It is incorrect to say that the inventor of Horcruxes was the ancient Greek wizard, the despicable Herbo. The correct statement is that the technique of creating a Horcrux, which can grant immortality, was first discovered by Hai Erbo.
In black magic—true black magic—there are numerous curses directed at the soul. These soul-targeting curses are extremely difficult to dispel. They act like gangrene, tormenting the wizard's soul, sapping their will, and eventually leading to death.
Naturally, wizards afflicted by such curses do not simply wait to die. They fight desperately to remove the curse. It was in this struggle that the Horcrux was invented.
However, it is impossible to verify who first created a Horcrux. The current mainstream theory attributes its invention to the Peverell family.
The process of creating a Horcrux involves peeling off a portion of one's soul and sealing it into a prepared container. A wizard cursed in the soul can separate the cursed portion and place it in a Horcrux. This is analogous to a gecko losing its tail: the tail can regrow, but the severed soul fragment cannot.
The human body, soul, and consciousness possess some self-healing capabilities. Like a broken bone or a deep cut, minor injuries can heal over time. But if an entire limb is amputated, it does not regenerate. The same principle applies to the soul: small injuries may recover, but a soul divided into Horcruxes cannot. The result of an incomplete soul can be catastrophic—just look at Mr. Fu for reference.
Wizards who create Horcruxes are generally desperate, forced to do so for survival. Voldemort, however, was in perfect health when he created his Horcruxes. To high-level wizards, this behavior was outright foolish. It is akin to a person with intact, healthy limbs deliberately amputating them.
Unsurprisingly, wizards of Elrond's lineage looked down on Voldemort. The Gaunt family, descendants of Slytherin, were seen not just as flawed, but as lunatics and fools. While long-term inbreeding preserved their pure-blood lineage, it caused numerous negative consequences. The Gaunts were also ostentatious, living without property or income, ultimately squandering what little their ancestors left them. By the time of Marvolo and Morfin, they did not even have proper wizard robes.
After a brief explanation, Elrond turned to Solim and asked, "I'm curious—how did you discover the location of the Resurrection Stone?"
Before Solim could respond, Elrond continued, "I suppose you already know, but I'll skip asking. What I want to know is—what will you do after obtaining the Resurrection Stone?"
Solim explained his promise to Snape: "We all know that the soul summoned by the Resurrection Stone is just an illusion. Its true purpose lies in its proper use. I promised Professor Snape that he could reunite with Lily Evans. That's all."
"Professor Snape intends to resolve the issues of the soul," Solim added.
"These are minor concerns," Elrond replied. "Once you've fulfilled your promise, what will you do with the Resurrection Stone?"
Solim had already decided: "I'll give it to you. What else can I do?"
Elrond nodded approvingly. "Don't be upset! It's for your own good. The stone exerts influence over its holder. Consider those in the Presbyterian Church who have used the Philosopher's Stone for ages—everyone will eventually die, and no one can escape fate."
Elrond's disdain was clear. "Death is inevitable. How it happens doesn't matter. But Horcruxes are different." His eyes lit up. "They are extremely rare. No matter how many seek them, few will ever see one. If you acquire one, why not study it carefully?"
Solim inwardly reflected: curse-breakers, like his grandfather, thirsted for knowledge. They promoted the advancement of the wizarding world.
"Grandpa, do you mean I shouldn't read these?" Solim asked, pointing to a pile of books.
"You can observe if you like. Research works this way—have an idea, test it. Whether right or wrong, it's enjoyable!" Elrond said. "Tomorrow afternoon, we'll visit Orvis's house. The morning after, Little Hangleton. Family dinners—don't worry about them."
Solim had no obligation to attend such events. As an illegitimate child in the Selwyn family, he had no right to join. He lived at Selwyn Castle only due to his grandfather's protection.
After Elrond left, Solim returned to his flipbook. He wanted to test his theory: did the Deathly Hallows hold deeper secrets? Could they determine a person's death? Using a Scribe Charm, he transcribed useful information onto parchment.
He found records of the Gaunt family in The Vanishing Family and the manuscript Nineteenth-Century Pure-Blood Family Memorabilia. Both documented the deaths of Marvolo and Morfin, but Solim found Marvolo's vague "died at home" and Morfin's "buried in Azkaban" unsatisfactory.
"If this doesn't work, I could consult someone with memories of the wizards who witnessed their deaths—but that would trouble Grandpa," he thought.
A more direct option was Dumbledore, who had investigated Morfin. Yet Solim preferred to avoid Dumbledore, aware of the old man's questionable methods and frequent use of Legilimency.
Solim examined the three circles he had drawn to represent the Deathly Hallows. He wondered: if each Hallow represented a way of death or excluded certain deaths, how did they interact?
Elder Wand + Resurrection Stone: excludes natural death (aligning with Dumbledore's death).
Elder Wand + Invisibility Cloak: excludes suicide.
Resurrection Stone + Invisibility Cloak: excludes homicide.
Solim considered the blank space at the center of the circles—what lay beyond suicide, homicide, and natural death? Immortality? Something else entirely?
Frustrated, he burned the parchment and quill. Elrond was right: knowing these things offered no immediate benefit. For now, studying the Deathly Hallows could wait until Voldemort and Dumbledore were no longer obstacles.
Solim resolved to prioritize his own strength above all else. Everything else was secondary. Part of his reason for attending Hogwarts was to stay under Dumbledore's radar. Hogwarts was Dumbledore's territory, and as long as Solim didn't interfere with his plans, the headmaster wouldn't concern himself.
Even when Solim faced dangerous duels, he anticipated complications. And he knew certain adversaries would not hesitate to try to kill him.
Sighing, he glanced at the mountain of books, flicked his wand, and used the Levitation Charm to return them to their shelves.
Meanwhile, far away at Hogwarts, Harry Potter enjoyed a happier morning. He received multiple gifts: a pullover knitted by Mrs. Weasley—the first time anyone had ever given him a present—and an invisibility cloak from an unknown benefactor. Harry and Ron had already tested the cloak.
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