Not a moment later, Percy walked through the door. Charlie, Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny stared in shock and slight disgust at Percy.

"Now, we're all here," Molly announced gleefully. "Everyone," Molly began, "we're all here to celebrate Bill and Fleur's wonderful news. Bill, go ahead, dear."

Bill walked to the center of the room. His parents, siblings, Harry and Hermione, surrounded him. Fleur looked on, smiling brightly.

"Well, everyone, Fleur and I are having a baby."

Everyone in the room cheered with joy. Charlie, Ron, Harry and Hermione, congratulated Bill. Ginny hugged Bill then, as a gesture of good sportsmanship, half-heartedly hugged Fleur. Percy stood in the background, smiling and trying to fit in.

Molly interrupted the group and walked over to Percy. "Wait, everyone. Can I have your attention please?" 

Mr. Weasley took this as a cue to walk over to Percy's other side. 

"We have another piece of good news," chirped Molly. 

Everyone turned to look in their direction.

"Percy has returned to the family," Molly announced, clutching Percy's hand, straining to smile at the rest of the family. 

Charlie and Ron exchanged screwed up expressions of utter confusion and disbelief.

"Percy, we're glad you finally came to your senses," Bill joked, trying to set an example for his other siblings. 

Everyone else was quiet for a moment before Molly gestured to Charlie to step up and be the next to welcome Percy back. Eventually, everyone came around to welcome Percy back. Then, Molly led everyone to the dinner table. 

Conversation at the table seemed to resume to its normal level of noise. Laughter filled the air, and conversation about what to name the baby was the key topic. Dinner was a success and everyone pitched in to help clear the table. Percy saw his moment to pull Harry over to the side to talk to him. 

"Harry, can I talk to you for a minute?" Percy asked gingerly.

Harry looked at Percy, shrugged his shoulders in a gesture of agreement then put the small pile of dishes he was holding back on the table. He followed Percy into a corner in the sitting room.

"Harry, I know I was wrong to have written that letter. It was thoughtless of me. It was wrong for me to have said those things about Dumbledore, too. I just wanted you to know I made a terrible mistake and I'm sorry for it. I don't blame you for being angry with me. I hope in time we can get past all this."

Harry looked at Percy then looked away for a second. He shrugged his shoulders again, as a sign of indifference then blankly replied, "Alright."

"So...we're ok?" Percy asked, seeking reassurance.

"Yeah...sure. Look, it's all in the past. I'm just glad your back." Harry half-heartily smiled. Harry was still annoyed with Percy, but he didn't want to create a problem and spoil the evening for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. He turned and walked back to the kitchen. 

Percy watched with his hands on his waist. He looked down at the floor, realizing that it was going to be a long time before he would be able to enter the circle of trust. Molly decided to finish clearing up the dinner dishes herself, so she shuffled everyone outside. 

The night air, in spite of the chill, was refreshing. Harry and Ginny were careful not to show any affection to each other in front of the other Weasleys and Hermione. Mr. Weasley peered proudly out the window, watching his newly restored family.

The Weasley clan, Harry and Hermione stood in a circle outside in the yard, exchanging small conversation, joking and laughing. 

"So, Percy," Bill began, "how does it feel to be back in the family?"

"It feels ... wonderful," Percy replied, smiling.

"Well, you're not exactly back in the family yet," Bill informed, gesturing to Charlie to grab Percy from behind. Bill quickly walked up to Percy, grabbed Percy by the shoulder and punched his brother hard in the stomach. Percy crumbled forward with a horrible moan. Hermione let out a squeal and covered her mouth. The look on her face expressed shock.

Fred and George started to laugh, as did Ron and Ginny. Harry winced in sympathy for Percy, recalling one time when a Bludger clipped him in the stomach, during Quidditch practice. Eventually, however, he began to laugh too.

"Now, you're back in the family!" Bill declared. He and Charlie started walking away. 

The others followed, except for Hermione, who offered her assistance to help Percy sit up. Percy was still lying on the cold, hard ground, in a tight fetal position.

"Percy, are you ok?" Hermione asked, concernedly. Percy looked up at her in agony. 

"Bill! Charlie!" Mr. Weasley shouted, running out of the house to Percy's rescue.

"Take it easy, Dad. He'll live," Bill quipped coolly.

Mr. Weasley trotted over to Percy and Hermione. "That's okay, Hermione. I'll take it from here."

Hermione nodded and ran to join the others re-entering the house. Harry walked into the house and looked onward through the window with the others, as Mr. Weasley tended to Percy.

"Percy," Mr. Weasley yelped. He helped Percy sit up from a crouched position. Mr. Weasley cradled Percy in his arms.

"It's okay, Dad," Percy groaned, trying to drive off his father's concern. "As strange as this may sound," Percy struggled to speak, "this was the redemption I think I was looking for." 

Mr. Weasley looked at Percy, strangely, for a moment then hugged Percy and laughed. It was a natural reaction from a father to his son. At one time, Mr. Weasley thought he had lost Percy for good, but now he was back and here to stay. Yes, he thought to himself, this was truly a night to celebrate.

