Harry and Snape finally crack the mystery Voldemort hinted at: Horcruxes. A library find spirals into panic, a calming draught, and the awful realization that Harry may be carrying a piece of the Dark Lord himself. Dumbledore orders Harry to Grimmauld Place, but first Snape sits him down for the story no one told: the Hog’s Head prophecy overheard with Lucius nearby, why the Potters were targeted, how Severus changed sides, and the vow he made to protect Lily’s son. The chapter closes with a wary warning about next year’s Defense professor. A tense, character-first guardianship episode built for headphones.