13 Harry Potter Plot-Holes (That Were Totally Solved)

5. How Was Quirrell Corrupted?

The "Plot-Hole"

At the end of the first book, it's revealed that Professor Quirrell is actually a vessel for what remains of Voldemort's disembodied soul, which is feeding on unicorn blood until he can be restored.

But, how exactly did such a pitiful half-creature manage to convince Quirrell to fall under his control. It's not like he could have threatened violence or even magical injury.

The Solution

Pottermore tells the backstory of Quirrell in detail. Rowling writes that he felt "inadequate and [wished] to prove himself... [and] developed an (initially theoretical) interest in the Dark Arts. Like many people who feel themselves to be insignificant, even laughable, Quirrell had a latent desire to make the world sit up and notice him."

He actually set out to deliberately find what was left of Voldemort in the hope that at the very least he "might learn skills from Voldemort that would ensure he was never laughed at again."

Because he was weaker, Voldemort possessed him - making him a "temporary Horcrux" - and Quirrell was unable to resist (even though he tried at times).