After getting rid of the iron rice bowl, Lockhart returned to Hogwarts, contributing his efforts to the field of education.
He returned early in the morning, the sun just beginning to rise. Walking alone on the grassy grounds of Hogwarts, the dew dampened the hem of his robe. No one came to greet him—today was Saturday, and students were sleeping in, while professors couldn't be bothered to pay him any attention. Professors also wanted to sleep in! Many of them patrolled at night and only went to bed after late-night rounds.
Although he walked alone, someone was silently watching him.
Tom observed Lockhart from the window as he crossed the lawn and entered the Great Hall. Turning away from the dormitory door, he had a bold idea.
The Daily Prophet had previously reported that Lockhart had not signed a contract with this ancient magical school.
So, holding a bunch of lilacs, Tom appeared outside Lockhart's office.
"Professor, welcome back! I'm your fan!" He flashed a brilliant smile and handed Lockhart the flowers.
"Haha, lilacs!" Lockhart looked very pleased—not because lilacs symbolized "pure first love," but because, "You must have seriously read my book 'Living with a Yeti for a Year.' I mentioned my love for lilac color in there."
He took the notebook Tom handed him, signed his name in a flamboyant manner without even looking at it.
Tom took the notebook back, watched Lockhart enter the office, and followed him inside, closing the door behind them.
"Stupefy!"
Before Lockhart could react, he was struck hard in the stomach by a giant claw. It hit him so forcefully that he saw stars, and acidic fluid welled up in his mouth. He was knocked over and struck a few more times.
Under repeated blows, Lockhart swayed and fainted.
[Defeated Gilderoy Lockhart, Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Sacrifice Achieved, Limited-time UP Pool Activated]
[Dear Traveler, the "Strong Duck Transforms into Crane" event wish is now open. Probability UP for "Strong Duck Transforms into Crane·Gilderoy Lockhart (Wind)"! During the event, travelers can obtain more skills and treasures to enhance their strength!]
[〓Wish Period〓
1992.09.04-1992.09.30
〓Wish Details〓
During the event, the probability of obtaining the limited 5-star character "Strong Duck Transforms into Crane·Gilderoy Lockhart (Wind)" will be greatly increased!
※ Limited characters will not enter the "Wandering World" permanent wish.
※ For more wish information, click the "Details" button at the bottom left of the wish interface for inquiries.]
Seeing this achievement, Tom first felt it was a bit ridiculous—someone like Lockhart deserved to be a 5-star character? The previous Chirol getting a 5-star made sense because he was an outstanding student from Ravenclaw, and the elderly Voldemort, who was also a bonus in his pocket, was considered. This time, Lockhart getting a 5-star, well...
Indeed, some people were 5-stars because 5 stars were the highest, and some were 5-stars because 5 stars were the lowest.
Thinking of Chirol, Tom became even more depressed. Chirol and Lockhart were both students of Ravenclaw, both Wind attribute, why were there so many twists in the Wind attribute!
However, Tom soon figured it out. Lockhart, although seemingly incompetent, was actually quite skilled in the Memory Charm. He was somewhat like those who reached the King rank by playing only one hero. Excellent with a specific hero, but average with others—of course, Lockhart was more extreme. He was a King in the Memory Charm but a Black Iron in everything else.
Lockhart's Memory Charm was truly extraordinary! Over the years, not a single mistake had been made. You had to remember that those adventure stories were real! Behind each story was a seasoned adventurer who had stumbled in Lockhart's hands.
Tom turned back into a human, first took away Lockhart's wand, then placed his hand on Lockhart's shoulder. Soon, the witch's symbol on the ring changed to the wizard's, and he transformed into Lockhart's appearance. Tom's wizard robe was tight, so he quickly took it off. He noticed a large box in the office, probably Lockhart's luggage.
So, he took the key from Lockhart's waist, opened the box, and found three locks on it. The key from Lockhart's waist had four keys—extra for the office. Inserting the first key, he found a pile of clothes and perfumes inside. Opening the second lock revealed several books and some manuscripts, along with stationery. After inserting the third key, there was a large pit like a basement inside, with a few chamber pots and toilets.
Tom was overjoyed: he had been worried about where Lockhart was keeping him, and now he didn't have to think about it. He could just toss him into the box, close it, and lock him up. It seemed that Lockhart had been up to no good during these years outside.
He threw Lockhart into the box, then, using the office key, locked it.
Looking at the contents, Tom sat quietly in the office chair, staring at the card draw interface of the system: Tom hesitated, whether to draw from this pool or not.
When he was checking the manuscripts just now, he did not find Lockhart's insights into the Memory Charm—probably he had hidden it. The Memory Charm was a good skill, and Tom really wanted to obtain it.
So, he decided to decide whether to draw from this pool in the simplest way: intuition.
"Draw if it's an odd number, don't draw if it's even..." Tom muttered to himself and glanced at the clock: 17 minutes—draw!
It might seem a bit ridiculous, but there was also a bit of mysticism involved.
Tom was already lying down: Come on, Professor Trelawney!
He knew his fate too well.
"Draw!"
...
On the fifth ten-draw, gold appeared. Tom clicked through them one by one, and a silhouette of a stranger appeared before him...
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(End of this chapter)