Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 22 Black Magic

His relationship with Hermione has always been this uneventful.

Sitting opposite each other, you read your book and I read mine, without disturbing each other, it gives a feeling of peace and tranquility.

When it was time for dinner, everyone chose the books they wanted to borrow and walked into the auditorium together.

You go left, I go right.

Ike enjoyed this simple process; it gave him a familiar and enjoyable feeling, so much so that he often had a faint smile on his face after they parted.

Of course, this smile won't last long.

After greeting Stuart and the others, Ike ate his sumptuous dinner while occasionally exchanging a few words.

Life is ordinary, yet inexplicably fulfilling.

Stuart is absolutely right. Trying to fit in really makes a difference.

Unfortunately, even with the influence of seven Quidditch enthusiasts, Ike still didn't come to like the sport.

The end of the Christmas holidays not only means that the young wizards will have to get back into a busy study routine, but also that Quidditch matches will begin again.

After a clean and decisive loss to Hufflepuff in their first match, Ravenclaw is about to face a formidable opponent in Gryffindor.

This was a match whose outcome was obvious without even watching. After saying goodbye to Stuart and the others who still held onto hope, Ike went alone to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office on the third floor.

The three most powerful wizards in the world today are Grindelwald, who imprisoned himself in Newmont Gard; Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts; and Voldemort, who lingers on Quirrell's head.

Newmont Gard is far from England, and Dumbledore is elusive and often disappears without a trace, but Voldemort is much easier to find.

He's right there!

"Please come in!"

Ike pushed open the door and entered. Seeing that Quirrell looked somewhat nervous, he nodded slightly and said, "Professor Quirrell, I have some questions I'd like to ask you. Is this a convenient time for you?"

"Of course... I... I'd be happy to... answer the little wizard's questions." Quirrell gestured for Ike to sit down, cross his arms, and sit up straight.

“That’s right, Professor,” Ike said. “I learned from ‘Dark Magic: A Guide to Self-Defense’ that dark magic is evil magic intended to harm others, but curses and some prank spells can have the same effect, but they are not classified as dark magic.”

"Why aren't spells like the Shattering Charm and the Slicing Charm, which can also harm people, considered dark magic?"

Quirrell smiled upon hearing this, paused, and then explained, "Mr. Stride, your understanding is... flawed. Using the ability to harm others to define whether something is black magic is inaccurate. You overlooked another description of black magic in the book."

"The intention to harm others... is indeed an important characteristic of black magic, but more importantly... black magic must have a strong desire to harm others in order to... succeed."

"You...you should know the four...four basic elements of casting magic, right?"

Seeing Ike nod, Quirrell continued, "A firm belief and a certain level of focus are essential. Black magic is the manifestation of extreme and evil thoughts; one must have a strong desire to harm others, even harboring the thought of killing them, to succeed. How can someone who holds such thoughts for a long time be normal? That's why there's the saying that black magic affects a wizard's mind and soul."

"Do you know about the three unforgivable curses?" Quirrell suddenly asked.

"What a bright and eager-to-learn little wizard!" Quirrell clapped, his tone full of admiration. "Mr. Strayed, very few young wizards know as much as you do. Yes, the three Unforgivable Curses are extremely evil and cruel magic, but that's not why they are 'unforgivable'."

Quirrell took out his wand and summoned three spiders, demonstrating the three Unforgivable Curses to Ike one by one. Looking at Ike's pale face, he said softly, "Don't be afraid. Now you can tell me how you felt when I cast the Unforgivable Curse on the spiders."

Ike's voice trembled slightly: "I...I feel like you're casting these spells on me...on me, it's terrifying, evil..."

"That's right!" Quirrell put away his wand and handed Ike a piece of chocolate. "As the most famous and representative form of black magic, you can clearly feel the evil, cruel, and terrifying side of black magic."

"In fact, this is why dark magic is dark magic. Cutting and shattering spells, although they can also harm people, are not classified as dark magic..."

"The primary purpose of cutting and shattering spells is not to harm others, but dark magic is..."

Quirrell leaned forward, looking into Ike's blue eyes, which clearly showed fear, and slowly said, "Of course, there's another, simpler way to categorize it. What a wizard can easily control and whose damage can be easily healed is called 'white magic,' and conversely, what they can't is black magic!"

"Mr. Streid, do you understand?"

Quirrell's eyes held a mixture of inquiry, scrutiny, and confidence, while Ike's gaze conveyed a mix of understanding, fear, and longing.

As if he had finally made up his mind after struggling for a long time, Ike stared intently at Quirrell.

"Professor, could...could you teach me dark magic?"

Quirrell straightened up, scrutinized Ike for a long while, and then asked, slowly and deliberately, "Mr. Stradt, can you tell me why you want to study dark magic?"

"This is something that Hogwarts strictly forbids. In fact, of the three major magic schools in Europe, only Durmstrang has a course that specifically teaches dark magic."

"After all, dark magic is evil and cruel, and it's far too dangerous for a young wizard like you, even under the guidance of a professor."

After a long silence, Ike firmly stated, "Because dark magic is powerful!"

"Powerful? Of course!" Quirrell suddenly smiled. "Every wizard yearns for great power."

"But, Mr. Streid, that reason does not convince me."

Ike hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "I need power, unparalleled power..."

"Professor, I need strength!"

Quirrell stared intently into Ike's eyes, and Ike stared back into Quirrell's eyes. For a long while, Quirrell remained silent.

Ike stood up somewhat dejectedly, bowed slightly to Quirrell, and turned to leave.

Just as I reached the door, I heard a voice behind me:

"Come to my office every Saturday evening at seven o'clock. I hope you won't be late, Mr. Streid..."

"Yes, Professor Quirrell..."

and also

(End of this chapter)