"Charlie said earlier that there was a Dark Arts item in the school affecting students, and now it seems very likely that it is the culprit."
"But we've searched for so long and still haven't found it."
Just then, a knock sounded.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Everyone turned their heads.
The door opened, and Charlie walked in.
Snape's eyes immediately lit up, with an excitement like...
"Oh."
He drew out the sound, his voice full of amusement.
"It seems Charlie is very worried about his friend."
"So much so that he violated school rules by being out at night, and even came before the Professors."
He slowly walked towards Charlie, his black robes flowing behind him.
"Tell me, Charlie."
"Do you think we can't see you?"
"Or do you think the school rules don't apply to you?"
Snape's lips curled into a sneer.
"Hufflepuff, fifty points deducted."
"In addition, you will be in detention for one month."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione's faces all changed.
Professor Sprout frowned.
"Severus, Charlie probably has something important to say, can you let him finish first?"
Snape let out a cold laugh.
"Let me see what special matter you have."
Charlie calmly manipulated a vine to bring the diary in.
"I found that Dark Arts item."
The office immediately fell silent.
Everyone's gaze was focused on the diary.
Snape was stunned, the sneer on his face frozen.
Charlie placed the diary on the table.
"Tonight's incident was caused by it, manipulating Draco Malfoy."
Dumbledore stepped forward, not touching the diary directly, but taking out his wand and gently tapping it.
A faint wisp of black smoke emerged from the diary, vanishing in an instant.
"It is indeed a Dark Arts item," Dumbledore's voice was calm.
"And it's very deeply hidden."
Professor McGonagall's face was ashen.
"This thing has been circulating in the school for so long."
Professor Sprout also leaned in to look.
"It's too dangerous, fortunately Charlie found it."
Professor Lockhart suddenly strode forward and grabbed the diary.
"Let me see!" He excitedly opened the diary, examining it with a serious expression.
"I am quite adept at handling Dark Arts items."
Charlie watched Professor Lockhart play with the diary in his hands, his mouth twitching.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately closed it.
Never mind.
It was indeed cleaned.
As long as he didn't say anything, no one would know.
"tyrant points +10."
Dumbledore waved his wand, conjuring an exquisite silver box.
The box was covered with complex runes, emitting a faint glow.
He placed the diary into the box and closed the lid.
The runes immediately lit up, sealing the box tightly.
"This item will be in my keeping for now," Dumbledore turned to Charlie.
"Charlie, you did very well."
"Hufflepuff, one hundred points added."
Professor Sprout's face finally broke into a smile.
Dumbledore looked at Snape.
"Severus, I imagine you won't be giving Charlie detention anymore, will you?"
Snape's face grew even darker.
He let out a cold snort, but didn't mention detention again.
Professor McGonagall trembled with anger.
"That Malfoy."
"To bring such a dangerous thing to school."
"And try to hide it from us during the search."
She turned to Snape.
"Severus, you should really rein him in."
Snape's expression became even more unpleasant.
"I will handle it."
Charlie saw Snape's expression and knew someone was in for trouble.
Dumbledore clapped his hands.
"Alright, it's getting late."
"Everyone go back and rest."
"Charlie, you go back to your dormitory too."
Charlie nodded, turned, and left.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione also followed him out of the office... Meanwhile.
Dumbledore returned to his office.
He sat in his chair and placed the silver box on the desk.
He opened the lid and took out the diary.
The diary lay silently on the desk, showing no reaction.
Dumbledore stared at the diary, his gaze profound.
Tom was terrified inside the diary.
He recognized this old man.
He was his most terrifying nightmare during his student days.
Those blue eyes could always see through his lies.
He cursed Charlie under his breath.
This scoundrel.
Why didn't he follow the usual script?
Shouldn't students who find such magical items be very interested and secretly keep them?
Why did he just hand it over to Dumbledore!
Tom dared not make any move.
Dumbledore opened the diary.
On the blank pages, there was no writing.
He picked up a quill and wrote on the paper.
"Tom, I know it's you."
The diary still showed no reaction.
Dumbledore sighed.
Many years ago, when he was still the Transfiguration Class Professor, the Chamber of Secrets had also been opened.
At that time, Hagrid took the blame for secretly raising magical creatures.
But Dumbledore knew that it was most likely Tom who had opened the Chamber of Secrets.
Tonight, when he saw the words "heir" on the wall, he guessed it must be Tom.
But he was very puzzled as to how Tom had managed it.
Hadn't he already turned into a wandering spirit and escaped last year?
Now, seeing the diary, everything became clear.
Tom had created a Horcrux.
This was also the reason for his immortality.
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