The next day, while the three of them were alone, Harry told Hermione and Ron about his discussion with Dumbledore the previous night.
Watching the two of them hold their breath in tension, their faces filled with shock, Harry did not know why he wanted to laugh. The irritation he had been bottling up also faded somewhat.
"So, Hor—"
Ron had barely begun before Harry interrupted him.
"That thing," Harry corrected.
"So... there are only two of those things left."
"Even in the worst-case scenario, Harry might only need to find one?" Hermione had not forgotten that Harry had told them Dumbledore would take him to find a Horcrux.
"I don't know. There's still one unknown. It could very well be a Gryffindor relic, or Ravenclaw's Diadem."
Harry folded up the Marauder's Map in his hand and paced back and forth three times along the wall opposite the Barnaby the Bold tapestry, only to find that the door to the Room of Requirement would not open again.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked, confused.
"It hasn't been opening lately," Harry said with a frown.
"Maybe a couple is having a date in there. I remember Albert used to go on dates here all the time." Hermione did not find it strange at all.
"I have a strange feeling!"
Harry stared at the tightly shut door. He could not explain it, but he felt there was something wrong inside.
"What did you sense?" Ron asked curiously.
"I don't know." Harry shook his head.
"I think Hermione's right. A couple probably came here for a date. If it were me, I'd probably choose this place too." Ron patted Harry on the shoulder. "Have you been under too much pressure lately?"
Harry secretly glanced at Ron. He knew the fellow had probably read too much