The Hogwarts Library, located on the second floor of the castle, housed the largest collection of magical books in all of Europe. Its volumes spanned topics ranging from magical theory and wizarding history to complex academic texts—and even dark magic. Over a century ago, however, the Headmaster at the time established a Forbidden Section within the Library.
Perhaps due to the controversial nature of dark magic, or the immense power of certain spells, all dangerous or restricted books were relocated to this secluded section. Access was limited strictly to professors with the Headmaster's prior approval.
Brian, visiting the Library for the first time, was awestruck by its sheer scale. Row after row of towering bookshelves stood like sentinels, stacked with countless tomes in every imaginable shape and size—some large, some pocket-sized, some handwritten, others lithographed or woodcut. The materials varied, too: bamboo paper, sandalwood parchment, silk scrolls, and classic leather-bound volumes. Two large brown cases held particularly exquisite books, bound in rich leather and embossed with gold leaf.
Because the term had only just begun, the Library wasn't overcrowded. Yet even now, students moved through the aisles using enchanted, self-guiding ladders to retrieve books from the higher shelves.
In the center of the hall, smooth stone tiles paved the floor, covered by a thick red carpet. Neatly arranged rectangular desks offered quiet spaces for study. Above, the ceiling—enchanted like the one in the Great Hall—mirrored the sky outside, casting gentle hues across the room.
Brian snapped out of his initial awe. Taking a deep breath, he began scouring the shelves for books related to the Disillusionment Charm.
"Not this one—The Rise and Fall of Dark Magic—and not this one either—Major Discoveries in Modern Magic." He rubbed his temples. Nearly an hour had passed, and he'd found nothing useful.
Suddenly, a strange sensation jolted through him—not physical, but spiritual, like a quiet resonance. It wasn't alarming at first, just unsettling. But as time passed, the feeling intensified, as though something was calling to him.
He couldn't ignore it. The call, faint yet compelling, pulled him toward the Forbidden Section. Brian's steps carried him forward almost unconsciously.
The entrance to the Forbidden Section was chained shut—secured by iron links and powerful enchantments. Brian stopped a few feet away, eyes narrowing as he tried to locate the source of the sensation. That's when he heard it.
"Help… help… is anyone there… help…"
It was faint, barely audible—but real.
Brian froze. His eyes locked on the darkened shelves behind the gates. Was someone really calling for help? Or had his mind played a trick on him?
"What are you doing?" a stern voice demanded.
Brian spun around. Madam Pince, the librarian, appeared beside him, her gaze sharp and suspicious.
"Uh—Madam—I was just looking for books on Potions," he stammered.
As if on cue, the strange voice ceased.
Madam Pince, long experienced in dealing with rule-breaking students—especially the likes of Fred and George—clearly didn't buy his excuse. She pointed firmly toward another section.
"You'll find what you need over there. This is the Forbidden Section. Only students with written permission from the Headmaster are allowed inside. If I catch you again, I'll report you immediately—and you'll face detention. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal, Madam," Brian said with a forced smile.
She nodded and disappeared into the stacks.
Brian sighed and wandered to a nearby study table, where he collapsed into a seat and tossed a random book aside. He couldn't shake the lingering unease.
He had clearly heard a cry for help.
And yet… Madam Pince had been even closer to the Forbidden Section than he had—and hadn't reacted at all. That could only mean one thing: he alone had heard it.
But why?
Why had it called him?
And who was crying for help?
The Forbidden Section was filled with powerful spells, advanced potion recipes, and forbidden magic. Brian had planned to study there eventually, especially to uncover stronger brewing techniques and perhaps even rare Alchemy texts. But now, the Section seemed far more dangerous than he had imagined.
Charging in blindly could cost him dearly.
He had come to Hogwarts to live, not to die.
A sudden, sharp huff interrupted his thoughts. Brian looked up just in time to see Hermione Granger stride past, arms full of massive ancient books. She didn't look at him—but just before reaching the door, she paused, glanced back with a subtle flick of her eyes, and greeted Lavender Brown as she exited.
Brian groaned and massaged his forehead. "Great. She's mad at me."
Ron had been the one talking behind her back, yet Hermione seemed to be directing her disdain at him. Typical.
Looking up again, Brian noticed that thousands of floating candles had ignited above, signaling the Library's closing hour. Madam Pince had already begun ushering students out.
Startled, Brian realized he'd been lost in thought for far too long. He gathered his things and returned his books to the shelves.
Just as he reached the doorway, he paused and turned to glance once more at the chained gates of the Forbidden Section.
His eyes narrowed.
Then, with a final breath, he turned and left.