Chapter 277: Plagiarism is Wrong
Chapter 277: Plagiarism is Wrong
Cedric's unfortunate encounter had left Kyle and Conna with a sense of apprehension towards the upcoming Dark Arts Defense class.
However, as it was a foundational course, they had no choice but to attend.
In the afternoon, the two reluctantly made their way to the classroom designated for the lesson...
The walls were already adorned with large photographs of Lo Hart, showcasing his various achievements.
In the photos, Lo Hart's teeth gleamed so brightly that they seemed to flash like searchlights.
The room felt more like a press conference venue than a classroom...
Kyle and Conna arrived just in time to find the last few desks available in the back row.
As they settled into their seats, the bell signaling the start of class rang.
Lo Hart cleared his throat loudly to quiet the room.
He picked up a copy of "A Journey on the Ship with Vampires" from a Gryffindor student and held it up, displaying the cover photo of himself winking.
"I..."
He pointed to the photo and then to himself.
"Gilderoy Lockhart, recipient of the Merlin Knight Order Medal, honorary member of the Dark Arts Defense League, and five-time winner of the Wizard Weekly Most Charming Smile Award..." He paused, "But I don't boast about these accomplishments. It's not my smile that keeps vampires at bay."
Lo Hart held up the book again, mimicking the winking gesture on the cover.
"Did he really receive the Merlin Knight Order Medal, just like you?" Conna furrowed her brows.
"I don't know... It doesn't feel right. And what's this Dark Arts Defense League anyway?"
"It used to be a very famous organization," Kyle whispered. "Alastor Moody, the legendary Auror of the Ministry of Magic, and Bartemius Crouch, the current Head of the International Magical Cooperation Department, were once members of the Dark Arts Defense League. But..."
Kyle's tone shifted, "Over a decade ago, when Harry Potter became the savior, this organization started its decline."
"Their focus gradually shifted from resisting Dark Arts to social gatherings. A few years ago, they even accepted a suspected Death Eater as a member, solely because of a substantial donation."
"Since then, renowned members like Alastor Moody and Bartemius Crouch have left the league."
"The Dark Arts Defense League's reputation plummeted, falling far behind the Exceptional Potioneers Association, which was once on par with it."
"I know that!" Conna's eyes lit up. "Professor Snape is a member of the Exceptional Potioneers Association, and he wants me to join too."
"That's not easy," Kyle laughed. "The Exceptional Potioneers Association has very strict screening. Only those who can brew Felix Felicis before the age of thirty are eligible for membership."
"I know, but thirty is still a long way off. We have plenty of time, right?"
"Us?" Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Are you counting me in?"
"Don't you want to join?"
"We can give it a try. It's just Felix Felicis..." Kyle smiled. "Maybe I'll succeed before you."
"That's not certain..." Conna wrinkled her nose and rolled her eyes at Kyle.
As the two talked, Lo Hart finished his lengthy introduction and began distributing the test papers.
Kyle and Conna each received one.
"Don't be afraid," Lo Hart said as he returned to the podium after handing out the papers. "It's just a simple test to see how well you've understood what you've read."
"You have thirty minutes, starting now!"
Kyle looked at the test paper and felt a twinge of pain.
What was Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite color?
What was Gilderoy Lockhart's secret ambition?
...
When was Gilderoy Lockhart's birthday, and what was his ideal birthday gift?
There were over fifty questions in total, and for the first time, Kyle felt at a loss for words.
Although he had skimmed through a few of Lockhart's books, he was ready to help, "I'm always here for you, buddy. Just say the word, and I'll be your study buddy!"
Kyle nodded gratefully, "Thanks, man. I'll take you up on that offer."
Kyle had flipped through a few of Lockhart's books, but he mainly focused on the stories within. As for Lockhart's personal opinions and anecdotes, he didn't remember any of it.
Mainly because he couldn't bring himself to read further.
All he could recall was that Lockhart seemed to like lilac, and wanted to sell his own toothpaste? Or was it shampoo...
Twenty minutes later, Kyle's test paper was still mostly blank.
He glanced at Conna... Both of their papers were equally incomplete, and she might have even done worse than him.
Although Lockhart probably wouldn't refuse a pile of gold as a birthday gift, you couldn't just write it down so bluntly.
Kyle scratched his head, wishing he hadn't talked so much with Lockhart yesterday while they were near the Whomping Willow.
If he handed in a blank paper now, it would be so embarrassing.
The error-free version is available at 69 Book Bar! 6=9+Book_Bar_First_Release
Desperate to maintain his character's reputation, Kyle decided to cheat.
He scanned the room and quickly identified a Gryffindor witch as his target.
She had finished all the questions in just ten minutes and kept staring at the patrolling Lockhart with adoring eyes, clearly a die-hard fan.
"She's the one!" Kyle declared.
He took out his wand and aimed it at a large photo on the wall...
The next second, the massive frame fell from the wall without warning, crashing to the ground with a loud 'clang'.
Then the second and third frames followed suit.
The Lockharts in the portraits were startled, their cries immediately drawing everyone's attention.
Seizing the moment, Kyle quickly used the Invisibility Charm to reach the witch's side. As the portrait Lockharts continued to scream, he quietly recited the spell, duplicating her test paper.
Once Lockhart had calmed down the portraits, Kyle returned to his seat with the copied answers, as if nothing had happened.
"I guess I need to practice the Silencing Charm soon," Kyle muttered to himself, "I almost got caught while casting the spell just now."
Conna looked at him with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "You cheated just to copy homework?"
"That's just one aspect," Kyle explained, "Sometimes the Silencing Charm is really convenient."
On the podium, Lockhart straightened his slightly disheveled golden hair and smiled, "It's alright, nothing to worry about. It seems like those portraits and I are both a little too excited.
Keep writing, the thirty minutes will be up soon."
Kyle compared the copied parchment with his own test paper, transcribing the correct answers onto his sheet.
So, Lockhart was selling shampoo... Kyle had thought toothpaste was a more likely product.
It had to be said, Lockhart had chosen the wrong product.
Toothpaste would have been better; his smile alone was the best advertisement.
As Kyle wrote feverishly, Conna shook her head in disapproval, "Cheating is wrong. We should do our own work!"
"Oh..." Kyle pondered for a moment, then moved the parchment slightly to the center.
"How about we look at it together?"
"Sure!"
...
(End of Chapter)
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