Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 136: Year End Exam
20 June 1996
Hufflepuff Common Room
Dudley lounged lazily on one of the yellow sofas located inside the Hufflepuff common room, one leg draped over the armrest while the other rested on the floor. A folded copy of the Daily Prophet lay open in his hands, he had been reading the news about wizarding world after finished OWL or Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations.
Yeah today was the final day of the Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations and after is a freedom.
In a modern term, there is no more revision schedules. No more late-night essays. No more pretending to be stressed like everyone else. For Dudley, it meant time for him to plan, time to think his next action and time to read the news without worrying about class bells interrupting him.
There are many interesting news that happen everyday in wizarding world and this time the headline caught his eye again, even though he had already read it twice.
Another report about the wizarding world.
He clicked his tongue quietly.
Ever since the failed assassination attempt on Minister Amelia Bones, everything had spiraled out of control. Death Eater attacks were no longer isolated incidents. They were coordinated, more violent that involves killing. The Ministry response had grown harsher and more aggressive than in the so-called canon timeline thanks to Amelia Bones who now squeeze every power from ministry.
But after the incident where a wizard who managed to defend against Death Eater, killing 3 in return made public.
Dudley already knew one thing for certain, that something else also come to this world. He wanted to confront that wizard but he stayed low and learn more magic, if his theory are correct about that wizard that means trouble would come.
He could no longer rely on his knowledge of the Harry Potter novels.
That safety net was gone.
"Troublesome," Dudley muttered under his breath.
He folded the newspaper slightly and leaned back, staring at the ceiling. His mind drifted, organizing information. As of now, Voldemort still had Horcruxes.
But not many left, Dudley knew exactly how many remained.
Only two of them left, the first was hidden in the Gaunt family home, buried in a location soaked with Dark Magic and old blood. The second was Bellatrix Lestrange vault in Gringotts.
The rest were destroyed by Harry, him and kreacher.
Dudley still remembered the first time he revealed the truth about Horcruxes after they saved Amelia Bones to Harry and Sirius
"Harry, I have something that I've kept secret from you," Dudley said quietly.
Harry looked up from his book, confused. "What is it?"
Sirius, who had been lounging nearby, straightened slightly, interest flickering in his eyes when he heard Dudley had a secret.
"Do you remember why you fainted and saw that baby Voldemort?" Dudley asked.
Harry frowned. "Yes… until now it still feels strange. Like a bad dream that won't fade."
"What?" Sirius snapped, suddenly alert. "You never told me that before."
Harry opened his mouth, then hesitated. "I..... "
"I told him not to tell anyone," Dudley interrupted calmly. "There was a reason."
Sirius turned sharply toward Dudley, his expression hardening. He crossed his arms. "Then you better explain. Now."
Dudley met his gaze without flinching. "Do you know what a Horcrux is?"
Suddenly everyone in the room become silent. Harry and Sirius exchanged looks, then both shook their heads.
"No," Harry admitted.
Dudley exhaled slowly. "A Horcrux is the most evil magic ever created. Worse than the Killing Curse. Dirtier than Crucio torture."
Harry eyes widened. "Dudley, how did you know about it, does this mean you tried Horcrux spell too?"
"No genius," Dudley shake his head.
"Do you mean it is regarding Voldemort?" said Harry.
"Yes," Dudley replied. "Old books describe it, a ritual that splits the soul, allowing the user to live forever."
"Forever?" Sirius repeated sharply.
"Yes," Dudley said. "But that's not the full truth."
Harry leaned forward unconsciously. "What do you mean?"
"In that book, Horcruxes do not just split the soul," Dudley continued. "They make the user invincible against all forms of magic either by Killing curses, explosions spell and even Fiendfyre."
"Really?" asked Sirius.
"Not the part where the soul can split... I have researched Horcrux and there is no spell that can alter soul. We wizards didn't have that power, we can kill others but not alter their soul. The horcrux is actually the most powerful dark defensive skill that can even rival the blood ward that Lily Potter have evoked to save his son," explained Dudley.
"Do you mean, Voldemort has more power than me?" asked Harry.
"Yes, his defensive power is more sneaky and make him survive that night but your mother blood ward still hurt him," answered Dudley.
Sirius sucked in a breath. "So that's why that cockroach didn't die."
"Yes," Dudley said flatly. "Not to forget, he didn't make one but Voldemort created seven Horcruxes."
Harry face paled. "Seven…"
"I hunted them," Dudley continued. "Not to copy the ritual, but to understand how to destroy it."
Sirius stared at him. "You did this… alone?"
"Mostly," Dudley replied.
Harry swallowed. "Then… my fainting. That night."
"That's because you were one," Dudley said.
The room froze.
Harry's voice trembled. "You mean… I was a Horcrux too?"
"Yes," Dudley said. "But don't worry. When Voldemort cast the Killing Curse on you, it destroyed the Dark Magic inside you."
Sirius looked between them, face pale, fists clenched. "Merlin…"
Sirius face changed and Harry too.
"Why does wizard always say merlin, he had long died and not gonna save you," Dudley mocked Sirius.
"Wait Dudley, we are in a serious conversation, do you mean that thing already been destroyed?" said Sirius with a serious tone.
"Yes but don't worry when Voldemort cast that killing curse it destroy what ever Dark Magic on you," replied Dudley.
"Can I know what other items?" asked Harry.
"Sure, the first one is the Diary that you've destroyed in the second year," revealed Dudley.
Harry gasped and his eyes widen.
"No wonder.... no wonder that thing react like him," muttered Harry. "Wait a minute, if that Tom Riddle return what would happen to Jinny?"
"The Horcrux would give a false memory and Jinny would think she is Tom Riddle who had possessed her and thankfully you manage to stop her from turning to one," replied Dudley.
"Wait I don't understand here, you never told about this to me," Sirius feel frustrated.
"Harry, you should told him about your adventure," Dudley looked at Harry.
...
There is 30 advanced chapter on my patreon.
Chapter 163: Recap 6th Year
Chapter 164: Hermione Dilemma
Chapter 165: Dumbledore Regret
Chapter 166: Funeral
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