I, Hogwarts Second Time Around.

Chapter 527 The Truth in Memory

Where did you just go?

"The principal's office?"

"Did he go steal something?"

Owen shook his head. "We didn't steal anything. Dumbledore doesn't have the habit of writing secrets on parchment."

"That's a serious violation of school rules, and based on that alone, we should arrest him."

"We're breaking school rules by just loitering in the hallways now," Irving said.

Hermione immediately became unhappy. "Why are you defending him?"

"Hmm—" Owen looked thoughtful. "Maybe it's because I subconsciously felt that there was still hope for that guy."

"There's hope?" Hermione found it amusing. What kind of reason was that? "You said everyone was equal before, and now you're giving a thief special treatment?"

"Alright, since you put it that way," Owen glanced down at Hermione, "I'll talk to their headmaster about this tomorrow—what do you do when the kid's a pervert? Hmm—she's probably asking for a beating. She needs a good beating."

As they were speaking, a figure suddenly darted out in front of them.

Before the two could speak...

The person opposite them called out their names.

"Owen, Hermione!"

Harry ran over excitedly.

"I've got the memories. Now I must go find Headmaster Dumbledore!"

"I'm sorry, Harry." Owen waved his hand, pouring cold water on Harry's enthusiasm. "Dumbledore isn't at Hogwarts tonight. He went to the Ministry of Magic to discuss some matters with the Minister. I came to let you know."

"That's a shame. We can't see the memories right away," Harry said with some regret. "Well then, let's go back to the common room first, and go see Dumbledore first thing tomorrow morning."

See you tomorrow.

"See you tomorrow."

The three parted ways at the top of the spiral staircase.

Hermione and Harry headed to the eighth floor, while Owen went down to the basement.

Before leaving, Miss Granger still looked somewhat displeased, but not much of it remained.

Her hands were in her pockets.

It's bulging.

It seems to contain a lot of things.

The gloom on Hermione's face vanished instantly after she touched those things.

He happily stepped onto the stairs.

The next morning, after breakfast, the three of them headed to the principal's office.

They knocked on the door, and Dumbledore's tired voice came from behind it, "Come in."

Pushing open the door, Dumbledore's office remained the same, but the view outside the window was now a black night sky studded with stars.

The old principal was sitting in his office chair with several letters beside him.

"It's you?" Dumbledore said in surprise. "So early, what brings you here?"

"Professor, we've got Slughorn's memories," Harry said immediately, pulling out two small glass bottles to show Dumbledore.

The headmaster paused for a moment after seeing the small glass bottle Harry had taken out, then a smile spread across his face.

The headmaster paused for a moment after seeing the small glass bottle Harry had taken out, then a smile spread across his face.

"This is exciting news! It's fantastic! I knew you could do it!"

He had clearly stayed up all night, which was evident from his pale and unwell complexion.

Dumbledore hurriedly came out from behind the table, took Slughorn's memories, strode to the cabinet where the Pensieve was placed, picked up the stone basin, placed it on the table, and poured the contents of the bottle into it.

"Now, we are about to see the truth of that history. Although there have been speculations, this needs to be confirmed." With that, he gestured for the three young wizards to enter the Pensieve together.

The group fell into the darkness and returned to Slughorn's office from many years ago.

This memory is from when Voldemort, still a student, asked Slughorn about the Horcrux splitting.

To be honest, Tom had already made two Horcruxes by then: a diary he made in fifth grade and the Gauntlet ring he used to kill his father’s entire family during the summer of sixth grade.

By this time, Voldemort had already mastered the spells for splitting the soul and creating Horcruxes. He consulted Slughorn simply to determine the number of times the soul could be split.

He wanted to split his soul six times and create seven Horcruxes.

Because seven is a magical number in the magical world, which is what Voldemort wanted to achieve.

Prior to this, Dumbledore, Harry, and Hermione all knew the number of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Owen had speculated about it in their second and third years and told them.

But speculation is just speculation; what Dumbledore wants to know for sure whether it really is the Seven.

When it comes to Horcruxes, being extremely cautious is always reasonable.

"We're here, Hermione, Owen, Harry!" Dumbledore whispered. "Let's go..."

The young wizard landed back on the office floor, and before Dumbledore could speak, Harry said, "Professor, Voldemort made seven Horcruxes. There were seven, exactly as we guessed!"

“Yes, I initially guessed at that number too. As Riddle said, seven is the most magical number. In fact, I’ve been waiting for this evidence for a long time,” Dumbledore said. “It confirms the speculation…”

“We’ve destroyed several already,” Harry said, “Riddle’s journal, Slytherin’s locket.”

"And the Hufflepuff Cup," Hermione prompted. "And perhaps the Ravenclaw tiara, which you found in your second year, didn't you?"

