Inside the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office, silence reigned.
"Professor, may I ask—are you trying to teach me this magic?"
After this sentence surfaced in his mind, Quirrell froze. This was Leo? He was using that Imperius Curse variant spell?
Why would Leo know this Dark Magic? How did he learn it? How could he possibly have learned it!
Countless questions exploded in Quirrell's mind. What had just happened was completely beyond his plans and expectations! Quirrell truly couldn't understand. He'd spent over ten days, enduring the pain of Dark Magic erosion, finally managing to master this curse with great difficulty.
How did Leo learn it? Could he have learned it just from hearing it once? What kind of joke was this!
Quirrell's gaze was unfocused, unable to comprehend what had just occurred.
"Professor, or perhaps this magic isn't for teaching purposes, then... What is this incantation used for?"
These words made Quirrell shudder, instantly snapping back to attention. He also noticed the wand tip slightly revealed under Leo's right sleeve. Inexplicably recalling the last magical practice experience and that eerie, frenzied laughter, Quirrell's head couldn't help but ache. He forced out a difficult smile.
"It is for teaching purposes."
Leonardo stood up, his eyes still showing no trace of amusement, staring directly at Quirrell. "Then why not teach it directly? Professor, weren't you lecturing? Moreover, this magic feels rather unusual."
Quirrell immediately broke out in a cold sweat. He didn't know how to answer. He was also afraid that if this exposed things and ruined his master's plan, his fate would be... Helplessness and fear left Quirrell unable to control himself. Several times he opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
Just as Quirrell saw Leo put his left hand behind his back while slightly raising his right hand, Quirrell's eyes suddenly changed. "Quirrell's" face took on a subtle smile.
"This is a type of magic I created myself. The effect is quite good. The talent threshold is very high—at minimum you must be able to sense the fluctuations when using this magic. But unfortunately, I've never encountered a student capable of learning this magic."
After a brief pause, "Quirrell" looked at Leonardo with a look of surprise and relief. "I never expected that you would actually have such talent. This truly surprises me!"
Seeing this shift in Quirrell's demeanor, having already witnessed it once before, Leo immediately understood. Voldemort had taken control again.
Wonder if such frequent possession and speaking would accelerate his weakening? Sensing magical fluctuations? The implication was that he was just testing whether Leo had the talent and could learn this magic?
The "surprise" and "relief" in his eyes were quite convincingly performed. If it were really a talented young wizard, they'd probably believe this explanation. Truly believe they were the lucky one favored by the teacher, the genius who passed the teacher's test.
But sorry, he'd seen the plot and knew what was growing on the back of Quirrell's head. Play along for now. When he went for afternoon tea with Dumbledore later, he'd mention this matter. Wonder how Dumbledore would handle it. Did he have to wait until Harry defeated Voldemort?
"Is that so, Professor? Then what exactly is this magic's effect?"
Hearing this question, "Quirrell" felt Leo had taken the bait and become interested in the magic. "This is a magic that improves one's focus, eliminating extraneous thoughts to concentrate on thinking. The technique is..."
Leonardo initially thought Voldemort was making things up and didn't plan to expose him. Dark Magic used to control minds and souls—and he was trying to pass it off as concentration enhancement?
But as the explanation deepened, Leo's eyebrows furrowed slightly. Wait, this actually sounds legitimate. Since when does Voldemort genuinely test students?
Watching "Quirrell's" confident manner as he spoke eloquently, Leonardo began to suspect something. Could it be an application of a counter-curse? This Dark Magic should have been developed by Voldemort. Normal use controlled body and mind, but reversed, it could actually help people improve concentration?
As "Quirrell" finished explaining, Leo finally confirmed his theory, his eyes narrowing. It was actually true. This Dark Magic really had a counter-curse, and the syllables recited were exactly the same, just with the order adjusted in a few subtle details—very inconspicuous.
"Quirrell" smiled at Leo. "So, isn't this magic very interesting?"
Leonardo looked gravely at "Quirrell," impressed despite himself. In magic, especially Dark Magic creativity, Voldemort was truly extraordinary. According to the system's standards, his Dark Magic talent must be at least SS-rank.
This appearance of having everything under control—was he certain Leo would be attracted to this magic? That Leo would want to learn from him?
"Indeed very magical, Professor. Your accomplishments in magic are truly admirable."
Hearing Leo's words, "Quirrell" slightly raised his chin, his facial expression nothing like what Quirrell would normally display. That pride, that confidence, that supreme arrogance of one who believes himself unmatched.
"Your talent is exceptional—the best I've ever seen. So, are you interested in learning from me? Learning the magic I just showed you, learning truly powerful, magical spells?"
When saying this, "Quirrell's" voice suddenly became magnetic, as if making people unable to resist nodding and following. But Leonardo wasn't affected, only rapidly pondering.
As expected, he'd proposed the suggestion to learn from him. Learn this magic, learn this Dark Magic? And after learning this? Probably learn more Dark Magic, right?
No, at least not openly teach it. Voldemort might be mad, but he wasn't that stupid. He probably planned to proceed gradually, mixing some Dark Magic knowledge into normal magic. Then bit by bit, draw him into the Dark Magic abyss.
A poisoned gift. Take the benefits, but avoid the trap.
"Professor, I'm very happy to receive your recognition. If I can learn more from you, this would be my honor!"
Saying this, Leo even displayed an expression of joy, excitement mixed with a bit of shyness, truly acting like a kid who'd received a professor's appreciation and recognition.
Two could play at deception.
Hearing Leo's words and seeing his performance, "Quirrell" nodded. "Very good. Then let's continue the lesson."