Chapter 489: The Heir of the Black Family
Chapter 489: The Heir of the Black Family
Sirius had always despised the Black family's so-called pure-blood ideology, their parents' intense control, and all their crazy ideas. He also loathed the family's so-called treasures—various dark and cruel magical artifacts that violated human decency.
The books in the basement were something his parents had always tried to force into his mind. Regulus wasn't even allowed to touch them, but when Sirius was a child, his mother, Walburga, used to treat these books as his children's literature. When he grew up and made mistakes, he was often locked in there to "reflect."
The Black couple probably hoped that over time, he would become the proper Black they desired.
But Sirius's rebellious and defiant nature was innate. The more the family tried to force him to accept their outdated customs, the more unbearable it became for him. The more they pressured him to study, the less he wanted to even look at the books.
In the end, Sirius left home at sixteen, completely renouncing the Black family.
Years later, when he finally decided to open one of those books, "Advanced Secrets of Dark Magic", he realized what he had missed.
Horcruxes.
The methods for creating them, their functions, and the various signs after creation were all recorded in the Black family's archives.
Regulus was different from Sirius. He was a good boy. After Sirius left home, he must have diligently studied the contents of the basement at his parents' request.
From there, he learned about Horcruxes... and later, during his exploration of the cave where Kreacher was trapped, he discovered that Voldemort's locket was a Horcrux... He chose to sacrifice himself and was dragged into the dark lake by the Inferi.
Sirius felt a bit dizzy. He steadied himself against the bookshelf and looked at his godson.
Harry looked very much like James, except for his eyes, which were almost identical to Lily's—clear and bright, brave and sincere, like a pool of emerald green.
Sirius thought of the words in the book—
"A Horcrux can grant the creator immortality. Even if the body is destroyed, the soul will continue to exist because a part of it remains in the world, undamaged. The creator can use the appropriate magical ritual to achieve resurrection."
"The magic to create a Horcrux is extremely evil and dangerous... The wizard must tear their soul through murder and embed a part of it into an object, with the incantation being..."
"Splitting the soul makes it extremely unstable, so the number of Horcruxes should not be too many... However, it is important to note that if a Horcrux is destroyed, the soul fragment sealed within it will also be destroyed..."
In the margin of the book, someone had added a small note—
"If a living creature is used as a Horcrux, there will be a special connection between the Horcrux and the creator... The creator can transfer their consciousness to the Horcrux, control its actions, and perceive its thoughts and emotions."
"It's quite remarkable, like having a second self. Compared to my aged body, this one is younger, healthier, and more vibrant... Except that it's a snake, everything else is perfect."
"Perhaps I should have chosen a child as the container for my soul, so I could have been reborn through them..."
"The only concern is whether the soul fragment will be destroyed if the living Horcrux dies from aging or an attack."
"If the answer is yes, then choosing a living creature as a Horcrux would be unwise. Compared to magical items that are easier to hide and protect, most living beings are too fragile..."
Sirius's eyes were slightly bloodshot, the familiar letters appearing to transform into leering figures, dancing and jumping around him, occasionally forming a string of crimson text:
【A special connection... sensing their thoughts... rebirth...】
After the cave expedition, Sirius had learned about Horcruxes, but his understanding remained superficial, limited to what Dumbledore had been willing to share.
If only he had seen this book earlier... If only he had remembered sooner...
Sirius's fingers trembled involuntarily as he recalled the words he had told Dumbledore. He wished he could go back two days and throw his confused self out the window!
"Sirius?"
Feeling the gaze above him becoming increasingly sharp, Harry couldn't help but tilt his head back, touching the scar on his forehead. "What's wrong? Is there something on my head?"
The few people in the room turned to look at Harry, then at Sirius.
"Nothing." Sirius took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "I just worry about you touching things... There are some dangerous dark magic items in the basement. Wade, did you find the books you needed?"
"Yeah, I found a few useful ones and made copies", Wade said with a smile. "I think I should head back early. I need to prepare the gift before visiting Mr. Flamel."
"Alright, let's go out then." Sirius tried to sound relaxed. "Honestly, I hate this place... I used to be locked in here a lot when I was a kid."
As they climbed the stairs, Lupin looked at Sirius and asked in a low voice, "Worried about Harry's safety?"
For a moment, Sirius thought Lupin had read his mind.
Then he realized Lupin was referring to Voldemort targeting Harry again. He mumbled, "Yeah... We didn't protect James and Lily well enough before, and I'm afraid it might happen again this time..."
"You're putting too much stress on yourself, Sirius." Lupin patted his friend's shoulder, offering comfort. "Last time, we trusted the wrong person. This time, we won't make the same mistake."
Sirius lowered his eyes and whispered, "I hope so."
Lupin didn't think much of it and followed the two boys out of the basement.
Behind him, Sirius lifted his eyes, his dark gaze fixed on the backs of the others.
He wasn't sure if his suspicions were correct... Harry might not be a Horcrux. The ability to see through Voldemort's eyes could be a unique connection created by the failed Killing Curse...
No!
Sirius couldn't deceive himself.
If he had to choose between protecting Harry and killing Voldemort... If the safety of the wizarding world required the destruction of all Horcruxes...
There must be another way... There must be another solution... Harry couldn't be a deliberately created Horcrux. Perhaps the soul fragment could be transferred...
Thinking back... hadn't Voldemort been a spirit for over a decade? Harry lived well, and Voldemort couldn't harm anyone, living a life worse than death...
Sirius's eyes gleamed, cold and dangerous, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows or a fierce beast baring its fangs.
Kreacher, with just one glance, lowered his head in fear but felt a faint excitement.
He clenched his small fist and murmured silently, "Master, Mistress, look! The young master is finally becoming more like a Black!"
(End of Chapter)
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