Chapter 1193: The Collector
Chapter 1193: The Collector
"Professor, are you aware of what happened to Katie?"
Finally having the opportunity to meet with Dumbledore alone, Harry couldn't help but bring up the recent incident involving the opal necklace. Katie had suffered severe injuries and was still undergoing treatment at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
"Professor McGonagall has informed me about it. Miss Bell is fortunate that she only came into brief contact with the necklace due to a hole in her glove. The curse didn't spread rapidly and take her life," Dumbledore said calmly as he looked at Harry, "The healers at St. Mungo's have been keeping me updated on her condition, and I believe Miss Bell will make a full recovery soon."
"That's a relief. By the way, there's a high possibility that Madam Rosmerta has been affected by the Imperius Curse, and it was she who gave the necklace to Katie. As for who cast the Imperius Curse on her, it's likely one of Voldemort's Death Eaters," Harry looked directly into Dumbledore's eyes as he succinctly presented his analysis, "I suspect Draco Malfoy is involved in this matter. Among all the Death Eaters and pure-bloods, only the Malfoy family would resort to such stupidity to prove a point."
"That's merely your suspicion, Harry," Dumbledore's reaction was calm throughout, giving Harry the impression that he was being placated, "We cannot accuse someone based solely on suspicion. I will conduct a thorough investigation into everyone who is suspected of being involved in Miss Bell's accident."
"Not everything requires evidence, sometimes suspicion is enough," Harry paid no heed to Dumbledore's demeanor and continued, "While I admit I have some bias against the Malfoy family, my judgment is based on practical considerations. After all that Lucius has done, from entrapping his fellow Death Eaters to inadvertently leading to the destruction of one of Voldemort's Horcruxes by my hand, I'm surprised Voldemort hasn't killed him outright."
"The Malfoys are undoubtedly desperate to make amends and what better offering than your life to please Voldemort," Harry glanced at Dumbledore's injured palm and continued, "According to Albert's prophecy, the coming years will be tumultuous for the wizarding world."
"I'm glad to hear your insights, Harry, but we mustn't let our suspicions drive us to excessive actions," Dumbledore said gently.
"Perhaps we could use Veritaserum to prove Mr. Malfoy's innocence or guilt," Harry suggested with a hint of sarcasm, "After all, Dolores Umbridge was rather liberal with her use of Veritaserum and the Cruciatus Curse last year, and now Rufus Scrimgeour is promoting the use of Veritaserum for quick screenings."
"As for Madam Rosmerta, I will personally ascertain whether she has been Imperiused," Dumbledore interrupted, lifting his hand, "Now, let's focus on our lesson. If you could contact Albert, I'm sure he could directly divine the culprit through his prophecies."
"Divination isn't infallible, Harry," Dumbledore reminded him, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, but that guy is just so incredible. His prophecies have mostly come true, so it's worth a try," Harry replied with a twist of his lips, knowing that Dumbledore didn't want to discuss Draco Malfoy further. "After an attack like this, there will surely be another. We can't guarantee that the next victim will be as lucky as Katie."
Harry was well aware of why Dumbledore remained so calm—it was because Katie hadn't died and was expected to make a full recovery. Had she perished, he was certain Dumbledore wouldn't be so composed.
To be honest, Harry was a little annoyed. He didn't believe that Dumbledore hadn't suspected the Malfoys, and as for Snape, he found it hard to believe that Albert hadn't given him a warning.
Even if Snape was a double agent, it was hard to tell which side he truly favored.
"Don't worry, Harry, we will catch the culprit," Dumbledore assured him, "Now, let's delve into my memory." He used his wand to extract a memory from his temple and placed it into the Pensieve, "This is the first time I met Voldemort."
In the memory, Dumbledore effortlessly deceived the orphanage's director with a Confundus Charm and met the young Tom Riddle, who was only eleven years old.
"What did you deduce from that, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Voldemort was quite handsome in his youth. I wonder why he chose to alter his appearance so drastically," Harry commented, "Does he think having no nose makes him more attractive?"
"Voldemort didn't like his father, and he didn't care much for his appearance," Dumbledore gestured for Harry to continue.
"His magical power was strong, and he was able to harness it even before starting school. Without the need for a wand or incantations, he could use magic to bully other children," Harry recalled the scene he had just witnessed and said softly, "Usually, only wizards with uncontrolled magical power can achieve this level of magic, but he was in control. I suspect that only you and Albert could have exhibited such abilities at that age."
"Indeed, it's quite remarkable. For a young wizard, Voldemort's abilities were surprisingly refined and mature. He had already discovered that he could control these powers to some extent and began to use them consciously," Dumbledore acknowledged.
"Of course, I couldn't have done what he did at that age, and neither would Mr. Anderson," Harry said, "He knew how to hide himself well, especially in the Muggle world, where being different can lead to rejection. Mr. Anderson is a smart man."
"He took some items from those children," Harry said, and as he spoke, he seemed to make a connection, "He's a collector of trophies, or at least he was at the time. And he speaks with a hiss, like a snake."
"I'm glad you noticed that, Harry," Dumbledore seemed pleased that Harry had picked up on this detail, "You also saw the box of stolen goods in the room... souvenirs taken from the children he bullied."
"Professor, do you think the Horcruxes are similar souvenirs or items of value to him?" Harry asked suddenly, "Aside from the diary, I'm sure you must have other clues."
"Yes, but it's getting late, and I will share what I know with you in due time," Dumbledore assured Harry, "For now, you need to be patient. Sometimes, patience is just as important."
"Alright then, good night, Professor," Harry bid Dumbledore farewell and left.
(End of Chapter)
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