"Yes," Dumbledore nodded. "You remember, Hermione. Tom was always fascinated by these famous ancient artifacts, and of the four founders, only the Sword of Gryffindor survived."

"So, I've already destroyed five!" Harry said.

"No, there are four!" Hermione corrected.

Harry still doesn't know about the diary.

"That makes five," Owen said, staring at Hermione with a half-smile. "I couldn't possibly leave myself without a backup plan."

"Really?" Hermione looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"That's great, only two left, victory is in sight," Harry said with a sense of relief.

"I have a lead on the sixth one, and I should be able to get it in a while," Dumbledore suddenly said. "But the last one..."

His eyes quickly swept across Harry's face.

Just as Owen had feared, Voldemort's body has now been destroyed once again, and the new body no longer contains Harry's blood. No one knows whether the magic of love still exists in his body.

Whether Harry would survive was unknown to Dumbledore at this point.

Then, the old headmaster suddenly changed the subject, "Regarding Horcruxes, our countermeasures are clear. Now, let's take a look at the second memory."

As he spoke, he transferred the memories from the second glass bottle into the Pensieve, and then the young wizards sank into darkness once more.

A small villa appeared in the darkness.

The exterior is in the style of medieval England, with moss and vines climbing the stone walls, and exquisite carvings on the doors and windows, every stroke and line full of artistry. A simple bronze door knocker is inlaid on the door, engraved with a phoenix with outstretched wings.

Slughorn appears in the center of the frame. He walks into the house from the outside and goes straight to a room on the third floor.

Unlike the first memory, this memory is from a time period that is significantly closer to the present.

Because at this point, Slughorn already looked at least 80-90% like he does now.

Irving speculated that this memory should be no more than twenty years old.

"Ding-dong—" The doorbell rang shortly after he entered the room, almost as soon as he stepped inside.

Slughorn quickly returned to the living room and opened the door.

"professor."

A person appeared outside the door, much to everyone's surprise.

The man had delicate features, a handsome appearance, beautiful black hair, and striking gray eyes.

The moment Harry saw him, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Is that Sirius Black?"

"No—" Dumbledore shook his head, "It's his brother."

"Regulus Black," Owen said calmly. He had previously guessed that Regulus's death might be related to Slughorn, and now it seemed that there was indeed a connection.

"Hello," the Regulus in my memory asked somewhat urgently, "How's your research going?"

"Oh! Regulus," Slughorn said cheerfully from the doorway, "it will still take some time, but at least we're starting to see some progress."

He then invited Regulus into his room and led him to the third floor.

"To be honest, I don't know much about ancient runes."

This is clearly Slughorn's laboratory.

Except for the windows, the surrounding walls were lined with cabinets, densely packed with all sorts of magical materials, creating a somewhat terrifying sight.

It looks like the laboratory of some mad scientist.

"So, Professor, you're saying you can't manufacture it either?"

Regulus looked at Slughorn with regret, his gaze falling on the table behind him.

"No—" Slughorn smiled, turned around and took something out of the drawer under the table behind him.

It looks like a locket.

It is very similar in appearance to Slytherin's locket.

The surface is engraved with runes, and a blue crystal is set at the top.

Owen, Hermione, and Harry recognized the item almost immediately; it was Regulus's last possession, which they had seen in the Divine Tower connected to the cavern.

"Although it's difficult, but—"

"Professor, you're amazing." Regulus beamed with delight as he took the strange object.

"I don't know what you're going to do, but some of the things recorded on this stone tablet are dangerous. They may have been left by an ancient dark wizard, so be careful," Slughorn said, stroking a black stone tablet on the table beside him.

Regulus's gaze had been fixed on it just now.

"What exactly is written on this, Professor?" Regulus asked.

"Hmm—it's a map and instructions on how to make the treasure key. As for the rest, I'll need some time to fully understand it."

"And what I have in my hand?"

"Yes, it's called a 'pathstone,' and it will guide you to the exact location of the 'treasure.' Judging from the stone slab, it's roughly in Canada."

"Thank you, Professor," Regulus said. "Then I'll take advantage of the summer vacation. I plan to go and find this 'treasure'."

"Wait—Regulus." Slughorn's expression turned slightly serious. "The group with this stone wall is strange. They don't completely trust you, and they might lure you into some dangerous place. Besides—"

"and?"

"I suspect the other party might be connected to—" Slughorn said gruffly, "possibly to the Saints. Perhaps you haven't noticed—I found Grindelwald's mark on both of them."

"Saints? Isn't that a fictional organization from 'The Quibbler'?" Regulus asked doubtfully.

"Perhaps that's precisely where their cleverness lies? They keep you guessing with their mix of truth and lies," Slughorn continued, offering further advice. "Before this, there was that woman named Gabriel Rosier who appeared in England. She recruited many outstanding Hogwarts graduates, trying to get them to join the Mafia or Second Nurmengard. You know, they can't operate openly in the world, so it's normal for their organization to change names. Maybe it's called The Saints now?"

