Attitudes and Speculation

Orion did not refute this; the Killing Curse was indeed not a particularly profound Magic, its power depending more on the Spellcasting's Magic Power strength and killing intent.

Even if someone who is hesitant uses it, the effect will be greatly reduced; at most, it will cause a nosebleed.

He was simply curious, or rather, puzzled. "If I hadn't stopped you, would you really have killed him?"

Regulus stared at the still convulsing, chilling sorcerer on the ground, remaining silent for a few seconds.

Regarding this matter, he decided to tell his father the truth, "I am not afraid to kill."

"But I won't use the Killing Curse to kill, at least not now. Using the Killing Curse to kill is too conspicuous."

Regulus raised his wand and examined it closely. "Using your own wand, in particular, is too much trouble."

He continued, "And there are so many ways to kill someone, without Magic, with physical means, like breaking a neck, piercing the heart, or severing an artery."

Using Magic, but not Dark Arts, Transfiguration could turn the air in his lungs into poison gas, or the blood in his veins into mercury; a clever impact, a high-altitude fall.

It's also convenient to use the environment; you can detonate the explosives, create a collapse, and you don't even need to do anything yourself. Just leave it there, and someone will always need experimental material.

With each method he suggested, Orion's eyes narrowed a little more.

He was pondering the thought process behind his son's words: calm, rational, pragmatic, disregarding morality, and focusing only on efficiency and risk.

He has the typical mindset of Pureblood Wizards, but is more insightful than most Pureblood Wizards.

Some Pureblood families claim to be righteous, as if their status and position were earned through love and peace.

"So if I don't show up," Orion continued, "What do you plan to do with these people?"

Regulus turned to his father and asked, "Does our family... have any business related to the human body?"

Orion looked at him for a while before saying, "Yes, there are three clinics and two Alchemy Laboratory in Knockturn Alley that regularly need materials."

Mainly Dark Wizard, Werewolf, and Vampire —types that are not protected by law.

Seeing that Regulus's expression didn't change, Orion added, "Occasionally there are Muggle too."

Regulus nodded without saying anything more, but his meaning was clear.

Orion didn't press the matter further. He wasn't surprised by his son's attitude, nor was he afraid to kill himself.

As the patriarch of the Black family, and someone who has navigated the upper echelons of the Wizarding World for decades, it's impossible for him to have clean hands.

Some of the businesses in Knockturn Alley were tacitly approved by him, some were directly controlled by him, and some were even established under his guidance.

He simply didn't want Regulus to kill someone with his own hands so soon.

It has nothing to do with morality; it's a psychological issue.

The first time you kill someone is different from the hundredth time, and the hundredth time is different from the thousandth time.

The first time leaves a mark; it etches something into your soul.

Orion hoped that Regulus would grow more, and that he would become more resilient and stable before crossing that line.

But now it seems that Regulus may have already crossed over.

This leap doesn't actually require killing someone, but rather stems from a change in understanding.

Perhaps in Regulus's mind, murder was not something sacred or taboo, but merely an option, a means, a way to solve problems.

Just like cutting vegetables with a knife or boiling water with fire, it's natural and ordinary, and doesn't need to be given too much meaning.

I'm not sure whether to call this good or bad.

However, since Regulus can summon Patronus, there's nothing to worry about.

Orion glanced one last time at the four people on the ground and waved his wand.

Four powerful Stunning Spell struck them precisely on the forehead, rendering them completely unconscious. Then he waved his wand, and the four of them floated up, moving with him.

"Let's go," Orion called out, "It's time to go home."

They walked out of that side alley and returned to the main street of Knockturn Alley.

Pedestrians were still few and far between, everyone hurrying along with their heads down, no one caring about the four unconscious bodies floating behind them.

Occasionally someone would glance at him, but upon seeing the Black Crest on Orion's body, they would immediately look away, pretending they hadn't seen anything.

That's the rule of Knockturn Alley: mind your own business, and you'll survive.

After tossing the four bodies into a shop, Orion stopped at the dark alleyway leading to the exit of Knockturn Alley and said to Regulus, "Don't tell your mother about what happened today."

Regulus looked over, puzzled, before nodding after a moment. "Of course."

