I was scanning through the series recently, looking for a Horcrux-related quote that I couldn't quite place. Perusing the chapter titles, I had hoped that I would be reminded as to where the quote might be located. But with the subject of Horcruxes on my mind, I noticed that some of the chapter titles such as, "The Very Secret Diary", literally referred to Horcrux artifacts. My heart leapt at an idea - could there be clues in the 162 chapter titles of the series to support Dumbledore's list of the 6 Horcruxes? I decided to forego my search for the elusive quote and set upon a new quest. I set out to determine if "Dumbledore's 6 Horcrux artifacts" were referenced within the chapter titles and possibly identifying the "unknown" or “uncertain" Horcruxes.

But alas, earwax (I love that quote!) While my research did locate references to the "5 known Horcruxes", the chapter titles also include references to so many of the artifacts that HP fans have speculated upon for the missing "Ravenclaw or Gryffindor artifact", that I can not prove my speculation. What then, is the point of this essay since I have no great revelations to offer?

Even though I haven't "uncovered the remaining Horcruxes", I thought that other "Potterholics" might be interested in my results. I know that I need a daily "Potter" fix and look forward to reading the "latest" theories --be it a light read or an in-depth study! This editorial is somewhere in the middle. I endeavored to list a chapter title reference for each speculated artifact. Some of the references that I have used are very obvious and easy to accept as related to the artifact. Others, I readily admit, require a stretch of the imagination to see a connection. (To tell you the truth, thos e were the most fun to theorize about!) I realize that if one searches fanatically enough, is willing to stretch the imagination a bit (or a lot!), a person can substantiate almost any theory with references that may be totally unrelated to the subject...I also admit that I am that fanatical. I simply wish to submit, for HP fans reading pleasure, the results of my research to help pass the time until Ms. Rowling provides us with Book 7-- where we will undoubtedly learn if Dumbledore is "never far off the mark" and we will know at last, the true identities of the Riddle Horcruxes. So, onward to my editorial...."From this point forth, we shall be leaving the firm foundation of fact and journeying together through the murky marshes of memory into thickets of wildest guesswork."

Part 1: Horcrux Artifacts Referred to in the Chapter Titles

This is a listing of the references within the series' chapter titles that I felt relate to known and potential Horcrux artifacts. I will try to offer an explanation for why I cite a chapter title and how it relates to the artifact. I spent considerable time and effort trying to complete my list. If the connection between the item and the title seems to be too long of a stretch, I request your indulgences. Please remember that I am attempting to provide a completed list and that I'm not suggesting that every artifact referenced is a viable, potential Horcrux! Note that those references marked with an "*" indicate that they reasonably support my speculation - chapter titles provide clues to identify Horcruxes from the either Dumbledore's list or my HP fan list of potential Horcruxes.

I. The Horcruxes and the Chapter Title References

A. The 2 “Known" Horcrux Items

We can say with relative certainty that the Diary and the Ring where Horcruxes.

1. *Diary: "The Very Secret Diary “(CoS Ch13) is obviously a "horcrux-related" chapter title!

2. Ring: "The Hearing"(OOP Ch 8), is a bit of a stretch. Phonetically, I hear “he" and "ring". With the example of Grimmauld Place interpreted to be a "grim old place", I feel justified in offering this title as a reference for the ring.

B. Dumbledore's A 4 Remaining Horcrux" List

Note: Dumbledore's speculation that Nagini was Horcrux #6 seems suspect to some fans and that the #5 "Gryffindor or Ravenclaw artifacts", is also rather vague. But Dumbledore's speculation that HH's cup and the Locket were made into Horcruxes appear to be readily accepted. However, this is neither here or there-- the purpose of this editorial was not to discuss the validity of the each potential artifact as a Horcrux. The purpose was to see if the chapter titles might actually identify the remaining 6 Horcruxes.

1. *Nagini: "The Eye of the Snake" (OOP Ch 21). Obvious chapter title reference.

