[Search for the solidified world shuttle channel.]
[Search successful, transfer initiated.]
[Transmitting...]
[Welcome back to the world of Harry Potter.]
[Warning: After staying in this world for 30 days, the soul will gradually be imprinted with the mark of this world. You need to leave this world in time to avoid being infected by the breath of the world.]
In the tranquility of Lockhart's study, a glimmer of light flashed as he materialized, a magic suitcase in his left hand and a wand in his right. Before him floated two thick stacks of magic books. He was about to cast a spell to organize his belongings when he paused, frowning slightly. It wasn't that he didn't know, but only through comparison did he realize that the Marvel world was a wizard's paradise. Why? The magic power that seemed stagnant now in his body made Lockhart sigh. Yet, when he thought about the gains from his trip to Marvel, he couldn't help but smile brightly.
From that adventure, the Prototype of Thunder God's Power he obtained from Thor was a thrilling acquisition. Although it didn't grant him Thor's full strength, the prototype, combined with the advanced thunder affinity, elevated his capabilities significantly.
Recalling his entrance into Kamar Taj and his meeting with the Ancient One, Lockhart looked at the Sling Ring on his right hand with a puzzled expression. The encounter had gone unexpectedly smoothly, almost bizarrely so. He had met the Ancient One directly, disclosed his origins as a wizard from another world, and she had shown no surprise.
She even offered him the chance to learn the magic of Kamar Taj. Lockhart had accepted, and the Ancient One had given him a Sling Ring and access to the library. The level of ease with which everything occurred left him feeling uneasy.
He quickly took out the gifts he had prepared—Wiggenweld to heal, a Blood-Replenishing Potion, a mana potion to restore magic power, and a Calming Draught to soothe emotions, among others. Everything was meticulously selected to align with the characteristics of Kamar Taj's sorcery. The Ancient One had accepted them readily and agreed to occasionally guide Lockhart in his magical studies.
Such smooth proceedings were beyond his expectations and made him slightly paranoid. He couldn't help but joke to himself, perhaps the Ancient One was fattening him up for some grim fate. But no, that was ridiculous... right?
Lockhart buried these thoughts deep as he followed Kaecilius to the library. There, he meticulously selected books suited to his current level of study. He couldn't take everything; the library's rules allowed him to take only three books at most. Using a system glitch related to time, he took several books to study back in the Harry Potter world, planning to return to Marvel within a month without any timeline discrepancies or discovery.
He then gently waved his wand, and the two piles of books floated neatly into his bookcase. Looking at his extensive collection, Lockhart felt a profound sense of security. For a wizard, knowledge was paramount.
The next day, in his study, Lockhart leaned back in his chair with a thick magic tome floating before him. It was partially open, the pages turning slowly at the flick of his wand. The cover was bronze, inscribed in Latin with the title, "Runes for Sorcerer."
Across from him, a quill hovered above a sheet of paper, recording Lockhart's thoughts and analyses. "Runes are unique to Asgardian mages and are the foundation of their spellcasting, unlike the sorcerers of Midgard, who leverage power from other dimensions."
As he continued his studies, occasionally surprised or pensive, Lockhart's understanding of Kamar Taj's magic deepened. He felt as if he was witnessing the millennia of growth and the contributions of Kamar Taj in protecting Earth.
Suddenly, a knocking sound came from the window. Turning, Lockhart saw an owl tapping lightly on the glass, a letter clutched in its beak. He opened the window, let the owl in, fed it, and then opened the envelope.
It was as he suspected: a reminder from Flourish and Blotts about the press conference for his new book, "My Magical Me." It seemed they were also hinting at a desire for more Galleons.
Chuckling, Lockhart quickly penned a reply and handed it back to the satiated owl. As for the book launch, that was easy, especially considering the magical spells he had mastered and created, now proudly displayed in his system.
[Lockhart's Shine]
[Bright and Energetic]
[Amiable]
Two days later, at Flourish and Blott Books, Lockhart sat in the lounge, dressed in a dark green suit, surrounded by stacks of his books. Seeing his own image on the covers brought a smug smile to his face.
Previously, preparing for an uncertain journey, he had spent heavily on magical items and potions. Though not bankrupt, the expenditures were significant. Now, he needed to replenish his funds. Research and purchasing new supplies for his return to Marvel required gold and Galleons. Transactions and favors were the hard currency of his world.
He thought of the textbooks he had mandated for Hogwarts students—all authored by him. Although slightly unscrupulous, the Galleons it brought were tangible. Perhaps he could impart more useful knowledge to justify the cost to the students.
At that moment, in Diagon Alley, Harry Potter greeted Hermione Granger as they headed to the bookstore.
"Hi, Hermione!"
"Hi, Harry, you're here too! Let's go to Flourish and Blotts. Gilderoy Lockhart is having a book launch," Hermione suggested, pulling Harry along.
Inside the bookstore, Harry reunited with Ron and the Weasleys, finding some comfort in the familiar faces.
As the crowd settled, an announcement filled the store: "My friends, let us welcome Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart!"
The Chapter ends as Lockhart prepares to charm yet another audience, his magical meanderings now interwoven with the literary.
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[More Chapter available at p@treon.com/goldengaruda]
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