Description
Hepzibah Smith was a wealthy and elderly witch known for her extensive collection of magical antiques and artifacts. Her murder at the hands of Tom Riddle was a pivotal event in the creation of Voldemort’s Horcruxes.
Background
A descendant of Helga Hufflepuff, Hepzibah possessed two priceless relics of the Hogwarts Founders: Hufflepuff’s Cup, a small golden cup passed down through her family, and Slytherin’s Locket, which she had purchased from Borgin and Burkes. She was a vain and trusting woman who enjoyed showing off her treasures to those she considered charming.
History
After graduating from Hogwarts, Tom Riddle took a position at Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley, a shop dealing in dark and valuable magical objects. He was tasked with acquiring artifacts from wealthy clients, and he used this role to befriend Hepzibah Smith.
Riddle visited Hepzibah on multiple occasions, flattering and charming her. She eventually showed him her two most prized possessions: Hufflepuff’s Cup and Slytherin’s Locket. Riddle recognized both as relics of the Founders and coveted them.
Shortly after, Riddle poisoned Hepzibah and stole both artifacts. He modified the memory of her house-elf, Hokey, causing the elf to believe she had accidentally poisoned her mistress’s cocoa. Hokey was convicted of the crime by the Ministry of Magic.
Riddle used the stolen relics to create his fourth and fifth Horcruxes, imbuing Hufflepuff’s Cup and Slytherin’s Locket with fragments of his soul.
Hepzibah is deceased.