Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 336 The Crucial Memory (Part 4)

Harry knew that Horcruxes were a kind of very evil dark magic, but he didn't know what they were or what they did; Dumbledore hadn't told him.

The only thing he was certain of was that the Horcruxes were the key to defeating Voldemort.

"Hordeals, sir, what exactly are Horcruxes?" Harry asked.

Instead of answering his question, Dumbledore brought up another thing Harry had just noticed.

"We'll talk about this eventually, but let's focus on the memory itself... You should have noticed it already, it's been altered."

"Tampering?" Harry was initially puzzled, but then it dawned on him. "The white mist!"

"Yes, the white mist, and that eerie stillness, are proof that memories have been altered." Dumbledore nodded.

"You mean, Professor Slughorn altered his own memories? Why?"

"I think he was ashamed of this memory, so he altered it to make himself look better."

"He erased some things he didn't want me to see, but as you can see, the alteration was very clumsy, and you can tell it was done hastily."

"That's a good thing, it means the real memories are still intact, and that's the homework I'm assigning you, Harry..." He pushed up his glasses and said, "I need you to find a way to get the real memories from Slughorn, that's the most crucial thing for us."

Harry looked at Dumbledore with disbelief and said, "But sir, this... perhaps you could use Veritaserum, or Legilimency?"

"Slughorn is a very powerful wizard; his Occlumency is far superior to Morfen's. Moreover, ever since I forced him to give me this memory, he will definitely be wary of me and will certainly carry the antidote for Truth Potion with him at all times."

"He's a potions master, so this is easy for him."

Dumbledore paused, then continued, "It's not advisable to force the truth from Slughorn, and I don't want him to leave Hogwarts either. But I think you'll be the one to break through his defenses... Remember, Harry, true memories are very important."

"So, good luck, Harry."

"Sir, I think..." Harry stammered for a moment before saying, "Hermione might be a better fit than me..."

"Miss Granger isn't as suitable as you, Harry," Dumbledore said, shaking his head slightly. "I know Slughorn. Admittedly, Miss Granger is a very good witch, and Slughorn is indeed very fond of her, but some rumors surrounding Miss Granger might make him wary..."

"You are the most suitable, or rather, the only one, Harry."

As he spoke, Dumbledore glanced at the time and said, "Alright, it's getting late. You should go back to your dormitory and get a good night's sleep. We can think about this again tomorrow."

Harry knew Dumbledore wouldn't say anything more tonight, and despite his frustration, he still got up and walked outside.

The next morning, Harry told Hermione and Ron what had happened the night before, desperately needing their advice, especially Hermione's.

It's not that Ron's suggestions were bad, it's just that in most cases, Hermione's suggestions were more reliable.

"You can just ask him. Aren't you the Potions Prince now?" Ron said nonchalantly while eating breakfast. "He likes you, he won't refuse you anything, right?"

Harry completely ignored Ron's suggestion and looked at Hermione, eager to hear something constructive.

"I must say, Dumbledore has given you a very difficult task." Hermione's expression was serious. "It's certain he's hiding the truth. But even Dumbledore couldn't get it, I'm not sure you can. However..."

"But what?"

"Horregularities, I know about them..."

"You know that!"

Before Hermione could finish speaking, Harry and Ron exclaimed in surprise.

"Why didn't you say so sooner?" Harry complained.

"You didn't even ask," Hermione rolled her eyes and proceeded to explain, "Hordeals are a very evil form of dark magic, said to have been invented by the despicable ancient Greek dark wizard Helbo. Their only function is to make someone immortal..."

"Undying! That's not..." Harry immediately understood.

"Yes." Hermione nodded. "That must be why the Dark Lord was able to return. Because he used this magic, he didn't die completely after you reflected the Killing Curse."

"However, that's all I know about Horcruxes. I didn't find any records about Horcruxes in the library, nor in the restricted section."

"So, what Dumbledore wants from Slughorn is information about Voldemort's Horcruxes?"

"That's it, no doubt about it." Ron concluded immediately, adding, "There's a potions class this afternoon, why don't you just ask him after class!"

Harry also thought Ron's idea was terrible, but since Hermione hadn't offered any better suggestions, he had no choice but to give it a try.

So, after Potions class in the afternoon, Harry deliberately stayed until the very end.

"Hurry up, Harry, you're going to be late for the next class," Slughorn said kindly. Just as Ron had said, Slughorn liked him very much.

Harry hesitated for a moment, but then mustered his courage and asked directly, "Sir, I have a question for you."

"Then ask quickly, child..."

"Sir, I'd like to ask if you know anything about... Horcruxes?"

"What did you say?" Slughorn's expression froze instantly. He licked his lips, and his voice became hoarse.

"I'm asking you if you know anything about Horcruxes." Harry repeated his question, but Slughorn became even more nervous.

He lowered his voice, leaned slightly closer to Harry, and asked, "Did Dumbledore send you?"

Harry didn't answer, but Slughorn was already certain. He became even more nervous, and somewhat terrified. He rummaged in his breast pocket for a while before finally pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

In just that short time, the area was already covered in cold sweat.

"Dumbledore showed you that memory, didn't he?"

"Yes," Harry nodded.

"Of course..." Slughorn said softly, wiping his sweat with a handkerchief; this time, even his neck was covered in sweat. However, this gesture did little to alleviate his tension and unease.

Harry didn't press further. After glaring at him for a while, Slughorn said, "Of course you saw that memory, otherwise you wouldn't have come to ask me..."

"However... however, since you've seen it, you should know that I know absolutely nothing about Horcruxes!"

"I know nothing!"

(End of this chapter)