Unlucky Quirrell, Love's Magic
Quirrell's final murmurs silenced Lucien.
Sigh, what an unlucky guy.
If Quirrell hadn't gone to that dark forest, hadn't encountered Voldemort, hadn't been seduced by Voldemort...
Quirrell should continue to serve as his Hogwarts professor, continue to delve deeper into the field of magic, and continue to explore knowledge as an outstanding Ravenclaw graduate...
Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs".
The black vortex in Lucien's eyes slowly rotated as he stared at the shattered Magic Circuit within Quirrell's body.
Quirrell's barely conscious state indicated that both his life force and soul were coming to an end.
Lucien saw the light gradually fade from Quirrell's eyes and gently shook his head.
"Liuguang."
At Lucien's signal, crimson flames swept over Quirrell's body, purifying his mangled flesh and soul.
"Thanks..."
A faint, almost ethereal voice emanated from the burning Purifying Fire, as if thanking Lucien for ending his suffering.
He took out Phoenix Feather from his pocket and let it be ignited by the Purifying Fire, turning it to ashes.
In just two or three seconds, a ball of bright red flame suddenly appeared in mid-air.
A tall wizard with silver hair and a silver beard appeared beside Lucien, his bright blue eyes scanning the surroundings through his half-moon lenses.
Dumbledore saw a room in disarray, Harry lying unconscious on the floor, and Fire Dragon body was contorted and unstable.
The presence of the Fire Dragon caused Dumbledore's gaze to freeze, and it took him a while to return to normal.
"Let's take Harry to the Hospital Wing first."
Lucien agreed with Dumbledore's suggestion.
After quickly clearing the scene, Fawkes led the three directly to the Hospital Wing.
As soon as Lucien opened his eyes, he saw a woman wearing a white hat and white clothes gently gliding her wand by his bedside, softly comforting him:
"It's alright, your friend just suffered a head injury and is unconscious. He'll be fine soon."
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey..."
Ron lay on the bed with his eyes closed, while Hermione discussed Ron's condition with Madam Pomfrey.
Noticing Dumbledore and his companion's presence, the two looked over at the same time.
"Merlin's pills... another student is injured?"
"Dumbledore, an evil dark wizard has infiltrated the school. As the headmaster, you should be protecting the students' safety!"
Madam Pomfrey, who had been so kind just moments before, turned cold upon seeing Dumbledore and Harry, who was floating unconscious beside him, and began to question Dumbledore mercilessly.
"Bobby, I'm sorry, it was my mistake. Harry is in your care now."
In fact, Dumbledore didn't even need to tell her; Madam Pomfrey had already waved her wand, causing Harry to gently land on the bed next to Ron.
Hermione was about to say something to Lucien when Dumbledore led him out of the Hospital Wing.
After making sure he was far enough away from the Hospital Wing, Dumbledore stroked his beard and said with a sigh:
"Madam Pomfrey is an excellent and responsible physician who demands strict adherence to rules when treating patients; of course, even I am no exception."
Before Lucien could respond, Professor McGonagall walked towards him from around the corner.
"Dumbledore! You're finally back!"
"I heard from Longbottom that Harry and the others went to protect the Sorcerer's Stone, which is simply... simply..."
Professor McGonagall had found her anchor and looked at Dumbledore with surprise and disbelief.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Harry and his friends were right, and very brave. Thanks to them..."
Dumbledore glanced at Lucien and continued:
"The children did indeed protect the Sorcerer's Stone from Quirrell's treacherous schemes."
Upon hearing this name, McGonagall's eyes widened in shock.
"Quirrell? How could it be him?"
"Where are Harry and the others? Are they injured?"
McGonagall asked anxiously.
"Don't worry, Minerva, Madam Pomfrey is already taking care of them."
Hearing Dumbledore's words, Professor McGonagall did not relax; instead, she quickened her pace toward the Hospital Wing.
She also saw Lucien standing next to Dumbledore, but noticing that the boy was unharmed and his robes were clean and tidy, she subconsciously didn't connect him with the incident.
After nodding to Lucien, Professor McGonagall hurried off to the Hospital Wing.
Dumbledore led Lucien to the Headmaster's Office, where the starlight was now sparse, shining only sporadically through the window.
"Lucien, tonight is going to be an unforgettable night."
This time, Dumbledore didn't conjure up any drinks or sweets; he simply clasped his hands together and quietly watched Lucien.
"Yes, seeing Voldemort in person is truly unforgettable."
Upon hearing Lucien address Voldemort by his name, Dumbledore an eyebrow.
"Heh, there aren't many wizards in the Wizarding World who dare to call Voldemort by his name."
Lucien's tone was very calm:
"That's just a name, isn't it?"
Dumbledore, a look of appreciation in his eyes.
"Yes, it's just a name, but many people still can't understand it and still feel fear."
"Tom... Voldemort was also a student at Hogwarts, Lucien. Before you, he was the best and most outstanding student."
Lucien, showing appropriate "doubt," inquired:
"Tom? That's Voldemort's name too?"
"Yes, Tom, Tom Riddle, is Voldemort's original name, inherited from his father's surname and given name."
Lucien pressed on:
"I saw a medal in the Trophy Room before, um, Special Contribution Award, and the recipient was Tom Riddle, so..."
Dumbledore glanced again at the pale starlight in the night sky, and sighed.
"Yes, that's Tom Riddle."
"He hated his origins, so he changed his name, wanting to completely sever ties with his past."
"He is very talented, has an exceptional speaking ability, and possesses a special charisma, which has earned him a group of 'companions,' or rather, followers."
"Unfortunately, the path Tom took afterward..."
Lucien listened quietly to Dumbledore's recollections, which he saw as reasonable proof that he knew Voldemort's real name and past.
Tom is very good at manipulating people; he can always use people's desires and cravings to guide them to his side.
After giving a general account of Tom's story, Dumbledore said solemnly:
"Lucien, thank you for your help and participation in thwarting Tom's plot."
"In the end, it was Harry who stepped up and defeated Quirrell, or rather, Voldemort."
After saying that, Lucien silently added to himself:
Harry does the work, and I do the work of Harry —well, that makes perfect sense.
"Headmaster, the way Harry defeated Voldemort was very unique; it caused serious injury simply through contact. What exactly was it?"
Lucien demonstrated a curiosity and thirst for knowledge consistent with his personality.
Dumbledore didn't hide anything and said it directly:
Love, that's the magic of love.