Chapter 472 A hymn of loyalty

"Kreacher!" Sirius's voice was filled with uncontrollable depression, and the cry echoed in the air.

His eyes were as sharp as a cheetah's, staring intently at the aged house elf in the mirror. The house elf who once belonged to the Black family, whom he regarded as something like mud, turned into a sharp boomerang.

Although Kreacher's body was still stooped and the traces of time were etched on his face, his eyes revealed a trace of imperceptible vitality, as if they were ignited by some new hope. It was wearing brand new clothes and standing next to Rogge, looking extremely confident.

"Humph!" Sirius groaned, feeling an indescribable anger welling up in his heart. He cursed secretly, his tone full of contempt: "Slave of a pure-blood wizard!"

Harry pulled Sirius's sleeve and asked curiously: "Is it the elf of the Black family?"

"There is no such elf in the Black family!" Sirius' tone was full of resentment. "It is just a pure-blood slave and has never truly acknowledged me as its master. I am sure that the secret about Regulus is It leaked to Roger!"

He clenched his fists and hammered the table hard, "But it never told me any news about Regulus in front of me."

In the mirror, a sly smile appeared on the corner of Rogge's mouth. He whispered softly, with a hint of provocation in his tone: "Voldemort, are you feeling restless at this moment? Are you unable to hold back anymore and are ready to go to the mysterious seaside cave?" ?”

"I'm sorry, it's too late." Rogge patted Kreacher's shoulder and motioned for him to stand forward. "Kreacher, who was coerced by you, survived, but Regulus died. You are not so naive as to think that, Is that Horcrux safe?"

When the wizards watching the live broadcast heard the news about the Horcrux, their eyes flashed with horror. It turns out that in addition to the diary, Voldemort also arranged many back-ups. The warning from the Ministry of Magic was no joke. Voldemort still had Horcruxes hidden in the world.

"Now, let Kreacher tell us the story of Mr. Regulus."

Rogge slowly stepped back from the magic mirror, his voice gradually dissipating in the air with his steps. He gestured to the others in the room to remain silent, then waved his wand, softening the light in the room.

Kreacher was silent for a moment and recalled the past with a trembling voice: "A year after Master Regulus joined the Death Eaters, late one night, he quietly went downstairs to the kitchen and found Kreacher. He...he explain……"

Its old body swayed with memories, and the surrounding scene continued to change with the narrative, transforming into the familiar kitchen of Blake's ancestral home. Rogge waved his wand lightly, pointing at the phantom of Regulus, who then walked towards Kreacher.

"Master said that the Dark Lord needs a house elf." Kreacher stared at Regulus' pale face and couldn't help sobbing when he remembered the scene of him sinking underwater.

"Master Regulus took the initiative to recommend Kreacher. He said that this is an honor, an honor that belongs to him and Kreacher. Kreacher must do whatever the Dark Lord orders, and then... go home..."

Its body shook more violently, and his sobs gradually turned into uncontrollable sobs. Regulus's phantom gradually dissipated in a breeze, and Rogge's wand guided a cloak to slowly lower from the sky.

Some people in the audience were frightened by the sudden black shadow and screamed, because the cloak with claws in the air reminded people of Voldemort's figure floating in the air.

"Kreacher came to the Dark Lord. He didn't tell Kreacher what to do, but took Kreacher to the seaside..."

As Kreacher spoke, the floor turned into a rough sea. Behind Kreacher, the table became the only support in the ocean. Under the influence of the floating spell, it slowly moved over and finally stopped next to Kreacher.

"The cave on the seaside is very deep, and there is a huge black lake below. You can't see anything..." It paused and lowered its voice, as if recalling that terrifying experience, "But there is a boat there. "

Voldemort, who was watching the live broadcast, was restless and pacing back and forth restlessly in the room. He suddenly stopped in front of the mirror, stretched his neck forward, and stared at Kreacher in the mirror with his blood-red eyes. A disturbing hissing sound came from his mouth, like a viper sizing up its prey ready to strike.

"Master..." Little Barty wanted to say something, but Voldemort reached out to stop him.

He stood in front of the mirror, listening quietly, wanting to know what the traitor Regulus did later.

"The boat was green, small, and enchanted." Kreacher described the horrific scene in his memory and told its purpose: "I was taken to the island in the middle of the lake by the Dark Lord, and he ordered me to drink it all Potion in the basin.”

As Kreacher described, Rogge used his wand to shape the green boat and the stone potion basin, making the audience more immersed in Kreacher's story.

"Kreacher drank, and then saw something terrible... Kreacher felt as if his body was being swallowed by fire." Its cry became more intense, and its aging body became more rickety.

"The Dark Lord forced Kreacher to drink the potion and put a box into the bottom of the potion basin. Then, when the potion basin was full again, he sailed away alone."

"Kreacher needs water..." It seemed to want to continue saying something, but Rogge interrupted at the right time, "The magic of house elves is different from that of wizards. Kreacher used Apparition and escaped back home."

