A Plan to Preserve Regulus Black's Soul

"I don't think so," Dumbledore said. "After all, Wizet examined it... That lake water is merely a medium, carrying Voldemort's trap—the magical contract."

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

"Since they require special treatment, and Voldemort himself needed a boat to cross the lake, it means that under non-emergency circumstances, Inferi are not actually as easy to control as we imagined..."

"In other words..." Sirius Black understood. Looking at Kreacher, he said, "Regulus was dragged into it afterward..."

Upon hearing Sirius Black's words, Kreacher gave what was perhaps his most sincere—and quickest—reply ever. "Yes, Master Sirius!"

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

"The fiercest waves of attacks have already been warded off by Wizet..." Dumbledore said.

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

Just as Dumbledore had said, at least in this stretch of water nearest the island at the lake's center, only a small cluster of Inferi remained on the lakebed—fewer than twenty in total.

Most of these Inferi remained only because they had been too deep below to rush onto the island at the lake's center in time.

The ring of fire Dumbledore had cast was remarkably effective. It not only suppressed the Inferi on the lakebed, but also illuminated the bottom far more brightly, allowing Sirius Black and the others to see clearly.

"There!" Sirius Black shouted.

At almost the same moment, Kreacher found Regulus as well. "That is Master Regulus!"

Just as Kreacher and Sirius Black were preparing to enter the water, Wizet came over to Sirius Black and said, "Sirius, could you lend me that