the Horcrux Thief, james potter

xiv. welcome, to gryffindor tower

Amaya watched as Dumbledore considered what James said, and watched as James stood tall and proud, not wavering with doubt or nerves, just determined to give Sirius some sort of comfort, and his brother some sort of hope. Finally, Dumbledore hummed. "It's quite risky for both of them to talk, Mr. Potter. If You-Know-Who finds out, both brothers would be in trouble."

"Well, there has to be a way. Regulus is going to start his last year at Hogwarts soon, perhaps a meeting could be set up," said James, willing to try anything.

An idea popped into Amaya's head and she spoke up, "Albus, James told me he was made Head Boy last year. Do the Heads have some sort of separate common room?"

"The Heads' Quarters," James said in understanding, catching onto what she was trying to say, "Lily and I chose not to stay there, but we were given the option. Perhaps Regulus will take it. That could also be a test of his loyalties, see if he'd rather stay with the snakes in his house or not."

"You propose I make Regulus Black Head Boy?" asked Dumbledore, his sapphire eyes glinting.

"It would facilitate communications, would it not?" questioned Amaya, "Especially if he is to be a spy for the Order."

"Then it's lucky I wasn't planning to send out the letters for the Heads until later today," said Dumbledore with a nod. "I will take care of it, Mr. Potter; and I'll update you on Mr. Black's decision regarding the Heads' Quarters. Now, Ms. Santoro, shall we discuss your mission?"

James thanked the Headmaster and made his way to leave when Amaya stopped him, grabbing his arm—because she was taking a leap of faith, and trying to trust the boy who only wanted the best for the people he cared for. She hesitated under his stare, but finally said quietly, "You can stay, James."

"Are you sure?"

Amaya nodded, and he smiled softly before both of them took a seat in front of the Headmaster's desk. And then Amaya began updating Dumbledore on what she'd been doing and what she'd discovered.

She told him that most of what her father wrote was gibberish and riddles, and sometimes useful information. She told him that she figured out Voldemort had been after, and perhaps still was, the Founder's artifacts, and that she was certain about the Slytherin Locket having been used. She told him she was still trying to figure out how to destroy the Horcruxes because she'd hit a stump everywhere else, and by the end, James looked mighty confused, and Dumbledore was nodding in thought.

"Well, my dear, that sure is quite a bit of work."

"Really? I feel like I accomplished nothing."

"But you did. You see, if you're right about the artifacts being used as Horcruxes, that means we know at least three of them," explained Dumbledore.

"There are four founders," James pointed out and Dumbledore nodded.

"That is true. But the Sword of Gryffindor only makes its presence known to a true Gryffindor," he said. "That leaves us with the locket, Helga Hufflepuf's cup, and Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem."

"What's a diadem?" asked James.

"It's a sort of crown or tiara," explained Amaya.

"You see, Amaya, you have more information than you might think." Dumbledore paused as he raised his wand and flicked it in the air before three books came flying from the bookshelves and landed on his desk. "I've been studying these for the past few days, I haven't found anything new, but perhaps they could help you."

Amaya nodded as she eyed the books on the desk, radiating a sort of magic that felt unpleasant. They were most probably illegal in the country. And as she looked closer Amaya's eyes widened. "Those are my father's books."