Lucius had been very busy lately.
Ever since obtaining that old manuscript on Dark Magic knowledge from the drawer in her dormitory, she had been almost ravenously immersed in exploring the new world of mysteries.
The papers were stacked and bound into a small booklet, feeling thick and substantial to the touch. Though the pages had yellowed and dried, they did not hinder reading. The records within were exquisitely detailed and comprehensive, resembling the notebook of some top student. It not only documented the origins and principles of Dark Magic but also included techniques on how to effectively control and wield it, along with overviews of relatively ancient and profound protective and curse magic.
To her surprise, Lucius even discovered sections on the study and training of Wandless Magic. After all, wizards capable of using Wandless Magic were exceedingly rare, even at Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore had only mastered the most basic level.
Lucius felt that so many people’s fascination with Dark Magic was not without reason. After all, who wouldn’t want to obtain great power? Even Severus Snape, a man of such deep affection, persistently pursued the study of Dark Magic despite Lily Evans’ repeated objections, even to the point of breaking with the girl he admired.
Though this wasn’t the sole reason, one thing was undeniable: Professor Snape could not resist the allure of Dark Magic. He needed to draw upon more power; only by becoming truly strong could he protect himself and those he cherished. Unfortunately, Lily did not understand him and even detested it deeply.
Faced with such a heaven-sent opportunity, Lucius also experienced moments of temptation—conquering the wizarding world, reaching the pinnacle of this world.
Becoming stronger, filled with power, free from any form of restraint—this undoubtedly opened the Pandora’s Box within everyone’s heart, luring you to release all desires, whether light or dark, from the depths of your soul, step by step leading you toward the summit or plunging you into an abyss of eternal damnation.
So, one must still hold onto their principles, Lucius thought. She would not follow in old Voldemort’s footsteps.
Draco Malfoy complained that Lucius was nowhere to be seen all day. Even during meals, she would mutter something nervously under her breath, seemingly unfamiliar and convoluted incantations, gibberish that made no sense.
Only occasionally could she be spotted in the library, leading him to wonder if the Sorting Hat had truly grown senile: Lusa Riddle should belong in Ravenclaw.
(The Sorting Hat grinned in protest: No! Don’t slander an old fellow—she’s a born Slytherin!)
Even during the most anticipated Quidditch match after Halloween, Slytherin versus Gryffindor, Lucius used the excuse of menstrual discomfort to hole up in her dormitory, studying various spells, or sneaking off to the Room of Requirement’s humble chamber. There, she layered barrier and isolation charms, practicing newly learned spells on small creatures like cockroaches—for instance, the Cruciatus Curse, one of the three Unforgivable Curses.
…….
“Riddle… Miss Riddle, your… control over… spells is quite impressive… I have something to discuss with you… If you don’t… mind, please come to my… office later.”
The Defense Against the Dark Arts class, filled with the strong stench of garlic, ended amidst the students’ whispered complaints. Professor Quirrell once again extended a mysterious, smiling invitation to Lucius.
He still spoke with a stutter. Privately, everyone speculated that Professor Quirrell had been frightened out of his wits by vampires and had become completely abnormal.
But Lucius knew the truth: he was simply terrified of Voldemort lurking at the back of his head. If someone had to carry out every move under the watchful eye of the big boss—probably even sleeping stiffly on their stomach while constantly scheming to steal and commit misdeeds—it was perfectly normal for their nerves to be frayed.
Just thinking about it made Lucius feel exhausted. Quirrell was probably the most pitiful worker in the Harry Potter story. How tragic.
“Miss Riddle, w-would you be available?” Quirrell asked kindly. His eyes, which usually dared not meet others’ gazes directly, now shimmered with a dark light. Lucius guessed that perhaps Voldemort had grown suspicious after she had refused several invitations to “extra tutoring sessions” in his office.
Well, avoiding it forever wasn’t a solution. Lucius put on the act of an obedient student and nodded cheerfully, “Of course, Professor. I’ll come.”
