Chapter 535: Showing Off May Feel Good for a Moment
Chapter 535: Showing Off May Feel Good for a Moment
Professor Sprout worked quickly to bandage the Whomping Willow, suspending several damaged branches with gauze so that it resembled a person with a fractured arm, encased in a plaster cast and sling.
However, Albert's attention was focused on the cave hidden beneath the tree, the passage to the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade.
If it weren't for Professor Sprout's presence here, he would have been curious to explore what lay within.
Come to think of it, when Sirius Black infiltrated Hogwarts, why didn't anyone consider the possibility that he might have bypassed the school's protective magic through this very spot?
It was unlikely that Professor Sprout was unaware of the cave beneath the tree.
Had they forgotten about it?
Indeed, some things were best left unquestioned. Delving deeper would only reveal a multitude of loopholes. Perhaps they had inspected this area initially, only to find that Black had already departed.
After all, without any warning, who would pay special attention to a dog?
Albert chose not to dwell on these thoughts any longer as someone approached—Gilderoy Lockhart.
The timing of his arrival was impeccable, as Professor Sprout was just about to finish treating the Whomping Willow.
"Good morning, Professor Sprout, and Mr. Anderson," Lockhart greeted them cheerfully. "I heard last night that the Whomping Willow had been severely damaged, so I came to see if I could assist in its treatment. I've encountered quite a few fascinating plants during my travels."
"I've almost finished treating the Whomping Willow, so there's no need for your help," Professor Sprout replied dryly, clearly impatient with Lockhart's presence.
"No, no trouble at all. I'm quite adept at treating magical plants as well," Lockhart insisted, already drawing out his wand to trim away some of the broken branches.
"Watch out, duck!"
A hurried voice suddenly rang out, and everyone present witnessed the Whomping Willow's trunk sweeping through the air, striking Lockhart, who was unprepared as he tended to the tree with his wand. Lockhart was sent flying and crashed to the ground.
The next moment, more branches lashed out at Lockhart, forcing him to scramble to his left and roll away to avoid the relentless blows.
Just as the Whomping Willow prepared to crush Lockhart into a pulp with its thicker branches, the violent assault suddenly ceased, and the crisis was averted.
"Oh my goodness, are you alright, Professor Lockhart?" Albert asked with feigned concern.
Professor Sprout, seeing her handiwork on the tree undone and the disheveled state of Lockhart, couldn't help but soften her expression slightly.
"Wonderful job, Mr. Anderson. You managed to control the Whomping Willow just in time. Ten points to Gryffindor," Professor Sprout said with a smile. "Please take Lockhart to the hospital wing."
"Of course, Professor," Albert replied, understanding the underlying message. He waved his wand, summoning a stretcher, and then proceeded to move the groaning Lockhart onto it, securing him with straps. As he prepared to carry Lockhart to the hospital wing, he heard Professor Sprout's voice once more.
"Impressive magic, Mr. Anderson. Another ten points to Gryffindor." It was evident that Lockhart's predicament brought Professor Sprout great pleasure.
Undoubtedly, Lockhart was not well-liked by the professors.
"Then I shall take my leave!" Albert followed the floating stretcher back to the castle.
"Could you please let me down, Mr. Anderson?" Lockhart struggled a bit, seemingly wanting to get up from the stretcher. He didn't want the other students to see him in such a pitiful state.
"Professor Lockhart, I advise you not to move about. The Whomping Willow's blow was quite severe, and you may have broken a few bones," Albert said gently. "Considering the curse associated with the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, I suggest you let Madam Pomfrey examine you thoroughly. It would be unfortunate if there were any undetected injuries that led to a sudden, unexpected demise."
"If it were anyone else, perhaps this wouldn't be an issue, but the curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position is truly bizarre. I advise you to refrain from doing anything dangerous to avoid unforeseen circumstances," Albert whispered.
Lockhart's expression froze, and Albert's soft murmur sent a shiver down his spine.
Yes, he recalled that he was currently holding the position of the cursed Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
So, was the Whomping Willow's sudden attack on him due to the curse associated with the subject? Was accepting this position a mistake?
In that moment, Lockhart regretted his decision to take on the role.
On their way to the hospital wing, they encountered several students who cast curious glances their way. Albert was certain that news of Lockhart's mishap would soon spread throughout the school.
After Albert brought Lockhart to the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey gave him a peculiar look as she examined Lockhart on the stretcher, listening to Albert's account of what had transpired. She muttered something about two broken bones, fortunately no internal damage, and the importance of proper handling. Lockhart's face grew even paler at her words.
From then on, Albert's task was done, and as he entered the Great Hall, he overheard a group of girls discussing Lockhart's injury and his trip to the hospital wing.
As soon as Albert sat down next to George, a crowd of girls gathered around them, eager to know what had happened.
When they heard that Lockhart had attempted to demonstrate to Professor Sprout how to treat the Whomping Willow, only to be brutally assaulted by the tree, the surrounding boys were left stunned and speechless.
"Don't look at me, that's just how it happened," Albert said helplessly, spreading his hands. "I guess that's the curse of the Defense Against the Dark Arts class!"
Of course, Albert didn't mention that he had quietly loosened the knot, causing the Whomping Willow to attack Lockhart.
"That curse is terrifying. I can't believe it's already taking effect on the first day of school," Lee Jordan said in an exaggerated tone, sounding somewhat gleeful.
Just then, everyone fell silent as Professor McGonagall made her way along the Gryffindor table, distributing the class schedules. When she reached them, she inquired about Lockhart's situation.
After listening to Albert's explanation, Professor McGonagall unexpectedly awarded him an additional five points.
"Seems like Professor McGonagall isn't fond of Lockhart either," Fred muttered as he watched Professor McGonagall's retreating back.
George and Lee Jordan nodded in agreement. Otherwise, why would she have given Albert extra points?
As they continued to discuss Lockhart's misfortune, a loud crash reverberated through the Great Hall.
"...stole a car, and if they expel you, I won't be surprised..."
Albert turned his head, a bemused expression on his face, toward Fred and George. The voice sounded like Mrs. Weasley.
When the shouting stopped, he could still feel his ears ringing.
All the students in the Great Hall turned to look at the Gryffindor table, curious to know who had received the Howler.
"Ron got a Howler," Fred whispered, "I've never seen Mom this angry before."
"Me neither," George added, still looking shaken.
As they spoke, the twins turned to look in Ron's direction, only to see their younger brother with his head buried in his plate, mortified.
That's the price of trying to show off! (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
