NOVEL WEB Chapter 226: Chapter 117: Twist and Turn!
"I'm afraid this approach won't work," Dumbledore said, shaking his head slightly. He continued, "Neither the records about Horcruxes in the book I mentioned earlier nor the various attempts I just made on the diary have yielded any results."
"...What we've confirmed is that the Horcrux we currently possess cannot be used to track or obtain information about other Horcruxes linked to the same individual."
"The fragment of soul contained within Tom's diary is too small a portion of Voldemort's own soul to establish a connection with other Horcruxes or Voldemort himself."
"In other words, the soul fragment's energy is insufficient to create a link capable of transmitting significant amounts of information. The soul energy within the Horcrux is only enough to maintain its most basic functions."
Hearing this, Hermione couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, though she still nodded thoughtfully.
She had asked the question with a glimmer of hope, fully aware that the chances of finding a way to round up all of Voldemort's Horcruxes at once were slim to none.
It was likely due to the inherent limitations of splitting a soul without causing irreparable harm. But it was also possible that Voldemort had foreseen such a risk and deliberately avoided leaving traceable soul fragments in his Horcruxes from the start.
Either way, Hermione's budding plan was dashed after hearing Dumbledore's explanation.
It made sense, after all. From the scenes Glenn had seen in Ginny's memories, it was clear that the Tom Riddle in the diary could not communicate with Voldemort's main body.
If even the separated soul fragment couldn't connect with its original self, then external methods would have even less chance of establishing a link between soul fragments.
After Hermione finished her question, Glenn spoke up, presenting her own idea.
"If the issue is simply that the soul fragment within the Horcrux lacks sufficient energy, what if external soul energy were used to supplement it?"
Dumbledore froze for a moment, then furrowed his brow. "...If such a method exists—one that can absorb another's soul energy—"
"...then yes, it might be possible."
"..."
"?!"
Dumbledore's eyes slowly widened. Glenn's suggestion had suddenly reminded him of something.
"It seems, Professor, that you are aware of such a thing," Glenn said calmly. Ever since she had spoken, her eyes had not left Dumbledore's face. Now, she had obtained the information she sought.
Glenn wanted to confirm two things.
First, the feasibility of her hypothesis.
Second, the extent of Dumbledore's knowledge.
"...When did you figure it out?"
"About Harry," Dumbledore sighed, his expression slipping for a moment before he managed a wry smile.
To be honest, this child Glenn could sometimes be so sharp it was almost frightening.
Yes, what Glenn had alluded to—and what Dumbledore had sighed about—was the matter concerning Harry Potter.
—The piece of Voldemort's soul that, due to an accident, had inexplicably attached itself to Harry's own soul.
Today, Glenn had finally found an opportunity to extract this critical piece of information from Dumbledore, confirming what had previously been a highly probable suspicion.
"My initial suspicion arose on the first day of the Sorting Ceremony in our first year, when I sensed a faint connection between Harry Potter and Quirinus Quirrell, who was possessed by Voldemort, as they made eye contact."
"I began to suspect more strongly last year, after you summoned me to your office and tried to force your plans onto me. It was on my way back to the dormitory, after some thought, that I came to this conclusion."
"My doubts deepened as my studies progressed and my understanding of souls grew. That's how I came to this belief."
"But now, seeing your reaction, I can be absolutely certain."
"Harry Potter is also one of Voldemort—Tom Marvolo Riddle's—Horcruxes."
"?!"
The most shocked person in the room was, of course, Hermione, who was utterly dumbfounded by what she had just heard.
What was going on? How had the conversation jumped from her question to the earth-shattering revelation that Harry was one of Voldemort's Horcruxes?
Based on her understanding of Hermione's character, Glenn had decided not to share this important suspicion with her earlier. Even though the person in question wasn't someone Hermione was particularly close to, Glenn believed that revealing this information would only cause unnecessary worry for the little girl.
However, now that Hermione had overheard everything, she was struggling to process the incomprehensible information. After a moment, she took a deep breath, reached out her hand—
—and angrily pinched the soft flesh at Glenn's waist.
Twist, twist, twist, twist, twist!
"Hermione, that hurts," Glenn said with her usual deadpan expression. Her tone and demeanor were no different from normal, giving no indication of complaint.
"Don't talk. Let me vent first," Hermione huffed. At that moment, she looked like a little hamster with her cheeks puffed out, her soft, smooth face adorably scrunched, and her glossy lips pouting. She seemed to be saying, "I'm very mad," but the effect was more irresistibly cute than intimidating.
"I remember you told me to express my feelings more," Glenn thought to herself. She didn't say it out loud, so there was no need to dwell on it.
In reality, Hermione wasn't using much force in her "punishment." After pinching Glenn's side for a short while, she stopped, crossed her arms, and squinted at Glenn.
Glenn could already guess what Hermione wanted to do, so she turned to Dumbledore.
"Since Hermione and I already know about this, Professor, would you mind explaining the details of that night to us?"
"Hey! Don't change the subject!" Hermione glared at Glenn, her gaze almost tangible in its intensity.
"I'm not," Glenn replied. After all, she was someone who would never lie to Hermione.
The little girl wanted to know the whole story, didn't she? Since her own knowledge was based on personal speculation, it was better to let Dumbledore, who had a clearer understanding of the situation, explain it to them—and perhaps fill in some gaps in her own knowledge as well.
That was all.
Used as a tool for the duo's playful banter, Dumbledore could only smile helplessly. He began recounting the events of that fateful night—the night when Voldemort ceased to be whole, and Harry ceased to be purely Harry.
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