"As for Grindelwald, his matters concern you little," Dumbledore said, raising his gaze and speaking to Dudley and the others. Then he paused, seeming to reconsider his words.
He'd meant to say that everyone at Hogwarts was safe, but thinking of the events of these two years, he couldn't quite say those words. Last year's Voldemort, this year's basilisk. As headmaster, his role had been minimal. Especially this year, he'd been almost entirely occupied with Grindelwald, leaving the school mainly to Professor McGonagall. And ultimately, Dudley had resolved the school's crisis—the self-proclaimed Judge of Hogwarts whom he'd appointed on impulse.
"As for Hogwarts, we are safe," Dudley said seriously.
"That's right," Dumbledore smiled and nodded.
Previously, Hogwarts had been safe because of him as headmaster. Now, it was because of Dudley.
"Tell me about the basilisk. I'm very curious how you dealt with it," Dumbledore asked with interest. "Also, during your investigation, I won't count violations against school rules."
Hearing about the basilisk, Harry and the others perked up immediately, no longer afraid of breaking rules. They took turns recounting their experiences this term, seemingly determined to tell Dumbledore everything that had happened.
However, they deliberately omitted all details concerning Dudley's abilities.
Dumbledore didn't ask many questions, simply listening quietly. Even where things seemed illogical, he didn't interrupt. It wasn't until he heard that the basilisk had been killed that he couldn't help but applaud.
"Excellent. You were truly excellent."
"Because of your performances, I've decided to bestow upon you the Special Contribution Award of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Dumbledore was generous with his praise.
"Excellent!" Ron nearly jumped with excitement.
Hagrid had once received Hogwarts' Special Contribution Award. Now they'd truly resolved the Chamber crisis, and it would never happen again. This contribution was sufficient for them to receive this honour.
For Harry and Hermione, children from Muggle families, this award might not seem so important. But for Ron, born into a wizard family, receiving this award meant he would be the most noticed member of the Weasley family during the upcoming summer holidays. This would be the first time he stood amongst his older brothers as a victor.
He had finally proven himself.
Dudley noticed Ron's eyes had reddened, tears glistening. Perhaps only growing up in a large family like Ron's could one truly understand that feeling, Dudley thought.
Dumbledore also smiled, watching them celebrate before him.
"Well, it's getting late. You should all return and rest. Dudley, stay a moment. I have several matters to discuss with you."
"Of course. Good night, Professor Dumbledore," Harry and the others said their farewells and turned to leave.
After Harry's trio departed, Dumbledore looked at Dudley and asked directly: "I noticed that Harry mentioned something very crucial—a diary. May I see it?"
"You may. Actually, I also have matters I'd like your opinion about," Dudley said.
He retrieved the black diary from the Mirror of Erised and handed it to Dumbledore.
"What Harry didn't mention is that this belonged to Tom Riddle," Dudley said.
Dumbledore's expression shifted. Upon hearing Dudley confidently speak Riddle's name, visible surprise crossed his face.
"Tom Riddle... what a distant name," Dumbledore said whilst opening the diary.
Tom Riddle's signature appeared on the title page. The rest of the pages were blank.
Dumbledore gently stroked the diary, silently casting several spells to probe it.
"According to Voldemort's explanation, this diary should contain his memories as clues to the Chamber," Dudley said. "But I don't think so. I believe what's in this diary is a fragment of Voldemort's soul."
Dudley spoke with near certainty.
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed as he fell into thought.
"So I want to know if there's magic that can split the soul," Dudley asked directly. "And why would someone do such a thing?"
Dumbledore said nothing, but suspicion clearly crossed his mind. However, he needed confirmation.
After examining the diary for just over ten minutes, Dumbledore raised his head with a difficult expression.
"It's a Horcrux."
"A Horcrux? What is that?" Dudley frowned. He didn't recall seeing this term in Hogwarts' books.