"In any case, knowing all this before Voldemort's return is definitely good news for us."
After the truth came to light, Dumbledore felt deeply relieved, and even the wrinkles on his face seemed to smooth out.
"Voldemort's return—"
However, Sherlock looked deeply at Dumbledore. "Sir, don't you think you're taking that prophecy a bit too seriously?"
"False prophecies we can naturally disregard, but true prophecies do exist in this world."
"Even if true prophecies exist, I still believe that destiny is in one's own hands."
Upon hearing this, Dumbledore looked deeply at Sherlock as well.
So similar, too similar!
Sherlock came from a Muggle background and was originally someone who firmly believed in science, so it was understandable that he didn't believe in prophecies.
Not just Sherlock—even Dumbledore himself had once considered discontinuing the Divination course at Hogwarts.
Thinking back, his willingness to meet with Professor Trelawney was entirely because she was a descendant of a true Seer.
He never expected that this Seer's descendant would, in an unconscious state, make that genuine prophecy.
Although it was for protective purposes, Dumbledore had continued the course.
But Professor Trelawney's usual predictions were truly unreliable.
It wasn't until many years later that she made her second true prophecy, again while unconscious.
However.
Dumbledore knew a true Seer.
Not only that, but this Seer was closely connected to him—an old acquaintance.
That Seer, like Sherlock, had always believed that destiny was in one's own hands.
It was precisely because of this that he and Dumbledore had become kindred spirits.
At this moment, Dumbledore's thoughts involuntarily returned to that wind-swept summer in Godric's Hollow.
That year, he and he were both young.
However, Dumbledore didn't notice that while he was lost in memories, Sherlock was staring intently at him.
This wasn't the first time Sherlock had seen Dumbledore wear such an expression.
If he couldn't deduce something from this, he wouldn't be a Holmes.
Sherlock was well aware that something in his recent behavior had once again reminded Dumbledore of an old friend.
Previously, he had thought that friend might be Nicolas Flamel, but later discovered it wasn't.
Then he thought it might be Newt Scamander, but that proved incorrect as well.
The main issue was that Dumbledore had lived too long.
This meant he knew many legendary figures.
If he continued living, he himself would become a legend.
No—in a sense, he was already a legendary figure.
It was like many Muggle university students who didn't realize it while in school.
But after leaving school and entering society and workforce, they would be surprised to discover that the highest-level individuals they'd ever encountered up close were none other than their own teachers.
Today's gains were undoubtedly satisfying.
Dumbledore ended his reminiscence, withdrew his gaze, and looked at Sherlock and Harry with a smile. "I think we can end today's journey."
"Wait! Sir, just a moment!"
Harry became anxious immediately and said.
"Sir, if you find other Horcruxes, can we go with you to help destroy them?"
"Harry, I'm very touched."
Dumbledore looked at Harry very seriously for a while, then shook his head.
"But I don't think that's possible."
Faced with Dumbledore who was very moved yet refused his request, Harry was stunned.
This—this wasn't right?
"I'm very sorry, but destroying Horcruxes is extremely dangerous.
You were able to successfully destroy the diary last time because it was the first Horcrux Voldemort created, and he had used it as a weapon. I can assure you that for the remaining Horcruxes, Voldemort has definitely placed extremely powerful protective spells on them.
Although you're outstanding among your peers, dealing with Horcruxes is simply too demanding for those of you who aren't yet of age."
"Not to go destroy Horcruxes with you."
Sherlock suddenly spoke.
Dumbledore said in surprise, "Sherlock, what do you mean?"
Sherlock looked at Dumbledore. "My request is simple. When you're certain you have information about a Horcrux, you must inform us before you set out."
Dumbledore pondered for a moment upon hearing this. "Inform you in advance? That wouldn't be a problem."
After saying this, he looked at Sherlock again and changed his words.
"However—if it's not about destroying a Horcrux, but merely retrieving it, I think you can come with me."
"We can?"
Harry was startled. What was going on? Dumbledore had just said it wasn't possible!
"Oh, yes," Dumbledore said with a slight smile, "I think you've earned that right."
Harry's heart soared.
