Chapter 529: Gilderoy Lockhart's Story
Chapter 529: Gilderoy Lockhart's Story
Ever since receiving Dumbledore's handwritten letter at the end of June, Gilderoy Lockhart had been hesitating about whether or not to accept the Headmaster's invitation to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts.
To be honest, being a professor at Hogwarts was indeed a respectable profession, and the salary and benefits were quite attractive. But the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was an exception.
Ever since his own school days at Hogwarts, Lockhart knew that something unpleasant happened to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor every year, leading to their resignation. Many who held this position even ended up in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries due to various troubles.
As far as Lockhart was aware, the professor who taught them last had been hospitalized for seven years due to a curse and still hadn't fully recovered.
And that wasn't even the worst of it. The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor before last, Rowena Smith, had simply gone missing and her whereabouts were still unknown.
As for the previous professor, Quirinus Quirrell, he had met an even more tragic end, perishing in the dungeons of Hogwarts. These cases were a clear testament to the curse's dreadfulness.
Lockhart had absolutely no interest in such a high-risk job. He valued his life dearly and saw no reason to joke around with it.
Moreover, after his novels became bestsellers, Lockhart had never lacked for money. Furthermore, as a writer, he was in the prime of his career. His autobiography, 'Magical Me', was about to be published, so he had absolutely no reason to take such a risk. Currently, he was only interested in finding ways to become more famous.
A month after Gilderoy Lockhart wrote to refuse Dumbledore's invitation, he surprisingly received another letter stating that Dumbledore would be visiting him soon.
To be honest, Lockhart wasn't too keen on meeting Dumbledore. He knew the Headmaster's intentions, but after much hesitation, he couldn't bring himself to refuse a face-to-face meeting outright.
In fact, Lockhart was curious to know how Dumbledore would try to persuade him, and directly refusing didn't seem like a good idea either. After all, he had to give Dumbledore some face.
At the end of July, braving the scorching sun, Dumbledore arrived at Gilderoy Lockhart's residence and knocked on the door punctually.
"Long time no see, Dumbledore," Lockhart said as he invited the Headmaster in. "I'm just a novelist. The position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor isn't suitable for me."
"There's no need for modesty, Gilderoy," Dumbledore smiled. "I believe you are more than capable of handling this job. After all, you already have so many admirable accomplishments. If I recall correctly, you are also an honorary member of the Dark Arts Defense League, so being a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor would be quite fitting."
Gilderoy Lockhart couldn't help but widen his eyes. While Dumbledore's flattery pleased him, there was still the matter of...
"I know what you're worried about," Dumbledore said, as if seeing through Lockhart's concerns. "But you don't need to be overly concerned about the curse. Even Bard taught Defense Against the Dark Arts the time before last and he was able to leave unscathed."
Lockhart looked at Dumbledore skeptically. He, of course, knew about Bard's stint as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and his eventual escape from the position unharmed. But could he really do the same?
There was no denying that the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts was infamous, and so far, no one had managed to hold the post for more than two years.
"With your connections, I'm sure you could find plenty of people willing to take on the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, right?" Lockhart asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Unfortunately, I can't think of a more suitable candidate at the moment," Dumbledore said with a troubled expression. "We go through these professors far too quickly. If you could give me some more time, I'm certain I could find another suitable teacher, but as of now..."
"I'm sorry, Dumbledore, but I'm afraid I'm not the right person for the job," Lockhart interrupted. "As you know, my new book, 'Magical Me', has just been published, and I need to focus on my next project. Writing is a safer occupation for me."
"You could write about your experiences as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts," Dumbledore suggested without hesitation. "Mr. Albert has a good relationship with several of the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts professors, and I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about."
"You're referring to Albert Anderson, the youngest International Wizard Chess Champion, I presume," Lockhart said, somewhat surprised. He had certainly heard of this genius's fame.
"And Harry, of course," Dumbledore added.
"Harry Potter?"
"He started at Hogwarts last semester. This year, he'll be in his second year."
To be honest, Lockhart wasn't very interested in Albert Anderson. After all, he wasn't a genius himself, and conversing with one would undoubtedly expose his own shortcomings. Moreover, this genius's "teacher" was none other than Bard Proud.
However, Lockhart was rather intrigued by Harry Potter, the savior of the wizarding world. Being known as "Harry's teacher" would undoubtedly boost his own popularity.
Especially if he could write about it in his books; he was confident that his next publication would be a bestseller.
In the end, Lockhart's craving for fame overcame his slight caution. He accepted the position because Dumbledore allowed him to resign in advance if necessary. The Headmaster had given him a lot of freedom in that regard.
Lockhart also intended to use this opportunity to make his books required reading for the students, ensuring another bestseller and increasing his popularity among the student body.
"Alright!" Lockhart agreed. "But I have one request. If anything unexpected happens, I hope I can resign in advance. I've never considered myself more capable than the dozens of Defense Against the Dark Arts professors before me, and if they couldn't escape the curse, I'd like to take precautions."
"Of course," Dumbledore smiled and shook Lockhart's hand. "I'm glad you've accepted the position, and I'm sure you won't regret it."
"I hope so," Lockhart said.
...
Soon enough, fate presented Lockhart with an unexpected surprise. At a book signing event for 'Magical Me' at Flourish and Blotts bookstore, he encountered the legendary savior, Harry Potter.
This savior was indeed as famous as the legends claimed, immediately attracting the attention of countless people.
Seizing the opportunity, Lockhart took numerous photos with Harry and announced that he would be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. He also presented Harry with a complete set of his books as a gift. Lockhart hoped to ride on Harry's coattails to make the headlines and, at the same time, gain some favor with Harry, setting the foundation for his future claim as "Harry's teacher."
Of course, if Lockhart had known that his actions would only serve to make Harry dislike him, he would have been speechless.
(End of Chapter)
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