"You can see, Professor Lockhart's real teaching level is not what it seems," Hermione immediately sought out Harry and Ron after the Defense Against the Dark Arts class to defend Lockhart's reputation. However, Ron was even more convinced of Lockhart's incompetence, pointing out, "Lockhart didn't even take out his wand during the whole class. It was more John teaching than Lockhart."
Indeed, when Neville struggled with the Levitating Charm, it was John who stepped in, using Transfiguration to control the troll, while Lockhart appeared scared and hid behind the podium.
"Hmph, but his class was very engaging, wasn't it?" Hermione attempted to argue, though deep down, she felt conflicted as she watched her idol falter.
Ron shrugged, expressing indifference, "If John could teach in the future, I wouldn't mind Lockhart's presence."
Harry, observing the argument, recalled the incident when he was sent to respond to Lockhart's letter. Due to Ron and Malfoy's exchange of jinxes, both he and Ron faced detention. Fortunately, Malfoy's influential father didn't escalate the situation at Hogwarts, thanks to John's intervention, for which Harry was grateful.
At that moment, Filch, the caretaker, was seen furiously cleaning frog brains smeared all over the walls—a prank undoubtedly orchestrated by the Weasley twins. As a Squib, Filch lacked magical means to clean up efficiently.
Percy Weasley approached his brothers with a stern demeanor, attempting to reprimand them, "You shouldn't be playing pranks like this."
"Come on, Percy," the twins retorted, mocking his aspirations, "Maybe you can get into the Ministry of Magic, since you're as dull as the people there."
Percy, who often felt like an outlier within the Weasley family and Gryffindor House due to his serious nature and ambition for power, left the scene in frustration after issuing a warning. The twins made faces behind his back, and even Ron found Percy's rigid approach unpalatable.
In contrast, in the Slytherin common room, Draco Malfoy boasted to John about dissuading his father from making a scene at Hogwarts. John, however, advised Draco, "Don't act like a child. A powerful wizard doesn't rely on his father. You can retaliate with a curse, but never let others look down on you."
This advice resonated with Draco, who realized the satisfaction in handling matters himself rather than relying on his father's influence.
Daphne Greengrass approached John with admiration, praising his skill in Transfiguration. When she skeptically mentioned Lockhart's involvement, John maintained Lockhart's image, attributing the success to him, despite Daphne's disbelief.
John's actions not only preserved Lockhart's reputation but also subtly highlighted the importance of self-reliance and integrity among his peers, setting a powerful example for both houses. John Wick, a name that had become synonymous with both fear and respect within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, had a knack for seeing beyond the surface. As he conversed with Percy Weasley, he couldn't help but reflect on the complexities of the individuals around him. Percy, often overshadowed by his more flamboyant siblings, possessed a quiet diligence and ambition that set him apart. It was this very ambition that led John to ponder Percy's future, one that, according to the lore of Harry Potter, would see him momentarily stray from his family's path.
"My God, I don't understand why my mother is so fond of him," John mused with a smile, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Gilderoy Lockhart, the current Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Lockhart, with his questionable competence and penchant for embellishment, was a source of amusement and frustration. Yet, beneath the veneer of his exaggerated tales, there lay kernels of truth and usefulness. If one were to sift through the chaff of Lockhart's narratives, they could find genuinely valuable insights into magical defense. It was a pity, John thought, that Lockhart himself seemed oblivious to the true worth of his own teachings.
John had taken it upon himself to refine the curriculum for Lockhart, focusing on practical defense strategies against magical creatures and dark arts. His efforts had not gone unnoticed. Many students, initially skeptical, had come to appreciate the depth of knowledge John brought to the class. Even Professor McGonagall had commended him on his exceptional skill in Transfiguration, a praise that filled the Slytherin house with pride. Under John's guidance, Slytherin surged ahead in the house points competition, much to the chagrin of the other houses.
As John exited the Room of Requirement, he stumbled upon a familiar scene. Percy Weasley, ever the prefect, was in the midst of reprimanding his younger brothers, George and Fred, for their latest nocturnal escapade. Percy's dedication to his duties, coupled with his impeccable academic record, made John see him in a new light. Despite the traditional rivalry between their houses, John felt a certain kinship with Percy.
"I should give you a warning. Although I won't deduct your points, you have violated the school's regulations," Percy said, adjusting his glasses with the air of someone born to enforce rules.
John, unfazed, saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between them. "Percy Weasley, we haven't really had the chance to talk, have we?" he remarked, hoping to engage Percy in a more personal conversation.
Percy, taken aback by the sudden overture, hesitated. "Sorry, I still have to help the professor with inspections..."
John, sensing Percy's reluctance, offered an olive branch. "How about we discuss this over a cup of black tea in the Defense Against the Dark Arts office?" he suggested, his tone casual yet inviting.
Percy, realizing that John was not just any student but the assistant to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, allowed himself a moment of relaxation. "Okay, but only for a short while," he conceded.
"That's enough," John replied with a smile, his mind already racing with possibilities. He knew the trajectory of Percy's future, one marked by ambition and a temporary estrangement from his family. Yet, in this moment, John saw an opportunity to perhaps alter that path, to forge a connection that might steer Percy away from the mistakes that awaited him. As they made their way to the office, John couldn't help but wonder if this small act of kindness could change the course of Percy's life, making him a memorable ally in the intricate tapestry of the wizarding world. John pondered the situation, recalling Percy Weasley's ambitious climb within the Ministry of Magic. Percy's determination to ascend the ranks, even at the cost of straining his relationship with his own family, struck a chord with John. He recognized a similar ambition within himself—a relentless drive to succeed. It was this very spirit of perseverance and ambition that John admired and sought for his own endeavors.
Considering his options, John realized that Percy could be a valuable ally. The contacts and resources at his disposal were enticing, and he believed they could be just as attractive to Percy. The idea of recruiting Percy Weasley began to take shape in his mind. John understood that leveraging his connections could offer Percy the opportunities he sought, thereby benefiting both of them.
John's thoughts were strategic, focusing on how to approach Percy with a proposition that would be mutually advantageous. He knew that convincing Percy would require presenting a compelling case, one that highlighted the benefits and minimized the risks. The potential for collaboration between them was clear to John, and he felt confident in his ability to persuade Percy to join forces.
As John mulled over his plan, he considered the best way to reach out to Percy. He knew that a direct and honest approach would likely resonate with Percy, who valued ambition but also integrity. John began to outline his proposal, ensuring it was both enticing and respectful of Percy's aspirations and values.
In John's mind, this partnership could mark the beginning of a powerful alliance, one that would propel them both to new heights within the magical community. The thought of working alongside Percy Weasley, harnessing their combined ambition and resources, filled John with a sense of anticipation and determination. He was ready to take the next step, confident in the path he had chosen.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge