Harry Potter: Wizards Supersmacy

Chapter -20.

"Good evening, Professor Snape," Brian said with politeness.

"What were you up to?" Snape asked, his cold, hollow eyes softening just a little.

"I was at Professor Quirrell's office," Brian answered honestly. "You know, his classes always leave me feeling a bit puzzled."

Snape nodded, his expression unreadable. In a smooth, slightly mocking tone, he responded, "Try not to visit him too often; I think it's challenging for someone of Quirrell's caliber to explain certain concepts to you. Feel free to ask other professors instead."

"Alright, thank you, Professor Snape," Brian said, giving a fitting smile.

As he watched Snape glide away like a big black bat, Brian thought, "So he's worried about me and wants me to steer clear of the risky Quirrell?"

"How amusing! Those who don't know him might assume he actually cares about the Defense Against the Dark Arts position and wants to keep himself involved."

But this actually worked in Brian's favor; Snape was undoubtedly excellent at Defense Against the Dark Arts, and he could learn a great deal if he decided to teach Brian.

During the day, Brian organized all the information he wanted to grasp about Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions, adding in some questions he had discussed with Hermione in her letter.

On the afternoon of the third day, after Potions class, Brian decided to take Snape's advice and knocked on his office door.

The office was dimly lit with a greenish glow. Shelves were lined with colorful potions, peculiar plant and animal specimens, and various herbs.

Brian felt a bit relieved that he didn't find several silver-scaled snakes inside.

Snape was seated behind his desk, looking over a roll of parchment. In a low, smooth voice, he said, "Sit down, Walker."

"Thank you, Professor," Brian replied, sitting properly as Snape rolled up the parchment and set it aside.

Snape turned his attention to him, signaling that he could now ask questions.

"Professor, I have some inquiries about Defense Against the Dark Arts…" Brian said, his eager eyes wide with anticipation.

He carefully listed his questions one by one, and Snape managed to address each issue clearly and directly, helping Brian understand things he hadn't grasped before.

In comparison, Quirrell's teaching seemed nonsensical!

"Your knowledge level impresses me, Walker," Snape remarked at the end.

"Your expertise is even more remarkable, Professor," Brian responded warmly. "I truly think you're the best fit for the Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions classes."

Snape's expression softened noticeably.

"I know your father, Walker," he said. "In fact, every Christmas, he sends me gifts."

"My father always values his friends," Brian smiled, realizing Snape was one of the numerous friends his father had mentioned.

"Yes, he certainly shows warmth in that regard," Snape replied with a light sigh.

That was true for Mr. Albert Walker; he treated everyone as they were, even speaking to ghosts like they were real people. Brian chuckled silently to himself.

Mr. Walker had a way of making people feel like a gentle breeze or frustrating them to the point of anger. Clearly, he had found the best approach to handle Snape, who likely wasn't great at managing enthusiastic friends.

Brian left Snape's office, gently closing the door behind him.

Taking a few steps, he spotted Harry and his friends ahead, who turned to look at him. He nodded at them, especially at Hermione.

"Did you see that? Walker just came out of Snape's office," Ron whispered as Brian walked away.

"He probably went to ask a few questions," Hermione said, furrowing her brow a little.

"But I just saw Snape confronting Professor Quirrell; he must want to find out the spell Quirrell set under the trapdoor," Harry said.

"Remember when Walker led us to the trapdoor? He was already prepared to take down the troll, distracting the professors. That night, Snape tried to go through the trapdoor but got bitten by that huge dog," Harry said excitedly. "And now he's so close to Snape…"

"It's clear; he's working with Snape to help him get the Philosopher's Stone!" Harry concluded.

"That's right, Hermione. You shouldn't always defend him," Ron agreed.

Hermione frowned, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

She was uncertain; her friends were so adamant that she started doubting if their suspicions were true.

But she resolved to trust her unique friend a bit longer, so that evening, she discreetly asked him about it in her letter.

"You know, Hermione, Professor Quirrell is always vague when explaining textbook concepts. I've been discussing the issues we've been debating with him."

"But the day I was outside Quirrell's office, Professor Snape advised me to steer clear of him; he said I could ask him if I had any questions."

"Professor Quirrell really hasn't looked well lately, so I felt I shouldn't bother him. He definitely needs to rest more."

"Honestly, it might sound a bit rude to Quirrell, but Professor Snape's teaching is much better; I feel like I've been rescued."

"For instance, the issue we keep arguing about isn't even that complicated; it should be…"

Reading Brian's letter made Hermione feel better.

However, she knew she couldn't change her friends' views. Harry pondered, "He saw Snape outside Professor Quirrell's office? It seems Snape was really pressing him; Professor Quirrell does look tired lately."

"I really hope Professor Quirrell can pull through," Ron said. "I think maybe Walker and Snape are taking turns trying to get something out of him."

"You guys always jump to the worst conclusions; since you think he's bad, you assume he's doing bad things," Hermione said, sounding frustrated. "That's very unfair."

"Why not consider that Professor Quirrell might be after the Philosopher's Stone, and those two are trying to prevent him from doing so?" Hermione suggested. "That could make sense too, right?"

"Oh, how could that possibly be, Hermione?" Ron said, crossing his arms. "Look at how pathetic Professor Quirrell looks."

"I'm just giving an example," Hermione shot him an annoyed look.

...

In the Slytherin common room, Brian read Hermione's letter and smiled gently.

It seemed the little witch still trusted him quite a bit.

He had no intention of hurting her feelings, but the path he was on was filled with uncertainties, and he was unsure what the future would bring.

At the very least, he was undeniably on Harry Potter's side, but perhaps the journey would lead them to resent him.

Brian rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.

Daphne approached and sat beside him, taking out her Defense Against the Dark Arts homework to work on.

"Brian, can I borrow your Defense Against the Dark Arts notes for a bit?" she asked shyly. "In the last class, Pansy wouldn't stop pulling me into conversations…"

"Of course, here you go," Brian said, snapping back to reality and handing her the notes.

"Thanks," Daphne beamed.

"By the way, did your friend Goyle manage to complete that ritual?" Daphne asked curiously.

"No, I dragged him over before and performed the ritual in front of him, trying to show him I was only joking," Brian said, shrugging helplessly. "But he stubbornly believes I really did it, so it won't work."

"What will you do then?" Daphne asked, suppressing a laugh.

"I once tried to get Draco to do it to help prove whether it's real or not," Brian continued. "But Draco thought it was hilarious and refused to help. He thinks the ritual is silly and wouldn't want to do something so foolish."

"So I've given up trying to convince Goyle it's fake and instead started thinking of how I can make it up to him."

"I think it shouldn't be too hard as long as I prepare some of his favorite snacks," Brian said, resting his chin on his hand. "But I probably need to provide him with a year's supply of candy."

Daphne turned her head away, giggling.