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Chapter 219: Professor and Student [Two-in-One]
Chapter 219: Professor and Student [Two-in-One]
During the first month of the new school term, magical pets became the latest craze at Hogwarts, swiftly supplanting all past fads.
Even Quidditch and maze games paled in comparison to the enthusiasm for these magical companions—of course, the inclement weather had already put a damper on those activities.
Previously, due to the incident with Peter Pettigrew impersonating a rat, many students had to send their pets home, which provided reassurance but also brought loneliness in its wake.
The arrival of magical pets swiftly filled this emotional void. For some children, they were even closer companions than family and classmates.
All across the school, students could be seen with their adorable, intricately crafted pets.
Most of these creatures could fit in pockets or bags, possessed a certain degree of intelligence, never caused trouble during class, and could even lend their owners a small helping hand.
For instance, they would remind their owners when class was about to start or help pass quills during homework sessions.
Although these tasks were insignificant to the students, the sheer joy of watching their tiny pets struggle to carry oversized quills or being awakened by their little friends in the morning was immeasurable.
Moreover, when their owners were sad or had quarreled with friends, these magical pets would offer comforting solace—the students generally avoided buying pets with unpleasant personalities or a penchant for insults.
Consequently, these little creatures were always on their owner's side, sharing in their laughter and tears, and even fighting with other pets on their owner's behalf.
Owners then boasted about their pets just like silly parents bragging about their children, and sometimes even fell out with their best friends due to differing opinions.
Just as Machiavelli had predicted, the students... and even adult wizards, were keen on splurging on comfortable houses, furniture, and outfits for their magical pets, with some going as far as dressing them differently every day.
Since these magical pets did not violate any school rules, Hogwarts did not prohibit students from bringing them onto campus or even into classrooms.
In fact, aside from Professor Snape's strict ban on any thinking, moving creatures other than humans in his classroom, the other professors were quite tolerant, and some were even enthusiasts themselves.
Take Gilderoy Lockhart, for example.
He spent an entire class period flaunting his new pet—Victoria, the pink-bottlenosed dolphin.
This gift was presented to Lockhart by a foreign female fan who shared the same name, Victoria. She had spent a small fortune to have it custom-made at Aslan's Magic Workshop.
This Victoria dolphin boasted a translucent pink, rounded physique and a pair of sparkling eyes, and it could continuously praise Lockhart for hours on end. Every word it uttered was a pearl of flattery, reflecting the fan's fervent adoration for Lockhart.
Lockhart was absolutely delighted and brought his precious dolphin to every subsequent lesson. During breaks, he would have it sing a praise poem composed by a lady named Gladys, expressing her admiration for him.
He even assigned his students homework, which entailed listening attentively to Victoria's accolades for Professor Lockhart and then writing an essay of at least thirteen inches in length, analyzing why Professor Lockhart was so extraordinary.
The students racked their brains to meet the word count, and although the content was hollow, Lockhart was extremely pleased. He loudly read his favorite essay in class and generously awarded Hermione an additional twenty points.
The days at Hogwarts were joyous, except for one matter that troubled the ever-smiling Professor Lockhart.
Every day, he intended to take a picture with the inventor of magical pets, Vid, and feature him in his next book, for which Lockhart had already conceived the content—
"The young Vid Grey gazes at the wise Professor Lockhart with admiring eyes, grateful for the support and encouragement he received during a difficult time.
'Undoubtedly, the invention of magical pets could not have been achieved without your guidance, Professor,' Vid Grey said sincerely. 'Your talent and creativity are truly awe-inspiring. I only feel regret that you chose to devote your immense talent to writing instead—you could have been an extraordinary alchemist.'
And I smiled at him and said,
'There's no need for regret, dear Vid. I admire the alchemists who drive societal progress, but children also need the inspiration that comes from words.
Gilderoy Lockhart put down his quill, satisfaction evident on his face, before waving his wand to hasten the drying of the ink. The only thing missing now was a photo as proof.
He wasn't worried that Vid would expose his lies because Lockhart knew that Vid Grey was also one of his admirers. The boy had done exceptionally well on his test—of course, not quite as brilliant as Hermione Granger's perfect score.
Moreover, other professors had mentioned that Vid was a studious and respectful child. For such a model student, affirmation and encouragement from a professor would only bring him joy, and he wouldn't view minor "literary embellishments" as lies.
However, Lockhart rarely saw Vid Grey around the school grounds.
Lockhart also wanted to have Vid perform one of his famous dramas during class, but for some reason, each time he stepped into the classroom, other thoughts occupied his attention. It was only after class ended that he suddenly remembered his original intention.
By then, the elusive student had often already disappeared from his classroom.
"...What a reclusive and shy child! But it's alright, he'll know that his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor actually admires him, and a small matter of reputation and the Merlin Medal shouldn't stand in the way of our teacher-student interaction."
During breakfast, Lockhart chatted with Professor Filius Flitwick, "Of course, I'm not questioning your teaching methods, dear Professor Flitwick. But I believe that besides imparting knowledge, we should also guide children to actively showcase themselves and make more friends, rather than having their minds filled with nothing but academics."
Professor Flitwick's beard bristled with indignation as he replied in a high-pitched voice, "Thank you, Professor Lockhart. I believe I know how to teach my students!"
"Of course, of course, you're undoubtedly very experienced!"
Lockhart chuckled and patted the irate Professor Flitwick's arm in a placating manner before adding, "However, I suggest you give my book, 'A Weekend with Werewolves,' a thorough read. In it, I've outlined seven quick and effective ways to improve interpersonal skills, along with several conversation techniques that yield immediate results. I'm sure you'll find it most enlightening."
