Voldemort, then known as Tom Riddle, acquired Helga Hufflepuff's cup by murdering its owner, Hepzibah Smith, in 1946, and subsequently stealing it. This act was committed specifically to transform the cup into a Horcrux.
The Acquisition Process
Tom Riddle was on a relentless quest to achieve immortality by creating Horcruxes, powerful magical objects containing fragments of his soul. Helga Hufflepuff's cup, a historic and valuable artifact, became one of his prime targets. The process of its acquisition involved a series of dark and calculated steps:
- The Owner: The cup was in the possession of Hepzibah Smith, a wealthy and ancient witch who was a descendant of Helga Hufflepuff herself. She was a collector of rare magical artifacts, including not only Hufflepuff's cup but also Salazar Slytherin's locket.
- The Murder: In 1946, Tom Riddle brutally murdered Hepzibah Smith. This murder was a cold, calculated act, providing the extreme magical cruelty necessary to split his soul.
- The Theft: Immediately after committing the murder, Riddle stole Helga Hufflepuff's cup from Hepzibah Smith's possessions. He also stole Salazar Slytherin's locket during the same incident.
- Horcrux Creation: Following the murder and theft, Riddle imbued a piece of his soul into Helga Hufflepuff's cup, thereby transforming it into his third Horcrux.
This dark act solidified the cup's fate as a vessel for a part of Voldemort's fragmented soul, making it a critical component in his bid for eternal life. The cup was later hidden for many years within the Lestrange vault at Gringotts Wizarding Bank, guarded by powerful enchantments and curses.
Key Details of the Acquisition
The table below summarizes the crucial information regarding Voldemort's acquisition of Hufflepuff's Cup:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Owner | Hepzibah Smith |
| Perpetrator | Tom Riddle (Lord Voldemort) |
| Method | Murder and Theft |
| Year | 1946 |
| Purpose | To create the third Horcrux |
| Other Items Stolen | Salazar Slytherin's Locket |
