Regulus Black had arranged for Quirinus Quirrell to stay at his Crimson Manor as a steward and take charge of marketing the future jewelry business, thus drawing him into his own family circle.
This arrangement not only maintained connections with the wizarding world but also granted access to influential figures in the Muggle world, all while entrusting him with an important asset-marketing responsibility.
There was nothing more enticing to Quirrell than this. Of course, another reason was to keep him from wandering off and getting into danger—like being targeted by certain Death Eaters.
"You mean these gems are actually products of alchemy? So, you're planning to make a fortune off the Muggle world?"
Quirrell, once a professor of Muggle Studies with deep knowledge of human history, was all too familiar with the many forms of deceit and trickery among mankind. The idea of Regulus Black selling fake gems simply amused him.
He also believed that such a scheme wouldn't last long, assuming it was just a fleeting interest of Regulus Black.
Making a quick fortune—wizards were no strangers to that. The pot shouldn't call the kettle black. Before the wizarding world was properly organized, wizards themselves resorted to all kinds of trickery to obtain potions, materials, wealth, and even people.
During Europe's darkest era, when dark wizards ran rampant, local lords—seeking to escape assassination and theft—chose to live in uncomfortable castles. Even so, tales of evil witches and warlocks still spread.
It was through the Muggle world's witch hunts that the wizarding world first experienced the madness and resolve of Muggles. While few wizards were actually harmed, the Muggles essentially put an end to the dark wizards' reign of terror by going, "I'm so crazy, I'd kill even myself."
In the Middle Ages, large-scale witch hunts broke out—essentially Muggle-wizard wars. Some young witches who couldn't control their magic were discovered and executed, which greatly shocked the wizarding community.
In 1692, the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy came into effect, prompting reforms in the British magical government—transforming the loose Wizarding Council into the more powerful and structured Ministry of Magic.
The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy is one of the foundational laws of the HP universe. It artificially divided the world into a magical and a Muggle one. The magical world acknowledges the Muggle world's existence but does not interfere, while the Muggles know almost nothing of the magical world.
As a result, no large-scale Muggle-wizard wars have occurred in modern times, and magical world conflicts have not spilled over into the Muggle world.
Though many wizards have indulged in pointless debates—like whether an assault rifle or the Avada Kedavra curse is more effective.
At the end of the Renaissance, after the witch hunts had faded, the wizarding world also entered a long period of peace.
"How could I ever be involved in such shady business? You must know—the Black family carries a duke's title!"
Regulus Black placed a pea-sized ruby on the table.
"This is a product of alchemy, but it's no ordinary gem. It's been certified by professional institutions in the Muggle world and is listed as a newly recognized type of genuine gemstone. Plus, wearing it helps with mental clarity."
The ruby on the table shimmered faintly red, emitting what the Muggle world refers to as radioactive energy.
"You added enchantments to it?"
Quirrell picked up the gem with great interest, toying with it as he sensed it quicken his blood circulation.
"The stimulation is subtle, but it's persistent. It doesn't dull the body's stress response over time, unlike many other stimulants."
Hearing this, Quirrell carefully sensed the energy within the gem—everything was exactly as Regulus Black had described.
Quirrell could agree to Regulus Black's offer, but he wasn't willing to do anything evil for him. However, after personally testing the gem's effects, all his worries disappeared. Besides, he would be the one leading the gem transactions—any issues could be dealt with early on.
"Alright, I accept your offer."
Quirrell set the gem down and began discussing the finer details of their future work with Regulus Black—sales strategies, pricing, and so forth.
That night, a letter was sent by Regulus Black to his legal advisor, Lucy Piddle, far away at Crimson Manor.
Quirinus Quirrell would become the steward of Crimson Manor and the head of Scarlet Ruby sales.
Before dawn, Dumbledore summoned Regulus Black and Quirinus Quirrell for a detailed inquiry about the events of that night.
Dumbledore showed no surprise at Voldemort's appearance. He was skeptical about Quirrell's explanation, but still encouraged him to do a good job working under Regulus Black.
After Quirrell left, Regulus Black sat down with complete disregard and began criticizing Dumbledore.
"Headmaster! You clearly still don't trust Quirrell. That's really disheartening."
Regulus Black once again started messing with Dumbledore's dessert, piling up some candies into a Voldemort-shaped head.
Using animated cockroach clusters and hard candies to form the head made it even more terrifying than the original back-of-the-head version. Even Dumbledore lost his appetite for cockroach clusters after seeing it.
"Sometimes I have to consider many things, Regulus. I must say, you really did a thorough job cleaning that place,"
Dumbledore waved his hand to clear away the Voldemort-shaped cockroach pile—it was just too disgusting to carry on a proper conversation.
The old bee was clearly trying to reclaim school property, but once something goes into Regulus's mouth, he's not the type to spit it out—far too undignified.
Regulus Black absolutely had no intention of returning Fluffy the three-headed hellhound, the school's enchanted harp, Professor Sprout's Devil's Snare, Professor Flitwick's flying keys, Professor McGonagall's wizard chessboard, Professor Snape's potion bottles, or even the school's property—the Mirror of Erised.Even Neville's pet, Trevor, wouldn't be returned to that chubby little boy.
Regulus gave Dumbledore a look that said, What are you gonna do about it?—but after a moment's thought, he decided to give the Headmaster a bit of face.
"The Philosopher's Stone is very useful to me. I hope you'll be willing to give it to me."
As he spoke, Regulus Black pulled out the Philosopher's Stone and placed it on the table before Dumbledore.
Everything else he had taken paled in comparison to the value of the Philosopher's Stone. By presenting the most valuable item, Regulus was making a statement.
Dumbledore slowly picked up a piece of pastry and began to chew it carefully. Only after a long moment did he finish eating.
"If it's useful to you, then you may keep it. I hope you'll put it to proper use. As for the outside world, I'll say that the Stone was destroyed."
Dumbledore had come to terms with it. Since Regulus hadn't given the Philosopher's Stone to Voldemort, he likely never would. Fundamentally, Regulus Black might stray down a dark path, but his interests didn't align with Voldemort's. In fact, because of Regulus's unique situation, the two could very well become mortal enemies in the future.
Regulus Black accepted the Philosopher's Stone as Dumbledore personally pushed it back toward him. At that moment, the bond between them grew a little closer.
With the newfound closeness, Dumbledore slipped back into his whimsical, childlike demeanor.
"Regulus! It seems you've made off with a student's pet."
Dumbledore blinked, his expression suggesting: You, a teaching assistant, actually stealing a student's pet? That's disgraceful. Come on, hand it over!
"You're sure you want to give it back to Neville?"
Regulus Black shot Dumbledore a sly look, then pressed his palm against the table. At once, a burst of black searing flames ignited.
"Ribbit!"
Trevor, now fully elemental, exhaled and moved with flames of searing fire trailing every breath and motion.
"This… this is unbelievable."
Even Dumbledore was astonished. No wizard had ever managed to combine a living creature with the Firebrand Curse before.
"I'm sure Neville will find him very warm to hold."
Regulus Black grinned wickedly, daring Dumbledore to say something.
And indeed, Dumbledore had nothing left to say. Was he really supposed to return this fire-infused Trevor to Neville? That would practically be murder.
"…You'd better handle this yourself. I'm going to the infirmary to check on little Harry—he should be waking up soon."
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