Chapter 39: Sherlock’s Advice

Sherlock followed Hermione to a secluded table. She hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Sherlock, would you... could you teach me how to fly?"

She looked at him with a hint of nervousness after posing the question. Had it been the start of the term, a fortnight ago, or even a week prior, she would never have made such an abrupt request. Back then, they were, at best, "acquaintances"—no different from any other student, just met a bit earlier. Her relationship with Sherlock was certainly not as close as Harry’s, or even that of the gluttonous Ron—at least those two were roommates.

However, for the past month, she had spent every weekend in the library with Sherlock. Especially since last weekend, she felt they had become friends. After all, they had started calling each other by their first names rather than their surnames, hadn't they? Furthermore, she felt deep down that Sherlock was the same kind of person as she was. Hermione believed her lackluster performance in flying lessons was primarily due to psychological factors. Under these circumstances, Sherlock was the first person who came to mind.

"Sherlock, what did Granger want with you?" Harry asked curiously when Sherlock returned to the dining hall.

"She must want to join the Quidditch team too," Ron said with certainty. "Hmph, too bad the things she reads in books can't teach her how to fly properly."

"You're right, which is why she wants me to teach her."

"I knew it... wait, what did you say?" Ron’s eyes widened as he stared at Sherlock.

Harry was equally surprised. Hermione Granger? That haughty little girl? It was hard to imagine her asking a classmate for help. But then, realizing the person she had approached was Sherlock Holmes, Harry felt less bewildered.

"So, did you agree?"

"Yes."

Ron’s eyes grew even wider. He looked at Sherlock in disbelief. "You actually agreed! No... how could you!"

Sherlock ignored Ron. He was always willing to help those close to him. Besides, helping Hermione improve her flying was a trivial matter that required little effort. His energy was primarily devoted to other pursuits.

***

Having been at the school for a month, Sherlock had long since mapped out the structure of Hogwarts. Few people, students or faculty, knew it better than he did—only the caretaker, Filch, and the Weasley twins could rival him. Under normal circumstances, he would have been off exploring.

However, magic was an entirely new domain that Sherlock had never encountered before. In this realm, many things could not be analyzed or judged using the scientific logic he had grown accustomed to. Humans cannot comprehend what lies beyond their imagination. It was precisely for this reason that he and Hermione had become the two most inquisitive freshmen. It was also why Hermione believed they were kindred spirits.

In truth, while both loved to ask questions, their natures differed. Hermione’s questions were focused on the curriculum itself—strictly academic. Sherlock’s questions, however, often extended beyond the classroom, brimming with contemplation and research into the nature of magic. Thus, while both were considered model students for their inquisitiveness, Hermione was one who asked and answered, while Sherlock was one who asked but never answered. Though, when prompted by professors, he could always provide a perfect response.

A month had passed, and Sherlock had developed his own understanding of the magical world. It was time to engage more deeply with the school's faculty. Helping Harry join the Quidditch team was the perfect opportunity.

On Friday morning, after Snape had deducted points from Gryffindor as usual during Potions, Sherlock brought a nervous and excited Harry and Ron to find Professor McGonagall.

"What? The three of you want to join the Quidditch team?"

It was not easy for first-years to secure an audience with the Deputy Headmistress, but with Harry Potter as their star attraction, the three of them successfully met with her. However, when McGonagall heard their intent, she could not hide her surprise.

"No, just the two of them," Sherlock clarified, gesturing to Harry and Ron, indicating he was merely accompanying them.

"You... this is simply preposterous! First-years haven't even mastered the basics of flying, yet you want to join the house team? Are you trying to break your necks?"

Professor McGonagall was known for her fairness and severity. As Deputy Headmistress, her presence commanded even more authority among students than Dumbledore himself. Her sharp tone made Harry and Ron tremble, fearing she might deduct points from Gryffindor at any moment. Harry, already lacking confidence, was cowed, and even the ambitious Ron withered. Both turned to Sherlock for help.

***

McGonagall, wise and experienced, realized the situation immediately.

"Mr. Holmes, is this your idea?" Her gaze became somewhat dangerous.

During the pre-semester orientation, Sherlock had already made a profound impression on her. During the Sorting Ceremony, he had become a "Hatstall," a rarity occurring only once every fifty years. Since the term began, his performance had been nothing short of stunning. His understanding and application of Transfiguration exceeded even that of some senior students. And the way he petted the cat...

In short, for various reasons, Professor McGonagall regarded Sherlock as a priority, much like Hermione. But unlike the reliable Hermione, Sherlock was highly uneven. In some professors' classes, he asked questions so relentlessly that teachers struggled to leave. In others, he merely attended and left without a second thought. Worse, he would occasionally skip classes entirely—such as Professor Quirrell’s Defense Against the Dark Arts.

This gave McGonagall a headache. While Sherlock could always earn back the points he lost, such behavior would inevitably set a bad example. After all, Defense Against the Dark Arts was a core subject. If everyone ignored school rules to prioritize their own interests, the school would descend into chaos. Even the mischievous Weasley twins didn't act like him.

McGonagall had intended to find a time to speak with him, but she hadn't expected him to approach her today. It was even more unexpected that he would encourage Harry and Ron to join the team. It was the perfect opportunity to teach him a lesson.

As McGonagall pondered, Sherlock spoke.

"It was my suggestion—I believe Harry’s talent is enough to warrant breaking the rules."

Facing a gaze that made Harry and Ron shiver, Sherlock delivered a line that struck a chord in McGonagall’s heart:

"Professor, you wouldn't want to see Gryffindor constantly held back by the other houses, would you?"