Professor Flitwick was in no mood to indulge him any further.
The diminutive professor angrily sliced into his apple pie, silently fuming at Lockhart while also feeling a hint of schadenfreude.
In truth, after hearing Lockhart's confusion, he had already guessed what was going on, and he was quite surprised that Lockhart hadn't considered the possibility of a student using the Ignoring Charm or even the Expelling Charm on him.
Professor Flitwick had no intention of exposing his student; he merely planned to have a talk with Vid later—it wasn't appropriate to use such charms on professors.
If discovered, the consequences would be far more serious than a simple breach of curfew.
Not even Lockhart could...
Even Lockhart... Even if...
Within five minutes, Professor Flitwick had changed his mind.
Vid had done everything perfectly.
It was embarrassing for him as a professor to be less perceptive than his student.
Professor Flitwick quietly cast a spell to block his own hearing, finally able to enjoy his breakfast.
...
Lockhart wasn't actually as foolish as he seemed; he had first constructed an image of a bookworm in his mind and then used that image to interpret Vid's behavior.
However, after this "forgetting" occurred repeatedly, sometimes even dozens of times, Lockhart naturally understood the underlying reason.
—This student wasn't as reclusive and well-behaved as he had assumed.
But it didn't matter...
He was the professor, and Vid Grey was merely a student.
The disparity in their positions as teacher and student dictated that the latter could only resort to subtle tricks to avoid attracting his attention and couldn't outright refuse a reasonable request from a professor.
Take Harry Potter, for example! Even the savior of the wizarding world had to play the role of a foolish vegetarian vampire and munch on a lettuce leaf in Lockhart's class, hadn't he?
Lockhart confidently adjusted his plan and even enlisted the help of an assistant—
His pink dolphin, Victoria.
The effects of magic were influenced by the caster's consciousness, so not only did the magical pets vary in appearance, but their individual abilities and personalities were also affected to a certain extent.
"Dogs tend to be very affectionate, while cats are driven by curiosity, elephants boast superior strength, and dolphins excel in hearing."
"Vicky, you'll definitely spot Vid Grey before I do. Be sure to remind me when you do!"
Gilderoy Lockhart instructed as he held his tiny pet.
"Yes." Victoria nodded her chubby head gently and replied in a soft voice.
A satisfied smile spread across Lockhart's face.
...
The weather had started to warm up, with temperatures occasionally reaching the teens (°C). The snow on the school grounds had melted, and some impatient blades of grass had already pierced through the hard soil, unfurling their tender green leaves.
Students spent more time outdoors, especially those from Slytherin and Hufflepuff, who often strolled in groups on the lawn.
"If I don't get some sun soon, my bones will start to mildew," Pansy Parkinson complained to Daphne Greengrass, as several girls basked in the sun, tilting their faces towards the warm rays.
Of course, Slytherins wouldn't say such things in front of students from other houses.
They casually described the wonderful views of the lake bottom visible from their common room, the sound of waves lapping against the shore at night, and the occasional glimpse of a giant squid gliding past their windows.
Vid also spotted Draco Malfoy, who always hung out with a few older Slytherins. On occasion, Goyle tried to join them but was ignored.
During breaks, students often gathered on the grass, either cheering or jumping with excitement, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
In their midst was often an enlarged piece of parchment or a tattered net adorned with small trinkets.
The Weasley twins had recently invented a series of new games, such as pet climbing races and pet maze runs.
They sold a hand-drawn maze map on parchment for three sickles, and the climbing frames started at five sickles—and they still couldn't keep up with the demand.
The twins also secretly organized gambling. They knew that the professors would never allow it, so they kept it hush-hush and even established magical contracts.
After a game ended, Fred poured a small bucket of knuts and a few sickles into his money bag, a satisfied smile on his face as the coins jingled.
A Sneakoscope poked its head out of the bag, picked up a knut that had fallen out, and then withdrew, its expression mirroring Fred's satisfaction.
This was the Christmas gift Vid had given him; George had received a Sneakoscope as well.
By the way, Ron's magic pet was a teacup puppy. He had been astonished when he received the package, never expecting to get a gift.
In fact, it was just a polite gesture from Vid. Each member of the SSC, as well as the Weasley siblings who had come to Grimmauld Place 12 those days, received a magic pet. For instance, Percy got a lion, while Ginny received a little white lamb.
"To be honest, Vid, as long as you control the amount, there's really no harm in it," Fred said.
"Just one knut per bet. Even if someone loses every time, what harm could it do?" George added.
"Really?" Vid said flatly. "I heard that Ron has already gambled away all his pocket money?"
George flashed a mysterious smile. "What can we do? Our youngest brother seems to have terrible luck."
Fred also smiled. "It's better that he realizes this early on to avoid bigger losses in the future."
Vid shook his head helplessly.
He knew that these two brothers were behind it.
However, aside from bullying their younger brother, the Weasley twins were quite trustworthy when it came to other matters, and they didn't hesitate to pay up when they lost. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to sustain this business.
"Honestly, Vid, as the inventor of magic pets, how come we've never seen your pet?" George asked, restraining the Sneakoscope that was trying to escape from his pocket.
"I have a lot, but I've put them all away for now," Vid said. "At the moment, Ava is the only one I consider a pet..."
"Oh, Vid, you little rascal! I finally caught you!"
An enthusiastic voice rang out from behind, and before he could turn around, a hand grabbed his arm firmly.
Lockhart beamed at him, speaking in a joking tone, "I heard you wanted my autograph and a photo? Don't be shy; here, take it! I'll even take a picture with you if you like. Isn't that a wonderful surprise?"
(End of Chapter)
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