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Chapter 180 – Becomes Voldemort's Horcrux!!
Dumbledore had just finished being roasted—by Snape, by fate, by his own sister's soul fragment (though he didn't know that part).
Darren finally remembered he had to answer Dumbledore's question properly.
As for when he had become Voldemort's Horcrux…
Obviously he couldn't say "just now, in your office, sir."
He chose the safest timeline:
the end of last year—the day he confronted Voldemort in front of everyone.
He had been tortured publicly, after all.
If Voldemort lost a soul fragment during that, it wasn't strange.
So Darren kept his voice dull and dazed:
"I don't know exactly when I could feel Voldemort…
But I remember… when I was being hit with the Cruciatus…"
"It felt like… something bored into my mind."
"But I was in so much pain… I didn't think about it…"
He let his eyes cloud over in confusion.
Snape immediately exploded.
He almost pointed his wand straight at Dumbledore.
"Into the brain?!" Snape snarled.
"Dumbledore, what exactly did the Dark Lord leave on these two Potters?"
"That thing can give them the Dark Lord's power?
Dumbledore, are you playing me for a fool?!"
Snape's whole frame trembled in barely contained rage.
The soul—the soul was said to reside in the mind.
If the Dark Lord's soul had entered their minds…
Then—
Horcruxes.
Both Potters had become Horcruxes.
"Severus… forgive me," Dumbledore said gently, "but I swear to you—they will both live."
Snape pressed his lips so tightly that the corners turned white.
He knew this old man could be terrifyingly powerful when he wanted to be.
If anyone could save both children, it was Dumbledore.
Finally, he lowered his wand, though his tone stayed stiff and furious.
"Dumbledore, I will trust you one more time.
If not… I'd sooner resign and leave the wizarding world entirely."
"Oh, Severus, always so dramatic—it's only a small complication."
Dumbledore smiled as if nothing was wrong.
Both of them knew it was definitely not a small complication.
Dumbledore especially felt it.
He had planned for years—failed plans, fallback plans, a dozen contingencies.
He had thought that even if everything fell apart, he could at least keep Darren safe and give him to Severus.
But now Darren, too, was a Horcrux.
His plans were in ruins.
He suddenly felt older than ever.
Maybe he should never have let Darren near Harry.
Should have sent the boy to another magical school entirely.
It would have been easier… safer.
But now?
Now he didn't want that.
Dumbledore sighed heavily.
Then he looked up and asked, unexpectedly:
"So… one last question, Darren.
Do you hate me now?"
Darren blinked.
What in Merlin's name—
Was this old man losing his mind?
Even Snape snapped.
"Dumbledore, what exactly are you trying to do?"
"No, no, no," Dumbledore protested, hands raised.
"I simply want to know what little Darren thinks of me."
He offered a gentle, grandfather-like smile.
Darren suddenly remembered Order of the Phoenix—Harry hating Dumbledore, all fueled by Voldemort.
Dumbledore was checking for signs of corruption.
He was terrified Darren might be influenced by Voldemort—
Or worse, become like Voldemort.
Darren almost sighed aloud.
If Dumbledore ever became the Dark Lord, he'd be ten times more paranoid than Voldemort.
The old man had probably formulated ten new plans in the last ten minutes.
So to calm him down—
Darren answered in an emotionless monotone:
"I do not hate Headmaster Dumbledore.
I like the Headmaster. He is the greatest white wizard of the century."
"Even though it seems the Headmaster has some plans for my brother,
I think it must be for my brother's sake."
"Headmaster Dumbledore works hard so my brother can survive."
"Last year, when I faced Voldemort…
Even though my brother defeated him again…"
"I knew Voldemort would return.
Headmaster Dumbledore must know it too."
"He is great… admirable… and worthy of respect."
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[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +100]
[Ding, Father +50]
[Ding, Father +60]
[Ding, Father +80]
[Ding, Father +10]
Seven notifications.
Darren was stunned.
How many emotional donors were packed into this office?
Sure, Harry was nearby.
Ariana might still be listening before being muted.
But… the portraits?
He glanced around.
Most were sleeping.
Others had wandered off.
…Was someone pretending to sleep?
He let the thought go.
He still had to act the part of a delicate, mind-poisoned child.
His eyes remained foggy.
Dumbledore's expression, however, transformed completely.
He wiped his glasses, tears streaming down his blue eyes.
"It's my fault…
I never knew this child admired me so much."
"He saw every choice I made…
And yet I kept doubting him…"
"I don't deserve this boy's affection…"
Dumbledore wiped at his tears again.
After a long, steadying moment, he looked at Snape.
"Severus… the rest is up to you.
Perhaps I should calm myself."
"Hmph. You should've calmed down long ago," Snape said with a familiar sneer.
Dumbledore disappeared deeper into the office, where no one knew what he might be arranging.
Only after he left did Snape step close to Darren.
He touched the tip of his wand to Darren's temple.
"Forget everything."
Obliviate
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**[Ding—The host is being targeted by a Forgetfulness Charm.
Counteract using 100 Father Value?]**
[Counteract]
---
Darren almost grinned.
Thank Merlin—
Snape still hadn't updated the Forgetfulness Charm (Obliviate).
It was as cheap and outdated as always.
Perfect.
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