Chapter 21 Dragon

Chapter 21.

After Professor Snape cleared up many of his uncertainties, Brian utilized one witness point to elevate his reaction speed from beginner to mastery level. Simultaneously, it also reset the witness points he possessed.

At present, his overall levels are: [Magic (Mastery)], [Reaction (Mastery)], [Memory (Mastery)], [Transfiguration (Beginner)], [Charms (Beginner)], [Potions (Beginner)], [Occlumency (Proficient)].

The subjects he hasn't reached beginner level in are those he hasn't had the opportunity to study thoroughly, and they are not included in the list.

Nonetheless, the system's assessment of these skills is indeed stringent. Even though Brian's current level exceeds that of most second-year wizards, many of the subjects remain at the beginner level.

After all, these are broad categories, and each subject covers a vast array of topics. For instance, Charms includes spells from the Charms class, spells from Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Dark Arts spells, among others. It's likely that only after graduating from seventh grade can most students elevate their levels to mastery or even proficiency, and achieving higher levels is certainly the realm of a select few.

The transition from proficient to expert, then to master and even grandmaster is a considerable one. Perhaps only individuals like Dumbledore and the Dark Lord can attain grandmaster level in certain areas. Brian's ability to use witness points for improvement is indeed a stroke of luck.

Of course, raising his level in the system does not imply he has learned those spells or potion-making techniques out of nowhere; they will not simply manifest in his mind, and Brian still needs to continue his studies. The level in the system merely indicates understanding, learning speed, and the capacity to apply knowledge.

However, the dropdown menu under the branches of Charms and Potions in the system also displays the spells and potions he has already mastered. For example: [Levitation Charm (Skilled) +], [Full Body-Bind Curse (Skilled) +], [Forgetfulness Potion (Mastery) +], and so forth.

They also appear to be upgradeable through witness points, which piques Brian's curiosity about the potential effects. But at this moment, witness points are limited, and he cannot afford to squander them here.

After enhancing his magic and reaction levels, Brian has also been practicing some spells from Defense Against the Dark Arts.

The Room of Requirement has become his secret base; honestly, it is the most ideal location.

The Room of Requirement consistently provides him with the best practice environment, even simulating various terrains. There are also dummies for spell practice, which can adjust their movement speed, allowing Brian to hone his accuracy.

Of course, there are some downsides. If Brian fails to eliminate those dummies in time, he can easily end up looking disheveled or even bruised. They can be quite merciless.

Before long, he had mastered a series of spells from Defense Against the Dark Arts, including the Obscuring Charm and Disarming Charm.

That afternoon, just after the last class concluded, Brian stood up intending to head to the library to read.

However, Malfoy wouldn't let him leave; he pulled Brian aside and whispered, "Brian, I heard some big news!"

"What?" Brian didn't pay much attention; he wasn't particularly interested in childish excitement.

"I overheard Potter and the others discussing that big oaf Hagrid. Guess what I found out?" Malfoy teased.

Brian became intrigued; he knew what it was about.

"What did you hear?" Brian played along with Malfoy.

"That big oaf is raising a dragon!" Malfoy exclaimed with an exaggerated expression, "They're going to witness the dragon hatch!"

"If we gather evidence, we can definitely send that big oaf to Azkaban!" Malfoy said excitedly, "This time, I want to show Potter a thing or two."

"They've left, Brian. Let's go take a look; you have to assist me." Malfoy's gray eyes were fixed intently on Brian, "You know a lot of magic; you can help us avoid getting caught."

"Of course, I'm also curious about what the dragon hatching will be like." Brian agreed without hesitation.

"Indeed, how many people get to witness a dragon hatch?" Malfoy said eagerly, "And we can deal with that big oaf; it doesn't get better than this."

"It's Hagrid, Draco," Brian corrected him.

"Alright, Hagrid," Draco muttered, urging, "Let's move."

Hagrid's hut is easy to locate; it's right on the edge of the Forbidden Forest and appears quite shabby.