2. Gryffindor or Ravenclaw item: "Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw"(PoA Ch 13) Admittedly, this does not reference an actual artifact, but I was surprised to see the founders names together in this title - similar to how Dumbledore listed the 5 th Horcrux!

3. HH Cup : "Talons and Tea Leaves" (PoA Ch 6), alludes to tea cups and the chapter offers a visual of "an array of teacups" on Trelawney's classroom shelves. While tea cups are rarely double handled, I hope that this is a passable reference!

4. Locket: "Gilderoy Lockhart"(CoS Ch 6), applies because of the anagram: "I, Gold Locket, Harry". While Ms. Rowling may have intentionally used only one anagram in the series, HP fans have found quite a number of applicable HP anagrams. With this one, I'd like to take the liberty of reading the "I" as a "1" to have it make more sense - especially when, in actuality, Harry has 2 gold lockets to deal with... "a matched pair"!

C. HP Fans' List of Potential Horcrux Artifacts

Initially, I was going to also list the titles that reference the award cups with my listing for the HH Cup, but since some fans theorize that those cups themselves may have been made into Horcruxes, I decided to explore the award cups in this section. I have gleaned this list of potential Horcrux artifacts from various HP forums and I have no way of determining who are the true originators of the speculations but my kudos to all for their diligent research and dedication to canon. Again, an item's plausibility as a Horcrux artifact will not be questioned here. This is merely a compilation of the results of HP fan research and my own intention of listing chapter titles that identify potential Horcruxes.

1.*Quidditch Cup: "The Quidditch Cup"(GoF Ch 8). Obvious chapter title reference!

2.*Goblet of Fire: "The Goblet of Fire" (GoF Ch 16). Obvious chapter title reference!

3.*Sorting Hat: "The Sorting Hat" (PS Ch 7). Obvious chapter title reference!

4. GG's Sword: "The Dueling Club"(CoS Ch11), a bit of a stretch but swords were used in duels in the days of the founders and this chapter's illustration shows Gryffindor House's Ghost, NHN, with a sword at his side !

5. *Wand in the Window at Ollivander's: "The Weighing of the Wands" (GoF Ch 18).Obvious chapter title reference to "wand" (and Ollivander did appear in this chapter)!

6. *TR's Wand : "The Weighing of the Wands" (GoF Ch 18) Obvious chapter title reference to "wand".

7. *TR's stolen items of Yo-Yo/Thimble: "The Boggart in the Wardrobe"(PoA Ch 7) Since TR's wardrobe was their last known location, this reference seems appropriate. (I take Dumbledore at his word that the mouth organ was never more than a mouth organ....that's why it is omitted here.)

8. *The MoE: "The Mirror of Erised" (PS Ch 12). Obvious chapter title reference! Also, "The Vanishing Glass" (PS Chapter 2), maybe a stretch but Dumbledore did move the glass mirror from its last know location and it has "vanished" from the series :~).

9.*Pettigrew's Hand : "Hermione's Helping Hand" (HBP Chapter 11). Obvious title reference to "hand"! Pettigrew certainly was "helpful" to Tom Riddle and gave his right arm in doing so!

10. *Opal Necklace: "Silver and Opals" (HBP Ch 12) Obvious chapter title reference to "opal"!

11. Tiara: "The Half-Blood Prince" HBP (Ch 9), is a stretch but.... a prince is next in line to the throne and the crown... Crowns, tiaras and veils are head wear so I'll also include "Beyond the Veil" (OOP Chapter 35). (The tiara could be Auntie Muriel's or the one Harry moves in the RoR).

12. Riddle's Special Award to School: "The Slug Club" (HBP Ch 7), the biggest "stretch" in my listing but Ron did cover it with slugs! : )

13. *Harry's scar: "The Scar"(CoS Ch 2).Obvious chapter title reference!

