Seeing Lockhart's expectant look, Dumbledore sighed softly. In his eyes, what Lockhart proposed might be an opportunity for wizards, but it could also be a disaster. If he were younger, he would have joined Lockhart without question. But now, older and having seen too much bloodshed, he cherished the peaceful times more.
Moreover, the students and professors at Hogwarts would be impacted by any moves they made, especially Tom. Dumbledore felt a headache coming on as he thought about this. Last semester, Tom possessed Quirrell and caused quite a stir at Hogwarts. This semester, there was a fire in Gringotts' vault when he saw a large number of replicas of Hufflepuff's cup in Bellatrix's vault.
A bad idea suddenly occurred to him. The Sword of Gryffindor, one of the top magical items left by the four founders of Hogwarts, was in his possession. The remaining three items were all lost with no trace. It was hard to say this had nothing to do with Tom.
Dumbledore felt a headache thinking about the implications of the three top magic items from Hogwarts. However, he couldn't let Lockhart act recklessly; otherwise, he would be in trouble if he went astray.
After contemplating, Dumbledore was silent for a while before he slowly said, "There is no need to sign my name on the paper for now." Hearing this, Lockhart looked a little disappointed.
But then he heard Dumbledore continue, "However, you can mention me in the content of the paper." Hearing this, Lockhart perked up. Although he did not achieve the expected results, he still gained some benefit.
Dumbledore's mention in the paper would lend it some credibility, ensuring it wouldn't be dismissed easily. At least, his paper could be improved and taken more seriously. Dumbledore's status and influence were powerful tools. Most importantly, Dumbledore's participation in his magical research was a promising start.
Lockhart hadn't forgotten the hardships Dumbledore had endured in his life. If he could help Dumbledore overcome these difficulties and gain his full support, it might not be impossible.
As the thought flashed through Lockhart's mind, a faint smile appeared on his face. Seeing the change in Lockhart's expression, Dumbledore didn't say anything but continued the conversation gently.
"Lockhart, regarding the meditation method, it is indeed a brilliant idea. How many types have you researched now?" Dumbledore chuckled, adding, "During your explanation, you mentioned various meditation experiments."
"Headmaster, I have many meditation methods here, but they all have some side effects," Lockhart replied after a moment of thought. "The first method is one I have verified. Though it is the most basic, it is also the safest and has almost no side effects. It is suitable for all wizards and all Squibs."
"Therefore, regarding the thesis, I would like to use the Nine Element Meditation Method as an example. What do you think, Principal?"
"Lockhart, you have a good idea. Safety comes first after all," Dumbledore nodded in praise.
Dumbledore's compliment naturally brought a smile to Lockhart's face. He indeed planned to promote the Nine Element Meditation Method first, as it was the most widely applicable method. He also had more advanced meditation methods with higher improvement effects, though they came with minor side effects. These were reserved for his close followers.
After all, he needed to attract followers and build his power. Gold Galleons alone couldn't sustain this long-term. The meditation method and the supporting new magic system were his trump cards and the foundation of a wizard's power.
"Lockhart, do you need any help?" Dumbledore asked kindly, stroking his beard. "Think about it; this old man still has some use."
Lockhart thought for a moment and then slowly said, "Headmaster, there is indeed something I need your support with. As I mentioned before, regarding the true effect of meditation on Squibs, I asked Filch to conduct experiments. However, I'm afraid it's impossible to get accurate results with just Filch. If possible, I hope to recruit a group of Squibs in the name of Hogwarts to help them practice meditation and obtain accurate experimental data."
Dumbledore hesitated upon hearing Lockhart's request. He understood Lockhart's purpose well. He wanted Hogwarts to endorse him, recruit Squibs in the name of the school, and conduct experiments. Not only would this minimize future issues, but it would also attract a large number of high-quality Squibs.
Even Dumbledore thought further, considering the possibility of recruiting Squibs from pure-blood families, which would facilitate Lockhart's plan. After pondering, he made a decision.
"Well, that's no problem, Lockhart," Dumbledore said after a moment of hesitation. Even if he didn't let Lockhart recruit Squibs in the name of Hogwarts, Lockhart could still conduct experiments independently. Instead of letting this happen unsupervised, it was better to keep it under his guidance and control.
Moreover, he had listened to the Nine Elements Meditation Method earlier. As Lockhart said, it was indeed very safe and had almost no side effects, so he wasn't particularly worried.
Hearing Dumbledore's agreement, Lockhart showed a delighted smile. The most critical step had finally been taken. Ostensibly recruiting Squibs for experiments in the name of Hogwarts was a guise for initial promotion. Hogwarts' fame throughout the wizarding world would attract many high-status Squibs.
Lockhart knew many pure-blood families had relatives who weren't wizards. Through ordinary recruitment methods, these individuals couldn't be attracted, but it was different under Hogwarts' name. Especially when the news of his collaboration with Dumbledore leaked, Lockhart was sure these people would flock to practice meditation. With these recruits, he could form the prototype of his power with just a bit of screening.
Even if their status was significant enough to influence their relatives' attitudes, this would still work to his advantage. Lockhart guessed Dumbledore's thoughts but believed it didn't matter. He felt he was on the side of justice, fighting against stubborn, corrupt, and backward forces. As the saying goes, his heart and actions were as clear as a mirror, and everything he did was righteous!
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