“Th-that’s good. I’ll prepare some things you might like, such as Fizzing Whizzbees. Children your age usually enjoy them. You should like them too,” Quirrell said with a smile before leaving.
“Thank you. That’s very kind of you,” Lucius replied. Trying to lure her with treats? Did Quirrell think she was just a greedy little child? Lucius thought to herself. Having tasted Mrs. Malfoy’s handmade candies, Fizzing Whizzbees held little appeal for her.
Only after Professor Quirrell had walked far away did Draco stride over, fanning his nose and frowning. “What did that guy want with you? His smile was weird.”
“Maybe some extra tutoring?” Lucius guessed it was likely about probing into or promoting Dark Magic.
“Roasted garlic? Or pan-fried garlic shoots? Fizzing Whizzbees mixed with garlic soup?” Draco sneered, thinking himself quite humorous.
Lucius shot Draco an amused glare. Couldn’t he be a little less fanciful?
“I think spicy grilled Draco lamb chops would be more delicious,” Lucius retorted meaningfully, glancing at Draco’s slender frame.
“You’re the lamb chop! Your whole family is! Lucius Riddle, I’ll write to my father about this—how dare you insult a noble Malfoy like this!”
“Oh, suit yourself. I doubt the noble Mr. Malfoy would bother with such a joke.”
…
After finishing the morning classes and enjoying a hearty lunch, Lucius spent over ten minutes listening to Pansy and Draco’s witty banter. She straightened the wrinkles on her uniform, waved her wand to cast a Scouring Charm, and then leisurely knocked on the door of Professor Quirrell’s office.
“P-please come in, M-Miss Riddle,” a somewhat nervous voice called from inside.
Lucius pushed the door open and entered.
Quirrell nervously adjusted the purple towel on his head and gave Lucius a gentle, stuttering smile. “Please, make yourself comfortable… Th-this is for you… Fizzing Whizzbees. Y-you can try them.”
Lucius took a seat in the chair opposite Professor Quirrell, glanced at the exquisitely wrapped candy on the desk, and politely declined, “Thank you for your kindness, but I’ve been having a toothache lately.”
“What a pity.”
Of course, Lucius wouldn’t casually eat anything Quirrell offered—that was basic caution, even if his intentions were good.
Seeing Quirrell remain silent and awkward, Lucius could only feign surprise and ask, “Professor, what did you want to see me about?”
“Oh… well, do you know your biological parents?” Professor Quirrell got straight to the point, surprisingly without stuttering. “I mean, Miss Riddle is an orphan, right? I’m very sorry to bring up such a painful subject, but wouldn’t you like to find your father… or mother? You’re so outstanding—I’m sure your parents would be very proud.”
If her cheap father weren’t Voldemort, Lucius would have been more than happy to reunite with her family, especially since she still didn’t know who her biological mother was.
“Professor, do you know my mother? Is she still alive?” Lucius bit her lip and asked cautiously. As long as it wasn’t that Bellatrix from the Black family, she could accept almost anyone else.
Quirrell hadn’t expected Lucius to skip over the father and ask about the mother. Truthfully, he himself didn’t know who had given birth to Lusa Riddle. But since she had caught the eye of the great Dark Lord, she was likely an exceptionally outstanding pure-blood beauty.
“Well… I suppose your mother must be a pure-blood noble. You’ll probably find out in time.”
Before Lucius could bombard him with questions he couldn’t answer, Quirrell hurriedly asked, “Miss Riddle, what are your thoughts on Dark Magic? Do you think it’s worth learning?”
“Of course! Since it exists, it’s undoubtedly worth learning. There’s no question about it, Professor.” Lucius replied without hesitation. She had been secretly studying Dark Magic these days, and the deeper she delved into it, the more she realized its mysteries and power.
Quirrell breathed a sigh of relief, a gentle smile appearing on his face. He continued, “Then, what do you think of… You-Know-Who—you know who I mean, the legendary Dark Lord? What’s your opinion of him…”
Before he could finish, Lucius pursed her lips and couldn’t help but snort softly, “He’s utterly foolish!”
Crash! Professor Quirrell’s cup shattered on the floor.