Why Did Tom Riddle Ask Slughorn About Horcruxes Despite Already Knowing How to Create Them?

Tom Riddle, the dark and enigmatic figure from Harry Potter, sought knowledge and validation on the creation of multiple horcruxes from Professor Horace Slughorn. This query raises several intriguing questions about Riddle's motivations and strategies in his pursuit of immortality and power.

Understanding the Time Difference

Tom Riddle's quest for knowledge was not always aligned with his actions. There is a significant timeline gap between when he first approached Slughorn and when he created the diary horcrux. When Riddle was younger, he embarked on a curiosity-driven journey to uncover the mysteries of dark magic. His encounter with Slughorn, a teacher biased towards favored students, provided a unique opportunity for Riddle to explore complex potions and dark arts without immediate repercussions.

Riddle's Specific Inquiry

Tom Riddle, already familiar with the process of creating a horcrux, sought to delve deeper into the magical possibilities. He harbored ambitious plans to create six horcruxes, thus splitting his soul into seven parts. However, the idea of creating more than one horcrux was unprecedented. Riddle was not merely interested in the mechanics but whether it was feasible to achieve his cherished goal of splitting his soul further.

Theoretical vs. Practical Demands

In the books, Riddle's inquiries indicate that he was keen on understanding the implications of creating multiple horcruxes. He was particularly interested in whether it would be possible to split his soul into seven parts. The existing knowledge was limited, with only one or two recorded instances of horcrux creation. Riddle's desire to ensure the practicality of his plans was driven by a deep seeded ambition and a calculated risk assessment.

Build-Up to the Diary Horcrux

The diary horcrux marked a crucial turning point in Tom Riddle's history. While he knew how to create a horcrux by killing his father Peter Pettigrew and Myrtle Warren, he was uncertain about the timing and the process for creating the diary.

Tom Riddle's methodical approach is evident in his actions. After his father's death, he returned to the Gaunt family home to institute false memories upon Morfin Gaunt, then obtained the ring, and finally made it a horcrux. This sequence of events was well-planned, indicating that Riddle had a clear understanding of the horcrux process but was still careful about the timing and the details.

The diary's horcrux was created after Myrtle Warren's death, and the time elapsed between these events is not precisely known. Riddle's reflections in the diary suggest that the process did not have to happen immediately after the killing. This implies that it might be possible to create a horcrux years after the death that powers it.

Implications and Strategies

Riddle's desire to ask Slughorn about the feasibility of creating multiple horcruxes reveals his strategic and long-term thinking. His motivations go beyond mere curiosity; he aimed to validate and expand his understanding of a powerful and potentially dangerous magic. This foresight was crucial for his plan to amass as much power as possible by spreading his soul across multiple horcruxes.

By asking Slughorn, Riddle sought to gain both confirmation and an ally in his quest. Slughorn's character, known for his biases and tendency to cover up transgressions, provided Riddle with an opportunity to further his plans without immediate consequences. This strategic move highlights the complexity of Riddle's character and the multifaceted nature of his ambitions.

Understanding the intricacies of horcrux creation, as Tom Riddle did, underscores the profound impact of knowledge on dark magic. For whatever the reasons, Riddle's efforts to understand and expand his understanding of this dark art were instrumental in shaping his eventual rise to power and the complex narrative of Harry Potter.