*Hogwarts, Quidditch Pitch*
The Quidditch pitch was bustling with activity today. Wizards filled the stadium, taking seats in the surrounding auditoriums and eagerly watching the raised platform on the middle lawn. Sitting at the front were mostly wizards from pure-blood families, while the mixed-blood wizards and Squibs occupied the seats further back. The seating arrangement made their status and hierarchy abundantly clear.
Those at the front, with clear views of the platform, had expressions ranging from neutral to visibly annoyed, as if someone was robbing them of their wealth. In contrast, the further back one looked, the more excited and anticipatory the expressions became. As more and more wizards filled the audience, the stadium grew increasingly noisy.
"A Squib turning into a wizard has been a problem in the wizarding world for thousands of years. I didn't expect that we could witness this scene. It's worth bragging about in the future."
"Haha, you're right. This event will give us something to talk about for years to come."
The topic spread from the back of the stands to the front, where members of pure-blood families overheard and snorted coldly, frowning at the platform opposite, deep in thought.
"Lucius, it seems that your method has no effect," Kane Parkinson, a fellow school board member, joked.
Lucius Malfoy replied calmly, "I never intended to win solely by relying on public opinion. I just wanted to put some pressure on Dumbledore and his supporters. It's not a big deal if I fail. There will be many opportunities later."
"Oh?" Kane suddenly became interested. "Can we talk? Do you need help from the Parkinson family?"
He knew Lucius was a sensible man. Since he dared to speak out, it meant he really had a plan. Lucius smiled and said, "There are indeed some things that require everyone's cooperation."
Kane's smile grew brighter, confirming that Lucius indeed had a plan.
*Backstage*
Lockhart was preparing backstage while Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker, sat opposite him, looking nervous. After discovering he could successfully cast magic, Filch had been full of gratitude towards Lockhart. When he saw someone slandering Lockhart in the newspaper, he immediately ran to Lockhart's office, offering to testify for him. Lockhart had told him not to worry yet and to "let the bullets fly for a while longer," a phrase Filch didn't understand but trusted nonetheless.
Now, hearing the constant discussions from the people around him, Filch slowly began to understand what Lockhart meant. This realization made him even more excited.
"Relax, Filch. I believe you can do it," Lockhart's comforting voice reached his ears. Filch nodded quickly and promised, "Okay, Professor, I will relax."
Seeing Filch's continued nervousness, Lockhart waved his wand, enveloping Filch in a pale yellow light. Filch immediately felt much relieved, his expression relaxing as his trembling legs steadied.
"Filch, I suggest you try meditation. It can help you calm down and prepare better for what's next," Lockhart advised.
"Okay, Professor," Filch nodded, closing his eyes to meditate.
Professor Flitwick, watching this scene, smiled at Lockhart, "Lockhart, after today, you will become the hope for many Squibs. What are you going to do next?"
Lockhart glanced at Filch, who was listening carefully, and spoke slowly, "My next plan is to further promote meditation in the wizarding world. Not only for Squibs but also for wizards. Let's make our wizarding world more prosperous and great again."
Professor Flitwick praised, "Lockhart, you are young and motivated. I believe you can do it."
He laughed at himself, "A middle-aged wizard like me has long since lost that drive. For the rest of my life, I'll be content to stay at Hogwarts and teach students."
"Professor, don't worry," Lockhart reassured. "I'll need your help with many things later. I mentioned to Principal Dumbledore before that when the meditation method is officially promoted, Hogwarts will also admit Squibs. I'll need your assistance then."
"Really?" Professor Flitwick was surprised. "Dumbledore will actually recruit Squibs to the school?"
As the head of Ravenclaw house, Flitwick knew that Hogwarts relied heavily on the school board, composed of pure-blood families, for much of its funding. Admitting Squibs would significantly increase the demand for funds, and 80% of the school board would not compromise. Additionally, the implementation of the meditation method at Hogwarts would double the impact on pure-blood families.
He decided to advise Lockhart, "Lockhart, recruiting Squibs will definitely require negotiations with the school board. Don't forget who the people on the board are."
Lockhart smiled meaningfully, "Don't worry, Professor Flitwick. Maybe pure-blood families will support us."
Professor Flitwick was confused but didn't press further when Lockhart showed no intention of explaining. The complexities were too intricate.
Soon, Professor Flitwick and Lockhart continued to discuss the plan. Flitwick was going to appear with Lockhart, supporting him. He had no doubt that today's event would spread throughout the wizarding world.
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