Will fell silent. He could not argue, because Dumbledore was right. During his experiments, Will had calmly weighed gains and losses, treating other people's emotions as things to be measured and traded.
"I know you don't feel safe. You need power. But there are many ways to gain it," Dumbledore said. "The Hogwarts Library holds enough knowledge to keep you learning for a lifetime.
"The Black family's Book Repository—Sirius has given you permission to use it. I know it holds over a dozen centuries of magical knowledge.
"And there's me. If you need guidance, I can help whenever you ask. I allow you to study Dark Magic. I allow you to study the Unforgivable Curses, because many decent people study them too. Filius, Severus, Moody, and I have all studied Dark Magic. That is why I don't stop you.
"But none of us would use Dark Magic against innocent people. There are so many ways you can learn, and I support them all.
"I didn't even stop you when you went after Peter.
"But Will, this one method you're using now is unacceptable. Power bought with other people's suffering will eventually corrode your soul."
Dumbledore finished in one breath, paused to catch it, and silence fell between them.
An owl called in the distance. Something cried out in the Forbidden Forest.
"I want you to promise me, Will." Several minutes later, Dumbledore stood. His figure looked unusually tall in the moonlight. "Promise you'll never use that magic to take away anyone's joy again. Promise you'll never harm an innocent person again."
Will looked up into Dumbledore's eyes. Behind his crooked nose, those blue eyes held no anger or threat, only deep concern.
Will could tell Dumbledore truly wanted to change him, to pull him onto the right path.
He could