It was Sunday morning. Ron and Harry decided to go for a walk around the grounds of the Burrow. Ron was still stewing over his parents' behavior, ever since Percy's return. 

"Ron," Harry asked, noticing Ron's mood, "what's wrong? You haven't been yourself since you found out about Percy."

"I just can't believe my parents. You'd think Percy had just returned from the trenches and earned a medal of honor," Ron retorted angrily.

"I know. I don't understand it either. Percy even tried apologizing to me for that letter he wrote you back in fifth year," Harry snarled.

"You know, it's not like he went on a long vacation and came back. He walked out on the family! He turned his back on us so he could be some big shot in the Ministry!" growled Ron, growing angrier with every step he took. "I was made a prefect this year! I made Keeper on Gryffindor's Quidditch team! I'm dating the Head Girl! You'd think they'd hold a celebration for that, but no! Percy, the traitor, who turns his back on everyone, decides he screwed up and comes running home. Oh yes, let's celebrate that!" Ron ranted.

"Well, the celebration wasn't all about Percy," Harry reminded, teasing Ron.

"Oh, yeah! How could I possibly forget! Fleur's got Bill's bun in her oven!"

Harry laughed. "I think it's time we just headed back to school. All this excitement's been too much for you."

"Shut up, Harry."

Later that morning, Mr. Weasley drove the trio back to the train station. The trio boarded the train and found a carriage a few doors down. As usual, Hermione immediately buried her head in the Daily Prophet. Ron and Harry purchased some candy off the trolley and snacked endlessly, as they chatted about Quidditch. When they arrived back at Hogwarts, they settled back in their dorms. Hermione took some time to catch up on the studying she had missed, while she was at the Weasleys.

Harry and Ron brought Neville, Seamus and Dean up to date with everything that happened over their weekend. Ron could not wait to complain to his dorm mates about Percy and his parents. Harry was eager to leave the room and go find Ginny, but did not want to appear unsupportive to Ron's plight.

Unfortunately, for Harry, Hermione, Ginny and some other Griffindors, in earshot of Ron's incessant complaining, dinner was far from peaceful. Hermione decided it was time she put an end to Ron's ranting.

"Ron, I thought by now you'd have stopped moping around about Percy and your parents," Hermione groaned, abruptly placing her silverware back on the dinner table.

"Hermione, what if you had a brother and he did what Percy did? How would you feel if your parents made a big deal over your brother coming home, after he walked out on the family?" Ron argued.

"He's got a point," Harry interjected on Ron's behalf.

"If it bothers you so much, why don't you talk to Professor Albright? Maybe she can enlighten you as to why your parents are so happy," Hermione suggested with a hint of sarcasm.

Ron looked at Harry and shrugged his shoulders. 

"Well, I'll go see her tomorrow night. Maybe she can explain why my parents are acting so stupidly," Ron grumbled. 

The trio continued to eat their meal quietly. For the rest of the Griffindor's, the show was over. Except for the usual dinner conversations, the rest of dinner remained uneventful. Ginny and Harry would occasionally share a secret smile between them. Hermione would occasionally look up at Ron sympathetically. 

The following night finally arrived, and the trio went to see Professor Albright in her chambers, as Ron had initially planned. Professor Albright was sitting at her desk, having a cup of tea when Harry knocked on the door. Professor Albright slowly emerged from her seat and approached the door. She was happy to see them standing on the other side when she opened it. 

"Children," Professor Albright exclaimed, "what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in your dorms?"

"Ron's got a problem he wants to talk to you about," Harry explained.

"Oh," Professor Albright said, looking concerned at Ron. "Well, then, come in."

The trio entered the staff lounge and took a seat at the table.

"So, Mr. Weasley, what is on your mind this evening?" Professor Albright inquired.

"Well," Ron began, taking a deep breath then exhaling heavily through his nose, "you probably know by now that my brother, Percy, came home last week and my parents were all happy and stuff."

"And this bothers you?" Professor Albright asked, searching the other faces for additional explanation.

"Well, ... yeah. He turned his back on the family over two years ago, because he got this promotion and thought he was too good for the rest of us," Ron explained.

"Oh, I see," Professor Albright comprehended.

"I mean, why are my parents making such a big deal about it? If I were them, I'd slam the door on his face, like he did to Mum."

"So, instead your parents are celebrating his return to the family," Professor Albright completed Ron's thought.

"Exactly! I mean, why can't they celebrate something about me?"

Professor Albright thought for a moment. She sensed a tone of jealous in Ron's voice. "Ronald," Professor Albright directed, "I want you to put both hands flat on the table."

"Huh?"

"Place your hands on the table, fingers spread." 

Ron looked at Harry. One side of his face was contorted from confusion. Harry responded with a shrug of his shoulders, implying he had no idea where Professor Albright was going with this. Ron went ahead and reluctantly placed his hands on the table, as Professor Albright ordered. 

"Now," Professor Albright continued, pointing to Ron's pinky, "this pinky finger of yours became infected. It healed, but I'm going to cut it off anyway."

