After all, Gilderoy Lockhart had indeed been a top student of Ravenclaw, having passed several of the wizarding world's most notoriously difficult exams with flying colors.
This was precisely why his books had managed to fool so many. It seemed that, over the years, he had simply redirected his talents elsewhere—pouring them all into mastering the Memory Charm.
How he had done so remained a mystery.
Perhaps Lockhart had always been singularly obsessed with fame. His academic achievements had been driven by a desire for recognition, and as an adult, he had merely altered his methods of attaining it.
Or maybe this was an unintended consequence of tampering too much with Memory Charms. It was said that such magic, when wielded with ill intent, could eventually rebound on the caster.
It was difficult to say.
Perhaps, on some subconscious level, Lockhart had come to rely so wholly on Memory Charms that he had willfully neglected all other magical disciplines he had once excelled in.
"If I ever find myself in such a situation, I'll be sure to seek your guidance… You truly are an exemplary professor." Ian continued his well-practiced flattery, playing his part in this absurd performance.
He still preferred to believe that somewhere in Lockhart's lineage, there had been an unfortunate mingling with a magical creature capable of "resetting" its own abilities.
"I've heard such praise many times before, yet hearing it from you still brings me great joy. If you can maintain such exemplary conduct in tomorrow's class, I shall consider that the finest reward." Lockhart's message was unmistakable.
Ian nodded in understanding.
"Tonight, the entire Hogwarts will know that we have a brilliant new professor."
He gave his response.
Although Ian had no intention of advertising for Gilderoy Lockhart, given Lockhart's fame, the other students would surely spread the word enthusiastically after seeing him. He just needed to enjoy the fruits of their promotion and tell Lockhart tomorrow that he had put in a great deal of effort.
"I really don't want to be so ostentatious..."
Gilderoy Lockhart's hair was practically trembling with joy.
"You're such a likable young wizard. Go back and read this book carefully. You'll definitely learn something valuable." Lockhart patted the ancient tome he had handed to Ian.
"This book..."
After realizing who he was talking to, Ian began to doubt whether 'Alchemy Decrypted: The Connection Between All Things' could actually help him.
It was Gilderoy Lockhart's recommendation! If not for the fact that Lady Ravenclaw's name was on it, Ian would have found an excuse to put it back on the shelf.
Of course,
Such an action might offend Lockhart.
So after weighing the pros and cons, Ian could only comfort himself with the thought that Lockhart, after all, was a published author and had once been a top student. His ability to select books might not be as woeful as his spellwork.
After all, the man had correctly deduced what Ian was searching for, which at least proved there was some substance in his brain.
"I remember there's a first-year Defense Against the Dark Arts class tomorrow morning. Don't be late. I've spent a great deal of time preparing some very interesting practical exercises for you little wizards." Lockhart reminded Ian with a pat on the shoulder as they walked to the door.
Ian found this eerily familiar.
The last Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who had said something like that had ended up dead that very night... He wondered how long Lockhart, with his remarkable luck, would last in this position.
"You told me too soon, Professor. I might be too excited to sleep tonight." Ian's ability to lie through his teeth was no less impressive than Lockhart's.
"Ha ha ha ha, my bad, my bad." Lockhart happily ruffled Ian's hair. "If you remain my favorite student until the end of the term, you might receive a very precious gift from me— a treasure I've never shown to anyone."
If another professor had said this, Ian might have felt a twinge of anticipation. But since it was Lockhart, he felt the so-called treasure wasn't hard to guess.
It was probably some self-indulgent item like a signed photograph or a copy of one of his own books... That was just so very Lockhart. If it weren't for that, Ian would even be willing to sit next to Hermione Granger next year when she eats her hat.
"See you tomorrow, Professor Lockhart."
Ian politely checked out the book. Before leaving, he glanced at Madam Pince, who looked as if she had been transported back to her youth. Lockhart had already begun regaling her with exaggerated tales of his past.
He had seamlessly switched to another audience eager to flatter him. Unlike Ian's feigned enthusiasm, Madam Pince, the librarian, seemed to genuinely believe Lockhart's absurd stories. She must have lost her mind— otherwise, how could any sane person believe the ludicrous claim that he had slain a full-grown Welsh Green dragon 'bare-handed' after losing his wand?
Outside the library,
"No, I need to check this."
Feeling uneasy, Ian flipped through the ancient book for a few pages. After confirming that it was indeed an alchemy text written by Ravenclaw, he finally exhaled in relief.
He had been genuinely worried that the inside of the book was actually 'Magical Me', with the precious book cover used as a disguise for yet another of Lockhart's self-congratulatory works. After all, Lockhart was fully capable of such trickery.
"Sigh, it seems the current Defense Against the Dark Arts class can only be described as... existing." Ian sighed slightly, then decided to stop by the kitchens for a midnight snack before starting tonight's study session.
Perhaps having an idiot as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor wasn't entirely a bad thing for him. At the very least, his private tutoring sessions would see no shortage of paying students.
"The only real victim here is me. As far as learning Defense Against the Dark Arts goes, I probably won't be gaining any real benefits from the professor for quite some time."
Ian glanced back three times.
Wondering just how long Gilderoy Lockhart could withstand the curse.
The library grew farther away.
Inside, Lockhart and Madam Pince were still chatting and laughing.
The two of them were having a marvelous time.
"You're actually wearing black today. I always thought you preferred light purple." Like every devoted fan, Madam Pince had memorized her idol's preferences.
At these words, Gilderoy Lockhart's smile grew even more dazzling. He cast a glance toward the entrance, where the young wizard had just departed. His bright blue eyes seemed to linger on the space Ian had occupied moments before.
"Purple is lovely, of course, but I've been rather taken with black lately."
...
That evening, at the usual gathering, Ian found that the name had stuck. No matter how he tried, he couldn't shake the ominous title the students had assigned to his little study sessions.
It was too late to fight it now. With a resigned sigh, he accepted the inevitable, collected the class fees from the gathered students, and began the lesson—covering not only the material Lockhart was meant to teach but also what was actually useful.
Since he was forced to fill in the gaps left by the so-called professor, Ian started with the fundamental principles of Defence Against the Dark Arts: its purpose, its importance, and the difference between light and dark magic.
For some of the pure-blood students, this was old news. But Ravenclaw had a fair share of half-blood and Muggle-born students, for whom this knowledge was anything but familiar.
"The distinction between white magic and dark magic isn't solely about how dangerous a spell is. It's also about intent— what emotions and desires fuel the magic."
"Dark magic is said to corrupt the heart because it draws power from negative emotions. The stronger the hatred, the fear, the greed—the more potent the magic becomes."
(To Be Continued…)
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