Chapter 377: By the Sea, on the Cliff
Chapter 377: By the Sea, on the Cliff
"There's actually one thing I've always found quite strange, Professor."
The damp, salty sea breeze blew across Sherlock's face, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks filled the air. He and Dumbledore walked side by side on the beach at night, as Sherlock voiced his confusion.
"If he just wanted to achieve immortality, wouldn't the Philosopher's Stone have been a faster and more convenient choice from the start? I met Nicolas Flamel; he is indeed knowledgeable and wise, but his appearance wouldn't deter others from acting. If Voldemort had really wanted to do something to him when he was younger, I don't think Flamel could have resisted."
The early morning wind at four o'clock rustled Dumbledore's robes, and he seemed pleased that Sherlock had raised this question.
"Before you became a Professor at Hogwarts, four years ago, he had already planned to seize that object. However, I believe the Philosopher's Stone was not as appealing to Voldemort as the Horcrux, and there are several reasons for that."
"The Elixir of Life can indeed extend life, but it must be consumed regularly, forever, to maintain immortality."
"By doing so, Voldemort would become entirely dependent on the potion. If it ran out, became contaminated, or the Philosopher's Stone was stolen, he would die like anyone else."
"Voldemort prefers to act alone and has never considered his followers as allies or reliable companions. He treats them more as tools. I believe he would find dependence intolerable, even dependence on the Elixir of Life."
"Of course, four years ago, to escape the terrifying half-dead state he was in after attacking Harry, he was willing to drink it, but only to regain a physical form."
"Afterward, I believe he still intended to rely on his Horcruxes. He no longer needed anything else; he just needed to reclaim a human body. He has already achieved immortality, or at least come closer to it than anyone else."
Sherlock walked alongside Dumbledore, deep in thought, and continued.
"He has always only trusted himself, never sharing that trust with anyone, not even with something as inanimate as the Philosopher's Stone."
"Perhaps it's a natural trait, or perhaps it developed over time through his experiences", Dumbledore said.
The ground was uneven with many loose rocks. Without using magic, Dumbledore was just an elderly man, and walking on such a path was difficult. Sherlock supported him when needed.
"Even in choosing items to become Horcruxes, he is the same. Voldemort likes to collect mementos, items with powerful magic and historical significance."
"His pride, his sense of superiority, and his determination to secure a remarkable place in magical history all lead me to believe that Voldemort would carefully select his Horcruxes, favoring items that are worthy of such honor."
"The four treasures of the founders are particularly attractive to Voldemort. I believe he has likely obtained the other three, but I am certain that the only known relic of Gryffindor remains safe."
Sherlock was puzzled.
"Isn't the Sorting Hat also a relic of Gryffindor?"
"The Sorting Hat is more than just a hat that sings and can discern a person's qualities. It is actually the sheath of the Sword of Gryffindor. This is why, when the Chamber of Secrets was opened that year, I had Fawkes bring the hat to you."
They walked and talked, eventually arriving at a steep cliff.
"Actually, you don't need to worry about me tripping over these rocks. Although my physical condition isn't as good as yours after all these years, I'm not so old that I can't walk properly."
Dumbledore wasn't being modest; his movements were indeed quite agile, more like those of a young person.
"Is this where Riddle's orphanage used to be?"
Looking around, Sherlock found it hard to believe. After all, the UK is a major economic power in the modern era, so how could the social welfare system be so poor?
Dumbledore explained.
"Not exactly here. Behind those cliffs, halfway up, there's a place that can barely be called a village."
"They brought the orphans there to breathe the sea air and watch the waves. I think only Tom Riddle and the few children he bullied ever came to where we are now."
"Muggles can't climb this large rock unless they are particularly skilled climbers. Boats can't get close to the cliffs either; the surrounding waters are too dangerous. I can imagine how Riddle climbed up; magic would be more useful than a rope. He probably brought two children along to enjoy scaring them."
Finally, they stood on the largest rock. Dumbledore drew his wand and cast Lumos.
The soft glow illuminated the dark stone wall, and they also saw a narrow crack.
Seawater had flowed into the crack, swirling and flowing deeper into the cliff.
"I followed Riddle's childhood to find this place, but I couldn't do it alone. We need to hurry, Sherlock. Today is the start of the school year, and we need to get back early for the Welcoming Feast. You don't mind getting your clothes wet, do you?"
Sherlock, of course, didn't mind. As Dumbledore asked the question, he already had his wand in his mouth and gently slid off the rock into the seawater, swimming toward the dark crack in the rock.
The old man's body seemed to pay no attention to the cold water, and Sherlock followed closely behind.
Soon, the crack turned into a dark tunnel. Sherlock could see that during high tide, the tunnel would be completely filled with seawater. The slimy rock walls were only three feet apart and glistened like asphalt under the light from Dumbledore's wand. Further in, the tunnel turned left and stretched deep into the cliff.
They moved forward for a few minutes, and Sherlock saw Dumbledore standing up straight out of the water ahead. His silver-white hair and black robe reflected the water's shine.
It was a cave, with layers of stone steps leading them to the center. Dumbledore held his still-glowing wand, carefully examining the cave walls and ceiling, while Sherlock used magic to dry their soaked robes.
(End of Chapter)
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