Harry potter:Dark lord

"Yes, I was just a freshman when she graduated. Unfortunately, I never got to meet her in person, but all the senior students had seen her and knew her story. They often told us about her..."

Dumbledore smiled and said, "At that time, many professors liked to use her as an example in class. She was considered a legend and a role model for the school."

Robert wasn't particularly surprised by what Dumbledore said.

What she had accomplished could indeed be called legendary at Hogwarts.

Dumbledore had entered the school around the same time as her, and even most of his professors remained unchanged during his years there. So, it was only natural that he had heard stories about her.

"In other words, you think it's a good thing that I have this ancient magical ability?" Robert asked tentatively.

"Of course! Isn't it?" Dumbledore looked at Robert curiously. "It means you possess the talent to achieve a career as distinguished as hers. If a student like her had appeared at Hogwarts while I was a professor, I would have felt truly honored..."

Robert weighed his words carefully before continuing. "But ancient magic... such a powerful force—could there be any side effects?"

"Side effects?" Dumbledore chuckled. "Throughout history, you two are not the only ones who could use ancient magic. If there were real side effects, people would have discovered them long ago. Why do you think otherwise?"

Despite Dumbledore's reassurances, Robert still looked uneasy.

He glanced down at his hands, recalling the exhilaration he had felt when using ancient magic. The thrill had been intoxicating.

At that moment, he made a bold decision—one that could either earn Dumbledore's utmost trust or drastically alter the professor's perception of him.

After careful consideration, Robert decided to take the risk. The potential benefits—Dumbledore's guidance and knowledge—were too valuable to pass up.

"When I used ancient magic... that feeling," Robert hesitated before continuing. "It made me incredibly happy. So happy that I found myself wanting more. I wanted to find every possible way to make my ancient magic stronger..."

He looked up at Dumbledore, his eyes serious. "It's as if this power is constantly tempting me, magnifying my desire to grow stronger..."

"Professor, I know I seek power, but I don't want to become the kind of person who will do anything to obtain it. I don't want to be consumed by power! If I lose control, innocent people may suffer because of me."

"If this desire comes from the magic itself, then please, Professor, teach me how to suppress it when using ancient magic!"

Dumbledore observed Robert in silence, his eyes shimmering with a strange light. Then, he spoke.

"Robert... your words bring me great joy!"

"Ah?" Robert feigned confusion, though inwardly, he breathed a sigh of relief. He had made the right choice.

"Many people lose themselves when they suddenly gain immense power. Some go astray. Even those who don't often find themselves subconsciously chasing more strength. I was no different at first..." Dumbledore's eyes were filled with admiration.

"I have never seen anyone who, upon gaining power, doesn't first think about how to maximize it. Instead, you reflect on yourself! You recognize your desires and confront them!"

Dumbledore was genuinely moved. When he first realized Robert possessed the talent for ancient magic, he had been contemplating how to warn him about the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Unexpectedly, Robert had already taken the initiative to address the problem and had even sought guidance.

How could Dumbledore not be pleased with such a student?

To be honest, this child was so sensible that it made him feel distressed!

Of course, Dumbledore's trust in Robert also stemmed from the good impression he had left before. If Tom had spoken these same words, Dumbledore might not have believed him so easily.

For Dumbledore, Tom was someone to be wary of—someone he would never completely trust.

Had Robert remained silent about his concerns, Dumbledore might have grown more cautious around him. After all, a child with such immense power was like a boy carrying a sharp knife through a crowded street...

"What should I do, then?" Robert asked. "If I stop using this power altogether, will that prevent my desires from growing stronger?"

Dumbledore felt even more reassured upon hearing this question.

"That's not necessary, Robert. In fact, every wizard hopes to improve their magic. Every student at Hogwarts wants to learn more. In other words, the desire to grow stronger is natural. It's something we all share, and it isn't inherently wrong."

Dumbledore smiled. "In many ways, the pursuit of power and the pursuit of progress are one and the same. Desire is what drives people to improve! If wanting to grow stronger were a sin, then all of our efforts toward learning and progress would be meaningless."

"You just asked me how to control this desire. But in truth, I don't think you need to ask me at all. The fact that you're even concerned about it means you've already taken control."

"If you couldn't restrain yourself, you would never have voiced these worries to me tonight."

"So, use this power freely. As long as you adhere to your principles, you have nothing to fear."

"Power is always a double-edged sword. The key is in who wields it..."

"I'm glad that you are the one holding this sword, Robert. With you, I can rest easy."

Robert couldn't hide his surprise at Dumbledore's words. This time, his reaction was genuine.

He had not expected such an emotional response.

There was no doubt—this conversation had touched something deep within Dumbledore's heart.

'Why do I feel like I've deceived him?' Robert thought, conflicted.

Everything he had said was the truth. This wasn't a trick.

And yet... he couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow fooled Dumbledore.

He had spoken with complete sincerity, without any manipulative intent. So why did his conscience feel uneasy?

"In other words," Robert asked again, just to be sure, "ancient magic won't harm me the way dark magic does? I can use it freely without fear, as long as I remain mindful of my limits?"

"For you, yes," Dumbledore nodded firmly.

His words were precise—carefully chosen.

Because Dumbledore trusted Robert, he added the phrase: "for you."

What he meant was clear—"I feel safe with you holding the sword. But I wouldn't feel the same if it were someone else."

(End of this chapter)