https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-555-Gilderoy-Lockhart-s-Story-Part-II-/12526905/
Chapter 556: A Teacher Who Understands Me
Chapter 556: A Teacher Who Understands Me
Another failure?
Albert sighed and put away his wand, slumping into an armchair and flipping through the notebook that Lockhart had given him.
Over the past few days, Albert had perused the notebook countless times and attempted the Human Restoration Spell numerous times, but to no avail. He couldn't cast the spell, let alone make it appear on his skill panel.
Any spell that appeared on his skill panel, no matter how difficult, was easily learned by Albert. But the Human Restoration Spell refused to show up, and he felt helpless.
With his current magical prowess, even a challenging spell like the Patronus Charm wouldn't take long to master. Yet, the Human Restoration Spell eluded him, making him suspect that the notes Lockhart had provided were fake.
Albert was confident that Lockhart wouldn't deceive him. Even if Lockhart was a fraud, he was one who didn't know how to perform an Occlumency. There was no way he could lie to Albert. Moreover, Albert had coaxed Lockhart into handing over the information with clever language, promising to keep his secret and not cause him any further trouble.
Yes, it's a secret for now.
So, there must be something wrong somewhere.
Was there an issue with the notebook Lockhart had obtained?
Albert didn't dwell on these questions for long. He intended to ask other witches and wizards about it, like Nicolas Flamel. Perhaps the elderly wizard could discern the problem.
Compared to these aged and experienced wizards, Albert knew he still had much to learn.
As he prepared to pass through the portrait hole guarded by the Fat Lady, he encountered Hermione.
"Um...Is Professor Lockhart giving you private..." Hermione stole glances at Albert's profile and asked cautiously, "I was wondering if I could join you."
"What do you mean?" Albert turned to look at the girl beside him, not understanding her implication.
"I often see you coming out of Professor Lockhart's office." Hermione said, her face reddening, "I also want..."
"Are you two going in or not?" The Fat Lady glared at the pair, clearly annoyed.
"Sorry." Albert gestured for Hermione to go first, having caught her drift. He felt exasperated. Was this what it meant to be a fan?
The two entered the Gryffindor common room and found a secluded corner away from prying eyes.
"You admire Professor Lockhart?" Albert asked curiously, studying Hermione.
"Well..." Hermione's cheeks flushed, "Don't you think he's brave?"
"I don't know about brave, but he is certainly charming and handsome." Albert offered Hermione a knowing look, "It's alright, you don't have to be shy about it. It's like how boys are drawn to beautiful and confident girls."
"What is it, Ginny?" Albert turned to Ginny, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Nothing," Ginny shook her head.
"Then speak up."
"Do boys really like beautiful and confident girls?"
"Yes, such girls usually have a certain allure." Albert replied softly, "And Harry Potter is no exception."
Ginny's face turned as red as a ripe apple.
"Perhaps you shouldn't focus most of your attention on Potter. Temporarily giving up on him might be a good choice. Be more confident and show your charm. One day, Potter will surely take notice of you." Albert said to Ginny, who looked only partially comprehending, "Most people don't know how to cherish something that comes too easily."
"Thanks," Ginny mumbled and got up to leave.
"What's up?" Albert noticed Hermione looking at him and asked casually.
"Nothing, just curious." Hermione shook her head.
"Fred and George's sister seems to have a huge crush on Harry Potter, but she's too shy and lacks the confidence to get his attention." Albert explained, "By the way, about earlier, you're probably going to be disappointed. Lockhart hasn't given me any special tutoring. I mean, he hasn't taught me any extra knowledge."
"Oh." Hermione looked let down. She had been hoping for extra lessons from Lockhart so that she could spend more time with her idol.
"Of course, if there's anything you don't understand, you can always ask Lockhart himself. Those stories still hold value, and you can study them closely to gain valuable insights. I'm sure you'll make some interesting discoveries. For example, you can learn about the precautions to take when facing werewolves, vampires, and other dark creatures, as well as the spells and various tricks mentioned in the book. If there's anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask Professor Lockhart. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to help." Albert suggested, "You're welcome, Hermione."
"Thanks, Albert," Hermione said excitedly and walked away.
"You're welcome," Albert murmured as he watched Hermione's retreating back. He couldn't help but anticipate Lockhart's reaction to Hermione's impending barrage of questions.
While he had no intention of bothering Lockhart himself, others certainly could, especially if they were admirers. Lockhart wouldn't turn them away, would he?
"I heard all of that, you know."
A voice interrupted Albert's thoughts.
Sana sat in the armchair Hermione had vacated, looking at Albert, "Do you think what you're doing is right?"
"Hermione admires Lockhart, and I'm just giving her a chance to interact more with someone she looks up to." Albert replied calmly.
"That's not what I'm talking about, and you know it." Sana looked at Albert and suddenly laughed, "You know what Lockhart is like."
"You don't like him?" Albert raised an eyebrow.
"Not everyone will like someone just because they're good-looking!" Sana said softly but firmly.
"I thought..."
"I already have someone I like." Sana whispered, "Unfortunately, he already has a girlfriend."
At that moment, Albert felt a twinge of embarrassment on his face. He understood Sana's implication, and all he could muster was an apologetic, "Sorry."
"It's not your fault." Sana hesitated, her words trailing off into a deep sigh before she got up and left.
In Sana's eyes, Albert's actions were devious.
With Lockhart's teaching abilities, or lack thereof, it wouldn't take long for Miss Granger to realize something was amiss if she went to him with the questions Albert had suggested.
Over time, Miss Granger would start to doubt Lockhart, eventually discovering that he was just an ordinary novelist whose books were works of fiction, and that he wasn't the impressive wizard he portrayed himself to be.
Indeed! Books can deceive, too.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
