Chapter 293: Corruption
"Dudley, I don't worry about Voldemort's Horcrux being kept with you. However, I'd like to know what you intend to do with this diary," Dumbledore handed the Horcrux to Dudley.
Dudley thought for a moment. "Before answering your question, Professor, I'd like to ask you one first."
Dumbledore watched Dudley with interest and nodded. "I'd be happy to help clarify."
"I want to know if Voldemort can sense the existence of other Horcruxes. For instance, whether they've been destroyed, their specific locations, or whether he can determine which Horcrux is in whose possession," Dudley asked seriously.
Dumbledore answered almost without thinking. "Based on my understanding, the connection between Horcruxes and their master isn't particularly strong. It's generally difficult to detect if a Horcrux encounters any change."
"You could understand it this way: the soul within the Horcrux is essentially sealed. It has no way to transmit messages to its master."
"Of course, there might be some exceptions. One possibility is when a Horcrux is destroyed. That might be perceptible."
"However, this cannot be proven. I believe this might relate to the distance between the master and the Horcrux, as well as the master's current state," Dumbledore paused before continuing. "If you're concerned that the diary might be detected by Voldemort, you can rest assured. Given his current condition, it would be difficult for him to discover any problem with this Horcrux."
"So Voldemort doesn't know this Horcrux has fallen into our hands, and he also cannot sense our conversation with it. Is that correct?" Dudley confirmed once more.
"Correct," Dumbledore nodded.
"Then I can proceed without worry," Dudley smiled slightly.
"Good. Now I can answer your question, Professor."
"I have certain methods that would frighten the Voldemort within the Horcrux. Perhaps I can use this soul fragment to coerce him into revealing some of Voldemort's secrets."
"From my perspective, once a soul is split, it becomes separate from the whole."
"If that's the case, it means each fragment can potentially be defeated individually."
Dumbledore's expression became thoughtful. After a moment, he spoke. "Are you confident?"
Dudley smiled. "Why not try?"
Dumbledore smiled as well. "If you encounter any problems, come find me at any time."
"Very well, Professor Dumbledore."
After Dumbledore finished speaking, he glanced at the time. Dudley noticed this and realised Dumbledore was perhaps waiting for someone. He stood up, preparing to leave.
"Professor Dumbledore, are you expecting someone?" Dudley asked curiously.
It was quite late. Who would visit Dumbledore at this hour?
"Ah, some rather unpleasant matters need to be addressed," Dumbledore pressed his lips together.
"Oh?" Dudley, who was about to leave, became more curious.
"Lucius."
"He likely believes I'm no longer suited to continue as Hogwarts' headmaster," Dumbledore spread his hands.
"Lucius?"
Dudley's gaze shifted slightly. He hadn't expected Lucius Malfoy to visit at such a late hour.
"Professor, may I listen in?" Dudley asked.
"If you're not tired," Dumbledore smiled.
"Of course I'm not tired," Dudley said immediately, stepping to one side.
Dumbledore said nothing more and returned his attention to the documents before him.
"Oh, Lucius certainly knows how to find my weak points."
"Unable to protect student safety and prolonged absence from school."
"Well, I can't argue with that. I truly haven't been performing my duties this term," Dumbledore remarked.
"Too old to serve as headmaster."
"I'd have to disagree with that one. I believe I can manage for several more decades."
"Serious arm injury that would negatively impact the performance of headmaster duties."
"My injury is to my left arm and doesn't affect my wand hand. Lucius really does know how to nitpick," Dumbledore shook his head.
"Association with the former Dark Lord. Cough, cough."
"Skip that one." Dumbledore's expression froze, and he skipped past that point.
"Hmm?"
Dudley had wanted to hear what came next, but Dumbledore had skipped right over it.
Hadn't he read the previous points aloud? Why skip this one?
Interesting, Dudley thought to himself. The former Dark Lord. Which former Dark Lord does that refer to? It could mean Voldemort, but it could also refer to whoever was imprisoned at Nurmengard. And that person has already escaped. Meanwhile, Voldemort is also out there somewhere, seeking an opportunity to resurrect. This is certainly becoming complicated.
Just as Dudley was pondering this, footsteps sounded outside the door.
Bang!
Lucius pushed the door open without knocking.
"Dumbledore, I have submitted my review to the Board of Governors. Your headmaster position has been temporarily suspended. During this period, you cannot continue to stay in the headmaster's office," Lucius announced loudly upon entering.
"You—"
Lucius was about to continue his tirade when he suddenly noticed someone else in the office.
"It's you!"
Upon seeing Dudley, the blue vein on Lucius's forehead immediately twitched, and he spoke through gritted teeth.
The moment he saw Dudley, Lucius recalled all those unpleasant memories. This boy disgusted him to no end. Even more so than Harry Potter.
"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy," Dudley greeted calmly.
"Get out," Lucius pointed his wand at Dudley and spoke loudly.
"This is Professor Dumbledore's office, not yours. I believe you have no authority to make me leave," Dudley said without moving.
"How dare you talk back!"
Lucius flushed with anger.
"Lucius!" Dumbledore spoke coldly, his gaze fixed on Lucius's face.
Lucius's arrogant expression faltered slightly. Though he could remove Dumbledore from his position, he had to acknowledge Dumbledore's power.
"Dumbledore, I don't want this child present for our conversation. Make him leave," Lucius said.
"I believe there's nothing in our discussion that needs to be hidden from Dudley," Dumbledore said calmly.
"Fine, very fine," Lucius's expression darkened.
"Now, I'm here to formally notify you. You're dismissed," Lucius continued. "Your foolishness has placed Hogwarts in danger and nearly caused its closure. You must take responsibility for this. Especially for those unfortunate students who were petrified," Lucius declared righteously.