Destroying the Diadem, a Spectacle Seen Only Once in a Lifetime

"Ha ha ha, did you hear that? This is called attacking the heart." Aaron smiled knowingly. "Voldemort thinks victory is already his. He wants to make us surrender without a fight."

"Is that funny?" Harry asked anxiously.

"To him, this war is a joke. To me, it's pretty much the same.

But since he's already made his move, we should at least play along." Aaron looked at Fawkes, perched on Abufus's shoulder. "Go!"

Fawkes let out a piercing cry and beat his flaming wings as he shot out of the Great Hall.

His body swelled several times larger high in the sky. The flames stood out vividly against the night, and his melodious, magical song drove away the fear in everyone's hearts.

"This..." Harry stared blankly at the sight, then gave Aaron a thumbs-up. "That was a beautiful counterattack."

"It's not over yet!" Aaron pointed at Ravenclaw's Diadem on the table. "It's about time this Horcrux was destroyed too."

"Now?" Harry asked excitedly, already drawing the Sword of Gryffindor with one hand.

"I originally planned to destroy it while they were attacking the barrier, but Voldemort set the time for midnight. He said it in front of so many people, so he definitely won't go back on his word.

He'll certainly feel it when a Horcrux is destroyed, but no matter how furious he gets, he'll have to swallow it.

Harry, be ready. Protect your mind."

Harry nodded solemnly. He understood what Aaron meant. The moment this Horcrux was destroyed, his thoughts might connect with Voldemort's again.

This might be the last unexpected connection, but it was crucial. He had to make sure Voldemort couldn't read his memories in return.

Aaron took the Sword of Gryffindor from Harry and brought it down upon Ravenclaw's Diadem.

With a sharp crack, several