Dumbledore's reproachful eyes studied Allen through his half-moon lenses. "Disturbing the bones and remains of the dead is immoral, Professor Harris. How dare you teach them magic like this? If young wizards lack sufficient awe for life, what will our Hogwarts graduates become?"
"Knowledge is neither good nor evil. We merely pursue truth amid the complexity of human nature." Allen made himself face Dumbledore. "This is my classroom, Headmaster. You're interrupting my lesson."
"I know the temptation Dark Magic holds for young wizards. Its influence on character truly exists..." Dumbledore moved closer to Allen. He seemed to force down his anger, his voice lowering into something almost pleading. "I have tasted what that feels like, Professor Harris. It is very easy to become immersed in the growth of power and neglect everything else..."
"Headmaster Dumbledore, you Gryffindors always look at matters by your own standards, yet never learn to seek common ground while reserving differences." Allen shook his head. "I come from Ravenclaw. We forever pursue truth. Why would truth need good or evil? In fact, my attitude toward Dark Magic and ordinary spells is completely equal. The reason my course currently favors this direction is precisely to make up for what I personally consider a lack in the school's previous education. I am trying to make the students' way of looking at problems more neutral and rational."
The wizards on the practice field were now utterly silent. In truth, every gaze among them had already drifted over. Neville and Flag, standing nearby, were close enough to watch Dumbledore and Allen face each other down, the tension drawn tight as a blade, and they did not even dare breathe loudly.
"Since you insist—" Dumbledore pondered for a moment and made up his mind. "As Headmaster, I have the right to