Chương 62: The Revelation and Aftermath

The atmosphere inside Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, was tense as Raja settled into the dimly lit room. Around him sat some of the most experienced and powerful witches and wizards, each a member of the Order of the Phoenix—a secret alliance dedicated to resisting the rise of Lord Voldemort and his followers. Present were legendary figures, including Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and several other members known for their loyalty to the cause.

As Sirius introduced Raja, several members exchanged skeptical glances, clearly puzzled about why the meeting had been called for someone so young.

"A bit young, isn't he?" Mad-Eye Moody grumbled, his electric-blue magical eye swiveling to scrutinize Raja. "We're not here to babysit."

Arthur Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt shared a dubious look, while Molly Weasley's concerned gaze lingered on Raja, as though questioning the reason behind his presence.

Dumbledore's calm but firm voice cut through the murmurs. "Before any judgments are cast, let us first understand why young Raja has called us here today. You might be surprised."

Dumbledore gave Raja an encouraging nod, signaling for him to proceed. Raja met the questioning gazes of the Order members, his calm demeanor hiding the gravity of the revelations he was about to share.

"Thank you, Professor," Raja said, his voice steady. He took a deep breath. "I've called this meeting because I believe Voldemort has created Horcruxes—objects he's used to store parts of his soul to ensure he cannot be truly killed."

Shocked gasps echoed around the room. Members exchanged horrified glances, and even the hardened expressions of Moody and McGonagall softened as the weight of Raja's statement sank in.

"Horcruxes?" Lupin repeated, disbelief lacing his voice. "You're certain of this?"

Raja nodded. "I didn't have full proof until recently, but I suspected it ever since my first year at Hogwarts. Voldemort was attached to Professor Quirrell then, and in my second year, there was the diary of Tom Riddle, a diary that was far more than an ordinary artifact."

Dumbledore's gaze intensified as he asked, "And you were able to confirm this recently?"

"Yes," Raja replied. "I've been practicing soul magic, a branch I learned from my lineage's records. My studies have included work with possessed artifacts, removing the impure parts of souls and containing them. I even performed exorcisms on cursed houses and possessions, gaining confidence in the process. That practice helped me confirm my suspicions."

Several Order members looked at each other, visibly impressed by the depth of his knowledge.

Sirius, visibly tense, broke the silence. "What kind of artifacts? This is dark magic we're talking about."

"Yes," Raja agreed. "But I knew I needed to learn it if I was going to help Harry. After Voldemort's return, Harry began experiencing strange visions, even dreams of Voldemort's perspective, and not just as memories. I realized he was connected to Voldemort somehow—beyond the usual."

Sirius looked shaken. "And Harry never told us about this?"

"He thought they were just nightmares," Raja explained. "But this connection isn't just passive—it could be extremely dangerous. I believe a part of Voldemort's soul is attached to Harry. It's how Voldemort survived all these years, clinging on, even in a diminished form. Harry's mother's protection saved him, but it also inadvertently created a link."

The silence in the room was so deep that Raja could hear the crackling fire in the hearth. He could feel the weight of his revelation on every member present.

Dumbledore finally spoke, his tone a mix of sorrow and understanding. "And you know this because…?"

"After my work with soul magic, I developed the ability to see traces of soul fragments," Raja continued. "This skill allows me to see remnants of souls attached to objects and people. I examined Harry closely, using what my lineage refers to as Divya-drishti—divine sight—and I saw a malignant, parasitic soul fragment clinging to his forehead, precisely where his scar is."

Lupin's face turned pale. "You're saying that part of Voldemort's soul latched onto Harry?"

"Yes," Raja confirmed. "When Voldemort's curse backfired, it didn't just spare Harry; it bound a part of Voldemort to him. Harry's abilities—the Parseltongue, the strange visions—are the result of this connection. And if Voldemort realizes this, he could easily manipulate Harry, implant false memories, or even influence his thoughts. This connection works both ways."

Everyone sat in stunned silence as the reality of Raja's words sank in. Sirius and Lupin exchanged troubled glances, their faces mirroring the agitation building within them. Sirius's fists were clenched, his expression a mix of anger and concern.

"This cannot continue," McGonagall finally said, her voice steady but laced with worry. "Harry's safety—and everyone's safety—depends on severing this link."

"It's not an easy process," Raja said gravely. "To remove a fragment of a soul—especially one that's so deeply embedded—requires skill, strength, and a great deal of preparation. It won't be a simple spell."

Albus nodded thoughtfully. "If Voldemort has truly made multiple Horcruxes, we are facing a foe with a very dangerous form of immortality. Destroying these Horcruxes is the only way to ultimately defeat him."

Raja could feel the shift in the room as the Order began to understand the implications. Kingsley's calm voice broke the silence. "If we're to help Harry, we must shield his mind first. Perhaps Occlumency?"

"Yes," Dumbledore agreed. "Harry must learn to protect his mind. I will teach him Occlumency, and in time, he may even master the art of using a Pensieve, where he can store memories he does not wish to be vulnerable to intrusion."

Sirius and Lupin stopped pacing, and Sirius's gaze shifted to Raja. "This is beyond anything we imagined. But we're with you on this. Whatever you need."

Dumbledore placed a calming hand on Sirius's shoulder and looked at Raja with a kind but penetrating gaze. "Raja, you have given us insight into Voldemort's most dangerous weakness. Without you, we might have continued unaware, giving Voldemort time to manipulate Harry. Your courage, knowledge, and devotion to Harry's safety have brought us all a gift of incalculable worth."

The others nodded in agreement, their earlier skepticism now replaced with admiration and resolve. Molly Weasley, who had initially seemed hesitant, approached Raja with a kind smile. "Thank you, Raja. You've given us hope in a very dark time."

Raja met her gaze with a respectful nod. "There's much more we must do. Destroying a Horcrux is no small feat, and Harry will need all the support he can get."

"True," Dumbledore said, "but thanks to you, Raja, we now have a path. We'll find each of these Horcruxes and destroy them."

The Order members exchanged looks of determination. Kingsley spoke again, his voice calm but resolute. "If Voldemort's soul is splintered, we'll find every last fragment. It won't be easy, but we're prepared to face whatever comes."

Dumbledore's expression softened as he looked around at the gathered members. "Together, we have faced countless challenges, but with unity, we'll stand a chance. For now, Harry will begin his Occlumency training. As for the Horcruxes, each of us will have a part to play."

After a few final words of encouragement and solemn promises, the Order began to disperse. Each member left with a heightened sense of purpose and renewed commitment, carrying the weight of the task ahead. Raja felt a mix of relief and resolve as he observed their departure.

Before leaving, Dumbledore approached Raja, his expression thoughtful. "You've done well, Raja. Your knowledge of the soul is rare, even among our most accomplished wizards. I must commend you not only for your skill but for your courage. Harry is lucky to have you by his side."

Raja nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Professor. We're in this together, and I'll do whatever it takes to ensure Harry has the best chance possible."

Dumbledore gave a slight nod, his usual twinkle returning to his eyes. "Indeed. As we move forward, your guidance will be invaluable, not only to Harry but to us all."

As the door to Grimmauld Place closed behind Dumbledore, Raja remained in the dim hallway, reflecting on the night's revelations. The path ahead was dark, but with the support of the Order, he felt more determined than ever. Voldemort had made himself near immortal by splitting his soul, but with the Order by his side, Raja knew that, piece by piece, they would reclaim each fragment, weakening the Dark Lord and ultimately giving Harry the chance to defeat him once and for all.

And as he stepped out into the night, Raja felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that he would continue to stand as the silent protector in the shadows, ready for whatever lay ahead.