Chapter 283 - A Girl (2/2)

The room was in absolute silence. Nobody knew what to say. Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his hands were on his lap and his expression was tormenting. Harry was standing beside Dumbledore, staring at him. The previous Headmasters and Headmistress also seemed too shocked to comment anything. Chris was staring at the broken locket, standing on the other side of Dumbledore. Her mind racing through the things just happened. That part of the Riddle's soul somehow sensed Dumbledore's fear like a Boggart and tortured him to save himself. It was truly horrifying and alarming.

A long time passed, finally, Chris took a deep breath and spoke.

”You should rest, Professor,” she said very quietly. ”Do you need to see Professor Snape?”

For a few moments, Dumbledore didn't answer, Chris thought he hadn't heard it then Dumbledore opened his eyes.

”No,” murmured Dumbledore. His sound was so faint that Harry suddenly looked worried.

”Sir, maybe Madam Pomfrey —” Harry began.

”Harry, no one should know what had happened here,” Dumbledore sighed heavily. Chris still could see tears in his eyes. ”As your friends already know, you can tell them about the Horcruxe but not anyone else and I request you to —” Dumbledore's voice shook. He looked tired and defeated.

”Sir, please,” said Chris. ”You need to rest.”

”Yes, sir,” said Harry.

”Perhaps, yes, I need to rest.”

Dumbledore got up and Harry quickly supported him and helped him upstairs to his chamber. Chris waited in Dumbledore's office, the old Headmasters and Headmistress started to whisper among themselves.

”Did he say something?” asked Chris as Harry came back.

”Yes, he asked us to come back tomorrow at eight,” said Harry. ”Also he wanted us to leave the locket here.”

Chris nodded.

The sky outside was becoming paler and the sun was coming out as Chris and Harry walked through the empty corridors to the Gryffindor tower in complete silence, both thinking the same thing.

”Who was she?” said Harry finally.

”Your guess is good as mine,” sighed Chris. ”But I have never seen Dumbledore this —”

”Vulnerable?” Harry finished. ”Same here. I hate to see him like that.”

”But I guess, we destroyed a Horcruxe,” said Chris. ”You are a step close to winning against Riddle.”

”I hope so. I don't want Dumbledore's pain to go in vain,” Harry glanced sideways at Chris. ”Do you think Dumbledore really killed that girl?”

”I — don't know, Harry,” Chris said quietly. ”But I'm sure, he still regrets it.”

Ginny, Colin, Ron and Hermione were dozing in the common room. They have fallen asleep while waiting for Chris and Harry. Chris didn't wake them up and pulled Harry aside.

”Do you want to sleep for a few hours?” said Chris.

”Yeah, I — what?” Harry stared at her confused as Chris pulled out the Time-Turner.

”It's a Time-Turner,” said Chris throwing the chain around Harry's neck. ”Luna got it from the Department of Mysteries.”

Chris turned the hourglass over three times.

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To be continued. . .