Will saw an opportunity in this. If he could reach an agreement with Dumbledore, he stood to gain a great deal. But he had no intention of becoming a Double Agent like Snape.
Will laid out his plan to Dumbledore. Voldemort clearly wanted to cultivate a new group of followers, and Will was his first choice. Voldemort saw something of himself in Will, earning Will his "favor"—even if that favor came from a confused remnant of Voldemort's soul.
If Will "helped" Voldemort just a little, he could gain something in return. Even scraps of knowledge Voldemort let slip would be enough for Will to advance rapidly.
If possible, Will wanted to use the resources of both sides to develop his own abilities. Others might see it as being caught between two dangerous forces, but Will was like a monster that could absorb knowledge without end and eventually force his way free.
"My boy, I'll give you all the support you need. But once this matter is over, I want you to stop seeing Tom." Dumbledore did not want such a promising young Wizard influenced by Voldemort. For the first time, he made a firm demand of Will.
He had expected Will to agree readily. Instead, Will refused.
"No, Professor."
"Much of Voldemort's knowledge concerns Dark Magic. If you study it too soon, it will only affect your mind." Dumbledore sighed. "My boy, I nearly became a Dark Wizard myself."
"Professor, Dark Magic is only a tool. The outcome depends on who holds it. You and Voldemort have both studied Dark Magic. You treat it as a tool you can use, while Voldemort became obsessed with it and made it the foundation of everything he is. Isn't that a matter of personal choice?
"I can promise you I won't study it