Chapter 55: Quirrell’s Hookup

"Adrian... classmate, please stay... stay for a while, the teacher has... something to tell you!"

As the Defense Against the Dark Arts class ended, Ethan, who was about to leave the classroom, heard Quirrell's voice from behind. He turned and glanced at the professor in confusion.

What did he want? Ethan hadn't interacted with Quirrell much, and they had no particular connection.

"Classmates... students, you leave first. The teacher has something... to tell Adrian classmate alone."

The other students paused, glancing at Ethan with curiosity. Seeing that they weren't leaving immediately, Quirrell spoke again, his stammer making his words sound even more unnatural.

"I'll catch up right away, you go ahead," Ethan assured his friends before turning to face the professor. He wasn't worried about anything Quirrell might try. As long as Dumbledore remained at Hogwarts, Quirrell wouldn't have the guts to make a move. Besides, this was a weakened Voldemort—his current state was nowhere near his peak. If a fight really broke out, Ethan was confident he could handle it.

"Professor Quirrell, why did you ask me to stay?"

With only the two of them left in the classroom, Ethan activated his Occlumency, ensuring his mind was protected, and stared directly at the nervous-looking professor.

"Student Adrian, no... don't be nervous!" Quirrell said, his expression serious despite his habitual stammer.

"I'm not nervous, Professor. What do you want? I need to get to class."

Quirrell hesitated before sighing and getting to the point. "I am also a graduate of Ravenclaw. You did what I... I didn't dare to do at the beginning. The teacher wants to reward you!"

Ethan remained silent, observing Quirrell closely. He found it hard to believe this bumbling professor was once a respected Ravenclaw student. Now, Quirrell was nothing more than a laughingstock, a joke among Hogwarts students.

After teaching for some time, Quirrell had undoubtedly noticed the widespread use of the Bubble-Head Charm among students during his classes. It had started with Ethan, and from there, it had spread like wildfire across all seven years. Now, every time Quirrell stepped into the classroom, he was met with rows of students resembling "celestial dragons," their faces covered in translucent, floating air bubbles.

And he wasn't happy about it.

Unfortunately for Quirrell, his current task left him with no choice but to suppress his irritation. Ever since Voldemort learned about Ethan's abilities—especially how he had single-handedly defeated five older students—he had decided Ethan was a promising candidate for his cause.

Ethan, a Muggle-born, becoming a Death Eater?

Voldemort didn't care about blood purity as much as his followers did. That ideology was only a tool to manipulate the pureblood supremacists. What mattered to Voldemort was strength, and Ethan had plenty of it.

"Stupid, why don't you give him the things already?!"

Voldemort's irritated voice echoed in Quirrell's mind, making him flinch slightly.

What was Quirrell thinking? Did he really believe the students at Hogwarts respected him? They saw him as a weakling. If he botched this task, Voldemort would make sure his existence became even more miserable.

"Y-yes, Master," Quirrell muttered under his breath before turning back to Ethan.

"This is a... a notebook I obtained during my travels. It contains powerful magical knowledge and... and a pass to the Restricted Section of the library. I hope you find them useful."

He extended a small notebook and a signed note toward Ethan.

Ethan narrowed his eyes at the items. It was an obvious ploy.

Voldemort had set a trap, baiting him with forbidden knowledge and access to Hogwarts' Restricted Section. He knew Ravenclaws were drawn to knowledge, especially knowledge that was normally off-limits.

Dark magic was seductive. It was full of power but also carried heavy consequences. If Ethan learned from this notebook and began frequenting the Restricted Section, it would be easier for Voldemort to manipulate him.

This was the same method he had used to lure Quirrell into servitude—slowly introducing him to dark magic, then exploiting his curiosity and ambition.

Unfortunately for Voldemort, Ethan wasn't that gullible.

"Thank you, Professor Quirrell. I do need a pass to the Restricted Section."

Ethan accepted the items with a polite smile.

Despite knowing it was a trap, the pass itself was useful. It saved him the trouble of sneaking into the Restricted Section at night. While Ethan hadn't been particularly interested in the books there—most of the valuable ones were in Dumbledore's possession—it was still worth exploring now that he had easy access.

As for the notebook?

He would skim through it, but he wasn't foolish enough to fall into Voldemort's hands.

---

Charms Classroom

"Ethan, what did Quirrell want?"

The moment Ethan entered the classroom, Terry Boot—the dormitory's self-proclaimed gossip king—pounced on him with questions.

"He gave me a notebook and a pass to the Restricted Section. Why? Are you interested?"

Michael Corner, who had been eavesdropping, turned toward him. "A professor's notes? Even if it's Quirrell, they must be valuable."

Ethan smirked. "It's full of dark magic."

The room fell silent for a moment.

Michael immediately shook his head. "Forget it. That's too dangerous. You should be careful with it too."

Hogwarts students generally avoided dark magic. If they were caught practicing it, they would be shunned—not just by their peers but by the entire wizarding world. For a Muggle-born like Ethan, it would be even worse.

Terry, however, had a different concern. He leaned in and whispered, "You know, some seniors say Quirrell's soul was replaced by dark magic. Maybe he's targeting you. You're younger and more handsome than him."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "I'll keep that in mind."

But Terry's words made him think.

Was Voldemort trying to possess him?

First, lure him in with dark magic. Then, make him visit Quirrell frequently. At some point, Voldemort would reveal himself, promising power and influence. And when the time was right—possession.

It was actually a clever plan.

Too bad Ethan wasn't falling for it.

---

A Challenge from Cassandra

Just as Ethan was about to settle in for class, Cassandra suddenly stood up and walked over to him.

"Ethan, come with me."

Ethan raised an eyebrow but followed her out of the classroom without question.

Behind them, whispers spread like wildfire.

The Slytherin students, in particular, were watching with narrowed eyes. Cassandra was one of the most admired girls in their house—beautiful, talented, and from a prestigious family. Many Slytherin boys had been interested in her, but none had dared to approach.

Now, she was calling Ethan out in front of everyone.

If glares could kill, Ethan would have been a corpse by now.

Outside the classroom, Cassandra folded her arms and looked at him seriously. "Do you remember what you promised me?"

"You mean the wizard duel?"

She nodded. "Tonight at ten o'clock, in the trophy room. Bring your wand."

Ethan sighed.

Cassandra was talented, but there was a clear gap between them. She must have realized this after seeing him fight five older students at once.

Still, she was stubborn.

"Alright," Ethan agreed. "I'll be there."

As they turned to head back, they were greeted by the sight of a dozen students crouched outside the classroom, eavesdropping.

The moment Ethan and Cassandra stepped into view, the gossipers scattered, running back inside.

Ethan sighed. "They're all so nosy."

Cassandra smirked. "Get used to it."

With that, they walked back into class—where even more whispers awaited.

Tonight was going to be interesting.

---------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Johnwick007