Brian cast the Silencing Charm on both of them, and they made their way across the grounds to the vicinity of the hut.

"Here," Brian silently mouthed, pointing towards the window.

The window was not shut, but it was covered by heavy curtains. The two of them crouched beneath the window, and Brian gently lifted one corner of the curtain, peeking inside with one eye.

Malfoy also pulled up the other side to sneak a look inside.

The room was dark and rather stuffy; as soon as the curtain was drawn, Brian felt a wave of heat rush towards him.

The fire inside was blazing brightly, illuminating Hagrid's disheveled face and the slightly anxious expressions of Harry and the others.

The dragon egg was placed on the table, and at that moment, it had already cracked open. Brian could vaguely see a wrinkled little dragon inside, energetically flapping around.

The little dragon finally crawled out of the eggshell, sneezed, and sparks flew from its nostrils. Brian could only make out its wrinkled black body and large black wings.

He saw Hagrid, beaming with joy, stroking the little dragon's head, declaring it beautiful. The little dragon bit down on his finger fiercely.

Brian noticed Malfoy beside him pulling the curtain open even more, his head getting closer to the window.

Brian tugged at his clothes, trying to get him to hold back a bit.

But it was too late; he saw Hagrid's face turn pale as he looked over, leaping up and rushing towards them.

With Hagrid's large frame, his aggressive charge was indeed quite intimidating.

Malfoy turned pale, sat down on the ground, and then immediately turned to run back into the castle, not forgetting to tightly grip Brian's robe.

Brian had no choice but to follow him, looking somewhat flustered.

Hagrid stood in front of the window, making a sniffing sound.

Harry and the others also came running over, standing in front of the window and witnessing Brian and Malfoy hurriedly fleeing.

"Malfoy and Walker saw the little dragon! Hagrid, you have to get rid of it!" Harry said, looking pale with fear and urgency.

"No, it's so small," Hagrid sniffed.

...

[Witnessing the birth of the little dragon, Witness Points +0.3]

Brian looked at the newly acquired witness points with satisfaction, thinking that the incident of getting rid of the dragon should also earn him some witness points.

He needed to find a good way to witness it.

Fortunately, he found it easy to control the course of events, as Malfoy was constantly chattering in his ear with various bad ideas.

Days went by, but Malfoy did not bring up the incident.

"I was going to inform my dad directly and have him send someone to capture that big oaf," Malfoy said slowly, "but that would be too dull, wouldn't it? I want to devise a way to get him to capture Potter and the others too."

"Speed is crucial, Draco. Greed is a bad habit; delay can lead to change," Brian instinctively retorted while practicing his Occlumency.

Malfoy took this in, contemplating, "You're right, they saw us. We can't be too greedy this time; otherwise, they might dispose of the dragon."

"I'll write to my dad right now and have him bring someone to catch that big oaf," Malfoy said excitedly, tearing off a piece of parchment.

Brian blinked, coming out of his daze, staring blankly at Malfoy.

Did he just say something significant?

Unfortunately, he had no reason to stop Malfoy, and as he watched the owl take the letter away, Brian twitched his mouth.

If Hagrid got caught because of him and ended up in Azkaban, the plot would be completely altered.

But unless he could bring that owl down or something, he wouldn't be able to prevent Lucius Malfoy from discovering this news.

Perhaps the Ministry of Magic's investigators would arrive soon.

With no other options, Brian wrote a letter to Hermione:

"Hermione, that day Draco and I saw the dragon. Sorry, I was just curious; who wouldn't want to see a dragon, right?"

"This morning, Draco just wrote a letter to his father, informing him about the dragon. You should know that it is illegal to privately raise a dragon, and if we want to prevent Hagrid from being sent to Azkaban, we must find a way to get rid of the dragon."

"The Ministry's investigators might come tomorrow, so you must eliminate the dragon before they arrive."

"If you really encounter difficulties, you can ask me for help. I think I might have a bit of a solution."

"Sincerely, Brian."

After finishing this letter, he contemplated for a moment and then wrote another letter.