Chapter 158
"Wearing it might increase one's intelligence, but it's not something anyone should risk."
Draco sat alone in his room at Malfoy Manor, leaning back in a comfortable leather chair. A long mahogany table stood before him.
On it rested a silver diadem shaped like a spread-winged eagle. A blue gemstone shimmered at its center. Though time had dulled the metal, the gem still glowed faintly. Along the rim was Ravenclaw's motto:
"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure."
But the diadem was no longer perfect.
Fine cracks spread through the gem, and the silver was covered in spiderweb-like fractures. It was barely holding together.
The damage was obvious.
Draco had no intention of keeping a Horcrux intact.
Dumbledore had once put on a cursed ring out of longing and nearly paid with his life. Only Snape's skill with potions had delayed the fatal curse.
Draco would not make the same mistake.
Knowledge gained through a corrupted soul object was not worth the risk.
Intelligence and wisdom were not the same.
Knowing when to give something up—that was wisdom.
After becoming a Horcrux, the diadem's original function no longer mattered. Whatever power it once had was irrelevant.
"Now it's just a decoration," Draco murmured, studying it. "Perhaps it might still be useful… if traded for information."
Up close, the damage was even worse. The structure was close to collapse.
The work had been done by the Sword of Gryffindor.
Even an artifact of the Founders could not withstand a weapon designed for destruction.
Draco picked up the sword.
The blade gleamed silver, its tip still darkened by basilisk venom. The ruby in the hilt shone brightly.
Goblins forged the sword to absorb what strengthened it.
First basilisk venom.
Now, a destroyed Horcrux.
"A sword of courage… and wisdom?" Draco examined it thoughtfully.
Then he set the diadem aside.
"It's time to deal with the next one."
---
"Mother, I'm going to receive family property, not report to Azkaban."
Draco stood at the gates of Malfoy Manor while Narcissa dabbed at her eyes.
The holidays had begun. Since returning, Draco had spent most of his time reading or working in the laboratory, studying the destroyed diadem.
Narcissa was unhappy. Her son barely spent time with her.
Lucius, now busy with Ministry work, supported Draco's independence.
"This is Black family property," Lucius had said at dinner. "He needs this experience."
Reluctantly, Narcissa gave in.
"Where is it?" she asked.
"Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place," Draco replied calmly.
Her expression stiffened.
"Just have it cleaned," he added. "I'll take Dobby."
"At least stay one more day," she said, wiping her eyes again.
Draco sighed. "Alright."
---
Now she hugged him tightly at the gates.
"Take care of yourself."
The heavy perfume made his nose itch.
"How will you get there?" she asked. "Floo? A car?"
"No need," Draco said. "I've learned Apparition."
He drew his wand, said a quick goodbye, and Disapparated before she could continue.
The air cracked sharply as he vanished.
Narcissa stood there, slightly disappointed.
"I still had more to say…"
Then she smiled faintly.
"The child has grown up."
And she had already prepared a little surprise for him.