It was a dull gray, unremarkable square locket, and even the little silver snake shaped like an S on its surface seemed shrouded in a murky sheen.
Zhang Xiao did not know whether this Horcrux was special or whether all Horcruxes had this ability.
Getting too close to a Horcrux could affect people without their realizing it, gradually driving them mad.
Kreacher often wore this locket, didn't he...
"Zhang-what's wrong?" Sirius asked curiously, following his gaze to a pile of the Black family's "scrap metal."
Black tilted his head and gave him an understanding smile.
"Don't be so polite, Zhang. Take anything you like. You can take the whole lot if you want."
Sirius really was the sort of friend worth having. Never mind that he always stepped up when needed-the man was genuinely generous, too.
Zhang Xiao looked away and shook his head with a smile.
"No, I'll have someone get some display cabinets and put these things away properly. As for Mrs. Black's portrait, I think we should put it in the room with your family tapestry."
"The tapestry? You saw that thing?" Black shrugged. "All right, Zhang, it's your call. You have the use of this place now, anyway."
After chatting for a while, the two began sorting through the pile.
Meanwhile, the Four Little Ones upstairs kept bringing down strange objects, though their finds were growing fewer and fewer. Hermione was already sitting on a wooden chair in the entrance hall, absorbed in several thick books she had gathered.
Ron and Harry chased after Malfoy with wicked grins, trying to make him call them Uncle.
The young master's face turned red with anger, but there was nothing he could do. According to the family tree, he really did have to call them that.
At noon, on