14. *Enchanted Tea Set: "Talons and Tea Leaves" (PoA Ch 6). Obvious chapter title reference!

15. Flying carpet: "Flight of the Fat Lady" (PoA Ch 8), has a reference to "flying" and Hagrid's story to Umbridge about being too big for a broomstick, made me consider this reference :~). Also, "Fight and Flight" (OOP Ch 33), is another "flying" reference in a chapter title.

16. H. Smith's Mirror: "The Mirror of Erised" (PS Ch 12), because it does refer to a mirror.

17. Screaming Book in Restricted Section: "The Very Secret Diary" (CoS Ch13), as it is another book with special powers.

18. Goblin Wrought armor: "Dumbledore's Army" (OOP Ch18). "stretch but "army" is a reference to war and armor is worn in war.

As I indicate from the start, I found so many Horcrux references that I could not support my speculation that clues to the 6 Horcrux might be found in the chapter titles and would identify the "unknown"; or "uncertain" Horcruxes. The myriad of references to "Dumbledore's List" and to "HP Fans' List of Potential Horcrux Artifacts" was surprising.

My research included another "Horcrux-related" surprise as well. I noticed something else about the chapter titles. In my attempt to find the Horcrux artifacts in the chapter titles, I noticed that Ms. Rowling used many locations in the titles as well. So, I expanded my endeavor to include finding references to the possible Horcruxes' locations. Again, imagination calisthenics may be required to see the connections I offer. Many of the locations I listed could be the potential resting places of several different Horcruxes, so I beg your indulgences and simply hope that you find this listing of interest. I included only those locations for which seemed to applicable to the Horcrux artifacts I previously listed. HP fans have suggested many interesting potential locations, such as "Albania" for which I could not find chapter title references, and so are not in my listing.

Part 2: Chapter Titles Reveal Past/Current Locations of Horcruxes

Many HP locations are used in chapter titles. Obviously, the remaining 4 Horcruxes and their locations are the main plot points of Book 7 and 2 of their identities are still in question. So, correctly identifying their past or current locations within the chapter titles could only be provided by a true Seer and as we know, they are rare. But using the canon we do have, I did find a few references that are easily accepted. The remainder is the result of fanatical scrambling to complete my list. Again, having read many forum threads regarding Horcruxes and their resting places, this list is a compilation of many ideas from other great HP sleuths. Please remember that I am merely providing a list and by no means are all references to be viewed as viable Horcrux locations. I have listed the potential locations in the same order as I previously listed the artifacts themselves. (I had thought to combine the two lists but all the chapter title references would have made for confusing entries.)

I. Locations for Dumbledore's Horcrux List

A. The "Known" Horcrux Items' Locations

1. Diary's location: "At Flourish and Blotts" (CoS Ch 4) where Lucius slips it to Ginny. Later, "The Chamber of Secrets" (CoS Ch 16) is where Harry "de-Horcruxed" the Diary. Last seen in Lucius' possession but current whereabouts unknown...maybe the trash can at bottom of Dumbledore's stairs that Lucius bounced down!? :~)

2. Ring's Location: "The House of Gaunt"(HBP Ch 10). Obvious title reference! Last seen in Dumbledore's' possession.

B. Locations for Dumbledore's list of "4 Remaining Horcruxes"

(Note: While Borgin and Burkes is as plausible a location for the resting place as any other, I couldn't find a chapter title reference for the shop.)

1. Nagini's Location : "The Riddle House" (GoF Ch 1), where Tom Riddle has his DE HQ? "Spinner's End" (HBP Chapter 2), for maybe Pettigrew has to share his room there with Nagini.

2. GG or RR item's Location(s) : "The Unknowable Room" (HBP Chapter 21) might hold the unknowable artifact. Or maybe “The Ministry of Magic "(OOP Ch 7) or even "The Dept. of Mysteries" (OOP Ch 34). There might be a room there containing a scholarly item of RR worthy of study?)

