The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office was silent.
Professor, are you trying to teach me this magic?
When that thought surfaced in Quirrell's mind, he froze.
This—this was Lucien?
He was using that variant of the Imperius Curse?
How did Lucien know this Dark Arts spell? How could he have learned it?
How was that even possible?
A flood of questions exploded in Quirrell's mind. What had just happened was completely beyond his plans or expectations.
He couldn't comprehend it. It had taken him more than ten days—enduring the agony of Dark Arts corruption—just to barely master the spell.
So how did Lucien learn it?
Did he pick it up simply by hearing him recite it once?
Impossible. Absurd.
Quirrell's eyes lost focus. He simply couldn't make sense of what had just occurred.
"Professor—or rather, if this magic isn't meant for teaching…"
"What exactly is this spell for?"
Those words made Quirrell jolt, snapping him back to reality. He also noticed the tip of Lucien's wand subtly visible beneath his right sleeve.
Recalling their previous duel—and that unsettling, manic laughter—Quirrell felt a sharp pain in his head. Forcing a strained smile, he stammered,
"It is—it is for teaching."
Lucien stood, his expression completely devoid of warmth as he fixed his gaze on Quirrell.
"Oh? Then why not just teach it directly? Aren't you the one giving the lecture, Professor?"
"And this spell… it feels rather strange."
Cold sweat trickled down Quirrell's back. He had no idea how to respond.
And the thought of being exposed—of ruining his master's plan—filled him with dread.
Helplessness and fear tangled within him. He opened his mouth several times, but no words came out.
Then, just as Quirrell saw Lucien move his left hand behind his back and slightly lift his right hand, his expression suddenly shifted.
A faint smile appeared on "Quirrell's" face.
"This is a spell I created myself, and its effects are quite remarkable."
"It requires an exceptionally high level of innate talent to even begin learning it—at the very least, one must be able to sense the fluctuations of magic while it's being cast."
"But unfortunately, I've never met a student capable of learning it."
His tone paused for a moment. "Quirrell's" gaze toward Lucien softened, revealing a trace of surprise and satisfaction.
"I never expected, Lucien, that you would possess such talent. You truly astonish me!"
Noticing the sudden change in Quirrell's demeanor, Lucien, who had seen this before, instantly understood.
Oh, Tom has taken control again.
He wondered if such frequent possessions and conversations might hasten Quirrell's decline.
Hmm.. Perceive the fluctuations of magic, huh?
So the implication was that he had merely been testing whether Lucien had the potential—to see if he could learn this spell?
Tsk, tsk. The "surprise" and "gratification" in those eyes were impressively convincing.
If he were an ordinary, talented young wizard, he might actually believe this explanation.
He might even think he was a gifted student, favored by his teacher—a genius who had passed his professor's test.
But unfortunately for him, Lucien had seen the story play out—he knew exactly what was growing on the back of Quirrell's head.
Heh, he'd just play along for now. Later, he could casually mention it to Dumbledore over afternoon tea.
He wondered how Dumbledore would react. Would he still insist on waiting until Harry was the one to defeat Lord Voldemort?
"Is that so, Professor? Then what exactly does this spell do?"
Hearing that question, "Quirrell" believed Lucien had taken the bait and shown interest in the spell.
"This is a magic that strengthens one's concentration," he explained smoothly. "It helps eliminate distracting thoughts and allows complete focus."
"The method is…..."
At first, Lucien assumed Tom was just spouting nonsense, though he didn't intend to call him out on it.
A Dark Arts curse—clearly one meant to influence and control the mind and body—and yet he could twist it into something about enhancing concentration?
But as the explanation went on, Lucien's brow furrowed slightly.
Why did it actually sound… somewhat plausible?
No, that couldn't be right. Tom wasn't the type to sincerely test a student's talent.
Watching "Quirrell" speak so confidently, Lucien began to form a suspicion.
Could it be a counter-curse application? This Dark Arts spell must have been developed by Tom.
Normally, it was used to control the mind and body—but if reversed, could it really improve one's focus?
As "Quirrell" finished his explanation, Lucien carefully went over what he had said, and his eyes narrowed.
It was true. The Dark Arts spell did have a counter-curse. The syllables were identical, only rearranged in a few subtle, almost imperceptible ways.
"Quirrell" smiled at him.
"Well? Isn't this spell fascinating?"
Lucien looked at him seriously, unable to help but admire his genius.
When it came to creativity in magic—especially the Dark Arts—Tom truly stood apart. By the system's standards, his Dark Arts talent must have been at least SS-rank.
And that expression of his now, so full of certainty—as if victory were already his. Did he really think Lucien would be drawn in? That he would want to learn from him?
Well...
"It is indeed remarkable, Professor. Your… mastery of magic is truly admirable."
At Lucien's words, "Quirrell" lifted his chin slightly, his face bearing none of the nervousness the real Quirrell usually showed.
That pride, that confidence, that air of dominance—as if he stood unmatched in the world.
"Lucien, your talent… is exceptional. The finest I've ever seen."
"So, are you interested in learning from me—learning that spell from before? Learning true, powerful, wondrous magic?"
As he spoke, "Quirrell's" voice took on a strange, magnetic quality, as though compelling one to nod in agreement and obey.
But Lucien was unaffected. His mind was already turning rapidly.
As expected—he was inviting him to become a student.
Heh, learn this spell? Learn that Dark Arts incantation?
And after that, what—learn even more Dark Arts?
Hmm… no, not openly. Tom might be insane, but he wasn't stupid.
He'd likely proceed gradually, mixing bits of Dark Arts knowledge among lessons of ordinary magic.
Then, little by little, he'd lure his student deeper—until he was swallowed whole by the abyss of the Dark Arts.
Tsk. A sugar-coated bullet.
Lucien could enjoy the sugar, but as for the bullet…
"Professor, I'm honored to have earned your recognition. It would be my privilege to learn more from you!"
As he spoke, Lucien put on an expression of genuine excitement tinged with a hint of shyness—just like a student overjoyed to receive his professor's praise and approval.
Heh, acting? That's easy enough.
His drama teacher hadn't been paid in vain.
Hearing Lucien's words and seeing his convincing performance, "Quirrell" nodded.
"Very good. Then let's continue the lesson."
"…"
__________
11 Advance Chaps- P@treon/DarkDevil1