Chapter 42
Defense Against the Dark Arts, as depicted in the original series, primarily covers three main themes.
The first is recognizing and mastering methods to deal with dark magical creatures. For example, in the third year, Lupin taught Harry and his peers about various dark creatures, such as Boggarts and Red Caps.
The second theme is understanding dark curses and, to some extent, developing ways to counter them. For instance, in the original series, Moody (though it was Barty Crouch Jr. in disguise) used the Imperius Curse on Harry to train his resistance to it.
The third theme is dueling rules and some commonly used spells and techniques. Harry learned the Disarming Charm and basic dueling rules in his second-year lessons.
Of all these, Devero was most fascinated by dark curses. In the original series, Harry and his classmates were introduced to the three Unforgivable Curses in their fourth year. However, upon receiving Quirrell's syllabus today, Devero discovered that the Unforgivable Curses were actually sixth-year material. Moody had been teaching beyond the curriculum. The fourth and fifth years mainly focused on various defensive and counter-spells, while the first three years centered on countering dark magical creatures. Of course, this topic continued in years four through seven, but with less emphasis.
At this moment, Devero was sitting on a bench outside Professor Quirrell's Defense Against the Dark Arts office. The area reeked of garlic, but it was far better than Quirrell's office itself! When Devero had stepped inside earlier, he nearly vomited at the door. Thankfully, he quickly adjusted his breathing using a meditation technique, narrowly avoiding passing out at the entrance. After that, he refused to set foot in Quirrell's office again—it was like hell! Devero couldn't fathom how Voldemort could tolerate such a horrific environment. Oh, right—Voldemort didn't have a nose! The thought made Devero chuckle.
"What's so funny, Alexander? Have you decided?" Quirrell's high-pitched voice came as he sat beside Devero with a teapot, his demeanor surprisingly kind for a Death Eater possessed by Voldemort.
Devero subtly shifted away. The smell on Quirrell was simply unbearable. "Professor, I've made up my mind. I'll go straight to the sixth-year course," Devero said, handing back the syllabus.
Quirrell's hand paused mid-pour, and he looked at Devero in surprise. "Er, Alexander, you're only in your first year. I've heard from Professor Dumbledore that you have a strong talent for charms, but jumping straight to sixth-year lessons is…"
Quirrell frowned, trying to persuade him. "If you're interested in curses, you could consider the fourth-year course. This year, we'll start covering counter-curses, which should be just right for you." He flipped open his syllabus to the fourth-year section.
Devero was mildly surprised. Quirrell was actually serious about teaching? When he first received the syllabus, Devero assumed Quirrell had just copied someone else's. But it seemed he was familiar with it.
Devero squinted, considering Quirrell's suggestion, but ultimately shook his head. "Professor, I think I'll stick with the sixth-year course. Trust my talent. If it doesn't work out, I can always switch to the fourth-year lessons and catch up."
Quirrell didn't press further. Instead, he asked with interest, waving his wand to make the teapot pour tea into Devero's cup. "Alright, but I have a question, Alexander. Why choose sixth year instead of seventh? If you're aiming for a challenge, the seventh-year course includes a comprehensive review for N.E.W.T.s. Since the material has already been covered, it's not much harder and could give you a good overview of earlier content, which might suit you better."
Quirrell's words were so professional they could have come from a genuine teacher. Still, Devero shook his head. "Professor, I'm mainly interested in the sixth-year lessons on silent spellcasting." He took a sip of the tea Quirrell had prepared, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. "And, of course, the chance to see the Unforgivable Curses, right?"
Crash! Quirrell's teacup slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor and splashing tea all over himself. Devero jumped, startled, and stood up, looking at Quirrell. The professor seemed to have lost his soul, his eyes blank. The scalding tea soaked his robes, but he didn't react. After a full ten seconds, as Devero used his wand to clean up the mess, Quirrell snapped out of it, glancing around as if waking from a dream.
"Professor, are you alright?" Devero asked, handing him a cup of water conjured with Aguamenti.
Quirrell took the cup dazedly and drank it down. "Oh, sorry, sorry, Alexander. It's… a lingering effect from an old vampire injury. I'm fine, I'm fine…"
Quirrell rubbed his forehead, sitting back down. After a moment, he looked at Devero. "I see, Alexander. I understand. When I was a student, I was also fascinated by the infamous Unforgivable Curses, wanting to explore them. But…" His expression turned serious. "Unfortunately, last year, the Ministry issued a ban prohibiting us from demonstrating the Unforgivable Curses in class. We can only discuss their origins…"
Quirrell trailed off, his eyes glazing over again, likely another bout of his supposed "vampire ailment." Devero felt a pang of disappointment. He hadn't read about such a ban in the original series. But it made sense—Moody in the books was Barty Crouch Jr., a Death Eater or top Auror, who wouldn't hesitate to break a rule or two. Quirrell, on a secret mission to steal the Philosopher's Stone, wouldn't risk performing an Unforgivable Curse in class. If someone complained, his plan would be ruined. Devero realized his hope of learning the Unforgivable Curses by observing others was likely delayed.
Just then, Quirrell's focus returned. He looked at Devero, his face conflicted, as if wrestling with a difficult decision. Finally, he took a deep breath, a faint smile curling his lips. "My apologies, Alexander. I may have misremembered. There's no such ban. Demonstrating the Unforgivable Curses in class is, of course, an essential part of the curriculum."
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After Devero left excitedly, Quirrell's expression turned to terror. Trembling, he whispered cautiously, "Master, this… this is too risky. If we're caught—"
Before he could finish, a faint but commanding voice emanated from the back of Quirrell's head. "Quirrell, enough of your cowardice! This boy is intriguing. Alexander… is special. If he can be swayed to my side, the Philosopher's Stone will be irrelevant!"
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