Morning, Hogwarts, Eighth Floor Corridor
Lockhart strolled leisurely down the corridor, stopping to look at the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy attempting to kill troll. In the past few days, with some free time, he had explored the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts.
He found that the room could indeed transform into various scenes he imagined. However, he was slightly disappointed that when he imagined a room filled with magical books, it contained only empty bookshelves. Lockhart understood that while the room could simulate material objects like bookshelves, tables, and simple alchemical puppets, it couldn't replicate intellectual or technical items such as books and potions.
Today, Lockhart's main purpose for visiting the eighth-floor corridor was to go to the Headmaster's office and help Dumbledore complete his autobiography. Well, it was mainly to gauge Dumbledore's attitude and satisfy his curiosity about Dumbledore's younger years.
The thought of Dumbledore's stories ignited a burning curiosity in Lockhart's heart.
"Chocolate ball!" Lockhart spoke the password to the stone gargoyle, and with a 'boom,' the stairs to the Headmaster's office opened.
"Lockhart, come in." Hearing the voice from above, Lockhart quickly responded and entered the office.
"Good morning, Headmaster," Lockhart greeted Dumbledore, who had just set down his quill.
"Morning, Lockhart," Dumbledore replied, sealing the letter he was writing. Lockhart's sharp eyes caught the recipient's name: Nicolas Flamel.
Thoughtfully, Lockhart recalled that Nicolas Flamel was the leading alchemist in the wizarding world, known for creating the Philosopher's Stone, which extended life. Extending life wasn't difficult for Lockhart, who could travel between worlds, but Flamel's centuries of alchemical experience fascinated him.
Lockhart tentatively started a conversation: "Headmaster, you're writing a letter so early in the morning. It seems important."
"I've delayed writing this letter for a whole week," Dumbledore joked. "I believe Nico will complain that I'm not a good friend."
"Nico, Headmaster, could your friend be Master Nicholas Flamel?" Lockhart feigned surprise.
"Of course," Dumbledore nodded. "Nico and I have known each other for a long time."
Lockhart, pretending to be envious, said, "I would love to have a friend like Nicholas Flamel. Being able to communicate with a top alchemist would improve my alchemy skills immensely."
"Don't underestimate yourself, Lockhart," Dumbledore said. "I've seen your alchemical works. Using runes and ancient magic to refine items, if written into a paper, would definitely be selected for 'The Philosopher's Stone.'"
"The Philosopher's Stone" was the top journal on alchemy in the wizarding world, named after the ancient alchemical creation. Comparable top journals included "Words of Magic" for charms and "Golden Crucible" for potions.
Lockhart smiled modestly. "Thank you, Headmaster. I just hope my paper on runes gets published in 'Words of Magic.'"
"Oh!" Dumbledore seemed surprised. "I hope to see your paper in the next issue of 'Words of Magic.'"
Lockhart also looked forward to it. "I hope to see my name in 'Words of Magic.'"
While he might have to wait until his next travel back to the Harry Potter world, Lockhart wasn't in a hurry. He had written numerous relevant papers and submitted them to major journals. Topics ranged from rune-based healing spells and alchemy to how runes lower the learning threshold. He even suggested that systematic study could allow a Squib to cast spells, all to pave the way for promoting the new magic system.
Lockhart collected his thoughts and began today's plan. "Headmaster, regarding your autobiography, last time we talked about your teaching at Hogwarts. What should we focus on next?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "We'll discuss the autobiography later. Last time we talked about runes, and I've been thinking about it. I'd like to help."
"Headmaster, really?" Lockhart was taken aback. He had tried various ways to get Dumbledore involved in his research, and now Dumbledore was volunteering.
Dumbledore nodded, aware of Lockhart's intentions to use his strength and fame to promote the research. Initially disinterested due to Tom's affairs, Dumbledore now saw the growing impact of Lockhart's work and felt the need to guide him.
"Headmaster, I'll compile the latest research and bring it to you shortly," Lockhart said, excited. "I'm confident in the potential of runes."
Dumbledore waved his hand. "Lockhart, no rush. Before we start, I'd like to share a story about my best friend—Grindelwald."
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