Chapter 63: They’re All My Clients

On a certain Monday morning, after History of Magic had ended, Sherlock saw off several older Ravenclaw students who had come to consult him.

As he returned to the classroom, he was immediately met with surprised looks from his friends.

"They're all my clients," Sherlock said, offering an explanation before anyone could ask.

"Clients?"

Everyone exchanged confused glances.

It was a rather strange way to refer to fellow students.

"Ever since the Halloween incident got out, more and more people have come to me for help," Sherlock said matter-of-factly. "And for that, we should really thank Mr. Neville Longbottom. My first few clients found me through his recommendation."

"Neville?"

The group turned to look at him.

Neville, who was currently stroking the toad he'd finally managed to find, flushed at the unexpected praise and lowered his head bashfully.

"After I successfully helped those students, more and more came looking for advice. To be honest, what they consider troublesome problems are often just matters needing a bit of guidance. I listen carefully to their stories, they take my advice, and when the issue is resolved… the payment ends up in my pocket."

With that, the others immediately understood why Sherlock referred to them as "clients."

It was a bit surreal, sure, but knowing Sherlock's abilities, it made perfect sense.

"If only I were as clever as Holmes…" Seamus sighed in admiration. "Even Ravenclaws are coming to you. That's amazing!"

Everyone knew that Ravenclaw prized intelligence above all.

So when Ravenclaw students—typically proud and sharp—were turning to Sherlock for advice, it was undeniable proof of his intellect.

Not even Miss Know-It-All Hermione Granger received that kind of recognition.

Since History of Magic had ended early that day, and no one was in a rush to head to lunch, the group took their time chatting.

"By the way, I just heard that Mercury passed away yesterday," Dean said with a look of regret.

"Who?"

Once again, blank stares circled the group.

"Freddie Mercury! You lot seriously haven't heard of him?"

Seeing his favorite topic fall flat, Seamus couldn't help but explain further.

"Freddie Mercury? Is he a famous wizard?" Neville asked hesitantly.

"I haven't heard of a Mercury family," Hermione said thoughtfully, then looked to Ron. "You?"

Ron shrugged. "Same here."

"Freddie Mercury," Sherlock interjected suddenly, catching everyone off guard. "British-Asian male singer, lead vocalist of the band Queen."

Everyone turned to him, stunned.

"You know who Mercury is?!" Seamus gaped at Sherlock, incredulous.

In his mind, aside from Weasley and Longbottom who were pure-bloods, both Harry and Hermione should've been far more familiar with Muggle music than Sherlock.

And yet, it was only Sherlock who knew the name.

As for Sherlock's three closest friends—Harry, Ron, and Neville—they were even more baffled. This was the same Sherlock who didn't even know the Earth revolved around the Sun!

How could he know about a band and its lead singer?

"Queen… are they famous?" Neville timidly raised his hand again.

"Famous?"

Dean suddenly came alive at the mention of music. Gone was the drowsy student from class—he was now bursting with enthusiasm.

"Queen was formed in London in 1971 and released their first self-titled album the same year.

In 1975, they hit a major breakthrough with A Night at the Opera, featuring Bohemian Rhapsody, which won Best British Single at the very first Brit Awards.

Their 1977 album News of the World was a massive success—especially the singles We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions, which have been used at sporting events since the '80s.

Their 1981 compilation Greatest Hits sold over six million copies, making it the UK's best-selling album ever.

Just last year, they received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music!"

Everyone stared in disbelief at the normally reserved Dean, who was now delivering a full-on lecture.

Was this really the same Dean Thomas they knew?

Only Seamus seemed unfazed. Picking up the thread, he continued seamlessly:

"Queen combined glam rock, progressive rock, classical music, and heavy metal into one. They influenced nearly every major metal band of the late 20th century—"

He suddenly paused, eyes lighting up with realization.

"That explains it! I know why Holmes knows Mercury now! Dean mentioned it—your violin playing is really good, right?"

As soon as he said this, Harry, Ron, and Neville—who shared a dorm with Sherlock—immediately connected the dots.

Of course! If Sherlock was that good with the violin, then it made sense he would know about a famous band like Queen, especially given their use of classical elements.

"Wait, you play the violin?" Hermione asked, visibly surprised. It was the first time she'd heard this.

"I heard he died of pneumonia related to AIDS," someone murmured. "Only forty-five… such a shame."

"Yeah, yeah! His four-octave vocal range and that brilliant, powerful tone—absolutely breathtaking!"

Ron and Neville exchanged glances, completely lost. This was clearly not their area of expertise.

Even Harry and Hermione weren't much better off.

But when Seamus and Dean started singing We Will Rock You, both Harry and Hermione realized they'd definitely heard that one before.

As for Sherlock—while Queen didn't have a dedicated violinist, as Seamus had said, many of their compositions integrated classical music. That's why, despite not being into pop culture, Sherlock had still taken notice of them.

Before long, the group was enthusiastically suggesting they return to the dormitory so Sherlock could play them a tune.

Just then, there was a knock knock at the door.

They looked up to see a young witch enter the room.

She had two golden braids and a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Hannah? What brings you here?" Hermione asked in surprise.

The girl was none other than Hannah Abbott from Hufflepuff.

Hermione remembered her clearly—Hannah had been the first student called up during the Sorting Ceremony.

"Granger, you're here too! That's perfect," Hannah said, visibly relieved. Then she turned toward Sherlock. "I'm here to speak with Mr. Holmes."

All eyes turned instinctively toward Sherlock.

Realizing what was going on, the rest of the group smiled and got up to leave the room, giving them space.

Hermione was the last one to go, but just as she was about to step outside, Hannah suddenly reached out and tugged her sleeve.

"Granger, could you please stay? I'd really appreciate it."

Hermione blinked in surprise, then turned to look at Sherlock.

"If you're willing to stay for a while, Hermione," Sherlock said calmly, "you might be of great help to me."

Hermione had been curious why Hannah had come to see Sherlock in the first place, but she'd hesitated to stay behind alone.

Now that both of them had asked her to remain, she had no reason to decline.

She returned to her seat.

"Alright, Miss Abbott," Sherlock said gently. "Would you like to tell me what's troubling you?"

"How did you know I was troubled?"

Hannah looked at him, stunned.

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