Harry Potter: Shadow Eminence

Chapter 12.

Brian was seated in a comfortable armchair by the fireplace in the Slytherin common room, working on his homework for the History of Magic class. Daphne was beside him, occasionally posing a few questions.

The Slytherin common room was tranquil, as most had gone out to enjoy themselves. Malfoy had brought a large stash of firecrackers to lift spirits for the upcoming match, and many had gone out to watch.

Daphne chose not to go out because she felt the weather was too chilly.

"By the way, regarding that thing you mentioned earlier, have you come up with a solution?" She initiated the topic.

"Nope, it's too soon; anyway, were you still pondering that issue?" Brian replied softly, his expression gentle and clear.

"You've been acting a bit odd lately..." Daphne kicked her feet and said quietly, "it feels like I can't see through you anymore, as if you're wearing a mask."

Brian was surprised, coming out of the ethereal state of practicing mental occlusion, and glanced at Daphne.

"Well, that's much better," her voice brightened.

Brian nodded thoughtfully; he realized he had been so engrossed in practicing mental occlusion that he felt like he had split into two parts—acting like some kind of third-rate character trying to appear mysterious.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought. Thank you for bringing it to my attention." He hadn't anticipated Daphne to be so observant.

"It's nothing; I wasn't comfortable with that strange version of you either," Daphne spoke honestly.

...

The Quidditch match commenced as planned.

Brian sat quietly in the stands, holding a book.

Professor Snape was seated quite close to him, staring blankly and indifferently at the pitch, his expression revealing no interest in the game.

Perhaps he was merely there to support Slytherin; after all, as the head of the house, he couldn't very well skip such an event, Brian speculated.

Brian couldn't bring himself to enjoy Quidditch, even though he excelled in flying class. It turned out that whether a broomstick would obediently leap into your hand had little to do with flying skill; it relied more on your determination and confidence.

His flying had become increasingly proficient and effortless, and his current level was nearly on par with Malfoy.

Of course, it was clear that Hermione was indeed not skilled at flying; she flew in a very average manner, like a novice driver on the road for the first time.

But Quidditch, this peculiar game, felt somewhat dull, like a child's play.

Perhaps he lacked that kind of enthusiasm.

Brian sat quietly in the noisy stands, flipping through "The Theory of Spells," feeling out of place in the vibrant atmosphere.

Next to Brian and Snape, the excited atmosphere seemed to have cooled down.

Malfoy couldn't endure the cold air; he moved with Crabbe and Goyle to another location, where they cheered and jeered loudly.

Brian focused on his textbook, occasionally lifting his head to see Harry Potter soaring in the air, like a liberated bird, freely gliding through the sky.

Brian's expression darkened slightly, lost in thought.

After a while, he lowered his head again, as if everything was unrelated to him.

He just didn't know if, after his encounter with Quirrell, Quirrell would still attempt to bring Harry down as in the original story.

The match continued for a long time, and Brian heard gasps around him. He looked up and, as expected, saw Harry tumbling and twisting awkwardly in the air, his broomstick behaving like a wild stallion, desperately trying to throw him off.

Brian glanced in Quirrell's direction; he was staring at Harry with a strange expression, muttering to himself. But since he always appeared so neurotic, it was very suspicious.

He then looked at Snape, who was glaring at Harry with a cold stare, also muttering spells, trying to save him. But clearly, this image was extremely suspicious.

Brian silently observed this scene, his face showing no emotion.

Things quickly came to a close; he saw Hermione rushing over, colliding with Professor Quirrell along the way, and he noticed Quirrell's head hitting the back of the chair heavily, so taking advantage of it, he pulled Quirrell's leg, causing him to tumble behind completely.

Though it caused a slight commotion, Hermione concealed her wand under her robe and cast a spell at Snape before hurriedly running past.

It seemed that even though he had interfered a bit with the plot, Hermione still became good friends with Harry.

Looking back, Harry's broomstick had stabilized, and he dove towards the ground, catching the golden snitch in his mouth.

[Witnessed the Quidditch match event, Witness Points +0.5]

Brian could only sigh at the plot involving the Savior; even the witness points were more generous.

Brian closed the book with one hand and left the venue.

In the following month, there were no significant events to note other than Quirrell complaining about the back of his head hurting and looking utterly terrified at the same time, and life at Hogwarts was quite peaceful.

Before long, Christmas was approaching.

