Chapter 226: Classes and Curses
Chapter 226: Classes and Curses
Voldemort paused for a moment, then asked, "Even if Lockhart had stayed at school, what could we have possibly learned from him?"
"Well..." Michael was at a loss for words.
"Of course!"
Not far away, Padma leaned over, brushing her hair as she spoke, "I think my acting skills have improved a lot recently—right, Harry?"
She also mentioned another regular actor in the Dark Arts Defense class.
Unfortunately, separated by Hufflepuff, Harry couldn't hear what Padma was saying, and he nodded vaguely, perhaps just to greet her.
Something seemed to tickle Padma's funny bone, and she burst into laughter, nearly dropping her fork.
"How odd!" Michael whispered to Voldemort, "I thought Padma would be sad when Lockhart was taken away."
"Girls probably only like Lockhart for his looks, but Padma can see through his foolishness, and her liking isn't genuine," Voldemort replied.
Michael nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly said, "Lockhart did teach us something—at least he made me realize that I should never become someone like him in the future."
Hearing Michael's words, Voldemort couldn't help but glance at the teacher's seat.
Perhaps this insight was what Dumbledore wanted Harry to learn?
—To not be vain and to not become a slave to fame.
But today, Dumbledore was still absent from the Great Hall. He had been busy lately, and students would occasionally see the old headmaster hurrying across the grounds, but his presence during mealtimes was rare.
With Lockhart's arrest, Dumbledore must have been aware, yet he still didn't appear on campus.
On their way to the classroom in the afternoon, Voldemort and the others saw a group of Gryffindors gathered together. Soon, they heard cries and cheers.
A magical firework was lit, shooting off in all directions with a strange cackling laughter, repeatedly shouting—
"Lockhart, get out! Lockhart, get out!"
The students cheered.
Upon closer inspection, it was the Weasley twins and their friend Lee Jordan celebrating with the others. Unfortunately, they were quickly scared off by Professor McGonagall, who rushed over in anger.
"There's nothing to celebrate! And I don't believe Professor Lockhart is that kind of person! It might be a mistake by the Ministry of Magic."
Lisa from Ravenclaw said angrily.
No one paid much attention to her words, and Anthony frowned, "It's still four months until the holidays! I want to know if the school can find us a new professor?"
"A new professor? What if it's someone like Lockhart again?" Mandy worried.
"Relax, how many people could be worse than Lockhart!" Terry reassured them, "He even used his novels as textbooks! My grandmother said she's never heard of anything so absurd!"
"It's not about who... it's about whether there is one or not?" Anthony said, "I heard that it's always been difficult to find a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for Hogwarts, and no one has ever taught for more than a year."
"Many who taught this subject have run into trouble. They say this course is like it's cursed," another student, Kevin, said mysteriously.
"But if this continues, I'm worried about failing the final exam."
Morag spoke gloomily, and after everyone had settled down in the classroom, he suddenly asked, "Voldemort, can you teach us?"
Everyone froze for a moment, their eyes fixed on the two students.
Morag, feeling more convinced by her idea, continued to persuade, "I heard from the professor that you've self-studied up to the senior level. If you were to teach, it'd be much better than Lockhart..."
The other students were also intrigued, but before Voldemort could speak, Michael scoffed loudly, "Hey! Kevin just said this class is cursed! Do you think it's fine as long as you get a high score, even if Voldemort gets cursed?"
"No, no!" Morag had genuinely forgotten about this and waved her hands in panic. "I didn't mean that...I just thought that if it's just occasional tutoring..."
"Impossible, there's no time. Voldemort still has his alchemical research!"
Michael, sounding displeased, said, "You also said he's only at the senior level. If you want to catch up, why not find a real senior student?"
This was the first time he had spoken so bluntly to his classmates, despite usually being adept at pleasing everyone. Morag's face turned bright red, and she couldn't say a word for a while.
Voldemort wanted to say something, but Michael shook his head at him.
The classroom instantly became quiet, and the atmosphere grew awkward. When the Gryffindor students entered, they thought the professor was still there and tiptoed to their seats.
Before long, Professor Flitwick arrived. The atmosphere finally livened up when he started teaching.
Today's lesson was on the Freezing Charm, a spell that could immobilize the target, similar to the Petrificus Totalus.
The members of the SSC had already mastered this spell, and they skillfully demonstrated it, earning a few extra points for their respective houses from Professor Flitwick.
Then, Professor Flitwick asked the students to practice in groups but suddenly noticed a hand raised high.
Naturally, it was Hermione.
"Miss Granger, do you have a question?" Professor Flitwick asked curiously.
"Professor, I want to know if there's concrete evidence for Professor Lockhart's crimes?" Hermione stood up and asked.
"Well...this isn't something I should share with students..." Professor Flitwick said hesitantly.
Seeing this, the students knew there was more to it and begged, "Please, Professor, tell us."
"Alright...anyway, it won't be long before you read about it in the newspapers..."
Professor Flitwick only hesitated for a few seconds before sharing the news he had received.
"I heard someone gathered substantial evidence and reported Professor Lockhart...no, Gilderoy Lockhart, to the Ministry of Magic. Although the Ministry's stance is to investigate further, it's already certain."
"So, can Professor Lockhart come back to teach?" Lisa asked hopefully.
Mentioning Lockhart made Professor Flitwick's mood sour, but thinking of the man's fate, he immediately calmed down.
"Of course not," he said to his students. "He'll probably spend the rest of his life in Azkaban, at least for ten years."
"That serious?!" The students were all shocked.
"Of course," Professor Flitwick took the opportunity to caution the students. "The consequences of misusing the Forgetfulness Charm are severe. I've heard of people who forgot how to live a normal life and even died tragically. Remember to use your magic cautiously."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
