Lost Books || McGonagall & Rodolphus
Rodolphus adopted a suitably abashed expression, internally rolling his eyes.
"I don't mean to accuse you of having any sympathies with the Dark Arts, Professor," he amended politely. "I wouldn't dream too. I only mean that since it has clearly benefited your own knowledge of the subject, purely in a preventative vein, I'm not sure why you would be so keen to have Hogwarts students remain entirely ignorant. I am a seventh year, Professor, I know that such magic exists after all."
Rodolphus knew much more than that, in truth; he thought that McGonagall probably knew as much, or at least had her own suspicions on the matter. But it would be inadvisable of her to call him on it. That sort of accusation, without evidence as Rodolphus had been painstaking in his efforts to conceal his 'extra-curricular' activities, would be liable to get her sacked, such was the political climate of the day. With the parents, siblings or friends of students, wizard or no, dying almost daily in the war, such a comment based only on suspicions would cause a great deal of problems for both of them. And if Rodolphus was expelled, while it would be a set back for his reputation, it would only advance his career plans.
"And even if I didn't, refusal to discuss this side of the magical world does not seem prudent in the educating of young wizards," he added mildly. "In the same way as refusing to teach the philosophy of the Greater Good can only lead to ignorance and a lack of preparedness for the outside world." The last part was said to provoke the professor; with any luck, he could distract her from the subject of his own views to with someone else's.
"If a theoretical understanding of the magic involved and the consequences is what you desire, than I would recommend My Year in the Dark by Abaddon Orpington. He is very detailed on the variety of dark spells that can be used, their effects, and how to recognize them. Perfect for expanding a student's knowledge without the detailed instructions found in this book. I hope that it will enlighten you in the way you desire. In addition, that is a book that I know is available in the Hogwarts library so you can access it easily." That should satisfy the last of his complaints. She had read that book several times and it was entirely school appropriate. Which meant it was bereft of instructions.
"Now if you will excuse me, I have papers I must be grading and I must deal with this book." With that, she turned and walked into her office, leaving Rodolphus standing in her room alone. She had no desire to be drawn into a discussion of 'the Greater Good' as he called it, or listen to more of his petty arguments over why he should be allowed to keep this book. Besides, she did receive a brief flare of satisfaction from being the one to have the final word. She hadn't lied about the papers or the need to deal with this book. But in leaving ministry work, she thought she had left behind dealing with such black-hearted people. Apparently she was wrong. Still, she would handle him in class as she always had and she would increase her own watchfulness. None of her own students would get inured, not while she had something to say about it.
