Chapter 97: The Untold Story

The story that was never told anywhere, the story that even the Daily Prophet couldn't have the opportunity to show the public, was unfolding before the eyes of the students and Lockhart himself, who had previously boasted of his 'story.'

The movements of the Castelobruxo students, a single clap capable of showing such a level of power, the battle between two werewolves, and William's own confrontation—all of this demonstrated that Lockhart's stories were nothing compared to a true experience.

Just the ferocity in Greyback's eyes caused several students to lower their heads unconsciously.

Harry, on the other hand, had mixed feelings. In his mind, he knew that such a battle was terrifying, but on the other hand, he felt his body become excited, he felt his blood somehow accelerate; he wanted to move like William's companions at Castelobruxo. No, Harry wanted to move like William himself.

Both were the same age, they started at the same point. He grew up not knowing magic until Hagrid came through his door on his birthday, and William, according to what Ron had mentioned before, was what they called a squib until he started classes. But right now, the difference between Harry and William was like night and day.

During the first year, it was enough to see William defeat the mountain troll and then save him when facing Voldemort, but his growth until today made Harry feel small, to the point of asking himself: is this all I can do?

Not just Harry, many thought similarly. It was indisputable that right now William was the strongest second-year student, but just looking at the other students in the Castelobruxo duel club, one could see a reality they themselves were missing.

It wasn't that William was talented, because if he were, all the students in the duel club, as seen in the image, would be equally talented. It's just that each of the students in the image had worked to the maximum.

Even Ron couldn't help but admire William in secret.

For Hermione, who was known for her curiosity and love of studying, she realized that now she had many more things to do. Like William, it's possible the library was too small for her.

Finally, the magical mist disappeared, and the previous light filled the entire classroom. There were various expressions on the wizards' faces. William could see Lockhart with his mouth open for more than a minute; he had probably never seen such a scene in his entire life.

"I suppose that's the end of the class," William clapped to bring everyone back to reality and began to walk out of the classroom. At the very least, the image of his experience allowed the students to be excused from any Defense Against the Dark Arts homework.

After class, William returned to the library. There, he had many things to do; he still had to make arrangements to face his next hurdle.

For the golden trio, the experience was rewarding in different ways, but they didn't have much time to analyze it all, at least not Hermione, who moved to where Lockhart was.

"Professor Lockhart?" Hermione stammered. "I wanted to... borrow this book from the library. Just for some preparatory reading," she said, extending her small hand with a slightly trembling piece of paper.

Lockhart was still lost in his thoughts, reevaluating the situation he had just witnessed. Greyback's eyes were still fresh in his mind and not only that... he hated to admit it, but the way William had cast that curse that shattered Greyback's arm was simply terrifying.

When the witch's voice reached Lockhart's ears, he looked at Hermione and the paper in front of him.

"A Year with the Yeti..." he stayed silent for a moment and then signed the permission slip. Perhaps before he would have chosen to extend the conversation and smile more, but right now he had no intention of doing so; he had to reevaluate what had happened a moment ago.

Although Hermione noticed that Lockhart wasn't his usual self, she decided to just put the paper in her robe and leave the classroom with her friends.

"What do you think happened to him?" Ron asked, looking at Harry.

"I don't know... he usually would have boasted more about his adventures," Harry mentioned.

"Maybe seeing William's story scared him," Ron laughed, causing Harry to laugh as well. "But speaking of that, what did you think of the battle against the werewolf?"

"I can only say that William and all the Castelobruxo students were too reckless to face that werewolf at night outside of school. If things had gone differently, then it's likely we would never have seen this experience," Hermione spoke with an authoritative tone.

"But it was exciting to see them face Greyback all together. Dad has never shown me that magic could be used in those ways. It was amazing, right, Harry?"

Young Harry just nodded while keeping a smile on his face. He and Ron were really captivated by this battle and couldn't wait for their turn to come, but right now they had other matters. Thanks to the slip signed by Lockhart, they now had the possibility to enter the restricted section and from there obtain a book that would help them with the Polyjuice Potion.