Chapter 335: Helena's Past

From the original book, Alaric knew that Helena Ravenclaw had once trusted another student, who betrayed that trust by turning the Ravenclaw diadem into a Horcrux.

That student was Voldemort.

Given this experience, Lady Grey should have been wary of anyone and refused to divulge any information about the diadem.

After all, her previous choice had become the Dark Lord, which undoubtedly hurt her deeply.

However, she had opened up to Alaric.

It must have taken a lot of courage for her to convince herself to trust him.

So, Lady Grey began to recount her story.

"I stole the diadem from my mother."

"What?"

"I stole the diadem," Helena Ravenclaw repeated softly.

"I wanted to be smarter and more renowned than my mother. I fled with the diadem.

They say my mother never admitted it was missing; she continued to pretend it was still there.

She even hid her loss from the other founders of Hogwarts and concealed my terrible betrayal."

"My mother fell ill—seriously ill. Despite my unfilial and wicked actions, she desperately wanted to see me again.

She sent a man to find me. He had loved me for a long time, but I rejected him.

My mother knew he would not rest until he found me."

She took a deep breath and leaned her head back.

"He found the forest where I was hiding. I refused to return with him, and he became enraged.

Baron was always a hot-tempered man. He hated me for rejecting him and envied my freedom, so he killed me."

"Baron? You mean—?"

"Blood Baron, yes," Lady Grey said, lifting her cloak to reveal a black scar on her white chest.

"After coming to his senses, he was deeply remorseful.

He took the weapon that had claimed my life and committed suicide.

For centuries, he has worn shackles as penance... and he deserves it."

She added indignantly.

"So... where is the diadem?"

"At the time, hearing Baron stumbling toward me in the forest, I hid it and left it there. It's hidden in a hollow tree."

"A hollow tree?" Alaric pressed, "What kind of tree? Where is it?"

"In a forest in Albania. It's a desolate place. I thought my mother's reach wouldn't extend that far."

"Albania," Alaric repeated, "You've told someone this story before, haven't you? Another student?"

She closed her eyes and nodded.

"I... I don't know... He... was very charming. He seemed... to understand... and have sympathy…"

Indeed, Alaric thought, Helena Ravenclaw's desire to possess what she had no right to, Voldemort could certainly understand.

"So, how did you know about this?"

Alaric looked at her deeply and whispered.

"I wouldn't normally share this with others, but since you trust me so much and are willing to share your past and secrets with me, I shouldn't betray that trust. I should reciprocate."

"Thank you." Lady Grey was somewhat touched, looking at Alaric expectantly.

Then, Alaric revealed the secret of the Horcruxes to Lady Grey.

"What?" Lady Grey exclaimed upon hearing Alaric's words, "He turned the diadem into a Horcrux?

How dare he do that? It's sacrilege! It's a disgrace!"

As she spoke, her tone shifted from shock to deep anger and then profound sorrow.

"I can't believe I revealed the secret to such a... I destroyed it myself."

Alaric could even see silver tears sliding down her translucent face.

"Sigh, you're not the only one deceived by Riddle's sweet words," Alaric comforted her.

"He can be very charming when he needs to be.

I know a witch whom he enchanted, learned that she had the Hufflepuff cup and Slytherin locket, and then killed her to take these relics and turn them into Horcruxes."

Perhaps because others had also been deceived or because other founders' relics had been made into Horcruxes, Lady Grey seemed to feel somewhat better.

Suddenly, she seemed to think of something and asked Alaric a question.

"Since you know all this, you're searching for the Dark Lord's Horcruxes and trying to destroy them, right?"

"Yes," Alaric nodded.

"So, how do you destroy Horcruxes?"

Lady Grey took a deep breath and asked with a mix of anticipation and fear.

"What happens to the container itself after the soul fragment is destroyed?"

Alaric looked at her, hesitated for a moment, and then gave her the answer that would be difficult for her to accept.

"It... turns to dust."

Upon hearing this, Lady Grey fell silent.

She lowered her head, covering her eyes with her hands, clearly struck by the answer.

As a ghost, Alaric couldn't comfort her in any way other than through words, so he stood quietly, showing his respect.

After about fifteen minutes, she finally looked up, her eyes red and swollen—if she had color.

Then, she looked at Alaric and said solemnly.

"Although ghosts are not supposed to interfere too much with the living, I still have a request."

"Speak, Lady Grey," Alaric responded readily.

"You can call me Helena, because you are my good friend now." She offered a faint, strained smile.

"Alright, Helena," Alaric nodded, "I'm happy to help."

"Thank you, but it's a rather unreasonable request." Helena's tone was very hesitant.

"It's alright, just tell me," Alaric said unperturbed, "I will do my best."

"Then... I'll say it," Helena thought for a while before finally speaking.

"I hope you won't destroy my mother's diadem."

"This... but... that is..."

This request did put Alaric in a difficult position.

"I know, not destroying the Horcrux means the Dark Lord won't truly die, but I still ask you not to destroy it.

It's the only relic my mother left behind.

If it were you, you could surely find a way to destroy the soul fragment without destroying the diadem."

Faced with the ghost's helpless and hopeful gaze, Alaric fell silent. He pondered for a while and finally gave his answer.

"I will try my best," he said.

"But please don't have too high expectations. If I can't manage that, I will still choose to destroy it."

"I understand, just do your best," Helena seemed quite relieved, silver tears streaming down her face once more.

"Thank you for agreeing to my request. You are indeed a good friend; I knew I didn't misjudge you this time."

As she spoke, she floated in front of Alaric and gave him a hug.

Because she was a ghost, her embrace almost passed through Alaric, making him feel a bit uncomfortable.

Nevertheless, he allowed her to complete this gesture of gratitude.

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