"What! No!" Ron cried, pulling his hands back.

"Put your hands back on the table, Ronald. No need to worry. I'm not really going to cut off your finger," Professor Albright reassured. Ron did as he was told. "Now, as I said before, your pinky became infected and now it's healthy again. I'm going to cut it off."

"Wait, why would you cut it off?" Harry interrupted. "It's not infected anymore."

"Well, you don't want to take the chance that it might get infected again, do you?" Professor Albright proposed.

"Well, if it's healthy again, I want to keep it," Ron whined.

"And why is that, Mr. Weasley? After all, it's just a pinky. You have nine other good fingers."

"Yeah, but it would be weird. It would be like I wasn't whole. You know...missing a part and all that..." Ron justified.

"So, because this pinky is a part of you and makes up your whole being, it's important that you should keep it," Professor Albright concluded, helping the other two understand.

"Yeah. Exactly."

"So, even though your pinky, at one time, was infected, you decided you wanted to keep it now that it's healed."

Ron nodded in agreement. "Yeah."

"Ronald, a child to a parent is like a finger on their hand, only much more precious. They have strong feelings of love for it. If something were to happen to that child, they wouldn't feel whole. A part of them would be missing. Has Pigwidgeon ever done something that made you angry?"

"Yeah, all the time."

"Would you be glad if he died?"

"No!"

"Why?"

"I ...still..." Ron began. He started to comprehend the point that Professor Albright was trying to make.

"If Pigwidgeon flew away, would you be unhappy if he returned?"

Ron looked down on his hands then looked back up at the professor. This time he had a slight smile forming in the corner of his mouth. Harry and Hermione began forming similar expressions on their faces.

"Now, children, it's getting late. You three should be in your dorms by now," Professor Albright stated.

"Yeah, we should," Hermione agreed.

"Thanks." Ron grinned.

"My pleasure, Mr. Weasley," Professor Albright reassured. 

Harry, Hermione, and Ron rose from the table and walked toward the staff lounge door. 

While on their way back to Gryffindor, the conversation switched back to the Horcruxes. Hermione opened up the conversation with a question about Helga Hufflepuff's cup. 

"Harry, do you recall what happened to Helga Hufflepuff's cup after Hepzabah Smith was murdered?"

"No. Last we figured, Voldemort took it and hid it somewhere," Harry replied.

"Well, I was looking up the records on Hepzabah Smith. She was from Hufflepuff. Maybe where you need to start looking is where a former Hufflepuff is now. You need to figure out which Hufflepuffs are Voldemort supporters. Think, Harry. Draco Malfoy's father had the diary. Did Dumbledore say where he got the ring?"

"Yes, while he was visiting the Gaunt house," Harry replied.

"And the locket?" Hermione pressed.

"We didn't find the real locket. We recovered the fake one that R.A.B put in its place. It came with a note saying that..." Harry stopped and looked wide-eyed at Hermione.

"Saying what, Harry?" Hermione asked desperately.

"It said that the real locket would be destroyed," Harry answered.

"Well, then maybe four out of the seven are accounted for," Hermione concluded. "So, now we need the other three."

"The cup, Nagini and whatever the sixth one is," Harry recited.

"Yeah... whatever the sixth one is. That's the problem," Ron grumbled.

"Harry, tell me what Dumbledore said about Nagini," Hermione ordered.

"He said it's possible that Voldemort might have put a piece of his soul into Nagini, the night he killed my parents. He had become weakened after he tried to kill me, and realized he didn't have the time or strength to look for more Hogwarts trophies," Harry explained.

"He said might have?" Hermione asked trying to clarify what Harry said.

"Yeah, I know. That means there's a possibility that Nagini might not be a Horcrux," Harry acknowledged Hermione's concern.

"So, that means, we can only be certain about three pieces of You-Know-Who's soul. We're certain of two Horcruxes: the diary, and the ring. The seventh piece of His soul is still inside of him," Ron groaned.

"So, we're back to square one," Hermione added disheartenedly. "We're certain of two Hormcruxes, almost positive about the locket and the cup, which leaves us two that we can't figure out yet. This is awful!" Hermione furled her brows. 

"Harry, remember in our first year, we found out he was sharing Professor Quirrell's body, because he was too weak to have his own," Ron recalled.

"That's right," Hermione exclaimed. "That could be the key clue to figuring this whole thing out! Ron, I'm impressed."

Ron grinned and blushed at her compliment. 

"So, all that time he was sharing Quirrell's body, he was here in the school," Harry surmised. 

"And," Hermione added, "he had Quirrell and Snape helping him find a place to put the last two pieces of his soul."

The trio finally arrived at Gryffindor. Harry made his way into his dormitory while Ron and Hermione stayed in the Common Room to share a brief, private moment together. Harry lied in bed with his eyes closed, trying to relax. His mind kept wandering to Quirrell and Snape. Where would they hide the last piece of Voldemort's soul? This missing piece was the one hole that gave rise to Harry's sleepless night.