When Orli trudged into Professor Flitwick's classroom, the bell had already rung.
However, as soon as she explained that she had been forcibly detained by Gilderoy Lockhart for autograph signing, Professor Flitwick immediately sighed knowingly and magnanimously allowed her to return to her seat.
This Charms class was focused on dry theoretical knowledge, and it wasn't particularly engaging. Apart from Hermione, no one seemed fully invested in the lecture.
Harry was dozing off with his chin propped on one hand, while Ron was measuring his History of Magic essay with a ruler.
# Ron
"I can't believe it—I'm still eight inches short! Hermione wrote a full four feet and seven inches, and her handwriting is so tiny."
Orli didn't respond. She turned her head to look at a small gap on the windowsill. Tiny black dots were moving about, and upon closer inspection, she realized they were about twenty or so spiders. They were scurrying frantically, as if desperate to escape through the little crack in the glass.
Ron followed her gaze and immediately recoiled in disgust.
# Ron
"Ugh, so many spiders! I hate spiders the most."
Harry also noticed the unusually active spiders.
# Harry
"Have you ever seen spiders behave like this?"
# Hermione
"Hey! Keep your voices down and pay attention to the lecture!"
Hermione sternly interrupted them.
---
Time always seems to fly during school days. With one class following another, each day was broken into fragmented hours.
What annoyed Orli even more was that this afternoon's class was Defense Against the Dark Arts—right after she had rudely confronted Lockhart that morning.
Ever since the disastrous incident with the house-elf, Lockhart had stopped bringing any live creatures into class. Now, he spent his lessons reading long passages from his books aloud and occasionally acting out some of the more dramatic scenes.
Perhaps due to his fame, he often chose Harry to assist him in recreating these scenarios. So far, poor Harry had played a Himalayan Yeti with a head cold, a Transylvanian villager cursed to burp bubbles, and a vampire who only ate carrots. But Orli had a sinking feeling that today's comedic sidekick might be someone else.
Sure enough, the moment Orli stepped into the classroom, Lockhart's eyes locked onto her. His expression was far from pleasant, and his usual fan-pleasing fake smile was nowhere to be seen.
# Lockhart
"Today, we'll delve into the long-awaited chapter on werewolves! I know many of you have read Wandering with Werewolves and have been eager to hear more about the stories within. Don't worry, don't worry—we'll get there. But first, we need a volunteer to assist me in portraying today's werewolf."
Ron cast a sympathetic glance at Harry, who even sighed, resigned to the idea of getting up. But Lockhart called out a name no one expected:
# Lockhart
"Harry, you may sit down. I know we always work well together, but today, I'd like to choose someone new. I think she could use a bit more insight into the legendary tales of Gilderoy Lockhart. Orli Waters—please come up to the podium."
Orli walked stiffly to the front, her face frozen like a puppet's. Following his instructions, she awkwardly struck a ridiculous pose as if preparing to attack.
# Lockhart
"Excellent, Orli, very convincing. Now, immerse yourself in the role and witness how a great wizard defeats a werewolf!"
Lockhart placed a firm hand on her shoulder and pressed the tip of his wand against her throat. Orli glared back at him defiantly.
# Lockhart
"Next, I'll summon the last ounce of my strength to cast a highly complex Rehumanizing Spell. The werewolf lets out a blood-curdling scream—scream, Orli, start screaming."
Lockhart's grip on her shoulder tightened, and Orli nearly cried out from the pain. She suspected he had cast some sort of spell on his hand; her shoulder felt as though it were being crushed. Just as she was about to cry out in pain, he finally released her.
# Lockhart
"Oh, the werewolf begins to transform back into a human. Its fur disappears, its fangs retract. I believe it has learned its lesson this time. Don't you agree, Orli?"
Lockhart flashed a dazzlingly white smile at her, his expression as fake as ever. His fingers moved so subtly that none of the other students noticed.
# Lockhart
"I imagine the villagers will always remember me as their hero—the one who freed them from the terror of monthly werewolf attacks. You may return to your seat now, Orli. I hope this lesson leaves a lasting impression on you."
Lockhart waved her off and turned to address the class.
# Lockhart
"Your homework: Write a poem about my heroic defeat of the werewolf. The best entry will receive a signed copy of Magical Me!"