Brian's owl, Becca, delivered a letter from Hermione, which contained some discussions about study questions.

In the letter, she informed Brian that she would be going home for Christmas and shared some interesting stories from her experiences in the Muggle world.

At the end of the letter, she mentioned Nicolas Flamel and asked if he recognized that name.

"She should have known that name a month ago, but she's only now writing to ask me… and it seems to be just a casual mention." Brian lowered his gaze. "Is she starting to be cautious of me? Is it out of wariness, or did I let something slip?"

Brian did not engage in futile speculation but contemplated whether to inform her. However, he quickly concluded that revealing the existence of the Philosopher's Stone in advance would not impact the plot.

He unfolded a piece of parchment and wrote in neat and beautiful handwriting:

"Dear Hermione, I was very pleased to receive your letter. I believe the anti-inflammatory potion should be prepared like this…"

"I plan to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas, and I look forward to a Christmas that is different from the usual."

"Christmas at home is always too confining. You know, my mother is a very meticulous and precise person; she even insists that the wrinkles in her clothes be arranged symmetrically…"

"Of course, I also wish you a happy Christmas. I have saved an interesting gift for you, and I hope you will enjoy it."

"As for Mr. Nicolas Flamel, I happen to know some information about him; he is a legendary figure."

"Nicolas Flamel is the greatest alchemist in the world today, and his most famous achievement is the creation of the Philosopher's Stone, which is also the only existing Philosopher's Stone. The Philosopher's Stone can turn stone into gold and produce an elixir of life. It is said that Mr. Flamel is now over six hundred sixty years old."

"And, Nicolas Flamel is a friend of Dumbledore."

"…"

Brian handed the letter to the owl Becca and patted her feathers.

Becca was a young barn owl, with fluffy brown feathers, and she was an excellent messenger.

Before the school year began, Brian had chosen her from his family's owlery.

The Walker Manor had its own owlery, which housed many varieties of owls, and they were usually fed by house-elves. According to Mr. Walker, he had so many friends that he needed many owls as messengers.

Becca gently pecked Brian's finger and flew away.

Brian then took out his tools and began practicing potion-making.

…

"Harry, I know who Nicolas Flamel is!" Hermione exclaimed, waving the letter in her hand.

"Who is it?" Harry asked eagerly.

Hermione looked at the letter, reread Flamel's situation, and said, "Oh, how did I not think of it? It clearly states it in that book 'Hogwarts: A History'…"

"Who told you?" Ron tried to see the signature on Hermione's letter but was quickly covered by Hermione.

"The Philosopher's Stone!" Harry suddenly said, "It must be the Philosopher's Stone hidden under the trapdoor; Snape wants to use it to resurrect Voldemort!"

"Okay, but it doesn't have to be Professor Snape, does it?" Hermione countered.

"Who exactly did you ask? You know this can't just be shared with anyone!" Ron insisted.

"I didn't leak it, okay? I just asked Brian if he recognized that name…" Hermione tugged at her hair.

"Brian Walker? Oh my god, Hermione, you must be crazy!" Harry held his forehead, feeling an inexplicable phantom pain in his scar. "I told you he's suspicious! He might have deliberately led us to that corridor that night. Maybe he's also after the Philosopher's Stone!"

"You should have less contact with him; his family is not to be trifled with," Ron nodded in agreement.

"Alright, enough of that. Actually, I've also felt a bit uneasy about him lately," Hermione said, irritably tugging at her hair and making it messier. "But I swear I only discussed academic knowledge with him and wouldn't reveal anything else."

"Did you find out he did something suspicious?" Harry stared at Hermione.

"No, it's just that he's a bit… a bit strange. I don't know how to describe it…" Hermione pondered her words.

"Do you remember that day of the Quidditch match? Harry, you almost fell off that time. I went over and set Professor Snape's robes on fire, and Brian was sitting right next to him. That was when I saw his expression..."

"What was it like?" Harry and Ron perked up to listen.

"His expression was too calm," Hermione said irritably. "There was no surprise, no worry, no smugness, and no other emotions, as if he had known it would be like this all along, or as if he simply didn't care... I can't describe that feeling."

"I told you, he must know about this! Maybe this is what he discussed with Snape!" Ron asserted. "And maybe he's actually Snape's accomplice, trying to help Snape get the Philosopher's Stone!"

"That does make sense," Harry agreed.

Hermione pressed her lips together, pouting a bit in annoyance.