"Lily wrote to tell me that many people, including your brother Sirius, James, Lupin, and others, have received invitations, and now it's your turn."

"Lily thought that woman was acting strangely and hoped the school could investigate her. Professor McGonagall and I searched for her, but we couldn't find any trace of her, and in the end, we had to give up."

"Professor, although there are dangers, I still want to give it a try. That thing called ancient magic can definitely change the current situation. I've made up my mind," Regulus said with a firm gaze.

"I will set off as soon as possible, hoping to do so in August."

A resolute look appeared on the young man's youthful face.

Gradually, the surrounding environment began to appear unreal.

"It's over," Dumbledore said softly.

Then, the scenery in the four people's eyes changed in an instant.

When I felt the light again, I was back in the principal's office.

"Lu Shi. So that divinely inspired tower was shrouded in holy mist! No wonder Grandpa searched for months without finding a trace."

Owen, having returned from the Pensieve, immediately spoke.

"It seems so," Dumbledore nodded.

He learned about the function and production method of Roadstone and Holy Mist from the archives in Ionia.

"I think back then, Regulus learned about the existence of ancient magic because he participated in the expedition to the Tower of Gods organized by my mother and her team. I think he probably hoped to use this power to deal with Voldemort."

However, he clearly didn't get what he wanted.

"So many things actually happened back then." Dumbledore sighed softly, a touch of melancholy settling over him. "I missed so many opportunities."

"Professor, you've done your best," Hermione quickly said, trying to comfort her.

"But that's not enough," the old man said. "Alright—now we should look forward."

"Kyrie, can you come help with the construction of the road stones?"

"That's easy," Owen nodded. "Its manufacturing method is simple; it's just a key. It's just that the raw materials are harder to find."

Slughorn is merely a potions master, yet he was able to create this paving stone after studying an ancient stone slab in seclusion for a period of time, which shows just how difficult it was to make.

As for why Regulus chose Slughorn to help him, one reason was that Slughorn was the head of Slytherin House at the time, so their relationship must have been quite good.

On the other hand, he himself must have really wanted to participate in that adventure.

If he were to seek out Professor Dumbledore, even if he, having already joined the Death Eaters, could gain the professor's trust, the old headmaster would not allow him to participate, let alone allow it. After all, one can never be too careful.

"Raw materials?" Dumbledore asked Owen.

"Go for it, Professor! Those source crystals are everywhere in the mines beneath Ionia City. Source crystals are the most important material for making road stones. As for the others, even George and Fred can make them."

"I think the most likely reason my mother approached Regulus is because the Black family might possess source crystals. After all, they are a pure-blooded family with a thousand-year history, and it's not impossible that they had contact with the Chosen of Gods in the past."

"Um—I think it's very likely. After all, the idea of ​​purebloods is deeply ingrained in that family," Owen said.

"Yes, that's a possibility," Dumbledore said. "Then you should focus your efforts on making paving stones. It seems you'll have to go to Canada to see him sometime in the future."

"No problem, Professor."

After accepting the task, Owen left the headmaster's office with Harry and Hermione.

Harry was more alert because he felt Voldemort's death was imminent.

Hermione's face was full of worry.

She was worried about Irving's trip to Canada.

Owen comforted her gently, which put the little witch at ease.

In reality, the dangers within the Divine Tower vary.

But Irving believes the most dangerous one, the one off the coast of Italy, has already been resolved.

Because that was the only one that Merlin had personally planned.

Others, like the one in Brazil, could have been dealt with by Koyatl, Quetzalcoatl's chosen one, on his own had it not been for Voldemort's involvement. In the one in India, the remnant will of the Outer God was no match for an ordinary wizard; his grandfather, Grindelwald, easily dealt with it. And the one in Australia is even more unparalleled; that seal of eternal reincarnation can continue indefinitely, and as long as no one interferes, the Outer God's consciousness will never return.

In conclusion, Irving believes the same applies to the divinely ordained tower in Canada.

At present, the only place that seems to be in danger is the Tower of God on the Greek island of Mothrace.

Irving had a premonition that the story was about to come to an end.

Perhaps the final battle will take place in less than six months.

It's unknown what will happen when he gathers all the power of the Outer Gods from the seven Divine Towers into one body.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the following period, Irving sought Victor's help and worked together to create road stones.

He doesn't just want to build one, he wants to make several.

Then this thing, who knows, one day you might encounter a treasure hidden by holy mist.

Hermione was still busy searching for the real culprit who was disguised as him.

Although they found nothing, the little witch was in high spirits and even mobilized the DA members to search together.

It's fortunate that Draco has been quiet for a few days recently, otherwise he would definitely have been caught.

(End of this chapter)