"At that time, Regulus was still Kreacher's master. Kreacher acted according to Voldemort's orders, and finally followed Regulus's request to go home." Rogge showed a trace of respect on his face and patted him gently. Kreacher's shoulder, praising its loyalty: "Perhaps, some people will accuse Kreacher of being stupid and think how can it help Voldemort?"

"But, they are just house elves, the most loyal helpers of wizards." Rogge raised his voice a few degrees, pointed his wand at the starry sky above his head, and a bright beam of light illuminated Kreacher's short figure.

"For centuries, house elves have been the most loyal servants of wizards. Perhaps there are some guys with strange brain circuits. But it is undeniable that they will never betray their masters."

When Harry heard this, he immediately understood that the "guy with strange brain circuits" that Roger was referring to was Dobby. There was an urge in his heart to rush into the mirror and tell the other person that Dobby was definitely not like that.

Dobby was unique, his loyalty and courage beyond that of any house elf.

"I will tell everyone about the death of Regulus." Rogge sighed softly and motioned for Kreacher to take a rest.

There was a heaviness in his voice, for the next words would bear the weight of Regulus's sacrifice and glory.

"After Kreacher returned, Regulus learned everything Voldemort had done. He wanted to know the truth about the box." Rogge's eyes became sharp and he took out a beautiful box from his arms, "After that At some point, Regulus realized that Voldemort was nothing like he had imagined, so he decided to let Kreacher take him to the cave."

"Kreacher summoned the boat and went with him to the island in the middle of the lake." Rogge turned slightly sideways, allowing the audience to see through the mirror and see the phantom of Regulus stepping onto the island.

As Rogge narrated, the phantom began to repeat Regulus' behavior back then: "He stood next to the stone basin and drank the potion inside spoonful by spoonful."

"He fell to his knees in extreme pain, clutching the stone basin with one hand, and vowed to drink up all the potions and destroy Voldemort's conspiracy." Rogge sighed softly, feeling that Voldemort's hairless head was absolutely unusual.

If the Horcrux is left behind for resurrection, it should be placed where it is more easily accessible. Instead of hiding in an undetectable cave, obstacles such as inferi and magic potions must be arranged.

"He drank all the potion until the stone basin reached the bottom, and the box Voldemort hid in reappeared." Rogge said as he took out his box and replaced the one in the stone basin. "Kreacher will Voldemort's Horcrux was replaced, and then the potion in the stone basin was filled again."

His eyes turned to the edge of the island, where Regulus' phantom was being dragged into the abyss of the Black Lake by countless pairs of pale hands. At this time, the audience was focused on the stone basin and box, and no one noticed that Regulus's phantom was in danger.

"The potion in the stone basin is not fatal, but it can bring unimaginable pain." The tip of Rogge's wand flashed with soft light, pointing to the figure of Regulus in the lake, "The Inferi in the Black Lake Dragging him underwater ultimately took his life."

As he finished speaking, Regulus's phantom extinguished. The studio fell into silence, and the wizards outside the mirror were also shocked by the tragedy, speechless and choked.

Dumbledore gently wiped the corners of his eyes with his sleeves. He never thought that the youngest son of the Black family had already figured out Voldemort's conspiracy. He thought in his heart that if he could pay more attention to that child back then, perhaps the direction of history would be completely different.

No. 12 Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of the Black family, was immersed in a sad silence. Tonks leaned on the table, her sobs echoing in the quiet room, mourning the uncle she had never met, whose youth was forever stuck at the age of 18.

In the picture frame on the wall, Old Mrs. Black has lost her former majesty and vitality, staring blankly at the mirror below. She couldn't accept that her favorite son ended his life in such tragic pain. For fifteen years, no one knew about his sacrifice. He was like an ant on the ground, being trampled to death mercilessly, but no one cared about him.

Sirius's eyes were bloodshot. Without saying a word, he suddenly rushed out of the door and sprinted towards the Ministry of Magic. Maybe he wanted to question Kreacher, maybe he wanted him to take him to the black lake.

"Kreacher brought back the box." Rogge's voice sounded slowly, breaking the silence and allowing everyone to temporarily escape from their sadness. "That's Slytherin's locket, a relic that Salazar Slytherin wanted to leave to the House."

"Due to well-known reasons, it was taken away by Salazar and left to the descendants of the Gaunt family." He gently opened the pendant box and showed everyone that there was nothing inside, "Don't worry, this is just A replica."

"Kreacher hid Voldemort's Horcrux in the Black family because he could not destroy it." Rogge's words revealed Kreacher's helplessness and loyalty, and also gave everyone a deeper understanding of the house elf's courage and sacrifice. understanding.

When the news spread throughout the wizarding world through the dragon crystal mirror, Voldemort immediately issued an order to his men: "Follow me."

At the same time, in the Black ancestral home, everyone nervously pulled out their wands. Lupine, Moody and Tonks protected Harry in the middle. Moody's magic eye moved rapidly, scanning every corner of the mansion.

Rogge deliberately slowed down for a moment before speaking: "Slytherin's locket has been taken away by me."

Voldemort stood at the door and heard the voice in the mirror behind him. He stood there awkwardly, neither moving forward nor retreating.

