Chapter 60: "The Price of Victory: Lockhart's Mysterious Past and Snape's Suspicions"

All the gifts of fate come with a price. Draco reflected on this as he watched Lockhart on stage, seemingly saving the day. But in reality, Lockhart has already paid a high price for this moment. It is unclear how long Lockhart will be able to continue living, as there are certain laws that must be observed even in the world of magic, such as basic deformation laws, which are somewhat similar to certain theorems discovered by Muggle physicists. These laws relate to the concept of conservation.

Ginny was able to escape in the original story because the diary was destroyed, which restored her vitality that had been drained by the diary. But Lockhart may not be as lucky, as he may have overextended his future a long time ago.

In the magic world, there are three "God"-level characters at the top of the pyramid: Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Grindelwald. Snape, who is skilled in combat and a professor at Hogwarts, is considered to be a leader among the second tier of characters, along with Professor McGonagall and Flitwick.

So the question is, how much did Lockhart have to pay to defeat Snape in a regular duel? Even though Snape may have been underestimated.

This question may only be answered by Merlin.

As a cult leader, Lord Voldemort is likely to have mastered some black magic that overdraws his life in order to enhance his strength, even at a young age.

Lockhart might have to thank him for his talents, or else he might not be able to stand on stage and brag about his merits now.

~Time's back in the past, when Lockhart and Snape were dueling.~

"Professor, I suggest you pay attention to Lockhart," Snape said in a hoarse and low voice.

A first-class wizard like Snape does not have an inflated ego and has a clear understanding of his own strength.

Snape didn't seem concerned about victory or defeat, even though Ron and Harry thought his face looked pale after the defeat. He is more concerned about someone's abnormality and someone's safety than victory.

So Snape suggested to Dumbledore after the duel club. The office was still clouded, and silverware was constantly spewing smoke.

Dumbledore carefully tore a piece of candy packaging at the table, as if he hadn't noticed Snape's suggestion.

"Severus, please help an old man whose hands and feet are not very agile, such as tearing the packaging of candy for him," Dumbledore said, not lifting his eyelids, and threw a piece of candy in front of Snape.

This is a clumsy way to change the subject. "Dah," the sugar fell to the ground. There was a slight banging sound on the floor, as if declaring Snape's protest.

Obviously, he did not come here to do this. '

"Oh, okay, Severus," Dumbledore said, feeling the anger of the person in front of him rising, even though he remained silent. "You are too suspicious," Dumbledore said slowly, his old thick voice seeming to have the power to calm the mind.

"We don't have extra energy to care about the strength of a professor. As far as I know, Lockhart was also a great student during his school days. Isn't it normal for a good student to become a good teacher?" Dumbledore smiled at Snape.

"But..." Snape clenched his wand.

"I know what you want to say. No matter how good the teacher is, I can't avoid accidents in the classroom. After all, this is his first class. Tension is inevitable," Dumbledore looked at Snape and continued, "I don't think you can guarantee that Neville Longbottom won't make a mistake in class?"

"But..." Snape tried to continue, but was interrupted by Dumbledore again.

"Professor Snape, my suggestion is that you focus on your pharmacy. Mandela grass will still depend on you to make potions when it is mature." Dumbledore's tone became more serious and deeper, seeming to think of the students who were petrified.

"Very good, Mr. Principal, I think you will be satisfied," Snape said, no longer insisting. He lifted his large robe and strode out of the door, but as his last foot was about to step out, a cold voice still concealed a lingering anger.

"It's just that I hope you will find me the medicine I configured next time. There is no word 'resurrection' as a prefix."

After the words were spoken, the door of the office closed quietly and automatically, but beneath the calm, perhaps the undercurrent was surging.

"Waste is not an act worth advocating," Dumbledore sighed softly while fumbling, picked up the candy that had just fallen, and dusted it off. Then he began to search for a place to tear open the package.

"Sting," the package was torn open.

Unlike the situation that was confusing just a moment ago, Dumbledore now looks at ease. Is he just pretending to be crazy and selling silly, or is he now using magic? This may only be known to this old man.