Quirrell's Overture

Chapter 46 Quirrell's Overture

With Brook's prompting, the "YYDS" trio finally took another step toward the ultimate answer.

Because of this, Harry and Ron grew even more convinced that Snape was the one trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone.

After all, who wouldn't want something that impressive?

Even Brook felt a flicker of greed.

He might already have a long lifespan, but he had to think about his future partner!

If the chance came, he wouldn't mind giving it a shot.

With Fetal Transformation under his belt, he now had the capital to get involved.

As Defense Against the Dark Arts ended, the last class before the Christmas holiday came to a close.

Tomorrow, Brook and Hermione would return to the Muggle world.

A holiday of over two weeks would let Hermione spend quality time with her family.

As for Brook, he planned to visit the Bones family's old manor.

Based on the intel and analysis Mr. Weasley had provided.

The Bones family in the Magical World now had only two members left.

One was Brook's grandfather, Hassen Bones.

The other was Millicent Bones, who entered Hogwarts the same year as him and was sorted into Slytherin.

If Brook chose to reclaim his family ties and was willing to take back the Bones surname.

Then the entire Bones family estate would likely fall under his name.

After all, Millicent would eventually marry someone else.

By then, the Bones family's assets would probably be swallowed up by other Pure-blood families.

That was clearly an outcome Mr. Hassen didn't want to see.

If the estate was substantial enough, Brook could reluctantly go back to "acknowledge his ancestry."

"M-Mr. Lott, please st-stay a moment."

As soon as Defense Against the Dark Arts ended, Professor Quirrell immediately called out to Brook.

Hermione: (っﾟДﾟ)っ Terrified

Earlier, because the classroom's garlic smell was too overwhelming, Brook had skipped class.

And this session was the first Defense Against the Dark Arts class Brook had attended since perfectly casting the Bubblehead Charm.

He'd probably been caught for skipping.

Who knew how many points would be deducted now?

Brook patted Hermione on the shoulder and walked over calmly.

"Professor Quirrell."

"M-Mr. Lott, your B-Bubblehead Charm is even m-more perfect than it was on Halloween."

Quirrell stammered out.

"Thank you for the compliment."

"H-have you m-mastered all the knowledge in the t-textbook during the t-time you missed class?"

Brook wanted to say he'd been driven away by the stench and didn't dare come.

But that would be a bit rude.

"Professor, I'm personally allergic to the smell of garlic, so please forgive me."

"Th-that's fine." Professor Quirrell waved a hand. "But m-mastering a spell taught in fifth year shows real t-talent. As your Defense Against the D-Dark Arts professor, I can offer some help to outstanding students."

Brook narrowed his eyes slightly. Something felt off.

"Then I'm very grateful, Professor."

"T-take this book. You can r-read it. After the C-Christmas holiday, if you have any questions, you can c-come to my office." Quirrell handed a book to Brook.

"Thank you, Professor." Brook took the book. "Goodbye, Professor."

"H-happy Christmas holiday."

As soon as Brook stepped out of the classroom, he saw Hermione with her ear pressed tightly against the door, clearly eavesdropping.

"Do you really have to go that far?"

"Professor Quirrell didn't deduct any points from you, did he?"

"No, on the contrary, he praised my talent and gave me a book."

Brook waved the book in his hand.

"How is that fair? Not only no deduction, but he gives you a book?"

Hermione was green with envy.

"You want me to get points taken off?" Brook teased.

"Of course not, it's just... just that this is way too biased," Hermione muttered. "Let me see."

"Holiday starts tomorrow, and you're still thinking about books? No. Wait until we're back, then I'll show you."

Just as Hermione couldn't understand Quirrell's move, Brook was equally baffled.

Since when did pies fall from the sky for no reason?

He and Quirrell had no real connection—he'd even been skipping class all along.

If Quirrell had ordered him to clean the toilets, Brook would've had to hold his nose and accept it, let alone offer goodwill.

So he was highly suspicious of Quirrell's behavior.

As for the book, he planned to check it for traps first.

That night, Brook opened the book Quirrell had given him.

The cover had no title.

He flipped through the pages and found the spells recorded inside were all perfectly normal.

Ligamentum: Shoots a magical rope that binds the target's body.

Sluggish: Slows the target's movement speed significantly, with sluggish muscle response.

Stinging Jinx: Causes a stinging sensation on the target, like being pricked, followed by rapid swelling.

Confundo: Interferes with and misleads the target's thoughts.

The book contained over a dozen spells, each one practical and well-suited for young wizards to learn.

This only confused Brook more. Could Quirrell really just be helping him out of pure belief in his talent?

Had he been measuring a gentleman's heart with his own petty measure?

He couldn't figure it out.

So he stopped thinking about it.

He'd deal with it after the holiday.

If Quirrell had any agenda, he'd definitely come looking again.

The next morning.

Brook didn't take the Hogwarts Express.

Instead, he opened a Space Gate and brought Hermione back to his home.

"Brook, your magic is really convenient for travel!" Hermione exclaimed.

Brook recalled Dumbledore's departure.

"Wizards probably have long-distance movement methods too. I saw Dumbledore use one. If you're interested, you can look into it."

Hermione nodded. "Are you coming home with me? My parents would be thrilled to meet you."

Brook thought for a moment. "Evening. I'll prepare dinner and invite you all over to share it."

"Great! I'll be waiting then. I want your stir-fry!"

Hermione's eyes lit up like a greedy cat.

Over the past half-semester, she'd been eating with Brook regularly.

Though hotpot and barbecue were delicious, she still craved his stir-fry dishes.

She really wanted them.

After Hermione left, Brook looked at his dust-covered home and felt a pang of discomfort.

At least he didn't have to clean it himself.

He touched the ring on his finger. "An An!"

An An appeared instantly before him, giving a slight bow.

"Brook, you called."

An An's form of address and bowing were both things Brook had forcefully commanded into place.

Otherwise, An An was always so polite that Brook felt uneasy assigning tasks.

"An An, help me tidy up the house."

"As you command."

An An acknowledged and immediately began bustling about.

(The book was recommended early, catching Little Author off guard.

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