"The Slytherin pendant is used to protect the most important things. Obviously, Mr. Voldemort does not have such a thing." Rogge said sarcastically, trying to ease the tense atmosphere. "That Horcrux has been purified, just like Like Riddle’s diary, it has lost the ability to be resurrected forever.”

He stretched out his hand and calculated with his fingers like a primary school student doing math problems: "Today, we have found multiple Horcruxes."

"Riddle's diary was made by Voldemort after he killed Myrtle, and was burned after being judged by the wizarding world."

The audience smiled knowingly, as many attended the Thanksgiving trial. At that time, it seemed that some house elves had died...

"Hufflepuff's golden cup, made by Voldemort after he graduated and killed his clients. It was once hidden in the Lestrange family's vault, but has now been taken out and purified."

The corners of Voldemort's eyes twitched slightly, and he remembered that it was he who gave the vault to Rogge.

Borgin Bock in Knockturn Alley was shaking involuntarily because Voldemort was working here after graduation and he was afraid that Rogge would tell his name.

"Ravenclaw's diadem, when I helped the ghost lady Helena find it, I found something dirty in it. Yes, it is also Voldemort's Horcrux and has been completely purified."

Voldemort listened to Rogge listing his "accomplishments", and his pale face turned a little red due to the surge of blood.

"Of course, there is also the pendant that Mr. Regulus exchanged for his life. It has also been purified." Rogge's voice was calm and firm.

He heard a noise outside the door, but he didn't pay attention to it and continued: "Of these four Horcruxes, three are related to Hogwarts."

"To be more precise, they all originate from relics of founders other than Gryffindor."

"But don't worry, Gryffindor's sword is definitely not a Horcrux." A bright smile appeared on Rogge's face, and he said in a half-joking tone, "Maybe it's because Gryffindor himself is insulated from magic. ”

"Magic insulation?" Daphne was a little confused as to what this meant.

Miss Percy explained softly: "According to historical records, Gryffindor himself is a reckless man who doesn't like to use magic."

In the principal's office, when Dumbledore heard this, the smile on his face froze slightly, and he shook his head helplessly, "Severus, your students are even better than you. In such a short period of time, , they found three more Horcruxes."

Snape remained silent, but the corners of his mouth could not help but curl up, secretly betraying his joyful heart.

Dumbledore squinted his eyes slightly and began to recall the overlooked clues. He even put his head in the pensieve and looked at everything from the perspective of a spectator.

He recalled the scene when Grindelwald gave Hufflepuff's gold cup to Professor Sprout when he joined the job. From then on, Grindelwald began to deal with Voldemort's Horcruxes. Also, Miss Helena in the Room of Requirement... Countless clues emerged in his mind, and Dumbledore's eyes shone with wisdom.

"Gail, thank you," he murmured, feeling sincerely grateful for his old friend's help behind the scenes.

In fact, Tom also coveted the Sword of Gryffindor. But it was so well hidden that he couldn't get any information about it.

Dumbledore subconsciously thought of Rogge, and while praising Gryffindor in a joking tone, the sword he held was delayed in returning.

"What a troublesome little guy." Dumbledore smiled kindly and said calmly to Snape, "Do you have any news about the seaside cave?"

Snape shook his head, "He never told me about Horcruxes. However, in addition to the house elves of the Black family, I have also met the Malfoy family."

"Dobby?" Dumbledore thought of the tomb in the back hill and instantly understood why Voldemort chose Kreacher.

Regardless of the wizard's stance, no one can deny Kreacher's loyalty to his master. Even Voldemort and death cannot shake its will.

Snape nodded, and then looked at the scene in the mirror, "Actually, I'm curious about why Regulus betrayed Voldemort."

"If Rogge hadn't obtained Kreacher from the black dog, this secret might never have been discovered."

"Yes." Dumbledore said with a hint of fear in his tone. He knew very well that if he let any Horcrux go, Voldemort might come back.

"If he had died at that time, could Harry have stopped him?" He thought to himself, and then remembered Professor Trelawney's prophecy.

Dumbledore was convinced that even if he died, Harry could completely destroy Voldemort. But now, there was no way he could tell Harry anything. Because Voldemort was able to steal Harry's thoughts through the soul fragments in his brain.

Dumbledore said in a firm voice: "Regulus is a true hero..."

However, before he finished speaking, something new happened in the mirror. A big black dog, about half a man tall, slammed away the Aurors blocking the way and rushed straight into the studio.

"Black!" Percy pulled out his wand with an angry look on his face, expecting the minister to issue an arrest order.

Amelia shook her head slightly and signaled all Aurors to retreat with her eyes. As the only male in the Black family and the biological brother of Regulus, Sirius has a need to appear here.

If he doesn't come, who will receive the medal that will be awarded posthumously to Regulus later?

"Kreacher, why didn't you tell me earlier!" Sirius lunged at Kreacher fiercely, his sharp front claws seeming to tear him apart.

Rogge appeared behind Sirius, hooked his arm, and grabbed his throat firmly.

"Sir, you made your own choice." Rogge's calm voice reached Sirius's ears, "Who allowed you to be removed from the list by your mother?"