Finally, finally hearing something other than caution and protection for once.
This feeling... was wonderful.
Sherlock, however, remained composed, as if he had anticipated this.
"I have one last question, sir."
"Harry, you certainly have an extraordinary number of questions today."
Clearly Dumbledore was in a very good mood. "This really is the last question, right?"
"I promise—I want to ask, when a Horcrux is destroyed, will Voldemort know? Can he sense it?"
Dumbledore didn't answer immediately, but turned to Sherlock.
"Sherlock, what do you think?"
Harry: (⊙_⊙)
He felt like Dumbledore was being lazy.
This wasn't the first time. Whenever he asked a question, Dumbledore would say, "Sherlock, what do you think?"
And then Sherlock would directly give the answer.
That's right!
Thinking of this, Harry also realized.
In that case, why bother asking Dumbledore at all? Why not just ask Sherlock directly?
Sure enough, Sherlock gave the answer directly.
"Based on the current situation, Voldemort won't notice, because the soul fragment contained in the diary has been separated from him for too long.
Given Voldemort's personality, if he truly knew one of his soul fragments had been destroyed, he would definitely fly into a rage.
In that situation, our Headmaster here couldn't possibly not know."
"Why do you think I would know?" Dumbledore looked at Sherlock with a smile.
"After he left Quirrell's body, you once said he was currently hiding in the forests of Albania. This indicates you have your own intelligence sources.
Although you can't pinpoint his exact location, you must have some grasp of his movements.
You're not merely a headmaster."
"You give me too much credit, Sherlock."
Dumbledore laughed again. "I do have my own intelligence sources, but they're not as impressive as you imagine.
However, I do share your view and also believe Voldemort won't notice the destruction of his soul.
Because Voldemort is now too steeped in evil, and these important parts of him have been separated for too long. I believe his perception is far less acute than ours.
Perhaps only when his life is about to reach its end will he sense something."
"So, when we destroy his last Horcrux, he'll sense it?"
"Not necessarily the last one—it could also be the second to last.
Many years ago, when Voldemort was confident he could create multiple Horcruxes, he scattered them.
The first Horcrux was entrusted to Lucius Malfoy. I believe Voldemort wanted Lucius to bring it into Hogwarts.
But Lucius had to wait for Voldemort's permission to act, and shortly after entrusting the diary, Voldemort disappeared.
Even so, he wasn't worried about the diary's safety.
Because Voldemort was too arrogant. He believed that aside from carefully guarding the Horcrux, Lucius wouldn't dare do anything else.
Unfortunately, he placed too much faith in Lucius's fear of his master.
You see, for Lucius, this master had been missing for over ten years without appearing, so naturally he was presumed dead.
Of course, even now Lucius doesn't know what that diary actually was.
I think Voldemort only told him the diary was enchanted with ingenious magic that could reopen the Chamber of Secrets.
If Lucius had known he was holding a piece of his master's soul, perhaps he would have treated it with more respect.
But the fact is, he devised a plan for his own purposes.
To place the diary on Arthur Weasley's daughter, hoping to discredit Arthur, get me expelled from Hogwarts, and dispose of a very incriminating piece of evidence.
What he never expected was that his fine plan would be disrupted by a house-elf.
You know what happened after that.
When he discovered the house-elf was missing, he could only change his plan and slip the diary to Gilderoy Lockhart.
Ah, poor Gilderoy. Controlled by the Horcrux due to his own selfishness, he remains unconscious to this day.
However, Madam Pomfrey has told me some good news—he's recently shown signs of recovery."
"I don't consider that good news—" Harry muttered.
But Sherlock shook his head. "No, it is indeed good news."
"What?"
Harry looked surprised. He really didn't understand why Lockhart's awakening would be good news.
But he didn't dwell on it and raised another question.
"Sir, if all the Horcruxes are destroyed, can Voldemort truly be killed?"
"Harry, you just said that was your last question."
"Sorry, sir, I won't ask anymore."
Harry said sheepishly.
"It's all right, I can answer this question."
This time, surprisingly, Dumbledore didn't say "Sherlock, what do you think?" but directly gave the answer.
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