Vid noticed that in Regulus's last testament, he mentioned Voldemort's greatest secret—the Horcrux.
He had not previously discussed this issue with Dumbledore.
Even someone like Slughorn would be terrified if a student discussed Horcruxes with him.
Perhaps Dumbledore would gain some insights from their prior experience at the Gaunt House... Whether he guessed about the Horcrux or not, this time, it would be confirmed.
At the same time, Dumbledore seemed to have thought of the same issue.
"Horcrux..."
He sighed deeply and said to Vid:
"I have often wondered what allowed Voldemort to maintain his life... There is more than one type of magic that can achieve this. But in the end, he chose the most evil and dangerous—Horcruxes."
Vid said, "It sounds like it has something to do with the soul."
"Voldemort split his soul."
Dumbledore did not hold back as he said:
"He separated part of his soul and sealed it within an object, which is called a Horcrux."
"That way, even if he suffered fatal harm, he would not die, because a part of his soul, unharmed, would still exist in the world, waiting for a chance to restore itself."
"But living in such a state is more painful than death."
"If he could not be restored, he would not be accepted by the world of the dead, nor could he wander the world of the living. The remaining soul would grow weaker and weaker, eventually forgetting who he was and dissipating in endless torment."
After saying this, he looked at his student, seeing him nod slightly, without any longing for the Horcrux.
And he was not surprised.
He said frankly, "When we used Fiendfyre to burn down Gaunt House, an evil shadow appeared in the flames."
"Yes."
Dumbledore nodded, affirming his unspoken meaning:
"If I'm not mistaken, that should have been a Horcrux of Voldemort's. Very clever... He hid a piece of his soul in an overlooked ruin."
Vid said again, "Actually, that was not the first such experience we had."
"...Wasn't it?"
Dumbledore was stunned for a moment before responding.
"I found an old diadem in the Room of Requirement at school."
"A diadem?"
"Yes. It looked much like Ravenclaw's Diadem but was imbued with evil Dark Magic. Remus, Michael, and I burned it in a cave."
Since Dumbledore had confirmed his quasi-prophet identity, Vid no longer racked his brain for excuses about his discovery, bypassing the reasoning and describing the situation they encountered.
Hearing about the figure destroyed in the fire, Dumbledore remained silent for a long time this time.
In the Stone Basin, the green magic potion began to fill slowly again; if the Pendant Box were still inside, now only a little gold would be visible.
"Let's go back, Remus should be getting impatient," Dumbledore said.
The two boarded the small boat, which, enchanted, automatically returned to the shore, where a bright light gradually grew larger in their eyes.
"Vid, do not mention the Horcruxes to anyone."
"Yes, Professor."
"Is the diadem still with you?"
"When I return to school, I'll bring it to you," Vid said. "But it's already been burned by Fiendfyre, so there may not be anything useful left."
"Magic, once used, always leaves traces," Dumbledore said. "I suppose you also discovered something special at Gaunt House? Besides Mikhail."
"A ring, Professor," Vid said honestly. "But I think it's best if I keep hold of it."
Upon hearing this, Dumbledore was taken aback, his eyes briefly widening.
He seemed about to say something, but seeing those bright gray eyes, he swallowed the words he wanted to speak.
"Alright... since you say so... you must have your reasons..."
Dumbledore murmured, his fingers trembled slightly, but he grasped them together again.
The small boat bumped against the shore.
Lupin extended his hand to pull Vid up, inspecting him with his eyes, and only when he saw that both were as usual, did he breathe a sigh of relief.
"You were gone a long time... Did you discover anything?"
"Yes, some... special discoveries," Dumbledore glanced at Sirius not far away and said, "related to Regulus."
He took out the Golden Pendant Box from his pocket.
"Professor, Remus," Vid suddenly said, "I want to return to school first, may I?"
Lupin asked in surprise, "Is there something urgent?"
"No, nothing..." Vid hesitated slightly and looked at Dumbledore, "Perhaps you could have Fawkes bring Harry over?"
When Sirius learns the truth, would he be heartbroken for Regulus?
Vid guessed he would be.
This Gryffindor was a person of very intense and pure emotions; when he disliked someone, he might wish them dead, and when he liked someone, he could go through fire and water for them.
But Vid didn't want to witness that scene.
He didn't want to see a man at his most vulnerable and disheveled.
For comfort, Lupin or Harry would be more suitable than him.
But Dumbledore shook his head.
"No, if Harry were here, he would force himself to appear stronger. But today, we should allow him an environment... permitting him to show his vulnerability."
"I understand," Vid said.
Without seeing Dumbledore make a move, Phoenix Fawkes suddenly appeared.
It landed on Vid's shoulder, its wings flapped, and a few feathers fell.