A Plan to Preserve Regulus Black's Soul

"I don't think so," Dumbledore said. "After all, Vizet tested it... That lake water is only a medium, carrying Voldemort's trap—in other words, the Magic Contract."

"Voldemort transformed the despair the Inferi felt before death into malice capable of causing even greater harm. That shows one thing... Inferi need to undergo special magical treatment."

"Since special treatment is required, and Voldemort also needed the small boat to cross the lake, it means that under non-emergency circumstances, Inferi are not actually as easy to control as one might imagine..."

"In other words..." Sirius understood. He looked at Kreacher and said, "Regulus was dragged into the water afterward..."

When Kreacher heard Sirius's words, this was probably the most heartfelt and swiftest answer he had ever given. "Yes! Master Sirius Black!"

Sirius continued, "So Regulus wasn't turned into an Inferius. He didn't attack us!"

Dumbledore said, "The fiercest waves of attacks have already been held off by Vizet..."

"I think there should be more to see in the lake now. Go and look!"

Just as Dumbledore said, at least in the stretch of water closest to Lake Heart Island, only a small handful of Inferi remained on the lakebed, no more than twenty in number.

Most of these Inferi were still there because they had been too far down, and so had not managed to rush to the edge of Lake Heart Island at the first moment.

The Fire Ring Dumbledore had released was remarkably effective. It helped suppress the movements of the Inferi at the bottom of the lake, and also lit the lakebed much more brightly, making it easier for Sirius and the others to see what was below.

Sirius shouted, "He's over there!"

Almost at the same time, Kreacher also found Regulus. "That is Master Regulus!"

Just as Kreacher and