Chapter 50

In the dim office.

The conversation continued.

Allen was indeed stumped by Professor Quirrell’s question, and he hurriedly retorted: “Hogwarts forbids dark magic, and the Ministry explicitly prohibits using certain dark spells!”

Professor Quirrell’s expression grew even more amused; he spoke softly: “Youth sees things so simply, so black and white! At your age, you must learn to view issues dialectically.”

Allen wanted to argue back, but no words came out.

Professor Quirrell watched Allen’s stubborn expression with amusement and said gently: “Every wizard in the magical world has studied dark magic and mastered some of it. Even Dumbledore knows many dark spells you cannot imagine. Hogwarts merely forbids teaching dark magic in class—it does not ban private study.”

Allen was stunned. He admitted he had been woefully ignorant on this matter; in his mind, dark magic was like the vices of his past life—gambling, prostitution, drugs—something you could never touch.

“The Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library holds the largest collection of dark magic books in the British magical world. Upperclassmen or those with a professor’s signature may borrow them. So do you think dark magic is truly forbidden at Hogwarts?” Professor Quirrell felt he had breached Allen’s mental defenses and wanted to press further.

“So magic itself has no right or wrong—it’s only the user who is evil or good!” Allen snapped back to reality and concluded.

This answer surprised Professor Quirrell; he secretly raised his estimation of Allen and slowly clapped for him: “Brilliant! So those who use and study dark magic aren’t necessarily evil, are they?”

Allen fell silent. He did not respond to Professor Quirrell, but silently thought: “Not necessarily!”

Allen didn’t know why the topic had veered so far off course, but he found it deeply intriguing.

“Then why is magic divided into dark magic and other magic?” Allen had long been curious about this.

“Excellent question!” Professor Quirrell praised. “Magic itself has no black or white—it was artificially divided later by humans.”

“You study ancient runes, so you must know the history of wizarding domination. During the era of wizarding wars, magic had no black or white distinction. In fact, what we now call dark magic was then highly popular—wizards spent immense time studying and using it. Do you know why?” Professor Quirrell countered.

“Why? Because dark magic is more powerful?” Allen guessed.

“Yes! Dark magic possesses far greater power than other magic. In that age of war, mercy toward an enemy was cruelty toward oneself. Back then, the goal was to disable opponents swiftly—dark magic was the best choice!” Professor Quirrell’s tone grew increasingly forceful.

Allen was stirred to excitement by these words.

“Then why did wizards begin dividing magic later?” Allen’s thirst for knowledge was fully awakened.

“Because modern wizards are hypocrites! They’ve forgotten their ancestors’ glory. They’ve grown too comfortable in peace—they’ve grown afraid of the very powers that once let their ancestors dominate the world!” Professor Quirrell spat with bitterness.

“They haven’t experienced war in ages and have forgotten its cruelty. They’ve grown weak! They’ve even legislated to ban spells that once carved out countless living spaces for humanity!” Professor Quirrell’s eyes turned red as he gestured wildly, delivering a fiery speech.

Allen frowned tightly. He hadn’t expected such a story lay behind this.

“Those hypocrites forbid dark magic,

yet secretly master many dark spells themselves. They study dark magic in private—because you can’t study magic without touching what they call dark magic!” Professor Quirrell savored Allen’s expression, feeling he had already shifted some of Allen’s beliefs.

These revelations truly reshaped Allen’s understanding. He fell into deep thought, convinced Professor Quirrell’s words made sense.

It made him suddenly feel dark magic wasn’t so unacceptable. He grew curious about it. After all, magic itself held no good or evil—it was the user who decided. But he needed more information.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: “When I first came to ask you for advice, the powerful spells you mentioned—were they dark magic? I recall you wanted to teach me those.”

Professor Quirrell gazed deeply into Allen’s eyes, a mocking smile curling his lips: “Teaching dark magic is forbidden at Hogwarts! Besides, you refused me back then!”

Allen was speechless. He hadn’t expected Professor Quirrell still harbored resentment over that incident, so he changed the subject: “You said those spells were far stronger than the ones we’re learning now?”

Allen’s subtle intentions couldn’t fool the cunning Professor Quirrell. He studied Allen with amusement and spoke slowly: “Yes. Those spells were invented, refined, and perfected by wizards during the magical races’ wars—true war spells, tested in countless battles. The spells you learn now? They’re like children’s play!”

Professor Quirrell had denied ever intending to teach Allen dark magic, yet his words clearly implied that was exactly what he had planned.

“Oh no—not like children’s play. They are children’s play! Few Hogwarts graduates choose to become Aurors. They come here to use magic for a better life, then land a respectable office job. Isn’t that just children’s play?” Professor Quirrell’s tone grew even more scornful.

Professor Quirrell’s words stirred Allen’s heart. Though he already knew the Petrification Charm and Leg-Locker Curse, they were, as Quirrell said, mere child’s play compared to true war spells—and improving his combat ability was now urgent.

If dark magic’s nature was truly this, then learning it couldn’t hurt. It would surely increase his chances of survival when intervening in the plot. He couldn’t let fear stop him—he made up his mind.

He looked at Professor Quirrell with a searching gaze, laced with pleading.

Professor Quirrell understood instantly. This little fox had finally taken the bait! A deep satisfaction filled him; even his anger from days ago began to fade. He felt he had taken his first step toward controlling Allen.

“I’ve already said it—Hogwarts forbids teaching dark magic! If anyone finds out, we’ll both be expelled. Dumbledore may be old, but he’s far from foolish. If you slip up, you’ll doom us both.” Professor Quirrell spoke refusal, yet his eyes urged him on.

Allen knew the old fox didn’t trust him—but he must have a way. He played along: “I truly want to learn those powerful spells, Professor. Please teach me! I swear I won’t reveal anything.”

Professor Quirrell was inwardly delighted, but his face remained expressionless.

“Since you’re so eager to learn, I’ll make an exception. But your word means nothing. If you wish to study dark magic, you must swear an Unbreakable Vow with me.” Professor Quirrell finally revealed his true aim.

“An Unbreakable Vow? What’s that?”