3. HH Cup's Location : "The Noble, Most Ancient House of Black (OOP Ch 6) The silver, Black- crested goblet is similar to the gold, HH-crested cup - which IS ancient. Could it be at (or had it been) at Number 12, too? Or like the Black silver has been feared - has Mundungus' sticky fingers carried it to Hogsmeade? If so, maybe "In the Hog's Head" (OOP Ch 16) could also apply---perhaps Aberforth has purchased it from Mundungus. Some fans suggest that it is buried in HH's grave (or even under the HH common room), so "The White Tomb" (HBP Ch 30), or "After the Burial" (HBP Ch22) could apply.

4. *Locket's Location: "The Cave" (HBP Ch 26), was the intended location of the locket. But due to "RAB = Regulus" theories, "Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place" (OOP Ch 4) might be supported as a location - in the glass cabinet. Later, if Kreacher snatched it from the bin, "Elf Tails" (HBP Chapter 19) might then apply. And, yet again, "In the Hog's Head" (OOP 16), as maybe Aberforth via Mundungus, may now have acquired the locket.

II. HP Fans' List of Potential Horcrux Artifacts' Locations

1. Tri-wizard Cups' Location: A The Ministry of Magic" (OOP Ch7), where it is stored in Bagman's Office?

2. Quidditch Cup's Location: A The Ministry of Magic" (OOP Ch7) because if Hogwarts is closed :( , this historical artifact needs protective storage. Last known location of cup is McGonagall's office.

3. Sorting Hat's Location: A The Ministry of Magic" (OOP Chapter7) again, because if Hogwarts is closed, this historical artifact needs protective storage. Last known location is the Headmaster's Office.

4. Sword's Location : "In the Hog's Head" (OOP Ch 16), since Aberforth is Dumbledore's next of kin, he'd be benefactor. Last know location is Dumbledore's office .

5. Ollivander's wand's Location : "Diagon Alley" (PS Ch 5), where it was originally in the shop window. Currently residing where ever Ollivander is hiding... I hope! :~)

6. TR's wand location: A The Riddle House" (GoF Ch1), or "The Man with Two Faces" (GoF Ch17), would apply.

7. R's wardrobe items' Location : "Through the Trapdoor" (PS Ch 16) could apply here as Dumbledore did imply that Lucius had access to some of Tom's school things so maybe they are in Malfoy's hidden chamber under the drawing room... as mentioned in CoS.

8. MoE's Location: "The Unknowable Room" (HBP: Chapter 21), since Dumbledore "required" a new hiding place for MoE.. Last known location is under Hogwarts... "Through the Trapdoor" (PS Ch 16).

9. Pettigrew's hand's Location : "Spinner's End" (HBP Chapter 2), if he's still hiding behind the hidden door, covered in books (Dark Arts Books?!)

10. Opal Necklace's Location : St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries (GoF Chapter 22). While Filch was asked to take it to Snape, maybe it was sent with Katie to aide in her recovery? Or "Beauxbaton and Durmstrang" (GoF Chapter 15), because Maxime had worn opals, so maybe TR tracked an artifact to Beauxbaton's.

11. Tiara's Location: A The Unknowable Room" (HBP: Chapter 21) because that is where Harry uses it to mark the location of the Adv. Potion Book or if it's a different tiara then "Back to the Burrow" (GoF Chapter 4) might apply as it's where Molly anticipates Aunt Muriel letting the bride "borrow" it.

12. TR's Special Award's Location : "The Midnight Duel" (CoS Chapter 9) because the duel was to take place in the Trophy Room. (Isn't it interesting that the trophy room is never locked and Peeves likes to hang out there!?)

13. *Scar's Location: A The Boy Who Lived" (PS Ch 1), is Harry, of course!