"Also," Orion thought for a moment, then added, "Knockturn Alley comes a few times a year. You'll follow them, observe and learn, but don't act rashly. Some things are better left unsaid; you don't need to do them yourself."

"Clear."

They walked out of the passage and returned to the Diagon Alley.

The sunlight streamed down, warm and bright, the air was fresh and clean, and the laughter of children could be heard from not far away.

Compared to the dark and filthy world of Knockturn Alley, this place is like paradise.

It was already dark when I returned to 12 Grimmauld Place from Knockturn Alley, and the fire in the fireplace was burning brightly.

Kreacher took the robe that Orion had taken off and then helped Regulus unfasten the cloak with quick, nimble movements.

Dinner was held in the dining room, where a long table was laden with dishes prepared under Walburga's personal supervision.

Golden-brown lamb Lamb Chop, Escargot drizzled with creamy sauce, a mountain of mashed potatoes, and Regulus's favorite Pumpkin Pasty.

Candlelight flickered beneath the Crystal chandelier, and the silver Tableware reflected a soft glow.

Walburga sat in the main seat, his eyes never leaving Regulus.

She watched her son cut Lamb Chop with a knife and fork, watched him drink soup, watched him eat pies, and her face was almost overflowing with a mixture of pride and worry.

"I'm going back to school tomorrow." Walburga cut his Lamb Chop, the knife and fork making a crisp sound on the Porcelain Plates. "Is everything packed?"

"Everything's ready." Regulus swallowed his food and looked up at his mother.

"Take care of yourself at school, don't just focus on your studies," Walburga continued, his tone full of concern.

"You're still growing, so eat and sleep as usual. Your schoolwork isn't difficult for you, so don't push yourself too hard."

Then, changing her tone, she added, "Of course, we should still fight for what we deserve."

The Black family can't fall behind. We'll teach any fools a lesson and show them what our family can do.

Regulus listened quietly, occasionally nodding in response.

He was already used to his mother's contradictory admonitions, on the one hand telling him to take care of his health and not to overwork himself, and on the other hand telling him to maintain the family's honor and not to slack off.

Orion dinner, Orion went to his Study to work on some documents, Regulus followed him.

When he knocked on the Study door, Orion was standing by the window looking out at the street.

Hearing the voice, he turned around and saw Regulus. Regulus pointed to the chair opposite the desk. "Sit."

Regulus sat down and organized his thoughts.

"Father," he began directly, "I'd like to share my thoughts on the Malfoy family."

Orion walked back to his desk and sat down, placing his hands on the table and waiting for him to continue.

"How is Abraxas Malfoy doing now?" Regulus asked.

"I saw you at a gathering the other day, you seemed to be in good spirits," Orion said. "But you're getting old, so you'll have some minor health issues. Why are you asking about that?"

"It just occurred to me suddenly," Regulus said calmly. "What would happen to the Malfoy family if something happened to Old Malfoy —illness, injury, or even worse?"

Orion narrowed his eyes. "What rumors did you hear?"

"There's no wind." Regulus shook his head.

"This is just speculation. Among the Pureblood families, the Malfoy family currently the most powerful. Old Malfoy is a shrewd man who has managed the family to its zenith, but perhaps that's not necessarily a good thing."

Regulus observed his father's expression and, seeing that he made no response, continued.

"Especially in the current situation, Voldemort needs loyal followers, not uncontrollable allies."

A family that is too powerful and too opinionated may not meet his needs.

Orion leaned forward slightly. "What are you implying?"

"It's not an implication, I'm just guessing." Regulus shook his head.

"Let's assume this happens. If something really happens to Old Malfoy, who will be the biggest beneficiary?"

Lucius will take over the Malfoy family, but he is too young, inexperienced, and far less capable than his father.

What will the Malfoy family become then? A wealthy family lacking sufficient power and wisdom, a tool that is easier to control and exploit.

He looked at Orion: "Which Malfoy would Voldemort prefer? A shrewd but not entirely controllable partner like Old Malfoy, or an easier-to-manipulate successor like Lucius?"

The Study fell silent.

Orion tapped his fingers lightly on the table; he was thinking.

"Your conjecture is dangerous and audacious. Abraxas is Voldemort's open supporter, and the two have cooperated for many years. There's no reason for them to—"