Chapter 389: Slughorn's Hiding Place
Chapter 389: Slughorn's Hiding Place
Harry's Occlumency training was progressing smoothly.
His natural talent for magic was quite high, which was why he had managed to learn the Patronus Charm in less than a semester.
Therefore, Sherlock's teaching wasn't particularly difficult and didn't add much pressure to Harry.
Time passed quickly, and it was already December.
The conflict between Aurors and Death Eaters in the Wizarding World had come out into the open.
This made many older wizards feel as if time had turned back to the 1970s, when the situation was similarly turbulent.
Any wizard with impure blood was in constant fear, and over the past three months, the number of Muggle-born wizards persecuted by the Death Eaters had exceeded double digits.
This made the atmosphere in the Wizarding World even more tense.
Scrimgeour was not sitting idly by; he actively directed the Aurors to take action, leading to several small-scale battles with the Death Eaters during this period.
Both sides had their victories and losses, and the current situation remained uncertain.
In contrast, Hogwarts had been relatively peaceful over the past three months.
To Harry, this year could very well be the most tranquil year since he started at Hogwarts.
Apart from his regular classes and Occlumency training with Sherlock, he was not troubled by any other issues.
Hogwarts Castle, which had always had problems in previous years, was now becoming a haven in the Wizarding World.
Under these circumstances, Sherlock received a new mission from Dumbledore.
On the first weekend of December, after finishing the Occlumency lesson, Sherlock told Harry:
"You don't need to come tomorrow. The lessons will be on hold for a day. I have something to take care of and might not be back by evening."
Harry was intensely curious about what Sherlock would be busy with, but he restrained himself from expressing this interest.
After a long time under Sherlock's guidance, he had at least learned the principle of "ask fewer questions about adult matters and speak more about your own problems."
After Harry left, Sherlock also got up and left his office, heading to the Headmaster's Office to meet Dumbledore.
"Budleigh Babberton, this is where I recently discovered his hiding place. He has been staying in the home of a Muggle, which provides him with a sense of minimal security."
As soon as he entered, Dumbledore spoke first.
Sherlock sat down opposite him, his expression somewhat puzzled.
"Why are you so certain, Professor, that Horcruxes were taught to Voldemort by him?"
Whenever he asked a question, Dumbledore was never stingy with his answers.
"You have interacted with Horace a few times, and he even helped you recently, yet you know almost nothing about him, Sherlock."
"He enjoys interacting with people of high status and talent. During his tenure as the headmaster of Slytherin, he founded the Slug Club. Those who joined were either from prominent families or exceptionally talented. He might not even remember the names of the average students."
It was precisely because of this that Tom Riddle, with his exceptional magical talent, handsome appearance, and natural leadership qualities, was almost the perfect student in Slughorn's eyes. He made no effort to hide his fondness for Riddle.
"The diary is a Horcrux created during Riddle's time at Hogwarts. During that period, apart from Horace, I don't think anyone else could have known about this magic and been willing to teach it to him."
Dumbledore's reasoning was sound. Even though Sherlock had a good impression of the timid, portly old sea elephant, he had to admit that, given the circumstances, Slughorn was the most likely suspect.
Sherlock sighed lightly.
"Alright, then I'll go to that village tomorrow and find him to talk. I hope he can share that memory with me."
Seeming to sense Sherlock's somewhat dejected mood, Dumbledore offered some comfort.
"A person shouldn't be completely condemned for an unintentional mistake from the past. I have never doubted Horace's character. While he may have some flaws in his personality, he is still a more upright person than most."
Sherlock didn't dwell on this issue for long. After a moment of silence, he asked another question.
"Can I persuade him?"
Dumbledore's bright blue eyes looked at Sherlock with great seriousness.
"No one is more qualified than you. Your mother was one of his favorite students, not just because of her talent. Horace never married, and he treated Selena like a daughter. After you were born, he was almost elated to be your godfather."
"Even though you've only met a few times, he still considers you family, and you can feel that, can't you?"
Sherlock could certainly feel it.
So far, he and Slughorn had only met twice. During the most recent encounter, he hadn't even revealed his true identity, yet Slughorn had still helped him significantly.
Whether it was the bottle of Felix Felicis or Mrs. Cole's assistance, Sherlock would never forget it.
"So, if you can find him tomorrow, have a good talk with him. Regardless of whether he agrees or not, you should meet him."
After obtaining the specific location from Dumbledore, Sherlock finally got up and left the headmaster's office. He walked toward his own office, his mind heavy with thoughts. Just as he turned the corner of the stairs, he saw Silke standing quietly by the office door, waiting for him.
When she saw Sherlock, her eyebrows curved into a crescent moon shape, and a gentle smile appeared on her lips.
"I just made some cookies in the kitchen."
She waved the brown paper bag in her hand, like a little girl showing off her new creation.
Silke's personality was undoubtedly much more lively and cheerful compared to when Sherlock first met her. Two years ago, she would never have shown such an expression, let alone cook something like cookies.
Sherlock's previously somber face brightened up when he saw her.
He opened the office door, took the brown paper bag from Silke, and walked in with her.
Their usual conversations revolved around school-related topics. After chatting for a while, Sherlock suddenly asked,
"Do you have anything else to do tomorrow?"
Silke shook her head.
"Then come with me to meet an elder", Sherlock said. "Someone who is a bit timid but has always been very kind to both of us."
(End of Chapter)
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