Some Credit, at Least

"Horcrux? No, Harry, this power was the complete opposite of a Horcrux.

"A Horcrux required one to murder another without the slightest remorse in order to split the soul. But your mother sacrificed herself to cast this Ancient Magic. In that moment, pure, selfless love displayed an unprecedented, wondrous power beyond magic itself. The power of protection left its mark upon your blood.

"Normally, this mark would gradually fade away, just like the caster's other influences upon the world. Voldemort knew nothing of this. He only foolishly pursued shallow strength and, by sheer accident, incorporated your blood into his body, allowing that protection to endure."

Dumbledore's tone carried a trace of reverence. He admired not only the mother who had sacrificed herself to protect her child, but also, as a Legendary Wizard, that immense power which transcended all magic.

The protection born of love sixteen years ago had left far too profound an impact.

It had destroyed Voldemort's body in the prime of his life in a single blow, leaving behind only a wraith too afraid to show itself and with nowhere to hide. The Death Eaters, once at the height of their power, had lost their leader and scattered overnight, ending decades of turmoil in Britain's magical world.

Harry's eyes grew slightly hot. Though he had heard it countless times already, his mother's love still moved him every single time. Not wanting to show his weakness before the headmaster, he could only change the subject. "If Voldemort can't kill me, and we can't kill Voldemort, what should we do next?"

"I'm glad to see you facing death so calmly, Harry, but at your age, it's still too early to be thinking about such things." Dumbledore patted his shoulder. "You needn't personally embark upon a journey into death. We only