Dana frowned at Quirrell's words."Completely eliminate prejudice? How?"Quirrell's grin widened at the challenge."It's not about erasing prejudice entirely, but making people afraid to show it. When you're strong enough, any bias disappears."Dana kept quiet, sensing more to come."Do you want to become powerful, Dana?"When Dana nodded, Quirrell leaned forward eagerly."I know of a being who can make you incredibly strong. With your talent, you could rival Dumbledore—if you follow him."At that moment, the dagger was revealed.
Dana's smile was calm."Nothing in this world is free. What's the price?"Quirrell's eyes glimmered, fixated on Dana's lake‑green gaze."You must swear your allegiance to him—and never betray him.""Is a ritual required?""Of course."Dana stood, pacing."Thank you, Professor, but this is a serious commitment. I need time to think."Quirrell's lids narrowed."I understand caution is wise. But don't tell anyone about this. Some…unpleasant truths about you might surface."Dana paused, intrigued."Unpleasant truths?"Quirrell's expression was unreadable."Yes. I sense lives…ended by your hand. Familiar to those bonded with the Dark Arts."Dana had heard of no wizard—Dumbledore or otherwise—who could sense that.
Only one being—Voldemort—could penetrate so deeply.
He didn't want to be a Death Eater.
He also didn't want to reveal too much too soon.
His thoughts churned, then he smiled."Thank you, Professor. I'll give you an answer before term's end."Quirrell inclined his head."Excellent. The sooner you decide, the sooner you grow stronger."Over the next period, Dana went about his routine. He attended his classes by day and taught others at night—just as usual.
Then Gryffindor lost two hundred house points. The hourglass gems plummeted.
What had been destined occurred: Hagrid was caught raising a dragon.
Norbert was growing too large, so Harry, Hermione, and Ron handed him off to Charlie Weasley's care late at night.
In their excitement, they left the Invisibility Cloak behind, caught by Filch.
Earlier, Neville—frantically searching for them—was found by McGonagall, and Draco Malfoy tattled.
So five students—Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco—were forced to patrol the Forbidden Forest as punishment.
All the while, Dana had been waiting for this exact moment.
Filch led the group—Harry, Ron, Hermione toward Hagrid's hut and Neville, Draco, and Fang into the forest. A cat‑owl circled above unnoticed.
Upon entering the forest, Draco played a prank on Neville, who retaliated with a flare. Hagrid scooped Neville up and took him off to tend to matters, leaving Harry and Draco alone.
They soon discovered a dead unicorn. Its mane glowed like the moon, even in death.
Then, with a rustling in the bushes, a hooded figure emerged and began drinking the unicorn's blood with a chilling slurp.
Malfoy fled in terror, and even Fang ran; Harry was left frozen, scar throbbing.
The figure lunged—
…and halted.
From behind Harry, a surge of brilliant green light struck the figure.
A banshee-like scream echoed. Harry collapsed.
The green light cleaved the figure and a tree in two.
The figure lay still. Suddenly, a black mist erupted from its body. A furious voice hissed:"Who is it? Who ruined my masterpiece?!"The mist shot toward the source of the green light, but encountered only a stunned cat‑owl perched on a branch."Who are you? Show yourself! To cast a Killing Curse this powerful—you must be known."The owl blinked and hooted.
The mist hovered, writhing…until a red flare burst upward. A phoenix's flame then opened beside the unicorn's corpse.
The mist recoiled, streaked southeast, and vanished. The owl shook itself and flew back toward Gryffindor Tower, hooting mockingly at the fallen Dark wizard.
In the aftermath:
Hagrid mourned by the carcass.
Ron, Hermione, and Neville huddled around the unconscious Harry.
Dumbledore stared at the motionless figure beside the unicorn.
McGonagall approached."Albus, what exactly happened here?"Dumbledore explained:"Someone was found drinking unicorn blood. Harry passed out. The perpetrator is dead. Firenze said he witnessed a Killing Curse."McGonagall frowned, uncovering the body.
The hood fell away. Bald. The face recognizable.
Quirinus Quirrell."It's Quirrell," McGonagall whispered, eyes fixed on the broken tree trunk.Dumbledore exhaled heavily."I suppose the question now is—what becomes of Defense Against the Dark Arts for the rest of the year?"
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