Tom Riddle's Journey into Dark Magic and the Creation of His First Horcrux

Tom Riddle, known later as Lord Voldemort, embarked on a sinister path long before he fully comprehended the term and process behind Horcruxes. His ambition and desire for immortality drove him to create his first Horcrux, a dark and deadly act that led to the tragic end of his father, Tom Riddle Sr., and the formulation of an irreversible bond with dark magic.

Early Knowledge and Interest in Dark Magic

Tom Riddle, like many other students at Hogwarts, was initially fascinated by dark magic. Unlike others, however, his interest in this taboo side of magic ran much deeper. Riddle's ambition and unyielding desire for immortality set him apart from his peers. Even before he encountered the term and concept of Horcruxes, he had been subtly delving into various forms of dark magic, driven by his innate curiosity and unrelenting pursuit of power.

Killing His Father to Create a Horcrux

The pivotal moment in Tom Riddle's journey towards becoming Lord Voldemort came when he killed his father, Tom Riddle Sr. The act was a combination of revenge and a deeply personal choice. Riddle's motivation was twofold: a desire for vengeance against his Muggle heritage and the need to sever all ties with it. This deed was not a mere homicide but a deliberate act that would result in the creation of a Horcrux.

Using the Ring of Marvolo Gaunt

While committing the murder, Riddle used his father's death to create a Horcrux. To achieve this, he concealed a fragment of his soul within a ring that belonged to Marvolo Gaunt, Riddle's maternal grandfather. The ring held significant meaning, as it symbolically connected Riddle to his Slytherin ancestry. This act not only divided Riddle's soul but also cemented his connection to the dark, mysterious legacy of his family.

Learning from Slughorn: Formal Understanding of Horcruxes

Despite mastering the concept of a Horcrux through his own deeds, Riddle sought to deepen his understanding of the process. It was during a conversation with Horace Slughorn, a former Potions master and a teacher, that Riddle gained more formal insight into the creation of a Horcrux. Through a series of subtle inquiries and discussions, Riddle extracted the necessary knowledge from Slughorn, though the exact sequence of events leading to this conversation is unclear.

During this conversation, recorded in the Pensieve, Riddle inquired about the intricacies of creating a Horcrux. Slughorn, aware that Riddle had been experimenting with dark magic, shared a brief overview of the process, although he deliberately omitted the specific incantation needed to encase the soul fragment in a container. Furthermore, Riddle's curiosity extended to the possibility of creating multiple Horcruxes, a question that left Slughorn shocked and horrified. This interest in multiple Horcruxes further highlights Riddle's ambition and the extent of his dark pursuits.

Implications and Understanding

Tom Riddle's actions were driven by a combination of innate ambition, his deep knowledge of dark magic, and the specific circumstances surrounding the murder of his father. His ability to create a Horcrux without a formal understanding from Slughorn demonstrates the extent of his resources and knowledge. It is clear that Riddle sought more than just the practical steps; he was driven to understand the metaphysical implications of his actions, ultimately validating his belief in his superiority over witches, wizards, and all others.