"The idea was that they assumed the objects had been imbibed with a special power as a result of my father’s Work ... one that would enable the easier creation of the Stone and the Elixir. And, in a way, they were right ... but without the unique magic of a Master Alchemist to conduct the Work, all of their attempts failed. Once Quirrell died, the equipment fell into the hands of the Malfoys, who sold it on once the British Ministry of Magic started raiding the homes of former Death Eaters for Dark Artefacts.