14. *Enchanted Tea Set Location : "The Ministry of Magic" (OOP Chapter7), where it was sent to Mr. Weasley's office. Current location is unknown but maybe he "borrowed" it and then "The Burrow" (CoS Ch 3), would apply - is it in the garage?! :)

15. Flying Carpet's Location: A The Other Minister" (HBP Ch 1), where an Axminster carpet resides by the fireplace.

16. H. Smith's mirror's location: A The White Tomb" (HBP Ch 30), or "After the Burial" (HBP Ch22) as some fans suggest that it is buried with H. Smith.

17. Screaming Book Location: While last know location was in the Restricted Section of the Library, might it now reside in the "The Unknowable Room" (HBP Ch 21), where lots of books & other things were stored.

18. Goblin Armor Location: A The Patronus" (POA Ch12) is another long stretch but as a Patronus is a shield between the wizard and dementor, so armor would be shield to a wizard wearing it.

Part 3: Other Interesting Ideas about the Chapter Titles

Even though the following listing digresses from my original intention to list chapter title references of Horcruxes, I found a few other chapter titles of interest--- they reminded me of some HP fan theories:

"Keeper of the Keys" (PS Ch4) would be a great term to indicate someone who has knowledge of the Horcruxes and/or their locations. While it is actually a title of Hagrid's, some fans speculated that Regulus(if RAB) may have known of more Horcrux locations and even go so far as to suggest that he had found most of them. Regulus, then, would be "Keeper of the Keys of the Horcruxes". A wilder speculation is that Snape and Regulus were co-conspirators and wouldn't it be interesting if Snape could claim this title as well as HBP!

"The Four Champions" (GoF Ch17) and then "The First task" (GoF Ch 20), "The Second Task" (GoF Ch 26), "The Third Task" (GoF Ch 31), and "The unexpected Task" (GoF Ch 22), could be viewed as a parallel between GoF and Book 7... Harry is facing another set of tasks---destroying the remaining 4 Horcruxes.

"Seen and Unforeseen" (OOP Ch 26) could be viewed as referring to Ms. Rowling's positioning of the Horcruxes as "seen" already in the series: the Diary, Locket, Ring, HH cup, and Nagini. The "unforeseen", referring to the yet unrevealed GG or RR artifact.

"The Marauder's Map" (PoA Ch 10) would be an even more valuable tool if it could be modified to show items as well as people - since many fans speculate that several Horcrux artifacts could be hidden at Hogwarts.

"The Unknowable Room" (HBP Ch21), is another name for the Room of Requirement, as is "The Come and Go Room" (Unfortunately, the later is just what Draco used it for!) But since many fans speculate the Horcrux items could be hidden there, they wonder if Harry could just say, "I need some place to learn about Horcrux creation and destruction".

In Conclusion

So, that's my research on my speculation that chapter titles provided clues to identify the 6 Horcruxes. I was unable to make this determination due to an abundance of Horcrux references. I was able to provide a chapter title reference for many artifacts and locations-- whether the reference was obvious or obnoxious! From the start, I hadn't truly believed that I would find important septology clues in the series' chapter titles. But then again, I do truly believe Ms. Rowling to be exceptionally clever...even devious, and likely to "hide something in plain sight". The chapter titles would obviously be "in plain sight".

I reiterate that I make no claims of being the first HP fan to identify the potential Horcrux artifacts or the potential locations I listed. I gleaned information from various sources and I acknowledged that I didn't include artifacts or locations for which I found no references. Surely, the list of these potentials will grow as HP fans further dissect the series as we await Book 7!

Thank you for your kind attention. If you like to comment on this essay, feel free to do so....but I'm not sure why anyone would bother to post. I had only 3 intentions in this offering: 1) to share the results of my research as I tried to support my ill-fated speculation, 2) to convey my enjoyment of HP sleuthing, and 3) to encourage others to continue to contribute their exceptional knowledge of history, mythology and literature on their various HP sites, as they attempt to shed light on the mysteries of Ms. Rowling's amazing world. I look forward to reading those kinds of essays and their commentaries!