Chapter 174: From a Prophecy
"Does Durmstrang really teach the Dark Arts?" Regulus asked, casual.
Freya glanced at him, the corner of her mouth twitching. "It does. But not the way outsiders imagine, where everything's fair game. We study theory and principles. How to identify and defend against them. The headmaster's position is that you have to understand something before you can dismantle it, before you can prevent harm."
She took a sip of dark beer. "Of course, some students take what they've learned and go deeper on their own. That's their choice. The school doesn't interfere much."
Regulus nodded. "Hogwarts doesn't teach it. Not in open classes, at least. But the professors watch. If they spot a student with talent and willingness, they'll offer private guidance on certain things. The truly dangerous material, though, stays off limits."
"Two philosophies," Freya said, thoughtful.
"Exactly."
They ate in silence for a while. Regulus set down his bread and looked out across the water.
"The situation in Britain is getting tighter by the day. Polarization, conflict, fanaticism. War is a matter of when, not if. The Pure-blood families have already fractured. Some stand with Voldemort. Some with Dumbledore. A handful are still neutral, but that space is shrinking. Sooner or later, everyone picks a side."
"What about Germany?" he asked. "Is there a prevailing sentiment among the Pure-blood families?"